Essere Ferrari II

[foggy locust]

Norris and Perez are dragging each other along, and closer to Leclerc with it.

(PAD) "We have some tyres to work with, we need you to push more."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy, pushing best I can."

Valtteri Bottas seems to be having a lot of issues down in P15.

Hülkenberg has just been on the radio again to mention the ERS issue.

(LEC) "Ah, it's raining like crazy. Visibility is s--- here."

(PAD) "Copy. We have Verstappen ahead, gap 2.0."

Sainz gets past Russell for P7! Next in his targets, Oscar Piastri who is about 2.6 ahead.

(SAI) "Think we should box for Wet tyres soon."

(ADA) "We're monitoring it."

(PAD) "Box now, box."

(ADA) "Box this lap."

Leclerc and Piastri stay out. Everyone else in. Tsunoda staying out too.

PITSTOP: Leclerc comes in a lap after Verstappen! Has he gained enough to take the lead?

LECLERC EMERGES WITH THE ADVANTAGE!

Leclerc has taken the lead, and Sainz up to P6. Good pitstops this time from the Scuderia!

Lap 43: Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Perez, Hamilton, Sainz, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Ricciardo, Alonso, Albon, Hülkenberg, Ocon, Gasly, Bottas, Magnussen, Zhou. Stroll and Sargeant out.

(LEC) "It's getting a lot worse here."

(PAD) "Okay, we see it. Not much we can do here. Just do your best with what you have."

(LEC) "Ah, come on to f---."

Major problems for Leclerc, it looks like the ERS is in real trouble. Can he carry this car to the end - and a victory? He's still got 35 laps to get through.

PEREZ RADIO "I misjudged that a bit."

Sergio Perez runs wide, he seems to have avoided any major damage, however.

(PAD) "And try and cool down the tyres as much as possible."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy."

There's about thirty seconds between Alonso in 11th and Ricciardo in 10th - Ricciardo is also on the lead lap, Alonso is not. Seems like unless there's a major error from any of the ten up top, the points may be decided today.

(LEC) "What's happening with the car guys?"

(PAD) "Were checking here."

(LEC) "No, but I lost so, so much time there."

Leclerc seems to be having a serious issue here, and has dropped a full second and a half behind Verstappen now. He seems to have corrected the issue, but it's a major problem nonetheless.

And Nico Hülkenberg has pulled into the pitlane and he is retiring from the race. Looks like the Gearbox has completely gone from the Haas.

HÜLKENBERG RADIO: "Gearbox or something. That sucks real bad."

Leclerc is hanging in there, he's 1.246 within Verstappen. That Ferrari is absolutely struggling, but the Championship leader is keeping on the pressure.

(LEC) "I'm completely killing my tyres here trying to keep pace. The ERS is completely destroying us here."

(PAD) "Copy, try and cool the tyres best you can."

Perez with another lock-up, but he's far enough back from Norris and far enough ahead of Sainz that it won't really affect anything.

Bottas' brave effort with that gearbox has ended, as he pulls into the pitlane and retires from the race.

We're into the last ten laps, and Verstappen is gaining more and more on Leclerc. It's been a really brave effort by Leclerc but the Champion will be cutting into his lead tonight.

Norris meanwhile is gaining on Perez behind him, and Leclerc ahead, but he probably will not have enough laps to catch Leclerc. Probably.

(LEC) "Having some issues with warming up the tyres."

(PAD) "You can push, try and warm up the tyres. You're doing a good job on tyres."

(ADA) "The rain is going to get less and less to the end."

Four laps to go, and Verstappen is well out in front and likely to take his second win in a row. Leclerc's ERS ended this as a contest, really. No discredit to Max though. He's been faultless today.

🌦️ That looks like the rain off. At least the podium will be dry?

LAST LAP VERSTAPPEN

It's been a sensational drive by Max Verstappen, his second victory in a row, MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX!!

VERSTAPPEN RADIO (VER) "Ah, that was a good race! Simply lovely. Great effort guys." "Well done Max, great job today, fight's not over here just yet."

(PAD) "And chequered flag. P2."

(LEC) "Management, incredible. That was tough with the ERS, but I think we maximised that. Pitstop I could've done without, but other than that, good job."

(PAD) "Well done Charles. Into the pitlane please."

Norris P3, Perez P4

(ADA) "Taking the flag. And P5, P5. Thanks for your effort."

(SAI) "We tried our best guys. Considering where we started, I think we did well."

(ADA) "And you got Driver of the Day as well. Good job."

SOME LATE DRAMA AS PIASTRI HAS A PUNCTURE AND RUSSELL TOOK A BUMP OFF AN ALPINE

CAR 63 (RUSSELL)

Russell overtook Piastri, but due to landing a penalty that likely landed Piastri that puncture, the overtake means nothing

Hamilton P6, Piastri P7, Russell P8

Ricciardo P9, Tsunoda P10

HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX 2024
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Max Verstappen 01.43.29
2. Charles Leclerc +17.275
3. Lando Norris +4.202
4. Sergio Perez +6.549
5. Carlos Sainz +7.782
6. Lewis Hamilton +24.708
7. Oscar Piastri +24.206
8. George Russell +1.288 +5s
9. Daniel Ricciardo +1 lap
10. Yuki Tsunoda +1 lap
11. Fernando Alonso +1 lap
12. Alexander Albon +2 laps
13. Esteban Ocon +2 laps
14. Kevin Magnussen +2 laps
15. Pierre Gasly +2 laps
16. Zhou Guanyu +3 laps
17. Valtteri Bottas DNF
18. Nico Hülkenberg DNF
19. Lance Stroll DNF
20. Logan Sargeant DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: CARLOS SAINZ

A fantastic effort to go from the back of the grid to P5. Carlos Sainz has earned your vote as Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP:
Max Verstappen, Red Bull

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:

Sergio Perez, Red Bull

[foggy locust]

FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 13 Weekends

Leclerc 304
Sainz 225
Verstappen 223
Norris 176
Perez 149
Piastri 125
Russell 72
Hamilton 69
Tsunoda 37
Ricciardo 22
Alonso 20
Stroll 12
Albon 0
Ocon 0
Gasly 0
Hülkenberg 0
Magnussen 0
Bottas 0
Sargeant 0
Zhou 0

FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 13 Weekends

Ferrari 529
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 372
McLaren-Mercedes 141
Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT 59
Aston Martin-Mercedes 32
Williams-Mercedes 0
Alpine-Renault 0
Haas-Ferrari 0
Sauber-Ferrari 0

PIERRE WACHE TO MOVE TO SCUDERIA FERRARI

Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari have announced the signing of Pierre Wache in place of Enrico Cardile as the Technical Chief of the team.

Wache oversaw the dominant RB19, and when Cardile announced plans to leave the team, Wache was seen as the successor, and Fred Vasseur has moved quickly to get his man.

Wache will finish up his contract with Red Bull Racing at the end of the year, and join Scuderia Ferrari effective January 1st, 2025.

RICCARDO ADAMI TO REMAIN AT SCUDERIA FERRARI

Ferrari have also today announced the re-signing of race engineer Riccardo Adami.

Adami, who has worked with Carlos Sainz for the past four seasons and previously worked with Sebastian Vettel, is currently lining up to be Lewis Hamilton's new race engineer when Hamilton joins Ferrari next season.

ACADEMY ROUNDUP: BEARMAN STILL TOP OF F2, FLÖRSCH TAKES FIRST EVER F3 PODIUM

It was a good weekend for both Oliver Bearman and Sophia Flörsch.

After both drove in FP1 for parent team Scuderia Ferrari, Bearman took third in the feature race and did the in the Sprint race to remain clear at the top of the F2 Championship. Dennis Hauger won the Feature Race, while Pepe Marti took home the Sprint.

Meanwhile, there was a double podium for the Ferrari Driver Academy in F3. Charlie Wurz took second in the feature race, while Sophia Flörsch secured second in the Sprint and third in the feature race, to take her first ever F3 podiums, both behind Arvid Lindblad.

Dino Beganovic was sixth, while it was ninth for Leonardo Fornaroli.

In F1 Academy, Maya Weug won the Feature Race to close the Championship gap on Abi Pulling and Doriane Pin.

[foggy locust]

BELGIAN GRAND PRIX PREVIEW

CIRCUIT SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, STAVELOT

Laps: 44
First GP: 1950
2023 Winner: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Tyres: C4 (Soft), C3 (Medium), C2 (Hard)
Forecast: Sunny, some clouds

We head to Belgium and the Circuit Spa-Francorchamps for the final round before the summer break. Always a favourite of fans, and usually good for some chaos, Spa makes an interesting battleground for Round 14, and a chance for some big momentum going into the summer break.

And momentum is exactly what Red Bull have right now, with Max Verstappen taking two straight wins in Britain and Hungary. With 81 points between Verstappen and Championship leader Charles Leclerc, Red Bull need to keep piling on the wins.

Ferrari meanwhile look to rebound and take some momentum themselves before the summer. After a dominant start, Leclerc hasn't finished outside the top two since Saudi Arabia - the only time this season. He will be taking an ERS penalty on Sunday however, so the task may fall to Carlos Sainz - who isn't our of the title fight just yet himself, being two points ahead of Verstappen.

Meanwhile, McLaren still look for their first victory of the year, and Spa may prove a real opportunity to get it. They have had some reliability issues the last couple of races, and will need to overcome that to challenge Red Bull and Ferrari.

For Fernando Alonso, the window is closing with Aston Martin. Have the team done enough to convince him of another season in the Green and White? A good result here would go a long way towards it.

Both RB drivers have impressed this season, and they might be looking elsewhere for a move up the grid too. Something to keep an eye on, particularly after this weekend, as they continue their fight. Meanwhile, the rumours heat up around Mercedes and Alonso - although George Russell might not be convinced of his own future with the team.

Will Haas, Williams, Sauber or Alpine find the points this weekend? It will be tough...but not impossible.

Will just be summing up practices today due to time constraints!

FP1: LEC HAD SAI

Both Ferraris looking quick so far this weekend as they take FP1. Hadjar stepped in for Verstappen to go Second.

FP2: PER LEC SAI

Red Bull answered back in FP2 with Perez quickest, ahead of Sainz then Leclerc.

FP3: PER VER SAI
LEC P4

Red Bull continuing their strong start to the weekend by taking FP3, with Ferrari Third and fourth.

Welcome to another beautiful Spa Weekend, but it's not just any Spa weekend, it is the Belgian Grand Prix! The last race before the break, and some huge momentum at stake here. Red Bull have been supremely quick this weekend, but Ferrari are still in with a shout, even despite Leclerc's upcoming penalty. Qualifying will go a long way to telling us more, though.

We are Green in Q1!

(SAI) "Can you hear me?"

(ADA) "Yes, loud and clear, Carlos."

Carlos Sainz is first on track, and it's quite a long lap here, so managing the ERS in particular will be crucial.

(LEC) "Radio check."

(PAD) "Loud and clear. Keep warming up the brakes!"

Bottas is claiming that Leclerc impeded him there. Somewhat turnaround being fair play, Leclerc has been caught by that from Bottas about three times this year.

(LEC) "For f---'s sake, so much traffic."

(PAD) "We've seen it. P5."

(LEC) "We lost so much time there."

Leclerc himself impeded behind a Haas, and goes P6. He'll likely head back out.

A fantastic lap by Oscar Piastri and McLaren currently top the table! Could they be in contention this weekend?

Seventh for Stroll. Not a bad lap.

Lando Norris just 13th, seemingly another one caught by the traffic.

Perez slots in 11th, and he had a tough time with traffic too.

Deep in the heart of the forest at Campus, Bottas spins off and into the barrier! Thankfully alright, but he's done for today.

We go green again with just four minutes left of the session.

DRIVER AT RISK: Sargeant
Relegation Zone: Ocon, Tsunoda, Zhou, Bottas, Hülkenberg

Leclerc goes P4 and is safe. Had to burn another set of tyres to do it, though.

Norris just 14th, and is at a real risk here...and goes 7th. He's safe.

Hülkenberg 16th, so he's out. His poor season continues.

Ocon misses out, staying 18th.

Tsunoda up to 14th, and that knocks out Logan Sargeant.

Both Sargeant and Hülkenberg are taking grid penalties (again), as is Leclerc for the first time this year.

Green in Q2!

Sainz and Leclerc both on track and with the tow, Sainz goes P1 ahead of Leclerc.

Piastri with another stormer of a lap! He could very much upset the apple cart this weekend.

Or, here's Max. 0.504 ahead of the pack. That's 2023 form from the Champion.

Russell splits the Ferraris to go Fourth. Hamilton meanwhile just tenth.

Stroll with a lockup and he might be out in Q2! Yep, he looked on for improving until that moment, he is out!

Tsunoda with a huge lock-up! That will unfortunately end his challenge.

Sainz goes purple in the final sector.

Albon into the top ten!

But its short lived as Hamilton goes Fourth and puts Albon out!

OUT IN Q2: Albon, Stroll, Magnussen, Gasly, Tsunoda

Albon WILL start in the top ten though as Leclerc has a ten place penalty!

We're green in Q3! Who will take Pole?

Verstappen and Perez currently quickest through S1 and S2 respectively.

Sainz up to P2, which Leclerc then takes.

Verstappen now up to P2!

Norris splits the Ferraris and goes into P4.

Just sixth for Russell, seventh for Alonso.

Oscar Piastri into fourth!

Q3 AS IT STANDS: Perez, Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Norris, Sainz, Hamilton, Russell, Ricciardo, Alonso

Final laps beginning now! Perez purple through S1, Verstappen doesn't make it round! Ricciardo runs a little wide. Norris up to P2! Neither Leclerc nor Sainz improving. Piastri PURPLE through S1!

Piastri yellow through S2, Ldclerc doesn't improve, Piastri caught behind Alonso and he was on a Pole lap, too! That is a shame for him! He stays P5, which means Sergio Perez takes Pole!!

Q3: PEREZ, NORRIS, VERSTAPPEN, LECLERC , PIASTRI, SAINZ, HAMILTON, RUSSELL, RICCIARDO, ALONSO

2024 BELGIAN GRAND PRIX STARTING GRID

PER NOR

VER PIA

SAI HAM

RUS RIC

ALO ALB

STR MAG

GAS LEC

TSU OCO

ZHO BOT

SAR HÜL

Leclerc initially qualified 4th, Sargeant initially qualified 17th, Hülkenberg initially qualified 18th.

[foggy locust]

Welcome to Spa and the end of the first half of the season, ahead of the summer break. 44 laps around one of the longest tracks of the season, we've already had some chaos this weekend and some interesting unlikely results in qualifying. Red Bull and McLaren have the advantage, can Ferrari mount a comeback?

Nico Hülkenberg and Logan Sargeant both take penalties to start at the very back, and then the two Saubers of Zhou and Bottas are on row nine. Esteban Ocon and Yuki Tsunoda surprisingly on row eight, while it's a ten place grid penalty for Charles Leclerc so he starts beside his old mate Pierre Gasly. Kevin Magnussen lines up beside Lance Stroll, while Alexander Albon begins in the top ten beside Fernando Alonso. Daniel Ricciardo starts eighth with George Russell seventh, just behind Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz. Oscar Piastri looked on for Pole before he hit traffic so he starts fourth, with Max Verstappen Third, while Lando Norris starts on the front row and for the first time this season it is Pole Position for Sergio Perez.

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Perez is away well, Verstappen pressuring Norris who got a slow start, Piastri in the mix, then Sainz, Stroll past Albon into tenth, and Leclerc up to thirteenth ahead of Gasly

Perez has had a blistering start, and currently sits two seconds ahead of Norris...make that Verstappen, who moves up to P2!

Leclerc makes quick work of Magnussen and is now attacking Albon, and makes quick work of him too.

Leclerc now quickly into the points as he goes ahead of Ricciardo. With Verstappen second and Sainz pushing for third, every point the Championship leader can get today counts for something.

Lance Stroll, running P9, with a big lock-up that runs him wide, and nearly collects his teammate into the bargain!

ALONSO RADIO "What the hell is Lance doing there?"

Carlos Sainz has gotten himself ahead of Lando Norris, but he's struggling to match pace with the two Red Bulls.

(SAI) "Those Red Bulls are far, far too quick today."

(ADA) "Copy, head down, we think we can catch them."

Lance Stroll cleanly overtakes Alonso for P8!

Alonso has dropped a second position as Charles Leclerc is up to ninth!

RUSSELL RADIO "I had no torque, initially, from the PU."

The two Red Bulls currently battling, and there doesn't look to be any sign of team orders as of yet!

(SAI) "A little bit of pushing from Piastri there."

(ADA) "Keep going, Lando behind."

(PAD) "And we need to increase tyre management."

(LEC) "Copy, copy."

Leclerc is very quickly making his way through the pack, he has just taken P8 from Stroll, then gets P7 from Russell in quick succession.

Yellow flags waving as Magnussen locks up and he is off big time!

