Essere Ferrari II | F1® Manager | Page 9

foggy locust Jan 4, 2025, 10:32 PM

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7.12pm: Just 14th for Russell. And he's just willed that into 14th. Tsunoda 7th.

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DRIVER AT RISK: Audi Pourchaire
RELEGATION ZONE: Mercedes Albon, Haas Zhou, ANDR Ricciardo, Williams Stroll, Haas Hülkenberg

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7.14pm: The bottom ranked drivers all on outlaps or fliers here.

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7.15pm: Pourchaire 9th! Russell at risk, will that be enough for the Audi?

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7.16pm: Hülkenberg 18th and likely out. Stroll goes 14th, K-Mag at risk, Russell into the dropzone.

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chequeredflagboard Albon 9th!! Magnussen is out, he doesn't improve! Stroll at risk, Ocon on deck, Russell, Zhou, Ricciardo all on fliers, Zhou doesn't improve, Vandoorne now safe, RUSSELL DOESN'T IMPROVE, HE IS OUT! Ocon safe, Ricciardo or Stroll now, Ricciardo just 16th and out! Wow! Piastri up to P2 ahead of Leclerc, who only did one run.

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OUT IN Q1: ANDR Ricciardo, Hitech Magnussen, Williams Russell, Haas Zhou, Haas Hülkenberg

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Williams Russell outqualified by Stroll on night one. That is a shocker.

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greenflag Q2 goes Green!

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7.25pm: Hamilton and Leclerc both heading out of the pitlane early here on used Softs. Stroll, who only just got here in 15th, follows suit.

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7.27pm: Hamilton absolutely flying around here, with a very, very quick S1. That last day title decider stung and he is determined for title number Eight here.

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7.28pm: Hamilton EIGHT tenths up on Leclerc on that first lap. WOW.

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7.29pm: Lawson goes up to second, while Tsunoda slots into fourth.

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7.30pm: Norris within 4 tenths of Hamilton, while Piastri goes up to third.

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7.32pm: Yellow flags at turn 8, as Vandoorne has a spin-off! He takes himself off the circuit to avoid hampering his teammate Bottas, cancels his lap and returns to the pitlane.

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7.33pm: Verstappen up to P2, while Bottas is second last. Sainz seventh, Tsunoda eighth.

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DRIVER AT RISK: Mercedes Albon
RELEGATION ZONE: Audi Gasly, Hitech Ocon, Williams Stroll, AstonMartin Bottas, Vandoorne

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7.36pm: Stroll up to P9, putting Pourchaire at risk and Albon into the dropzone for now.

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7.38pm: Lawson stays fifth, will that be enough?

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chequeredflagboard Pourchaire up to Seventh. Leclerc stays sixth, Gasly up to 9th, Stroll is out! Ocon doesn't improve and he is out, Tsunoda at risk, Bottas just 13th and Albon 12th!

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OUT IN Q2: Williams Stroll, Mercedes Albon, AstonMartin Bottas, Hitech Ocon, Vandoorne

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greenflag Q3 is Green! Who will take Pole?

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7.48pm: Cars queueing up in the pitlane. Hamilton, Lawson, Leclerc, Verstappen and Pourchaire all out there early.

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7.49pm: We have both Ferraris, both Red Bulls, both McLarens, both Audis, a Mercedes and an Andretti remaining, BTW.

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7.50pm: All ten cars on track. Leclerc threads the needle of two cars on outlaps beautifully there.

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7.51pm: A statement of intent from Hamilton who's 5 tenths up on Leclerc, and Verstappen Third. Lawson a full two seconds back, what happened there? Pourchaire currently P4.

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7.52pm: Sainz up to fourth, as Mercedes seem to have defied their early season doubts. Just Sixth for Norris, Piastri goes second!! Tsunoda Eighth.

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7.53pm: Gasly fifth! What a performance so far by Audi!

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Q3 AS IT STANDS: Ferrari Hamilton, McLaren Piastri, RedBull Verstappen, Ferrari Leclerc, Audi Gasly, Mercedes Sainz, Audi Pourchaire, McLaren Norris, ANDR Tsunoda, RedBull Lawson

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7.56pm: Final outlaps beginning now.

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7.59pm: Lawson is first to complete and up to fifth!

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chequeredflagboard Pourchaire goes fifth! Verstappen doesn't improve, Leclerc isn't improving from his first lap so far, but goes purple in the middle sector! LECLERC UP TO SECOND, just 0.036 off Hamilton, Piastri just 0.056 off Hamilton in third! Verstappen stays fourth, Norris eighth, Gasly seventh, Sainz ninth, Tsunoda tenth, THE FIRST POLE OF THE YEAR GOES TO LEWIS HAMILTON!!

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Q3: Ferrari Hamilton, Ferrari Leclerc, McLaren Piastri, RedBull Verstappen, Audi Pourchaire, RedBull Lawson, Audi Gasly, McLaren Norris, Mercedes Sainz, ANDR Tsunoda

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2026 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

Ferrari HAM Bridgestone Ferrari LEC

McLaren PIA Pirelli RedBull VER Bridgestone

Audi POU Pirelli RedBull LAW Bridgestone

Audi GAS Pirelli McLaren NOR Pirelli

Mercedes SAI Pirelli ANDR TSU Bridgestone

Williams STR Pirelli Mercedes ALB Pirelli

AstonMartin BOT Pirelli Hitech OCO Bridgestone

AstonMartin VAN Pirelli ANDR RIC Bridgestone

Hitech MAG Bridgestone Williams RUS Pirelli

Haas ZHO Bridgestone Haas HÜL

foggy locust Jan 4, 2025, 11:37 PM

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It is once again that time of year. The 2026 season begins anew, a new era of Formula 1, three new teams, two new engine suppliers, ten teams all ready to begin their course towards the Championships of the World. 57 laps of this 5.412km cofcuit, 15 turns, three DRS zones, a lot of overtaking opportunities. A circuit focused mainly on slow and medium cornering with some fast turns in the middle of the circuit and the final corner.

An all Haas back row to start the new era, as Nico Hülkenberg begins 20th and Zhou Guanyu lines up beside him, George Russell starts his redebut for Williams from 18th and 17th for Kevin Magnussen in his first Hitech race. Daniel Ricciardo starts 16th in his Andretti debut while it's 15th for Stoffel Vandoorne, Esteban Ocon will start 14th and Valtteri Bottas begins today 13th. Alexander Albon is 12th in his Mercedes debut, it's 11th for Lance Stroll. Into the top ten and that's where Yuki Tsunoda starts his Andretti Debut, Carlos Sainz lines up 9th. Lando Norris begins 8th and Pierre Gasly has his highest start in two years in 7th. Liam Lawson starts his first Red Bull race from 6th while Théo Pourchaire has his highest career start in 5th. Max Verstappen is 4th, with Oscar Piastri starting 3rd, and it is a Ferrari front row lockout to kick off this season. Defending Champion Charles Leclerc starts 2nd, it is Pole Position once more for Lewis Hamilton.

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One light, two, three, four, five

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AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

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We are racing here in 2026, Hamilton away quickest, Piastri gets the jump on Leclerc for P2!! Verstappen Fourth, Audi are fifth and sixth!!! Gasly ahead of Lawson, Sainz ahead of Norris, Stroll into the top ten!

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(LEC) "What was that start, what was that start?"

(BOZ) "Long way to go Charles, keep focused."

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McLaren Ferrari Oscar Piastri has laid down a challenge to the two Ferraris! Piastri jumps ahead of Hamilton on lap 2!!

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(HAM) "Can't get much quicker."

(ADA) "Focus, manage the tyres for now."

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Ferrari McLaren Hamilton gets the DRS to retake P1 from Piastri, and starts to pull away a bit, while Leclerc is now battling Piastri for second place!

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Audi Audi have a tremendous amount of pace here, and Pourchaire is holding fifth, with Gasly defending him. Brilliant teamwork from the Audi team.

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McLaren RedBull Norris has grabbed Seventh from Lawson, and the former Red Bull junior and current Formula E Champion is struggling thus far.

Williams Mercedes ANDR Stroll ahead of Sainz, who is now under pressure from Tsunoda.

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fastestlap PIASTRI

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Ferrari McLaren Leclerc gets a DRS move on Piastri for P2, but has lost a lot of time to Hamilton, who has a 2.5 lead over his teammate here.

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RedBull McLaren Ferrari Verstappen very much putting himself in the conversation behond Piastri, as Leclerc has stated to break a little bit away from the Australian.

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(BOZ) "Piastri and Verstappen now with DRS."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy. I can see them."

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Ferrari Hamilton absolutely rolling back the years so far. With Leclerc battling Piastri and Verstappen, Lewis has about a 4 second advantage.

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Audi Gasly with a mistake and he locks up! He drops from sixth to tenth, and Pourchaire has lost his wingman here and is under pressure from Norris and Lawson.

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Ferrari McLaren A brilliant defence from Leclerc to hold off Piastri there.

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McLaren Audi Pourchaire's brave resistance has broken and Norris gets him for fifth!

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AstonMartin Bottas is pushing through the pack and is up to eighth. For the record, Vandoorne currently running P19.

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Lap 10: Hamilton, Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Pourchaire, Lawson, Bottas, Sainz, Stroll, Gasly, Tsunoda, Ocon, Albon, Ricciardo, Magnussen, Russell, Zhou, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne

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RedBull Audi Lawson moves up to P6 ahead of Pourchaire!

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McLaren Piastri putting the afterburner on and he's up to P2 ahead of Leclerc!

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RedBull Verstappen taking advantage of Piastri and Leclerc's battling and overtakes them in one go!

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(LEC) "Struggling somewhat for pace right now on these tyres."

(BOZ) "Understood Charles, do what you can here."

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Mercedes Sainz with a brilliant move on Bottas and he's up to P8!

ANDR Tsunoda pushing for a debut point for Andretti, he's up to tenth ahead of Stroll!

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Ferrari McLaren Leclerc going for third from Piastri but Piastri is defending so, so well here.

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(ADA) "Gap to Verstappen, 5.240."

(HAM) "What happened to Charles?"

(ADA) "Currently P4."

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(BOZ) "Tyre updates Charles?"

(LEC) "Dropping off quickly here."

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McLaren Ferrari Piastri still holding off Leclerc here, as Verstappen is starting to build a gap.

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(BOZ) "Box this lap, box"

(LEC) "Copy box."

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Ferrari McLaren Leclerc gets Piastri for P3, and is starting to chase down Verstappen now.

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PITSTOPS: Leclerc comes in for his first stop. Tsunoda, Gasly also in, as do Ricciardo, Vandoorne and Hülkenberg. 2.309 for Leclerc, Norris, Sainz and Bottas all in too!

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(ADA) "Box, Lewis, box"

(HAM) "Box this lap"

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PITSTOPS: Hamilton, Verstappen and Piastri all in!! Hamilton takes a 2.203 stop and keeps the lead of the race!!!

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Ferrari RedBull McLaren Verstappen rejoins P4 just ahead of Leclerc, Piastri now 4 seconds behind Leclerc.

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PITSTOPS: Lawson in from P2, Pourchaire from P4, both good stops! Lawson rejoins ninth, Pourchaire tenth!

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Lap 21: Hamilton, Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Norris, Tsunoda, Russell, Sainz, Lawson, Pourchaire, Bottas, Albon, Gasly, Stroll, Ocon, Ricciardo, Zhou, Vandoorne, Magnussen, Hülkenberg

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PITSTOP: Russell in from P7, last to pit of the first stops. Takes another set of Softs and rejoins P18.

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AstonMartin Vandoorne has a lock-up! He's able to avoid any damage but he's scuffed his tyres a bit there.

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Ferrari Leclerc gets the move done and gets P2 from Verstappen! Now can the Champion close the gap to his teammate?

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RedBull Ferrari Scratch that, Verstappen retakes second with a lovely DRS move.

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fastestlap VERSTAPPEN

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RedBull Ferrari Verstappen has increased the gap to Leclerc and is closing in on Hamilton, however Verstappen is on the Softs to the Mediums of both Ferraris.

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Lap 28: Hamilton, Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Norris, Lawson, Tsunoda, Bottas, Pourchaire, Sainz

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RedBull ANDR A fierce battle between Tsunoda and Lawson breaking out as Tsunoda goes ahead of the man who Red Bull chose ahead of him to replace Alonso.

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Mercedes Yellow flags waving as Sainz goes off the track! He locks up but he's avoided the barrier.

Williams Stroll having a spin down in P13! A big, big off, not quite Mazepin levels here, but he's dropped to P15.

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Ferrari RedBull Hamilton currently holding Verstappen off here, who is in turn holding Leclerc off. Two second gaps between both.

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(ADA) "2.8 to Verstappen. How are the tyres?"

(HAM) "Tyres are still good, some good life left in them."

(ADA) "Copy, we are happy with the pace here."

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Lap 32: Hamilton, Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Norris, Lawson, Tsunoda, Bottas, Pourchaire, Sainz

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Mercedes No quarter given, none asked as of yet as Alex Albon goes ahead of Carlos Sainz for what would currently be the final point. As it stands, seven teams are scoring points tonight.

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Ferrari When was Hamilton's last Grand Slam? He's led every lap so far, but he's missing the fastest lap which is currently with Verstappen.

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PITSTOPS: Sainz and Gasly the first two to stop for a second time, with both drivers switching to Mediums to see out the race. Sainz P18, Gasly P19.

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PITSTOP: Bottas, running P8, comes in. Is he trying to get the jump on Lawson, Tsunoda and Pourchaire?

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Ferrari RedBull Leclerc is closing on Verstappen here for a potential P2. Just 1.7 between the Champion and the former Champion.

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PITSTOPS: Tsunoda and Albon in, and Bottas has gotten Tsunoda, while Sainz is now back in front of new teammate Albon.

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Audi Pourchaire with a big spin there!! He's able to correct quickly enough and it's not done him too much harm.

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(BOZ) "Box, box"

(LEC) "Copy box"

(BOZ) "Verstappen just pitted."

(LEC) "Damn it, there goes the undercut"

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PITSTOP: Verstappen comes in and takes the Mediums to see him through to the end.

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PITSTOP: Leclerc and Ferrari respond, with a 2.434 stop. Will they get out in P2? Nope, Piastri and Verstappen ahead, Leclerc rejoins P4.

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(ADA) "Box Lewis, box"

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PITSTOP: Hamilton pits from the lead, and manages to keep it away from Piastri!

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PITSTOP: Piastri makes his second stop, and he's onto the Softs, rejoining in P4, just ahead of Lawson.

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fastestlap LECLERC

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(LEC) "We are losing so much time in Sector 3."

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fastestlap HAMILTON

Ferrari The Hamilton Grand Slam could very well be on here.

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fastestlap NORRIS

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Ferrari RedBull Leclerc up to second ahead of Verstappen! Can he shake the Red Bull charge and deliver an opening night 1-2 for Ferrari for the second year in a row?

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Ferrari Hamilton has opened up a nine second gap to Verstappen and Leclerc. He's not got the Grand Slam right now, but it is one hell of a drive so far from Lewis.

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TEN LAPS TO GO

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RedBull Ferrari Verstappen retakes second from Leclerc! An incredible battle for P2 between the current Champion and his predecessor

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fastestlap HAMILTON

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Ferrari RedBull Leclerc back up to P2 and now trying to break the DRS of Verstappen! Verstappen holding on though

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Lap 52: Hamilton, Leclerc, Verstappen, Piastri, Norris, Bottas, Tsunoda, Lawson, Ricciardo, Albon, Sainz, Russell, Gasly, Magnussen, Ocon, Pourchaire, Zhou, Vandoorne, Stroll, Hülkenberg

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(ADA) "And five laps remaining, Lewis"

(HAM) "Yeah."

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Ferrari RedBull Leclerc has broken clear of Verstappen and is now chasing down Hamilton, but 12 seconds in four laps is a massive, massive ask.

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ANDR AstonMartin RedBull The closest fights on track are the battle between Tsunoda, Bottas and Lawson for P6

Mercedes Williams And funnily enough, the fight between Russell and Albon for P10, which Albon currently holds. Gasly is not out of that one either.

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Audi Audi have capitulated due to poor strategy. Having started with both drivers in the points, Gasly is P12, Pourchaire P14

Williams Mercedes RUSSELL OVERTAKES ALBON FOR P10!! THAT MUST HAVE FELT GOOD FOR HIM!

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fastestlap POURCHAIRE

Pourchaire might have just taken a Grand Slam away from Lewis Hamilton!!

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It has been a legendary drive from the best statistical driver in F1 history. He has put down a marker, and a warning shot to his title rivals, he is coming for that Eighth World Championship, LEWIS HAMILTON WINS THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX!!! Charles Leclerc P2, and it is a 1-2 for the Scuderia on opening night!!! Max Verstappen comes home third, Oscar Piastri P4, Lando Norris P5, Tsunoda P6, Bottas P7, Lawson P8, Ricciardo P9, RUSSELL GETS A POINT FOR WILLIAMS IN P10

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(ADA) "AND THAT IS P1. AMAZING DRIVE, LEWIS. AMAZING DRIVE."

(HAM) "WOOOO! Yeaaaaahhhh, get in there!!! Ahhhh, thank you to everyone in the factory, fantastic job, fantastic race. Just the start to the season we wanted."

(ADA) "You've done an amazing job, Lewis. Congratulations."

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(BOZ) "And P2, Charles, P2. Great effort today, you drove really well."

(LEC) "Yeah, I think we can be happy with today. Congratulations boys, Congratulations to Lewis today. Think we maximised the result today and did a good job."

(BOZ) "Great effort today Charles. Long season ahead, long way to go."

(LEC) "Yeah, thanks Bryan, thank you for your efforts this weekend."

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2026 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

Lewis Hamilton 01.32.11
Charles Leclerc +13.918
Max Verstappen +9.807
Oscar Piastri +17.126
Lando Norris +9.719
Yuki Tsunoda +23.180
Valtteri Bottas +0.844
Liam Lawson +0.200
Daniel Ricciardo +1 lap
George Russell +1 lap
Alexander Albon +1 lap
Pierre Gasly +1 lap
Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
Carlos Sainz +1 lap
Esteban Ocon +1 lap
Kevin Magnussen +1 lap
Stoffel Vandoorne +1 lap
Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
Lance Stroll +1 lap
Nico Hülkenberg +1 lap

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Driver DRIVER OF THE DAY: GEORGE RUSSELL

From P18 to P10 in a Williams, a sensational drive from George Russell earned the Grove team a valuable point, and him your vote for Driver of the Day.

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fastestlap FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Audi Théo Pourchaire, Audi 1.31.655

dhl DHL FASTEST PITSTOL AWARD:
RedBull Liam Lawson, Red Bull 2.091s

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Hamilton 25
Ferrari Leclerc 18
RedBull Verstappen 15
McLaren Piastri 12
McLaren Norris 10
ANDR Tsunoda 8
AstonMartin Bottas 6
RedBull Lawson 4
ANDR Ricciardo 2
Williams Russell 1
Mercedes Albon 0
Audi Gasly 0
Audi Pourchaire 0
Sainz 0
Hitech Ocon 0
Hitech Magnussen 0
Vandoorne 0
Haas Zhou 0
Stroll 0
Haas Hülkenberg 0

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Ferrari 43 Ferrari Bridgestone
McLaren McLaren-Ford RBPT 22 Ford Pirelli
RedBull Red Bull-Ford RBPT 19 Ford
ANDR Andretti-Ferrari 10 Ferrari
AstonMartin Aston Martin-Honda 6 Honda Pirelli
Williams-Ferrari 1 Ferrari Pirelli
Mercedes 0 Pirelli
Audi Audi Sauber 0 Audi Pirelli
Hitech Hitech-Renault 0 renault Bridgestone
Haas Haas-Mercedes 0

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 TYRE CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 72
Pirelli Pirelli 29

tired thorn Jan 5, 2025, 3:58 AM

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OH LEWIS IS COOKIN

plucky acorn Jan 5, 2025, 4:04 PM

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foggy locust

is that encode sans condensed

foggy locust Jan 5, 2025, 4:27 PM

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plucky acorn is that encode sans condensed

I'm sorry what do you mean?

plucky acorn Jan 5, 2025, 4:37 PM

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george's name in the image

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i recognise the font

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as encode sans condensed

foggy locust Jan 5, 2025, 5:05 PM

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Ahhhhh haha

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Yeah this was the classic Driver of the Day picture

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Would you believe he's never won it since 2021?

sinful crane Jan 6, 2025, 7:03 AM

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Yes I do actually

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Kinda want him to lean on being a villain, would get him more popular like Jeff Gordon in the 90s

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Well, maybe a bad example but it would help if Russell was routinely competing at the front cause then he'd get plenty naturally hating him

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BTW, nice job giving Leclerc a tank keep it up v0oidKEK

hallow oar Jan 6, 2025, 11:46 AM

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Lewiiiiiissssssss

foggy locust Jan 7, 2025, 7:38 PM

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2026 SAUDI ARABIA GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW

And onto Round Two.

The F1 roadshow makes its second stop of the season at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia. After Lewis Hamilton stormed away for victory on opening night in Bahrain and Ferrari took a 1-2, it's over the rest of the field to respond.

It is only one race, but Lewis Hamilton has laid down a marker for an attempt at his record Eighth title in what may well be his final Formula 1 season. Charles Leclerc fought off a strong challenge from Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to seal the Ferrari 1-2, but there was hope for Red Bull and McLaren in their performances at Sakhir. Meanwhile Andretti, Aston Martin and Williams also found themselves on the board this past weekend.

Jeddah Corniche Circuit is one of the fastest circuits of this F1 season, with the main focus on Top Speed and Medium Speed Cornering. With three DRS zones, DRS Effectiveness must be taken into consideration as well. 6.174km and 27 turns make this one of the longest circuits of the season, and we will have 50 laps on Sunday, with no chance whatsoever of rain.

Ferrari once again enter this weekend as the favourites, and with Lewis Hamilton's opening night victory, he has an early seven point advantage over Charles Leclerc. The two-time defending Champion has never won, and even crashed out here in 2024, while Hamilton took home a famous win in 2021 to extend that title fight to the final day.

