Has to be said, George Russell is having an impressive day. He's running P8, having started 18th.
#Essere Ferrari II
foggy locust
PITSTOP: Sergio Perez pits for the second time...and goes onto the Softs. There's about half the race distance left, and he was on Hards. You have genuinely got to question Red Bull's strategy here.
Sainz has brought Leclerc's lead down to about 3.1 here.
That's the end of Zhou's race, as he pulls into the pit with a broken gearbox. A second consecutive mechanical failure in as many races.
Lap 40: Leclerc, Sainz, Norris, Verstappen, Piastri, Perez, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Russell, Ricciardo, Alonso, Stroll, Albon, Bottas, Ocon, Hülkenberg, Gasly, Sargeant. Zhou and Magnussen are out of the race.
Ocon slides into Hülkenberg! Both cars are able to continue, looks like Ocon has slight damage off that though.
Max Verstappen gets the move done for P3 on Lando Norris! Damage limitation for Verstappen right now!
Verstappen could very well be going to the end here.
PITSTOP: Norris trying to undercut Verstappen here, he's in, and rejoins P6.
PITSTOP ISSUE: Tsunoda has an issue as the team cannot get his rear tyre off!
PITSTOPS: Sainz and Piastri in. Sainz rejoins P4, Piastri P6.
PITSTOPS: Leclerc in from the lead, and Verstappen comes in as well, and Sergio Perez leads the Mexican Grand Prix!!
Norris' undercut has worked on Verstappen, as he is currently P4 with Verstappen P5. I'll be shocked if Perez doesn't make another stop as his tyres are wrecked here.
Sainz is right behind his teammate once more, but Ferrari seem content on keeping team orders in place. Both now challenging Perez for P1 here!
Ferrari pull off the double pincer move perfectly, as Leclerc goes down the left of Perez and Sainz the right, and we once again have the Ferrari 1-2!
PITSTOP: Perez is in! Going onto the...Mediums, again you really have to question Red Bull on this one, wouldn't Mediums to Softs have made more sense?
Lap 54: Leclerc, Sainz, Norris, Verstappen, Piastri, Perez, Hamilton, Russell, Tsunoda, Alonso, Ricciardo, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Albon, Bottas, Gasly, Ocon, Sargeant. Zhou and Magnussen are out of the race.
LECLERC
Verstappen hunting down Norris and putting the pressure on him for P3! This could be big for the Championship with just 12 laps to go here.
Leclerc now four seconds ahead of Sainz for P1.
Verstappen with DRS and passes Norris with ease on the main straight! He's got under nine seconds to make up on Sainz and about 11 laps to do it...
Lap 64: Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, Perez, Hamilton, Russell, Tsunoda, Alonso
Verstappen is significantly gaining on Sainz for a potential P2. Those extra points are utterly crucial for both him and Leclerc here.
ALPINE ON ALPINE VIOLENCE. Ocon tries to overtake his teammate and clips him, sending them both off!
Two laps to go here
Leclerc is comfortably in front and barring disaster is on for his thirteenth victory of the season. Verstappen about three second behind Sainz.
Lando Norris, trying to lap Logan Sargeant, ends up misjudging it and goes straight into him!
CAR 2 (SARGEANT) - 5S - CAUSING A COLLISION
CHARLES LECLERC ROUNDING THE LAST CORNER AND CHARLES LECLERC WINS THE MEXICAN GRAND PRIX!!! HIS THIRTEENTH WIN OF THE YEAR!
Focus immediately shifts to the battle for P2 however as Verstappen is RIGHT ON Sainz, but can Verstappen get the move done in the last few corners?
AND SAINZ HOLDS OFF VERSTAPPEN FOR P2! IT IS A 1-2 FOR THE SCUDERIA, AND HOW BIG IS THAT IN BOTH TITLE FIGHTS?
Piastri just behind Norris as the McLarens finish 4-5
Perez P6 and he gets applause from the home fans. Hamilton, Russell, Tsunoda and Alonso round off the points.
2024 MEXICAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Charles Leclerc 01.37.42
- Carlos Sainz +13.939
- Max Verstappen +0.124
- Lando Norris +18.742
- Oscar Piastri +0.463
- Sergio Perez +2.484
- Lewis Hamilton +15.506
- George Russell +12.441
Yuki Tsunoda +1 lap
Fernando Alonso +1 lap- Daniel Ricciardo +1 lap
- Lance Stroll +1 lap
- Nico Hülkenberg +1 lap
- Alexander Albon +1 lap
- Valtteri Bottas +2 laps
- Pierre Gasly +2 laps
- Esteban Ocon +2 laps
- Logan Sargeant +2 laps 5s
- Zhou Guanyu DNF
- Kevin Magnussen DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: MAX VERSTAPPEN
A valiant effort to come back from a grid penalty to take the final step on the podium and mitigate the damage od the title fight. Max Verstappen is your Driver of the Day!
FASTEST LAP:
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1.16.383
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Sergio Perez 2.282s
2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 20 Weekends
Leclerc 465
Verstappen 361
Norris 273
Sainz 268
Perez 207
Piastri 201
Hamilton 118
Russell 108
Alonso 61
Tsunoda 50
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 20 Weekends
Ferrari 733
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 568
McLaren-Mercedes 474
Mercedes 226
Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT 96
Aston Martin-Mercedes 85
Williams-Mercedes 1
Alpine-Renault 0
Sauber-Ferrari 0
Haas-Ferrari 0
foggy locust
FIA ANNOUNCE TRANSFER EMBARGO TO END AFTER ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
The FIA have announced that the ten teams can negotiate new deals for the 2025 season at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
After some controversy involving teams trying to tamper with contracts and a general breakdown of the system, the FIA imposed a transfer embargo, which meant all contracts were frozen for an unspecified amount of time.
The FIA have today announced the introduction of a two month transfer window, that will end at the end of January, to allow teams to sign drivers and new staff members.
Uniquely, this means that teams may not have confirmed their driver lineup for 2025 until just before pre-season testing next February in Bahrain.
foggy locust
SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX 2024
WEEKEND PREVIEW
With just four rounds to go of this Formula 1 season, it is the first Championship point for Charles Leclerc and Ferrari.
Both titles can be clinched by the Scuderia this weekend, over the course of the Sprint and the race itself. To keep the Championships alive, Max Verstappen must outscore Charles Leclerc by 18 points over the course of the weekend, while Red Bull must outscore Ferrari by the same total.
The title has been decided six times in Interlagos - Fernando Alonso won both of his World Championships here in 2005 and 2006. The last man so far to win a World Championship for Ferrari - Kimi Raikkonen - won his maiden, and only, World Championship here in 2007. Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc's teammate for next season, of course famously won the Championship here in a McLaren in 2008 with an overtake on Timo Glock - "is that Glock?" to deny Ferrari's Felipe Massa in 2008. Jenson Button clinched his maiden title over Brawn teammate Rubens Barichello in his home country in 2009. And 2012 saw Sebastian Vettel take his third title over Fernando Alonso here in 2012 under controversial circumstances, finishing under the Safety Car. Of course, the final race has since moved to Abu Dhabi, limiting the opportunities for a Championship winner, but Charles Leclerc now has the opportunity to become the sixth driver (with Alonso doing it twice) to win a World Championship in Brazil.
Elsewhere, there are close battles between Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz for P3, Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri for P5, and RB versus Aston Martin for fifth in the Constructors, but none of those can be decided today. The title can.
Alonso, Raikkonen, Hamilton, Button, Vettel...Leclerc?
Of course it's a Sprint weekend, which means two qualifying sessions
FP1 Reserve: Crawford (Stroll)
With it being a Sprint weekend, only Aston Martin have decided Stroll doesn't need practice, apparently
Sargeant goes off at the Senna S in FP1
Ricciardo runs wide on Descida do Lago
FP1: NOR VER PIA
SAI P4, LEC P5
Norris goes quickest over Verstappen and Piastri. Sainz just ahead of Leclerc.
Welcome to Interlagos, and there's a good reason we regularly go Sprinting around these parts. A favourite of the fans, of course we famously had Kevin Magnussen's Pole here two years ago on a Qualifying Friday, can we have some more of that magic? In a weekend that could decide the destiny of both Championships, we begin here.
We go green for SQ1!
Ferrari wasting little time as both Leclerc and Sainz heading out early, and I suppose we should be used to this by now.
Sainz quicker than Leclerc through that first sector, in fact the first two. Leclerc goes 08.324, Sainz up 0.503!
Ocon goes 1.754 behind Sainz.
Bottas about 3.382 back!
Magnussen, who had that famous Pole in 2022, spins off at Junção! Its going to be a big ask for him now.
Alonso also runs wide at Junção! The two time Champion won both of his titles here but is struggling right now.
Verstappen quickest, 0.316 ahead of Sainz.
Norris into Third.
Leclerc reduces the gap to 0.187. Champion elect?
Alonso heading out for another try. He's P15, Stroll P17. The fall off from Aston Martin from the start of 2023 needs to be studied.
DRIVER AT RISK: Alonso
Relegation Zone: Ricciardo, Stroll, Bottas, Tsunoda, Magnussen
The good news for Aston Martin is their closest rivals in the Championship, RB, seem to be struggling here too.
Gasly into the top ten. TSUNODA PURPLE SECTOR. Alonso stays 15th, Magnussen improving, Bottas goes TENTH! TSUNODA THIRD!!! Hülkenberg and Alonso both out in SQ1! Ricciardo 12th, just 18th for Stroll, Zhou out, Ocon survives!
Tsunoda, two purple sectors. Incredible lap.
OUT IN SQ1: Zhou, Hülkenberg, Stroll, Alonso, Magnussen
SQ2 is a go!
The two Championship contenders sending both drivers out here early.
Sainz runs wide and into the grass! However it was on his outlap so he seems to have gotten away with it.
Leclerc up to P1, Sainz P2.
Just P3 for Verstappen while Ricciardo goes ahead of Perez!
Tsunoda ninth this time around so far.
DRIVER AT RISK: Albon
Relegation Zone: Ocon, Sargeant, Hamilton, Gasly, Bottas
Hamilton at risk here, in fact most the field out on fliers right now, bar the top five.
Hamilton goes Sixth and he's safe. Russell up to fifth. Albon eleventh and he's out. Tahnoda seventh, Ocon stays twelfth, no improvement from Gasly or Bottas and that's that.
Albon, Ocon, Sargeant, Gasly, Bottas
This is likely going to be a one shot qualifying.
Norris goes quickest early!
Just second and third for Perez and Verstappen, and they'll be on used tyres!
Leclerc and Sainz have gone out later than the rest here.
P2 for Sainz, P5 for Leclerc! Ferrari going again here though.
SQ3: Norris, Sainz, Perez, Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Hamilton, Russell, Tsunoda, Ricciardo,
Sainz stays P2, Leclerc stays P5! Not ideal for his Championship hopes here!
Perez doesn't improve, Verstappen goes quickest!!
Norris takes second but cannot get past Verstappen!
SQ3: Verstappen, Norris, Sainz, Perez, Leclerc, Piastri, Hamilton, Russell, Tsunoda, Ricciardo
2024 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
SPRINT GRID
VER NOR
SAI PER
LEC PIA
HAM RUS
TSU RIC
ALB OCO
SAR GAS
BOT ZHO
HÜL STR
ALO MAG
Welcome to Sao Paulo and to the fifth of six Sprints this season! Clear skies above as we have 100km from the lights to the flag, and 24 laps to decide the fate of this Sprint! It's advantage Verstappen as he needs every point he can get over Leclerc going into tomorrow.
Kevin Magnussen starts at the very back today alongside Fernando Alonso, while Lance Stroll and Nico Hülkenberg are a row ahead of their teammates. The two Saubers of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu on row eight, while Pierre Gasly starts alongside Logan Sargeant on row seven, and their teammates Esteban Ocon and Alex Albon are the row ahead. Daniel Ricciardo just behind Yuki Tsunoda on row five, while the two Mercedes take up row four. Oscar Piastri starts sixth with Charles Leclerc, who could become Champion this weekend, starting fifth. Sergio Perez begins fourth, with Carlos Sainz Third, while Lando Norris is on the front row with Max Verstappen on Pole Position for this Sprint.
Going into the lights, Max Verstappen needs to gain 18 points on Charles Leclerc, Red Bull need to gain 18 points on Ferrari over the course of these two races.
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Max Verstappen holds firm but Carlos Sainz overtakes Lando Norris, in fact Norris has lost two positions on the opening lap! Charles Leclerc stays Fifth, make it three places lost for Norris on the first lap as Leclerc overtakes him in the last corner!
Carlos Sainz overtakes Max Verstappen for P1! And that is huge for not only him but his teammate!
Leclerc chasing Perez for P3
Leclerc gets the move done for P3!
AS IT STANDS: Ferrari would gain 2 points on Red Bull, which means Red Bull would need 20 more than Ferrari tomorrow.
Verstappen gains 1 on Leclerc, which means Verstappen would need 17 more than Leclerc tomorrow.
Lap 6: Sainz, Verstappen, Leclerc, Perez, Norris, Piastri, Russell, Hamilton
Norris gets the move done on Perez for P4! Both benefitting from the DRS behind Leclerc right now.
And Norris makes the move for P3!
Alonso, running P16, having some engine issues here.
Verstappen has caught up to Sainz and retakes the lead of the Sprint!
AS IT STANDS:
Verstappen gains 3 on Leclerc, which means Verstappen would need 15 more than Leclerc tomorrow.
Leclerc takes P3 back from Norris and it once again is a 16 point differential!
Sainz up to P1 again! Sainz doing his teammate a massive favour right now!
Lap 14 and Verstappen overtakes Sainz just as Perez overtakes Leclerc!
Norris gets ahead of Perez and Leclerc in short order there!
Piastri ahead of Hamilton for P6!
Meanwhile Ricciardo overtakes Russell and is into the points!
Sainz up to P1! That's a big help for himself and for Leclerc!
Sainz's tyres dropping off here and Verstappen snatches P1 back!
But Sainz continues to battle, he's back to first!
Three laps remain
Leclerc going DOWN THE INSIDE OF BOTH NORRIS AND PEREZ, WHAT A MOVE BY CHARLES LECLERC!
Perez back ahead of Leclerc!
FINAL LAP
Leclerc has DRS and has third back!!!
But the tyres are slipping and Norris overtakes him, as does Perez!!!
BUT CARLOS SAINZ ROUNDS THE FINAL CORNER, HE IS HOLDING OFF VERSTAPPEN TO WIN THE SAO PAULO SPRINT!!
Norris P3, Perez P4, Hamilton P6, Piastri P7, Ricciardo P8.
2024 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
SPRINT CLASSIFICATION
- Carlos Sainz 00.29.04
- Max Verstappen +0.099
- Lando Norris +7.809
- Sergio Perez +0.655
- Charles Leclerc +0.076
- Lewis Hamilton +8.060
- Oscar Piastri +0.549
- Daniel Ricciardo +0.455
- George Russell +0.058
- Yuki Tsunoda +16.076
- Fernando Alonso +5.751
- Alexander Albon +0.941
- Valtteri Bottas +11.531
- Logan Sargeant +1.108
- Zhou Guanyu +0.657
- Lance Stroll +0.290
- Nico Hülkenberg +0.290
- Kevin Magnussen +0.676
- Esteban Ocon +0.281
- Pierre Gasly +1.042
foggy locust
PERMUTATIONS FOR SUNDAY:
Charles Leclerc leads Max Verstappen by 101 points, and owns the race tiebreaker. Max Verstappen must therefore outscore Charles Leclerc by 16 points.
If Leclerc finishes ahead of Verstappen:
Leclerc is Champion.
If Verstappen finishes first with the FL:
Leclerc must finish 4th or above to clinch the title.
If Verstappen finishes first without the FL:
Leclerc must finish 5th or above to clinch the title.
If Verstappen finishes second with the FL:
Leclerc must finish 8th or above to clinch the title.
If Verstappen finishes second without the FL:
Leclerc must finish 10th or above to clinch the title.
If Verstappen finishes third or below:
Leclerc is Champion.
foggy locust
Welcome to Interlagos and it is Qualifying Saturday, and we could be on for a potential title decider. Six times, the greatest prize in motorsport has been won here, can it be seven this weekend? First, we go qualifying, which may have a long way to deciding that.
Q1 goes Green!
Both title challengers, Leclerc and Verstappen, are out on track right now.
Leclerc goes 07.609 for Q1. Sainz heading out there now.
Verstappen finds himself 0.131 behind Leclerc!
Sainz looking very quick round here, could this be a caveat to this weekend?
Sainz goes fastest, 0.076 ahead of Leclerc.
Perez into P4, he's four tenths off his teammate.
An impressive P7 for Bottas at the moment
George Russell locks up at Esse and he's into the barrier! He's out of the car, unhurt but the 2022 race winner will start at the back of the grid!
With 9 mins and 17 seconds remaining in this session, we resume qualifying.
Norris into fourth, while Piastri goes seventh.
Albon just 15th, not a great lap for him.