Leclerc up to P6 now, with a fantastic overtake on his future teammate Lewis Hamilton into Eau Rouge!

Max Verstappen takes the lead at La Source, but doesn't hold it for long, as Perez takes it back!

Verstappen once again takes the lead from his teammate! Sainz was sticking with the two Red Bulls, but has lost DRS.

PITSTOP: Lance Stroll makes the first stop of the afternoon. It's clean and he's away.

Kevin Magnussen is having, to put it likely, a rough one. He spins off at Bruxelles.

Leclerc is mitigating any damage to his Championship lead here, currently running P5 after an overtake on his "adopted son" Oscar Piastri.

It has to be said, Sergio Perez is managing his tyres beautifully right now. He retakes the lead from his teammate.

It must be said, Oscar Piastri is not going away quietly. He's challenging Leclerc well here.

Yes, that's two "be saids" in a matter of minutes. We're going with it.

(ADA) "Good job Carlos, old school pass, Perez in front of you. 2.7 in front."

(SAI) "Copy. I feel the rears are degrading a lot here."

Verstappen currently winning out in the battle of the Bulls and has quickly dropped Perez like a bad habit. He's about 2 seconds up now.

PITSTOP: Well this is a little surprising! Verstappen in already and onto the Softs. He's committing to the two.

(PAD) "And we are thinking about Plan B here."

(LEC) "Plan B sounds good."

(PAD) "And box now, box. Pit confirm."

(LEC) "Copy box."

PITSTOP: Leclerc is in and 2.540! Ferrari going for the undercut on Perez and McLaren!

(ADA) "Pit confirm and box."

(SAI) "Yeah, box."

It absolutely looks like Leclerc might be going to the end. Sainz on the other hand, likely going for the two stop.

Sainz rejoins P6 with 26 laps left.

PITSTOP: Hamilton in and he's away cleanly.

(LEC) "I'm too slow."

(PAD) "Head down, keep pushing here. Good job, P4."

Leclerc briefly loses, then regains P4 from Piastri.

Perez is yet to pit, and Verstappen has just taken P2 off Norris and is chasing his teammate down.

PITSTOP: Norris in and changes his Softs for Mediums. He rejoins in P6, behind Sainz.

Alonso having some issues with the car, they look minor for now but we'll keep an eye on this and see if it develops.

Piastri with a daring move that takes P3 from Leclerc!

The battle of the Bulls continues, but it is a struggling fight for Perez who is on much weaker tyres. Verstappen starting to gain on his teammate.

Verstappen has almost a free pitstop over Piastri, Leclerc, Norris and Sainz, and is about to get one over Perez, who hasn't stopped yet. This feels like Max's to lose.

PITSTOP: And Perez finally comes in on lap 25. He's last to stop. He's onto the Hards to the end.

PEREZ RADIO (PER) "I think the Hards were a mistake here." "Copy, Checo."

Well, this is something to keep an eye on. Perez is displeased on the radio, and from the sounds of things, believes Red Bull have favoured Verstappen today.

Meanwhile, Sainz has taken advantage of the bickering on the radio between Perez and his engineer, and has taken P5 from him.

Bottas having some minor technical issues.

ALONSO RADIO "I don't have deployment!"

Alonso is struggling big-time with his ERS, and has dropped down to P12.

Sainz has taken P4 off Piastri here!

LECLERC (LAP 29)

(PAD) "At the moment, we have the fastest lap."

15 Laps to go. There's no guarantee that Verstappen is indeed stopping again here, and Leclerc and indeed Norris are now within 17.5 of him.

PITSTOP: Alonso is in, and pits. He returns to the track in P12. Albon in behind him and out in P13.

PITSTOP: VERSTAPPEN IN FROM THE LEAD. He's out in very quick time and rejoins just mere seconds behind Perez. Oh, it's so over.

Verstappen passes Perez into Eau Rouge, and you sense we might be hearing the Dutch national anthem for the third weekend in a row here.

Zhou goes very wide there!

VERSTAPPEN (LAP 33)

And Sainz into P4! That's a big help for Leclerc and the WCC fight for Ferrari, too.

(ADA) "And hold firm, hold firm."

Lap 35: Verstappen, Perez, Leclerc, Sainz, Norris, Piastri, Hamilton, Russell, Ricciardo, Stroll

The two closest cars on track are the two Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz in third and fourth, and they look content at that. Leclerc currently giving Sainz the DRS if he needs it, Sainz is not attacking Leclerc. Ferrari prioritising as many points in the WCC - and Leclerc's WDC lead - it seems.

RUSSELL RADIO "Just check the PU, a little bit of noise coming from the turbo."

Russell, currently running P8 and about a pitstop back from his teammate, is struggling with his engine. All about nursing it to the end at this point, even if he loses points to Ricciardo, who is 5 seconds back from him.

Three laps remain. Verstappen 9 ahead of Perez, who is 12 ahead of Leclerc. Sainz is right behind Leclerc, but not challenging. Norris two back, then Piastri about 6 seconds further back. Hamilton then 22, followed by Russell 32, Ricciardo 3 and closing on Russell, while Stroll sits 2 and a half back. Tsunoda 5 seconds off the points.

LAST LAP VERSTAPPEN

It's been comfortable for Max Verstappen, in his other home, he has been a class above today, Max Verstappen WINS THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX! HIS THIRD WIN IN A ROW!

VERSTAPPEN RADIO "And that's the chequered flag, great job today, Max!" (VER) "Ahhh, lovely. That was a good race! Great strategy, good job to the team." "Well done Max, three in a row. We're taking this fight to Ferrari."

Perez P2, it's a Red Bull 1-2

(PAD) "And chequered flag, so P3."

(LEC) "Ah, good good good. Well done guys. Red Bull were just too quick today, but starting where we did, I think we maximised today. A podium's always nice."

(PAD) "Well managed. And into the pitlane."

(ADA) "Taking the flag, so P4."

(SAI) "Well managed, good job guys. Disappointed not to get more, but I think we did a good job today."

(ADA) "You did well. And into the pitlane."

Norris P5, Piastri P6

Hamilton P7, Russell drags the ailing Merc home in P8, Ricciardo P9, Stroll P10 despite going wide very late.

BELGIAN GRAND PRIX 2024
RACE RESULTS

1. Max Verstappen 01.19.45
2. Sergio Perez +13.002
3. Charles Leclerc +15.193
4. Carlos Sainz +0.551
5. Lando Norris +1.181
6. Oscar Piastri +5.937
7. Lewis Hamilton +23.464
8. George Russell +36.345
9. Daniel Ricciardo +2.415
10. Lance Stroll +4.222
11. Yuki Tsunoda +4.487
12. Fernando Alonso +1 lap
13. Alexander Albon +1 lap
14. Esteban Ocon +1 lap
15. Nico Hülkenberg +1 lap
16. Valtteri Bottas +1 lap
17. Pierre Gasly +1 lap
18. Kevin Magnussen +1 lap
19. Logan Sargeant +1 lap
    20: Zhou Guanyu +1 lap

DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC

A superb drive from the Championship leader to go from a start of P14 to the podium. Charles Leclerc is your Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP:
Max Verstappen, Red Bull

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri, McLaren

2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 14 Weekends

Leclerc 319
Verstappen 249
Sainz 237
Norris 186
Perez 167
Piastri 133
Russell 76
Hamilton 75
Tsunoda 37
Ricciardo 24
Alonso 23
Stroll 13
Albon 0
Ocon 0
Gasly 0
Hülkenberg 0
Magnussen 0
Bottas 0
Sargeant 0
Zhou 0

2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP:

Ferrari 556
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 416
McLaren-Mercedes 319
Mercedes 151
Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT 61
Aston Martin-Mercedes 33
Williams-Mercedes 0
Alpine-Renault 0
Haas-Ferrari 0
Sauber-Ferrari 0

[foggy locust]

Charles Leclerc (3rd): "Yeah, honestly it was okay, our pace was a bit lacking today but when you start 14th and finish 3rd, it's a good day. We struggled at the end to match the pace of the Red Bulls around here, we've had such a good season up to now and it's a bit disappointing in a way to have not won the last three, but honestly if you'd said we'd be in this position at the summer break, I'd have absolutely taken it. We're in a good spot going into the summer break, and hopefully we can see out both Championships after the break."

Carlos Sainz (4th): "A good race, we did well even though the pace to the Red Bulls wasn't quite what we wanted it to be. We're in a good position being top of the Championship. I've got ten races left with this team, and I'm going to try and make the most of them."

(When asked about his future) "as of yet, still not 100% decided, I have a couple of offers on the table but still deciding between them, so should have an announcement in the next few weeks."

[foggy locust]

"WHERE WERE WE?"

The summer break is in full effect in Formula 1, and with a return planned next week, let's have a look at the season so far.

Ferrari have been, thus far, the dominant car and sit top of both Championships. Of the first fourteen races, Charles Leclerc has won nine, including his home Grand Prix Monaco and sits 70 points clear of Max Verstappen, while Ferrari are 140 points clear of Red Bull in the Constructors.

Red Bull meanwhile are picking up momentum. The defending Champion Verstappen has won the last three races at Silverstone, Hungaroring and Spa, and Red Bull currently look favourites going into Zandvoort, which is, of course, Max's home race.

McLaren have been the third force so far this season, and while Lando Norris has come close to his first victory in Formula 1 at Imola and Miami, a Safety Car and a Red Flag scuppered his chances at both races. Oscar Piastri has also shown some sensational form.

It's been a tough year so far for Mercedes, with neither of their drivers having been on the podium so far, and we know Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari at the end of the year - what we don't know so far is who will replace him at Mercedes. We'll keep an eye on this as we head out of the summer break.

RB have been the surprise force of the season, regularly scoring points, being in the top ten. They sit Fifth, ahead of Aston Martin, and the Red Bull juniors must be pleased with their first season under their new name.

It's been tough sledding for Aston Martin, who sit Sixth, and with constant rumours about the future of both drivers, for very different reasons, they need a strong second half of the season.

It's been a fruitless and pointless endeavour for the other four teams. Sauber have not had a strong start as they will become Audi in a year and a half's time. Both seats are still yet to be decided for 2025.

Williams look towards the future with a likely exit for Logan Sargeant at the end of the year looming, so James Vowles has a decision to make who to partner Alex Albon with for 2025.

Haas also have a decision to make on both drivers, and no announcement has been made on either seat as of yet. The future of Team Principal Ayao Komatsu is still up for debate too, brought in to replace Guenther Steiner, he's yet to get Haas on the board, and what might save him is the struggles of the teams around him.

And Alpine. Alpine have been a mess under the leadership of Bruno Famin, with both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly likely set to depart, the Renault works team will need a complete restart from top to bottom.

With Zandvoort next weekend (whenever 1.8 launches), a fascinating ten races await in terms of the open driver market, and the destination of both Championships.

Basically a wee update. We've been on hold while we wait for 1.8 to launch, we'll be back once it's up and we know driver poaching is fixed!

[foggy locust]

FIA ANNOUNCE TRANSFER EMBARGO

After a number of potentially shady contract moves had been rumoured across the F1 grid due to a new loophole discovered in the rules, the FIA have today announced the shock of a transfer embargo between all ten teams.

The FIA have said that all ten teams will NOT be allowed to negotiate contracts with new or current drivers for the foreseeable future, at the latest to the end of the current 2024 season, after the conclusion of the race in Abu Dhabi.

This is being investigated, and the FIA are looking to bring in Technical Directive One Point Eight to fix the issue and allow teams to negotiate new deals with their drivers.

Ferrari's contract with Lewis Hamilton will remain in place, as this was announced well before the summer break.

[foggy locust]

DUTCH GRAND PRIX 2024 WEEKEND PREVIEW

After the long summer break and the stunning news of the transfer embargo placed upon all ten teams for now, Formula 1 returns to the track with renewed optimism for the rest of the 2024 season.

We come into this race with Red Bull having won the last three, all Max Verstappen, and he enters his home Grand Prix, a race he has never failed to win as of yet.

However, he remains on the back foot in the title chase, as Charles Leclerc is 70 points up on Verstappen going into the second part of the season. Ferrari enter this race as second favourites though, behind the Bulls.

McLaren have come close a couple of times this year, and may well be the other favourites to take home the win this weekend. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are searching for that elusive first weekend, could that come here?

With the transfer embargo in place, all rumours are on hold for now, which may lead to renewed focus for Mercedes, RB and Aston Martin, with George Russell's future continually in question with the Silver Arrows, and Fernando Alonso's at Aston Martin, that is all on hold for now, as both drivers can now focus on the races ahead. Will that allow either team to grab a shock podium?

And could we see points for the first time this year for Williams, Alpine, Haas or Sauber? The opportunities are slowing down, quickly, with just ten races left.

One more caveat awaits us this weekend: we are expecting heavy, heavy rain this weekend. Could be a gamechanger.

We go again for the second half of the season, as the title challenges take full focus. Who will take another step towards glory?

FP1 Rookies: O'Ward, Bortoleto, Hadjar, Iwasa, Pourchaire, Crawford

FP1: LEC SAI PER

A good opening session for the two Ferraris, and an early 1-2! Perez Third with Hadjar fourth. Bortoleto had a crash that brought out the VSC midway through the session.

Fernando Alonso will take a grid penalty this weekend.

FP2: VER PER PIA
SAI P4, LEC P5

Verstappen returns to his home circuit and immediately goes P1 in a Red Bull 1-2. Piastri Third ahead of Sainz and Leclerc.

FP3: VER SAI LEC

Verstappen keeps up his fantastic pace so far this weekend, with Sainz and Leclerc following immediately behind.

Welcome to qualifying here in Zandvoort, and it is a sea of orange links, rechts, links, rechts, everywhere you look. Max Verstappen has dazzled these home fans so far this weekend, but the two Ferraris don't seem too far behind. It's anyone's game this Saturday afternoon.

WE GO GREEN FOR Q1!

Kevin Magnussen is quickly out on track, the first car to do so.

Charles Leclerc, the Championship leader, is next to follow him out of the pitlane.

Carlos Sainz is heading out now, Third to go out.

Magnussen first on the board, 10.797.

Leclerc posts a 09.02, a full second and 7 tenths ahead of Magnussen.

(SAI) "I'm ok."

(ADA) "Copy, we'll send someone to pick you up."

(SAI) "Sorry guys. Lost the car."

A BIG off for Carlos Sainz, and he's reporting he's okay. But he lost control of the car and is into the wall, and he's out in Q1.

We are back green after that crash from Sainz.

Hamilton leading what is essentially a DRS train right now.

VERSTAPPEN RADIO "Mate, there is so much traffic here! What is Ocon doing?"

Verstappen clearly not happy on tbe radio about being impeded by Ocon. He's still second but a full second off Leclerc.

Lando Norris slots into third on the grid.

Perez displaces Verstappen for P2.

Just 17th for Russell! That was a poor lap.

Magnussen has a lock-up at Bocht 10. And that may have wrecked his lap.

Oscar Piastri up to fifth.

DRIVER AT RISK: Alonso

RELEGATION ZONE: Sargeant, Bottas, Zhou, Gasly, Sainz (no time)

Bottas up to 16th. That won't be enough! Zhou meanwhile stays 18th. And that's likely that.

OUT IN Q1: Bottas, Sargeant, Zhou, Gasly, Sainz

We are Green for Q2!

(PAD) "Track is clear, mode push for last corner."

Leclerc goes fastest, about four tenths up on Perez

: Both McLarens out on track at the same time. Piastri slows Verstappen, briefly.

Verstappen goes purple in the middle, and he's second.

A big off for Esteban Ocon coming out of the Hans Ernst Bocht!

DRIVER AT RISK: Norris
RELEGATION ZONE: Albon, Hülkenberg, Magnussen, Ocon, Bottas

Yuki Tsunoda is off at Hugenholtzbocht! That's his session over. Surprisingly, we ARE restarting with just two minutes left!

OUT IN Q2: Albon, Hülkenberg, Magnussen, Ocon, Bottas

Q3 is a go, but with just nine cars remaining.

Leclerc with an 09.651, a blisteringly fast lap.

Norris up to second, about 6 tenths back.

Stroll now a second behind the leader.

Perez with a very poor lap, and he's last.

Alonso goes into Third.

Verstappen crosses the line...he's second.

Q3 AS IT STANDS: Leclerc, Verstappen, Piastri, Norris, Hamilton, Alonso, Stroll, Russell, Perez, Tsunoda (no time)

Last laps starting now. Norris up to third, Verstappen going purple, but then Leclerc goes purple. Alonso improving. Verstappen again purple in the middle, Leclerc green, this will be close. VERSTAPPEN SNATCHES POLE AND LECLERC IS JUST 0.080 BEHIND!!! That was so, so close!! Russell up to sixth, Perez improving, as is Piastri, Hamilton goes fourth! Perez third, Piastri stays sixth

Q3: Verstappen, Leclerc, Perez, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Alonso , Stroll, Tsunoda (no time)

2024 DUTCH GRAND PRIX STARTING GRID

VER LEC

PER NOR

HAM PIA

RUS STR

TSU ALB

MAG OCO

BOT RIC

SAR GAS

ZHO ALO

SAI HÜL

Fernando Alonso takes a ten place penalty, initially qualified 8th. Nico Hülkenberg takes a nineteen place penalty, initially qualified 12th.