For a while it looked like Oscar Piastri was going to be the biggest threat to the Ferraris at Bahrain, and he and Lando Norris, who finished fifth, outscored Red Bull to take McLaren second after one race. However that elusive victory still is very much on the team's mind and this is certainly a track where McLaren could very well take the fight to Ferrari.

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Red Bull meanwhile saw Max Verstappen snatch the third step of the podium away from Piastri, in a result the team badly needed. Liam Lawson's Red Bull debut saw him finish just eighth, and the team need a lot more from him in Saudi Arabia if they are going to challenge for the Constructors Championship this year. Verstappen continues, of course, to be a threat in the WDC.

Andretti were the big winners in the midfield as the debuting US team took home double points at Bahrain, with Yuki Tsunoda sixth and Daniel Ricciardo ninth, Ricciardo recovering after a poor qualifying. Saudi Aravia may be another track where their phenomenal Top Speed may come into play, and they hope to take another step forward in the early Best of the Rest fight.

It was more of the same for Aston Martin - one driver, Bottas, delivered, the other, Vandoorne, did not. How many times do we have to do this story? On the plus side for the Honda works team, they are coming into a track that suits their car very well and bringing early upgrades to improve the car. This is a real chance for double points this weekend.

George Russell’s Williams return got off to a great start as he beat out the man who replaced him at Mercedes, Alexander Albon, in what had to be a satisfying result for him. This is again a track that may help Williams with their stronger straight line speed, but the cornering may be tricky. Russell and Lance Stroll will have to maximise this weekend best they can.

It was a very rough weekend for a Mercedes team who are simply just looking for answers. They got off to a horrible start in Bahrain, with neither driver scoring points, and the days of the Silver Arrows dominance seems long, long departed. Can they rescue their season? Saudi Arabia isn't a track that suits their car, so they have a lot of work to do.

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It was a promising qualifying for Audi, but a race day that didn't quite deliver for them, with both drivers falling out of the top ten and out of the points. Théo Pourchaire and Pierre Gasly did show some promise on Saturday, as did the car, but it is one they have to turn into results on the Sunday. They might well get another chance to do so this weekend.

Hitech had the opposite effect - the Renault works team not quite performing on Saturday, but playing catch-up and improving a little bit on Sunday. While Low Speed Cornering tracks will be the high pressure weekend, this weekend does provide some opportunities for Kevin Magnussen and Esteban Ocon to maybe sneak their team’s first points since the 2024 season.

As for Haas, it was an awful start to a season that hasn't promised much so far. The slowest car, the back row of the grid - they did get one place up for Zhou Guanyu, but that's as good as it got. With Nico Hülkenberg probably bidding goodbye to F1 after this season, Haas need to improve the car, and quickly, for his sake and the sake of the entire team.

So onto Jeddah - it's still early, and anything can happen this season, but the season laid out an earlier marker in Bahrain. How will it continue this weekend? One thing is for sure - you won't want to miss it.

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BEARMAN SET FOR FP1 APPEARANCE

Oliver Bearman is set to take Lewis Hamilton's car for FP1 as Ferrari assess his 2026 seat chances.

Hamilton is potentially considering retirement at the end of this coming season, and Ferrari are reportedly considering Bearman as a full-time replacement.

Bearman's performance in FP1 is definitely up for scrutiny as a result.

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FP1 Reserves: Ferrari Bearman (Hamilton), McLaren Maini (Piastri), RedBull Dürksen (Red Bull), Mercedes Antonelli (Albon), Williams Maloney (Russell), Haas Marti (Zhou), ANDR Goethe (Tsunoda), AstonMartin Montoya (Bottas)

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FP1: McLaren NOR Ferrari LEC RedBull DÜR
Ferrari BEAR P4

First blood to McLaren as Lando Norris goes 0.103 quicker than Charles Leclerc in FP1. Red Bull junior Joshua Dürksen was P3 and outpaced Liam Lawson, who was sixth, while Oliver Bearman was fourth and about four tenths off teammate Leclerc. Kush Maini was fifth, with George Russell, Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly and Stoffel Vandoorne completing the top ten.

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FP2: McLaren PIA McLaren NOR Ferrari LEC
Ferrari HAM P5

Game on in the Constructors? Piastri goes quickest ahead of Norris, with Leclerc P3 and Hamilton P5, Verstappen splitting the two Ferraris. Lawson sixth with Russell seventh, Tsunoda eighth, and the Audis of Gasly and Pourchaire rounding off the top ten.

foggy locust Jan 7, 2025, 8:28 PM

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Welcome to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to Jeddah, and it is time for qualifying here. Very, very up for grabs this weekend, McLaren have shown some real pace, might they be ahead of Ferrari and Red Bull? Audi, Mercedes, Williams, Andretti, Aston Martin have all been there or there about in terms of the midfield, this feels like anyone's game this weekend.

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greenflag We are green for Q1!!

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8.00pm: We are underway here in Jeddah for Q1. Norris, Leclerc and Hamilton all out early here.

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8.02pm: Three of the frontrunners this weekend all on track early. This should be fascinating. Ocon and Hülkenberg also out there.

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8.04pm: Leclerc is 1.8 (One point eight) seconds ahead of Hamilton and Norris. Not quite sure what happened to the other two. Ocon up to P2.

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8.05pm: Verstappen 1.377 behind Leclerc. That was just a stormer by the Champion.

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8.07pm: Hamilton going again, but it has cost him a fresh set of Softs. Tsunoda up to P2, Bottas P3, Pourchaire P4.

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OH MY GOD IT IS A RED FLAG

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Redflag AstonMartin Vandoorne has spun the car on his inlap, having taken P6, and tagged the barrier. That's him out of qualifying, thankfully he is OK, but his session is over!

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greenflag 8.32pm: We are back green here. We resume without Vandoorne in this session.

sterile breach Jan 7, 2025, 8:49 PM

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foggy locust <:Redflag:1133114464678453321> <:AstonMartin:824211922920013834> Vandoorne has s...

"How many times do we have to tell this story": About Aston Martin in the weekend preview.

Well make that another time

foggy locust Jan 7, 2025, 8:50 PM

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8.35pm: Hamilton up to P2, and that's likely enough to keep himself in Q2. Mercedes have both drivers at the bottom, though.

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DRIVER AT RISK: McLaren Norris
RELEGATION ZONE: Williams Stroll, Haas Hülkenberg, Haas Zhou, Mercedes Sainz, Albon

foggy locust Jan 7, 2025, 8:51 PM

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sterile breach "How many times do we have to tell this story": About Aston Martin in the weeken...

I'm amazed he got a second year. Can see him out at the end of this one

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8.37pm: Norris just 13th! He is in real trouble here!

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8.38pm: Verstappen up to P3, Piastri up to P4! Both likely safe

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8.39pm: Gasly stays 15th and he's very much at risk!

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chequeredflagboard Sainz is out!! Hülkenberg stays 17th, Stroll stays 16th, Albon just 19th, both Mercedes are on the back row!!!

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Q1: Williams Stroll, Haas Hülkenberg, Haas Zhou, Mercedes Albon, Sainz

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An absolute shocker for Mercedes, as both drivers not only fail to make Q2, they're on the back row.

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greenflag Q2 begins!

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8.45pm: We start with just 14 cars, with Vandoorne crashing out in Q1, but Qualifying for this stage here. He's scheduled to start 15th, but might take a pitlane start.

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8.30pm: Norris up to P3, with Bottas fourth. Piastri and Verstappen both on outlaps right now.

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8.31pm: Both Hitechs currently in the top ten - Magnussen P6, Ocon P7. Verstappen, Piastri and Lawson yet to register a time, though.

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8.33pm: Verstappen splits the Ferraris, Piastri into P5.

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8.34pm: Lawson up to P6.

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DRIVER AT RISK: Hitech Ocon
RELEGATION ZONE: ANDR Tsunoda, Williams Russell, Audi Pourchaire, Audi Gasly, AstonMartin Vandoorne (no time)

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8.37pm: Gasly up to P8. Will that be enough?

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8.39pm: Russell up to P8, Gasly now at risk. Pourchaire cannot improve enough to get through!

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chequeredflagboard Piastri goes third, Hamilton now quickest! Leclerc stays second, Magnussen up to P11...Tsunoda 13th, Ocon up to P12!

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OUT IN Q2: Hitech Magnussen, Hitech Ocon, Audi Pourchaire, ANDR Tsunoda, AstonMartin Vandoorne

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greenflag 9.10pm: We are into Q3. Who will take Pole?

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9.12pm: All ten remaining cars out on track at this point.

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9.13pm: Hamilton quickest initially, Leclerc 0.153 behind. Norris well behind in P3, however! Bottas fourth, Lawson fifth

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9.14pm: Piastri up to P3, ahead of Verstappen in fourth. Ricciardo fifth, Russell eighth, Gasly tenth.

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Q3 AS IT STANDS: Ferrari Hamilton, Ferrari Leclerc, McLaren Piastri, RedBull Verstappen, McLaren Norris, ANDR Ricciardo, AstonMartin Bottas, Williams Russell, RedBull Lawson, Audi Gasly

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9.19pm: All final outlaps beginning now. Who will take Pole?

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9.21pm: Russell stays eighth, Leclerc purple middle sector!

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chequeredflagboard Piastri splits the Ferraris, Bottas goes fifth, Lawson fifth, Verstappen fourth, Hamilton stays on Pole...LECLERC TAKES POLE BY 5 TENTHS. WOW. WHAT A LAP BY THE CHAMPION! Ricciardo Eighth, Gasly ninth.

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Q3: Ferrari Leclerc, Ferrari Hamilton, McLaren Piastri, RedBull Verstappen, McLaren Norris, RedBull Lawson, AstonMartin Bottas, ANDR Ricciardo, Audi Gasly, Williams Russell

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2025 SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

Ferrari LEC Bridgestone Ferrari HAM

McLaren PIA Pirelli RedBull VER Bridgestone

McLaren NOR Pirelli RedBull LAW Bridgestone

AstonMartin BOT Pirelli ANDR RIC Bridgestone

Audi GAS Pirelli Williams RUS Pirelli

Hitech MAG Bridgestone Hitech OCO

Audi POU Pirelli ANDR TSU Bridgestone

AstonMartin VAN Pirelli Williams STR Pirelli

Haas HÜL Bridgestone Haas ZHO

Mercedes ALB Pirelli SAI Pirelli

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I have a bit of a migraine coming on so we will go racing tomorrow afternoon instead! Apologies but just gonna look after myself this evening

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We will see you all here tomorrow for the Saudi GP

foggy locust Jan 8, 2025, 2:32 PM

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It's that time again as we head into the second round of this 2026 Formula 1 season, early days for the new era of the pinnacle of motorsport, but it already looks absolutely fascinating. Round 2, Saudi Arabia, 50 laps of this 6.174km circuit, a top speed of 212.9mph, it is very, very fast. At an elevation of 2.48 metres, 27 turns, 3 DRS zones, plenty of overtaking chances, all to play for tonight. Tyre degradation is not usually high here, it is a likely one-stopper, Soft-Medium is possible, Medium-Hard might be more likely.

The two Mercedes shockingly find themselves on the back row, Carlos Sainz starting last of all and Alex Albon beside him in P19, Zhou Guanyu begins in P18 beside teammate Nico Hülkenberg in P17. Lance Stroll starts from 16th with Stoffel Vandoorne crashing out in Q1 and beginning 15th, Yuki Tsunoda with his lowest start since Miami last year in P14, Théo Pourchaire lines up 13th, and then the two Hitechs of Kevin Magnussen in 11th and Esteban Ocon in 12th. George Russell begins from 10th in his second race back at Williams, Pierre Gasly starts from 9th and hopes to land Audi some points. It's 8th for Daniel Ricciardo while Valtteri Bottas starts today from 7th, Liam Lawson starts 6th in his second start for Red Bull, Lando Norris is 0-2 against Oscar Piastri in qualifying thus far and starts 5th. It's a P4 start for Max Verstappen for the second weekend in a row, while Oscar Piastri lines up third, and Ferrari lock out the front row once more - Lewis Hamilton, who won in Bahrain, starts second tonight, while Charles Leclerc will begin from Pole.

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Formation lap done, five lights...

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AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

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Leclerc is off to a quick start, Piastri gets past Hamilton for P2!! Verstappen still fourth, Norris fifth, Lawson, Bottas Seventh, Ricciardo, Gasly, Russell, Ocon ahead of Magnussen!

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fastestlap PIASTRI

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McLaren Ferrari Piastri is applying the pressure to Leclerc and he's moved ahead of the Champion! Oscar Piastri leads the Saudi Arabia GP!

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Hitech An early mistake by Magnussen who locks up! He's avoided the barriers but he's down to P19!!

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OH MY GOD IT IS AN EARLY RED FLAG!!!!

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Redflag Absolute carnage early on. Pourchaire has locked up and gone into the barriers, and that's wiped out Hülkenberg AND collected Stroll in one go. A stunning turn of events. Three cars out on the third lap. Oh my God.

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Ferrari Hamilton had just overtaken Leclerc when that happened, will that stand however?

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Restart order on Lap 4: Piastri, Hamilton, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Lawson, Bottas, Ricciardo, Gasly, Russell, Ocon, Vandoorne, Tsunoda, Zhou, Albon, Magnussen, Sainz. Stroll, Hülkenberg and Pourchaire are all out of the race.

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AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO AGAIN

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PIastri holds firm, Hamilton still ahead of Leclerc, then Verstappen, Norris, Bottas ahead of Lawson, Gasly ahead of Ricciardo, Ocon into the points!

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Ferrari Hamilton up into the lead! Leclerc applying pressure to Piastri and is up to P2!

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(BOZ) "Free to race Charles, keep it clean, though."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy that."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20240713_050037_0000-3-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1.png

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(ADA) "Charles has DRS, Charles has DRS."

(HAM) "Understood."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20241010_125538_0000-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.png

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Ferrari McLaren Leclerc keeping the pressure on his teammate, while Piastri is just about staying in touch with the two Ferraris.

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McLaren RedBull Norris makes a great move on Verstappen for fourth!

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McLaren Piastri takes advantage of the Ferrari in-fighting and overtakes both Hamilton and Leclerc in the space of about two corners! Wow!

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AstonMartin Looking like Vandoorne is having some issues with his car already. Very, very concerning for him.

ANDR Tsunoda has fought his way up to eighth!

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Ferrari Leclerc overtakes Hamilton for P2, and now is going for the lead of the race, but Piastri is defending so well here!

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Ferrari Hamilton retakes P2 from Leclerc, and then follows up with an overtake on Piastri for the lead!

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Lap 10: Hamilton, Piastri, Leclerc, Norris, Verstappen, Bottas, Lawson, Tsunoda, Ocon, Ricciardo

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FIA Penalty CAR 98 (POURCHAIRE)

Audi Théo Pourchaire will take a grid penalty for the Australian Grand Prix.

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McLaren Piastri with a DRS overtake on Hamilton and is back into the lead of the race!

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SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED

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Mercedes Alexander Albon has locked up at the first turn, clipped George Russell, and his suspension is completely gone!! That's the end of the race for Albon!

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Redflag THEY'VE STOPPED THE RACE. SECOND RED FLAG

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Restart order on Lap 14: Piastri, Hamilton, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Bottas, Lawson, Tsunoda, Ocon, Gasly, Ricciardo, Zhou, Vandoorne, Russell, Magnussen, Sainz. Albon, Stroll, Hülkenberg and Pourchaire are out of the race.

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AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO YET AGAIN

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Piastri holds the lead, Leclerc ahead of Hamilton, Norris up to fourth again, then Verstappen, Bottas, Lawson, Tsunoda, Ocon and Ricciardo your top ten. Only 16 cars running right now

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Ferrari Leclerc and Hamilton try the double pincer move on Piastri and it is once again a Ferrari 1-2!!

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McLaren RedBull Norris and Verstappen have very much entered the conversation at the front here! They've closed the gap to the two Ferraris and Piastri!

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(BOZ) "This is a good pace Charlee, keep this up."

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McLaren Norris overtakes Piastri for third in the race!!

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(ADA) "Thoughts on Plan C, question?"

(HAM) "Going to be tricky but possible"

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Ferrari McLaren RedBull Some shuffling around here in the space of a few corners. Hamilton goes ahead of Leclerc, Piastri ahead of Norris then Leclerc, Verstappen ahead of Norris, then ahead of Leclerc. That all changed quickly.

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Hitech Ocon clips the wall! He slows up the pack behind him, including former teammate Gasly, but he has major front wing damage.

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PITSTOP: Ocon with the first pitstop of the day, and gets a new front wing to boot. 8.376, which oddly, might win the DHL Fastest Pitstop at this rate.

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RedBull Verstappen snatches the lead of the race!!

Ferrari Leclerc has fought back and overtakes Piastri, then Hamilton.

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Ferrari Hamilton takes P2 off his teammate! Both keeping Verstappen under pressure right now, though.

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(HAM) "I need more power if possible mate."

(ADA) "Yeah, stay cool, this is possible."

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Ferrari Leclerc makes two great moves in quick succession, going past Hamilton then Verstappen to take the lead!!! Hamilton then takes second off Verstappen!

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PITSTOP: Well, so much for Ocon's DHL Fastest Pitstop Award. Piastri is first to pit, taking on Mediums...Gasly has had a massive delay though! What were Audi doing there?

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Lap 28: Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris, Tsunoda, Lawson, Bottas, Ricciardo, Piastri, Russell

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PITSTOP: Bottas next to stop, and he's back out there in P14.

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PITSTOP: Verstappen stops on Lap 29, and he's onto the Hards, that'll take him to the end. Tsunoda does the same, Sainz, Zhou and Vandoorne also pit.

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(BOZ) "Five qualifying laps needed here, Charles."

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tyre_soft tyre_hard tyre_medium Tyre degradation proving a lot higher than expected here, with the new Pirelli and Bridgestone tyres for this season, neither manufacturer seems to have gotten the tyre degradation right - it seems like too much.

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PITSTOP: Norris makes his stop and he's down to P7.

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(BOZ) "Box now, box"

(LEC) "Copy, box"

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fastestlap PIASTRI

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McLaren Piastri up to third and very much closing on the Ferraris here.

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PITSTOP: Leclerc makes his stop, takes new Softs and rejoins P4, 2.158s!

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(ADA) "Pit confirm and box"

(HAM) "Yeah, box this lap."

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PITSTOP: Hamilton makes his stop! 2.141, another fast stop for Ferrari! He rejoins P4. Lawson and Russell both pit for Softs.

McLaren Piastri now leads!

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PITSTOP: Stoffel Vandoorne enters the pitlane, but he is pulling up to retire the car. The fifth DNF of the evening.

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fastestlap LECLERC

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RedBull Ferrari Verstappen and Leclerc racing for P2 here, and the defending Champion putting his predecessor under a lot of pressure, but hasn't found his way through yet.

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Ferrari RedBull Now he has! Leclerc gets the move done with a fantastic overtake down the inside of Verstappen. Now a 2 swxond gap to Piastri.

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AS IT STANDS: Piastri, Leclerc and Hamilton would all be on 37 points, Verstappen 30. Wow.

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ANOTHER SAFETY CAR CALLED

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ANDR It is disaster for Yuki Tsunoda, who was running very well, but spun off at Turn 17, and finds himself in the barrier. We will pause for now, but not a Red Flag.

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PITSTOPS: Bottas, Ricciardo, Magnussen, Zhou and Ocon all take advantage of the Safety Car, and stop for new tyres. They're the only ones to stop.

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Lap 39, under the SC: Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Hamilton, Norris, Lawson, Bottas, Ricciardo, Sainz, Russell, Gasly, Magnussen, Zhou, Ocon. Tsunoda, Vandoorne, Albon, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Pourchaire all out of the race.

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Lap 41 and we're still under SC conditions

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Audi, Hitech and Haas have some chances for points though, as do Mercedes

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

(LEC) "Yeah."

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(ADA) "Safety car in. Full push."

(HAM) "Understood."

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Greenflag We are racing again!

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Piastri holding the lead for now, Leclerc pushing and pressuring him well though, they've both gained on Verstappen!

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Ferrari Leclerc going for the lead and has the lead here!!

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Ferrari RedBull Hamilton going for third and Lewis Hamilton is into third!

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fastestlap HAMILTON

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McLaren Piastri regains the lead!

Ferrari Hamilton moves past Leclerc, who has also dropped behind Verstappen!

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AstonMartin Ferrari Bottas gets ahead of Leclerc who seems to be struggling mightly here!

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Ferrari Leclerc retakes Fourth, then moves ahead of Piastri, whose tyres are falling away quickly!

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Ferrari RedBull McLaren AstonMartin It is ridiculously close between the top six. Anyone's game in the final few laps.

steel talon Jan 8, 2025, 4:25 PM

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This is insaje

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Winner winner chicken dinner

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https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/960914817160450078/1181227193121128499/caption-1-2-1.gif

foggy locust Jan 8, 2025, 4:28 PM

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Ferrari Leclerc has found his pace again and is starting to storm through the pack once more, he's ahead of Verstappen into P2!!

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McLaren Norris ahead of Piastri into fourth!!

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Lap 49: Hamilton, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, Bottas, Lawson, Ricciardo, Russell, Magnussen, Zhou, Gasly, Sainz, Ocon

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Ferrari LECLERC IS GOING FOR THE LEAD AND TAKES THE LEAD AWAY FROM HAMILTON. OH MY GOD

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AN ABSOLUTE THRILLER HERE IN SAUDI ARABIA, TWO RED FLAGS AND A SAFETY CAR, BUT CHARLES LECLERC IS GOING TO HOLD OFF LEWIS HAMILTON, TO WIN THE SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX!!! HAMILTON COMPLETES A FERRARI 1-2, VERSTAPPEN P3, NORRIS P4, PIASTRI P5, BOTTAS P6, LAWSON P7, RICCIARDO P8, RUSSELL P9, KEVIN MAGNUSSEN LANDS THE RENAULT TEAM A POINT FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2024. WOW, WOW, WOW.