Tenth for Hamilton.
DRIVER AT RISK: Magnussen
Relegation Zone: Albon, Gasly, Zhou, Hülkenberg, Russell (no time)
Zhou and Gasly don't improve so they're out. Magnussen at risk and he doesn't improve. Albon doesn't do enough and he's out...Hülkenberg cannot knock his teammate out!
OUT IN Q1: Hülkenberg, Albon, Zhou, Gasly, Russell
Q2 goes Green!
Sainz out early, not Leclerc there.
Both Norris and Piastri out there early.
As are both Astons.
Hamilton and Bottas also trying to set times here.
Sainz quickest this time, 08.221.
Stroll goes 0.644 behind Sainz.
Norris goes quickest! 07.891!
Hamilton up to P2, also ahead of Sainz!
Leclerc goes top, 0.220 ahead of the pack. Statement of intent from the Champion-elect.
Just Fifth for Perez, not a great run for him. Verstappen nearly gets wiped out by Piastri!
Verstappen 0.027 behind Leclerc!
Tsunoda wide there at Laranjinha
DRIVER AT RISK: Stroll
RELEGATION ZONE: Tsunoda, Sargeant, Bottas, Ocon, Magnussen
Sainz up to P3 and is safe. Leclerc doesn't improve, Verstappen goes fastest! Stroll tenth and at risk, Ocon out, Bottas doesn't improve, Magnussen out, Sargeant out, Tsunoda ninth and knocks Stroll out!
OUT IN Q2: Stroll, Sargeant, Ocon, Bottas, Magnussen
Q3 is a go!
Sainz wide on Descida do Lago! That's probably compromised his lap!
Leclerc 07.761, about a second fastest than his teammate.
Norris into second, four tenths down.
Tsunoda third, 9 tenths down.
And Perez goes into Third!
Alonso fourth.
Verstappen into top spot, 0.121 ahead of Leclerc!
Fifth for Ricciardo.
Hamilton goes up to fourth, 5 tenths down.
Piastri third! Great lap from him!
Q3 AS IT STANDS: Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Norris, Hamilton, Perez, Ricciardo, Alonso, Tsunoda, Sainz
Final laps beginning now. Norris first to complete and he's up to third. Verstappen goes purple on the third sector of his outlap! Tsunoda up to fifth. Perez just seventh! Sainz takes Fourth, Piaatri fifth, Alonso ninth, Ricciardo tenth, Leclerc doesn't improve and Verstappen does, it is POLE FOR MAX VERSTAPPEN AGAIN
Q3: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Sainz, Piastri, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Perez, Alonso, Ricciardo
CAR 10 (Gasly) to take grid penalty
2024 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
VER LEC
NOR SAI
PIA TSU
HAM PER
ALO RIC
STR SAR
OCO BOT
MAG HÜL
ALB ZHO
RUS GAS
Gasly takes 10 Place Grid Penalty, initially Qualified 19th.
Welcome to Interlagos and to race day, and 71 laps of this 4.309km circuit separate the Drivers from the chequered flag, and perhaps Charles Leclerc from the World Drivers' Championship. In fact both titles can be secured this weekend, if Ferrari finish within 18 points of Red Bull, they will lock up the Constructors as well. And as it stands, they'll do just that, but there is a long way between here and the flag.
Pierre Gasly starts at the very back due to a penalty, with George Russell beside him. Zhou Guanyu begins in 18th, with Alexander Albon 17th, the two Haas Drivers of Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg the row ahead. Valtteri Bottas lines up beside Esteban Ocon on row seven, while Logan Sargeant starts twelfth alongside Lance Stroll. It's Daniel Ricciardo and Fernando Alonso on the fifth row, Sergio Perez starts eighth and at a big disadvantage in the Constructors with both Ferraris ahead. Lewis Hamilton seventh, then Yuki Tsunoda and Oscar Piastri on the third row. Old teammates Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris begin third and fourth, and the two Championship contenders begin 1-2, Charles Leclerc starts second, while Max Verstappen starts on Pole.
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Verstappen holds firm at the start, Leclerc is challenging him but Sainz uses the opportunity to challenge Leclerc for P2!
Ocon running very wide at Junção!
Sainz gives Leclerc DRS and then moves aside, some great teamwork by the Ferraris!
And Leclerc uses that to take the lead off Verstappen!!
Ferrari's race pace looking good here. Sainz gets past Verstappen for P2!
Hülkenberg with a huge lockup and slides off at the Senna S! Nearly takes Russell with him!
DRS is proving very strong here, but Sainz currently defending Verstappen and keeping him behind both himself and Leclerc! Sone excellent teamwork by Leclerc and Sainz right now!
Verstappen finds a way past Sainz, then manages to get through to the lead!
Leclerc pulls off the ol' Switcheroo to take the lead of this race!
Alonso struggling on the Hards right now, and has dropped back down to P11, behind his teammate!
Verstappen up to P1 again! He's doing all he can here, but with Leclerc sitting P2, his grip on the World title is slipping!
And Leclerc retakes P1!
Perez meanwhile doing his best for the team, he's up to P4!
Piastri meanwhile grabs fifth from his teammate!
Lap 13: Leclerc, Verstappen, Sainz, Perez, Piastri, Norris, Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Stroll
Leclerc retakes P1 from his teammate.
Verstappen up to P2, but his teammate is now in the mix! Perez has caught up to the front three!
Verstappen goes down the inside of Leclerc for the lead, while Perez is up to P3!
PITSTOP: Sainz is the first in for new Mediums, but he has a delay!! He's held up and that's left Leclerc against the two Red Bulls!
Within seconds of each other, Russell and Ocon are having issues!
PITSTOP: Leclerc undercutting the two Red Bulls here! 2.457, no mistake for the Ferrari pit crew this time!
Leclerc ahead of Stroll, while Sainz does exactly what he's asked and lets his teammate by.
AS IT STANDS:
LEC 481 VER 393
Leclerc is doing enough as it stands for the Championship.
Red Bull are doing enough to keep the Constructors alive as it stands.
PITSTOP: Perez rejoins in P3, meaning Leclerc's undercut of him didn't work! Verstappen staying out though, is he planning a one stop?
Lap 27: Verstappen, Hamilton, Perez, Leclerc, Sainz, Norris, Tsunoda, Ricciardo, Alonso, Piastri
Verstappen is staying out! Looks like he is committing to the one stop here!
PITSTOP: Verstappen in on Lap 30! He is indeed onto the Hards!
Meanwhile out on track, Leclerc puts up the FL and goes ahead of Perez for P1!
Verstappen rejoins in P6, and with Leclerc ahead of him, as it stands, Leclerc and Ferrari both clinch the titles today.
Norris goes up to P4, ahead of Sainz!
Sainz retaking P4. It's likely both will pit again here, as Verstappen is looming in on both.
Leclerc overtakes his future Ferrari teammate for P2! It doesn't look like Hamilton put up much of a fight there.
Meanwhile Verstappen makes more difficult work of Sainz and Norris, but he's up to P4.
PIASTRI
Lap 36: Perez, Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris, Sainz, Ricciardo, Piastri, Tsunoda, Alonso
Verstappen up to P3 here.
AS IT STANDS: LEC 487 VER 383
Sainz ahead of Hamilton, who is really struggling now on the Hards.
Leclerc now closing in on Perez and the lead of the race here.
PITSTOP: Hamilton in! He's got new Mediums and that might be him to the end of the race.
Leclerc rounds Perez and he's into the lead again!
PITSTOP: Sainz in and gets 2.439, but is held up by Sargeant coming out of the pits a lap down!
Sainz onto the Hards, and rejoins in P7, but now has Hamilton to deal with!
PITSTOP: Perez in there, rejoining 22 seconds behind Leclerc.
PITSTOP: Norris is in from third, and gets away quickly.
PITSTOP: Leclerc in from the lead! A 2.366 stop and he's out ahead of Perez!!
PITSTOPS: Stroll in from tenth and Albon from twelfth
Hamilton moves ahead of Sainz for P6!
On lap 48, there's now 16 seconds between Verstappen and Leclerc, a gap that Leclerc is closing as we go more and more into this race.
Don't count out Perez though who has DRS and takes second off Leclerc! Perez doing his best to frustrate Leclerc here.
Lap 50: Verstappen, Perez, Leclerc, Hamilton, Sainz, Norris, Tsunoda, Piastri, Ricciardo, Alonso
Leclerc has DRS and is now up to second, he's 12 seconds away from Verstappen now.
Sainz up to P4 ahead of Hamilton!
Leclerc has broken DRS from Perez, and is now chasing down Verstappen.
Ocon with a lockup and nearly catches Magnussen in the process!
Charles Leclerc is 15 laps away from his maiden World Championship, but he wants this race win as well to seal it in style. 6 seconds between Verstappen and Leclerc.
Piastri gets past Norris, who's continuing to struggle with the engine, but Norris isn't going away quietly!
Lap 60: Verstappen, Leclerc, Perez, Sainz, Hamilton, Piastri, Norris, Tsunoda, Ricciardo, Alonso
OH MY GOD IT IS A RED FLAG
That changes EVERYTHING
Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo come to blows!! Tsunoda misjudged the corner and wipes out his teammate! That's both RBs out of the race!!!
Restart order on Lap 64: Verstappen, Leclerc, Perez, Sainz, Hamilton, Piastri, Norris, Alonso, Stroll, Russell, Albon, Bottas, Hülkenberg, Sargeant, Magnussen, Gasly, Ocon, Zhou. Ricciardo and Tsunoda out of the race.
Verstappen keeps the lead, Perez ahead of Leclerc! ALBON AND BOTTAS COME TO BLOWS AND BOTTAS SLIDES OFF THE TRACK
CAR 23 (ALBON)
Leclerc back up to P2, and going for the lead, Charles Leclerc leads once more!!
And Sainz gets ahead of Perez and we're right back to where we started at the beginning of this race!
Hülkenberg with a lock-up and he's off!
Magnussen spins off and clips Ocon!
CHARLES LECLERC GOING FOR THE LEAD AND HE TAKES THE LEAD ON THE FINAL LAP!!!
CHARLES LECLERC ROUNDS THE FINAL CORNERS, MAX VERSTAPPEN IS COMING BACK AT HIM AND RETAKES THE LEAD, MY GOD WHAT AN ENDING TO THIS RACE!!! LECLERC HAD NOTHING LEFT, BUT IT WON'T MATTER, MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
BUT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS CAREER, CHARLES LECLERC IS CHAMPION OF THE WORLD
Perez P3, Hamilton P5, Piastri P6, Alonso P7, Norris P8, Russell P9, Stroll P10
Hülkenberg crosses the line with a puncture!
SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Max Verstappen 01.25.33
- Charles Leclerc +0.650
- Sergio Perez +1.372
- Carlos Sainz +0.172
- Lewis Hamilton +1.284
- Oscar Piastri +0.184
- Fernando Alonso +6.092
- Lando Norris +0.139
- George Russell +4.109
- Lance Stroll +0.056
- :Williama: Logan Sargeant +5.595
- Alexander Albon +4.360 5s
- Valtteri Bottas +11.187
- Nico Hülkenberg +6.536
- Esteban Ocon +1 lap
- Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
- Pierre Gasly +1 lap
- Kevin Magnussen +1 lap 5s
- Yuki Tsunoda DNF
- Daniel Ricciardo DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC
The new World Champion earned your vote for Driver of the Day, as he did enough to seal his maiden title. Charles Leclerc, Formula 1 World Champion, and Driver of the Day.
FASTEST LAP:
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1.09.184
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Lando Norris, McLaren 2.234s
2024 FIA FORMULA 1 DRIVERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
After 21 Weekends
Leclerc 488
Verstappen 393
Sainz 288
Norris 283
Perez 227
Piastri 211
Hamilton 131
Russell 110
Alonso 67
Tsunoda 50
Ricciardo 47
Stroll 25
Albon 1
Gasly 0
Bottas 0
Sargeant 0
Ocon 0
Hülkenberg 0
Magnussen 0
Zhou 0
2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 21 Weekends
Ferrari 776
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 620
McLaren-Mercedes 494
Mercedes 241
Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT 97
Aston Martin-Mercedes 92
Williams-Mercedes 1
Alpine-Renault 0
Sauber-Ferrari 0
Haas-Ferrari 0
CHARLES LECLERC WINS DRIVERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
For the first time, Charles Leclerc clinched the Formula 1 World Championship at Interlagos.
Leclerc finished second to Max Verstappen at Interlagos, which was enough to seal his first World Championship with three races remaining.
Leclerc, who will now take the #1 car next season, is the first Monegasque World Champion in Formula 1 history, and the first driver since Kimi Raikkonen to win the Championship for Scuderia Ferrari since 2007.
SCUDERIA FERRARI WIN CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Formula 1's most famous team is back on top.
For the first time since 2008, Scuderia Ferrari clinched the World Constructors Championship at Interlagos, their seventeenth Championship in total.
Charles Leclerc's second place combined with Carlos Sainz's fourth in Sao Paulo was enough to put them beyond the reach of Red Bull Racing with three races to go.
Ferrari will now turn their attention towards a title defence - and the incoming arrival of seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who will join one time and defending World Champion Charles Leclerc next season.
foggy locust
LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2024
WEEKEND PREVIEW
With the two titles decided and won by Charles Leclerc and Ferrari, we head to Las Vegas with the pressure off, but with some lower places still to be decided.
Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes have all secured the top four places respectively, but RB are still battling Aston Martin for fifth, while Williams, Alpine, Haas and Sauber are all in the mix for seventh, and any points at all for any one of those teams could drastically change the battle at the bottom.
In the Drivers, it's Carlos Sainz versus Lando Norris for third in the WDC, while Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri have a battle for fifth. The two Mercedes drivers are still battling for position ahead of Hamilton's move to Ferrari next year, while seven drivers are still yet to get on the board.
There is still so much to play for in Vegas, and with the driver transfer window opening up after Abu Dhabi, the last chances to impress teams are running out.
50 laps around the streets under the lights of Las Vegas. Here we go.
FP1 Reserves: Bearman (Sainz), O'Ward (Piastri), Hadjar (Verstappen], Maini (Ocon), Colapinto (Albon), Iwasa (Ricciardo)
Penalties: Norris, Gasly, Ricciardo
IWASA PUSHED INTO THE WALL BY IT LOOKS LIKE HADJAR
FP1: NOR LEC HAM
BEAR P5
Norris, Leclerc and Hamilton are your top three, with the newly crowned Champion second fastest. Bearman fifth, just behind Hadjar.
HADJAR, IWASA ESCAPE PENALTIES FOR INCIDENT
Red Bull Racing have asked the stewards to not impose a race penalty due to Isack Hadjar pushing Ayumu Iwasa into the wall during FP1.
The team said they would deal with it internally, with Hadjar receiving a reprimand for the incident.
The FIA agreed that it wouldn't punish either driver, saying a grid penalty wouldn't affect them but the drivers in the cars from FP2 onwards - Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo.
Ironically, Ricciardo, who had Iwasa in his car, is carrying a grid penalty for this race anyway, where Verstappen, who had Hadjar in his, will not receive any penalty.
Further penalties have been taken - Tsunoda, Russell, Ocon have accepted penalties for this race. Both RBs will have a penalty as well as both Alpines, and the Mercedes of Russell and McLaren of Norris.
Alonso locks up and clips Leclerc, sending both into the barrier! That's ended the session of both drivers!!
FP2: PER VER PIA
SAI P14, LEC P16
The two Red Bulls go 1-2, with Piastri third. A Red Flag ended Leclerc's session after being caught by Alonso. Sainz fourteenth.
FP3: VER PIA LEC
SAI P4
Verstappen quickest ahead of Piastri and Leclerc, and very much favourite for Pole. Sainz goes fourth fastest.
We are preparing for qualifying, the lights are on, and it's a fantastic atmosphere here in Vegas. Friday night under the lights. With a lot of grid penalties being taken, it could be a mixed up grid, Red Bull and McLaren have looked quickest, Ferrari have struggled through practice, but let's see how this goes.
Green light and Q1 is a go in Vegas!
Norris going 34.898, to go fastest.
Leclerc 34.489, 0.599 down on Norris. He's not been happy with the car at all this weekend, and it's showing again.
Perez goes quickest, 0.468 ahead of Norris.
Sainz gets caught in traffic ahead of his lap, has that compromised his lap already?
Sainz up to third, 0.646 behind Perez. Ferrari really struggling for pace.
Hamilton fourth, Russell fifth.
Sargeant ninth! Not a bad run of it for him there!
Piastri up to third!
Albon slots into ninth.
Tenth at the moment for Hülkenberg.
Just second for Verstappen, he looked like he was flying but he's just behind Perez.
DRIVER AT RISK: Sargeant
RELEGATION ZONE: Gasly, Ocon, Alonso, Zhou, Magnussen
Leclerc has had to burn another set of Softs, but he's gone P3 and assured Q2.
A LOT of traffic problems here on this narrow Street circuit. A lot of drivers complaining about impeding and blocking.