Formula 1 is back after the summer break, but those rainclouds are gathering here in the Netherlands. We famously had a wet race here last year and it looks like it may well be more of the same today. 72 laps and you can expect those Green INTs or even the blue Wets to make an appearance about halfway through.

Nico Hülkenberg with a huge penalty that drops him to the back, while Carlos Sainz starts 19th after a crash took him out in Q1. Fernando Alonso takes an engine penalty so he starts eighteenth, with Zhou Guanyu 17th, while Pierre Gasly and Logan Sargeant are one row ahead. Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas are on the seventh row, while Esteban Ocon had a ceash in Q2 but starts 12th due to penalties elsewhere, with Kevin Magnussen 11th. Alex Albon starts tenth for the second race in a row, with Yuki Tsunoda ninth despite a Q2 crash. Lance Stroll begins eighth with George Russell seventh, while Oscar Piastri lines up sixth and Lewis Hamilton fifth. Lando Norris begins today from fourth, Sergio Perez will start third, and the two Championship contenders are one and two, with Charles Leclerc second, and defending Champion Max Verstappen starting his home race once again on Pole.

Verstappen got a good start, so did Leclerc, Hamilton gets ahead of Norris who was slow off the mark!

AND LECLERC WITH A BEAUTIFUL MOVE ROUND THE OUTSIDE OF VERSTAPPEN FOR THE LEAD

Zhou with a big spin off and he's into the gravel!

The two Red Bulls trying a pincer move on Leclerc. It gets Verstappen back in front, but Leclerc is able to hold off Perez.

Leclerc uses DRS to take the lead back, and almost takes Perez with him past his Championship rival!

(SAI) "Ahhh, damn it."

(ADA) "All good, you can continue."

Sainz has a big spin-off and he's damaged his rear wing! A nightmare weekend for the Ferrari driver continues!

(ADA) "Retire the car."

Looks like the damage for Sainz was worse than expected. He's pulled into the pits and he is out of the race. A major blow for Ferrari in their Constructors Challenge.

And a further blow as Leclerc has now dropped to third behind Verstappen and Perez.

(ADA) "That's our race. Sorry about that."

Leclerc overtakes Verstappen for P2, and that's a huge boost for the Championship leader. It gets better as he goes round Perez for P1!

(PAD) "Great job, currently you are P1."

(PAD) "Tyre phase update please, Charles."

(LEC) "Tyres are good, very little graining so far."

(PAD) "Keep this up, you are doing a good job on pace and tyres."

Verstappen regrabs the lead from Leclerc, who is staying within DRS range, just. However, Perez is really struggling on his tyres right now.

PITSTOP: PEREZ IS IN! This seems very, very early, especially with the rain incoming in about 20 laps or so.

Lap 13: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Russell. Piastri, Stroll, Perez, Albon, Ricciardo

A beauty of a move from Oscar Piastri to take P5 away from George Russell there.

Leclerc just having a good look down the side of Verstappen there.

PITSTOP: Hamilton comes in! That also seems quite early, but he's opted for the Softs at least.

Verstappen has just put on a burst of pace and broken DRS from Leclerc.

(PAD) "And you can push a bit here, bring down that gap."

(LEC) "Copy, leave me with this."

Leclerc has gotten back within DRS of Verstappen and retakes the lead of this race!

PITSTOP: Albon has also come in early with the rain likely incoming.

RICCIARDO HAS LOST THE CAR! He's able to get it going again but he's lost a bunch of places.

PITSTOP: Ricciardo comes in and gets a change of tyres but he's now a lap down and having serious issues with his car.

Up front, Verstappen has opened a 2 and a half second gap to Leclerc for the lead of the race.

(PAD) "And just take care of the tyres, push the engine."

(LEC) "Copy."

(PAD) "And we are expecting drops to arrive, shower in about ten minutes."

(LEC) "Copy."

Ferrari are expecting the rain here. The question is, will Red Bull so the same and keep Verstappen on track until then?

Zhou with a big lock-up! He nearly took Lando Norris with him in the process, narrowly avoiding the third placed McLaren.

(PAD) "Box opposite Red Bull."

SAFETY CAR Daniel Ricciardo's car has pulled up on the side of the road! His engine has gone! Safety Car deployed!

(PAD) "Some debris on the main straight. Ricciardo is out. Safety Car deployed."

(LEC) "He's okay?"

(PAD) "He's okay, slight bump off an engine failure. Box, box."

VERSTAPPEN STAYS OUT. That is a shocker. Leclerc is first in and onto Wets

PITSTOPS: With the rain POURING down, the four cars ahead of Leclerc are all pitting UNDER THE SC. BAR PEREZ WHO STAYS OUT! VERSTAPPEN IS SLOW TO GET AWAY AND GETS OUT BEHIND RUSSELL AND NORRIS

Lap 26, under the SC: Perez, Leclerc, Russell, Norris, Tsunoda, Verstappen, Piastri, Hamilton, Alonso, Stroll, Albon, Ocon, Hülkenberg, Bottas, Magnussen, Gasly, Sargeant, Bottas. Ricciardo and Sainz are out of the race.

Perez and Tsunoda are in major, major trouble though

PITSTOPS: Perez and Tsunoda in under the Safety Car, but they'll both fall to the back. They'll have the freshest tyres though. Perez rejoins P15, Tsunoda P16.

LAPPED CARS MAY NOW OVERTAKE

(PAD) "Safety Car in this lap. Try and focus on these tyres to get them ready."

We are now racing once more here in Zandvoort on lap 28!

RUSSELL RADIO "Check gearbox, feels a bit weird."

George Russell seems to be having a major issue with his gearbox! With him running P2, this may hand a real opportunity to Charles Leclerc, who of course pitted first!

(PAD) "What do you think about Plan G?"

(LEC) "I think if it's possible, we should try it."

(PAD) "Okay, we will need full push ahead for now."

Leclerc has built up a gap of about 5 seconds here, as he seems to be absolutely going for it in the rain here.

(PAD) "Rain intensity seems to be decreasing now, it might pick up again soon."

Magnussen managing a fault himself at the moment!

🌧️ The rain is now under 4mm right now. Will anyone come in?

Tsunoda now struggling with an engine fault!

(LEC) "It's raining more and more here."

(PAD) "Copy, understood. This is a good pace, keep this going."

Lando Norris makes the move on the ailing George Russell and he's into P2! He is still 7 seconds off Leclerc but his tyres are better than Russell's - and significantly better than Leclerc's, who has been pushing these last few laps.

(PAD) "Update on tyres, please, Charles?'

(LEC) "Rears are starting to drop off a bit. Quite a bit actually."

(PAD) "Copy, understood, cool them best you can."

PITSTOP: Verstappen in! The World Champion has seen enough and is pitting for new Wets!

Verstappen rejoins in P10, Just behind Albon.

Leclerc has a LONG way to go on these tyres, if he was to pit now, he'd rejoin in about P7.

There's a real opportunity for at least one of these three teams to land their first points of the year. Albon P10, Ocon P11, Hülkenberg P12. Tsunoda has an engine fault in P13.

Leclerc is somehow keeping the gap at a steady seven seconds to Norris, despite much worse tyrewear. Remember, Leclerc was the first one to put this set of Wets on.

(LEC) "Visibility is really s---."

(PAD) "Copy, just do what you can."

Lap 46: Leclerc, Norris, Russell, Piastri, Hamilton, Alonso, Perez, Verstappen, Stroll, Albon

RUSSELL RADIO "Can we check upshifts, I'm really struggling here."

Norris has closed the gap to 4.7. Ferrari badly need the rain to ease off, and now.

Meanwhile Russell is struggling a lot with the gearbox, and that could be a real opportunity for Oscar Piastri in P4.

(LEC) "How are we, temperature?"

(PAD) "We need to get some heat into these tyres as soon as possible."

(PAD) "Rain intensity seems to be decreasing now."

(LEC) "Copy, understood."

PITSTOPS: Russell and Perez both in! They're onto the Inters!

(PAD) "Box now, box. We'll do a stop for new inters."

HUGE problems for Nico Hülkenberg as he's picked up a puncture and that likely ends his chances of points today!

It gets worse for Haas as a pitstop delay for Magnussen has now delayed BOTH drivers!!

PITSTOP: Charles Leclerc is into the pitlane! Lando Norris is into the lead! However the big news is that Leclerc has gotten out ahead of Verstappen!

PITSTOP: Lando Norris is in, which gives Leclerc the lead back! Verstappen P2, but he's on Wets instead of Ints!

PITSTOP: Verstappen pits now and it looked like he had a slight delay!!

Leclerc now has a seven second advantage to Norris in P2. Ferrari have played this masterfully so far.

🌧️ The rain has stopped, and now the question is: how quickly will the track dry up here?

Lap 55: Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Russell, Verstappen, Hamilton, Perez, Alonso, Stroll, Albon, Ocon, Tsunoda, Bottas, Sargeant, Gasly, Magnussen, Hülkenberg, Zhou. Ricciardo and Sainz out of the race.

Russell is struggling badly now, and has dropped behind the two Red Bulls. Perez gets Hamilton before immediately overtaking Russell.

With just 15 laps to go, the track is drying up very quickly here. Will a final pitstop be needed?

(PAD) "Track update when you can?"

(LEC) "The first sector isn't too bad, the track is drying up quite quickly."

No stops as of yet, though

(PAD) "Both McLarens in, box this lap, box."

(LEC) "Copy, box."

PITSTOPS: Leclerc stays out one more lap as do both Red Bulls! However, Leclerc has enough of a gap for a free stop, and he does exactly that one lap later.

Both Red Bull's in and while they nail the double stack, Perez gets a massively delay on the jack!

NORRIS

Norris takes the Fastest Lap of the race.

Tsunoda is closing in on Albon for that final point! One to keep an eye on!

(PAD) "At the moment, we are the fastest car on track. Great job. Try and cool the tyres down."

(LEC) "Copy."

Tsunoda takes tenth off Albon, but Albon is desperately fighting to stay within DRS range! Williams badly need any points they can get!

Oscar Piastri currently trying to defend the final spot on the podium ahead of Max Verstappen!

With four laps to go, Verstappen gets the move done for third!

(PAD) "Tyre phase update when you can."

(LEC) "Ah, good, good, good. Tyres are in a good spot."

Lap 70: Leclerc, Norris, Verstappen, Piastri, Perez, Hamilton, Alonso, Stroll, Russell, Tsunoda, Albon, Ocon, Bottas, Hülkenberg, Gasly, Sargeant, Magnussen, Zhou. Ricciardo and Sainz out of the race.

LAST LAP

This has been an absolutely magnificent drive from Charles Leclerc, that middle tyre stint on the Wets was managed beautifully, the strategy has been spot on and his driving has been flawless, he rounds the corner to WIN THE DUTCH GRAND PRIX!! HIS TENTH WIN OF THE SEASON!!!

(PAD) "AND P1!"

(LEC) "YESSSSS! Yesss yes yes! Argghhh, fantastic job guys, fantastic effort."

(PAD) "You've done a fantastic race. That middle stint was sensational."

Norris P2, Verstappen P3, Piastri P4, Perez P5, Hamilton P6, Alonso P7, Stroll P8, Russell falls to P9, Tsunoda steals the final point off Albon 😢

2024 DUTCH GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Charles Leclerc 01.39.54
2. Lando Norris +3.409
3. Max Verstappen +11.727
4. Oscar Piastri +6.202
5. Sergio Perez +6.587
6. Lewis Hamilton +11.872
7. Fernando Alonso +3.200
8. Lance Stroll +6.988
9. George Russell +7.489
10. Yuki Tsunoda +1 Lap
11. Alexander Albon +1 Lap
12. Esteban Ocon +1 Lap
13. Valtteri Bottas +1 Lap
14. Nico Hülkenberg +1 Lap
15. Pierre Gasly +1 Lap
16. Logan Sargeant +1 Lap
17. Kevin Magnussen +1 Lap
18. Zhou Guanyu +1 Lap
19. Daniel Ricciardo DNF
20. Carlos Sainz DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC

A magnificently managed race, including a fantastic middle stint on very old Wet tyres, saw Charles Leclerc take a massive victory and increase his Championship advantage. Charles Leclerc is your Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP:
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1.11.270

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD
Oscar Piastri, McLaren 2.290s

2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 15 Weekends

Leclerc 345
Verstappen 264
Sainz 237
Norris 204
Perez 177
Piastri 145
Hamilton 83
Russell 78
Tsunoda 38
Alonso 26
Ricciardo 24
Stroll 16
Albon 0
Ocon 0
Gasly 0
Hülkenberg 0
Magnussen 0
Bottas 0
Sargeant 0
Zhou 0

2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 15 Weekends

Ferrari 582
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 441
McLaren-Mercedes 349
Mercedes 161
RB-Honda RBPT 62
Aston Martin-Mercedes 43
Williams-Mercedes 0
Alpine-Renault 0
Haas-Ferrari 0
Sauber-Ferrari 0

[foggy locust]

2024 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW

As we hit the run towards the end of the season, we head to Monza, and of course, the home of Ferrari.

And the Scuderia are in fine spirits ahead of their home Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc having taken his first victory in four races last time out at Zandvoort, and comes in with a healthy 81 point lead over Max Verstappen, while Ferrari lead Red Bull in the Constructors by 139 points. They will have no shortage of support as they go for their first home victory in five years - Charles Leclerc famously winning here in 2019.

This is a high speed track that does slightly favour the Bulls however, and this is one they sorely need to win for both Championships.

McLaren famously got a 1-2 here in 2021, and will likely be the third force as they still harbour hopes of catching Red Bull in the Championship, being 92 points behind with 9 races remaining.

Mercedes are bringing upgraded Sidepods this weekend as they narrowly missed out on a podium last time out, due to faults with George Russell's car. Russell was running P2 at the time.

Same with Williams, as they narrowly missed the points with Alex Albon 11th in Zandvoort, they are bringing an upgraded Chassis to Monza in hopes of finally getting over that line.

Haas are also bringing upgrades in the form of a new front wing to try and get themselves in that points fight.

We go racing again at Monza and unlike Zandvoort, it will be dry the entire weekend. Its likely to be Ferrari vs Red Bull once more on Ferrari's turf. Can the Scuderia get a home victory for the Tifosi to savour?

[foggy locust]

FP1 Reserves: O'Ward (Norris), Hadjar (Perez), Colapinto (Sargeant, seems appropriate), Pourchaire (Bottas), Crawford (Stroll)

FP1: VER PIA LEC
SAI P9

A solid first session for Ferrari, third and ninth. Verstappen quickest from Piastri with Hadjar Fourth.

FP2: HAM NOR PER
LEC P5, SAI P7

Fifth and seventh for Ferrari on mostly longer runs. Hamilton quickest from Norris and Perez, while Piastri was Fourth. Verstappen just P10, an impressive sixth for Tsunoda.

CAR 4 (Lando Norris) will take a grid penalty this weekend.

FP3: LEC NOR PER
SAI P8

Ferrari and Leclerc go top of the board in FP3 to the delight of the Tifosi. Norris and Perez just behind, with Verstappen, who had gearbox issues, P4. Sainz meanwhile was ninth, Yuki Tsunoda's fantastic weekend so far continues with P5.

Green light for Q1! Who will take Pole?

It's Leclerc's Ferrari out on the track first, and he gets a big reception from the Tifosi.

Daniel Ricciardo also on track, and a lot of speculation on his future. With TD 1.8 not in place however, those talks will have to wait.

(LEC) "F----k, Zhou blocking there."

(PAD) "We've seen it."

Leclerc impeded by Zhou a little bit there at Prima Variante, but it doesn't seem to have lost him too much time. Currently P1. Zhou meanwhile slots in third behind Ricciardo.

Perez into P2.

Norris third, but he will of course drop down the grid with a penalty this weekend.

Piastri Fourth.

Sainz into P2, and Ferrari are absolutely flying round here so far.

Verstappen going purple in S1 and S2, he's likely to spoil the Ferrari party so far...Verstappen goes quickest, 8 hundredths ahead of Leclerc. It's close between the top two.

RB are low key looking strong. Ricciardo eighth, however Tsunoda only thirteenth, slightly disappointing after his strong efforts in practice.

Lewis Hamilton, who of course will be driving in red around here next year, goes P7.

Sergio Perez on his second run goes fastest!

DRIVER AT RISK: Sargeant
Relegation Zone: Albon, Magnussen, Ocon, Zhou, Gasly

Just 19th for Zhou. That's the end of his afternoon.

Gasly up to 15th, he knocks Sargeant out, but not likely to get through himself with that.