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(BOZ) "We've won it! Well done Charles, well done. A fantastic result, fantastic performance!"

(LEC) "LET'S GOOOOO! Let's go, come onnnn! Ahhh, fantastic, fantastic job guys. Thank you to the entire team, this was so f***ing difficult, but what a job."

(BOZ) "Amazing job. Season starts here, Charles."

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(ADA) "And P2, Lewis, P2. Fantastic drive today, you did everything you could. Great job."

(HAM) "Just didn't have enough tyre at the end there, whoo, let's go though, fantastic race. Enjoyed that."

(ADA) "Great job today, good point. Fastest lap, too."

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2026 SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

Charles Leclerc 01.19.39
Lewis Hamilton +1.265
Max Verstappen +2.493
Lando Norris +1.855
Oscar Piastri +0.172
Valtteri Bottas +0.120
Liam Lawson +0.467
Daniel Ricciardo +0.643
George Russell +0.542
Kevin Magnussen +0.237
Zhou Guanyu +8.609
Esteban Ocon +5.579
Pierre Gasly +0.334
Carlos Sainz +1.402
Yuki Tsunoda DNF
Stoffel Vandoorne DNF
Alexander Albon DNF
Nico Hülkenberg DNF
Lance Stroll DNF
Théo Pourchaire DNF

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Driver DRIVER OF THE DAY: Ferrari CHARLES LECLERC, Ferrari

In a chaotic race that saw him drop to P5 at one point, a late comeback saw the World Champion successfully convert his Pole Position into yet another race win. Charles Leclerc had a gutsy drive under immense pressure, one that earned him your vote as Driver of the Day!

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fastestlap FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Ferrari Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 1.31.445

dhl DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD
RedBull Liam Lawson, Red Bull 2.097s

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FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

Ferrari Hamilton 44
Ferrari Leclerc 43
RedBull Verstappen 30
McLaren Piastri 22
McLaren Norris 22
AstonMartin Bottas 14
RedBull Lawson 10
ANDR Tsunoda 8
ANDR Ricciardo 6
Williams Russell 3
Hitech Magnussen 1
Mercedes Albon 0
Haas Zhou 0
Audi Gasly 0
Hitech Ocon 0
Audi Pourchaire 0
Sainz 0
Vandoorne 0
Stroll 0
Haas Hülkenberg 0

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Ferrari 87 Ferrari Bridgestone
McLaren McLaren-Ford RBPT 44 Ford Pirelli
RedBull Red Bull-Ford RBPT 40 Ford
AstonMartin Aston Martin-Honda 14 Honda Pirelli
ANDR Andretti-Ferrari 14 Ferrari
Williams-Ferrari 3 Ferrari Pirelli
Hitech Hitech-Renault 1 renault
Mercedes 0 Pirelli
Haas Haas-Mercedes 0 Bridgestone
Audi Audi Sauber 0 Audi Pirelli

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 142
Pirelli Pirelli 61

steel talon Jan 8, 2025, 4:54 PM

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foggy locust FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 <:Ferrari:1012448867494678558> Ha...

COME ON CHARLES PLEASE

foggy locust Jan 8, 2025, 8:49 PM

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Threepeat?

tired thorn Jan 9, 2025, 4:01 AM

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COME ON LEWIS

hallow oar Jan 9, 2025, 7:58 AM

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steel talon COME ON CHARLES PLEASE

noo. come on LEWIS

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 1:31 PM

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australian-gp-race-week-f1-experiences-v0-sgbjmjiwd0pc1.jpg

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AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

We go Down Under for Round 3 of the 2026 F1 Season, and after two Ferrari wins out of two, can anyone stop the Scuderia from making it three in a row at Melbourne?

Last time around, Charles Leclerc had the perfect answer in a chaotic race around the Jeddah Corniche Circuit that saw six retirements, two Red Flags, a full Safety Car, and another Ferrari 1-2. Leclerc led Hamilton home, having been fifth with about six laps left, while Max Verstappen took the third step on the podium again. Oscar Piastri's tyres fell away having led for portions of the race, finishing behind teammate Lando Norris, Valtteri Bottas took sixth, Liam Lawson was just seventh, while Daniel Ricciardo and George Russell both scored points again, and Kevin Magnussen took Hitech's first F1 points and the first for a Renault team since 2024.

The Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne has been hosting Formula 1 since 1996, with a two year break in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. For nine months of the year, it can be driven by ordinary vehicles in either direction, but for three months, it is closed to prepare for the Formula 1 season. The Circuit features 14 turns and lasts for 5.278km per lap, with 58 laps taken, and has 4 DRS zones, meaning significant overtaking chances aplenty - however it is expected to rain this weekend, cancelling out the DRS advantages. Therefore Top Speed and High Speed Cornering become even more crucial around here.

And Ferrari do enter as favourites, having won two races out of two so far this year. Lewis Hamilton leads Charles Leclerc by a single point - the fastest lap point he won in Saudi Arabia - and if McLaren and Red Bull don't close the gap, we could be facing a second consecutive Ferrari World Drivers Championship battle. Leclerc has won here in 2022 and 2024, 2022 of course being a famous Grand Slam victory, and either driver would be top of the Standings with victory here.

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This might be Red Bull's best chance of victory thus far this season, as they bring upgrades to improve their Top Speed, taking that ahead of Ferrari this weekend. Max Verstappen has had two podiums out of two, and is poised to take the fight to Leclerc and Hamilton once more this season. However, Liam Lawson has had a slow start to life at Red Bull - finishing 8th in Bahrain and 7th in Saudi Arabia - and will need to start taking the fight to at least the McLarens, if not his teammate and the Ferraris.

McLaren have come close to a first victory in a while, with Oscar Piastri challenging at the front both in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but the MCL40's tyre management issues has cost him at least a podium both times around. However, McLaren have brought suspension upgrades looking at improving the tyre management, and if they pay off, the team could potentially be up challenging Ferrari and Red Bull this weekend for the victory. Piastri and Lando Norris are level on points as both drivers look towards their futures - both are out of contract at the end of the year.

Andretti have emerged as the surprise fourth force in Formula 1 so far this year, with good consistency from both Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo, as the two look towards a challenge for fourth in the Constructors Championship. The team sit level with Aston Martin after two races and well ahead of the chasing pack - can the US team keep up this level of consistency to make a challenge for Best of the Rest?

Last time around, we asked how many times Aston Martin's story would stay the same - one driver delivering, one not. Valtteri Bottas went on to take Sixth, while Stoffel Vandoorne crashed in Q1 and retired from damage as a result of that. So, yeah, same old story. Lawrence Stroll's patience must be running thin with Vandoorne by this point - the question remains about his future in the sport. For Vandoorne, the time to deliver is now. But can he?

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Williams have had a relatively solid start to the season, based on their traditional straight-line speed and George Russell absolutely willing the car to positions it probably shouldn't be in. Melbourne isn't the traditionally strongest track for Williams, but with DRS not likely a factor on Sunday, that Top Speed could be crucial for Russell and maybe even Lance Stroll getting a result this weekend.

Hitech finally got on the board for the first time as a brand new team - and the first Renault points since 2024 - when Kevin Magnussen finished tenth in Saudi, a much needed boost. He and Esteban Ocon will may well fancy their chances of more points at Melbourne, even if their DRS Effectiveness is wiped out, due to their strong Cornering. However to do so, the team, and their two drivers, will have to cut out the mistakes plaguing the last couple of years.

Something that Audi Sauber will need to do as well. The team, and the car, has potential - but it is potential that has not been delivered upon on race day, with the car seemingly doing well in qualifying, then strategy, pitlane and driver errors have cost them any chances of points. Théo Pourchaire takes a grid penalty this weekend - it may be over to Pierre Gasly to finally deliver Audi some much needed points.

And speaking of much needed points, this season has been nothing short of an utter disaster so far for Mercedes. Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have struggled with a nightmare W17 that seemingly has gotten every single technical directive wrong, an utter shocker from the Silver Arrows. They qualified both cars on the back row, simply unacceptable from a team like Mercedes. It is still early in the season, but Mercedes need a positive result and soon if this isn't going to be a lost year. The rain might be the great equaliser they need.

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Haas, the only other team with Mercedes engines, having made the switch away from Ferrari's engines in the offseason, have struggled heavily with this new technical directive and are expected to be at the back once more. But as mentioned above, the rain could be the great equaliser they need as well - we've seen famous results in the rain before. Can this be one for Haas?

It'll be a rainy Sunday in Albert Park, and that opens up the playing field. A race that's often brought carnage and chaos might get a new element of it. One thing's for sure - you will not want to miss it.

steel talon Jan 10, 2025, 2:04 PM

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Yap

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Where is gap car

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 2:35 PM

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FP1 Reserves: RedBull Dürksen (Lawson), ANDR Goethe (Tsunoda), E. Fittipaldi (Ricciardo), Audi Boya (Pourchaire), AstonMartin Montoya (Bottas), Stenshorne (Vandoorne)

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 2:35 PM

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steel talon Where is gap car

Gap car?

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Penalty Audi Théo Pourchaire is taking a penalty this weekend for causing a collision with Nico Hülkenberg and Lance Stroll in Saudi Arabia.

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FP1: McLaren PIA Ferrari HAM Ferrari LEC

Oscar Piastri takes a P1 to begin his home Grand Prix weekend, ahead of the two Ferraris of Hamilton and Leclerc. Gasly was fourth, with Norris fifth, and Sainz sixth. Andretti's reserves of Oliver Goethe and Enzo Fittipaldi were seventh and ninth, while Lance Stroll was eighth and George Russell tenth. Just 15th for Max Verstappen.

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FP2: McLaren PIA RedBull LAW Ferrari HAM
Ferrari LEC P4

Oscar Piastri goes 2 for 2 as it is a 1-2 for the Oceanians, with Liam Lawson second. Lewis Hamilton just ahead of Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari 3-4, while Max Verstappen was fifth. Gasly sixth, Norris seventh, Tsunoda, Magnussen and Ocon round off the top ten. Ricciardo P20 in his first home practice session of this year.

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 3:06 PM

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FP3: McLaren NOR RedBull VER AstonMartin BOT
Ferrari LEC P5, HAM P6

McLaren go three for three in practice, with Norris topping the table, ahead of Verstappen and Bottas. Ocon fourth, with Leclerc fifth and Hamilton sixth. Lawson takes seventh ahead of Pourchaire, Tsunoda and Magnussen. Ricciardo P12 behind Russell.

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It is time for qualifying here in Melbourne, and it won't be a walk in the Park. It's Albert Park, and so far, McLaren are three for three in practice, but Red Bull have shown some pace, and you can't count out the Championship leaders Ferrari. How will this one go?

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greenflag Q1 gets underway!

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4.00pm: 4pm local, very early in the morning back in the UK and we are underway for Qualifying. Leclerc, Hamilton and Stroll all on track.

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4.01pm: A lot of support for Piastri, Ricciardo and even Lawson here, but quite a lot of McLaren Papaya Orange in the stands.

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4.03pm: Hamilton about 5 tenths up on Leclerc in Q1, Stroll over 1.5 behind.

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4.06pm: Pourchaire up to P3, but still a second back. Lawson goes within 6 tenths of Hamilton, however to take P3.

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4.07pm: Oscar Piastri takes to the track to a huge roar from the Australian crowd, and Daniel Ricciardo isn't far behind. Bottas up to fourth. Just twelfth for Lando Norris, however.

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4.10pm: Verstappen slots into P3, just ahead of Lawson.

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4.11pm: Piastri up to P2, splitting the Ferraris! That was a great time by the McLaren driver.

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DRIVER AT RISK: Mercedes Sainz
RELEGATION ZONE: Williams Stroll, Albon, McLaren Norris, Tsunoda, Haas Zhou

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4.13pm: Sainz up to 12th, leaving Hülkenberg at risk. Will that be enough though?

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4.15pm: Norris goes onto the track, the other McLaren has a lot of work to do.

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4.16pm: Tsunoda another big name at risk here, he's gone green in S1, though.

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4.17pm: Tsunoda hasn't done enough! He's out! NORRIS YELLOW IN S1...

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chequeredflagboard Norris caught in traffic, Zhou 17th, Stroll doesn't improve, ALBON FIFTH, NORRIS ELEVENTH AND SAFE. WOW. Magnussen drops into the drop zone. Hülkenberg also into drop zone...HE GOES TENTH. Sainz drops into the bottom five and is out!!!

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OUT IN Q1: Mercedes Sainz, Hitech Magnussen, Williams Stroll, Haas Zhou, ANDR Tsunoda

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greenflag Q2 underway!

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4.25pm: Back underway here for Q2.

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4.28pm: Hamilton just 0.008 ahead of Leclerc, while Pourchaire about 1.400 back.

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4.30pm: Bottas goes third, Vandoorne fifth.

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4.33pm: Just fifth for Verstappen, make that sixth as Norris goes P3.

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4.34pm: Piastri up to fourth. Albon 15th and last right now.

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DRIVER AT RISK: RedBull Verstappen
RELEGATION ZONE: AstonMartin Vandoorne, Williams Russell, Hitech Ocon, Haas Hülkenberg, Mercedes Albon

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4.37pm: Vandoorne up to ninth. With Verstappen in the dropzone and Lawson at risk, that will probably not be enough.

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4.38pm: Hamilton purple, Leclerc hits traffic in S2 and gets slowed. Verstappen not improving through S1, better through S2.

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4.39pm: LAWSON DOESN'T IMPROVE FROM TENTH. One of the Red Bulls is going out!

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chequeredflagboard VERSTAPPEN P5, LAWSON IS OUT. Vandoorne at risk. Piastri up to third. Norris still fourth. Hülkenberg stays 14th, Ocon still 13th, Russell doesn't move from 12th, Albon 15th. Vandoorne makes Q3!

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OUT IN Q2: RedBull Lawson, Williams Russell, Hitech Ocon, Haas Hülkenberg, Mercedes Albon

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greenflag 4.48pm: Q3 underway. Verstappen, Hamilton, Norris and Leclerc all on track.

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4.51pm: Leclerc quickest, 16.005, Hamilton just 0.034 behind, Verstappen 0.288 behind. Norris 1.517 behind, what happened there?

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4.53pm: Bottas Fourth, Pourchaire fifth, Piastri then goes up to fourth! Gasly sixth, Vandoorne ninth. Ricciardo up to Seventh!

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Q3 AS IT STANDS: Ferrari Leclerc, Ferrari Hamilton, RedBull Verstappen, McLaren Piastri, AstonMartin Bottas, Audi Gasly, ANDR Ricciardo, Audi Pourchaire, McLaren Norris, Vandoorne

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4.55pm: Verstappen and Norris going very early here. Clear track against track evolution, what will win out here?

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4.57pm: Verstappen P3, Norris P8. Wow.

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4.59pm: Piastri goes third! Ricciardo eighth, Vandoorne ninth.

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chequeredflagboard LECLERC WITH A STORMER. 0.442 AHEAD OF HAMILTON. Bottas fifth, RICCIARDO GOES UP TO FIFTH. Pourchaire ahead of Gasly...Gasly goes sixth, back ahead! Both Australians will start in the top five, but it is Pole number two in a row for Charles Leclerc!!!

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charles-leclerc-take-pole-position-for-the-2024-monaco-v0-hw5ftc2s7l2d1_1.jpg

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Q3: Ferrari Leclerc, Ferrari Hamilton, McLaren Piastri, RedBull Verstappen, ANDR Ricciardo, Audi Gasly, AstonMartin Bottas, Audi Pourchaire Penalty , Vandoorne, McLaren Norris

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2026 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

Ferrari LEC Bridgestone Ferrari HAM

McLaren PIA Pirelli RedBull VER Bridgestone

ANDR RIC Bridgestone Audi GAS Pirelli

AstonMartin BOT Pirelli VAN Pirelli

McLaren NOR Pirelli RedBull LAW Bridgestone

Williams RUS Pirelli Hitech OCO Bridgestone

Audi POU Penalty Pirelli Haas HÜL Bridgestone

Mercedes ALB Pirelli SAI Pirelli

Hitech MAG Bridgestone Williams STR Pirelli

Haas ZHO Bridgestone ANDR TSU

Penalty Théo Pourchaire takes a five place penalty, initially qualified 8th

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Welcome to Melbourne, it is a Sunday afternoon in the Park, but it will be anything but relaxing, especially with those gathering rain clouds. Heavy rain expected today, and it should make for a fascinating couple of hours here. 58 laps of this 5.278km circuit, 14 turns, 2.45 metres elevated, a top speed of 211.2mph, and 14 turns available. The hardest of the Pirelli and Bridgestone range of tyres is in play, but expect to see those green Intermediates and potentially the blue full Wets sooner rather than later today. Two Australian drivers in the top five to begin this afternoon, but the Scuderia have the front row to themselves once more.

Yuki Tsunoda had a rough qualifying and he starts at the very back in 20th, it's Zhou Guanyu alongside him in 19th. Lance Stroll starts 18th and Kevin Magnussen 17th, Carlos Sainz had a second consecutive Q1 exit and begins 16th, with Alexander Albon 15th. Nico Hülkenberg starts 14th while Théo Pourchaire qualified 8th but takes a five place penalty for crashing into Hülkenberg and Stroll in Saudi Arabia. Esteban Ocon is 12th to begin today with George Russell alongside in 11th, Liam Lawson missed Q3 but gets a top ten reprieve due to Pourchaire's penalty, Lando Norris begins today just 9th. We have an all Aston Martin fourth row, Stoffel Vandoorne starts in the top ten for the first time since Silverstone last year, when he was also 8th, Valtteri Bottas ahead of him in 7th. It's a 6th place start for Pierre Gasly who looks for Audi's first points of this year, Daniel Ricciardo starts his home race for his new team in 5th. Max Verstappen starts 4th for the third time this season and Oscar Piastri begins his home race from 3rd, his third start there this year as well. Ferrari once again lock out the front row, Championship leader Lewis Hamilton starts from 2nd, while defending Champion Charles Leclerc is 1st, his second Pole Position of the season.

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Lap 9 we are expecting rain

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Formation lap done

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AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

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Leclerc holds firm in the lead, Hamilton still P2, Piastri just behind as well, then Verstappen, Ricciardo, Bottas, Norris up to Seventh ahead of Gasly, Vandoorne drops to ninth, Russell tenth, Lawson falls out of the top ten, Sainz is already down to P20!!

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Ferrari DRS enabled and there will be plenty of overtaking opportunities. Leclerc currently leading from Hamilton but there is no real gap between the two as of yet.

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🌧️ The rain starting earlier than expected this afternoon. Lap 3 and we've already got wet weather.

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(HAM) "The rain is definitely starting to come down more now mate."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20241010_125538_0000-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.png

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(LEC) "How are we looking, weather wise?"

(BOZ) "Few more laps Charles. Push these tyres for all they're worth."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20240713_050037_0000-3-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1.png

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Ferrari McLaren RedBull Piastri and Verstappen are all over the back of Hamilton, who can't find a way past his teammate. Leclerc isn't able to break away with the constant DRS, either.

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McLaren Norris overtakes Ricciardo for sixth, then quickly follows it up with a fifth place overtake of Bottas.

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AstonMartin Russell moves ahead of Bottas, the Williams up to P9!

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Ferrari McLaren Piastri makes an attempt for second, but Hamilton holds him off.

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Audi Gasly runs wide at turn 2, but he doesn't lose any time, really.

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PITSTOPS: Ocon, Magnussen, Tsunoda, Sainz and Zhou all box for intermediates. Tsunoda and Sainz both gain one place as a result!

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(BOZ) "Box now, box"

(LEC) "Copy, box"

(BOZ) "We think inters is quicker now."

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(ADA) "Box, box"

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PITSTOPS: Verstappen and Piastri get in a lap earlier than Leclerc and Hamilton! Both switch to inters.

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PITSTOP: Ferrari forced to double stack, and Leclerc and Hamilton lose a little time here! Leclerc out in P3, Hamilton P4!

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Lap 11: Verstappen, Piastri, Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris, Russell, Ricciardo, Lawson, Gasly, Ocon, Bottas, Pourchaire, Vandoorne, Tsunoda, Albon, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Sainz, Zhou, Magnussen

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Ferrari McLaren Leclerc got out of the pits right behind Piastri, and both are now closing in on Verstappen, with the gap now 1.574.

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(ADA) "Rain is getting a bit heavier than before."

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RedBull Verstappen now up about 2 seconds on Piastri and Leclerc, and the battle between the two is benefitting the former Champion.

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Ferrari McLaren Norris gets past Hamilton for fourth, as the seven time Champion seems to be struggling for pace in this weather right now.

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(LEC) "We'll get Oscar here."

(BOZ) "Okay Charles, let's keep focused, this is a good pace."

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McLaren Ferrari Piastri keeping Leclerc behind him here. This is a brilliant home drive so far from the Australian.

steel talon Jan 10, 2025, 4:56 PM

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foggy locust 4.10pm: Verstappen slots into P3, just ahead of Lawson.

No way you're timing this shite now

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 4:56 PM

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RedBull McLaren Ferrari Worth noting that Piastri is now within a second of Verstappen. Leclerc a further second back.

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 4:56 PM

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steel talon No way you're timing this shite now

Have been all along?

steel talon Jan 10, 2025, 4:56 PM

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As if I read any of this

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 4:57 PM

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...cool?

steel talon Jan 10, 2025, 4:58 PM

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foggy locust ...cool?

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 4:58 PM

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If you're gonna troll big man, take it elsewhere, thank ya

steel talon Jan 10, 2025, 4:59 PM

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foggy locust If you're gonna troll big man, take it elsewhere, thank ya

I'm not trolling???

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 4:59 PM

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steel talon As if I read any of this

^^^

steel talon Jan 10, 2025, 5:00 PM

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foggy locust ^^^

That's not a troll I pop in once and a while read a few lines make sure Leclerc wins say 1 line and dip

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 5:00 PM

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Fair enough

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But please don't be a jerk about how I run my save, thanks. Here to have fun, nothing else

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Anyways, back to the race

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(BOZ) "Box for Wets, immediately"

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(ADA) "And box, box"

(HAM) "In"

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PITSTOPS: Verstappen, Piastri, Hamilton, Russell all pit for Wets. Only Leclerc, Norris and Gasly remain out.