Ocon up to 15th, Ricciardo goes ninth and Ocon is out, Alonso at risk, ZHOU 14TH AND KNOCKS OUT ALONSO! Magnussen could put Albon out...and goes 18th.
OUT IN Q1: Alonso , Hülkenberg, Magnussen, Ocon , Gasly
Green light for Q2 here in Vegas!
Leclerc quickest, 34.728.
Norris about 0.500 back.
Bottas 1.347 back.
Piastri into second here, 0.057 behind Leclerc!
Third for Carlos Sainz. No drain covers in sight for his car this year, well, so far anyway.
Tsunoda up to fourth, ahead of Norris!
Verstappen quickest and Perez second quickest.
DRIVER AT RISK: Russell
RELGATION ZONE: Stroll, Bottas, Albon, Sargeant, Zhou
Stroll 11th and Bottas 12th, both are out! Ricciardo 9th, Russell at risk but on a lap, Zhou stays 11th, Russell seventh, Albon stays 13th, Sargeant stays 14th, that is it!
OUT IN Q2: Stroll, Bottas, Albon, Sargeant, Zhou
Q3 goes Green! Who will get Pole?
Leclerc has been fighting the car all weekend, but he's just outpaced Perez and gone quickest in the middle sector. Sainz second, and we're currently a Ferrari 1-2.
Perez just Sixth! Verstappen up to second, quickest in the first sector.
Q3 AS IT STANDS: Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Sainz, Piastri, Hamilton, Russell, Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Perez
Leclerc doesn't improve, Perez up to third, Sainz fifth, Russell quickest in the middle sector, Verstappen DOES NOT IMPROVE, RUSSELL GOT TWO QUICKEST SECTORS BUT HIS FIRST ONE LET HIM DOWN, Piastri fourth, Ricciardo ninth, Norris stays fifth, CHARLES LECLERC HAS DONE IT AGAIN, POLE POSITION FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW IN VEGAS!
Q3: Leclerc, Verstappen, Perez, Piastri, Norris , Sainz, Russell , Hamilton, Ricciardo , Tsunoda
2024 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
LEC VER
PER PIA
SAI HAM
NOR STR
BOT ALB
SAR ZHO
HÜL RUS
MAG ALO
GAS TSU
RIC OCO
Well, it is time to go racing under the lights and across the Streets of Las Vegas. We might know the destination of the two titles, but there's plenty of teams who need to take a gamble this weekend. 50 laps of the fastest street circuit of the season, this 6.201 km goes racing down the Las Vegas Strip for the second time.
Esteban Ocon takes a penalty and starts at the very back, same with Daniel Ricciardo, while their teammates Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly will start on the ninth row. Fernando Alonso begins sixteenth after a penalty for clipping Charles Leclerc in qualifying was added to his ERS penalty, beside Kevin Magnussen, the slowest of those with no penalties. George Russell takes a penalty but benefits from bigger ones elsewhere so he starts 14th alongside Nico Hülkenberg. Zhou Guanyu and Logan Sargeant start just outside of the points and this might be their best chance of the points this season. Alexander Albon and Valtteri Bottas start tenth and ninth, while Lance Stroll begins eighth, and Lando Norris takes a penalty for seventh. Lewis Hamilton begins on row three beside the man he'll replace at Ferrari next year, Carlos Sainz, with Oscar Piastri fourth, then the two Red Bulls of Sergio Perez and outgoing Champion Max Verstappen, and brand new World Champion Charles Leclerc took Pole Position after having issues with his car all weekend.
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Leclerc holds the lead from Verstappen and Perez, Piastri still Fourth, Norris sixth ahead of Hamilton, Bottas gets Stroll for eighth! That could be huge for Sauber!
And Verstappen gets Leclerc for P1 as we enter lap 2! Leclerc isn't going quietly however and briefly gets it back!
Sainz with a lovely move for P4 to Piastri!
Leclerc making the move with DRS and he retakes the lead! What a move by Leclerc!
Sargeant locks up and goes off! He narrowly misses taking Stroll with him! Only just!
Verstappen retakes the lead and is already looking like he's off into the distance!
Lando Norris overtakes Oscar Piastri who's struggling a lot and even dropped behind Stroll!
Hamilton moves the move with Piastri to take P7!
On the plus side for McLaren, Norris is up fourth!
And Perez grabs second off Leclerc on the Vegas Strip!
PITSTOP: Logan Sargeant comes in and puts Softs on the car. Looks like he wrecked the tyres quite a bit in that lock-up.
Leclerc back to P2 on the Strip!
Leclerc has clawed back Verstappen and retakes the lead here in Vegas! In fact Verstappen is vulnerable and Perez takes P2...Perez isn't settling for that and takes the lead!
Whisper it quietly but Lance Stroll is having a great drive so far. He's up to Sixth and pushing the McLaren of Norris and Ferrari of Sainz.
And Charles Leclerc makes the move and retakes the lead here in Vegas!
Verstappen has DRS, Verstappen has the lead back!
Norris and Hamilton now battling for P5, and trading the position, and DRS, here.
The two RBs have battled back well into the midfield. Ricciardo P11, Tsunoda P12.
Lap 10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Perez, Norris, Sainz, Hamilton, Piastri, Stroll, Albon, Russell
Leclerc gets the move done with DRS! It's been very powerful around here so far!
While trying to hold off Tsunoda, Albon misjudged that corner and hits the wall! A heartbreaker as he looked on for points today!
Restart order: Leclerc, Verstappen, Perez, Sainz, Norris, Piastri, Hamilton, Stroll, Russell, Tsunoda, Ricciardo, Bottas, Gasly, Alonso, Ocon, Zhou, Hülkenberg, Sargeant, Magnussen
Tyre choices on the restart
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO AGAIN
Leclerc holds the lead, Verstappen second, Sainz up to third ahead of Perez, then Norris and Piastri, Ricciardo is up to ninth with Tsunoda tenth, Stroll drops out of the points!
A new complication for Leclerc may have arrived in the form of his teammate, Sainz!
Sainz now takes the lead from Leclerc! Arguably Sainz needs his victory more than Leclerc does, due to Leclerc having the title won and Sainz battling for P3, but for now, the team is letting them race!
Red Bull taking advantage of the Ferrari in-fighting and Verstappen slips in ahead of Leclerc and Sainz!
Lap 17: Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Perez, Norris, Piastri, Hamilton, Russell, Stroll, Tsunoda
Leclerc goes roaring down the side of Verstappen and Sainz for the lead!
Tsunoda pushing the tyres heavily and he's ahead of Ricciardo!
Verstappen retakes the lead and Leclerc drops to third behind Sainz!
Carlos Sainz wants the lead of this race and he gets it!
Verstappen and Perez make their moves and its currently a Red Bull 1-2!
The two Ferraris are currently struggling a lot for pace. They've dropped back off the Red Bulls, and now face the challenge of Norris and Hamilton.
The two Red Bulls have opened up a 2 second gap to Leclerc and Sainz.
Sainz overtakes Leclerc for P3! Leclerc is coming back with DRS, however!
Leclerc isn't happy about the team orders but he's complying with them. Sainz not catching up to the Red Bulls, however, he's losing time.
Leclerc pushing Sainz and retakes third place! The gap now down to less than 4 seconds to Verstappen.
No such ream orders at Red Bull, as Verstappen and Perez are fighting tooth and nail for the lead of this race.
PITSTOP: Hamilton undercutting the two Ferraris and Norris! He's onto Mrdoums and rejoins P9.
BOTTAS
PITSTOP: Leclerc in and puts Hards on, 2.584 is the stop and he rejoins just ahead of Hamilton!
Leclerc has undercut both his teammate and the two Red Bulls, but will it be enough?
PITSTOPS: Perez comes in to cover off Leclerc! Piastri and Russell both in now!
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR!!
Bottas completely loses the car and crashes out! He's thankfully OK, but that ends what could've been a promising afternoon! It's also handed a great opportunity to Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris!
PITSTOPS: Sainz in, which concedes the lead to Perez and Norris, who does NOT pit!
IT'S GREEN AND WE GO RACING AGAIN WITH 16 LAPS REMAINING!
PITSTOP: Norris comes in now, but it's no longer a VSC and he's fallen down to 9th!
After all that, Perez has a five second lead and a brilliant opportunity to take his first win of the year!
Ricciardo locks up overtaking Stroll, and he's off!
PITSTOP DELAY: Hülkenberg has a delay here!
Both Ferraris have gotten ahead of Hamilton for P3 and P4, and now are setting their sights on chasing down Verstappen, who chases down Perez!
Lap 40: Perez, Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Stroll, Ricciardo, Ocon, Alonso, Sargeant, Hülkenberg, Gasly, Zhou, Magnussen. Bottas and Albon out of the race.
Verstappen has Perez in his DRS sights and let's be honest there was only one way to that was ending, Max Verstappen retakes the lead of the race!
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are now pushing and causing problems for Leclerc and Sainz, and Norris is up to P3!
Leclerc now giving Sainz DRS to help him defend Norris and Piastri. Ferrari seem to have settled for not catching Red Bull now.
Oh my God, Perez is taking the fight to Verstappen, and takes the lead!
Leclerc has regained P3, but Norris clear Sainz for fourth!
Norris takes third off Leclerc!
Gasly and Sargeant have a minor collision!
Verstappen takes the lead and Magnussen unlaps himself ahead of Perez!! Magnussen might have just cost Perez the win of this race!
CHARLES LECLERC IS GOING FOR THE DIVEBOMB ON LANDO NORRIS ON THE FINAL LAP, AND HE'S JUST DONE TO HIM WHAT HE DID TO PEREZ IN 2023!!
MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX, AND HE MIGHT HAVE KEVIN MAGNUSSEN TO THANK FOR IT!
Norris P4, Piastri P6, Hamilton P7, Tsunoda P8, Russell P9, Ricciardo P10
RICCIARDO
On the final lap, Daniel Ricciardo takes the fastest lap where have I heard that before
LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2024
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Max Verstappen 01.24.17
- Sergio Perez +2.433
- Charles Leclerc +5.931
- Lando Norris +0.129
- Carlos Sainz +3.733
- Oscar Piastri +3.547
- Lewis Hamilton +8.795
- Yuki Tsunoda +3.270
- George Russell +0.295
- Daniel Ricciardo +15.563
- Lance Stroll +0.909
- Esteban Ocon +26.719
- Logan Sargeant +2.580
- Fernando Alonso +0.320
- Pierre Gasly +2.694
- Nico Hülkenberg +2.008
- Zhou Guanyu +6.571
- Kevin Magnussen +1 lap
- Valtteri Bottas DNF
- Alexander Albon DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: DANIEL RICCIARDO
A sterling drive from the back row of the grid to the points for Daniel Ricciardo on a track he always wanted to race on, and with taking the fastest lap and holding off Lance Stroll at the end, gives RB two more valuable points over rivals Aston Martin. Daniel Ricciardo is your Driver of the Day!
FASTEST LAP:
Daniel Ricciardo, RB 1.37.810
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Sergio Perez, Red Bull 2.210s
2024 FIA FORMULA 1 DRIVERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
After 22 Weekends
Leclerc 503
Verstappen 418
Sainz 298
Norris 295
Perez 245
Piastri 219
Hamilton 137
Russell 112
Alonso 67
Tsunoda 54
Ricciardo 49
Stroll 25
Albon 1
Gasly 0
Bottas 0
Sargeant 0
Ocon 0
Hülkenberg 0
Magnussen 0
Zhou 0
2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 22 Weekends
Ferrari 801
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 663
McLaren-Mercedes 514
Mercedes 249
Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT 103
Aston Martin-Mercedes 92
Williams-Mercedes 1
Alpine-Renault 0
Sauber-Ferrari 0
Haas-Ferrari 0
foggy locust
QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024 WEEKEND PREVIEW
With just two weekends to go this season and both titles decided, we head from the lights of Vegas to the desert of Qatar for our penultimate weekend this season.
This race came under a lot of criticism last year for the conditions for the drivers, and while it happening on a Sunday evening in December will maybe ease the conditions, it will still be very warm and humid. It being a Sprint weekend doesn't help that fact, either.
It's also going to be a very difficult one on tyrewear, and something the Drivers will have to constantly manage over the course of the Sprint and the race itself.
The top four places in the Constructors are decided, with Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes locked into those top four spots. RB took a further advantage over Aston Martin in Vegas, and now have an 11 point advantage, while three teams are yet to hit paydirt at all this season, and any points at the bottom could drastically change things.
For the Drivers, Charles Leclerc is Champion, and Max Verstappen is second, but there's three points between Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz for Third, with the latter having the advantage, while it looks like Sergio Perez will take Fifth.
And of course, with it being a Sprint weekend, there's more points on offer.
We go racing in Qatar for the third time this weekend, and while it won't matter to the destination of the titles, there's still a lot to play for.
FP1: VER PER SAI
LEC P5
A 1-2 for Red Bull in practice, while Sainz took third, and Leclerc fifth.
It's time to go qualifying for the Sprint in Qatar. The final Sprint shootout of the year is about to begin, and it's still very warm here under the lights. It should make for a fascinating session. Red Bull looked quickest in practice, and will be the team to beat here, Ferrari have shown some good signs however, so it could be anyone's game.
We're green in SQ1!
Leclerc goes fastest, 1.219 ahead of Tsunoda.
Norris had a bit of a shocker there and he's about 2 seconds off Leclerc's first lap.
Sainz up to P2.
Piastri Fourth, behind Tsunoda. The Papaya seem to be struggling here so far.
Verstappen isn't and he's gone quickest so far.
Alonso really struggling with his car, he's last of all eight now.
Hamilton up to eighth.
DRIVER AT RISK: Albon
RELEGATION ZONE: Hülkenberg, Sargeant, Zhou, Gasly, Alonso
Hülkenberg up to eleventh, will that be enough? Albon being slowed by Alonso and the stewards may look at that! He's up to 12th however. Stroll into the bottom five, Gasly eighteenth and out. Magnussen at risk. Bottas 13th, Ocon 12th, Sargeant at risk, Stroll twelfth and that puts Sargeant our, Bottas at risk, Alonso goes 12th, Bottas out! Piastri Third, Perez fourth.
OUT IN SQ1: Bottas, Sargeant, Magnussen, Zhou, Gasly
Into SQ2 we go!
Tsunoda with a spin on the first corner! That's likely wrecked his lap, and he is indeed abandoning his lap and returning to the pitlane.
McLaren seem to have found some speed early in SQ2 here - potential wing adjustments between sessions? Piastri quickest.
Leclerc up to P2.
Third for Ricciardo!
Verstappen just went quickest.
Fourth for Sainz!
DRIVER AT RISK: Alonso
Relegation Zone: Albon, Ocon, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Tsunoda (no time)
Track evolution playing a huge part around here, it has to be said.
Ricciardo went Third at one point, but track evolution has dropped him to tenth and at risk. Tsunoda ninth.
Sainz didn't make it round in time to do a second lap!
Alonso, Albon, Hülkenberg and Ocon all don't improve and all four drop out! Stroll improves, but just to eleventh!
OUT IN SQ2: Stroll, Alonso, Albon, Hülkenberg, Ocon
SQ3 goes Green! Pole for the Sprint is on the line!
Tsunoda having a rough evening as he spins again! On his outlap this time around, though.
Great recovery by Tsunoda as he initially goes fastest!
Norris struggling as he drops to second.
Perez quickest for now.
Piastri goes quickest through S1 and S2, but drops time in the last sector. He goes into P2.
Just third for Leclerc, and fourth for Sainz!
Verstappen quickest through S2, and goes fastest overall.
And that's it
SQ3: Verstappen, Perez, Piastri, Leclerc, Sainz, Tsunoda, Norris, Russell, Hamilton, Ricciardo
QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024
SPRINT GRID
VER PER
PIA LEC
SAI TSU
NOR RUS
HAM RIC
STR ALO
ALB HÜL
OCO BOT
SAR MAG
ZHO GAS
Welcome to Lusail, and it is time to go Sprinting for the final time this season. 19 laps around this circuit.
Pierre Gasly and Zhou Guanyu on the back row, while Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant start on row nine. Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Ocon on the eighth row of the grid, Nico Hülkenberg and Alex Albon one row ahead, then the two Aston Martins of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso. Daniel Ricciardo starts from tenth with Lewis Hamilton ninth, while George Russell and Lando Norris make up an all English fourth row. Yuki Tsunoda begins Sixth, then the two Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and new World Champion Charles Leclerc. Oscar Piastri will start from Third, and Red Bull lock out the front row, Sergio Perez second, and Max Verstappen on Pole.
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Verstappen has started well, Piastri up to second, Sainz Third, then Perez, Leclerc has dropped to fifth!
Sainz with an early move for P2 on Piastri!
Sainz doing well so far to keep Verstappen in his sights.
Leclerc struggling with his car and reporting a lot of understeer.
Lap 7: Verstappen, Sainz, Piastri, Perez, Leclerc, Norris, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Russell, Stroll, Alonso, Ricciardo, Albon, Ocon, Sargeant, Hülkenberg, Bottas, Gasly, Zhou, Magnussen
Leclerc up to P4, even with the gearbox issues, but then Petez takes it back with DRS.