Magnussen first to cross the line..he stays 18th!

Ocon goes up to 13th and knocks his teammate out in Q1!

No improvement for Albon. Stays 18th.

OUT IN Q1: Gasly, Sargeant, Albon, Magnussen, Zhou

Q2 begins!

Most drivers opting for used Softs for their first run. Sainz however has opted for new Softs here, he might just be doing one run. Something to keep an eye on.

Tsunoda with a big lock-up there!

Leclerc up to P1.

Verstappen lost something in that Final sector and slots in behind Leclerc.

Tsunoda has come in for a quick change of tyres and immediately returned to the track.

Sainz on new Softs, this is early for the Ferrari. Risky.

RUSSELL RADIO "I gave plenty of space!"

TSUNODA RADIO "What the f--- was that George? F---ing f---, that was f---ing dangerous."

Tsunoda and Russell collide on Prima Variante! The stewards might well have a word with both of them after the session. Looks like Russell came off worse and picked up some damage.

(PAD) "Watch for traffic. We'll need some good warmup on the brakes here, Charles."

(LEC) "Copy, understood."

Sainz up to P3 and that should be enough. Leclerc on an outlap.

DRIVER AT RISK: Hülkenberg
Relegation Zone: Ricciardo, Bottas, Ocon, Tsunoda, Russell

(LEC) "For f--k's sake, Checo just slowed right in front of me!"

(PAD) "We are on it."

(LEC) "That was f--king dangerous."

Leclerc and Perez narrowly collide, as it seemed that Petez braketested Leclerc in Variante Della Rossa. The stewards will likely look G that one, too.

DRIVER AT RISK: Hülkenberg
Relegation Zone: Ocon, Ricciardo, Bottas, Tsunoda, Russell

Just 12th for Ricciardo and he is out. Tsunoda 14th.

Russell goes tenth, and he's done just enough to get through.

OUT IN Q2: Hülkenberg, Ocon, Ricciardo, Bottas, Tsunoda

We are a go for Q3! Who will take Pole?

Leclerc, for now, up to P1.

Perez going purple through the first two sectors, and does indeed take Pole.

Piastri into Third.

Alonso up to fourth.

Hamilton goes ahead of him into fourth.

Verstappen slots into P1, just 0.017 ahead of Perez, and 0.059 ahead of Leclerc. It is very close.

P4 for Sainz.

Q3 AS IT STANDS: Verstappen, Perez, Leclerc, Sainz, Piastri, Norris, Hamilton, Stroll, Russell, Alonso

Final laps beginning now.

(ADA) "Careful for Track position, mode push."

Perez doesn't improve, he's P2.

Verstappen goes purple through S1, then Leclerc does! Verstappen purple through S2, Leclerc green Leclerc held up slightly onto the final corner and that might cost his lap!!! It has! Leclerc was on for Pole and Stroll slowed him!

(PAD) "And P3, P3."

(LEC) "Ahhhh f---ing Stroll. Ahhh, damn it."

Stroll P9, and he might be the most unpopular man in Italy this evening, he's just cost Leclerc Pole. Just P10 for Alonso meanwhile.

Norris goes Fourth, but that won't matter as he's dropping down the grid.

Q3: Verstappen, Perez, Leclerc, Norris , Sainz, Piastri, Russell, Hamilton, Stroll, Alonso

FIA REVIEW THREE INCIDENTS, NO PENALTIES GIVEN

The FIA have reviewed the incident between Yuki Tsunoda (Car 22) and George Russell (Car 63), as well as two incidents of impeding on Charles Leclerc (Car 16) by Sergio Perez (Car 11) and Lance Stroll (Car 18).

There was insufficient evidence to allow for a grid penalty on Lance Stroll or Sergio Perez, while the collision between George Russell and Yuki Tsunoda was ruled a racing incident.

2024 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

VER PER

LEC SAI

PIA RUS

HAM STR

ALO HÜL

OCO RIC

BOT NOR

TSU GAS

SAR ALB

MAG ZHO

Lando Norris takes ten place Engine Penalty - initially qualified 4th.

Well, here we go. The home of the Tifosi, the home of the Scuderia, it is Monza. But after an eventful end to qualifying yesterday, it is their Championship rivals Red Bull who start 1-2. 53 laps around this famous 5.793km circuit, its a one stop if you're brave enough, but a lot of teams may opt for that second stop.

Zhou Guanyu starts at the back alongside Kevin Magnussen, while the two Williams share the ninth row. Pierre Gasly famously won here in 2020 and he's alongside old friend Yuki Tsunoda, while Lando Norris takes a ten place engine penalty to start alongside Valtteri Bottas on row seven. Daniel Ricciardo won this race in 2021, while Esteban Ocon has his highest start of the year in eleventh. Its Nico Hülkenberg in tenth alongside Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll just ahead and lucky to avoid punishment for impeding Charles Leclerc, he's got Leclerc's future Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton for company on row four. George Russell and Oscar Piastri on row three, then the home team have the second row, Carlos Sainz fourth with Charles Leclerc Third, and the Red Bulls lock out the front row. Sergio Perez starts P2, and it is Pole Position for Max Verstappen.

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Versyappen has flown out of the traps, while Perez is holding up Leclerc and Sainz!

(ADA) "And we hold position for now."

Leclerc has just rounded both Red Bulls and is into the lead of the race! What a move that was!

Esteban Ocon is up to ninth! A big moment for the Alpine!

(LEC) "This is the pace we have."

(PAD) "Okay, let's concentrate, you are doing a good job on tyres and pace."

Verstappen retakes the lead from Leclerc, but into the Parabolica and Leclerc regrabs the lead!

The early optimism for Ocon has disappeared as he's picked a gearbox issue and that might compromise his race.

Alonso with an early move on Stroll and he's into sixth!

Hülkenberg also makes the move and drops Stroll to eighth.

(ADA) "Try to speed up if you can, we need you in this fight at the front."

Leclerc seems happy to wait the Red Bulls out and is reporting much less graining in his tyres. Perez in particular seems to be struggling heavily with graining.

It's a fantastic fight out in front as Leclerc is currently holding off both Red Bulls, however in his defence of Verstappen, Perez slips into the lead!

A beauty of a move by Tsunoda sees him take P9 off Hülkenberg, whose Softs are really starting to struggle now.

(PAD) "No lift-off needed here, you are doing a good job. Gap to Perez now 0.8."

Leclerc takes the lead, but DRS is far too powerful and Verstappen gets the lead back.

But a beauty of a move sees Leclerc back in front!

Lap 12: Leclerc, Verstappen, Perez, Sainz, Hamilton, Piastri, Alonso, Stroll, Tsunoda, Russell

PITSTOPS: Both Haas drivers are the first to pit and they're to the back of the pack.

Lando Norris now on the verge of the points in that McLaren, finding some pace just behind Russell in P10.

(PAD) "Careful with the tyres"

(LEC) "Copy that."

Ferrari's tyre advantage now starting to pay off as Leclerc is gaining on the two Red Bulls.

Verstappen and Perez trading DRS to try and peg Leclerc back here.

PITSTOP: Ocon makes his first stop and rejoins behind the two Haas drivers. The Alpine's issues don't seem to be resolving themselves here.

Ricciardo also reporting issues with his car here, as he drops behind Stroll.

Leclerc lapped about 5 tenths quicker than Verstappen on that last lap.

(ADA) "Tyre phase update when you can."

(SAI) "The tyre feels quite weak."

(ADA) "Thoughts on Plan D?"

(SAI) "I think we should go to D."

Sainz seeks to be suffering from worse graining than his teammate. Could Plan D be the two stop?

PITSTOPS: RB ARE DOUBLE STACKING! But they timed it horrifically and it resulted in a delay for Tsunoda!!

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR!!! George Russell has absolutely binned it on lap 20 and he is out of the race!!

(PAD) "VSC, box, box."

(LEC) "Everything okay?"

(PAD) "Russell is okay, no harm done."

(LEC) "Copy, box."

(ADA) "And VSC, Russell in the wall. Box, box."

(SAI) "Copy. Hope he's okay at least."

(ADA) "He is all good, and out of the car."

PITSTOPS: Leclerc and Sainz in under VSC. Leclerc rejoins P3, Sainz P8.

PITSTOPS: Perez pits AS VSC ends, and that will cost him some places! So do Alonso and Stroll.

Lap 22: Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Hamilton, Sainz, Perez, Norris, Alonso, Hülkenberg, Bottas, Ricciardo, Stroll, Tsunoda, Gasly, Albon, Sargeant, Magnussen, Ocon, Zhou. Russell is out of the race.

SAFETY CAR. Bottas loses the car and is into the wall! He's thankfully ok, but that will hand a free stop to Max Verstappen!! Piastri, Hamilton, Norris and Sargeant will benefit too!

(PAD) "Safety Car, Safety Car."

(LEC) "For f--k's saaake. Which position are we?"

(PAD) "You are P1, Verstappen just pitted, new Hards.'

(ADA) "You are P3, Safety Car. Bottas is OK.

(SAI) "Copy. Which position are we."

(ADA) "P3, P3."

Lap 23, under SC: Leclerc, Verstappen, Sainz, Perez, Hamilton, Piastri, Alonso, Norris, Ricciardo, Stroll, Tsunoda, Hülkenberg, Gasly, Sargeant, Albon, Zhou, Magnussen, Ocon. Bottas and Russell are out of the race.

AND WE GO RACING AGAIN

Leclerc has gone absolutely flying away here, Verstappen holding off Sainz for P2 just now

(ADA) "He has an issue probably, Hamilton."

Hamilton takes fastest lap, but is reporting issues with his car once more. Looks like slight gearbox issues.

Perez makes the move and takes the lead of the race!

VERSTAPPEN RADIO "It's not only the upshifts, its the downshifts." "Okay Max, we're looking into it." "MATE, the car is sh---ing itself!"

Major, MAJOR implications in the title fight as Verstappen is struggling heavily with his gearbox! He's fallen to fourth and is really struggling with the car!

Tsunoda with a spin but he's able to recover the car!

(PAD) "A little bit of lift needed here for the engine."

Ocon struggling with his car. He'll need to nurse that to the end.

However it's good news for Alpine further up as Gasly moves past Ricciardo! Two former winners battling for the final point here.

Lap 35: Leclerc, Perez, Sainz, Verstappen, Hamilton, Piastri, Alonso, Norris, Tsunoda, Gasly

(SAI) "What is happening with the ERS?"

(ADA) "We are checking...we can see the data, some issues with it. Nurse it best you can."

(ADA) "Tyre phase update?"

(SAI) "I'm pushing too much, degrading a lot here."

Sainz having ERS issues, and drops behind Verstappen, who is still managing his gearbox problem.

Piastri makes the move on Alonso to take P6!

(ADA) "Box, box."

(SAI) "Why did we go to Plan D, I do not understand."

Sainz working his way through the pack and is now up to P9.

Lap 44: Leclerc, Perez, Verstappen, Alonso, Piastri, Hamilton, Norris, Tsunoda, Sainz, Ricciardo

Tsunoda has a lock up and that hands P8 to Sainz!

Tsunoda seeks to have picked up a fault with that lock-up, and wrecked his tyres into the bargain.

Oh my God, its RB on RB violence. Tsunoda lock-up again and Ricciardo takes a hit from his teammate!

This race continues to have huge implications on the Championship. Alonso has now gotten Verstappen for P3, with Verstappen's issues continuing!

(SAI) "I'm really struggling with the car here."

Sainz is having major issues with the DRS!

TSUNODA RADIO "The gear is strange."

Sainz has dropped down the order with major issues and he's going to struggle to the end. He's dropped down to P16.

Which means that Gasly and Albon are fighting for the final point, and one of these teams will get on the board!!

It's been a season of magic for Charles Leclerc though, and it is another magical moment for him, he's going to take a huge advantage in the Championship with Max Verstappen down in P7 and struggling, and on Ferrari's turf, he could be Ferrari's next World Champion, but for now, CHARLES LECLERC ROUNDS THE PARABOLICA TO WIN THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX!!!!

(PAD) Ma come mi fai sognaree, come mi fai sognareeeee"

(LEC) "Sì, sì, sì, sììììì, grandissimi, un'altra volta evvai andiamo"

(PAD) "Grazie Charles, Monaco and Monza in the same year!, What a year. What a year."

(LEC) "Mamma mia, mamma mia, questa stagione però è da infarto eh, grazie Masi, mamma mia, però come sono belli gli alti, però grazie a tutti veramente, tutta l'azienda che ha fatto un lavoro della madonna per portarci gli upgrade, grazie a voi, c'è ancora tanto lavoro però... a casas nostra, di nuovo come nel '19 GRANDISSIMI GRANDISSIMI!"

In the final corners, Oscar Piastri has overtaken Fernando Alonso and robbed Aston Martin of their first podium of the season!! Oh my God the drama at the end!!

Perez P2, Piastri P3. Alonso holds Norris off for fourth, Hamilton sixth, Verstappen seventh and he's lost a lot of ground to Leclerc now

RICCIARDO GETS STROLL ON THE LINE FOR P8

(ADA) "And thats the flag, P15, P15. Seen you tried all you could. I'm sorry."

(SAI) "Maybe not the race we wanted. We struggled with the faults, and the two stopper didn't help, but it's life. A shame."

(ADA) "We'll go again in Baku."

And it's celebrations for Williams, as Alex Albon finally takes their first point of the year!

Tsunoda with the FL, no points for it though

2024 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Charles Leclerc 01.20.52
2. Sergio Perez +7.933
3. Oscar Piastri +16.336
4. Fernando Alonso +0.217
5. Lando Norris +0.209
6. Lewis Hamilton +3.618
7. Max Verstappen +11.048
8. Daniel Ricciardo +17.312
9. Lance Stroll +0.013
10. Alexander Albon +5.212
11. Pierre Gasly +0.342
12. Nico Hülkenberg +0.184
13. Logan Sargeant +10.143
14. Yuki Tsunoda +0.222
15. Carlos Sainz +6.236
16. Kevin Magnussen +1.922
17. Zhou Guanyu +4.465
18. Esteban Ocon +1 lap
19. Valtteri Bottas DNF
20. George Russell DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: Alexander Albon

A steady and composed driver from a P18 start to land Williams their first point of the year, holding off Pierre Gasly and Nico Hülkenberg at the end, Alex Albon is your Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP:
Yuki Tsunoda, RB 1.21.353

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri, McLaren 2.330s

2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 16 Weekends

Leclerc 370
Verstappen 270
Sainz 237
Norris 210
Perez 195
Piastri 160
Hamilton 91
Russell 78
Alonso 38
Tsunoda 38
Ricciardo 28
Stroll 19
Albon 1
Gasly 0
Ocon 0
Hülkenberg 0
Magnussen 0
Bottas 0
Sargeant 0
Zhou 0

2024 FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 16 Weekends

Ferrari 607
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 465
McLaren-Mercedes 374
Mercedes 169
Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT 66
Aston Martin-Mercedes 57
Williams-Mercedes 1
Alpine-Renault 0
Haas-Ferrari 0
Sauber-Ferrari 0

[foggy locust]

2024 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW

We hit the home stretch of the season with just eight races to go of this marathon year, and we head to Baku.

Charles Leclerc leads the Championship with a 100 point advantage after winning in Zandvoort and Monza back to back, and has taken Pole Position here three years in a row.

However, Red Bull are bringing upgrades to Baku in hopes of pushing for both Championships, and look the favourites here for victory this weekend.

McLaren look very much settled in Third with Mercedes Fourth, and that's the likely running order again this weekend. McLaren do have strong DRS however that will give them a shot of another podium, as Oscar Piastri just pipped Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso to that final podium spot in Monza.

Alonso was almost the first driver to make it to the podium outside Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren, but this does not seem to be a track that suits Aston Martin.

Williams meanwhile sealed their first point of the year in Monza, and will hope for more with that straight-line speed.

It's expected to be dry this weekend, with very little chance of rain, but high chances of Safety Cars. This should be very, very interesting.

FERRARI TO RUN OLIVER BEARMAN IN FP1

For the fourth time this season, Oliver Bearman will step in for an FP1 session, taking the car of Carlos Sainz.

Bearman has impressed and is hotly tipped for a potential 2026 F1 seat, after signing a further one year Affliate deal with Ferrari for 2025.

With Lewis Hamilton on a one year deal from next year - could that even be from his parent team?

FP1 Reserves: Bearman (Sainz), O'Ward (Piastri), Bortoleto (Norris), Iwasa (Tsunoda)

FP1: VER RUS PER
LEC P4, BEAR P5

A very abrupt end to FP1, as Zhou Guanyu crashes into the wall, causing a Red Flag. Verstappen quickest from Russell and Perez, with Leclerc P4 and Bearman P5.

[foggy locust]

FP2: PER PIA LEC
SAI P4

Perez quickest ahead of Piastri, Leclerc and Sainz. Verstappen eighth, but on mediums. A VSC brought out early due to a Yuki Tsunoda crash, while Zhou hit the wall for the second time this weekend.