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PITSTOP: Leclerc in on the next lap, 2.306 stop, Norris follows him in and so does Gasly. Verstappen retakes the lead, Piastri back to P2.

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Lap 24: Verstappen, Piastri, Leclerc, Norris, Hamilton, Russell, Lawson, Ricciardo, Bottas, Ocon, Pourchaire, Gasly, Tsunoda, Vandoorne, Stroll, Albon, Hülkenberg, Sainz, Magnussen, Zhou

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RedBull McLaren Verstappen gained about a second on Piastri on the pitstop, so now has a 3 second advantage, that Piastri seems to be cutting into now. Leclerc a further 1.7 back.

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(LEC) "Struggling so much for pace on the Wets here."

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Haas Mercedes The only two cars within a second of each other right now are Hülkenberg and Sainz, currently fighting over P17.

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(LEC) "It's raining like crazy. Visibility is very, very poor."

(BOZ) "Copy, we are keeping an eye on it."

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RedBull McLaren Piastri now within 2 seconds of Verstappen, but can he close the gap enough within the next 24 laps?

sterile breach Jan 10, 2025, 5:23 PM

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foggy locust (LEC) "It's raining like crazy. Visibility is very, very poor." (BOZ) "Copy, we...

6 mm track water?

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 5:24 PM

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fastestlap HAMILTON

Hamilton got the fastest lap in the dry, and that could be it unless it dries up enough towards the end of this race.

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 5:24 PM

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sterile breach 6 mm track water?

Currently 5.77mm. Very, very rainy

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(ADA) "Push."

(HAM) "Understood."

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(BOZ) "Piastri ahead, the gap is 1.4. This is a good pace Charles, keep it up."

sterile breach Jan 10, 2025, 5:29 PM

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foggy locust

Russell?

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 5:30 PM

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PITSTOP: Russell and Ocon both coming in, and Russell has a delay with removing that front left! That might cost him any chances of points this weekend!

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 5:30 PM

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sterile breach Russell?

He's been killing it so far this season

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(BOZ) "Box, box"

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(ADA) "Box this lap Lewis, Box this lap for Inters."

(HAM) "Yeah, box this lap."

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PITSTOPS: Leclerc in for inters, Norris not far behind, and Leclerc takes a 2.291 stop, rejoining P3! Hamilton's stop lasts 2.013! He's back out there in P6, just behind Lawson!

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RedBull McLaren Neither Verstappen nor Piastri has pitted yet, are they waiting for the track to dry up and to go onto Softs?

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PITSTOPS: Bottas, Piurchaire and Stroll all pit. Russell back into the points, despite the Williams mistake.

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PITSTOP: VERSTAPPEN IN. Red Bull answer Ferrari's stop. Will Piastri respond or stay out until the Softs come into play?

tired thorn Jan 10, 2025, 5:36 PM

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COME ON LEWIS MAN

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WTF

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 5:37 PM

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PITSTOP: Piastri responds a lap later. I suppose that answers that. Is that too late from McLaren? He rejoins behind Leclerc!!

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RedBull Ferrari This might have all played into Leclerc's hands - he is right, right on Verstappen's tail now.

foggy locust Jan 10, 2025, 5:38 PM

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tired thorn WTF

Been a rough day for him

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Lap 43: Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Norris, Hamilton, Lawson, Russell, Bottas, Ricciardo, Pourchaire, Gasly, Ocon, Tsunoda, Vandoorne, Stroll, Albon, Magnussen, Sainz, Zhou, Hülkenberg

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Ferrari RedBull LECLERC IS GOING FOR THE LEAD AND HE OVERTAKES VERSTAPPEN TO TAKE THE LEAD HERE. WOW.

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🌧️ Pitstops might be vital here though. The track is drying up, and quickly.

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RedBull Ferrari Verstappen with a superb move down the inside of Leclerc, and he retakes the lead of this race!! But Leclerc is coming right back at him and is back in front!

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(ADA) "Box, box"

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PITSTOP: Hamilton the first one to stop for Softs! He's out there quickly and rejoins P6.

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(BOZ) "Box, box"

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PITSTOPS: Leclerc, Lawson, Russell and Pourchaire all in. Leclerc back out in P3.

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PITSTOPS: Verstappen, Piastri and Norris all pit! Verstappen P2, Piastri P3, Norris P4.

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Ferrari Leclerc with a 5 second advantage now and that stop might have won him this race.

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fastestlap LECLERC

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McLaren RedBull Piastri overtakes Verstappen for P2!!!

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Lap 54: Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton, Lawson, Russell, Bottas, Gasly, Pourchaire, Ricciardo, Vandoorne, Tsunoda, Stroll, Albon, Magnussen, Sainz, Zhou, Hülkenberg

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RedBull McLaren The main battle to focus on now is Piastri vs. Verstappen for P2. Piastri very much in the mix here but Verstappen takes second back with DRS.

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Mercedes Sainz with a lock-up and he goes off here!

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fastestlap LECLERC

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Audi ANDR Pourchaire locks up and goes off and now he's under big-time pressure from Ricciardo, who desperately wants a point on home soil!!

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fastestlap NORRIS

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McLaren RedBull A massive cheer here as Piastri overtakes Verstappen! Can he keep second?

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A brilliant strategy on the final pitstop has given him this insurmountable lead though, as CHARLES LECLERC ROUNDS THE FINAL CORNER TO WIN THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX!!! OSCAR PIASTRI HOLDS OFF MAX VERSTAPPEN FOR SECOND, LANDO NORRIS IS FOURTH, LEWIS HAMILTON JUST FIFTH, LIAM LAWSON SIXTH

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(ADA) "And P5, Lewis. Tough going today, but great effort."

(HAM) "Yeah, sorry guys. Tough day, didn't have the pace. Thanks for the effort though. We'll keep pushing and come back stronger."

(ADA) "Long season ahead, we still can do this."

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ANDR Audi Ricciardo is ahead of Pourchaire and could be on for a home point!!

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Russell P7, Bottas P8, Gasly P9, RICCIARDO GETS THE FINAL POINT

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2026 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

Charles Leclerc 01.26.36
Oscar Piastri +9.074
Max Verstappen +0.292
Lando Norris +13.020
Lewis Hamilton +11.927
Liam Lawson +19.772
George Russell +7.134
Valtteri Bottas +1.163
Pierre Gasly +10.149
Daniel Ricciardo +5.236
Théo Pourchaire +0.243
Esteban Ocon +0.290
Stoffel Vandoorne +0.414
Yuki Tsunoda +1 lap
Lance Stroll +1 lap
Alexander Albon +1 lap
Kevin Magnussen +1 lap
Carlos Sainz +1 lap
Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
Nico Hülkenberg +1 lap

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Driver DRIVER OF THE DAY: McLaren OSCAR PIASTRI, McLaren

It was a close run vote between the two McLarens, but Oscar Piastri's late move on Max Verstappen to take P2 in his home Grand Prix was the clincher. Having led at several points in this race, Piastri mau be slightly disappointed not to win his home GP, but drove very well and was very deserving of his Driver of the Day Award.

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fastestlap FASTEST LAP AWARD:
McLaren Lando Norris, McLaren 1.19.299

dhl DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Ferrari Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 2.013s

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Leclerc 68
Ferrari Hamilton 54
RedBull Verstappen 45
McLaren Piastri 40
McLaren Norris 35
AstonMartin Bottas 18
RedBull Lawson 18
Williams Russell 9
ANDR Tsunoda 8
ANDR Ricciardo 7
Audi Gasly 2
Hitech Magnussen 1
Audi Pourchaire 0
Mercedes Albon 0
Haas Zhou 0
Hitech Ocon 0
Vandoorne 0
Sainz 0
Stroll 0
Haas Hülkenberg 0

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Ferrari 122 Ferrari Bridgestone
McLaren McLaren-Ford RBPT 75 Ford Pirelli
RedBull Red Bull-Ford RBPT 63 Ford
AstonMartin Aston Martin-Honda 18 Honda Pirelli
ANDR Andretti-Ferrari 15 Ferrari
Williams-Ferrari 9 Pirelli
Audi Audi Sauber 2 Audi Pirelli
Hitech Hitech-Renault 1 renault
Mercedes 0 Pirelli
Haas Haas-Mercedes 0 Bridgestone

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 201
Pirelli Pirelli 104

tired thorn Jan 10, 2025, 7:02 PM

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alright coach put me in, announce me as the 2027 driver, i got this.

sinful crane Jan 12, 2025, 10:09 AM

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Damn Mercedes in the mud

foggy locust Jan 12, 2025, 4:35 PM

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They have been absolutely dreadful

hallow oar Jan 13, 2025, 7:16 AM

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sinful crane Damn Mercedes in the mud

frr

plucky acorn Jan 13, 2025, 8:36 PM

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foggy locust 2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP <:Ferrari:101244886749467855...

mercedes engines i presume stopped being good

sinful crane Jan 13, 2025, 10:52 PM

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gonna guess it's less to do with the engine and more to do with the decisions the team's AI is making

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they probably tie most of their money (in mercs' case) to ridiculous salaries for their drivers that they have literally nothing to pay for significant car upgrades

brazen wren Jan 13, 2025, 11:02 PM

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Yeah in my current save they hired Alonso for a year in 2025 and he broke their bank and... yeah...

sinful crane Jan 13, 2025, 11:10 PM

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they could (should) tweak the AI to either:

pay for one premium driver and fill the other slot with a promoted affiliate/young driver on a one-year flier
pay for a mid-level driver while identifying a driver in their current roster (signed or affiliate) as their "future" and go from there
simply manage their resources better if they go for the "dream" pairing by maximizing their income flow

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but hindsight's 20/20 y'know

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like, you get why they sign Alonso - if they play like the "player" then they're trying to get the constructors in 2026, so it makes sense

but the AI seriously needs to be tweaked to adjust to their team's expectations, not everyone can realistically go for the championship and sometimes teams need to be adjusted play style wise to identify with that and say "okay, what do we do differently, if P3/P4 is going to be our max, how do we set ourselves up for P2/P1 in the next year/two years?"

steel talon Jan 13, 2025, 11:18 PM

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brazen wren Yeah in my current save they hired Alonso for a year in 2025 and he broke their ...

Mercedes:

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Completely broke

humble totem Jan 14, 2025, 9:24 AM

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Mercedes in 2027 mysteriously has the second best car after years of mediocrity and they are still not competitive because years of mediocrity has their drivers demoralised.
Demoralised Merc driver with the second best car on the grid are still struggling to get out of Q1

This is why demoralised mentality or negative mentality need to abolish from the game totally

sinful crane Jan 14, 2025, 10:04 AM

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They should reset mentality or FIRE THE TEAM PRINCIPALS

foggy locust Jan 14, 2025, 11:40 AM

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Yeah it's just been coincidence that the two Merc powered cars have been absolutely terrible

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Weird thing is Mercedes didn't have anyone too expensive last year - Sainz and Russell - and this year have Sainz and Albon

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In this save, anyway

humble totem Jan 14, 2025, 12:17 PM

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Seem here sainz and albon even if sainz has decayed so badly to 84 rated driver

foggy locust Jan 14, 2025, 12:55 PM

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Sainz was dreadful in 2025 in this universe and he's had an awful start to 2026

steel talon Jan 14, 2025, 1:00 PM

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foggy locust Sainz was dreadful in 2025 in this universe and he's had an awful start to 2026

He had a dreadful 2025 in mine (finished behind a very inferior Ferrari) but then got back to form in 2026

tired thorn Jan 14, 2025, 1:25 PM

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i just feel like all the manager games hate mercedes, i've never seen them in any of the games climb back to the top

sterile breach Jan 14, 2025, 1:27 PM

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Same here, every time I'm not managing Mercedes, they just fall behind

steel talon Jan 14, 2025, 2:09 PM

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sterile breach Same here, every time I'm not managing Mercedes, they just fall behind

https://tenor.com/view/christian-horner-toto-wolff-drive-to-survive-dts-horner-gif-27624233

foggy locust Jan 14, 2025, 9:30 PM

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Probably Thursday for Japan, folks. Busy week this week

foggy locust Jan 15, 2025, 9:40 PM

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JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

We are onto Japan for Round 4 of this 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, and after Charles Leclerc took a fantastic come from behind victory in Australia, we head to a drivers’ favourite - Suzuka.

It was victory for Charles Leclerc last time at Melbourne, however Oscar Piastri overtook Max Verstappen for a stunning P2, in a statement of intent from the Australian driver. Lewis Hamilton could only manage fifth as defending Champion Leclerc took the lead of the Drivers’ Championship for the first time this season.

Suzuka International Racing Course is a 5.807km circuit located in Ino, Suzuka City, Japan. Held over 53 laps, this figure of eight course is a real favourite of Drivers, Teams and fans alike. With a focus on Medium and particularly High Speed cornering, with only three small slow sections on the entire course, it is an 18 turn circuit with just one DRS zone - however, that will be nulfilled entirely with the rain likely to pour down all weekend, making for a very even playing field.

Despite this, Ferrari still enter as the early favourites. Charles Leclerc now leads Lewis Hamilton by 14 points - however it remains early in this 2026 season. The SF-26 is the class of this year’s field thus far and it will very much suit Suzuka’s medium and high speed cornering. It is too early to say that Hamilton needs this one in the title race - but he does need it more than Leclerc at this early stage.

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McLaren meanwhile have emerged as this season's second force thus far, with Oscar Piastri in particular having a fantastic start to the season, finishing P2 in Australia and grabbing his first podium. Lando Norris has been consistent as well, and McLaren look like they might pose a real challenge to Red Bull for second - can they break through and take a victory or two this season away from Ferrari?

Red Bull are sitting third right now, with Max Verstappen remaining the biggest thorn in Ferrari's side this season, and as F1's premiere wet weather driver, he looked on for victory in Australia before the track drying up late sealed Leclerc's comeback. Verstappen may well fancy his chances in the wet at Suzuka. Liam Lawson however has struggled to adapt to life at a top team thus far, although it is still early, he has a lot to prove right now.

Aston Martin and Andretti find themselves in a tight battle for fourth, with just three points between the two right now. While Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo are both delivering solid points for their new team, Valtteri Bottas has picked up 100% of Aston’s points, and as the old story goes, they need more out of Stoffel Vandoorne. Suzuka is a track that suits Aston more than it does Andretti with their new upgrades, might this be a chance for Vandoorne to get on the board for the first time this year?

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George Russell's return to Williams is off to a good start, as the English driver has scored in all three races thus far this season, with a tenth, ninth and seventh, in a car that was not expected to be competitive at all. Can Russell keep the Williams points going and lead them further up to the table than their surprise sixth place? And can Lance Stroll start contributing to that total as well?

Audi got on the board last time out to jump up to Seventh in the Constructors, thanks to a ninth place finish for Pierre Gasly. Audi haven't quite made the most of what looked like a promising car in the first three races, but they have a car that seems to be performing very well in qualifying but less so in race trim. Improvements must continue to be made on Sundays to get further up the board, and to get Theo Pourchaire onto the board.

Hitech scored their first point in two years at Saudi Arabia, but failed to follow that up with points in Australia. So it is back to the drawing board for Kevin Magnussen and Esteban Ocon, however this is a track that may suit the Renault team's car. An opportunity might be in play for them to get some points this weekend.

The new engine regulations have been an unmitigated disaster for the Mercedes based teams, with Mercedes and Haas failing to score at all this season so far, a particularly bad look for the former eight time Constructors Champions. Is there any way back for the Silver Arrows this season? And can Haas add to their points total with what remains the worst car on the grid?

A rainy weekend, a drivers’ favourite, and intriguing battles up and down the field. It is Suzuka, and you absolutely won't want to miss it this weekend.

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I'll do at least Practice and Qualifying tonight, we shall see for race itself, but that might be tomorrow

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FP1 Afflilates: RedBull Dürksen (Lawson), Mercedes Antonelli (Sainz), Williams Maloney (Stroll), ANDR Goethe (Ricciardo)

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FP1: RedBull DÜR Ferrari LEC Ferrari HAM

In a mostly washed out session, Joshua Dürksen of Red Bull took P1, ahead of Leclerc and Hamilton. Gasly was fourth for Audi, with Norris fifth, and Williams reserve Maloney sixth. Albon, Zhou, Hülkenberg and Bottas complete the top ten.

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FP2: Ferrari HAM Ferrari LEC Hitech MAG

Hamilton goes quickest ahead of Leclerc, with Kevin Magnussen shockingly P3, and George Russell 4th. Vandoorne 5th ahead of Piastri, Zhou, Gasly, Albon and Ocon.

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FP3: Audi POU McLaren PIA RedBull VER
Ferrari LEC P18, HAM P19

Théo Pourchaire topped a rain soaked FP3, as Piastri and Verstappen go second and third. Magnussen fourth, with Albon fifth, Zhou sixth and Lawson seventh. Ricciardo, Norris and Gasly round off the top ten. Just 18th for Leclerc, and 19th for Hamilton who took a puncture and retired early. Stoffel Vandoorne had an early crash which brought out a VSC.

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Good afternoon and welcome to Suzuka for Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix! There is very much rain in the air here, as we prepare for Round 4 of the 2026 F1 season. And with rain comes unpredictability in Formula 1, it feels like anyone's game this weekend, and so that has proved in practice. Will it prove so here as well?

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greenflag Q1 gets underway!

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3.00pm: This feels like a one and done session here, as there is rain coming midway through this session.

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3.02pm: Every single car out on track right now, led by Leclerc and Hamilton.

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3.03pm: Hamilton fastest, Piastri about 4 tenths behind, Leclerc 6 tenths behind. Lawson goes Third, then Verstappen does. The rain now on.

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3.04pm: Norris up to fourth. Sainz 19th, just ahead of Hülkenberg, behind Zhou, Vandoorne and Magnussen, and that might be your bottom five with the rain now coming down.

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3.09pm: Quite a few drivers trying a second effort, but no one is improving.

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DRIVER AT RISK: Hitech Ocon
RELEGATION ZONE: Haas Zhou, AstonMartin Vandoorne, Hitech Magnussen, Mercedes Sainz, Haas Hülkenberg

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chequeredflagboard That's it for Q1, no more attempts!

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OUT IN Q1: Haas Zhou, AstonMartin Vandoorne, Hitech Magnussen, Mercedes Sainz, Haas Hülkenberg

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greenflag Q2 underway!

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3.29pm: Verstappen quickest thus far, ahead of Leclerc and Hamilton. Norris up to fourth.

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3.32pm: Lawson just tenth, but the rain starting now and that may save his chances.

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DRIVER AT RISK: RedBull Lawson
RELEGATION ZONE: Mercedes Albon, Audi Pourchaire, Audi Gasly, ANDR Ricciardo, Williams Stroll

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chequeredflagboard Every driver is only doing one lap! It is over for Q2!

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OUT IN Q2: Mercedes Albon, Audi Pourchaire, Audi Gasly, ANDR Ricciardo, Williams Stroll

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greenflag Q3 underway! Who will take Pole?

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3.48pm: All ten drivers on a banker lap. It may dry up quicker towards the end of this session.

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3.52pm: Leclerc goes fastest, 0.052 ahead of Hamilton so far! Russell third, Ocon fourth, Lawson fifth.

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3.53pm: Verstappen steals P1 from Leclerc! Piastri fourth, Norris fifth, Bottas sixth, Tsunoda seventh.

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Q3 AS IT STANDS: RedBull Verstappen, Ferrari Leclerc, Ferrari Hamilton, McLaren Piastri, McLaren Norris, AstonMartin Bottas, ANDR Tsunoda, Williams Russell, Hitech Ocon, RedBull Lawson

steel talon Jan 15, 2025, 10:42 PM

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🤑

foggy locust Jan 15, 2025, 10:44 PM

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chequeredflagboard It is a one and done session! Verstappen takes the first non Ferrari Pole of the year!!!

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max-verstappen-takes-pole-position-for-the-2024-miami-grand-v0-c0qzb5n55hyc1_2.jpg

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Q3: RedBull Verstappen, Ferrari Leclerc, Ferrari Hamilton, McLaren Piastri, McLaren Norris, AstonMartin Bottas, ANDR Tsunoda, Williams Russell, Hitech Ocon, RedBull Lawson

steel talon Jan 15, 2025, 10:46 PM

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foggy locust

Is this a skill issue on the behalf of ferrari

foggy locust Jan 15, 2025, 10:47 PM

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2026 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

RedBull VER Ferrari LEC

Ferrari HAM McLaren PIA

McLaren NOR AstonMartin BOT

ANDR TSU Williams RUS

Hitech OCO RedBull LAW

Mercedes ALB Audi POU

Audi GAS ANDR RIC

Williams STR Haas ZHO

AstonMartin VAN Hitech MAG

Mercedes SAI Haas HÜL

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Good afternoon and welcome to a very blustery Suzuka, it has been raining on and off all day today, and we've already had a slight delay due to heavy rainfall. It is drying up for now, but more rain is expected. Round 4 of this new era of 41, 53 laps await us on this figure of eight 5.807km circuit, 18 turns, an elevation of 40.43m, and just one DRS zone, which will likely be nulfilled early. It's a good circuit for medium and high speed cornering, and has seen some famous moments in the past, including the crowning of a World Champion more than once.

Nico Hülkenberg starts at the very back in 20th and he has Carlos Sainz for company in 19th, Kevin Magnussen 18th alongside Stoffel Vandoorne who had a crash in practice and starts 17th, while Zhou Guanyu begins 16th and Lance Stroll 15th. It's 14th for Daniel Ricciardo then the two Audis of Pierre Gasly 13th and Théo Pourchaire 12th, with Alex Albon up in 11th, the highest start for a Mercedes this season. Liam Lawson has spent plenty of time here in Super Formula, he starts 10th with Esteban Ocon 9th, while George Russell begins 8th and Yuki Tsunoda begins his home Grand Prix from 7th. It's 6th for Valtteri Bottas while Lando Norris begins 5th, one spot behind teammate Oscar Piastri in 4th, while Lewis Hamilton begins from 3rd. Championship leader Charles Leclerc starts on the front row in 2nd, and another Pole for Max Verstappen, the first non Ferrari Pole of the season.