A beautiful move down the inside and Leclerc retakes fourth!
Tsunoda going for seventh and he retakes seventh from Hamilton!
Ten laps to go and the gap between Verstappen and Sainz is now 2 seconds.
Norris going for fifth ahead of Perez and gets him for fifth!
Hamilton goes down the inside of Tsunoda, and he's back into seventh! Likely two valuable points for Mercedes!
Norris within DRS range of Leclerc, who's struggling with that gearbox, but also closing on Piastri in P3.
Norris gets DRS and gets P4, but Leclerc goes down the inside of him and gets fourth back!
Norris gets DRS and retakes fourth from Leclerc!
Lap 17: Verstappen, Sainz, Piastri, Norris, Leclerc, Perez, Hamilton, Tsunoda
Onto the penultimate lap and Verstappen has this wrapped up
MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE QATAR SPRINT AT A CANTER
Piastri P3, Norris P4, Perez P6, Hamilton P7, Tsunoda P8
2024 QATAR GRAND PRIX
SPRINT CLASSIFICATION
- Max Verstappen 00.28.05
- Carlos Sainz +6.949
- Oscar Piastri +1.519
- Lando Norris +2.002
- Charles Leclerc +1.491
- Sergio Perez +4.505
- Lewis Hamilton +9.727
- Yuki Tsunoda +5.481
- George Russell +2.023
- Fernando Alonso +9.425
- Lance Stroll +4.572
- Daniel Ricciardo +1.423
- Alexander Albon +12.185
- Esteban Ocon +8.604
- Logan Sargeant +5.199
- Nico Hülkenberg +1.808
- Valtteri Bottas +4.369
- Pierre Gasly +1.304
- Zhou Guanyu +9.155
- Kevin Magnussen +1 lap
foggy locust
We go for Qualifying again in Qatar, the penultimate qualifying of the season. After Max Verstappen won the Sprint, he's favourite for Pole once more here, but McLaren looked strong, and Ferrari are always in with a chance.
We are green for Q1!
Leclerc sets the initial benchmark of 23.567. Sainz goes within 0.043 of his teammate.
Piastri into third, with Norris fourth.
Some issues with the timings at Qatar, as it seems to be logging outlaps as completed laps and going up against flying laps. Interesting.
Verstappen quickest, 0.041 ahead of Leclerc. Perez fourth.
DRIVER AT RISK: Bottas
Relegation Zone: Gasly, Magnussen, Sargeant, Zhou, Albon
Albon up to P17, and out. Zhou and Sargeant don't improve. Gasly's out and Msgnussen goes out too!
OUT IN Q1: Gasly, Albon, Magnussen, Sargeant, Zhou
We are green in Q2!
Not a great lap that from Sainz, 5 tenths behind Leclerc.
Perez now quickest, 0.064 ahead of Leclerc.
Russell fourth. He goes just ahead of Hamilton into fifth.
Verstappen, who has dominated most of the weekend, sets his time and goes into fourth, which is surprising.
Just ninth for Piastri! Norris slots in Fifth.
DRIVER AT RISK: Piastri
RELEGATION ZONE: Tsunoda, Ocon, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Bottas
Russell locks up on turn 7! He was on an in lap anyway, but at P7, no guarantee that he's safe.
Alonso 11th and he's out! Both Astons miss out again! Ocon stays 13th, Tsunoda up to 9th, Verstappen goes fastest, Hülkenberg could knock Ricciardo out here, and he goes 13th.
OUT IN Q2: Alonso Stroll, Hülkenberg , Ocon, Bottas
Q3 is a go! Can anyone stop Verstappen from taking another Pole?
Sainz takes P1, then Leclerc goes 2 hundredths quicker! It's very close between the two Ferraris!
Norris into P3, ahead of Perez.
And to nobody's surprise, Verstappen is currently quickest - 4 tenths ahead of Leclerc. He might have lost the title but he's going to be a major threat to regain it next season.
Q3 AS IT STANDS: Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Piastri, Norris, Perez, Tsunoda, Russell, Hamilton, Ricciardo
Final laps starting now. Piastri the only one improving through the first sector, Verstappen purple through S2, Leclerc and Russell Green, Piastri could be heading for the front row here but he's slowed a little by Perez! Verstappen stays fastest, Leclerc second, Sainz third, Piastri can't quite do enough and stays fourth ahead of Norris in fifth!
Q3: Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Piastri, Norris, Perez, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Russell, Ricciardo
2024 QATAR GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
VER LEC
SAI PIA
NOR PER
TSU HAM
RUS RIC
STR OCO
GAS ALO
ALB MAG
SAR ZHO
BOT HÜL
Alonso - 5 Place Penalty, initially qualified 11th, Bottas - 5 Place Penalty, initially qualified 15th, Hülkenberg - 10 Place Penalty, initially qualified 13th.
foggy locust
Well, the lights are on here in Qatar and it is time for Round 23, the penultimate race of the season at the Lusail International Circuit. Situated just outside of Doha, this city was built in time for the 2022 World Cup, but we've raced here since 2021. 57 laps of a 5.419km circuit, it is minium a two stop but we saw a lot more than that last year.
Nico Hülkenberg and Valtteri Bottas take penalties to go onto the back row, with Zhou Guanyu and Logan Sargeant the slowest of the regular qualifiers on row nine, and Kevin Magnussen and Alex Albon the row ahead. Fernando Alonso takes a five place penalty and drops to fourteenth with penalties elsewhere, Pierre Gasly alongside him, with his teammate Esteban Ocon just ahead, and Lance Stroll one spot further forward. Daniel Ricciardo and George Russell start on the fifth row, while Lewis Hamilton begins eighth and Yuki Tsunoda seventh. Sergio Perez is Sixth just behind Lando Norris, while Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz start on row two, and a very familiar front row - Charles Leclerc in second, and Max Verstappen once again on Pole.
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Verstappen off to a very quick start, Leclerc has not and has dropped to fourth behind Sainz and Norris, Piastri has fallen back to sixth and Tsunoda is up to fifth!! But Leclerc takes third back from Norris quickly!
It's lap 2 and Verstappen is 1.5 ahead, he might genuinely get a Grand Slam here.
Drama already as George Russell has run over something and already gotten a puncture on the second lap!
PITSTOP: Russell pulling in and he's a long way back already. Onto the Hards and he'll have to go a long way in this race.
Leclerc battling with Norris but Norris is on the quicker tyre and with DRS, makes quick work of the move.
Perez now gets the move done and Leclerc has dropped to fifth, he's really struggling now.
Leclerc down to P6 at the moment, and that Ferrari is really having issues. The new Champion is having a tough time of it out there.
Tsunoda runs very wide there on turn 7! He manages to get back on track after a detour, but he's lost time to Leclerc ahead and to Hamilton behind.
Verstappen with a good 4.3 gap to Sainz at the moment.
Meanwhile Perez is pushing Norris for that third and final podium spot!
Lap 14: Verstappen, Sainz, Norris, Perez, Piastri, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Stroll, Ricciardo
PITSTOPS: The first stops aside from Russell's puncture have been made - Magnussen and Sargeant in and away cleanly
PITSTOP: Albon in as well. He's onto the Hards, Magnussen took Mediums and for some reason Sargeant took Softs.
PITSTOPS: Perez and Piastri in. Perez has a delay and concedes the place to the Australian!
PITSTOP: Verstappen in from the lead! Sainz goes into the lead, so the Grand Slam is not happening today for Max!
PITSTOPS: Ferrari trying to cover off Red Bull! And they've actually done it, Sainz gets out ahead of Verstappen!
Lap 20: Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Piastri, Hamilton, Norris, Perez, Tsunoda, Stroll, Ricciardo, Alonso, Russell, Hülkenberg, Albon, Gasly, Ocon, Bottas, Sargeant, Magnussen, Zhou
Single yellows as Zhou as a spin on turn one!
Verstappen has DRS and quickly gets the move done on Leclerc, who hasn't pitted yet.
Leclerc gives Sainz DRS and indeed lets his teammate pass by.
PITSTOP: Leclerc in and away. 2.319, very good stop for Ferrari. He rejoins P6.
Albon with a huge spin off! He's managed to get things back on track, however.
Lap 26: Verstappen, Sainz, Piastri, Norris, Perez, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Stroll, Ricciardo, Alonso, Hülkenberg, Gasly, Albon, Ocon, Russell, Bottas, Sargeant, Zhou, Magnussen
Magnussen with a lock-up and he's off!
Lance Stroll also having some issues with his gearbox here.
PITSTOP: Hülkenberg in for a second stop, as is Russell.
Leclerc showing some frustration with his race engineer - the new Champion 11 seconds down on Perez, and gaining, but not enough if he's going to make this one stop stick.
PITSTOP: Piastri undercutting Perez here!
Piastri immediately having issues with his ERS! Will that help Perez, or even Leclerc in front of him?
Verstappen now 10 seconds ahead of Sainz, and takes the FL. It might not be the Grand Slam, but it's been pretty dominant from Verstappen here.
Lap 36: Verstappen, Sainz, Norris, Perez, Leclerc, Piastri, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Stroll, Ricciardo, Russell, Alonso, Hülkenberg, Ocon, Albon, Gasly, Bottas, Sargeant, Zhou, Magnussen
PITSTOP: Perez in and he exits behind 11 seconds behind Piastri!
PITSTOP: Verstappen in from the lead but he had a delay! The Red Bull pit crew hasn't been on it today!
Piastri overtakes Leclerc for P3!
Leclerc now has his teammate behind him, and lets him by after giving DRS.
PITSTOP: Norris in and rejoins in P5, while Russell comes in for the third time today, and is immediately lapped by Leclerc.
Sainz makes the move down the middle on Piastri to get P2! And Leclerc isn't actually that far off the McLaren either here
15 laps remaining. Verstappen has a 16 second advantage to Sainz and barring a mechnical fault or an error is going on to win this race. Sainz two seconds off Piastri, who has 0.5 to Leclerc. Norris about two seconds off Leclerc, Perez a further two back. Hamilton 33 seconds behind Perez, while Tsunoda is 9 behind Hamilton, and Ricciardo is 16 seconds behind his teammate. Alonso is five seconds off Ricciardo, and Stroll is on the bubble and 2 seconds off his teammate.
Norris has caught up to Leclerc and gets ahead of him!
Perez has DRS and gets ahead of Leclerc!
Sainz now defending P2 from Norris, Norris is on the quicker tyre however.
Norris makes the move and Norris is up to P2 ahead of Sainz!
And Sainz comes back at Norris to take P2 back!
LECLERC
Stroll having what looks like an issue that will end his race, but he's a lap ahead ahead of Hülkenberg and a lap down so he'll likely finish 12th anyway. But he's pulled into the garage to retire.
That lockup has cost Sainz tyre life and Norris gets ahead of him for P2! That might be vital in the battle for third!
Sainz has a puncture and is dragging his car along the line! Perez passes him for third and he's lost a podium, and valuable points!
MAX VERSTAPPEN CROSSES THE LINE TO COMFORTABLY WIN THE QATAR GRAND PRIX!
Norris P2, Perez P3, Piastri P5, Hamilton P7, Tsunoda P8, Russell P9, Ricciardo P10
2024 QATAR GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Max Verstappen 01.26.11
- Lando Norris +28.098
- Sergio Perez +12.864
- Carlos Sainz +2.799
- Oscar Piastri +0.248
- Charles Leclerc +4.141
- Lewis Hamilton +27.122
- Yuki Tsunoda +4.880
- George Russell +1 lap
- Daniel Ricciardo +1 lap
- Fernando Alonso +1 lap
- Nico Hülkenberg +2 laps
- Pierre Gasly +2 laps
- Esteban Ocon +2 laps
- Alexander Albon +2 laps
- Valtteri Bottas +2 laps
- Logan Sargeant +2 laps
- Zhou Guanyu +3 laps
- Kevin Magnussen +3 laps
- Lance Stroll DNF (Classified, completed 90% distance)
DRIVER OF THE DAY: GEORGE RUSSELL
George Russell recovered from a lap 2 puncture and falling to the back of the pack, getting his strategy and tyre management right to get himself back to P9 and secure points. George Russell is your Driver of the Day!
FASTEST LAP:
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1.25.815
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Sergio Perez, Red Bull 2.123s
2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 23 Weekends
Leclerc 516
Verstappen 451
Norris 318
Sainz 317
Perez 263
Piastri 235
Hamilton 145
Russell 114
Alonso 67
Tsunoda 59
Ricciardo 50
Stroll 25
Albon 1
Gasly 0
Bottas 0
Sargeant 0
Ocon 0
Hülkenberg 0
Magnussen 0
Zhou 0
2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 23 Weekends
Ferrari 833
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 714
McLaren-Mercedes 553
Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT 109
Aston Martin-Mercedes 92
Williams-Mercedes 1
Alpine-Renault 0
Sauber-Ferrari 0
Haas-Ferrari 0
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FERNANDO ALONSO ANNOUNCES INTENT TO LEAVE ASTON MARTIN
Fernando Alonso has shocked the F1 world on media day at Abu Dhabi by saying he intends to leave Aston Martin at the end of the season, but not the sport.
With the FIA's transfer embargo being lifted next week with TD1.8 being put in place, drivers, and staff, will finally be free to negotiate contracts with new teams for next season.
Alonso, in his press conference, said he would be in Formula 1 next year, "this will be my last race for Aston Martin. I would like to thank Lawrence (Stroll) for the opportunity, but it is time for a change. I still want that third Championship, so this will not be my last race in Formula 1. But I won't be at Aston Martin next season."
Mercedes have emerged as favourites to sign Alonso, although Red Bull could also be interested.
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ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2024
WEEKEND PREVIEW
We go into the final weekend of the season, the traditional curtain closer in Formula 1, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Championship has been won here on three occasions - 2010, 2016 and 2021 in dramatic circumstances, and while the title was decided this season in Brazil, there's still a lot to play for.
Charles Leclerc clinched his first Championship this season and Ferrari won their first Constructors since 2008, so their focus now goes to Carlos Sainz trying to clinch third in the Championship.
In his final race for Ferrari, he sits one point behind McLaren's Lando Norris, so whomever finishes ahead of the other within the points will take third.
Three teams and seven drivers have yet to score points this season, and they face one final race in order to do so. Both Alpine, Kick Sauber and Haas drivers, as well as Logan Sargeant of Williams, have yet to score - and all seven are out of contract after this race, meaning one final chance to impress prospective teams that may want to sign them.
This is of course the final race before the transfer embargo ends and the window opens, so some chaotic meetings may well follow this race.
And of course two that are confirmed, alongside Sainz - Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari for 2025, so he takes on his final race for Mercedes after thirteen seasons with the team - and six Drivers and eight Constructors Championships, his first WDC of course coming with McLaren.
It will also be the final race of Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin, as he has informed the team he plans to leave for pastures new, after a disappointing year for Aston Martin, who sit 17 points behind RB in the fight for fifth.
And of course, FP1 of Abu Dhabi is where we traditionally see a lot more of the affiliate drivers get an opportunity, expect that trend to continue this weekend.
The season draws to a close with 58 laps around the Yas Marina circuit. Who will see off this season on a high?
FP1 Reserves: Flörsch (Leclerc), Wurz (Sainz) O'Ward (Piastri), Bortoleto (Norris), Hadjar (Verstappen), Goethe (Perez) Antonelli (Russell), Vesti (Hamilton) Iwasa (Tsunoda)
FP1: OWA BOR FLO
WUR P7
A strong start for McLaren as their two reserves were quickest, ahead of Ferrari's Sophia Flörsch. Charlie Wurz was seventh fastest, Frederik Vesti fifth ahead of Andrea Kimi Antonelli in P9.
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FP2: LEC SAI VER
Leclerc and Sainz top FP2 ahead of Verstappen. Good session for the two Ferraris.
FP3: LEC SAI PER
Leclerc and Sainz quickest again, with Perez third. Verstappen just tenth.
Well, here we go for one last time in 2024, the final qualifying session of the season, one last chance to impress for next year, and one last chance to get higher up in the standings. The sun has set here in Abu Dhabi, and it is time to go qualifying.
Q1 is a go!
Oscar Piastri is the only one taking a grid penalty on this final weekend of the season. He's got nothing to play for, so McLaren wanting to improve his race pace at the expense of his qualifying.
Daniel Ricciardo, on what may be his final F1 weekend, to be confirmed, has just set the benchmark.
Leclerc goes fastest, 0.307 ahead of Piastri.
Pierre Gasly in the wall! He locks up at the very start of his flying lap and has taken major damage. A miserable season and you feel he may be on his way out of Alpine.
Verstappen about 2 tenths up on Leclerc. Yet another Pole for Max?
Sainz up to third, he's 2 tenths behind his teammate on his final outing for the Scuderia.
Yellow flags on turn 7 as Logan Sargeant, again likely his final outing in F1, loses the car.