FP3: VER PER SAI
LEC P5

A Red Bull 1-2 as they've looked quickest all weekend. Sainz third, with Leclerc fifth, Piastri splitting the two Ferraris.

Welcome to Qualifying for Baku, and it's one of the longest tracks of the season, this 6.003km circuit where danger lurks at every turn. Charles Leclerc has had Pole here the last three years, but a bit of an uphill battle this weekend as Red Bull have looked significantly quicker. Let's see how we go here.

Green light and we're a go for Q1!

(PAD) "Track is clear, and it will be mode push for last corner."

Leclerc puts up a 42.492.

Hamilton struggling and he went 1.616 behind Leclerc.

Alonso and Stroll both slot into P2 and P3 for now.

(ADA) "Tyres look good, all clear in front. You can go now."

(SAI) "Copy."

Verstappen 0.069 behind Leclerc.

Sargeant with a crash at turn 12! He clipped the barrier and that has damaged his car quite badly!

Sainz into P4.

Make that P5, as Perez goes up to third.

Norris now Sixth.

DRIVER AT RISK: Tsunoda
Relegation Zone: Gasly, Albon, Magnussen, Zhou, Sargeant

Gasly not improving here, Albon goes 11th, will that be enough? Sargeant is 20th and last, but is improving on this lap. Magnussen up to 14th, Tsunoda pushed it close but he's just made the line to start his flier! Bottas at risk, Sargeant is out. Ocon stays 16th, he's out, Tsunoda knocks Bottas out and goes 7th!

OUT IN Q1: Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Zhou, Sargeant

Green in Q2!

Leclerc 42.833, about a tenth and six hundredths quicker than his Q1 lap.

Tsunoda 0.496 behind Leclerc.

Verstappen now going purples across the board, and he's 42.130, .693 ahead of Leclerc.

Norris slots into Third, Piastri fourth.

Perez and Sainz on fliers now.

P4 for Sainz.

Perez slots in eighth, with the Red Bull driver complaining about traffic.

DRIVER AT RISK: Albon
Relegation Zone: Stroll, Russell, Ricciardo, Hülkenberg, Magnussen

Verstappen stays in, but Leclerc going for another lap here. Actually both Ferraris have called off the laps as they know they're safe. Alonso at risk, Russell P13 is the only one who can get out of the bottom five, Alonso goes ninth and Ricciardo now at risk, Russell eighth and safe!

OUT IN Q2: Ricciardo, Stroll, Albon, Hülkenberg, Magnussen

Carlos Sainz will take a three place grid penalty for a new ERS - Kevin Magnussen, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu also taking grid Penalties this weekend.

Q3 is a go! Who will take Pole?

Both Leclerc and Sainz out early here to put a banker in.

Verstappen heading out early too.

In fact all ten cars out early for a banker.

Sainz finding pace and going P1! Leclerc P2 for now.

Verstappen third at the moment.

Piastri takes Third, then Norris goes quickest overall!!

Q3 AS IT STANDS: Norris, Sainz, Perez, Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Russell, Alonso

Last laps beginning now. Piastri and Tsunoda improving, as is Russell. Sainz goes purple S1, Verstappen now purple S1, Leclerc improving as well. Piastri goes P3, Sainz up to P1, Verstappen second, Leclerc just third! Norris fourth, but what can Perez do here? Perez...just Fourth, and it is Pole Position for Carlos Sainz!!

But he will lose it due to the penalty so Max starts on Pole

Q3: Sainz , Verstappen, Leclerc, Perez, Norris, Piastri, Hamilton, Alonso, Tsunoda, Russell

2024 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

VER LEC

PER NOR

PIA SAI

HAM ALO

TSU RUS

RIC STR

ALB HÜL

OCO GAS

SAR MAG

BOT ZHO

Carlos Sainz initially qualified 1st, takes five place penalty. Kevin Magnussen, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu all take ten place penalties, Magnussen initially 15th, Bottas initially 16th, Zhou initially 19th.

Welcome to the shores of the Caspian Sea, and it is the mix of the old and the new around here, this race around the 14th Century walls is becoming a quick cornerstone of this F1 calendar, one that comes a lot later in the year this time around. 51 laps around the 6.003km circuit, it is fast, and there is that always dangerous turn 1 where races can be won, and in the case of Red Bull in 2018, very much lost.

Both Saubers take penalties so they have the back row to themselves, Zhou 20th, Bottas 19th, while Kevin Magnussen takes a penalty as well and begins 18th alongside Logan Sargeant who crashed in Q1. The two Alpines of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly are on row eight, while Nico Hülkenberg will start beside Alex Albon who finally opened his account for the year last time around. Lance Stroll alongside Daniel Ricciardo on row six, while George Russell and Yuki Tsunoda start on the fifth row. Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, both former Champions begin on the same row, while Carlos Sainz won qualifying but drops to Sixth after an ERS penalty, alongside Oscar Piastri in fifth. It's Lando Norris in fourth, while Sergio Perez begins Third, and for the first time since 2020, Charles Leclerc won't start on Pole here, he's second with Max Verstappen beginning on Pole.

Verstappen is away quickest, Leclerc holds off Perez for P2, Tsunoda up to eighth, Ricciardo tenth, Sainz gets Piastri for P5!

Leclerc is keeping Verstappen honest in this early going, he goes for the lead but Verstappen holds him off!

Leclerc went for the move down turn 1 and briefly takes the lead but Verstappen coming back at him, Leclerc holds him off for now!!

In a pincer move, Red Bull are able to get both Verstappen and Perez ahead of Leclerc!

Sainz meanwhile is up ahead of Norris for P4.

(LEC) "The Red Bulls are just so, so quick in these straights, it's impossible here."

(PAD) "Copy, keep pushing."

The pace of the Red Bulls on this straight is significantly, as Leclerc has dropped about 3 and a half back off Perez in P2. Sainz has dropped to Sixth behind Norris and Piastri.

Piastri however has gone ahead of Norris for fourth!

Perez going in front of Verstappen, then concedes the lead back to him, then retakes it, then concedes again. Is Perez competing for the win or is he just giving Max DRS?

(ADA) "You can push, we need you to pick up some pace here."

(SAI) "Copy, copy."

Sainz now battling with Alonso for P6. The race pace of the Ferrari is really struggling here.

(PAD) "Okay Charles, this is a good pace on tyres, continue like this."

Alonso up to P6!

The McLarens, allowing both Piastri and Norris to battle for position. Papaya rules in effect, seemingly.

(SAI) "There is a lot of vibration within the engine."

(ADA) "Okay Carlos, we are checking, manage it best you can in the meantime."

(SAI) "Okay."

Sainz having some engine issues. This could very much be a problem for Ferrari in the Constructors with Red Bull running 1-2.

Lap 11: Verstappen, Perez, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Sainz, Alonso, Ricciardo, Hamilton, Tsunoda

(PAD) "We need you to push now. Perez struggling with his tyres."

(LEC) "Copy, leave me with this."

PITSTOP: Perez in, he's put fresh Softs on, and that's absolutely a two stop strategy. Albon also in, for Mediums. Oh that's a horrific delay for him!

ALBON RADIO "What was that delay?"

Piastri and Norris have pushed and they're right on Leclerc here for second!

Norris has taken P2 from Leclerc! The Ferraris are really, really struggling for pace right now!

PITSTOP: Piastri into the pits!

(SAI) "We are so slow here. We're really struggling."

(SAI) "The gearbox is not resolving guys."

(ADA) "Copy. Do what you can here."

Leclerc up into P1, and with Norris battling for the lead, as Verstappen pits.

PITSTOP: Verstappen also two stopping here as he goes onto the Softs.

Yellow flags waving as Sargeant hits the wall! He's able to continue on, though.

PENALTY: CAR 27 (HÜLKENBERG) Looks like Nico Hülkenberg was the guilty party and sent Sargeant into the wall. He's gotten a five second penalty for his efforts.

(PAD) "And we need to increase tyre management on the next stint. Box, box."

(LEC) "Copy, yeah, box."

Hamilton having issues with his car!

PITSTOP: Leclerc is in! He's been struggling for pace and the two Red Bull's and Norris have caught up. Seems like Leclerc's race is with Norris here. 2.588 and he's away.

(PAD) "So P7 on exit. Next car is Tsunoda, then Sainz."

Leclerc gets Tsunoda for P6!

(ADA) "Our fight isn't with Charles, let him by when you can, please."

Sainz quickly moves aside for Leclerc, who's on a different strategy and of course in the Championship fight.

Lap 22: Verstappen, Perez, Norris, Piastri, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Sainz, Alonso, Russell, Hamilton

Verstappen has a gap of about eight seconds to Perez, and is on fresher Softs. Cannot see any challenge to Verstappen for the win today.

Norris onto Softs and he's very likely stopping again here. Leclerc onto the Mediums and he may well go to the end on those.

Perez having issues with his gearbox! Could this be an open door for Piastri and Leclerc?

(SAI) "This car is so weak here, so f--king weak."

(ADA) "Keep going, watch your mirrors for Ricciardo."

(ADA) "Pit confirm and box."

(SAI) "Happy to box."

Gasly and Magnussen tap wheels! Both continue on as they were, however.

CAR 10 (GASLY) 5 SECONDS, CAUSING A COLLISION

Gasly lands himself a penalty. Down in 18th, very much feels like deckchairs off the Titanic at this point.

PITSTOP: Perez in for his second scheduled stop and he's onto the Mediums. Question is, how far behind Leclerc for P2 will he be?

Bottas misjudged that and clips the wall on lap 30!

(SAI) "I just have absolutely nothing with this gearbox here."

Ricciardo up to P7, ahead of his teammate. He's likely to stop again, though.

Verstappen is 27 seconds up, and would have a free pitstop if he was to stop now.

SARGEANT RADIO "Guys, something happening with the engine!"

Sargeant having major engine issues.

PITSTOPS: Hülkenberg in to serve his five second penalty! Gasly also comes in to serve his.

(PAD) "And you are doing a fantastic job on tyres, Charles, keep it up."

PITSTOP: Verstappen is in from the lead! A quick stop and he's away, returning with a 7 second gap to Leclerc.

Lap 34: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Perez, Tsunoda, Alonso, Ricciardo, Russell, Sainz, Hamilton, Stroll, Ocon, Albon, Sargeant, Hülkenberg, Magnussen, Gasly, Zhou, Bottas

VERSTAPPEN

15 laps remain. Verstappen is 15 seconds ahead of Leclerc and into the distance. Norris four seconds behind Leclerc, Piastri a further four back. Perez four behind him, meaning he's 12 behind Leclerc.

Hamilton gets Sainz for P10! Sainz coming back with DRS though and fakes it back!

(LEC) "What is the gap to P3?"

(PAD) "You have Norris in P3, 3.7. You can push a little more here."

Gasly delays slightly to give his old friend Leclerc DRS, and then moves over for him as he laps him.

Lap 42: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Perez, Alonso, Ricciardo, Russell, Tsunoda, Hamilton

Ricciardo with a beauty of a move to take P7 from Russell!

(PAD) "Gap to Norris now 5.5, go tyre management."

(ADA) "1.2. Try your best."

Lap 46: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Perez, Alonso, Ricciardo, Russell, Tsunoda, Hamilton

Ferrari, seeing that Sainz is struggling, are now trying to steal that fastest lap point away from Verstappen and Red Bull.

In horrific timing though, Hamilton is also having issues with his car.

Perez is pushing Alonso for P5, but his second stint has been very, very poor here.

FINAL LAP

Sainz almost gets Hamilton for P10, but DOES take fastest lap, that's a point off Red Bull!

Max Verstappen however is on the final straight, this is a big win for him in his title challenge, and MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX!!!

(PAD) "And chequered flag, P2!"

(LEC) "Ahhh, happy with that. We didn't quite have the pace of Red Bull, but the strategy was good, I think we maximised the result."

(PAD) "You've done well. P0 please."

Norris P3, Piastri P4

(SAI) "Did we get him on the line there?"

(ADA) "And P11. Very close."

(SAI) "Ah, dammit. Difficult race, we had the issues and that was a problem all day."

(ADA) "We did get fastest lap, that's a point back from Red Bull. Good job under the circumstances."

It gets worse for Red Bull though as Perez is slowing!! Tsunoda gets past him, as does Russell, and Ricciardo, PEREZ'S ENGINE HAS GONE! He will still get two points for P9, but WOW.

2024 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Max Verstappen 01.32.55
2. Charles Leclerc +30.676
3. Lando Norris +6.203
4. Oscar Piastri +3.331
5. Fernando Alonso +29.765
6. Yuki Tsunoda +7.499
7. George Russell +7.499
8. Daniel Ricciardo +6.932
9. Sergio Perez DNF (Final lap, still classified)
10. Lewis Hamilton +1 lap
11. Carlos Sainz +1 lap
12. Lance Stroll +1 lap
13. Alexander Albon +1 lap
14. Esteban Ocon +1 lap
15. Nico Hülkenberg +1 lap
16. Pierre Gasly +1 lap
17. Kevin Magnussen +1 lap
18. Valtteri Bottas +1 lap
19. Logan Sargeant +1 lap
20. Zhou Guanyu +1 lap

TD1.7: Carlos Sainz has been awarded one point due to the fastest lap, due to finishing level with Lewis Hamilton on the line.

(The game has awarded Sainz a point for FL despite finishing 11th)

DRIVER OF THE DAY: Fernando Alonso

A fantastic drive to finish fifth from starting eighth, and holding off Sergio Perez until his engine fault on the final lap. Fernando Alonso is your Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP:
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari 1.44.757

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Max Verstappen, Red Bull 2.251s

2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 17 Weekends

Leclerc 388
Verstappen 295
Sainz 238
Norris 229
Perez 197
Piastri 172
Hamilton 92
Russell 84
Alonso 48
Tsunoda 46
Ricciardo 32
Stroll 19
Albon 1
Gasly 0
Ocon 0
Hülkenberg 0
Magnussen 0
Bottas 0
Sargeant 0
Zhou 0

[foggy locust]

SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2024
WEEKEND PREVIEW

With just seven races to go this season, Formula 1 hits the streets of Singapore for the original night race.

After Max Verstappen won in Azerbaijan by a comfortable distance, he comes into his bogey race with a great opportunity to end the streak of the only race he's never won (asides from China, where Charles Leclerc won earlier this season).

Leclerc however did lower the damage on the two Championship fights with P2 in Baku, albeit a distant one behind Max, and with Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez both experiencing difficulties in Azerbaijan, the Championship remains on a knife edge.

McLaren meanwhile are running out of opportunities to hand Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri their first win, and with the MCL38 showing some pace in Baku, they might fancy their chances here, especially with the ever present danger of the walls potentially catching out Leclerc or Verstappen, or both.

And what adds to that is an incredibly dangerous factor - it is going to rain on Sunday.

Chaos incoming?

SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2024
WEEKEND PREVIEW

With just seven races to go this season, Formula 1 hits the streets of Singapore for the original night race.

After Max Verstappen won in Azerbaijan by a comfortable distance, he comes into his bogey race with a great opportunity to end the streak of the only race he's never won (asides from China, where Charles Leclerc won earlier this season).

Leclerc however did lower the damage on the two Championship fights with P2 in Baku, albeit a distant one behind Max, and with Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez both experiencing difficulties in Azerbaijan, the Championship remains on a knife edge.

McLaren meanwhile are running out of opportunities to hand Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri their first win, and with the MCL38 showing some pace in Baku, they might fancy their chances here, especially with the ever present danger of the walls potentially catching out Leclerc or Verstappen, or both.

And what adds to that is an incredibly dangerous factor - it is going to rain on Sunday.

Chaos incoming?

TEAMS UNIVERSALLY DENY COST CAP REDUCTION

The FIA had tabled a cost cap reduction for the 2025 season, reducing the cap by five million dollars to $134.2m.

Unsurprisingly, all ten teams have voted against this reduction for the 2025 season. The cap will remain at $139.2m for next season.

Voted For: No Teams
Voted Against: Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, RB, Aston Martin, Haas, Williams, Sauber, Alpine

FP1: Antonelli (for Hamilton), Maini (for Ocon), Martins (for Gasly), Iwasa (for Tsunoda), Crawford (for Stroll)

FP1: NOR, PIA, VER
LEC P4, SAI P7

A fantastic start to the weekend for McLaren, who go 1-2, with World Champion Max Verstappen Third and title challenger Charles Leclerc Fourth. Sainz down in seventh, while Kimi Antonelli's FP1 Debut saw him P10.

[brazen wren]

Caught up to real life I see

[foggy locust]

FP2: VER LEC PIA
SAI P6

Verstappen fastest but Leclerc within 2 tenths of the Red Bull, with Piastri Third. Sainz takes sixth behind Perez and Norris.

[foggy locust]

Hahaha they're looking strong round here

FP3: VER LEC SAI

Verstappen ahead of the two Ferraris, who had limited running this FP3. Perez, Piastri and Russell follow.