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Formation lap done, let's go racing here in Japan!

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One light, two, three, four, five

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AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

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Verstappen away quickly, Hamilton gets Leclerc at the start, Norris up ahead of Piastri, then Bottas, Tsunoda, Lawson up to eighth ahead of Russell and Ocon!

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RedBull Ferrari Verstappen holding off Leclerc and Hamilton thus far. How quickly will those Bridgestones hold up for the front three, however?

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(ADA) "Keep the pressure on here."

(HAM) "Woo."

(ADA) "You're doing a very good job. Currently P1."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20241010_125538_0000-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.png

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Ferrari RedBull Hamilton overtakes Verstappen for the lead! Leclerc now pressuring both his teammate and Verstappen here.

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AstonMartin Vandoorne runs wide at turn 13, and concedes places to Sainz and Magnussen!

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Hitech Magnussen locks up and is off in massive style! He avoids the barriers, but reconcedes position to Vandoorne.

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RedBull Ferrari Verstappen is back in front of Hamilton!

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Audi Pourchaire with a lock-up! He drops to the back of the pack there.

RedBull ANDR Lawson moves ahead of Tsunoda for P7, not a popular one here for the home fans!

Haas Zhou locks up too but just keep position over Sainz.

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Ferrari RedBull Hamilton and Verstappen go wheel to wheel, and Verstappen pushes Hamilton a little wide! Hamilton rejoins but that opens the door for Leclerc to take P2!!

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(HAM) "He pushed me wide, this is manipulated, man."

(ADA) "Copy, we have seen it, we are on it."

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(BOZ) "Keep the pressure on Verstappen here Charles."

(LEC) "I'm trying to, he's got a lot of pace here though."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20240713_050037_0000-3-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1.png

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(BOZ) "We think there is some rain on the way, Charles."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy."

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Ferrari Leclerc gets ahead of Verstappen briefly, but Verstappen has the DRS to take it back!

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Lap 10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris, Piastri, Lawson, Bottas, Tsunoda, Ocon, Russell, Ricciardo, Gasly, Albon, Stroll, Sainz, Zhou, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg, Pourchaire, Magnussen

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PITSTOPS: Everyone bar Leclerc, Hamilton and Ruasell are in! Lawson, Piastri, Bottas, Ricciardo, Gasly, Stroll and Sainz all onto Ints, everyone else onto Wets!

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(BOZ) "Box, box"

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(ADA) "Box, box"

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PITSTOPS: Ferrari are double stacking! Leclerc in first, then Hamilton, it is a 2.171 stop for Charles, 2.370 for Lewis, Leclerc rejoins P2, Hamilton P4!

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(BOZ) "We need to manage these tyres for now."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy."

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McLaren Ferrari Hamilton about in striking distance of Norris here for P3! Can either close the gap to Leclerc?

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AstonMartin ANDR Absolute HEARTBREAK for the home fans. Tsunoda and Bottas collide, and both cars are out of the race. Disaster for the Japanese home fans in attendance. Safety car deployed!

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ANDR Tsunoda swearing on the radio, and you can't blame him for being upset. You can tell how much this race meant for him and it's heartbreaking to see it end this way for him.

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PITSTOPS: Albon, Vandoorne, Zhou and Hülkenberg all take pitstops to switch to full Wets.

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PITSTOPS: McLaren are gambling! Norris and Piastri come in for fresh Ints! Will this pay off?

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Lap 20, under SC: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris, Lawson, Ocon, Piastri, Ricciardo, Gasly, Stroll, Sainz, Russell, Albon, Vandoorne, Pourchaire, Zhou, Magnussen, Hülkenberg. Bottas and Tsunoda out of the race.

foggy locust Jan 16, 2025, 12:35 AM

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Greenflag We are racing again!

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Verstappen holds firm from Leclerc, Hamilton just behind, Norris now gaining on Hamilton, Piastri gaining on Lawson

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tyre_wet tyre_inter Right now, the Intermediates are paying off for McLaren, and Norris is right in range of the top four.

Ferrari RedBull Leclerc pushing Verstappen for the lead here!

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RedBull Ferrari McLaren Lawson pushes past Norris, Leclerc and now Hamilton, Lawson up to P2!

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Ferrari Hamilton and Leclerc retake P2 and P3 off Lawson!

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Ferrari Hamilton and Leclerc move up to P1 and P2!

RedBull Lawson ahead of Verstappen, who has shockingly dropped to P5!!

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(LEC) "We are struggling so much with these tyres. So much."

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RedBull LIAM LAWSON LEADS. WE COULD BE ON FOR A REAL SHOCKER HERE.

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PITSTOPS: Ricciardo, Lawson and Sainz in for full Wets. Hamilton leads again, but Ferrari don't have fresh Wets and this is a problem.

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Lap 29: Hamilton, Leclerc, Lawson, Norris, Ricciardo, Piastri, Zhou, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Gasly

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(LEC) "It's raining more."

(BOZ) "Copy, copy."

(LEC) "This is a disaster. We stayed out too long on these tyres."

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RedBull Lawson in prime position. Hamilton and Leclerc both on struggling Wets with over 22 laps to go. Would be a miracle for the two Ferraris to get to the line on these.

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PITSTOP: Verstappen came in for fresh Wets, and he's down in P17. At least he had fresh Wets.

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Mercedes Audi SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED. Albon locks up, and Pourchaire has nowhere to go and collides into him!!! Both men are out of the race!!

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(LEC) "Should we box for Safety, or not?"

(BOZ) "Yes, box this lap"

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(ADA) "Box this lap for the Safety Car. Box."

(HAM) "Understood, box."

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PITSTOPS: Hamilton, Leclerc, Verstappen, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne and Ocon all take fresh inters. Will the rain cool off enough for it to count?

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RedBull Lawson up to P2 under the SC.

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Lap 34: Hamilton, Lawson, Leclerc, Norris, Ricciardo, Piastri, Gasly, Stroll, Russell, Magnussen, Sainz, Zhou, Vandoorne, Ocon, Verstappen, Hülkenberg. Albon, Pourchaire, Bottas and Tsunoda out of the race.

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Greenflag We are back underway! It's back to Ints conditions for now, have Ferrari played a blinder after all???

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Ferrari Leclerc pulls into P2 ahead of Lawson! Can the two Ferraris now gain enough before the rain hits more?

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AstonMartin Vandoorne up ahead of Magnussen into the final point paying position! With Bottas out, Aston need him to score something today!

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🌧️ This advantage for Ferrari might disappear quite quickly now though, as the rain is starting to come down heavily. This is problematic.

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RedBull McLaren The good news for Hamilton and Leclerc though is that Lawson and Norris are both complaining about a lot of wear in their tyres. Will that advantage count?

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(ADA) "Rain intensity decreasing."

(HAM) "That's good news."

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(BOZ) "And we are free to fight, Charles. Keep it clean, though."

(LEC) "Copy that."

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Lap 41: Hamilton, Leclerc, Lawson, Norris, Piastri, Gasly, Ricciardo, Vandoorne, Stroll, Ocon, Verstappen, Russell, Magnussen, Sainz, Zhou, Hülkenberg

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RedBull Ferrari Lawson gaining on Hamilton and Leclerc, but a big ask for those tyres to make it to the end.

McLaren A bigger ask for Norris to do the same, as he is very much on borrowed time with those Wets.

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McLaren At this rate, Piastri should be let through by his teammate, he's on the much stronger tyres, but no orders from the Papaya team yet.

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Audi Gasly runs wide on the first corner, and that won't help those struggling tyres.

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🌧️ The rain starting to cool down again and this might just play into Ferrari's hands once more.

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PITSTOP: LAWSON PITS. He relents to the Intermediates. Has he just thrown a podium away for that? Williams meanwhile are double stacking...STROLL HAS A DELAY AND THAT GIVES RUSSELL A DELAY AS A RESULT

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McLaren IT HAS ALL GONE WRONG FOR LANDO NORRIS!!! HE HAS A PUNCTURE, AND IT IS A DISASTER FOR McLAREN. OH MY GOD.

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PITSTOPS: Gasly, Ricciardo and Norris all come in. Norris has dragged it to the pitlane and he's down in P11. Sainz, Magnussen, Zhou all pit.

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Lap 46: Hamilton, Leclerc, Piastri, Lawson, Gasly, Vandoorne, Ricciardo, Verstappen, Ocon, Hülkenberg, Norris, Stroll, Russell, Sainz, Zhou, Magnussen

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There's still seven laps, but as it stands, MERCEDES ARE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE.

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PITSTOP: Piastri in for intermediates, and Lawson has his podium back, as it stands!

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Haas Zhou has a spin off there! Magnussen goes ahead into P15.

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Ferrari It looked in a lot of doubt, but somehow Ferrari look like they might have pulled off the 1-2 again. How has this happened?

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McLaren Haas Norris on the verge of spoiling Haas' party. Can Hülkenberg defend the P10?

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McLaren Haas In a word, no. Norris easily goes past for P10.

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RedBull Verstappen slowly picking off the midfield, he's up to P7.

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Audi ANDR An intriguing battle for P5 between Gasly and Ricciardo. Both drivers will be very happy with the points scored today.

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McLaren RedBull Piastri may have just stolen the podium from Lawson!!!

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LAST LAP

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An absolutely bizarre race that looked like it was going to get away from them, but it has all gone to plan in the end for Ferrari, and particularly Lewis Hamilton, who crosses the line TO WIN THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX!!! Charles Leclerc comes home second, Oscar Piastri takes the third podium spot, a fantastic drive from Liam Lawson lands him fourth, Pierre Gasly fifth ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen P7 on a tough day for him, Lando Norris recovered for eighth, Stoffel Vandoorne P9, Esteban Ocon lands the final point!!

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(ADA) "AND P1, LEWIS!"

(HAM) "GET IN THERE!!! Woo hoo hoo! Ah, thank you, thank you to everyone at the team, and at the factories. Brilliant effort, it makes all this possible."

(ADA) "You were fantastic today, Lewis. Well done."

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(BOZ) "And P2, Charles, P2! That was a well driven race, well done today."

(LEC) "Thank you, I gave it my all today. Good job today, Bryan, and the team. Difficult conditions but it worked out well in the end. Congrats to Lewis today, he deserved it."

(BOZ) "Well done today Charles."

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2026 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

Lewis Hamilton 01.35.08
Charles Leclerc +2.869
Oscar Piastri +11.819
Liam Lawson +1.144
Pierre Gasly +9.769
Daniel Ricciardo +2.249
Max Verstappen +7.200
Lando Norris +6.252
Stoffel Vandoorne +1.047
Esteban Ocon +3.121
Lance Stroll +2.150
Nico Hülkenberg +3.207
George Russell +0.176
Carlos Sainz +3.030
Kevin Magnussen +4.839
Zhou Guanyu +9.089
Alexander Albon DNF
Théo Pourchaire DNF
Valtteri Bottas DNF
Yuki Tsunoda DNF

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Driver DRIVER OF THE DAY: RedBull Liam Lawson, Red Bull

Liam Lawson competed well at the front, and despite just losing a podium to Oscar Piastri, there were moments in this race where he looked like he could even win it if not for some badly timed luck with a Safety Car. However, you duly recognised his performance and he receives Driver of the Day!

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fastestlap FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Ferrari Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 1.32.042

dhl DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD
McLaren Lando Norris, McLaren 2.056s

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Leclerc 86
Ferrari Hamilton 80
McLaren Piastri 55
RedBull Verstappen 51
McLaren Norris 39
RedBull Lawson 30
AstonMartin Bottas 18
ANDR Ricciardo 15
Audi Gasly 12
Williams Russell 9
ANDR Tsunoda 8
Vandoorne 2
Hitech Ocon 1
Hitech Magnussen 1
Audi Pourchaire 0
Stroll 0
Mercedes Albon 0
Haas Zhou 0
Haas Hülkenberg 0
Sainz 0

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Ferrari 166 Ferrari Bridgestone
McLaren McLaren-Ford RBPT 94 Ford Pirelli
RedBull Red Bull-Ford RBPT 81 Ford
ANDR Andretti-Ferrari 23 Ferrari
AstonMartin Aston Martin-Honda 20 Honda Pirelli
Audi Audi Sauber 12 Audi Pirelli
Williams-Ferrari 9 Ferrari Pirelli
Hitech Hitech-Renault 2 renault
Haas Haas-Mercedes 0 Bridgestone
Mercedes 0 Pirelli

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 272
Pirelli Pirelli 135

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FIA ANNOUNCE MINOR TECHNICAL CHANGES FOR 2027 SEASON

The FIA have today announced the result of a team vote on technical changes for the 2027 season.

The teams were to choose between High Speed and Low Speed wing changes for the 2026 season. The vote was 5-5, so the FIA cast the tiebreaker vote for High Speed Wing changes.

Low Speed in the Front and Rear Wings will be reduced 10%, Medium Speed 20%, and High Speed 30%. DRS Delta will also be reduced by 10%.

High Speed: Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, Hitech, FIA Tiebreaker
Low Speed: Williams, Haas, Andretti, Audi, Aston Martin

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POURCHAIRE, TSUNODA TO SERVE GRID PENALTIES IN CHINA

Audi's Théo Pourchaire and Andretti's Yuki Tsunoda will both serve three place grid penalties for the feature race of the Chinese Grand Prix after causing collisions at Suzuka.

Yuki Tsunoda's home race ended when he collided with the Aston Martin of Valtteri Bottas, while Théo Pourchaire was ruled to have been at fault for colliding with Mercedes' Alexander Albon.

Pourchaire will serve his second grid penalty of the year, having served a five place penalty at Melbourne, while Tsunoda will serve his first.

steel talon Jan 16, 2025, 12:46 PM

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foggy locust 2026 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX RACE CLASSIFICATION 1. <:Ferrari:1012448867494678558> ...

You gotta let Leclerc through man

tired thorn Jan 16, 2025, 1:59 PM

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steel talon You gotta let Leclerc through man

watchu mean

steel talon Jan 16, 2025, 2:02 PM

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tired thorn watchu mean

Legleg needs to win

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All 24 races

tired thorn Jan 16, 2025, 2:04 PM

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steel talon Legleg needs to win

nah

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this is lewis' year

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leclercs had his moments

steel talon Jan 16, 2025, 2:05 PM

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Leclerc > Lewis in eesere ferrai

sinful crane Jan 16, 2025, 5:25 PM

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Sharl LeGreg tank kommando to the moon

foggy locust Jan 17, 2025, 2:26 PM

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CHINESE GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

It is time for the first Sprint of the 2026 Formula 1 season, as we head to Shanghai at the Shanghai International Circuit for Round 5, the Chinese Grand Prix. After Lewis Hamilton led Charles Leclerc home in a 1-2 last time at Suzuka, the Championship gap is just six points at this early stage.

For the longest time though, it didn't look like that would be at the case at Suzuka. In a rain soaked race, it looked like Ferrari had gotten the strategy wrong on very worn tyres, and it even looked like a first F1 win for Liam Lawson was happening at one point - but then a well timed safety car, two well timed pitstops and the decreasing of the rain allowed for Lewis Hamilton's second win of the season and a Ferrari 1-2.

Shanghai International Circuit is a 56 lap race around a 5.451km circuit, featuring one of the trickiest corner combinations on the F1 calendar, turns 1 and 2, a 270 degree right handed corner combinations whose radius decreases as the corners progress. There are 16 turns, 2 DRS corners, and the focus is on Low and Medium Speed Cornering, with some Top Speed in there as well. The Chinese Grand Prix made its F1 debut in 2004, and was raced on until 2019 - hosting the 1000th round of the Formula 1 World Championship until then. It was absent from the calendar in the 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons, before it made its return in 2024.

Ferrari are introducing a new Rear Wing for this race, and once again enter as the favourites to take five wins from five on Sunday - however, it could be another Championship battle on between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton this season. Two wins a piece, the first Sprint of the year - it feels very much like game on in Maranello. Leclerc and Hamilton have remained respectful as teammates and battled well, but will this remain as the season progresses?

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McLaren have continued to look like the favourites outside of Ferrari so far this year, with Oscar Piastri taking two podiums in the last two races, a P2 at home in Australia and a P3 in Japan. The pressure is on Lando Norris to at least match his teammate now this season, in a track that might not suit the Papaya as their closest rivals Red Bull.

When Max Verstappen struggled due to poor tyre choices by his team at Suzuka, Liam Lawson finally stepped up and started delivering a result - it was only P4, but it was still his best ever result in Formula 1 and he was only a lap or two away from the podium on worse tyres than Piastri. Red Bull look to close the gap on McLaren and even Ferrari this weekend - can they push forward and get a result or even a win in Shanghai?

It was a heartbreaking early end to his home Grand Prix for Yuki Tsunoda, and the Andretti driver will take a penalty on Sunday as a result of that. However Daniel Ricciardo took a phenomenal Sixth Place finish to rocket Andretti up to fourth in the Championship. This isn't expected to be a track that suits Andretti, so can they hold onto their fourth place? They need Tsunoda and Ricciardo at their very best this weekend.

With the early retirement of Valtteri Bottas due to a collision with Yuki Tsunoda, Aston Martin had to rely on Stoffel Vandoorne to bring home points, and he did just that, taking P9 in Japan for his first points of the year, however Andretti jumped Aston for fourth. This is a track that very much suits the Astons, and they need both drivers in the points - for the first time this season - to capitalise on this circuit.

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Audi are in the heady heights of Sixth Place in the Constructors for the first time, with the Sauber team being there for the first time since 2022 as Alfa Romeo - the less said about the Stake/Kick Days, the better. With a rejuvenated Pierre Gasly leading the charge including a phenomenal P5 in Japan, the team have looked strong in this early part of the season. Théo Pourchaire just needs that breakthrough to the points now, and Audi could be a real threat for fourth in the Championship. He will however take a grid penalty this weekend for a race ending collision in Japan.

Williams have very much been relying on their team leader George Russell this season, and while Lance Stroll came close to the points at Suzuka, neither Williams scored for the first time this season, and in a tight midfield battle between fourth and seventh, this is another team that badly need both their drivers to be scoring points, even though Shanghai isn't expected to be a track that suits the Williams.

It's been a decent start to the year for Hitech, too, with both drivers scoring points already this year - in the final year of Alpine, they landed a grand total of zero points - and things look a little brighter for the French unit. Shanghai could be another major opportunity for points for Esteban Ocon and Kevin Magnussen, but can the Hitech team put a complete mistake free weekend together to get those points?

It is the home Grand Prix for Zhou Guanyu this weekend, but it is hard to see Haas getting anything out of this weekend without major mistakes elsewhere. Zhou and Nico Hülkenberg enter this weekend with the weakest car on paper across the board, and with no rain expected this weekend, there's no level playing field for the Haas Toyota team. This could be a tough home weekend for Zhou.

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And, it's unbelievable that we are previewing Mercedes last, but as it stands, they sit bottom of the Championship on countback, with no points whatsoever from the first four races. It has been an utter nightmare of a start to this new era for the Silver Arrows - a team that badly needs some motivation or hope to come from somewhere - and can it start here at Shanghai for Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz?

A Sprint Weekend of course means the opportunity for more points, two qualifying sessions, two races, and a fascinating weekend ahead. Who will come out on top? You won't want to miss it.

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With this being the Sprint weekend, we will be splitting this into two. Sprint and Sprint qualifying now, qualifying and race later (time dependant on that)

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FP1 Afflilates: Hitech Hadjar (Ocon), Hauger (Magnussen), AstonMartin Montoya (Bottas), Stenshorne (Vandoorne)

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FP1: McLaren PIA Audi POU RedBull VER
Ferrari HAM P19, LEC P20

Piastri goes quickest, ahead of Pourchaire and Verstappen, with Lawson fourth, and Ricciardo fifth. Norris took sixth, Montoya seventh, Tsunoda eighth, Hitech Reserve Hauger ninth, and Stroll tenth. Hamilton 19th and Leclerc 20th, something to worry about for Ferrari, or just sandbagging?

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It is time for Shanghai's Sprint Shootout, Friday afternoon sees the first Sprint Qualifying of this season, and could we be on for a major shock? Ferrari weren't on the pace in practice, is this McLaren and Red Bull's chance, or is there more to it?

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greenflag We go green for SQ1! Our first Sprint Qualifying of the year is underway.

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3.30pm: Quite a few cars lining up in the pitlane - Piastri, Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris, Magnussen, Ocon, Stroll, Zhou, Hülkenberg, all out on track already.

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3.32pm: Hamilton getting caught behind former teammate Russell! Traffic proving to be a major problem so far!

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3.34pm: Leclerc quickest, ahead of Hamilton by about 5 tenths. Piastri third, Ocon fourth. Just seventh for Norris, behind Gasly and Stroll.

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3.35pm: Bottas up to P4, Tsunoda goes just ahead of Ricciardo, Norris now 14th and with both Bulls yet to complete, he could be in trouble.

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3.36pm: Lawson up to sixth, Verstappen P4. Norris now 17th 👀

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3.37pm: With a clear road, Hamilton going purple through S1 and S2, and he goes fastest. Leclerc P2.

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DRIVER AT RISK: Haas Zhou
RELEGATION ZONE: Audi Pourchaire, McLaren Norris, Haas Hülkenberg, Mercedes Sainz, Hitech Magnussen

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3.39pm: Not much time left for the bottom five to improve here.

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chequeredflagboard : Pourchaire doesn't improve and he's out, NORRIS DOESN'T IMPROVE EITHER, HE IS OUT! Zhou at risk, Albon on deck, Zhou goes 11th and he's likely through to SQ2!! Albon at risk, Ocon on deck. Albon goes 9th and safe, Ocon improving, Gasly on deck, Hülkenberg out, Sainz 15th, will that be enough? OCON 11TH, SAINZ OUT, Gasly at risk...Magnussen just 17th, and Gasly survives!