Just sixth for Lando Norris. Piastri has had his number so far this weekend, but Norris likely to start ahead due to the grid penalty for Oscar.
DRIVER AT RISK: Ocon
RELEGATION ZONE: Zhou, Sargeant, Magnussen, Albon, Gasly
Neither Ocon nor Gasly improve, meaning Gasly will start last, and Ocon is at risk.
Just 17th for Albon, he's out in Q1! A bit of a shock! 18th for Sargeant, which means he outqualifies Albon for just the fifth time this season.
Magnussen goes 16th and he's out.
Zhou doesn't improve! Ocon survives!
OUT IN Q1: Magnussen, Zhou, Sargeant, Albon, Gasly
Q2 goes green!
22.393 for Leclerc. Might be his only run for Q2 as he went out on new tyres.
Alonso 0.660 off Leclerc. He's in his final race for Aston Martin and he's desperate to get Q3 here.
Sainz just went quickest, 0.263 ahead of Leclerc. Again, new tyres.
Tsunoda up to fourth!
Perez just went quickest, 22.015.
Piastri within 0.012 of Perez!
Russell puts up a shocker, 1.950 off the lead.
Verstappen goes 2 tenths faster than anyone.
DRIVER AT RISK: Alonso
RELEGATION ZONE: Ricciardo, Hülkenberg, Russell, Bottas, Ocon
Ricciardo up to ninth, putting Hamilton at risk and Alonso into the dropzone.
13th for Bottas, so he is our of qualifying.
Alonso eighth, will that be enough?
Just 12th for Hülkenberg, he's also out.
Hamilton sixth so he's safe. Stroll at risk. Russell struggling round this lap and not improving...
Ocon doesn't improve so he's 15th.
And Russell puts up a Best Third sector to go tenth and knock Stroll out of qualifying!
OUT IN Q2: Stroll, Ricciardo, Hülkenberg, Bottas, Ocon
Q3 is a go! Who will take the final Pole of the year?
Leclerc and Verstappen are the only two of the 20 who have reached Q3 at every race this season.
Sainz quickest, 0.104 ahead of Leclerc.
Tsunoda slots into Third!
Just fourth for Alonso, 2 seconds off the Ferraris.
Hamilton into third!
Perez sixth, Verstappen just seventh!
Q3 AS IT STANDS: Sainz, Leclerc, Hamilton, Piastri, Tsunoda, Perez, Verstappen, Russell, Norris, Alonso
Last laps starting now. Sainz has gone quickest through the first two sectors, Leclerc the third sector and Sainz leads! Verstappen fastest through S1, now Norris is, Verstappen goes quickest! Can Norris beat him to Pole? Piastri second, Norris just seventh!! Hamilton Sixth and Russell outqualifies his teammate on the final weekend of their Mercedes partnership. Perez just ninth, and it's unlikely he's staying at Red Bull, Alonso tenth. Pole number 13 for Max Verstappen this season!
Q3: Verstappen, Piastri , Sainz, Leclerc, Russell, Hamilton, Norris, Tsunoda, Perez, Alonso
2024 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
VER SAI
LEC RUS
HAM NOR
TSU PER
ALO STR
RIC PIA
HÜL BOT
OCO MAG
ZHO SAR
ALB GAS
Piastri takes 10 place grid penalty - initially qualified 2nd.
Well here we are for one last time in 2024, 58 laps of this 5.201km circuit are between us and the end of this season. And what a season it has been, the return to the top of the ladder for Formula 1's most famous team and the coronation of their new Champion. Charles Leclerc took his first World Championship this season but starts behind his teammate today who's fighting for 3rd. 13 Poles for Max Verstappen as the defending Champion's title defence was unsuccessful but he is looking to bow out as Champion in style. The C5, C4 and C3 tyres in play, the softest of the Pirelli range.
Pierre Gasly starts at the back in likely his final Alpine appearance alongside Alex Albon, who starts behind Logan Sargeant for just the fifth time this year. Zhou Guanyu begins 17th, then it's Kevin Magnussen and Esteban Ocon who are still yet to confirm their F1 futures. Valtteri Bottas and Nico Hülkenberg start one row ahead, then Oscar Piastri starts twelfth, alongside Daniel Ricciardo in what could end up being his final race in F1. Lance Stroll just behind Fernando Alonso who says goodbye to Aston Martin after this race, Sergio Perez is likely to leave Red Bull and he starts just behind Yuki Tsunoda. Lando Norris sixth, with Lewis Hamilton starting fifth in his final race for Mercedes before moving to Ferrari. George Russell will be at Mercedes next year and he starts next to new World Champion Charles Leclerc. Carlos Sainz starts ahead of the Champion in his final appearance for Ferrari, and it's Pole number 13 for Max Verstappen this season.
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Verstappen starts out strong, Sainz is holding off Leclerc, and the two Ferraris go close and almost collide! Almost a disaster!! Tshnoda fighting Perez for seventh, Piastri ahead of Ricciardo AND THERE'S CONTACT BETWEEN OCON AND HÜLKENBERG AND OCON SENDS HÜLKENBERG SPINNING OFF!!
Sainz going for the lead at turn 7 and goes ahead of Verstappen!
Verstappen doesn't take long with DRS to retake the lead, however.
Leclerc having to hold off Russell and Hamilton here.
Norris has taken the opportunity to take P5 off Hamilton!
Sainz and Verstappen trading the lead at the moment. DRS playing heavily into that.
Piastri already onto the top ten, as he overtakes Stroll for position!
Sergio Perez up to sixth as he overtakes Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen goes for the move and takes a burst of pace to take a huge advantage on Sainz and Leclerc!
Sainz now 1.5 behind Verstappen and is having to deal with the threat of Norris, Leclerc and Perez.
Leclerc overtakes Sainz and grabs P2 from him!
But now Ferrari have problems as Lando Norris has taken third off Sainz, and is going for second off Leclerc! Norris is into second!
NORRIS
On turn 12, Alexander Albon has spun off! He's dropped to the back apart from his teammate!
Lando Norris is absolutely flying here and is into the lead! He desperately wants that first victory!
Leclerc and Sainz currently battling for that final podium spot. Sainz in particularly looking to prove what he can do as he looks to confirm his spot on the grid for 2025.
It has to be said, the helicopter camera has never looked better than it does at Abu Dhabi.
PITSTOP: Perez is in, he's opted for the Hards on Lap 14.
PITSTOP: Tsunoda in for his first stop of the day! They cannot get the front tyre off and that was slow from RB!
Verstappen has broken away from Norris here, three second lead.
PITSTOP: Leclerc is in! From third place, 2.396 and he rejoins seventh, just ahead of Perez but he has the Red Bull immediately behind!
PITSTOP: Piastri is in! Clean stop and he's away.
Perez gets Leclerc for sixth! He's then ahead of Tsunoda for fifth!
PITSTOPS: Norris and Sainz are both in and both on the Hards! Norris rejoins in fourth but he's been undercut badly by Leclerc!
There's a solid chance Verstappen is one stopping here, but he's gone only 20 laps on the Hards and they're struggling.
Verstappen might be worried about Norris and Leclerc, but Perez might be more of a concern - his teammate is absolutely gunning it around here right now.
PITSTOP: Verstappen is in from the lead! He rejoins in fifth, and he has indeed been undercut by Norris and Leclerc, but also his teammate!
Meanwhile, Piastri and Sainz are having a battle for Sixth! Piastri takes it but then Sainz gets it back!
PITSTOP ISSUE: Albon has a delay!
Verstappen goes for fourth and takes it off Leclerc! Leclerc on the Hards against Verstappen on the Softs has no choice but to concede the place.
Perez takes the lead of the race from Hamilton! He is absolutely killing his tyres here, however.
Hamilton meanwhile is struggling on those old tyres, and has now dropped to fourth, having just been overtaken by Verstappen.
Verstappen overtaking Hamilton at Abu Dhabi...I think I've seen this one before. Sounds familiar.
Leclerc overtakes the man who will be his teammate for next year, Lewis Hamilton, on lap 25.
Max Verstappen is on a mission to get the best out of those Softs - he's already taken back the lead.
PITSTOP: Hamilton boxes for Hards, and he may well go to the end on those.
Lap 26: Verstappen, Perez, Norris, Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Russell, Alonso, Tsunoda, Ricciardo, Hamilton, Stroll, Ocon, Hülkenberg, Bottas, Magnussen, Zhou, Albon, Gasly, Sargeant
Piastri is having a phenomenal drive, and has just overtaken Leclerc for fourth, but Leclerc hits the ol' Switcheroo to retake fourth! We've not seen that one in a while!
Piastri now has to deal with both Ferraris, Leclerc ahead and Sainz behind!
Meanwhile Norris makes the move for P2 and gets it!
Hamilton ahead of Ricciardo and into the points!
Sainz going for fourth and takes fourth from his teammate!
PITSTOP: Perez is in for Softs! This feels very, very early, especially going on Softs, this might be a big mistake from the Bulls!
Norris within 1.5 of Verstappen! He's absolutely desperate for that first victory!
Lap 34 and the sun is very much setting here in Abu Dhabi and darkness is descending on the track. Norris is not far off Verstappen for the lead now!
PITSTOP: RB bring Tsunoda in for what looks like his final stop of the season. Onto the Hards.
PITSTOP: Verstappen is stopping earlier than Norris! He's going for the undercut this time around!
PITSTOP: Meanwhile Piastri comes in next, which means Leclerc stays out!
PITSTOP: Ferrari's pit crew are ready, but they being Sainz, not Leclerc in! And Sainz's likely last pitstop for Ferrari has a MASSIVE delay of six seconds!!
PITSTOPS: Norris and Leclerc both in, and Leclerc is help up a little due to Norris getting released before!
Lap 40: Verstappen, Perez, Norris, Piastri, Sainz, Hamilton, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Russell, Ricciardo, Alonso, Stroll, Ocon, Hülkenberg, Magnussen, Sargeant, Gasly, Bottas, Albon
Norris is 14 seconds off Verstappen. Can he win his first race from here?
Night has descended here in Abu Dhabi on lap 43.
As it stands btw: no changes to the final table. None of the bottom four teams are even close to scoring a point, and Norris is well ahead of Sainz.
PITSTOP: A late third stop for Perez as he goes onto the Softs. He rejoins just behind Hamilton and Leclerc.
Despite some engine issues, Leclerc takes fifth off Hamilton! Now he has Hamilton and Perez to defend against, however.
14 seconds between Verstappen and Norris, with 11 laps to go. Looks like Max has this won.
And Perez gets by Leclerc for fifth!
PEREZ
Verstappen now gaining on Norris.
Sainz going for third and takes third off Piastri!!
Six laps remain of this 2024 season. Unbelievably, Verstappen is likely to take a tenth win and not win the Championship.
Tsunoda up to seventh ahead of Russell and Hamilton!
FINAL LAP
Piastri takes third back off Sainz!!
MAX VERSTAPPEN CROSSES THE LINE TO WIN THE ABU GRAND PRIX AND HE HAS RUN OUT OF FUEL JUST ACROSS THE LINE! AN UNBELIEVABLE ENDING TO THE SEASON!
Norris P2, and it is a double McLaren podium!
Perez P5
Tsunoda seventh
Russell eighth
Hamilton ninth in his final race for Mercedes
Ricciardo takes the final point
ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2024
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Max Verstappen 01.26.09
- Lando Norris +18.272
- Oscar Piastri +6.344
- Carlos Sainz +0.581
- Sergio Perez +5.002
- Charles Leclerc +11.038
- Yuki Tsunoda +18.208
- George Russell +4.025
- Lewis Hamilton +3.920
- Daniel Ricciardo +10.787
- Fernando Alonso +6.810
- Lance Stroll +1 lap
- Pierre Gasly +1 lap
- Nico Hülkenberg +1 lap
- Valtteri Bottas +2 laps
- Alexander Albon +2 laps
- Zhou Guanyu +2 laps
- Esteban Ocon +2 laps
- Logan Sargeant +2 laps
- Kevin Magnussen +2 laps
DRIVER OF THE DAY: OSCAR PIASTRI
From a starting position of twelfth, a fantastic drive from the Australian to take P3 and a well deserved podium. Oscar Piastri is your Driver of the Day!
FASTEST LAP:
Sergio Perez, Red Bull 1.23.689
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD
Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 2.102s
2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 524
Verstappen 476
Norris 336
Sainz 329
Perez 274
Piastri 250
Hamilton 147
Russell 118
Alonso 67
Tsunoda 65
Ricciardo 51
Stroll 25
Albon 1
Gasly 0
Bottas 0
Sargeant 0
Ocon 0
Hülkenberg 0
Magnussen 0
Zhou 0
2024 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 853
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 750
McLaren-Mercedes 586
Mercedes 265
Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT 116
Aston Martin-Mercedes 92
Williams-Mercedes 1
Alpine-Renault 0
Sauber-Ferrari 0
Haas-Ferrari 0
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Qualifying H2Hs:
Leclerc 17-7 Sainz
Verstappen 23-1 Perez
Norris 17-7 Piastri
Hamilton 15-9 Russell
Tsunoda 17-7 Ricciardo
Alonso 13-11 Stroll
Albon 19-5 Sargeant
Gasly 8-16 Ocon
Bottas 22-2 Zhou
Hülkenberg 15-9 Magnussen
Poles:
Verstappen: 13
Leclerc: 6
Sainz: 4
Perez: 1
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FERRARI DRIVER ACADEMY ANNOUNCE 2025 LINEUP
The Ferrari Driver Academy has confirmed its nine Academy Affliates for the 2025 season.
Oliver Bearman, Robert Shwartzman, Dino Beganovic, Aurelia Nobels, Leonardo Fornaroli and Sophia Flörsch will remain in the Academy for the 2025 season.
They'll be joined by Abbi Pulling, who arrives from Alpine, and Franco Colapinto, who will join the team from Williams. Colapinto signs on a two year deal, while Pulling has joined on a four year contract.
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ISACK HADJAR CLINCHES F2 CHAMPIONSHIP
Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar took victory in the final race in Abu Dhabi to win the 2024 F2 Championship.
Hadjar beat out the challenge of Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman by just 19 points, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli finishing third overall.
OLIVER GOETHE WINS F3 CHAMPIONSHIO
In a delayed Finale at Abu Dhabi, Oliver Goethe clinched the F3 Championship over fellow Red Bull junior Tim Tramnitz.
They were comfortably ahead of Ferrari pairing Dino Beganovic and Charlie Wurz.
Christian Mansell, who joins McLaren's driver programme next year was fifth, with Ferrari's Leonardo Fornarolli sixth, and Sophia Flörsch, who moved to Ferrari from Alpine mid-season, seventh.
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DRIVE TO SURVIVE
2024 Season:
EXIT SAINZ
As Bahrain and the new season approaches, Lewis Hamilton makes a decision that shocks the world, meanwhile the man he's replacing ponders the ramifications of the move.
Covers: Bahrain
Featuring: Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff, Carlos Sainz, Ferrari, Mercedes
THE POISONED ALPINE
Alpine have had a horrible start to the season - and in-fighting within the team and both drivers looking at moves away from the team has lead to pressure mounting upon Team Principal Bruno Famin. With the summer break approaching, can Famin do enough to convince the Alpine board to keep him on?
Covers: Early season up to Silverstone
Featuring: Alpine, Bruno Famin, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly
EL MATADOR
Fernando Alonso considers one final big move in Formula 1 - with Aston Martin struggling to hold off Racing Bulls, and Alonso going through a dry spell out of the points, can the team do enough to keep him around for another year?
Covers: Saudi Arabia through to Miami, then Belgium - ending with the announcement of the transfer embargo
Featuring: Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin, Mercedes
THE MONACO CURSE
With two victories in a row and five total to start the year under his belt, Charles Leclerc is in the form of his career as his home Grand Prix of Monaco approaches - a place he has never won at, or even podiumed at. Can Leclerc finally break the Monaco curse?
Covers: Miami, Imola, Monaco
Featuring: Charles Leclerc
SHUTDOWN
After a flurry of rumours around the driver transfer market, the teams receive a shocking bit of news - illegal tampering is at an all time high, and the FIA have a shock resolution.
Featuring: The buildup to the Summer Break
BREAKTHROUGH
Lando Norris searches for his first victory in Formula 1 and has two close calls early in the season, after a Red Flag costs him in Miami and Leclerc recovers to win Imola. With reliability issues plaguing McLaren in the middle of the season, can Lando and McLaren recover and finally find the top step?
Covers: Japan, Imola, Silverstone, Hungary
Featuring: Lando Norris
BULLFIGHT
Max Verstappen's teammate is undecided for the 2025 season - and there's several drivers in the mix for the position. The pressure is on Sergio Perez to prove why he should retain his seat for the 2025 season.
Covers: Canada through to October
Featuring: Red Bull, Sergio Perez, Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon
THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL
A greater than usual disparity at the top of the table has seen four teams fail to score at the first half of the season. As we enter the second half, who of Alpine, Haas, Williams and Sauber can finally put their name on the scoreboard?