Stroll and Sargeant both taking penalties this weekend

Well, it is the original night race in Formula 1, and one where qualifying is massively important. A track that's traditionally difficult, albeit not impossible to pass on, so this session will go a long way towards Sunday's podium. Verstappen and Leclerc are the two favourites for Pole, but don't count out McLaren who have looked very quick so far this weekend.

We are Green in Q1!

This might be a track to get a banker on early. Traffic, and the ever threatening possibility of a red flag, are very much in play here.

Leclerc going full purples on his first lap, while Sainz goes P2.

Russell up to third.

Just fourth of four for Fernando Alonso.

Ricciardo, who's future has been the subject of all kinds of rumours this weekend, goes ahead of Alonso.

Max Verstappen of course the subject of FIA issues regarding swearing, has just gone fastest.

Perez into fourth, behind the two Ferraris.

Hamilton slots into eighth.

Piastri into third! McLaren looking supremely quick right now. Norris goes Sixth.

Stroll has struggled all weekend and he's currently in the bottom five!

DRIVER AT RISK: Hülkenberg
Relegation Zone: Bottas, Stroll, Zhou, Ocon, Sargeant

Verstappen going quicker again, now 0.493 ahead of Leclerc.

Zhou up to 15th!

Stroll goes 15th and that knocks Zhou out. But Hülkenberg, Bottas and Ocon are all on fliers.

Bottas up to 13th and he's safe! Stroll is out in Q1!

Magnussen in 15th at risk, Hülkenberg the only one in the bottom five still on a lap, one Haas is going out here...Hulk 12th, Magnussen out!

OUT IN Q1: Magnussen, Stroll , Ocon, Zhou, Sargeant

Q2 is a go!

Leclerc first on the board again, 27.989. Sainz goes within 5 hundredths of his teammate.

Hamilton P3, about a second down.

Alonso 1.5 back, and notnhappy about the pace, or inherent lack of it, in that Aston Martin.

Perez up to P1, ahead of the two Ferraris.

Oscar Piastri also ahead of the two Ferraris and into P2.

Verstappen 0.586 ahead of Perez. That's a statement lap.

(LEC) "What is Carlos doing there?"

(SAI) "Ah, come on, Charles."

Sainz was almost racing Leclerc there, and neither Ferrari driver seemed happy about that. Sainz goes above Leclerc into P4.

DRIVER AT RISK: Tsunoda
Relegation Zone: Ricciardo, Albon, Hülkenberg, Bottas, Gasly

Tsunoda improves to P8, Hamilton at risk! Hamilton hasn't improved, Albon up to P12, now P13 as Hülkenberg is P10, Ricciardo on his flier AND DANIEL RICCIARDO GOES TENTH! He's knocked Lewis Hamilton out of qualifying!!

OUT IN Q2: Hamilton, Hülkenberg, Albon, Bottas, Gasly

Q3 underway! Can anyone stop Max from getting Pole?

(PAD) "And any soft throttle will help with the tyre temps here."

(LEC) "Copy that."

Verstappen goes quickest.

Sainz up to P2, then Leclerc takes it. Leclerc 6 tenths off Verstappen, Max is looking insurmountable here.

Piastri up to P2! He's been on it all weekend here.

Perez into P2.

Q3 AS IT STANDS: Verstappen, Perez, Piastri, Leclerc, Sainz, Russell, Alonso, Ricciardo, Norris, Tsunoda

Verstappen has gone very early here for his final flier. But he's going quicker still. Going to be very hard to top this.

Russell stays Sixth.

Seventh for Tsunoda.

Norris goes sixth, the two Ferraris across the line to begin their final laps. Perez, Leclerc improving, Piastri improving, Leclerc second, Sainz stays fifth! Perez stays Third, Piastri last to cross the line and he's....fourth! It's Pole for Max Verstappen again!!

Q3: Verstappen, Leclerc, Perez, Piastri, Sainz, Norris, Ricciardo, Russell, Tsunoda, Alonso

SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2024
STARTING GRID

VER LEC

PER PIA

LEC NOR

RIC RUS

TSU ALO

HAM HÜL

ALB BOT

GAS MAG

OCO ZHO

STR SAR

Lance Stroll and Logan Sargeant take ten place grid penalties - Stroll Qualified 17th, Sargeant 20th

It is hot, humid and somehow raining here at Singapore, as preparations begin for the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. The first F1 night race, and the toughest conditions of the season, arguably, a real marathon of a race. Max Verstappen has a chance to break the biggest bogey race of his career, but Charles Leclerc has the Red Bull, and potentially the title, in his sights here.

Logan Sargeant and Lance Stroll both take penalties and are on the back row, it's Zhou Guanyu and Esteban Ocon on row nine. Kevin Magnuasen starts alongside Pierre Gasly on row eight, while Valtteri Bottas and Alex Albon are the row ahead. Nico Hülkenberg 12th and Lewis Hamilton a shocking Q2 exit in eleventh, while Fernando Alonso and Yuki Tsunoda start tenth and ninth. George Russell eighth, while Daniel Ricciardo had a great answer to rumours about his future in seventh. It's sixth for Lando Norris alongside old friend and last year's race winner Carlos Sainz, while Oscar Piastri outqualified his McLaren teammate and Sergio Perez, who won this race in 2022, starts Third. The front row is the two Championship challengers, neither of whom have ever won this race. Charles Leclerc, the Championship leader in second, Max Verstappen, the World Champion, on Pole Position.

Starting in the rain here

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Leclerc gets the better start but Verstappen holds the lead, Perez Third, Piastri ahead of Sainz, Ricciardo gets Norris for P6! Hülkenberg ahead of Hamilton!

No DRS though due to the rain!

(PAD) "Tyres are getting very warm, try and cool them as much as you can."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy."

(SAI) "The track is very slippery here."

Leclerc is keeping Verstappen as honest as he can but with the pace of that Red Bull it's going to be very tricky.

BOTTAS RADIO "I lost the sixth gear."

Some issues for Bottas with his gearbox at the moment.

Sainz making the move to put Piastri behind him for P4!

(LEC) "The tyres are getting killed on this first sector."

Norris going for P6 and takes it off Ricciardo!

OCON RADIO "Is all okay with the engine?"

🌧️ The rain is very light here but is likely to stop in the next 15 laps or so. Might make this a two stopper, or a one stopper depending on Hards.

Verstappen starting to build a bit of a lead on Leclerc, that rain definitely helping the Dutchman more than it is the Monegasque driver.

PEREZ INTO THE WALL! He spins off and is that his race over? It isn't, as he's able to get the car going again. But a big mistake that drops him to P6, and he's got a bit of damage for his efforts too

Both Piastri and Norris now pushing Sainz for what is now P3 and that Final podium Place. Papaya rules again, anyone?

Leclerc is within 1.1 of Verstappen. There's the second sector where the Ferrari looks quicker, and the third sector looks stronger for the Red Bull.

(PAD) "At the moment, you are P2. Ahead is Verstappen, gap is 2.2. Behind, we have Carlos, gap to Sainz, 7.7."

(SAI) "What are the lap times for the McLarens"

(ADA) "Piastri 42.398, Norris 42.868. You, 42.704."

(LEC) "We are losing so much time in that final sector."

(PAD) "Copy, understood."

Verstappen now up to 4 seconds ahead of Leclerc. He's finding his 2023 form as we head into the later half of the season.

Piastri into the slipstream and takes third off Sainz!

PEREZ RADIO "I'm running out of battery"

PEREZ

Moments after saying he's having problems with his battery, Perez puts up fastest lap.

Lap 22: Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Norris, Perez, Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Alonso, Russell

(SAI) "This is the best pace I can do right now."

(ADA) "Yeah, stay cool, still in this."

Norris gets the move done for P4 on Sainz!

🌧️ That's the rain off, DRS has been enabled now and ir is drying up very quickly here

(PAD) "Rain is off, box, box."

(LEC) "Copy, box."

Looks like Bottas just braketested Gasly! Gasly is quite frankly furious on the radio.

PITSTOPS: The entire grid is in, BAR Verstappen! Sainz has jumped ahead of Piastri in the pit!

PITSTOP: Verstappen in, but he gets out about 2.6 ahead of Leclerc!

Piastri gets the move done on Sainz once more for P3!

VERSTAPPEN

Verstappen looks way, way too quick here

Lap 32: Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Norris, Perez, Ricciardo, Alonso, Russell, Tsunoda

NORRIS

Norris is pushing a lot, and has just gotten Sainz for fourth. Sainz struggling on the Mediums here.

Lewis Hamilton slowing making his way through the pack. Gets past Tsunoda, Russell and Alonso, albeit on Softs to their Mediums.

There's about seven seconds right now between Verstappen and Leclerc. As it stands, Verstappen will take seven more points out of Leclerc's lead, bringing it down to 86 points with six races (and two Sprints) to go

PITSTOP: Alonso undercutting Russell and Tsunoda. Interestingly, it's the Hards that have gone on.

Minor contact between Tsunoda and Hamilton as Tsunoda takes the place off the seven time Champion!

PITSTOP ERROR: Oh, it is avsolute disaster for Sauber. They double stack, however Zhou, who was in front, takes a MASSIVE delay, delaying both Zhou AND Bottas. They re-enter second last and last respectively.

PITSTOP: Piastri in and switching his Softs for Mediums!

(ADA) "Tyre phase update, how are they feeling?"

(SAI) "Tyres feel quite weak, a lot of graining."

PITSTOP: Russell in and away, and Alonso has successfully undercut the Merc!

PITSTOP: Perez in and he's onto the Hards towards the end of this race.

PITSTOP: Hamilton in and they're having to change his front wing! He must have taken damage off that incident with Tsunoda. He rejoins P12, behind his teammate.

PITSTOP: Ricciardo coming in now from P8. He's onto Mediums and that'll be him till the end.

About 10 seconds between Verstappen and Leclerc. Verstappen has this race won, barring errors, but Leclerc is doing enough in the Championship with this P2.

(ADA) "And pit confirm."

(SAI) "Happy to box."

Ferrari are bringing in Sainz BEFORE Leclerc. This is likely to cover off Piastri and Perez, while Leclerc is likely to undercut Verstappen, but it won't change too much.

(PAD) "Box, box"

PITSTOP: Sainz in and away 2.622 has rejoined in P7, behind Tsunoda, but quickly gets past him.

PITSTOPS: Red Bull have brought Verstappen in first, knowing Leclerc has just pitted behind him!

Perez trying to make a move with Norris, and ended up coming off a lot worse!

(PAD) "And we're going to push for the fastes...you have the fastest lap."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy that."

Leclerc's engineer was in the process of telling the Championship leader to push for the fastest lap, just as Leclerc set the fastest lap.

(ADA) "Let's go hunting, less lift off here, Carlos."

(ADA) "Fighting with Perez, focus on consistency. 1.5."

(ADA) "Lift off in Final corner, Charles has the fastest lap, he needs it for the Championship."

(SAI) "That'll cause me problems with Checo behind though."

Sainz does as asked and holds off on the final corner, but Checo is battling with him and OH MY GOD, SAINZ AND PEREZ COLLIDE!!! BOTH DRIVERS ARE OUT OF THE RACE!!!

(SAI) "What happened there? What happened?"

(ADA) "Are you okay?"

(SAI) "Yeah, but I don't get it."

(PAD) "Box now, Safety Car deployed. Carlos and Perez out."

(LEC) "Are they okay?"

(PAD) "They're both okay. Box now, Box."

Unbelievable scenes. Sainz and Perez collided and their races are over. Leclerc has pit under the SC, Verstappen stays out. Leclerc has held onto P2, and if this race gets restarted, and there is EIGHT laps left...this could be huge.

There's a grand total of SIX lapped cars between Leclerc and Verstappen. This is feeling familiar...Abu Dhabi 21 anyone?

CAR 55 (SAINZ): Looks like Sainz will have a grid penalty for Austin.

(PAD) "They are allowing them to overtake. Be careful with the lapped cars."

Lap 57, under the SC: Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Norris, Russell, Tsunoda, Alonso, Ricciardo, Hamilton, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Albon, Ocon, Sargeant, Gasly, Magnussen, Zhou, Bottas. Perez and Sainz out of the race.

Six laps remaining, they may well let them go after this lap

SAFETY CAR IS IN AND WE ARE GOING MOTOR RACING

Tsunoda has spun off on the restart!! He's just lost a few places!

Now the question is, can Verstappen hold off not just Leclerc, but the two McLarens as well?

MAGNUSSEN IN THE WALL! THAT WAS A HUGE ONE!!!

It's all started now. Magnussen with a huge crash into the wall. Thankfully he's okay, after a moment he's gotten out of the car. But that might have saved this race for Max Verstappen!!!

(LEC) "Are we going to get a restart here?"

(PAD) "Four laps to go, we might get one racing lap if we are lucky."

(LEC) "For f---'s saaaake. pause Is Magnussen okay?"

(PAD) "We think he is okay, yeah, he's okay."

Lap 61, under SC: Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Norris, Alonso, Russell, Ricciardo, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Stroll, Albon, Hülkenberg, Ocon, Sargeant, Gasly, Zhou, Bottas. Magnussen, Perez and Sainz out of the race.

The SC still out. This is how it will end.

UNDER THE SAFETY CAR, MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX AND BREAKS THE DUCK

2024 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Max Verstappen 01.51.40
2. Charles Leclerc +0.142
3. Oscar Piastri +0.203
4. Lando Norris +0.186
5. Fernando Alonso +0.329
6. George Russell +0.154
7. Daniel Ricciardo +0.154
8. Lewis Hamilton +0.557
9. Yuki Tsunoda +0.250
10. Lance Stroll +0.708
11. Alexander Albon +0.470
12. Nico Hülkenberg +0.332
13. Esteban Ocon +1 lap
14. Logan Sargeant +1 lap
15. Pierre Gasly +1 lap
16. Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
17. Valtteri Bottas +1 lap
18. Kevin Magnussen DNF (Classified, completed 90%)
19. Sergio Perez DNF
20. Carlos Sainz DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: Oscar Piastri

A phenomenal drive to outclass his teammate, Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez, Piastri took a superb P3, with a podium and could've had even more if not for the race ending second Safety Car. Oscar Piastri is your Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP:
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1.31.922

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 2.290s

2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 18 Weekends

Leclerc 407
Verstappen 320
Norris 241
Sainz 238
Perez 197
Piastri 187
Hamilton 96
Russell 92
Alonso 58
Tsunoda 48
Ricciardo 38
Stroll 20
Albon 0
Gasly 0
Ocon 0
Hülkenberg 0
Magnussen 0
Bottas 0
Sargeant 0
Zhou 0

2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 18 Weekends

Ferrari 645
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 517
McLaren-Mercedes 428
Mercedes 188
Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT 86
Aston Martin-Mercedes 78
Williams-Mercedes 1
Alpine-Renault 0
Haas-Ferrari 0
Sauber-Ferrari 0

[foggy locust]

ALPINE NAME OLIVER OAKES NEW TEAM PRINCIPAL

Alpine have today announced that Oliver Oakes will be their Team Principal, effective immediately.

After a disastrous start to the season saw Bruno Famin sacked before the British Grand Prix, Alpine have taken their time in naming a new team principal, but have hired Hitech boss Oliver Oakes to take the job.

Oakes will take the job immediately, but is said to be in a "no-pressure situation" for the rest of 2024 and even into 2025.

This is seen by many at the Renault works team to be an appointment "with 2026 in mind."

DANIEL RICCIARDO TO REMAIN AT RB FOR REST OF 2024

Daniel Ricciardo has kept his seat for the rest of the season.

After a strong performance in Singapore, Daniel Ricciardo has been kept on for the rest of the season and it has been said that "discussions would take place regarding 2025" after the transfer embargo is lifted.

Liam Lawson is said to be in contention for a seat at RB in 2025, however if he does not get the seat, he is free to leave the Red Bull family.

[foggy locust]

LECLERC VS. VERSTAPPEN: THE FINAL SIX

We have six races to go in the Formula 1 season, and Charles Leclerc leads Max Verstappen by 87 points, with 180 available. Leclerc has won 11 races this season, with Verstappen winning six. If Verstappen wins the remaining six, he would have more wins than Leclerc. Leclerc needs Verstappen to not win two of the remaining six to own the tiebreaker.

Here's the points available with six races to go.

USA: 180
Mexico: 146
Brazil: 120
Las Vegas: 86
Qatar: 60
Abu Dhabi: 26

FERRARI V RED BULL: THE FINAL SIX

In the Constructors, it's an advantage of 128 points to Ferrari over Red Bull, with 309 still available. Ferrari have 12 wins to Red Bull's 6, but 28 Podiums to Red Bull's 17, so even if Red Bull had both drivers on every Podium remaining, Ferrari would need just two Podiums to own the tiebreaker.

Here's the points available with six races to go.