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OUT IN SQ1: Mercedes Sainz, Hitech Magnussen, Audi Pourchaire, McLaren Norris, Haas Hülkenberg

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McLaren Pressure is absolutely mounting on Lando here. That's a poor SQ1 exit, and Oscar has been outperforming him so far this year. Work to do for the Brit. Reminder that both are out of contract at the end of 2026.

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greenflag SQ2 gets underway!

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3.55pm: A long queue at the pitlane, as every single car remaining heads out onto the track.

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3.57pm: A fantastic moment for Zhou, who briefly goes P1, but he is the first to complete, and it is very brief, as Hamilton takes it, and Leclerc now second.

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3.59pm: Piastri P3, Verstappen P4, Russell up to P5! Lawson is in the bottom five! Will there be time for another go around?

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DRIVER AT RISK: ANDR Tsunoda
RELEGATION ZONE: RedBull Lawson, Hitech Ocon, AstonMartin Vandoorne, Haas Zhou, Williams Stroll

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4.01pm: Hamilton remains P1, with Leclerc P2. The rest of the field now on outlaps.

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4.04pm: The last of the fliers begin. You feel the two Ferraris are safe, everyone else? Fair game here.

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4.05pm: Bottas goes P5, and he could well be through.

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chequeredflagboard Ocon up to P11, and he's out, Stroll P13 and he's also out. Albon at risk now, as Tsunoda goes ninth. Ricciardo eighth and safe. Zhou P15, and he's starting his home Sprint from there. Lawson goes 5th and that knocks out Albon! Vandoorne just 14th and he's out too.

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OUT IN SQ2: Mercedes Albon, Hitech Ocon, Williams Stroll, AstonMartin Vandoorne, Haas Zhou

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4.18pm: Bottas, Gasly and Lawson are the first three on track right now.

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4.21pm: Bottas puts up the first time, 32.087. Will he have time for another go?

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4.22pm: Gasly 7 tenths off Bottas for P1. The rest of the field now out for outlaps.

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4.23pm: Lawson goes 0.177 ahead of Bottas and into the lead! But there's seven more cars to set a first lap.

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4.25pm: Verstappen fastest in S1, Hamilton in S2. Russell goes fourth. Hamilton goes quickest, Leclerc P2...

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chequeredflagboard Verstappen splits the Ferraris, who are going again! Tsunoda sixth. Hamilton quickest through S1, Leclerc no improvement. Piastri tenth and McLaren have had a shocker today! Hamilton keeps Pole, Leclerc needs to find something and doesn't, he stays 3rd! IT'S SPRINT POLE FOR LEWIS HAMILTON!

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SQ3: Ferrari Hamilton, RedBull Verstappen, Ferrari Leclerc, RedBull Lawson, AstonMartin Bottas, ANDR Tsunoda, ANDR Ricciardo, Williams Russell, Audi Gasly, McLaren Piastri

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It is Sprint Saturday here in Shanghai, and the first Sprint weekend of the season - and first of two consecutive - gets ready to commence. 19 laps of Shanghai International Circuit, 2 DRS Zones, and plenty of overtaking opportunities.

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2026 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
SPRINT GRID

Ferrari HAM Bridgestone RedBull VER

Ferrari LEC Bridgestone RedBull LAW

AstonMartin BOT Pirelli ANDR TSU Bridgestone

ANDR RIC Bridgestone Williams RUS Pirelli

Audi GAS Pirelli McLaren PIA Pirelli

Mercedes ALB Pirelli Hitech OCO Bridgestone

Williams STR Pirelli AstonMartin VAN Pirelli

Haas ZHO Bridgestone Mercedes SAI Pirelli

Hitech MAG Bridgestone Audi POU Pirelli

McLaren NOR Pirelli Haas HÜL Bridgestone

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Nico Hülkenberg starts last of all and Lando Norris is a shocking 19th, while Théo Pourchaire is 18th and Kevin Magnussen 17th. Another Q1 exit for Carlos Sainz this year lines him up 16th, Zhou Guanyu starts his home Sprint 15th. Stoffel Vandoorne will start 14th and Lance Stroll 13th, while Esteban Ocon starts 12th and Alexander Albon lines up 11th. Oscar Piastri just 10th after a poor Q3, while Pierre Gasly starts 9th, while it's 8th for George Russell and 7th for Daniel Ricciardo. Yuki Tsunoda starts today 6th, while Valtteri Bottas begins 5th, Liam Lawson starts 4th, his highest start so far, while it's just 3rd for Charles Leclerc, and old rivals on the front row, Max Verstappen starts 2nd, and it is Sprint Pole for Lewis Hamilton!

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Let's Sprint in Shanghai!

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AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

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Hamilton holds firm, while Leclerc takes second from Verstappen!! Lawson still fourth, Bottas fifth, then Tsunoda, Russell ahead of Ricciardo, Piastri is up to ninth ahead of Gasly, Zhou is 14th! Norris drops to last!!!

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(BOZ) "That's a great start Charles, keep this pace up."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20240713_050037_0000-3-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.png

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(ADA) "Suggest a little more LiCo for temperatures."

(HAM) "Okay."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20241010_125538_0000-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.png

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VSC IT'S A VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR

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VSC Carlos Sainz's nightmare season continues. He goes spinning off at Turn 17, and into the barrier. The Mercedes driver is thankfully unhurt, but the car is totalled, and he's out of the car and out of the race! Virtual Safety Car has been called.

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Lap 3, under VSC: Hamilton, Leclerc, Verstappen, Lawson, Bottas, Tsunoda, Russell, Ricciardo, Piastri, Gasly, Ocon, Albon, Stroll, Zhou, Vandoorne, Pourchaire, Magnussen, Hülkenberg, Norris. Sainz out of the race.

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Greenflag We are back racing a lap later! DRS enabled and we go again.

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Ferrari Hamilton defending the lead from Leclerc, but the Champion will have DRS and rakes the lead of this Sprint!

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ANDR Williams Ricciardo gets ahead of Russell for P7. A close battle there for the lower paying points Positions.

McLaren Haas Hitech Norris is past Hülkenberg and Magnussen and into P17.

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ANDR Tsunoda seems to be having engine issues, and has dropped behind his teammate!

AstonMartin RedBull Bottas takes fourth off Lawson!

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Ferrari Hamilton retakes the lead from Leclerc!

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RedBull AstonMartin ANDR A much needed DRS move gives Lawson P4 back, Bottas now under pressure from Ricciardo and Tsunoda of Andretti, Tsunoda retakes 6th as he seems to be getting on top of his engine issues.

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Ferrari Leclerc with a beautiful move on his teammate to retakes the lead of this Sprint!

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(BOZ) "Hamilton behind with DRS, Charles."

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Ferrari Leclerc holds off Hamilton as the two Ferraris go wheel to wheel, and Hamilton relents! Some wonderful clean racing from the Scuderia!

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Audi Williams Gasly overtakes Russell for P9, can he now put pressure on Piastri?

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McLaren ANDR Piastri has just gapped both Andrettis in a single move. That was stunning from the Australian.

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Ferrari Hamilton gets enough DRS to get past Leclerc on lap 11! He now has to defend that from Leclerc for nine laps!

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Ferrari But Leclerc has found his way through a lap later, this is a thrilling battle!

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McLaren AstonMartin Piastri has had a fantastic drive and he gets past Bottas to take P5. Can he chase down Lawson and maybe even Verstappen?

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ANDR Williams Tsunoda is having major issues, and Russell seems to have just developed some too. Gasly gets ahead of Tsunoda and he's into the points!

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Lap 14: Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Lawson, Piastri, Bottas, Ricciardo, Gasly, Russell, Stroll, Tsunoda, Norris, Albon, Ocon, Zhou, Pourchaire, Magnussen, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg

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Williams Audi Russell moves past Gasly for that final point, as it stands!

McLaren Norris might still be a threat for that point however, as he's past Tsunoda for P11.

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McLaren RedBull Another brilliant move from Piastri who takes fourth from Lawson!

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Ferrari Hamilton around the outside of Leclerc and into the lead!! That was brilliant from the seven time Champion!

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(ADA) "We have four laps to go, four laps to go. Charles currently 0.3 behind."

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SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED!!! THAT MOVE MIGHT HAVE WON IT FOR HAMILTON NOW

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Williams Unbelievable. Quite frankly, unbelievable. Lance Stroll has locked up, and plowed right into his teammate, George Russell!! They were on for points and now both Willians are officially out of the race!! Russell is furious, and rightfully so!

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PITSTOP: I have to question this decision. Daniel Ricciardo comes in to the pitlane, and takes on new tyres, returning at the back of the field. Even if we get any racing laps, doubtful at this point, he won't have much time to make up any positions.

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McLaren As a side effect of Lance Stroll nonsense, Lando Norris is now in the points.

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Lap 17, under the SC: Hamilton, Leclerc, Verstappen, Piastri, Lawson, Bottas, Gasly, Norris, Tsunoda, Albon, Ocon, Zhou, Pourchaire, Magnussen, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg, Ricciardo. Russell, Stroll and Sainz out of the race.

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Unbelievably, it's a quick Safety Car. We will get two racing laps!!

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Greenflag WE ARE RACING AGAIN ON LAP 18

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Hamilton holding off Leclerc for now, Verstappen just behind, Piastri in play for a Sprint podium now, Lawson, Bottas, Gasly and Norris all in the points

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Ferrari LECLERC TAKES THE LEAD GOING INTO THE FINAL LAP AND THIS WILL GO ALL THE WAY TO THE CHEQUERED FLAG!!

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A thrilling Final lap here and Hamilton will attack this last DRS zone before the line, HAMILTON HAS DRS AND HAS THE LEAD BACK, LEWIS HAMILTON CROSSES THE LINE TO WIN THE CHINESE SPRINT!!! WHAT A RACE!!! CHARLES LECLERC P2, VERSTAPPEN P3, PIASTRI P4, LAWSON P5, BOTTAS P6, GASLY P7, NORRIS P8. WOW, WOW, WOW.

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(ADA) "AND P1, LEWIS! P1!"

(HAM) "YES! I'm so happy right now! Mega, mega job! Thank you, thank you to everyone, this was a great race and a great win. Let's finish the job this weekend!"

(ADA) "Fantastic, fantastic job."

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(BOZ) "And P2, Charles. Good effort, good effort."

(LEC) "Aaaarghhh!! Ah, damn, damn. I thought I had that at the end, I thought I did. Congrats to Lewis, we'll regroup, we'll go again later. We'll get it tomorrow."

(BOZ) "Good effort today nonetheless."

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2026 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
SPRINT CLASSIFICATION

Lewis Hamilton 00.32.51
Charles Leclerc +0.361
Max Verstappen +2.498
Oscar Piastri +1.386
Liam Lawson +0.326
Valtteri Bottas +1.559
Pierre Gasly +0.486
Lando Norris +0.826
Alexander Albon +2.561
Esteban Ocon +2.032
Zhou Guanyu +0.930
Yuki Tsunoda +0.996
Théo Pourchaire +0.253
Kevin Magnussen +0.774
Nico Hülkenberg +2.845
Daniel Ricciardo +1.178
Stoffel Vandoorne +1.156
George Russell DNF
Lance Stroll DNF
Carlos Sainz DNF

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Leclerc 93
Ferrari Hamilton 88
McLaren Piastri 60
RedBull Verstappen 57
McLaren Norris 40
RedBull Lawson 34
AstonMartin Bottas 21
ANDR Ricciardo 15
Audi Gasly 14
Williams Russell 9
ANDR Tsunoda 8
Vandoorne 2
Hitech Ocon 1
Hitech Magnussen 1
Audi Pourchaire 0
Stroll 0
Mercedes Albon 0
Haas Zhou 0
Haas Hülkenberg 0
Sainz 0

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Ferrari 181 Ferrari Bridgestone
McLaren McLaren-Ford RBPT 101 Ford Pirelli
RedBull Red Bull-Ford RBPT 91 Ford
ANDR Andretti-Ferrari 23 Ferrari
AstonMartin Aston Martin-Honda 23 Honda Pirelli
Audi Audi Sauber 14 Audi Pirelli
Williams-Ferrari 9 Ferrari Pirelli
Hitech Hitech-Renault 2 renault
Haas Haas-Mercedes 0 Bridgestone
Mercedes 0 Pirelli

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 297
Pirelli Pirelli 146

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Break for a while, back hopefully later tonight, if not then definitely tomorrow for Qualifying and race!

steel talon Jan 17, 2025, 4:47 PM

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foggy locust 2026 CHINESE GRAND PRIX SPRINT CLASSIFICATION 1. <:Ferrari:1012448867494678558>...

This is rigging towards hamilton

tired thorn Jan 17, 2025, 6:25 PM

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bruh

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leclercs just won a title

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let lewis have his moment

steel talon Jan 17, 2025, 7:35 PM

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tired thorn let lewis have his moment

No

foggy locust Jan 17, 2025, 9:26 PM

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Pausing until tomorrow! Back tomorrow for qualy and race

foggy locust Jan 18, 2025, 4:41 PM

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It is time to go Qualifying here in Shanghai! After the Sprint victory for Lewis Hamilton on the final lap earlier on and Ferrari's overall dominance, can anyone deny a front row lockout today? Max Verstappen was quickest on Friday, it may take some to replicate that. Williams and Mercedes' mechanics had some work to do earlier on after the Sprint, and they've done well to get the three cars of Stroll and Russell, and Sainz respectively, ready for today's qualifying. Here we go.

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greenflag 3.00pm: We are green for Q1 here! And not so busy a queue immediately, as its just the two Ferraris out on track early.

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3.01pm: Magnussen and Gasly heading out as well. Worth noting that traffic has often been a big of a problem around here in the past.

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3.04pm: Hamilton quickest, 0.199 ahead of Leclerc. Hamilton benefiting from a bit of a tow on that final stretch from old friend Valtteri Bottas there.

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3.05pm: Lance Stroll spins off on turn 12! He's having a horrendous weekend and he ends his lap early. Bottas up to third ahead of Gasly and Magnussen.

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3.07pm: Piastri into third, with Lawson in fifth. Norris on a flier just now.

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3.09pm: Norris slots into fourth. Speaking of horrendous weekends, Sainz locks up on his lap and abandons it.

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3.11pm: Stroll has another go and ends up 15th. Pourchaire into the dropzone, Vandoorne just 14th right now.

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3.12pm: JUST THIRTEENTH FOR VERSTAPPEN, he ran wide into the final corner!!

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DRIVER AT RISK: AstonMartin Vandoorne
RELEGATION ZONE: Williams Stroll, Audi Pourchaire, Mercedes Albon, ANDR Ricciardo, Sainz

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3.15pm: Sainz doesn't get off the bottom. Oh, oh dear, Carlos.

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3.16pm: Norris up to 3rd. Verstappen is starting an outlap, he's on deck, with Russell at risk. Albon goes 7th, and that should be enough.

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3.17pm: Stroll locks up crossing the start line but he's 9th. VERSTAPPEN AT RISK!

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chequeredflagboard Russell, Ricciardo and Sainz are all confirmed out, and Vandoorne doesn't improve enough. Verstappen Fourth, and well safe. Zhou at risk! Can Pourchaire knock him out...he does, and sadly Zhou exits in Q1!!

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OUT IN Q1: Haas Zhou, AstonMartin Vandoorne, Williams Russell, ANDR Ricciardo, Mercedes Sainz

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Penalty Also confirmation that Lance Stroll will serve a grid penalty for his collision with Williams teammate George Russell in the Sprint.

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greenflag 3.25pm: Green for Q2 here at Shanghai!

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3.26pm: Hamilton, Leclerc, Norris, Pourchaire and Albon all on track right now.

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3.29pm: Leclerc quickest in the first run, 0.178 ahead of Hamilton. Pourchaire goes third, Albon fourth. All on old tyres. Norris then slots into third, well back from the two Ferraris, though.

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Redflag IT IS A RED FLAG!!!

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Redflag ANDR Yuki Tsunoda completely misjudged that corner and goes spinning off into the barrier. With a penalty to boot, there's a good chance he may start at the back of the grid, or even the pitlane, on Sunday. Thankfully, he seems none the worse for wear from the bump.

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Greenflag 3.52pm: We are back underway here, and a lot of the field who hadn't set laps are immediately back on track. Traffic may be an issue here.

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3.56pm: Magnussen goes 6th, Piastri Third, Borris fourth. Verstappen and Lawson in P6 and P7, behind Pourchaire!!! Bottas P8. Ocon, Stroll, Gasly and Hülkenberg in the bottom five, with Tsunoda who is out of this session.

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DRIVER AT RISK: Hitech Magnussen
RELEGATION ZONE: Hitech Ocon, Williams Stroll, Audi Gasly, Haas Hülkenberg, ANDR Tsunoda (no time)

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3.59pm: The pitlane emptying here, absolutely nobody feels completely safe with those attempts from earlier, and track evolution may be high here.

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4.01pm: Leclerc having to pass Hülkenberg at the start of this lap, may that have cost him time?

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chequeredflagboard Gasly and Magnussen improving, as is Piastri, Piastri still third, Magnussen stays tenth, Gasly up to ninth and knocks out Magnussen! Ocon, Stroll and Hülkenberg all don't improve and drop out!

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OUT IN Q2: Hitech Magnussen, Hitech Ocon, Williams Stroll Penalty , Haas Hülkenberg, ANDR Tsunoda (no time) Penalty

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greenflag 4.08pm: We are green for Q3! Two Ferraris, two McLarens, two Red Bulls, two Audis, an Aston Martin, and for the first time in full qualifying all season, a Mercedes. Who will take Pole?

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4.11pm: Leclerc absolutely flying out there, and goes quickest, 0.073 ahead of Hamilton. Gasly P3, then Lawson takes P3.

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4.13pm: Verstappen goes quickest! 0.048 ahead of Leclerc, where did that one come from?? Albon P7, Norris into fifth.

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4.14pm: Piastri up to fourth, then Bottas takes it! Pourchaire tenth and last, as it stands, and he does have a penalty to deal with.

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Q3 AS IT STANDS: RedBull Verstappen, Ferrari Leclerc, Ferrari Hamilton, AstonMartin Bottas, McLaren Piastri, RedBull Lawson, McLaren Norris, Audi Gasly, Mercedes Albon, Audi Pourchaire

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4.17pm: Last of the fliers starting now. Lawson getting the start on the rest of the field, might he hit traffic though?

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4.18pm: Lawson takes a tow off Bottas, and goes above him into Fourth. Hamilton quickest through S1!

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chequeredflagboard Hamilton absolutely flying here and could be on for Pole! Verstappen stays P1, Hamilton takes Pole, Leclerc stays Third!!! Norris up to fourth, Piastri is the one to watch now, Albon eighth, Gasly ninth. Pourchaire stays 10th and he'll drop our of the top ten with that penalty, Piastri can't improve, it is POLE FOR LEWIS HAMILTON!!

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Q3: Ferrari Hamilton, RedBull Verstappen, Ferrari Leclerc, McLaren Norris, RedBull Lawson, AstonMartin Bottas, McLaren Piastri, Mercedes Albon, Audi Gasly, Audi Pourchaire Penalty

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2025 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

Ferrari HAM Bridgestone RedBull VER

Ferrari LEC Bridgestone McLaren NOR Pirelli

RedBull LAW Bridgestone AstonMartin BOT Pirelli

McLaren PIA Pirelli Mercedes ALB Pirelli

Audi GAS Pirelli Hitech MAG Bridgestone

Hitech OCO Bridgestone Haas HÜL

Audi POU Pirelli Penalty Haas ZHO Bridgestone

AstonMartin VAN Pirelli Williams RUS Pirelli

ANDR RIC Bridgestone Williams STR Pirelli Penalty

Mercedes SAI Pirelli

PITLANE START - ANDR TSU Bridgestone

Penalty Theo Pourchaire qualified P10, takes 3 place penalty. Lance Stroll qualified P13, takes 5 place penalty. Yuki Tsunoda qualified P15, was due to take a 3 place penalty but has opted for a pitlane start instead.

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Welcome back folks to the Shanghai International Circuit, it has been a very busy weekend here and we go racing in China for the third season in a row. Round 5 of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, 56 laps, 5.451km, 16 turns, 2 DRS zones and an elevation of 7.30m. After yesterday's drama filled Sprint, we expect more of the same today. Bridgestone and Pirelli bring their Middle of the range tyres respectively, tyrewear is quite kind around here but we still expect a mostly two stop race, although the one stop is in play.

Yuki Tsunoda takes a pitlane start after a crash in Q2 and a penalty hanging over his head anyway, so that leaves Carlos Sainz alone on P19 on the grid, Lance Stroll is 18th with a penalty for hitting teammate George Russell, Daniel Ricciardo just seventeenth but bumped up due to penalties elsewhere. It's P16 for George Russell who had a shock Q1 exit, Stoffel Vandoorne lines up 15th, while Zhou Guanyu starts his home GP from 14th due to penalties elsewhere, and speaking of penalties elsewhere, Théo Pourchaire drops to P13 after making Q3. Nico Hülkenberg is 12th and has a shot at Haas' first points of the year, in his way are the two Hitechs, with Esteban Ocon P11 and Kevin Magnussen promoted into the top ten, and Pierre Gasly starts ninth. Alex Albon has Mercedes' highest start of the season in 8th while it's work to do for Oscar Piastri from 7th. Valtteri Bottas accidentally gave a tow to Liam Lawson in Q3 and therefore finds himself immediately behind him in 6th and 5th, then it's Lando Norris in fourth and the World Champion Charles Leclerc finds himself just third, while the two former Champions on the grid occupy the front row. Second for Max Verstappen in a reverse of yesterday's Sprint front row, and the second Pole of the season for Lewis Hamilton. And in a close Championship fight, converting that could be crucial today.

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Let's go racing in China!