Covers: Early recap of season, focus on Italy
Featuring: Alpine, Williams, Sauber, Haas
THE BULL AND THE HORSE
The title fight is picking up after the summer break, and Max Verstappen is picking up momentum. Can Charles Leclerc hold off the charge to land his first World Championship?
Covers: Monza through to Brazil
Featuring: Charles Leclerc versus Max Verstappen
THE WINDOW IS OPEN
With the season winding to a close, the final races conclude at Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and teams reflect on the season gone by. The transfer embargo comes to an end and one driver move shocks the entire paddock.
Covers: Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi
Featuring: Fernando Alonso, Red Bull Racing
foggy locust
FERNANDO ALONSO TO JOIN RED BULL RACING
In what is the biggest news post Abu Dhabi, Fernando Alonso has signed a one-year deal with Red Bull Racing to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 season.
Alonso had promised that he would not be staying with Aston Martin ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and he has delivered and then some on that promise.
Alonso joins Max Verstappen in somewhat of a dream team as they will take on the challenge of regaining both Championships from Ferrari.
ESTEBAN OCON RENEWED BY ALPINE; PIERRE GASLY TO LEAVE TEAM
Alpine Renault have today announced that they have renewed Esteban Ocon on a four-year deal.
Ocon remains with the team through the 2028 season, in a somewhat surprising move. He has very much won the battle with Pierre Gasly to lead the team for the future.
Alpine were interested in renewing Gasly, however the former Red Bull junior has decided to try pastures new for the 2025 season.
FERRARI
Leclerc (2026)
Hamilton (2026)
RED BULL
Verstappen (2028)
Alonso (2025)
McLAREN
Piastri (2026)
Norris (2026)
MERCEDES
Russell (2025)
TBD
RB
TBD
TBD
ASTON MARTIN
TBD
TBD
WILLIAMS
Albon (2025)
TBD
ALPINE
Ocon (2028)
TBD
SAUBER
TBD
TBD
HAAS
TBD
TBD
AUDI TO TAKE TITLE SPONSORSHIP OF SAUBER FOR 2025 SEASON
Audi are entering the game a year early.
With Sauber becoming an Audi works team in 2026, Audi have today announced that they will take on a title sponsorship of the team for the 2025 season.
While Sauber will remain the operational team for 2025, the team will be called Audi Sauber, after the withdrawal of Kick for this season coming.
Audi Sauber have announced their lineup, forthcoming shortly.
foggy locust
AUDI SAUBER ANNOUNCE 2025 LINEUP
The newly christened Audi Sauber team have announced the signing of both Pierre Gasly and Théo Pourchaire on four year deals.
The all French lineup will join the Swiss-German team with an eye to the future - while Audi Sauber do not expect to be successful in 2025, they hope to get a good run on the new engine regulations for 2026, and by mixing the veteran of Pierre Gasly with the rookie of Théo Pourchaire, they may set themselves up well for the future.
RACING BULLS RENEW TSUNODA, RICCIARDO
The partnership of Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo will continue at Racing Bulls.
The Red Bull sister team has opted to renew both Ricciardo and Tsunoda after a strong 2024 for the team, and while both were considered for a role at the main team, Fernando Alonso became available.
Therefore, Laurent Mekies has decided on continuity at Racing Bulls, with rumours that Tsunoda has signed a four year deal and Ricciardo a three year deal.
Shockingly, no room for Liam Lawson who will now be free to look for other offers within Formula 1.
SAINZ TO JOIN MERCEDES FOR 2025 SEASON
The first domino to fall in the 2025 driver market was Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari. Now, the man he replaced is going the other direction.
Carlos Sainz was seen as the main character in this year's transfer window before the embargo, as Alpine, Aston Martin and Williams all held talks with Sainz and his representatives.
However, Toto Wolff has got his man with a four year deal given to Sainz, who will partner George Russell next season.
FERRARI
Leclerc (2026)
Hamilton (2026)
RED BULL
Verstappen (2028)
Alonso (2025)
McLAREN
Piastri (2026)
Norris (2026)
MERCEDES
Russell (2025)
Sainz (2028)
RB
Tsunoda (2028)
Ricciardo (2027)
ASTON MARTIN
TBD
TBD
WILLIAMS
Albon (2025)
TBD
ALPINE
Ocon (2028)
TBD
AUDI SAUBER
Pourchaire (2028)
Gasly (2028)
HAAS
TBD
TBD
NICO HÜLKENBERG RENEWS DEAL WITH HAAS
Nico Hülkenberg will remain a Haas driver for two more seasons.
Hülkenberg has signed a new deal taking him to the 2026 season, his age 39 season, and there is a strong chance this may be his last contract in Formula 1.
Hülkenberg has said he "believes in the Haas project" and that they can push themselves further up the chasing pack this coming season.
VALTTERI BOTTAS TO JOIN ASTON MARTIN FOR 2025 SEASON
Valtteri Bottas has joined Aston Martin on a four year deal.
Bottas is swapping one green team for another, as he commits his long term future to Aston Martin, having left Sauber at the end of this year.
Bottas is seen as a potential mentor to his teammate...hang on, some breaking news...
LANCE STROLL TO JOIN WILLIAMS
In an absolute shocker of a move, Lance Stroll will be a Williams driver once again next season.
Apparently the "pay driver" rumours have gotten to Stroll, who wants an opportunity to prove himself away from his father's team, and Williams team principal James Vowles, who has been impressed by Stroll in the 2024 season, has signed him to partner Alex Albon this coming season.
Stroll signs on, you guessed it, a four year deal.
FERRARI
Leclerc (2026)
Hamilton (2026)
RED BULL
Verstappen (2028)
Alonso (2025)
McLAREN
Piastri (2026)
Norris (2026)
MERCEDES
Russell (2025)
Sainz (2028)
RB
Tsunoda (2028)
Ricciardo (2027)
ASTON MARTIN
Bottas (2028)
TBD
WILLIAMS
Albon (2025)
Stroll (2028)
ALPINE
Ocon (2028)
TBD
AUDI SAUBER
Pourchaire (2028)
Gasly (2028)
HAAS
Hülkenberg (2026)
TBD
ZHOU GUANYU TO JOIN HAAS FOR 2025 SEASON
Haas have agreed a four year deal to sign Zhou Guanyu from Sauber.
China's first F1 driver was at threat of losing his position on the grid after Audi Sauber announced the lineup of Théo Pourchaire and Pierre Gasly, however Haas have swooped to sign him and retain his place in Formula 1.
Zhou will partner Nico Hülkenberg at the American team next season.
KEVIN MAGNUSSEN TO RETURN TO RENAULT FOLD
Kevin Magnussen will return to Renault to join Alpine for 2025.
Magnussen completed one season with Renault in 2016 before joining Haas, and with the departure of longtime friend and ally Guenther Steiner from the team last year, Magnussen has decided to leave Haas to rejoin his former team.
Magnussen signs a three year deal and will partner Esteban Ocon for 2025.
ASTON MARTIN PROMOTE VANDOORNE
In a stunning move, 2021-22 Formula E World Champion Stoffel Vandoorne is to return to the F1 grid.
Vandoorne has not raced in Formula 1 since 2018 after a stint at McLaren, but has had test drives for Mercedes and Racing Point (now Aston Martin), along with the current iteration of the team.
Vandoorne beat out fellow afflilate and main challenger Felipe Drugovich to the seat after a test at Abu Dhabi following the final race of the season.
He has signed a one year deal with the team.
FERRARI
Leclerc (2026)
Hamilton (2026)
RED BULL
Verstappen (2028)
Alonso (2025)
McLAREN
Piastri (2026)
Norris (2026)
MERCEDES
Russell (2025)
Sainz (2028)
RB
Tsunoda (2028)
Ricciardo (2027)
ASTON MARTIN
Bottas (2028)
Vandoorne (2025)
WILLIAMS
Albon (2025)
Stroll (2028)
ALPINE
Ocon (2028)
Magnussen (2027)
AUDI SAUBER
Pourchaire (2028)
Gasly (2028)
HAAS
Hülkenberg (2026)
Zhou (2028)
brazen wren
Rip Alpine
Wouldn't wish that driver pairing on anyone
sterile breach
Rip Alpine
Wouldn't wish that driver pairing on anyone
tbf, ocon can be good in this game, he placed 3rd for RB last season in my save
though magnussen... yeah they're fked
foggy locust
Magnussen and Ocon are going to absolutely commit war crimes together
foggy locust
RESERVES:
Ollie Bearman - Full Time Reserve Driver
Robert Shwartzman - Backup Reserve Driver/WEC driver
Dino Beganovic -
F2: Campos Racing
Franco Colapinto -
F2: Campos Racing
Abbi Pulling -
F3: PREMA Racing
Charlie Wurz
F3: Jenzer Motorsport
Leonardo Fornaroli
F3: Trident
Sophia Flörsch
F3: Van Amersfoort Racing
Aurelia Nobels
F1 Academy: ART Grand Prix
DIEGO IOVERNO RENEWS WITH SCUDERIA FERRARI
Scuderia Ferrari have today announced the renewal of Sporting Director Diego Ioverno.
Ioverno has been with the team since the 2000s, working his way up to becoming one of the best Sporting Directors within Formula 1.
Ioverno has renewed on a three-year deal with the reigning Constructors Champions.
foggy locust
FERRARI QUICKEST IN PRE-SEASON TESTING AHEAD OF McLAREN AND RED BULL
The reigning Champions' title defence is off to a strong start.
Ferrari topped the tables in pre-season testing across the three days in Bahrain, ahead of Red Bull and McLaren, who were a close second and third.
Mercedes bounced back from a tough day one to set some good times on days two and three, looking potentially the fourth fastest team, albeit they look a long way off McLaren and Red Bull, never mind Ferrari.
Aston Martin started off well on day one but slipped back behind Mercedes on the second and third day, and look like the fifth fastest car.
RB are solidly in sixth across the board, while Williams, Alpine and Haas all found small areas of success they can work on.
However it was a tough day for Audi Sauber, who struggled and look predominantly the slowest team going into this season.
But the headlines belong to the Champions and the two teams chasing them the hardest. It could be a fascinating fight at the top this season.
steep needle
Aston Martin signing Vandoorne… man really I thought they fixed the transfers
viral wraith
76 rated getting signed isn't bad?
foggy locust
I do like that they promoted an afflilate
I think they promoted the WRONG afflilate though
But the Vandoorne comeback on a prove-it deal interests me, story wise, so I'm happy to run with it
The rest of the transfers made logical sense imo, so overall I'd say it is a lot better
A lot of drivers signing four year deals though
foggy locust
MONEYGRAM HAAS F1 TEAM
Team Principal: Ayao Komatsu
Car Code: VF-24
Engine: Ferrari
Team Colours: White, Red and Black
Nico Hülkenberg (27)
Zhou Guanyu (24)
Main Reserve: Pietro Fittipaldi
F2 Affiliates: Dennis Hauger
F3 Affiliates: Maxwell Esterson
Last Year: Haas: 10th; Hülkenberg: 18th, Zhou: 20th (Sauber)
Haas enter the 2025 season off the back of finishing bottom of the table two years in a row and to say this is a huge year for the team and Team Principal Ayao Komatsu is a big understatement. Having been brought in to replace Guenther Steiner, Komatsu and Haas failed to score a single point, much like 2021, and the team are on the understanding that points, and moving off the bottom, are a must this season.
Haas remain with Ferrari engines and keep a close contact with the current Champions, having a base at Maranello. Their car is built on strong Acceleration and Low Speed Cornering, but have the worst tyre preservation on the grid, a problem that has persisted for the last few years.
Nico Hülkenberg remains with the team and is very likely to see out the rest of his F1 career at Haas. He said in the offseason that he “still believes in the Haas project” and what Komatsu is doing with the team. Hülkenberg still wants that elusive podium, and hopes Haas can do enough to put that together for 2026.
Joining him is Zhou Guanyu, who it was believed his F1 career would be over before he was handed the reprieve by Haas. Seen as a safe driver who rarely crashes, a big bonus for a small team for Haas, as well as one who brings in a lot of sponsors, Zhou didn't really gel at Sauber and is hoping a fresh start will kick start his career.
Haas want to be a team who can score points regularly, and potentially challenge the likes of Aston Martin and RB. First, they have got to get off the bottom of the table. But they have a car that tested well in some areas and low speed tracks will be their best opportunities. It may well still be tough sledding.
Prediction: 8th
AUDI SPORT SAUBER FORMULA 1
Team Principal: Mattia Binotto
Car Code: AUDI-01
Engine: Mercedes
Team Colours: Black, Red and Green
Théo Pourchaire (98)
Pierre Gasly (10)
Main Reserve: Luke Browning
F2 Affiliates: None
F3 Affiliates: Luke Browning, Mari Boya, Sami Meguetounif, Callum Voisin
F1 Academy: Carrie Schreiner
Last Year: Sauber: 9th; Pourchaire: N/A (not on grid), Gasly: 14th (Alpine)
Audi come into the sport a year early as a title sponsor for a team who massively need a Kick start (get it?), and after a very poor year last year, both drivers have departed from Sauber. Former Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto has stepped into the role permanently after temporarily taking it halfway through last season.
Audi also have made the decision to switch away from Ferrari's Engine program and have brought fellow German team Mercedes’ engines, while renewing their team base in Switzerland (and will still use the Swiss team licence). Testing was a problem and the car tested slowest in almost every category.
In comes a lineup that Audi very much see as a future pairing with the 2026 regulation changes in mind. Théo Pourchaire finally gets his opportunity in Formula 1 as the only rookie on this year's grid, and finally a chance to prove what he can do after years of waiting. The 2023 F2 Champion spent last year in and out and in and out of McLaren's IndyCar team, but makes the move back to the team that's always supported him, Sauber, on a long term deal.
He's joined by compatriot Pierre Gasly, who leaves Alpine after a very difficult year where he did finish ahead of his teammate in the table, but failed to score any points. Gasly fancied a change of scenery and it was felt it was mutual by the team. He comes into the Audi team as a potential mentor to Théo Pourchaire, as well as a team leader who can bring in some points.
However, this is a Sauber car that is comfortably the worst of the bunch going into Bahrain. This might not be the worst thing, as the Audi project is a long term project with next year in mind, but points will be very difficult to come by this year. Short term pain for long term gain?
Prediction: 10th
BWT ALPINE RENAULT
Team Principal: Oliver Oakes
Car Code: Alpine A525
Engine: Renault
Team Colours: Yellow and Black
Esteban Ocon (31)
Kevin Magnussen (20)
Main Reserve: Kush Maini
F2 Affiliates: Amaury Cordeel, Kush Maini,
F3 Affiliates: Tommy Smith
F1 Academy: Léna Bühler
Last Year: Alpine: 8th; Ocon: 17th, Magnussen: 19th (Haas)
Speaking of Alpine, it is all change at the French team as heavy rumours of the engine project coming to an end and Alpine becoming a customer team continue in the paddock. They will be running their own engines for 2025, alongside a new Team Principal, Oliver Oakes, who took over towards the end of last year. Again, this might be a team looking towards 2026.
Alpine have built their car around DRS Effectiveness and High Speed Cornering, and in a much needed bonus, have managed to strip the weight problems that haunted their 2024 challenger. They had struggles with pre-season testing however in low speed cornering.
Esteban Ocon remains at the team having had a struggle last year in a very difficult and very poor car. It might be more of the same for Ocon this year, but this is a long term effort - he signed a long term deal with the team at the end of last season.
Returning to the Renault faction is Kevin Magnussen, having left in 2016 and having two stints with Haas, coming into the team an older and more mature driver, however he did rack up the penalty points last season. Magnussen now makes an interesting and potentially dangerous pairing with Esteban Ocon.
In what may be the final year of the Renault engines, Alpine have brought back one final change - bringing in the classic Yellow and Black Livery always associated with Renault. It might be a year too soon however for this team, as they look towards 2026 and the new regulations.
Prediction: 9th
WILLIAMS RACING
Team Principal: James Vowles
Car Code: FW47
Engine: Mercedes
Team Colours: Blue, White and Red
Alexander Albon (23)
Lance Stroll (18)
Main Reserve: Zane Maloney
F2 Affiliates: Enzo Fittipaldi, Paul Aron, Gabriel Minì, Zane Maloney
F3 Affiliates: Joseph Loake
Last Year: Williams: 7th; Albon: 13th, Stroll: 12th (Aston Martin)
The James Vowles Williams project rolls on and for the second year in a row, finished seventh in the table. However it was another year where points were difficult to come by, and they scored just a single point at Monza. Improvements are needed for Vowles and Williams as the 2026 regulations loom.
Williams have a car built for medium Speed Cornering, so expect them to have more joy at tracks such as Jeddah, Budapest and Imola. That traditional straight line speed is also coming into effect. They tested poorly in low and high speed cornering, however.
Alexander Albon enters his fourth year with the team with his third new teammate from North America. However, Albon continues as the undisputed team leader of Williams and the driver that the project is built around. Having performed strongly with a difficult car last year, Albon is ready to prove he is the man to take the next step with Williams. There is a complication that this is his contract year, and could a potential move up the grid be on the cards for Albon if he performs well? Williams will want to prove they can keep up with Albon's ambitions.