USA: 294
Mexico: 250
Brazil: 206
Las Vegas: 147
Qatar: 103
Abu Dhabi: 44

[foggy locust]

UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2024
WEEKEND PREVIEW

We head deep into the heart of Texas for this weekend's F1 action and we have just six races to go in this sensational season.

The gap is 87 points between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, while Ferrari have a 128 point advantage over Red Bull, meaning neither Championship can be sealed this weekend coming, even if Ferrari pick up maximum points and Red Bull get nothing.

Verstappen picked up the win under the second Safety Car, and he will have the advantage with the Bulls again, especially considering that both Ferraris will be taking penalties this weekend - Leclerc with a gearbox penalty, and Sainz with a grid penalty for crashing into Sergio Perez at Singapore.

Once again, McLaren look comfortably the third force, and they bring chassis upgrades for this weekend in the attempts to finally get that first win of the season.

The battle for fifth and sixth heats up as Aston Martin have closed the gap on RB in recent weeks, and may fancy their chances of overtaking them this week, they have an advantage.

Haas are also bringing upgrades, and after getting close recently, they want to finally get points in their home Grand Prix. Kevin Magnussen did crash out late in Singapore, however.

This is of course a Sprint weekend, so double chances for points. It's expected to rain on Sunday, adding another potential caveat in the title fights.

FP1 Reserves: Colapinto (Sargeant), Iwasa (Tsunoda), Crawford (Alonso)

(LEC) "Radio check."

(PAD) "The radio is bad, I can't hear you. Please do a radio check when you can?"

(LEC) "Loud and clear."

Albon off at turn 1! That's a huge bump, thankfully he's okay, but the VSC is out in practice!

Sainz has a puncture! He's made it back to the garage, but those Hard tyres have taken some beating this session.

(SAI) "Tyres are gone, tyre is gone."

(ADA) "Get it back to the pits, session is over anyway."

FP1: VER PER ALB
LEC P17, SAI P18

Red Bull go 1-2, as Ferrari focus on long tyre and fuel runs, and social media panics. Alex Albon, despite a crash that ended his practice early, went third fastest.

It is time for the fourth Sprint shootout of the season! A condensed qualifying format to see who will take Pole for the Sprint race. Both Ferraris and Perez have penalties for the race itself, but they won't count here. This could be fascinating.

Green light for SQ1! Much less time and opportunities here, so a lot of drivers getting a banker early.

This is, of course, our first Sprint weekend since Austria back in July, and our fourth of the season. Of the last six races, three are Sprints.

Leclerc P1, Sainz P2. Strong start for the Ferraris.

Sargeant is ahead of Albon, with Albon struggling with the car since his FP1 crash from the seems of things.

Verstappen goes 2 tenths ahead of Leclerc.

Norris into third, splitting the Ferraris.

DRIVER AT RISK: Sargeant
Relegation Zone: Alonso, Zhou, Albon, Gasly, Ocon

Alonso didn't get a good clean first run and he's surprisingly in the bottom five right now.

Alpine are badly, badly struggling. P19 and P20, as it stands.

Sargeant not improving and he's very much remaining at risk.

Gasly up to P17, but he will not get through SQ1. Ocon improving through the first two sectors.

Alonso improves through S1, but not S2, and he is OUT!

Albon up to 13th, knocking teammate Sargeant out!

OUT IN SQ1: Sargeant, Alonso, Ocon, Gasly, Zhou

Green lights for SQ2!

Verstappen already putting up purple sectors and goes quickest.

Sainz second, with Leclerc third.

For a brief moment there, Magnussen was quickest. It was very brief.

DRIVER AT RISK: Tsunoda
Relegation Zone: Stroll, Bottas, Albon, Hülkenberg, Magnussen

Lando Norris the only one not on an outlap right now. Could be problematic if the track ramps up here.

Sainz stays second, Leclerc Third.

Seventh for Hamilton.

Stroll tenth, and at risk!

Tsunoda eighth, so Stroll is out! Ricciardo is at risk!

No improvement for either Haas!

Bottas doesn't improve and he's out!

Albon up to 12th, but Ricciardo survives!

OUT IN SQ2: Stroll, Albon, Hülkenberg, Bottas, Magnussen

SQ3 goes green! Who will take Sprint Pole, can anyone stop Max here?

Sainz quickest, 0.193 ahead of Leclerc! Ferrari might have gone too early here though, will they get another shot at it?

Hamilton up to fourth, Russell eighth

Verstappen quickest, by 0.217 over Sainz. Hard to see that being beaten.

Just eighth for Norris, Fourth for Piastri!

Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Piastri, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Ricciardo, Norris, Perez, Russell

2024 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX
SPRINT GRID

VER SAI

LEC PIA

HAM TSU

RIC NOR

PER RUS

STR ALB

HÜL BOT

MAG SAR

ALO OCO

GAS ZHO

Welcome to the Circuit of the Americas, welcome to Texas, and welcome to the fourth Sprint of this 2024 F1 season. 19 laps of this track, await us.

Zhou Guanyu starts at the back alongside Pierre Gasly, while Esteban Ocon is beside Fernando Alonso who shockingly went out in SQ1. Logan Sargeant starts 16th in his home Sprint, while Kevin Magnussen is 15th for America's Team in their home GP. Valtteri Bottas starts beside Nico Hülkenberg, while Alex Albon had a crash in free practice, but starts twelfth with Lance Stroll eleventh. George Russell and Sergio Perez on the fifth row, with Lando Norris beside old teammate Daniel Ricciardo on row four. Yuki Tsunoda starts sixth with Lewis Hamilton fifth, while Oscar Piastri starts alongside Charles Leclerc on the second row. Carlos Sainz starts ahead of his teammate, and it's Pole Position for Max Verstappen once more.

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

(SAI) "Verstappen pushed me wide, f---'s sake"

(ADA) "Yeah, we saw that."

(PAD) "Sainz will not attack you."

Verstappen comfortably pulling away here in P1. 2 seconds ahead of Leclerc.

(PAD) "So increase pushing status."

Tsunoda makes a mega move on Lando Norris and he's up to fifth!

Daniel Ricciardo just overtook Sergio Perez for P9! Queue the rumours...

Yuki Tsunoda is having a fantastic drive between the two McLarens and he's pushing for P4!

Leclerc and Sainz have just put on some pace and the pressure is now on Verstappen, Leclerc going for the lead and takes it!!

Sargeant tries to dive bomb Ocon and clips him on the way past!

Verstappen retakes the lead from Leclerc! He's then set off to try and make the gap to his title rival!

It's a two second gap between Verstappen and Leclerc. Leclerc meanwhile, dragging teammate Sainz along with DRS, Sainz is making no attempts to attack his teammate for second.

Tsunoda's early charge has faded, as Norris gets him, then Hamilton. Down to P7.

Sargeant has a lock-up and he's off!

PITSTOP: A rare one for a Sprint, as Esteban Ocon damaged his tyres in that incident with Sargeant earlier. Surprisingly though, he's taken on Mediums again? With eight laps to go?

Leclerc has brought the gap down to 1.8, although Verstappen had a better final sector. This seems to be a repeat of Singapore.

Seems like Sargeant took some damage from that incident with Ocon as well, as he's reporting a fault.

And it gets worse for Sargeant, with a massive spin off.

Zhou having ERS issues as well

Lap 15: Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Norris, Piastri, Hamilton, Russell, Perez

Perez gets Tsunoda for P8, having previously overtaken Ricciardo.

Tsunoda now down to tenth, behind his teammate. That early pace is gone.

(LEC) "The tyres are going very quickly here."

(PAD) "Copy understood, bring it home."

Two laps remaining and Verstappen has this won. Three seconds between him and Leclerc.

Max Verstappen has controlled this comfortably despite a challenge from Charles Leclerc midway through, and he comes across the line TO WIN THE UNITED STATES SPRINT!

Nico Hülkenberg runs wide there, but quickly returns to the track.

(PAD) "And chequered flag, So P2, P2."

(LEC) "Good job guys. We maximised that today."

(PAD) "Well managed."

(ADA) "And P3."

(SAI) "Good job, good effort. Thanks guys."

(ADA) "You've done well."

Norris P4, Piastri P5, Hamilton P6, Russell P7, Perez P8.

2024 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX
SPRINT CLASSIFICATION

1. Max Verstappen 00.31.12
2. Charles Leclerc +2.759
3. Carlos Sainz +0.559
4. Lando Norris +6.330
5. Oscar Piastri +3.596
6. Lewis Hamilton +4.928
7. George Russell +3.792
8. Sergio Perez +3.204
9. Daniel Ricciardo +1.656
10. Yuki Tsunoda +4.750
11. Fernando Alonso +2.616
12. Lance Stroll +5.138
13. Alexander Albon +17.953
14. Nico Hülkenberg +1.696
15. Valtteri Bottas +1.091
16. Pierre Gasly +1.107
17. Kevin Magnussen +4.155
18. Esteban Ocon +6.358
19. Zhou Guanyu +4.391
20. Logan Sargeant +10.249

Pausing for now, qualifying and race later today.

[foggy locust]

It is time for qualifying here in Texas, and after Max Verstappen won the Sprint earlier today, his closest challengers in both Ferraris have grid penalties. It's hard to see anything but a Verstappen Pole, but this track has surprised us before, and could again.

Green for Q1!

Leclerc and Verstappen are your first two out on track here.

Leclerc goes fastest initially, 32.477.

Alonso is 1.787 behind Leclerc. Ooft, Aston Martin.

We see that that day of community service is doing Max well. To be fair, he was blocked on the second sector and goes a second down on Leclerc.

Norris up to P2.

And Hamilton slots into P3.

Sainz goes into P2, currently a Ferrari 1-2. It however won't stay that way due to penalties.

Just Sixth for Perez. Has Red Bull's pace fallen off a bit here?

Piastri up to P2!

DRIVER AT RISK: Bottas
Relegation Zone: Magnussen, Hülkenberg, Zhou, Ocon, Gasly

Hülkenberg having issues with his car and that will not help his chances of Q2!

Gasly goes 16th, and that's likely his fate sealed.

Just 16th for Magnussen. Disaster for Haas.

Hülkenberg up to 15th, so Bottas is out, Hulk at risk...

and Ocon goes 13th and that knocks out Hülkenberg!!

OUT IN Q1: Hülkenberg, Bottas, Magnussen, Gasly, Zhou

Whisper it quietly, but we are looking at the FIA's penalty document - no mention of Car 16. Has Leclerc's potential penalty been wiped out?

Green light for Q2!

Stroll up to P3, ahead of Perez. Yeesh.

Sainz with a very quick S2 time and he's now fastest!

Norris might have just helped Perez our a lot here. Norris has a shocker and goes P10, just behind Perez.

DRIVER AT RISK: Norris
Relegation Zone: Alonso, Ocon, Ricciardo, Albon, Sargeant

Verstappen goes quickest ahead of Sainz and Leclerc, who both stayed in the garage and didn't do a second run.

Norris purple through S1! He's up to fourth and safe.

Tsunoda now at risk and Alonso is improving...Alonso 7th and Tsunoda is out!

Stroll now at risk from Albon...

Just 12th from Albon.

OUT IN Q2: Tsunoda, Albon, Ocon, Ricciardo, Sargeant

Q3 is underway! Who will take Pole?

🌥️ Sunset here in Texas as we're well into Q3 now.

Ferrari might have the pace here. Sainz going quickest in S1, Leclerc in S2 so far.

Russell about a second down on Leclerc's initial time.

Sainz however goes quickest of all!

Verstappen slots in ahead of Leclerc, but behind Sainz. Sainz of course has a penalty so that gives Verstappen P1 tomorrow. As it stands, of course.

Norris Fourth, Piastri fifth.

Hamilton goes P4!

Both Ferraris have gone quite early here - going for the clear track, but will that hurt them with track evolution?

Sainz seems to have gotten better track position than Leclerc has on this lap, are the Ferraris going for two laps here?

Sainz stays quickest and Leclerc has gone P2.

Verstappen going quickest through S1 and S2 though. Feels a bit inevitable doesn't it?

And indeed, it's once again Pole for Max Verstappen! Perez goes fourth and he really needed that.

Q3: Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Perez, Hamilton, Piastri, Norris, Russell, Alonso, Stroll

LECLERC GRID PENALTY REMOVED

Charles Leclerc's Championship bid has been given a massive boost after the FIA have decided not to apply a grid penalty for the United States Grand Prix.

Leclerc will start Second, just behind Championship rival Max Verstappen, after Ferrari successfully appealed the FIA's grid penalty decision.

Leclerc is currently 87 points ahead of Verstappen in the Championship going into Sunday.

2024 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

VER LEC

HAM SAI

PIA NOR

RUS ALO

STR TSU

RIC PER

SAR HÜL

BOT MAG

OCO GAS

ZHO ALB

Sainz receives three Place Grid Penalty, Qualified 2nd, however will only move down two as Perez receives 10 Place Grid Penalty, Qualified 4th. He only moves down eight, as Alex Albon receives 10 Place Grid penalty, Qualified 12th and Ocon receives 5 Place Grid Penalty, Qualified 13th.

Welcome to Austin, Texas, and deep in the heart of American football Country, we touchdown for the United States Grand Prix. And it is pouring. Heavily pouring, you can forget about the C4, C3 and C2 tyres, it's all about the Intermediates and potentially even the Wets. Most teams beginning on the INTs though.

Alex Albon takes a huge grid penalty to go to the back alongside Zhou Guanyu, Pierre Gasly is behind Esteban Ocon on the ninth row despite Ocon's penalty, Kevin Magnussen starts 16th despite a nightmare qualifying alongside Valtteri Bottas. Nico Hülkenberg one row ahead of his teammate for America's team and beside America's driver, Logan Sargeant. Sergio Perez has an engine penalty so he starts twelfth alongside Daniel Ricciardo in eleventh, while it's tenth for Yuki Tsunoda and ninth for Lance Stroll. Fernando Alonso just ahead of his teammate with George Russell the row ahead, its an all McLaren Third row with Oscar Piastri just ahead of Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz takes a penalty for crashing into Sergio Perez in Singapore, and lines up beside Lewis Hamilton on row two, and the two title rivals on the front row - Charles Leclerc had a penalty overturned by the FIA so he starts second, and it is Pole once again for Max Verstappen.

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Verstappen holds firm at the start, Leclerc second, Hamilton holds off Sainz for P3, Perez has had a good start and is into the top ten!

OH MY GOD IT IS A SAFETY CAR ON THE FIRST LAP!! OCON LOCKS UP AND PLOWS STRAIGHT INTO HÜLKENBERG!!!

CAR 31 (OCON) - CAUSING A COLLISION

No real surprise there. Ocon locked up and wiped out both himself and Hülkenberg, he'll take a grid penalty, and potentially a components penalty in Mexico. A shame for a driver who was looking quite good in qualifying.

It is green and we are a go!

We're racing again here in Texas on lap 4, Leclerc pushing Verstappen, Hamilton pushing his soon to be teammate.

Leclerc with a beautiful move down the inside and he takes the lead of the race!

LECLERC

Sainz takes P3 off Hamilton!

Leclerc currently dictating the pace of this race here, and defending very well from Verstappen.

Lap 7: Leclerc, Verstappen, Sainz, Piastri, Norris, Hamilton, Alonso, Russell, Perez, Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Stroll, Bottas, Gasly, Sargeant, Magnussen, Albon, Zhou. Hülkenberg and Ocon out of the race.

The two McLarens seem to be pushing their tyres more than Hamilton, and that's shown quickly as Piastri takes P4, then Norris takes P5. They've just swapped however as Norris overtakes Piastri on the final corner!

The two McLarens are battling, so far cleanly.

Zhou with a spin, and he falls to the back of the cars still racing.

Sargeant, currently running P17, having mechanical issues.

Leclerc fighting off Verstappen here for P1, Verstappen trying to make the move and Leclerc gets the slipstream to keep P1!

Leclerc with some superb defending from Verstappen there into turn 1! This is an absolutely fantastic battle!

Hamilton making the move on Piastri and takes P5!

PITSTOP: We have our first of this rainy afternoon, Fernando Alonso pits for new Ints! Perez coming in now too!

On lap 20, Charles Leclerc is doing everything right here. He's defending Verstappen beautifully, and managing his tyres well. I imagine there's definitely a pitstop to come in this race that will likely decide the fate of it, however.

PITSTOP: Piastri seems to have an issue as he comes into the pitlane. He's continuing on, regardless.

WE HAVE A SECOND SAFETY CAR!! And for the second time today an Alpine is involved, Gasly slides off and Albon cannot avoid him! That's both Albon and Gasly out!!

PITSTOPS: Everyone bar Leclerc and Verstappen in, and you feel both will come in here. Piastri however stays out having already pitted. Alonso is stopping a second time, however.

PITSTOPS: Leclerc gets a decent enough stop, but is forced to yield position to Verstappen as Verstappen is into and out of the pits first! Leclerc not happy about losing track position. Is that a race decider?