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Formation lap done, one light, two, three, four, five

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AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

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Hamilton holds position at the start, Leclerc is past Verstappen early for P2!! Norris Fourth, Piastri already up to fifth, then Bottas, Lawson, Gasly up to 8th, Albon drops to 9th, Magnussen 10th, Hülkenberg has cleared one Hitech as Zhou moves 13th and the crowd loves that!!

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Haas There's a lot of Haas support in the crowd today and they are rooting for Zhou and teammate Hülkenberg. Both have made up positions already and pressuring the Hitech car in front of them.

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Ferrari It is very close between Leclerc and Hamilton as the two have broken away from Verstappen and the chasing pack, Leclerc pushes ahead of Hamilton early here for the lead!

McLaren Norris sets a fastest lap, and overtakes Verstappen into the bargain!

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Ferrari Leclerc has currently broken Hamilton's DRS, but it is briefly as Hamilton brings himself into play again!

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fastestlap NORRIS

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Audi AstonMartin RedBull Gasly up to P6 ahead of Bottas, while Lawson has dropped to eighth!

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Ferrari This is certainly a track that suits the Ferraris and they've already put 4 seconds on the chasing pack. This is absolutely between Leclerc and Hamilton for the win today, assuming they keep it clean.

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(BOZ) "We are racing Lewis today, keep it clean and tidy."

(LEC) "Yeah, no problem, copy."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20240713_050037_0000-3-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.png

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(ADA) "Racing Charles for the win. We need to increase tyre management in the meantime. Keep it tidy."

(HAM) "Yeah, understood."

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RedBull McLaren Piastri's pace right now could bring him into play with Verstappen and Norris, but as it stands, those two are fighting for P3. Norris currently holding the advantage over Verstappen, but Max will have DRS.

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(ADA) "Update your tyre phase, Lewis, please?"

(HAM) "Tyres are still strong, degradation higher than expected, though."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20241010_125538_0000-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.png

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Ferrari For now, Hamilton and Leclerc are trading the lead and DRS. Hamilton retakes P1 from his teammate, but Leclerc keeping the pressure on.

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Ferrari Leclerc retakes the lead with a DRS move!

McLaren Piastri falling further back from Norris and Verstappen. Worth noting however that he did start today on Mediums, with Norris and Verstappen on Softs.

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Lap 10: Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris, Verstappen, Piastri, Lawson, Bottas, Gasly, Magnussen, Albon, Ocon, Pourchaire, Vandoorne, Tsunoda, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Zhou, Russell, Ricciardo, Sainz

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Ferrari Hamilton back in front here!

RedBull McLaren Verstappen overtakes Norris for P3, and has put the afterburners on, pulling away from the McLaren!

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(BOZ) "How are the tyres Charles?"

(LEC) "A lot of graining, lot of graining here. Rears are struggling more than the fronts."

(BOZ) "Understood, thoughts on Plan C?"

(LEC) "I think Plan C is an option, yeah."

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AstonMartin Hitech OCON AND VANDOORNE MAKE CONTACT!!! Both go sliding off and into the gravel, but are able to carry on!

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(ADA) "Pit confirm and box, Lewis?"

(HAM) "Yeah, box this lap"

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PITSTOPS: Magnussen and Tsunoda in, Magnussen manages to stay ahead of Tsunoda!

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PITSTOP: Hamilton in from the lead! He goes onto the Hards, 2.390, and he's going to rejoin in P5!

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(BOZ) "Box, Charles, box this lap."

(LEC) "Yeah, happy to box."

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McLaren RedBull Piastri has caught up to Norris and Verstappen, both of whom are having tyre issues! Piastri goes past both with ease!!!

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PITSTOPS: Leclerc, Norris and Verstappen all stop the same lap, Lawson stopping as well! Red Bull trying to double stack, Leclerc is away first and returns to the track, but just behind Hamilton, and the Ferrari battle resumes! Norris P5, Verstappen P7, LAWSON HAS A DELAY! 8.187s, he is back on track in P17!

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McLaren Oscar Piastri now leads this Grand Prix, about 7 seconds ahead of Hamilton and Leclerc, but he is yet to make a stop.

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RedBull Big news as Verstappen seems to have picked up some minor damage! We're not sure what happened to the Red Bull, but he's reporting some issues with the car! We'll keep an eye on this as it develops!

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Audi Pourchaire, running P8, has a spin! He's able to return to the track quickly but drops behind Zhou, which gets a big reaction from the home fans!

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PITSTOP: Piastri coming in from the lead! He's also switching to the Hards - is this to the end?

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fastestlap VERSTAPPEN

RedBull I guess the car doesn't have that much damage then, Max?

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PITSTOPS: Zhou, Sainz and Pourchaire in. Zhou returns at P14, Sainz at P16, Pourchaire has dropped to P18 and his chances of points may be gone.

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Ferrari The Ferrari battle is now once again for the lead of this race, and Leclerc retakes it from Hamilton! They've got a good 16 seconds on Norris, currently P3.

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PITSTOP ISSUE: This has really been a weekend to forget for Williams. They double stack Stroll and Russell, but Stroll, the lead of the two, has a massive delay, meaning Russell is stuck behind him for a ridiculous amount of time. Just an awful weekend for the Grove team, really.

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RedBull AstonMartin BOTTAS AND LAWSON BANG WHEELS AND BOTH GO INTO THE GRAVEL!!! They are both able to continue, but Tsunoda and Magnussen just got two places for free there.

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fastestlap ZHOU

Haas On yourself, Zhou. He's having a fine drive this afternoon.

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ANDR Also worth noting that Yuki Tsunoda started from the pitlane, and is currently P7...make that P6 as he overtakes old friend Pierre Gasly on track!

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Ferrari Out front, Hamilton has taken the lead back from Leclerc!

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Ferrari Leclerc comes right back at his teammate on the following lap, lap 25, to retake the lead of this race!

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Lap 25: Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris, Verstappen, Piastri, Tsunoda, Gasly, Magnussen, Bottas, Lawson, Albon, Zhou, Vandoorne, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Pourchaire, Russell, Sainz, Ocon, Ricciardo

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AstonMartin Vandoorne off the track with a lock-up, he drops to P16. Stroll, Hulkenberg and Pourchaire get a free position.

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Penalty PENALTIES: OCON, BOTTAS

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Hitech Ocon took a penalty earlier, but has since served it with his earlier pitstop.

AstonMartin Bottas gets a penalty for causing a collision with Lawson.

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McLaren RedBull Piastri goes into fourth, ahead of Verstappen!

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Ferrari Hamilton goes back in front!! This is a fantastic race at the front between him and Leclerc!

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Audi Problems for Pourchaire. The Audi having major issues, and it looks unlikely that he'll hit the points paydirt today. Audi looking towards Gasly right now.

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(ADA) "How are the Hards looking Lewis?"

(HAM) "My tyres are good. This is a good pace."

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Ferrari ANDR The two Ferraris have just lapped Daniel Ricciardo, who has been struggling with pace all afternoon.

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Lap 33: Hamilton, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Verstappen, Bottas, Tsunoda, Gasly, Magnussen, Lawson, Albon, Zhou, Stroll, Pourchaire, Russell, Sainz, Hülkenberg, Ocon, Ricciardo, Vandoorne

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PITSTOP: Roll of the dice for Verstappen, who pits onto the Mediums, and I assume that'll be to the end of this race!

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Ferrari Quite a close moment there between Leclerc and Hamilton, who were both lapping a slow Ocon, and Hamilton AND Leclerc both have to swerve to avoid both the Hitech, and each other!!

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(HAM) "That was dangerous driving, what was that from the Hitech?"

(ADA) "Copy, we have seen it."

(HAM) "We were both lucky to avoid him."

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(LEC) "What is Ocon doing?"

(BOZ) "We've seen it Charles."

(LEC) "Lewis and I were both very lucky there."

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Hitech Unbeknownst to the two Ferrari drivers, that might not actually be on Ocon. The Hitech's gearbox seems to having a lot of issues right now, as Ocon has just pointed out to his engineers.

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ANDR RedBull A big, big moment for Yuki Tsunoda - he's just overtaken Max Verstappen for fifth today! Verstappen isn't happy with what his car is doing, but still.

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PITSTOP: Bottas comes in to serve his penalty! That promotes Zhou into the points!!!

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PITSTOP: Norris in for another set of Mediums, and he rejoins P4.

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fastestlap VERSTAPPEN

RedBull ANDR Verstappen takes a fastest lap, and overtakes Tsunoda again for P5, to boot.

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Ferrari Leclerc is not done here, as he retakes the lead of the race!!

Audi Pourchaire however, is done for the day. The engine has given out, and he returns to the pitlane to retire the car.

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PITSTOP: Lawson is in, and onto the Hards. That'll take him to the end. A strange choice considering we're on lap 39 of 56, but there you go.

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Ferrari RedBull Leclerc and Hamilton have just lapped Lawson, running P12. Ooft.

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PITSTOP: Zhou, running in the points, takes his stop. Can he push back into them?

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(ADA) "Box, box"

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PITSTOPS: Hamilton makes his second stop, and takes on Mediums to the end. 2.3 for Hamilton. Piastri follows him in, and he's rejoining P5, Tsunoda's also in and onto Softs, he rejoins P8.

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(BOZ) "Box, box"

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ANDR Tsunoda locks up on those new tyres! He loses time if not position!

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PITSTOP: Leclerc takes his second stop, 2.041, the fastest of the day! But he rejoins in traffic and some catching up to do!

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Lap 43: Hamilton, Leclerc, Norris, Verstappen, Piastri, Gasly, Bottas, Tsunoda, Lawson, Albon, Stroll, Magnussen, Sainz, Zhou, Russell, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg, Ocon, Ricciardo. Pourchaire out of the race.

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fastestlap LECLERC

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Ferrari Leclerc now closing in on Hamilton, less than 2 seconds behind. This could very go all the way to the chequered flag.

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fastestlap PIASTRI

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Ferrari Leclerc caught in traffic of cars being lapped, and this might well go the way of Hamilton. But there's still 10 laps to decide the fate of this race.

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Haas Zhou is 4 seconds away from Gasly. Can he get a much needed point for Haas on home soil?

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Audi Hitech Gasly up to ninth ahead of Magnussen!

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(BOZ) "Two point two between you and Lewis. You can do this. Keep pushing."

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McLaren Piastri putting Norris under massive pressure for P3!! A potentially very interesting battle for the final podium spot!

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Ferrari Three laps remaining, and Hamilton now 2.5 ahead of Leclerc. Big ask for the Champion to close this enough.

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(LEC) "The engine cut a bit!"

(BOZ) "Final lap, we can manage that. Get it home."

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It's been an utterly sensational weekend for the seven time Champion, he won the Sprint, he's won this Ferrari duel this weekend, and he's going top of the Championship, LEWIS HAMILTON WINS THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX!! CHARLES LECLERC FOLLOWS HIM HOME AND IT IS A 1-2 FOR THE SCUDERIA ONCE MORE, LANDO NORRIS HOLDS OFF OSCAR PIASTRI FOR P3, MAX VERSTAPPEN P5, VALTTERI BOTTAS P6, TSUNODA P7, LAWSON P8, GASLY P9, MAGNUSSEN P10.

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(ADA) "And P1, this has been your weekend Lewis, phenomenal from start to finish!"

(HAM) "WOOO! GET IN THERE! Thank you to everyone at the factory, fantastic effort, brilliant performance. I'm so, so happy with this win, and this team effort!"

(ADA) "What a smart race, what an effort. Thank you Lewis."

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(BOZ) "And P2, Charles, P2. Great job on bringing it home, great race."

(LEC) "Come on! Ahh, that was a good race with Lewis, I enjoyed that, a shame not to take the win, but it's like this. Happy with the weekend overall."

(BOZ) "Good job this weekend Charles. Great effort, we are still in this fight."

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2026 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

Lewis Hamilton 01.32.45
Charles Leclerc +2.239
Lando Norris +43.789
Oscar Piastri +1.672
Max Verstappen +12.041
Valtteri Bottas +34.576
Yuki Tsunoda +1 lap
Liam Lawson +1 lap
Pierre Gasly +1 lap
Kevin Magnussen +1 lap
George Russell +1 lap
Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
Alexander Albon +1 lap
Stoffel Vandoorne +1 lap
Carlos Sainz +1 lap
Lance Stroll +1 lap
Nico Hülkenberg +1 lap
Daniel Ricciardo +1 lap
Esteban Ocon +1 lap
Théo Pourchaire DNF

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Driver DRIVER OF THE DAY: Ferrari LEWIS HAMILTON, Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton had an absolutely dominant weekend, winning both the Sprint and main race, with his only real challenger all weekend being teammate Charles Leclerc, and Hamilton came out on top, lapping almost the entire field bar five other cars. Hamilton therefore is a deserving winner of your vote for Driver of the Day!

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fastestlap FASTEST LAP AWARD:
McLaren Oscar Piastri, McLaren 1.33.470

dhl DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Ferrari Charles Leclerc 2.041s

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Hamilton 113
Ferrari Leclerc 111
McLaren Piastri 73
RedBull Verstappen 67
McLaren Norris 55
RedBull Lawson 38
AstonMartin Bottas 29
Audi Gasly 16
ANDR Ricciardo 15
ANDR Tsunoda 14
Williams Russell 9
Vandoorne 2
Hitech Magnussen 2
Hitech Ocon 1
Haas Zhou 0
Mercedes Albon 0
Audi Pourchaire 0
Stroll 0
Haas Hülkenberg 0
Sainz 0

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Ferrari 224 Ferrari Bridgestone
McLaren McLaren-Ford RBPT 128 Ford Pirelli
RedBull Red Bull-Ford RBPT 105 Ford
AstonMartin Aston Martin-Honda 31 Honda Pirelli
ANDR Andretti-Ferrari 29 Ferrari
Audi Audi Sauber 16 Audi Pirelli
Williams-Ferrari 9 Ferrari Pirelli
Hitech Hitech-Renault 3 renault
Haas Haas-Mercedes 0 Bridgestone
Mercedes 0 Pirelli

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 361
Pirelli Pirelli 184

tired thorn Jan 18, 2025, 8:13 PM

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GET IN THERE LEWIS

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could i quickly ask, which teams rn are hitech and andretti?

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im assuming andretti is rb and hitech is alpine

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but just want an official answer

foggy locust Jan 18, 2025, 8:17 PM

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tired thorn could i quickly ask, which teams rn are hitech and andretti?

Andretti is RB, Hitech is Alpine, you are correct!

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Audi of course are Kick Sauber

tired thorn Jan 18, 2025, 8:18 PM

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how do u let the race play out? do u keep it 1x or do u skip along?

foggy locust Jan 18, 2025, 9:37 PM

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1x

tired thorn Jan 18, 2025, 9:40 PM

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jesus

foggy locust Jan 18, 2025, 9:47 PM

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Good reason why I do one race at a time haha

plucky acorn Jan 19, 2025, 1:25 AM

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foggy locust 2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP <:Ferrari:1012448867494678558> H...

this title fight looking juicy

tired thorn Jan 19, 2025, 12:08 PM

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i think we can all agree this is the best career save on this server

steel talon Jan 19, 2025, 1:04 PM

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tired thorn i think we can all agree this is the best career save on this server

It terms of detail heck yeah, but story, maybe not

humble totem Jan 19, 2025, 1:51 PM

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steel talon It terms of detail heck yeah, but story, maybe not

That's real life sport for you ,
Sport storyline is 99% boring except it is WWE

foggy locust Jan 19, 2025, 2:20 PM

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tired thorn i think we can all agree this is the best career save on this server

Thanks for the kind words bud!!

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I appreciate that a lot!

foggy locust Jan 22, 2025, 2:48 PM

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PIASTRI OR NORRIS: McLAREN'S DECISION

McLaren have a dilemma on their hands going into the 2027 season - whether to retain Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, both or neither driver.

With both drivers out of contract at the end of 2026, and both likely to receive a massive pay increase - and interest from elsewhere on the grid - McLaren may be forced into a choice of one or the other.

Piastri has been the better of the two this season so far, being one of the closest challengers to the dominant Scuderia Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, but Norris has very much held his own.

And there's talk of both being in demand. With talk of Lewis Hamilton considering retirement at the end of this season, one of the Ferrari seats - arguably the most coveted on the grid - will very much be in play, and either Piastri or Norris could be in consideration there. Piastri, as rumour goes, is seen as the natural successor to Hamilton - although Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman is also internally being considered, if Hamilton does choose to retire.

Red Bull have long coveted Lando Norris and with Liam Lawson so far struggling to match up to Max Verstappen, could Norris potentially be an option for them as well?

And then there's the Aston Martin factor - with Stoffel Vandoorne's contract ending at the end of this season, and a potential step up for the team in place, could Aston lure either Piastri or Norris there?

Mercedes and Haas both have one seat available, but with both teams struggling, it is hard to see either right now as anything than a major step down, with all due respect to both teams.

But McLaren will try and fight to keep at least one of their prize assets for 2027 and beyond - the major question is: which one?

sterile breach Jan 22, 2025, 3:13 PM

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foggy locust PIASTRI OR NORRIS: McLAREN'S DECISION McLaren have a dilemma on their hands goi...

What's Bearman's rating?

foggy locust Jan 22, 2025, 3:19 PM

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79

sterile breach Jan 22, 2025, 3:21 PM

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foggy locust 79

And I assume his dev rate is high?

foggy locust Jan 22, 2025, 3:22 PM

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It is aye

sterile breach Jan 22, 2025, 3:22 PM

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foggy locust It is aye

I ain't taking that one, personally

foggy locust Jan 22, 2025, 3:24 PM

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There's a couple of drivers I have in mind if Lewis retires

foggy locust Jan 22, 2025, 7:16 PM

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Bit under the weather so postponing my planned Miami run tonight. Back soon, folks!

humble totem Jan 23, 2025, 8:40 AM

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foggy locust 79

How is bearman still 79 rated?
You did him dirty mate
He was already 82 rated in my save at this stage of the season

humble totem Jan 23, 2025, 8:40 AM

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foggy locust Bit under the weather so postponing my planned Miami run tonight. Back soon, fol...

Take care mate

foggy locust Jan 23, 2025, 6:46 PM

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humble totem How is bearman still 79 rated? You did him dirty mate He was already 82 rated i...

How many FP1s have you run him in?

foggy locust Jan 23, 2025, 6:46 PM

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humble totem Take care mate

Thanks pal

humble totem Jan 23, 2025, 9:35 PM

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Not much maybe one or two
But he is developing really well
Always enthusiastic

sinful crane Jan 24, 2025, 7:29 AM

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Probably a thing with development focus or just the simulator being behind then

foggy locust Jan 24, 2025, 8:28 AM

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sinful crane Probably a thing with development focus or just the simulator being behind then

My simulator's 5 star

foggy locust Jan 24, 2025, 9:17 AM

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MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

A second consecutive Sprint weekend comes into play for Round 6 of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, as we head to the Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, for the fifth Miami Grand Prix.

Last time out, in Shanghai, Lewis Hamilton did the double on a Sprint weekend, leading home Charles Leclerc in a 1-2 in both the Sprint and the main race, his third victory of the season, to go top of the Drivers Championship in his bid for eight. Leclerc is just two points behind in a Championship that already looks like it could be dominated by the two Ferraris.

The Miami International Autodrom3 is a 5.412km circuit based around the Hard Rock Stadium, and relies on Low and High Speed cornering. With long straights and 3 DRS Zones, straight-line speed and good DRS are very much in play. 17 turns in this purpose built temporary circuit in the Miami Gardens suburb, and only one has it not been won by Max Verstappen - when Carlos Sainz won here for Ferrari in 2024.

And with five wins from five and four 1-2s to begin 2026, the new era has been dominated thus far by Scuderia Ferrari, and we could once again see a close Lewis Hamilton versus Charles Leclerc Championship fight this season. It's hard to bet against Ferrari this season, but Leclerc and Hamilton continue to get on well on and off the track, even in a close title fight. Which one of them will get the upper hand in Miami? It is a rare circuit that neither driver has won on - will that change this weekend?

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As McLaren go into this weekend and all the discussion is on the long term future of the team, and who will drive for them in 2027, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris’ focus turns to Miami and a potential first victory of the season for the Papaya. It isn't a track that suits the McLarens as much as Ferrari or even Red Bull, but the fantastic straight-line speed of the McLarens gives them a shot this weekend - can either Norris or Piastri take it?

Red Bull, all round, probably have the second strongest car behind Ferrari going into Miami, but one of their drivers hasn't overally turned that into results - Max Verstappen is comprehensively outperforming Liam Lawson, and Red Bull is a team that do not suffer that lightly. Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso have come and gone in that second Red Bull seat, although Alonso chose to retire rather than take a second year against Verstappen. Lawson has had one bright spot - P4 in Australia - but needs a lot, lot more.

Aston Martin went back to fourth in the Championship over Andretti after the results of China, due to Valtteri Bottas’ heroics once more, while Stoffel Vandoorne was once again nowhere. You feel time is running out on Vandoorne both in Aston Martin and his return to Formula 1 - many expected Felipe Drugovich to get the call instead of him, something that may be back on the table for next year, and it was a shock when Aston chose Vandoorne over him - and so far, that shock decision isn't paying off. Put up or shut up time for the Belgian.

Andretti have been working well together in their first season in the pinnacle of motorsport, and they look to build on this at Miami. A first step would be getting both drivers in the points - something that's only happened once this season, on opening night in Bahrain. Definitely a target for the American team going into their first home race of the season - a race where they will have plenty of backing.

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Audi's story has resolved around two things so far - the renaissance of Pierre Gasly, and the bad luck of Théo Pourchaire. Gasly has looked like a driver renewed this season, scoring all 16 of Audi's points thus far, and sitting Eighth in the Championship, while Pourchaire has had car troubles and close run ins with the points, retiring last time in Shanghai. For the second year driver, the hope is that he will break through for this season and get on the board - can that start this weekend?

Williams had a weekend to forget in Shanghai - George Russell and Lance Stroll collided in the Sprint, wrecking any chances of points, while a double stack disaster in the main race saw both drivers lose any chances of points - Stroll was delayed, which ruined his race, and Russell was behind Stroll, also delayed, also ruining his race. Williams need to bounce back and they may have a chance this weekend - their strong straight-line speed may be their best chance of points this coming weekend.