Williams pulled off a shock move by bringing Lance Stroll back to the team and away from his father's team, Aston Martin. This is the first time in his Formula 1 career that Stroll will be at a team WITHOUT his father's influence. Stroll actively said that the move was made as he wanted to prove his place in Formula 1, and it is a brave move, but one that could very well pay off.
This still feels like a project for Williams in 2025, with 2026 being the focus. They may have more success than the bottom three, but it's hard to see them breaking into the top six, at least this year.
Prediction: 7th
ASTON MARTIN ARAMCO F1 TEAM
Team Principal: Mike Krack
Car Code: AMR25
Engine: Honda RBPT
Team Colours: Green and White
Valtteri Bottas (77)
Stoffel Vandoorne (52)
Main Reserve: Sebastian Montoya
F2 Affiliates: None
F3 Affiliates: Alexander Dunne, Martinius Stenshorne, Sebastian Montoya, Tom Virtanen
F1 Academy: Tina Hausmann, Chloe Chambers
Last Year: Aston Martin: 6th; Bottas: 15th (Sauber), Vandoorne: N/A (Not on grid)
Lawrence Stroll's team will not have his own son for the first time in Formula 1, at least since Stroll invested in Williams in 2017. They've also lost two time former World Champion Fernando Alonso to Red Bull Racing after a disappointing sixth place finish and a massive development crisis last year.
However, with Adrian Newey now on board at Aston Martin - and a new regulations change in 2026 - hopes are very, very high for the coming few seasons. Aston Martin will become Honda's works team for 2026, and they have brought in Honda's Red Bull Powertrain engines in preparation for this, switching away from Mercedes. They tested strongly, being the fourth fastest in low speed cornering and fifth in the other corners. The car also looks good in top speed, tyre preservation and acceleration.
Coming into the team to replace Alonso is another veteran - this time former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas. Bottas was keen to get back up the grid after years at the back with Sauber, and while the doors at the top four were closed, Aston Martin represented the best next opportunity. Bottas hopes to rediscover his Mercedes form with his new team - and the Newey based car may give him a great opportunity to do so.
In somewhat of a shock move, Aston Martin have replaced Lance Stroll by promoting Reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne to an F1 seat. At the age of 32 (and turning 33 next month), Vandoorne has been rewarded with a race seat for years of hard work as a reserve in the simulator and backing up Stroll and Alonso/Sebastian Vettel, as well as strong performances in Formula E - having been the Formula E World Champion in 2022. This is Vandoorne's first time on the grid since his 2016-18 run at McLaren.
Aston Martin have high hopes for 2025 and beyond, and this is a team that could very much challenge for the top four if any of the top four falter. But while we think they may just fall short of that this year, they will absolutely be a team to watch both this year and next.
Prediction: 5th
VISA CASHAPP RACING BULLS F1 TEAM
Team Principal: Laurent Mekies
Car Code: VCARB 02
Engine: Honda RBPT
Team Colours: Blue, Red and White
Daniel Ricciardo (3)
Yuki Tsunoda (22)
Main Reserve:
F2 Affiliates: Richard Verschoor, Ritomo Miyata
F3 Affiliates: None
Last Year: RB: 5th; Tsunoda: 10th, Ricciardo: 11th
Last year was a massive stop forward for the Red Bull junior team in Laurent Mekies’ first year in charge. With a strong midfield car and a team that performed strongly, RB managed to beat out Aston Martin to fifth place. However, rumours persist about a potential team sale incoming from the parent company after continuing pressure that other teams believe they shouldn't own two teams.
RB put that aside in testing to produce a strong midfield car that performed well across the board, being incredibly consistent throughout testing. All three aspects of their cornering ranked sixth, they had the fifth best tyre preservation, and seventh best Acceleration. Consistency was key for RB.
Yuki Tsunoda re-signed a new deal with Red Bull as he continues to await a potential opportunity with the parent team, and Tsunoda was very strong last year, cracking the top ten in the Championship for the first time. He was considered for a seat at the parent team after beating out Ricciardo, but Fernando Alonso was chosen instead.
Daniel Ricciardo did have a strong year himself despite losing to Tsunoda, and after failing to beat his teammate, his future in Formula 1 was brought into question, but he did enough to secure another long term deal with the Red Bull family, and continues to await a potential chance at the top team. His choice also led to the exit of Liam Lawson from Red Bull.
The team will do their best to ignore the distractions of the potential sale, and try and take fifth in the Championship once more, and potentially even crack the top four. But with this in mind, and with Aston Martin looking stronger, it may be a return to sixth for RB.
Prediction: 6th
MERCEDES AMG-PETRONAS F1 TEAM
Team Principal: Toto Wolff
Car Code: F1 W16
Engine: Mercedes
Team Colours: Silver and Black
George Russell (63)
Carlos Sainz (55)
Main Reserve: Andrea Kimi Antonelli
F2 Affiliates: Victor Martins, Roman Stanek, Jak Crawford, Zak O'Sullivan, Nikola Tsolov, Andrea Kimi Antonelli
F3 Affiliates: Laurens van Hoepen, Santiago Ramos, Matías Zagazeta
Last Year: Mercedes: 4th; Russell: 8th, Sainz: 4th (Ferrari)
And so to the Silver Arrows, who might be the team most relieved to see the end of the ground effects era - an era that ended their domination at the top of Formula 1. And it’s the end of another era for Mercedes, after Lewis Hamilton leaves the team for Ferrari, having taken six World Championships and eight Constructors with the team.
Mercedes are another team who tested middle of the road in pre-season testing, they were quite frankly “best of the rest” throughout testing but saw themselves behind Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull. Fourth in Medium and High Speed Corners, Fifth in Low Speed, Top Speed and DRS.
George Russell remains at the team and this is a big year for him, his contract year with Mercedes. With Andrea Kimi Antonelli waiting in the wings and waiting on a potential immediate promotion, Russell is under pressure to deliver this year and keep himself in the team - and it's not a good year to be in a contract year with so few seats available. But the other caveat - Fernando Alonso's one year deal at Red Bull - could Russell potentially switch to the Bulls?
With Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari, Carlos Sainz goes the other way - signing a four year deal with Mercedes, getting the long-term contract he wanted for a while. Sainz's worry was not getting a long term contract with a top team and he's managed to do that, so will he step up this year and be a potential team leader at Mercedes?
Best of the rest looks most likely for Mercedes, and this is the end of their hated Ground Effect Era. With the engine regulations coming in next year - could we see the resurgence of Mercedes in 2026? For now, best of the rest. It'll be interesting to see how quickly they move onto next year's research.
Prediction: 4th
McLAREN FORMULA 1 TEAM
Team Principal: Andrea Stella
Car Code: MCL39
Engine: Mercedes
Team Colours: Papaya Orange and Blue
Lando Norris (4)
Oscar Piastri (81)
Main Reserve: Jack Doohan
F2 Affiliates: None
F3 Affiliates: Nikita Bedrin, Christian Mansell
F1 Academy: Bianca Bustamante
Last Year: McLaren: 3rd; Norris: 3rd, Piastri: 6th
After years in the doldrums, McLaren have taken a massive step forward in the last two seasons - fourth in 2023, and third in 2024. However, they have an even greater ambition in mind for 2025 - both Championships. And this could be very well the year that they challenge for both titles.
McLaren tested brilliantly, constantly the second fastest across all three cornering categories, with the best engine cooling and second best top speed. In fact, its hard to see any weaknesses in the MCL39 coming out of last week's testing.
The biggest question however might be - if they launch a Championship challenge, which driver will it be behind? Lando Norris finished third in the Championship in 2024, beating out former teammate Carlos Sainz at the final race in Abu Dhabi, and came incredibly, heartbreakingly close to his first victory in F1 on several occasions last year, notably at Imola and Miami. This time around, “Papaya Rules” will very much be back in play as he and Piastri both start on zero, but Norris will be in the mix as a potential Championship challenger if he can put it all together this year.
So too, however, will Oscar Piastri. Piastri finished sixth in the Championship after a very good season last time around, and is growing as a driver every single race - notably, he was ahead of Norris in pre-season testing this year, albeit having the later sessions on two of the three days. Piastri has been tipped as a potential future WDC - could that even be this coming season?
McLaren have a real opportunity to make a Championship challenge on both fronts this year, and while we believe they will beat out the challenge of Red Bull, they might fall just short of toppling Ferrari.
Prediction: 2nd
ORACLE RED BULL RACING
Team Principal: Christian Horner
Car Code: RBR21
Engine: Honda RBPT
Team Colours: Navy Blue, Red and Yellow
Max Verstappen (33)
Fernando Alonso (14)
Main Reserve: Pato O'Ward
F2 Affiliates: Gabriel Bortoleto, Joshua Dürksen
F3 Affiliates: Noel León, Arvid Lindblad, Taylor Barnard, Patrick Andersson, Patrizia de Angelis
Last year: Red Bull: 2nd; Verstappen: 2nd, Alonso: 11th
The most dominant team in the ground effect era, Red Bull's dominance came to an end last year and “the Red Bull downfall” shouts started growing. Problems on and off the track for the team as many key figures - notably Adrian Newey, who joined Aston Martin, and Pierre Wache, who joined Ferrari, as well as driver Sergio Perez and afflilates Liam Lawson, F2 Champion Isack Hadjar and F3 Champion Oliver Goethe, exited the Red Bull team.
Red Bull however tested third quickest overall in Bahrain this past week, although had moments of being quicker than McLaren. They still do have the advantage on Top Speed and Acceleration, as well as Dirty Air Tolerance, although tyres will prove an issue with the RB21.
Max Verstappen does remain in Formula 1 and with the Red Bull team, at least for now, and the three time Champion enters 2025 having lost his title to Charles Leclerc. Verstappen however remains dominant on his day and fought Leclerc most of the way last year, taking home ten victories last season, despite losing the title. Questions remain about how long he will remain in F1 due to off-track issues with the FIA - Red Bull will have to perform to keep him around.
The Bulls opted against re-signing Sergio Perez, and signed Fernando Alonso on a one-year deal. Alonso comes in as Max Verstappen's biggest challenge at the Red Bull team, and after a horrendous year for Aston Martin, Alonso finally gets a chance at that 33rd potential win. But Alonso also wants the opportunity at a third World Championship, and he may well be in with a chance this year.
Red Bull, despite the claims on the “downfall” remain strong and will remain a threat to both Ferrari and McLaren. However the car might not be there, at least at the beginning of the year, and that could cost them places in the Championship.
Prediction: 3rd
SCUDERIA FERRARI
Team Principal: Frederik Vasseur
Car Code: SF-25
Team Colours: Red and White
Engine: Ferrari
Charles Leclerc (1)
Lewis Hamilton (44)
Main Reserve: Oliver Bearman
F2 Affiliates: Franco Colapinto, Dino Beganovic
F3 Affiliates: Abbi Pulling, Leonardo Fornaroli, Sophia Flörsch, Charlie Wurz
F1 Academy: Aurelia Nobels
Last Year: Ferrari: Champions; Leclerc: Champion, Hamilton: 7th (Mercedes)
Formula 1's most successful team finally got back to the top of the mountain after 16 years without a Constructors title and 17 without a Drivers’ title, as Charles Leclerc and Ferrari finally became Champions. And now begins the defence, and the introduction of the seven time World Champion and one of the greatest to ever race, Lewis Hamilton.
Ferrari had a fantastic start to that defence in testing, with the team testing quickest throughout the corners, as well as having the best DRS Effectiveness and the best tyre preservation. There were some slight issues with Engine Cooling, which is something the defending Champions will need to get on top of quickly before reliability becomes an issue, but other than that, a very strong test in Bahrain.
Charles Leclerc finally got his first World Championship last season after a sensational thirteen win season, including home victories at Monaco and Monza. Leclerc goes from the hunter to the hunted this season, especially with the arrival of a seven time World Champion at his team. But Leclerc has one title, and wants his second, and is ready for the challenge.
It is a huge challenge, as Lewis Hamilton arrives at Ferrari. After a couple of difficult seasons, Hamilton will likely finish his career at the one team he never thought he'd drive for but the one he always wanted to - Scuderia Ferrari. And he is an immediate threat to secure his eighth World title, breaking the tie with another famous Ferrari driver - Michael Schumacher.
Ferrari look the favourites to win it all again this year and even though Red Bull and McLaren will challenge, we believe the title will go to the Scuderia for the second year in a row. But if a Ferrari driver wins the WDC: will Leclerc or Hamilton take home the title? Second title, or eighth?
Prediction: Champions
foggy locust
2025 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
Formula 1 is back.
We begin our 2025 season with the now traditional opener at the Sakhir International Circuit in Bahrain, and forget what's come before - we all begin once more on zero.
57 laps of this 5.412km circuit, this track has a lot in common with the season ender in Abu Dhabi in 10 months time, almost bookending the Championship.
And there's a lot of talking points to begin this season. Charles Leclerc begins his title defence with Ferrari, as they welcome seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton for his Scuderia debut. Ferrari looked quickest in testing, and look favourites to start off strongly.
However Red Bull and McLaren will keep them on their toes. Red Bull introduce the fantastic pairing of three time Champion Max Verstappen and two time Champion Fernando Alonso as a response to Leclerc and Hamilton, and the Bulls are chasing their titles back.
McLaren might have them for this race, however, with the young duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, both of whom have the capability to embark on a title challenge of their own - but will they have the car?
Carlos Sainz makes his Mercedes debut alongside George Russell, in what looks like the fourth fastest car this season - will it be, however? Can Merc challenge the top three?
The Astons made headlines with the introduction of Stoffel Vandoorne returning to the grid on a one-year prove it deal, and he joins veteran Valtteri Bottas, in what may be the most competitive car he's had since he left Mercedes.
Théo Pourchaire makes his debut for the brand newly named Audi Sauber, alongside Pierre Gasly. A team that may well be looking towards next year, however.
Williams bring back Lance Stroll who is without his father's influence for the first time in his career, and after pushing Alonso in qualifying mostly last year, Stroll has a point to prove.. Also making a team debut is Zhou Guanyu for Haas, while Kevin Magnussen embarks on his second Renault stint.
RB keep the same lineup under intermittent pressure from the FIA to sell the second team - how will that affect Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo?
It's a fascinating start to the season, as always, a brand new opportunity to make a first impression.
Let's go.
FP1 Afflilates: Bedrin (Piastri), Maloney (Stroll), Hauger (Zhou)
BRYAN BOZZI TO REPLACE XAVI MARCUS PADROS
Some breaking news out of Bahrain as Ferrari have announced the introduction of a new race engineer for Charles Leclerc this season.
Bryan Bozzi will replace Xavier Marcos Padros as the voice in the ear of the defending Champion, as Padros has been reassigned to the Hypercar division.
Bozzi has been highly rated as a performance coach, and now takes the step up as Leclerc's race engineer.
(OOC note: obviously it's still Xavi in game, as Bozzi isn't in the game. But I'm replacing him with Bozzi in this universe)
(BOZ) "Okay Charles, you've got this. Time to continue where we've left off. Radio check?"
(LEC) "Radio check, loud and clear."
(HAM) "Radio check?"
(ADA) "All clear, Lewis. Welcome to Ferrari, looking forward to working with you."
(HAM) "Happy to be here. Let's get to work."
The first error of this season goes to Esteban Ocon, who has a wheel spin on turn 7!
FP1: LEC HAM VER
Ferrari start on top with a 1-2. Defending Champion Leclerc quickest from Hamilton, with Verstappen third and Sainz fourth. Alonso fifth, ahead of Bottas and Vandoorne as Aston Martin impressed. A tough session for McLaren, with Norris eighth and Bedrin 13th.
Tsunoda and Ocon have a coming together! Looks like Tsunoda locked up and swerved in front of Ocon! Ocon very displeased on the radio!
FP2: LEC HAM VER
Same again as this afternoon, as Leclerc goes quickest ahead of Hamilton. Verstappen and Alonso follow, then Norris and Piastri. The two Astons are 7-9, Bottas ahead, the two Mercs 8-10, Russell ahead. Zhou 11th on his first session with Haas.
sterile breach
is lewis on 1 or 2 seasons contract?
foggy locust
FP3: NOR HAM VER
LEC P4
Lando Norris quickest in FP3 ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Charles Leclerc fourth, with Alonso fifth and Bottas sixth ahead of Piastri and Hülkenberg, and the two Williams of Albon and Stroll rounding off the top ten.
foggy locust
is lewis on 1 or 2 seasons contract?
Two year deal
Which he'll probably retire after
Well, here we go again. The first competitive session of the 2025 season awaits us, and the first Pole Position of the year is very much up for grabs. Ferrari were generally quickest but we saw a lot of pace from McLaren and Red Bull had consistency, so this could be anyone's. Here we go.
We are Green for Q1! The first competitive session of 2025 is underway!
(BOZ) "This is good track position Charles, you're good to go here."