Lap 26 under the SC: Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Norris, Hamilton, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Ricciardo, Stroll, Perez, Alonso, Magnussen, Bottas, Sargeant, Zhou. Gasly, Albon, Hülkenberg and Ocon are out of the race.

Leclerc makes the move and takes the lead again! And a fastest lap to boot!

Russell with a big lockup and he drops to twelfth!

🌧️ The rain starting to come down even more heavier than before. This race will have rain until the chequered flag - which, coincidentally, we are now halfway through the race.

IT IS A THIRD SAFETY CAR. Tsunoda misjudged that and goes straight into Piastri and that the end of both their races. We have fourteen cars remaining.

PITSTOPS: Magnussen, Sargeant and Zhou all in for fresh Inters.

Talk about an opportunity. Both Alpines are out, so neither of them are scoring, but these three teams badly need points and this is one hell of an opportunity for them to do so.

Our fourth start of this race, we're back underway now.

Leclerc continuing to control the pace here after the third SC. Verstappen very much remaining a threat, however.

Those points chances might be in trouble for the one remaining Haas, as Magnussen is struggling with his car.

Norris catches Sainz napping and takes P3 from him!

Verstappen having serious ERS issues. Although not likely a race ender, that will not help his changes of overhauling Charles Leclerc for this win - or in the Championship. And could lead to a components penalty in Mexico.

Verstappen very angry on the radio there to GP, and this might be a real chance for Leclerc to break away.

PITSTOP: Perez in for the third time today, and as it stands, and it may not last, Valtteri Bottas is into the points!

Power issues causing real problems and Magnussen is the latest.

Add Zhou to that list. At this rate, the points will be decided on who makes it to the end of the race.

Chaos? Chaos.

Zhou takes a spin there and an awful day gets worse for him.

PITSTOP: Bottas comes in, and drops out of the points for now. Magnussen, with a damaged car, currently P10.

PITSTOP: Magnussen boxes, so even despite all the chaos, the top six teams have the points. Hamilton and Ricciardo both in now.

Alonso challenging Perez for P9 right now.

Leclerc lapping a full second quicker than Verstappen on that last go around.

Zhou's engine is alight! Thankfully he's right next to the pitlane, so he pulls in safely and gets out of the car. His race is over, but thankfully he's okay as the fire marshalls extinguish that burning engine.

Meanwhile out on track, Russell gets Sainz and takes fourth away from him!

Bottas runs wide, but seems to have gotten away with it.

Sainz's engine is struggling heavily! He's been told to manage it best he can.

Hamilton takes advantage of an ailing Sainz and takes P5!

Three laps remaining

Leclerc now 7 clear of Verstappen. What a drive this has been.

LAST LAP

It's been a chaotic day in the rain, but in the pouring rain, it has been a real Champion's drive from Charles Leclerc, and it's one that may go a big way towards his first World Championship, CHARLES LECLERC ROUNDS THE CORNER TO WIN THE UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX!!

Ricciardo gets the struggling Sainz for P6

Max Verstappen P2

Norris Third

HAMILTON STEALS FL ON THE LINE

2024 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Charles Leclerc 01.45.06
2. Max Verstappen +8.108
3. Lando Norris + 5.805
4. Lewis Hamilton +11.750
5. George Russell +3.364
6. Daniel Ricciardo +10.704
7. Carlos Sainz +1.616
8. Lance Stroll +7.948
9. Fernando Alonso +2.026
10. Sergio Perez +1.982
11. Valtteri Bottas +40.573
12. Kevin Magnussen +1 lap
13. Logan Sargeant +1 lap
14. Zhou Guanyu DNF
15. Oscar Piastri DNF
16. Yuki Tsunoda DNF
17. Pierre Gasly DNF
18. Alexander Albon DNF
19. Nico Hülkenberg DNF
20. Esteban Ocon DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC

A stunning drive from Charles Leclerc, who controlled the race from start to finish, didn't panic when he lost P1 in the pits, and took it back, defending brilliantly and pulling away at the end. A drive that may go a long way to his first World Championship. Charles Leclerc is your Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP:
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 1.43.447

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Sergio Perez, Red Bull 2.229s

2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 19 Weekends

Leclerc 439
Verstappen 346
Norris 261
Sainz 250
Perez 199
Piastri 191
Hamilton 112
Russell 104
Alonso 60
Tsunoda 48
Ricciardo 46
Stroll 24
Albon 1
Gasly 0
Bottas 0
Ocon 0
Hülkenberg 0
Magnussen 0
Sargeant 0
Zhou 0

2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 19 Weekends

Ferrari 689
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 545
McLaren-Mercedes 452
Mercedes 216
Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT 94
Aston Martin-Mercedes 84
Williams-Mercedes 1
Alpine-Renault 0
Sauber-Ferrari 0
Haas-Ferrari 0

[foggy locust]

MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX 2024
WEEKEND PREVIEW

With just five rounds remaining, both Championships are hotting up and are in the hands of Scuderia Ferrari. A 16 year wait for a first Constructors title and 17 for a first Drivers could come to an end in the next few races.

However, there is still a job to do and it begins in Mexico. Charles Leclerc leads Max Verstappen by 93 points, and even if he took the maximum without Verstappen scoring, he'd be one point shy of securing the title this weekend.

Meanwhile Ferrari lead Red Bull by 144 points, and the first opportunity to secure the title could be Brazil, as it stands, even with taking the maximum this weekend.

We are at that point in the season where teams are taking their grid penalties and that's another factor that could play into this weekend.

Ferrari revert back to their stronger rear wing after not using it in Texas, however Mexico is a track that still suits the stronger RB20 for Red Bull.

Aside from the two title fights, it remains close between Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz for P3 in the Championship, an 11 point gap to Norris. Sergio Perez is just eight ahead of Oscar Piastri, while Lewis Hamilton leads George Russell by eight.

RB are just ten points ahead of Aston Martin in the fight for Sixth, while Sauber, Haas and Williams all came close to points after seven cars retired at COTA, but was that their best opportunity missed?

71 laps of the 4.304km circuit of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez, and this is of course the home circuit of Sergio Perez. With teammate Verstappen involved in the title fight, will Perez play the team game, or go for that elusive home win, which would be his first of the season?

It's going to be a fascinating weekend.

BEGANOVIC, FORNAROLI TO RUN FP1

Dino Beganovic and Leonardo Fornaroli are getting an opportunity in FP1 for Scuderia Ferrari.

Beganovic and Fornaroli have not had the opportunity to run an FP1 session this year, and Ferrari had committed to having two rookies in the car for FP1 to fulfill the FIA Requirements, so they have been selected.

It's likely Ferrari will run one rookie in Las Vegas, likely Ollie Bearman, as well as two in Abu Dhabi - Sophia Flörsch and one of Charlie Wurz or Robert Shwartzmann will likely get the nod for that race.

It's an incredible opportunity for the two young Ferrari Driver Academy members, who will take part in their first FP1 sessions ever. Both competed in Formula 3 this season.

FP1 Reserves: Beganovic (Leclerc), Fornaroli (Sainz), O'Ward (Piastri), Bortaleto (Norris), Hadjar (Perez), Antonelli (Russell), Maini (Gasly), Crawford (Stroll)

FP1: HAD HAM OWA
FOR P4, BEG P6

An impressive showing in the rain for the Reserve drivers as Hadjar goes fastest, and the two young Ferrari drivers are split by Verstappen in P5. Antonelli 13th, just behind Bortoleto.

Gasly has a lock-up and collides into Sainz! No penalties given, surprisingly.

FP2: SAI LEC TSU

Sainz and Leclerc go 1-2, with Tsunoda Third. Verstappen had limited running and goes Fifth.

Penalties this weekend: Verstappen, Tsunoda, Magnussen, Hülkenberg, Ocon, Bottas, Albon, Zhou

FP3: VER PER HAM
SAI P5, LEC P6

Verstappen and Perez complete a Red Bull 1-2 to finish off practice, Ferrari on long runs just behind Piastri in Fourth.

Welcome to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, and it is time for qualifying. An eventful practice with the rain and a lot of reserves yesterday, as well as a coming together of Sainz and Gasly, and then Red Bull running practice earlier today, but it is time for qualifying and this could go anyway. With a lot of penalties coming, could be a very mixed up grid tomorrow.

We are Green for Q1!

A loud cheer from the fans here as Car 11, Sergio Perez, heads onto the track.

Leclerc with the early benchmark, 14.299.

There's about a second between Bottas and Zhou here.

Perez puts down his marker, 0.549 behind Leclerc.

Sainz flying round here and he's 0.021 ahead of Leclerc.

Piastri up to fourth. Norris being given a tow by Ricciardo, and he's up to third.

Fifth for Hamilton.

Stroll up to seventh, ahead of Alonso!

Ricciardo goes 11th.

Hülkenberg then takes 11th off him.

Magnussen goes off at Esses, close to where he crashed here last year!

And Russell is off too! He's off into the wall at Peraltada!

Two yellow flags and Verstappen's lap is compromised, he's currently 17th! This could be a DISASTER for the Championship!

DRIVER AT RISK: Sargeant
Relegation Zone: Ocon, Verstappen, Zhou, Gasly, Russell

Verstappen uses DRS to get into clean air past Russell, who has major damage on his car and might not make it out of Q1. Verstappen goes purple in S1, however.

Verstappen compromised by Ocon there, he does go green in S2, he's across the line to go fastest and he's safe!

However it is not the case for Russell who hasn't improved and he is OUT IN Q1!!

Sargeant is out, he doesn't improve.

Ocon also out as he doesn't improve, all eyes on Gasly...17th. He's out.

OUT IN Q1: Sargeant, Gasly, Ocon, Zhou, Russell

We go green again for Q2!

Kevin Magnussen off at the EXACT same corner, and this time it is enough to end his session! Thankfully okay, but he will start P15. Well, barring penalties for himself and others.

We're a go again in Q2.

Sainz 5 tenths ahead of Leclerc on that first lap. Leclerc had been out during that Red flag, so his tyres were slightly worse, but that's a great confidence booster for Sainz.

Piastri third, 1 second back off Sainz.

Perez slots into P4.

Alonso up to fourth ahead of Perez!

Verstappen quickest through sectors 2 and 3, and splits the two Ferraris.

DRIVER AT RISK: Ricciardo
Relegation Zone: Stroll, Hülkenberg, Albon, Bottas, Magnussen (no time)

Albon goes P8, and now Hamilton at risk!

Hamilton doesn't improve...

But Ricciardo does and Hamilton out in Q2!!!

OUT IN Q2: Hamilton, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Bottas, Magnussen (no time)

Q3 is a go! Who will take Pole?

Sainz 0.005 ahead of Leclerc here, he has been on it all weekend.

Third for Perez for now, displacing Piastri

Verstappen puts up purples across the board to go fastest!

Q3 as it stands: Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Perez, Piastri, Norris, Alonso, Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Albon

Perez purple through S1, Verstappen goes purple, Sainz green, Leclerc yellow. Perez stays Fourth! Verstappen not improving through S2, neither is Sainz, Verstappen goes quicker in S3, Sainz stays Second and Leclerc Third! Sainz will inherit Pole! BUT HANG ON, Daniel Ricciardo just went quickest in S1! Norris up to fifth, Alonso stays seventh and Ricciardo moves up to seventh!

Q3: Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Perez, Norris, Piastri, Ricciardo, Alonso, Tsunoda, Albon

2024 MEXICAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

SAI LEC

PER NOR

PIA RIC

ALO HAM

VER STR

TSU SAR

GAS ALB

HÜL BOT

MAG RUS

OCO ZHO

:Penalties:
Verstappen, 10 places, initially Qualified 1st

Tsunoda, 3 places, initially Qualified 9th

Albon, 8 places, initially Qualified 10th

Hülkenberg, 5 places, initially Qualified 13th, Magnussen 5 places, initially Qualified 15th

Bottas, 5 places, initially Qualified 14th, Zhou, 5 places, initially Qualified 19th

Ocon, 3 places, initially Qualified 18th

Taking a break for dinner, back later for the race!

[foggy locust]

Welcome to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, named for Ricardo and Pedro Rodriguez. Our 24th time racing here in a World Championship race, and a carnival atmosphere for this race around the 4.304km circuit, the third shortest on the calendar. The home fans hoping for a Checo victory, and he's on the second row, but he'll have to get past the two Ferraris first, and how will Max Verstappen play into it from P9. The C5, C4 and C3 in play, and likely a two stopper.

Zhou Guanyu drops to the very back alongside Esteban Ocon as both take penalties, George Russell crashed in Q1 so he starts eighteenth with Kevin Magnussen having two crashes in qualifying and a penalty to start 17th. Valtteri Bottas and Nico Hülkenberg both on penalties on row eight, Alex Albon made Q3 but doesn't get to enjoy it due to a penalty so he's 14th with Pierre Gasly 13th. Logan Sargeant lines up 12th with Yuki Tsunoda dropping to eleventh with a penalty. Lance Stroll starts tenth while Max Verstappen won qualifying but has his lowest start of the year due to a penalty. Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso on the fourth row, while Daniel Ricciardo has his highest start of the year next to compatriot Oscar Piastri. Lando Norris just behind Sergio Perez who starts 3rd here in his home race, and it's a Ferrari 1-2 to start the race, Charles Leclerc lining up just behind Carlos Sainz, who inherits Pole from Max Verstappen.

Sainz away well, Perez challenging Leclerc and steals P2 from him! A great start for Perez and redemption after he crashed into Leclerc at the same corner this time last year! Verstappen up to P8, but Leclerc goes back around Perez for P2!

No team orders as of yet from Ferrari, we will see if that changes. Leclerc is very much in the title fight and has a great opportunity however, but he's going to have to earn it for now.

Leclerc has very much just taken that on as a challenge, and takes the lead away from his teammate!

Sergio Perez is battling well with Oscar Piastri for P3, but both are currently well back from Leclerc and Sainz.

Leclerc still holding the lead from Sainz, we wait to see if there's any team orders.

Ferrari now in a position where Leclerc needs the points more, have walked back the "free to race", and installed team orders.

Verstappen up to Sixth, having passed Alonso. With Ferrari installing team orders, it will be very interesting to see if Red Bull do the same, should Verstappen reach Perez over the course of this race. Six seconds, and two Papayas, between the World Champion and his teammate.

No such team orders at Aston Martin, and Stroll overtakes his teammate!

Oscar Piastri up to P3! A very daring move by Piastri on Perez, and the home fans didn't enjoy that one, but McLaren certainly will have!

Quite a good back and forth between Perez and Piastri, as Perez retakes third and the home fans loved that one!

Lap 12: Leclerc, Sainz, Perez, Piastri, Norris, Verstappen, Hamilton, Stroll, Tsunoda, Alonso, Ricciardo, Hülkenberg, Russell, Magnussen, Albon, Bottas, Sargeant, Gasly, Ocon, Zhou

Daniel Ricciardo started P6 and is really struggling for pace, and confidence here. He's dropped to twelfth and George Russell is threatening in P13.

Norris overtakes Piastri for fourth, and now he's pushing Perez for third. The two Ferraris are miles ahead though in a 1-2.

Red Bull are really, really struggling with the tyres! Both Verstappen and Perez reporting issues.

Norris and Piastri have absolutely taken advantage of that and Norris is up to third, with Piastri Fourth!

It's been a rough weekend for Kevin Magnussen. He locks up and goes off, he's down to P18.

PITSTOP: Perez the first car in! We're about to see how powerful that undercut is around here.

PITSTOP: Piastri in from P4, is he going to undercut his own teammate?

PITSTOP: Ricciardo slowed down by the jack, that took far too long!

PITSTOPS: Leclerc, Verstappen and Hamilton all in! Leclerc rejoins in P3, Verstappen in P8 behind his teammate, Hamilton P10.

PITSTOP: Sainz pits and rejoins in P3, he's about a second behind Leclerc now.

PITSTOP: Norris in from the lead of the race! Leclerc and Sainz roar past, and Piastri is past him too, as is Perez - maybe crucially though, Norris beats Verstappen out of the pits!

Lap 22: Leclerc, Sainz, Piastri, Perez, Norris, Verstappen, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Russell, Ocon

Zhou cuts that corner, and gets a warning for track limits, but that maybe saved him a little time.

Leclerc getting a boost with DRS off the backmarkers of Zhou and Magnussen.

PITSTOP: Ocon in from tenth, rejoins in 17th

Perez locks up and goes off! He's hurt his tyres there and is now in danger from Norris!

And Norris does indeed make that count for P4!

Unbelievable. Kevin Magnussen has crashed in the exact same point as last year, for the THIRD time this weekend, and he is out of the race. A miserable, miserable weekend for the Danish driver.

We are Green and we are racing!

SAINZ

Norris and Perez currently trading positions with DRS!

Norris putting on some pace, he's chasing his teammate for that third and final podium spot.

Not sure there's a driver unluckier than Zhou Guanyu right now. He's having issues for the second consecutive weekend - has done for most the season.