Hitech once again hit paydirt at Shanghai, with Kevin Magnussen bagging their third point of the season, and their third points scoring appearance of the season - a third P10. For a team who didn't score a single point in 2025, this is a massive upgrade and a huge step in the right direction. However, there is a long way to go and Magnussen and Esteban Ocon need to keep up these points scoring appearances.

Zhou Guanyu had a scoreless, but a valiant effort in his home Grand Prix, as he led Haas’ charge for their first points of the season, but came up just short. He and Nico Hülkenberg continue to have the worst car on the grid, and have made the absolute best of it, particularly Zhou, but it hasn't given them any points so far this season. It's a long shot to get anything this weekend, but you never know.

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And a miserable Mercedes season continued in Shanghai - Carlos Sainz crashed out of the Sprint, and the team were nowhere in the main race. Sainz and Alexander Albon have been on a bit of a hiding to nothing with the W17 thus far this season, can Mercedes make anything at all of this year? It honestly feels a long, long, long way back for the Silver Arrows at this point.

It's expected to be a cloudy weekend at Miami, but rain is not expected - it could well be in play, in a limited fashion. With the second Sprint of the year incoming, it will be an entertaining weekend - one you won't want to miss.

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FP1 Reserves: RedBull Dürksen (Verstappen), Hitech Hadjar (Magnussen), Audi Boya (Pourchaire), AstonMartin Montoya (Bottas)

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Audi Audi rookie Maria Boya has just clipped the wall and that's the end of his session! VSC called, Boya is thankfully okay, Théo Pourchaire looks distraught in the garage.

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FP1: Ferrari HAM Ferrari LEC McLaren NOR

Lewis Hamilton goes quickest in the only practice session, ahead of Charles Leclerc. Lando Norris Third, with Lawson fourth, and Gasly fifth. Ocon, Tsunoda, Dürksen, Zhou and Sainz complete the top ten.

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It's time for the Sprint Shootout in Miami! Ferrari have been quickest in practice, but with just one session before this shootout, this could go any which ways. Could be a fascinating Qualifying.

foggy locust Jan 24, 2025, 10:28 AM

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greenflag We are green for SQ1!

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4.30pm: Quite a few cars queuing up outside the pitlane as we begin SQ1!

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4.33pm: Gasly is first on the board, then Russell goes ahead of him. Leclerc however takes P1, and Hamilton up to P2!

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4.34pm: Piastri splits the Ferraris! Bottas up to fourth, ahead of Lawson in fifth. Just 11th for Verstappen and 13th for Norris!!

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4.36pm: Leclerc and Hamilton both get caught in traffic and abandon their second lap! Norris currently in the dropzone!

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DRIVER AT RISK: Haas Zhou
RELEGATION ZONE: McLaren Norris, Haas Hülkenberg, Mercedes Sainz, Williams Stroll, AstonMartin Vandoorne

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4.39pm: Norris yellow in S1 and he's in trouble, a second consecutive SQ1 exit?

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4.40pm: Norris up to fourth! He's safe, Verstappen then goes fourth now and is safe as well. Gasly at risk, Zhou into the drop zone.

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chequeredflagboard Vandoorne up to 16th and is out, Sainz stays 18th and he's out, Hülkenberg doesn't make it to the line to start a lap, he's out too! Albon at risk, Piastri goes quickest! Zhou stays 17th, STROLL 15TH, BOTH MERCEDES OUT!

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OUT IN SQ1: Mercedes Albon, AstonMartin Vandoorne, Haas Zhou, Sainz, Haas Hülkenberg

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greenflag 4.55pm: We go green for the second part of Sprint Qualifying!

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4.56pm: The entire pitlane has emptied for the first part of SQ2, all 15 remaining now out on track.

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4.57pm: Piastri showing a lot of pace here, purple in S1. Leclerc quickest in S2 and S3, and goes fastest, Pourchaire third!! Norris just 14th, Piastri and Verstappen ahead of Hamilton, Pourchaire, Bottas and Russell all up on Lawson!

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5.00pm: Tsunoda 9th and Ricciardo 10th, as it stands.

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DRIVER AT RISK: ANDR Ricciardo
RELEGATION ZONE: Hitech Ocon, Williams Stroll, Audi Gasly, McLaren Norris, Hitech Magnussen

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5.04pm: Once again, every single driver on track. Nobody feeling safe just yet.

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chequeredflagboard Gasly goes sixth! Tsunoda just 10th and at risk, Leclerc still quickest, just 5th for Hamilton, NORRIS UP TO 4TH, Ricciardo and Tsunoda both out! Russell at risk, Stroll 14th, Ocon and Magnussen don't improve, Russell is through! Piastri stays second!

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OUT IN SQ2: ANDR Ricciardo, ANDR Tsunoda, Hitech Ocon, Williams Stroll, Hitech Magnussen

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greenflag 4.18pm: SQ3 underway! Who will get Pole?

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4.21pm: Gasly first on the board! Lawson runs wide on turn 6!

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4.22pm: Piastri 0.694 ahead of Gasly! Bottas up to second! Lawson just fourth, however!

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4.24pm: Ferrari looking quickest in the second and third sector, McLaren in the first. LECLERC QUICKEST, JUST P3 FOR HAMILTON!

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chequeredflagboard Both Ferraris going again, Norris Eighth, Verstappen also on a flier. Gasly 5th, Pourchaire 7th, Russell Sixth, it's between Hamilton, Leclerc and Verstappen for Pole! Hamilton stays Third! Can Verstappen snatch Pole? Verstappen just fourth, it is SPRINT POLE FOR CHARLES LECLERC!!!

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SQ3: Ferrari Leclerc, McLaren Piastri, Ferrari Hamilton, RedBull Verstappen, AstonMartin Bottas, Audi Gasly, Williams Russell, Audi Pourchaire, McLaren Norris, RedBull Lawson

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2026 MIAMI GRAND PRIX
SPRINT GRID

Ferrari LEC Bridgestone McLaren PIA Pirelli

Ferrari HAM Bridgestone RedBull VER

AstonMartin BOT Pirelli Audi GAS Pirelli

Williams RUS Pirelli Audi POU Pirelli

McLaren NOR Pirelli RedBull LAW Bridgestone

ANDR RIC Bridgestone ANDR TSU

Hitech OCO Bridgestone Williams STR Pirelli

Hitech MAG Bridgestone Mercedes ALB Pirelli

AstonMartin VAN Pirelli Haas ZHO Bridgestone

Mercedes SAI Pirelli Haas HÜL Bridgestone

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It is time to go Sprinting in Miami and while we have the Heat, Marlins, Dolphins and Inter in this part of the world, we also have the Sprint, it is time for the third Sprint to take place at this Miami International Autodrome, 19 laps to come around the home of the Miami Dolphins, can anyone beat out the challenge of the Ferraris today?

Nico Hülkenberg starts at the very back with Carlos Sainz for company, Zhou Guanyu is 18th with Stoffel Vandoorne 17th, and both Mercedes in the bottom five with Alex Albon 16th, Kevin Magnussen starts 15th, while Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon are on row seven, and Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo, Andretti teammates start on the sixth row in the Andretti F1 team's first bit of racing action on American soil. Liam Lawson starts tenth with Lando Norris just ninth, Théo Pourchaire begins Eighth with George Russell starting Seventh, Pierre Gasly lines up sixth and Valtteri Bottas fifth, then it is old rivals Lewis Hamilton Third and Max Verstappen Fourth, Oscar Piastri starts on the front row, and it is a Sprint Pole for defending Champion Charles Leclerc.

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It is time to go racing

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AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO!

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Oscar Piastri is off to a phenomenal start and gets ahead of Charles Leclerc for the lead! Lewis Hamilton now with the pressure on his teammate, Max Verstappen Fourth, Bottas fifth, Gasly Sixth, Russell Seventh, Norris ahead of Pourchaore, then Lawson tenth!

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Ferrari McLaren Leclerc now putting the pressure on Piastri, who is showing some real pace, especially in that opening sector of the track!

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(LEC) "The McLaren has got a lot of pace here!"

(BOZ) "Keep pushing, we can get him in the second and third sectors."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20240713_050037_0000-3-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.png

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Ferrari Hamilton now all over the back of his teammate, and Ferrari might have a problem in keeping their two Championship fighting drivers from each other - which could benefit Piastri massively.

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Lap 3: Piastri, Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Russell, Bottas, Gasly, Norris

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McLaren Audi Norris gets the move done on Gasly dor P7!

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AstonMartin Williams Bottas and Russell currently battling at the front of a five car DRS train.

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Ferrari McLaren Leclerc with a beautiful move to take P1 off Piastri! Piastri however has DRS, and regains the lead!

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(HAM) "Verstappen all over the back of me here."

Copy_of_Copy_of_Ferrari_Radio_20241010_125538_0000-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.png

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Ferrari Leclerc is back into the lead! However, Piastri is keeping him in DRS range!

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McLaren Piastri regrabs the lead going into lap 7!

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(LEC) "Oh come on Oscar, you're better than that"

(BOZ) "We've seen it, keep going"

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Ferrari McLaren Leclerc overtakes Piastri, but Piastri regains it, with Leclerc believing he was pushed wide!

RedBull Ferrari Max Verstappen may have entered the chat. He's up past Hamilton for third!

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McLaren AstonMartin Williams Norris now ahead of Bottas for sixth, and putting pressure on Russell!

RedBull Audi Lawson ahead of Gasly for the final point position!

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Ferrari A beautiful move by Hamilton as he retakes third off Verstappen!

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Ferrari McLaren Ferrari almost pull off a double pincer move on Piastri! Leclerc gets through, but Piastri defends second from Hamilton!

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Lap 13: Leclerc, Piastri, Hamilton, Verstappen, Russell, Norris, Bottas, Lawson, Gasly, Stroll, Tsunoda, Pourchaire, Ricciardo, Ocon, Albon, Zhou, Vandoorne, Magnussen, Sainz, Hülkenberg

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Ferrari McLaren Leclerc facing a lot of pressure from Piastri here, but starting to gain on him!

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(BOZ) "And Charles. Tyres are good to push, let's see this out."

(LEC) "Copy, copy."

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Ferrari RedBull McLaren Piastri and Hamilton now battling for P2, but Verstappen pushing behind in fourth and still very much in play!

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Hitech OCON SPINS ON TURN 12!! He's able to get the car going again but drops all the way to P18, and has some damage!

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(ADA) "You can push, Lewis. You can push."

(HAM) "Understood."

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Ferrari Hamilton moves past Piastri into P2, and may well keep the lead of the Championship as it stands!

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FINAL LAP

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It's been a fantastic, very competitive Sprint, but Charles Leclerc will come out on top here, he rounds the final corner to WIN THE MIAMI GRAND PRIX SPRINT!!! Lewis Hamilton races away from Oscar Piastri for P2, Piastri Third but takes a fastest lap, Max Verstappen P4, George Russell fifth, Lando Norris Sixth, Pierre Gasly Seventh and Valtteri Bottas Eighth, Liam Lawson dropped out of the points late!!

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(BOZ) "And you've done it, another Sprint win, Charles!"

(LEC) "Let's goooooo, baby!!! Yessss! Ahhh, great start to the weekend, let's finish this tomorrow!"

(BOZ) "An amazing race today, Charles."

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(ADA) "And P2, P2. Well managed, good job today, Lewis. Well deserved."

(HAM) "Thank you to all the team, let's keep pushing for tomorrow. Great job guys. I am so inspired by you guys."

(ADA) "Thank you very much, thank you for your effort."

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2026 MIAMI GRAND PRIX
SPRINT CLASSIFICATION

Charles Leclerc 00.29.48
Lewis Hamilton +3.642
Oscar Piastri +1.877
Max Verstappen +0.221
George Russell +3.515
Lando Norris +0.276
Pierre Gasly +5.247
Valtteri Bottas +0.164
Liam Lawson +0.564
Yuki Tsunoda +4.985
Daniel Ricciardo +1.133
Lance Stroll +2.985
Stoffel Vandoorne +2.975
Théo Pourchaire +0.125
Alexander Albon +0.491
Kevin Magnussen +0.819
Zhou Guanyu +2.082
Carlos Sainz +9.493
Nico Hülkenberg +6.310
Esteban Ocon +8.043

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Hamilton 120
Ferrari Leclerc 119
McLaren Piastri 79
RedBull Verstappen 72
McLaren Norris 58
RedBull Lawson 38
AstonMartin Bottas 30
Audi Gasly 18
ANDR Ricciardo 15
ANDR Tsunoda 14
Williams Russell 13
Vandoorne 2
Hitech Magnussen 2
Hitech Ocon 1
Haas Zhou 0
Mercedes Albon 0
Audi Pourchaire 0
Stroll 0
Haas Hülkenberg 0
Sainz 0

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari Ferrari 239 Ferrari Bridgestone
McLaren McLaren-Ford RBPT 137 Ford Pirelli
RedBull Red Bull-Ford RBPT 110 Ford
AstonMartin Aston Martin-Honda 32 Honda Pirelli
ANDR Andretti-Ferrari 29 Ferrari
Audi Audi Sauber 18 Audi Pirelli
Williams-Ferrari 13 Ferrari Pirelli
Hitech Hitech-Renault 3 renault Bridgestone
Haas Haas-Mercedes 0
Mercedes 0 Pirelli

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2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 381
Pirelli Pirelli 200

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We back later today for qualifying and the main race!!

foggy locust Jan 24, 2025, 7:30 PM

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Going to postpone till tomorrow, I think. Just dealing with some personal things! Thanks for the waiting folks

tired thorn Jan 24, 2025, 9:23 PM

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take your time buddy, loving this so far!

steel talon Jan 24, 2025, 11:55 PM

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foggy locust 2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP <:Ferrari:1012448867494678558> H...

Praying on Lewis's downfall fr

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I'm not even much of a Leclerc fan

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He's maybe like not top 5 but top 10

tired thorn Jan 25, 2025, 2:25 AM

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steel talon Praying on Lewis's downfall fr

jesus

lost hare Jan 25, 2025, 6:09 AM

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I hope Lewis can win one more as he might retire next year

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Then Leclerc will probably dominate

foggy locust Jan 25, 2025, 12:55 PM

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It is time to go qualifying here in Miami, after the Sprint victory for Charles Leclerc, there is just one point between the two Ferrari drivers. It's still early this season, but can anyone stop the Scuderia here? Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen might have a shot, but Ferrari remain the favourites.

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greenflag 4.00pm: We are Qualifying for Q1! Less of a queue than the first session, but we're back underway here with Leclerc, Hamilton and Ocon all on track early.

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4.02pm: Hamilton looking quicker thus far than Leclerc through the first two sectors. Norris, Lawson and Sainz all on track too.

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4.04pm: Hamilton about 5 tenths up on Leclerc, and 7 tenths up on Ocon.

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4.06pm: Norris splits the Ferraris! Piastri and Verstappen starting outlaps now.

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4.08pm: Pourchaire goes third! That was a fantastic lap by the Audi.

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4.09pm: PIASTRI WITH A FANTASTIC LAP! He's quickest of all!

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4.10pm: Verstappen now takes top spot away from Piastri. Leclerc going again here, he's not sure of his spinning the top 15 so he's making sure.

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4.14pm: Leclerc gets caught in traffic and abandons his second lap! Will he have time for another?

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DRIVER AT RISK: ANDR Tsunoda
RELEGATION ZONE: Hitech Magnussen, Mercedes Albon, AstonMartin Vandoorne, Haas Hülkenberg, Sainz

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4.17pm: Tsunoda doesn't improve and he's in real trouble!! Sainz also doesn't improve and he's likely out!!

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chequeredflagboard 4.18pm: Albon goes fourteenth, knocking Hülkenberg out! Zhou at risk, Albon on deck, Magnussen and Vandoorne still on fliers...Magnussen doesn't improve so he is out and Albon is through, Vandoorne could knock out Zhou...Vandoorne goes 8th! Zhou is out!

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OUT IN Q1: Haas Zhou, Haas Hülkenberg, ANDR Tsunoda, Hitech Magnussen, Mercedes Sainz

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greenflag 4.25pm: Green for Q2! Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Russell and Stroll all on track early.

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4.28pm: Leclerc struggling for pace here, surprisingly. He's 7 tenths off Hamilton. Verstappen looking very quick right now.

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4.29pm: Verstappen goes quickest, LANCE STROLL IS THIRD. WOW.

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4.31pm: Ricciardo up to third, Bottas fourth.

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4.32pm: Just 7th for Piastri, and 9th for Norris! Leclerc in P8 splitting the McLarens.

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4.34pm: Lawson up to 5th!

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DRIVER AT RISK: McLaren Norris
RELEGATION ZONE: Mercedes Albon, Hitech Ocon, Audi Gasly, Williams Russell, Audi Pourchaire

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4.38pm: Piastri purple in the first sector, Norris improving as well, as is Russell.

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4.39pm: Norris 4th, Piastri then goes fastest!!! Russell 10th, LECLERC IS IN THE DROPZONE!

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chequeredflagboard 4.40pm: Gasly 12th and out, Russell at risk, LECLERC GOES SECOND, HE IS SAFE. Ocon improving, Pourchaire out, Vandoorne at risk, Ocon 11th and just misses out!

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(LEC) "Are we safe?"

(BOZ) "And P2, P2, you're through, Charles."

(LEC) "Thank f***, that was close."

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OUT IN Q2: Hitech Ocon, Williams Russell, Audi Gasly, Mercedes Albon, Audi Pourchaire

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greenflag 4.48pm: Q3 underway! Who will take Pole?

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4.51pm: Lawson sets the initial benchmark, Hamilton then 1.167 quicker. Oh my God. Leclerc 3 tenths off.

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4.52pm: Piastri third, Verstappen fourth! Norris just sixth!

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4.54pm: Stroll goes 5th, Bottas up to 6th, with Vandoorne 8th. Ricciardo 9th.

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Q3 AS IT STANDS: Ferrari Hamilton, Ferrari Leclerc, McLaren Piastri, RedBull Verstappen, Williams Stroll, AstonMartin Bottas, RedBull Lawson, Vandoorne, ANDR Ricciardo, McLaren Norris

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4.56pm: First of the outlaps beginning here. Lawson, Hamilton and Leclerc going early.

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4.58pm: Potential issue for the Ferraris - have they gone too soon? They might have some traffic to work through.

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chequeredflagboard Hamilton stays P1, Leclerc closes the gap but not enough, Piastri purple through S1!! This could be fascinating, NORRIS GOES QUICKEST!! PIASTRI PURPLE THROUGH S1, Verstappen third, Vandoorne eighth, Lawson ninth now, Ricciardo tenth, Lance Stroll sixth, OSCAR PIASTRI TAKES POLE!!! WOW!! Bottas ahead of Leclerc into fifth, but it is POLE POSITION FOR OSCAR PIASTRI!!

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Q3: McLaren Piastri, McLaren Norris, Ferrari Hamilton, RedBull Verstappen, AstonMartin Bottas, Ferrari Leclerc, Williams Stroll, Vandoorne, RedBull Lawson, ANDR Ricciardo

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McLaren On a weekend where we were discussing the long-term future of the two McLaren drivers coming in, they've locked out the front row. What a performance.

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2026 MIAMI GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

McLaren PIA Pirelli McLaren NOR Pirelli

Ferrari HAM Bridgestone RedBull VER

AstonMartin BOT Pirelli Ferrari LEC Bridgestone

Williams STR Pirelli AstonMartin VAN Pirelli

RedBull LAW Bridgestone ANDR RIC

Hitech OCO Bridgestone Williams RUS Pirelli

Audi GAS Pirelli Mercedes ALB Pirelli

Audi POU Pirelli Haas ZHO Bridgestone

Haas HÜL Bridgestone ANDR TSU

Hitech MAG Bridgestone Mercedes SAI Pirelli

foggy locust Jan 25, 2025, 2:17 PM

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Welcome to Miami, and the Miami International Autodrome, set around Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, and opportunity may have arisen for the Papaya. McLaren have the advantage going into Round 6 of this 2026 Formula 1 season, with a front row lockout. 57 laps of this purpose built 5.412km circuit, 19 turns, 3 DRS zones, an elevation of 3.53m and a top speed of 348.0kph. Only once has Max Verstappen not won here, can today be the second?

Carlos Sainz, that one to beat Verstappen back in 2024, starts at the very back today, he has Kevin Magnussen for company, Yuki Tsunoda a surprise Q1 exit begins eighteenth, then the two Haas drivers of Nico Hülkenberg and Zhou Guanyu in their team's first home race of the season, while Théo Pourchaire is 15th. Alex Albon starts 14th with Pierre Gasly directly ahead of his teammate, George Russell missed Q3 and begins 12th with Esteban Ocon lining up 11th. It's 10th for Daniel Ricciardo in Andretti's first American F1 race, Liam Lawson just 9th to start today, then Stoffel Vandoorne 8th and Lance Stroll has his best start of the season in 7th. It's the lowest start of the season for defending Champion Charles Leclerc who starts 6th, with Valtteri Bottas lining up 5th. Max Verstappen starts today from 4th with Lewis Hamilton 3rd, and McLaren have locked out the front row - Lando Norris starts 2nd, and it is the first Pole Position of the season for Oscar Piastri.

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McLaren And what an opportunity this is for McLaren. If they can get both drivers on the same page, this could be their best chance for their first win of the season.

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Formation lap done, let's go racing here

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One light, two, three, four, five...

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AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

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Oscar Piastri holds the lead, Lando Norris remains behind, Lewis Hamilton ahead of Max Verstappen, then Bottas, Leclerc still sizth with Stroll seventh and Vandoorne eighth, Ricciardo ahead of Lawson!!!

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McLaren Papaya Rules are very much in play! Lando Norris wants this win, and snatches the lead from Oscar Piastri!!

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Ferrari RedBull Hamilton defending from Verstappen here, but not having the pace just yet to challenge Norris or Piastri!

#Essere Ferrari II