Leclerc setting the early benchmark here, 29.108.
Stroll about a second and two tenths back.
Not a great lap for Ocon either, who's behind Stroll.
(ADA) "Okay Lewis, tyre temperatures are stable, you can go, track is clear."
Vandoorne 2.4 seconds off top spot! Massive improvements needed.
And a phenomenal lap from Hamilton who goes 0.192 ahead of Leclerc!
Just sixth for Verstappen! He's on the radio and not happy about it!
It's worse for Norris who sits 12th as we stand!
Ricciardo third and Tsunoda fifth at this current juncture.
Bottas goes up to third!!
Piastri goes third...
But Alonso puts up a steller time and splits the Ferraris at the top!
Vandoorne up to seventh, a much needed, confidence building lap.
Sainz goes fifth, meanwhile Russell just twelfth!
DRIVER AT RISK: Magnussen
RELEGATION ZONE: Ocon, 
Pourchaire, Gasly, Albon, Norris
Norris improves, he's up to fourth and well safe. Russell now at risk, Verstappen just one spot ahead!
Gasly up to 16th, his struggles continue as he is out in Q1! Verstappen purple through S1, green S2, Verstappen quickest! Ocon is out, Russell at risk but green through S1, Zhou 14th, Albon 13th and puts Zhou at risk! Russell up to tenth, Tsunoda at risk but Pourchaire and Magnussen don't prove and that's that!
OUT IN Q1: Zhou, Gasly, Magnussen, Ocon, Pourchaire
Q2 goes Green!
Albon with a spin on turn 7 and that's wrecked his lap!
Hamilton sets the benchmark of 28.687.
Ricciardo goes 1.174 behind Hamilton.
(LEC) "****. I got stuck behind Stroll there, lost so much time."
(BOZ) "Copy Charles, we'll prepare for another lap."
Leclerc 7 tenths down on Hamilton! Not a great lap, but he did get slowed by traffic.
Verstappen second and Alonso third!
Bottas fourth, ahead of the McLarens!
DRIVER AT RISK: Russell
RELEGATION ZONE: Tsunoda, Ricciardo, Hülkenberg, Stroll, Albon
Hamilton hitting a bit of traffic and not improving, Leclerc improves through S1, Norris up to P2, Hülkenberg 12th so he's out! Tsunoda just 11th, Stroll and Albon don't improve, Verstappen quickest! Leclerc just sixth!
OUT IN Q2: Tsunoda, Hülkenberg, Ricciardo, Stroll, Albon
Green for Q3! Who will take the first Pole of the season?
VANDOORNE IN THE WALL AT TURN 11!! Single yellows, he's continuing but that's his lap ruined!
Hamilton 0.441 ahead of Leclerc, currently a 1-2 for Ferrari!
Piastri about 1.5 back! A poor lap from him.
And Russell goes ahead of him into third!
Bottas meanwhile splits the Ferraris!
Verstappen just fourth, while Alonso is ninth!
Q3 AS IT STANDS: Hamilton, Bottas, Leclerc, Verstappen, Sainz, Norris, Russell, Piastri, : Alonso, Vandoorne
VANDOORNE PURPLE SECTOR
Vandoorne went quickest in S1, but then slowed a lot in S2 and S3, and stays tenth.
Leclerc up to second, just 0.195 behind Hamilton! Hamilton stays fastest overall.
But Verstappen comes out of nowhere to steal Pole! Alonso just sixth.
Norris the last to cross the line...and he goes Third! Wow!!
Q3: Verstappen, Hamilton, Norris, Leclerc, Bottas, Sainz, Alonso, Russell, Piastri, Vandoorne
2025 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
VER HAM
NOR LEC
BOT SAI
ALO RUS
PIA VAN
TSU HÜL
RIC STR
ALB ZHO
GAS MAG
OCO POU
Welcome to Bahrain and welcome to opening night and it all begins here, 24 races that will take us around the world and back again. Around the world in 24 Races, and it all starts here in Bahrain. We first raced here in 2004, and we go racing here again 21 years later under the lights.
Théo Pourchaire makes his Formula 1 Debut from the back alongside Esteban Ocon, while Kevin Magnussen and Pierre Gasly are on row nine. Zhou Guanyu started life at Haas by qualifying 16th alongside Alex Albon, Lance Stroll just one spot ahead of his new teammate while Daniel Ricciardo begins in 13th. Nico Hülkenberg will start from twelfth and then eleventh for Yuki Tsunoda, Stoffel Vandoorne makes his first Grand Prix appearance since 2018 in Abu Dhabi, he starts tenth despite a crash in qualifying. Oscar Piastri ninth and then George Russell alongside Fernando Alonso who makes his Red Bull debut in seventh. Carlos Sainz will start sixth for Mercedes then it's a fifth place start for Valtteri Bottas in the Aston Martin, his highest start since he left Mercedes. Charles Leclerc begins his World Championship defence from fourth alongside Lando Norris in third, Lewis Hamilton makes his debut for Ferrari from second, and Max Verstappen starts where he left off in qualifying last year, Pole Position.
ONE LIGHT, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
We are racing in 2025, and Verstappen holds the lead, Hamilton just behind, Norris holding off Leclerc, then Bottas, Sainz, Alonso, Russell, Piastri, Tsunoda overtakes Vandoorne for tenth!
(HAM) "Can't get much closer there."
(ADA) "The race is still on for us"
Leclerc gets the move done on Norris for third! Meanwhile Hamilton going for the lead, but Verstappen closes the door!
TSUNODA SPINS OFF! HE NEARLY TAKES VANDOORNE WITH HIM!
Hamilton going for the lead into Turn 1 and Lewis Hamilton leads the Bahrain Grand Prix!!
(BOZ) "You're doing a very good job on pace here Charles, keep it up."
Leclerc goes round the outside of Verstappen and Leclerc now fancies the lead and he takes the lead of the race! A phenomenal double move from the Champion!
(ADA) "Free to race but keep it clean."
Verstappen however is keeping pace with the two Ferraris.
Leclerc is back into the lead on the final corner!
A rare mistake from Piastri and he locks up into the first corner!
Bottas is fancying third from Verstappen! He's putting a lot of pressure on the former Champion! Meanwhile Vandoorne is struggling down in 13th!
Hülkenberg overtakes Ricciardo and is into the points! Could this be a big moment for the American team? It's still early, however.
(BOZ) "Lewis is behind with DRS, he's in the DRS range."
(LEC) "I can see him in the mirrors here, thanks"
Lap 6: Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Bottas, Alonso, Norris, Sainz, Russell, Piastri, Hülkenberg
(HAM) "I need more power guys."
(ADA) "Yeah, stay cool, you're in a good window here."
Alonso has slowly but surely made his way through the pack and now the Red Bull driver overtakes Bottas for fifth!
Verstappen's pace has been very strong here, despite losing Pole to third, he's keeping up with the Ferraris.
(LEC) "F***...no, no, no."
(BOZ) "Damage looks minor Charles, not much at all, keep going, keep the head up. You're doing a good job."
Hamilton overtakes Leclerc but brakes later than planned and Leclerc's front wing takes a minor tap!
(HAM) "Slight bump with Charles there."
COLLISION BETWEEN CAR 1 (LECLERC) AND CAR 44 (HAMILTON); RACING INCIDENT, NO PENALTIES GIVEN
ALONSO
Norris making the move for P5, and gets it! Make that P4, as he gets past Alonso!
In fact Alonso has taken his eye off the ball as Bottas gets him for fifth!
SAINZ WITH A LOCK-UP! HE SLIDES OFF THE TRACK! He loses no positions but loses time!
Verstappen takes advantage of the Ferrari infighting to grab second off Leclerc, then a few corners later, the lead of the race!
Théo Pourchaire, running sixteenth, has a lock-up on Turn 1!
Lap 15: Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc, Norris, Bottas, Alonso, Russell, Sainz, Piastri, Ricciardo
Ricciardo overtakes his former teammate for P10! A fascinating battle there!
Hamilton going for the lead off Verstappen and retakes the lead!
(LEC) "Ah, come on."
(BOZ) "This is good, Charles, great job!"
Leclerc overtakes Verstappen and is back into second!
Leclerc is going for the lead and he gets the lead back from Hamilton!
(BOZ) "Box, Charles, box this lap."
(LEC) "Copy, box."
PITSTOPS: A flurry of stops on lap 18 as Piastri, Ricciardo, Vandoorne, Zhou and Tsunoda all pit!
(ADA) "Pit confirm and Box."
(HAM) "Yeah, box this lap."
PITSTOP: Leclerc is in from P2! Ferrari decide against replacing the front wing and he rejoins in P6.
Hamilton JUST gets Leclerc!
VANDOORNE
Vandoorne, down in 14th, just set the fastest lap.
With stops elsewhere, Gasly is currently tenth and in tbe points!
PITSTOPS: A double stack for Red Bull! Vedstappen emerges five seconds behind Leclerc in P4, Alonso P7 just ahead of Piastri.
PITSTOP ISSUE: Gasly comes in, and immediately has a delay. A difficult start for him with his new team. He's now last.
Lando Norris is now in the lead of the race, and he's now into the garage!
PITSTOP: Norris goes onto Softs and rejoins fourth!
LECLERC
Leclerc tries for a move to take the lead off Hamilton, but the seven time Champion manages to hold off the defending Champion. Getting spicy at the front, though.
Stroll with a spin-off on turn 13!! He's very, very lucky to avoid the barriers!
Valtteri Bottas is having a superb race, as he continues to challenge Norris for fourth!
And indeed make that P4 for Bottas!
Leclerc meanwhile is going for P1! And Leclerc takes the lead back off Hamilton!
Verstappen currently closing the gap to Leclerc and Hamilton at the front!
Hamilton uses DRS to overtake Leclerc, and Verstappen latches onto the slipstream to take second from Leclerc!
Norris back into fourth ahead of Bottas!
Lap 28: Hamilton, Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Bottas, Alonso, Piastri, Sainz, Russell, Ricciardo, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg, Albon, Zhou, Stroll, Ocon, Magnussen, Tsunoda, Pourchaire, Gasly
All happening here as Verstappen overtakes Hamilton, then Leclerc overtakes both men! Leclerc leads from Verstappen and Hamilton!
Yuki Tsunoda is having a tough afternoon. His second spin of the day, this time on Turn 1.
Verstappen retakes the lead of the race!
Leclerc coming back at Verstappen, and what a move by Charles Leclerc!
Hamilton once again going for second and it's now once again a 1-2 for the Scuderia! What a race this has been!
Stoffel Vandoorne has just overtaken Daniel Ricciardo, he is up to tenth!!
(LEC) "I can't shake Verstappen and Lewis here"
PITSTOP: Vandoorne the first to make his second stop and he's back out in 16th.
Leclerc currently holding Hamilton off for P1, both have finally gotten out ahead of Verstappen in third!
(LEC) "Struggling a bit for tyre wear here."
(BOZ) "Okay, Charles, box this lap."
PITSTOPS: Alonso and Ricciardo both in at separate ends of the Red Bull garages. Alonso back out in seventh, Ricciardo 15th. To add to that, Tsunoda in too.
PITSTOPS: Leclerc is in, so is Verstappen!! Leclerc rejoins P3, Verstappen P4.
(ADA) "Box this lap, Lewis."
(HAM) "Yeah, boxing this lap."
(BOZ) "Gap to Verstappen is 4 seconds, gap to Lewis is 21. We project you'll get ahead of him."
(LEC) "Okay, copy."
PITSTOP: Hamilton in and gets away around 2.1! The quickest stop of the day!
(ADA) "Currently P4, Charles is 2.4 ahead, Lando is 4.8 behind."
Norris has undercut Verstappen for, what is currently fourth in the race!
Also, Valtteri Bottas leads the Bahrain Grand Prix with 16 laps left! Leclerc might get him here however
And Leclerc does exactly that, taking the lead of the race back!
PITSTOPS: Ocon and Gasly, former Alpine teammates, both into the pits at the same time.
Hamilton overtakes old friend and old teammate Bottas for P2. Bottas is ailing on those Hard tyres.
PITSTOP: And Bottas is in from third! He puts slightly used Softs on, and rejoins sixth.
Hamilton has cut Leclerc's lead to 1.8, and taken the fastest lap. We sense this might not be over just yet.
Ten laps to go, and Leclerc just over a second ahead of Hamilton. Game on. Absolutely game on now.
Having just lapped Stroll, Leclerc gains a bit on Hamilton, but Hamilton bringing it right back now!
Norris and Verstappen having a fantastic battle for the third step on the podium!
Hamilton going for the lead of the race and takes the lead of the race but now Leclerc has DRS, but Hamilton closes the door for now!
Verstappen retakes third from Norris!
Meanwhile Leclerc has DRS and has the lead back!
Ricciardo tries to overtake Hülkenberg, and gets the move done but sends the Haas driver spinning off and into the gravel!!!
CAR 3 (RICCIARDO): CAUSING A COLLISION WITH CAR 27 (HÜLKENBERG)
Ricciardo lands a five second penalty, but that incident gave him a six second advantage over Hülkenberg. Go figure.
That's almost certainly secured Stoffel Vandoorne a point though.
With five laps remaining, Hamilton takes the lead of the race back!!
Norris back into third!
Leclerc is going for the lead and he's taking the lead!!
Lap 55: Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris, Verstappen, Alonso, Bottas, Piastri, Sainz, Russell, Vandoorne
Hamilton going for the lead once more and he takes the lead!! Leclerc coming back after him as we go into the final Lap!
LAST LAP
LECLERC HAS DRS AND HE'S ATTACKING HAMILTON FOR THE LEAD, AND IT IS NOW OR NEVER FOR LECLERC AND LECLERC GETS THE LEAD BACK!!
INTO THE FINAL CORNER AND CHARLES LECLERC HOLDS OFF LEWIS HAMILTON TO WIN THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX!!!
(LEC) "LET'S GOOOOO! LET'S GO COME ONNNN!"
(BOZ) "We've won it! You've done it, what a drive Charles, what a drive, what a win!"
(LEC) "Tonight is going to be a big night. What a race, full credit to Lewis, he pushed me all the way."
(BOZ) "You've done so well."
(ADA) "Taking the flag, so P2 Lewis, P2."
(HAM) "Great job guys, fantastic race. Full credit to Charles, he was brilliant today. Let's keep up the fight. Thanks to everyone at the factory as well, it is a brilliant car."
(ADA) "You've driven so well. Great job."
sterile breach
Now when's the 2016 sliver war becoming to 2025 red war?
foggy locust
Norris holds off Verstappen for P3, Alonso P5, Bottas P6, Piastri seventh, Sainz P8, Russell P9, and Vandoorne gets his first F1 points since Mexico 2018!
foggy locust
Now when's the 2016 sliver war becoming to 2025 red war?
This might well become the first battle for it
DRIVER OF THE DAY AWARD
VALTERRI BOTTAS, ASTON MARTIN
A fantastic drive that saw him lead the race at one point, Valtteri Bottas' Aston Martin saw a return of the driver from his Mercedes days that we saw very much lacking at Sauber. Bottas rolled back the years for his first Driver of the Day Award since Suzuka in 2019. Valtteri Bottas is your Driver of the Day!
FASTEST LAP;
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 1.31.263
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 2.195s
foggy locust
2025 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 1 Weekend
Leclerc 25
Hamilton 19
Norris 15
Verstappen 12
Alonso 10
Bottas 8
Piastri 6
Sainz 4
Russell 2
Vandoorne 1
Albon 0
Hülkenberg 0
Ricciardo 0
Stroll 0
Ocon 0
Zhou 0
Tsunoda 0
Magnussen 0
Pourchaire 0
Gasly 0
2025 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
After 1 Weekend
Ferrari 44
Red Bull-Honda RBPT 22
McLaren-Mercedes 21
Aston Martin-Honda RBPT 9
Mercedes 6
Williams-Mercedes 0
Haas-Ferrari 0
Racing Bulls-Honda RBPT 0
Alpine-Renault 0
Audi Sauber-Mercedes 0
brazen wren
Only two teams switched engines?
sterile breach
2025 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
*After 1 Weekend*
<:Ferrari...
now that i think about it, I should check out the teams powertrains more often
foggy locust
Only two teams switched engines?
Aye, was surprising. Although there'll be a bit of "in universe" stuff with that next year with Aston Martin taking Honda on fully, and Audi becoming a works team. Also thinking about the Renault situation. Could have some fun with this.
sterile breach
Aye, was surprising. Although there'll be a bit of "in universe" stuff with that...
Andretti-Renault?
foggy locust
👀
foggy locust
HAAS ANNOUNCE TOYOTA DEAL
Haas have announced a partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing to begin at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
While not a works deal, the deal will see Haas take on the Toyota name next season in a title sponsorship alongside their own, becoming Haas Toyota Gazoo Racing Formula 1 Team.
This deal will involved shared resources and is believed to be a way for Toyota to softly take a step back into Formula 1, as well as a tremendous opportunity for Haas.
will be featured as their logos in the Championship tables