Essere Ferrari II

[foggy locust]

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Leclerc holds firm, Verstappen still second, Hamilton third, then Norris, Lawson, Gasly, Bottas, Ocon, Sainz ahead of Pourchaire

NORRIS

(BOZ) "Verstappen 0.17"

(LEC) "I can see him in my mirrors"

Leclerc defending from Verstappen, Verstappen swaying all over to try and get past Leclerc here and trying for the lead at La Source but Leclerc holds him off!

(ADA) "Keep pushing, there is an opportunity here."

Lawson up ahead of Norris!

Piastri has climbed past Magnussen and Albon. Up to P14

(BOZ) "Verstappen with DRS."

Verstappen with DRS attacking Leclerc, while Lawson moves ahead of Hamilton!!

Lawson attacking Verstappen, but Verstappen grabs the lead from Leclerc! Red Bull showing a lot of pace here! Now Leclerc coming back and retakes the lead, and Hamilton back up to P3!

Lap 6: Leclerc, Verstappen, Hamilton, Lawson, Norris, Sainz, Bottas, Gasly, Ocon, Pourchaire, Vandoorne, Piastri, Hülkenberg, Zhou, Ricciardo, Magnussen, Tsunoda, Albon, Russell, Stroll

Sainz moves ahead of Bottas for P6! This could be a huge result for Mercedes!

Piastri up to P12, ahead of Zhou and Hülkenberg.

Verstappen retakes the lead from Leclerc and puts on some pace!! Verstappen now getting away from Leclerc and Hamilton!

Hamilton now going for second and takes second from Leclerc! Could be huge in the Championship!

Norris takes fourth off Lawson!

Kevin Magnussen having gearbox issues! Something to keep an eye on.

Norris moves ahead of Leclerc, and it goes from bad to worse for the Champion!

Vandoorne has a spin on home soil! He drops from P12 to P16

Leclerc regains P3 from Norris, and is keeping the pressure on Hamilton for second.

Ocon up to sixth! Could be big for the Hitech-Mercedes battle.

Potential game changer here! Verstappen having engine issues!

(BOZ) "Verstappen complaining about engine issues. And push now."

(ADA) "Okay Lewis, it's hammer time."

Lap 13: Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc, Norris, Lawson, Sainz, Ocon, Bottas, Piastri, Gasly, Pourchaire, Tsunoda, Zhou, Russell, Albon, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne, Ricciaddo, Magnussen, Stroll

PITSTOPS: Early stops! Red Bull double stack, Piastri also pits, Gasly, Tsunoda, Zhou, Magnussen and Stroll all box early. Two stoppers?

(ADA) "Update your status, update your status, Lewis?"

(HAM) "The tyres are OK, just got no rear end here."

Leclerc takes the lead from Hamilton!

PITSTOP: Sainz in from P6! He's onto Softs. Albon follows him in! Mediums to Mediums, bold move from the Mercs!

Verstappen struggling a lot with his engine!! This could be massive for the race today!

(ADA) "Box this lap Lewis, box this lap."

(HAM) "Understood. Box this lap."

PITSTOP: Hamilton in and heading back out! 2.056, and onto the Mediums. He rejoins P5!

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

(LEC) "Copy, box. Box this lap."

PITSTOPS: Leclerc and Norris in from 1-2 on Lap 20, 2.298 for Leclerc, he beats Norris to the punch and rejoins P4.

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

Still to pit: Bottas, Ocon

Second stop needed: Russell, Zhou, Stroll, Albon

PITSTOPS: Bottas and Albon last to stop, and Ocon ahead of Bottas in the pitlane!

Hamilton leads! Hamilton overtakes Verstappen for the lead, and that could be huge, especially with Leclerc P4!

(BOZ) "You can push. Bring that gap down to Lawson. Car behind is Norris."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy."

Piastri sixth. Up from P16 to P6 here.

Norris goes ahead of Leclerc into fourth, putting pressure on Lawson, and gets Lawson! Leclerc now attacking Lawson for P4!

Leclerc back up to P4! Norris however has built a gap to Leclerc and Lawson!

PITSTOP: Lawson in for a second time and onto the Mediums! He rejoins P9.

Norris up to P2 ahead of Verstappen, who is fading fast!

POURCHAIRE AND ALBON MAKE CONTACT! BOTH GO SLIDING OFF INTO THE GRAVEL!!

CAR 98 (POURCHAIRE)

(BOZ) "Verstappen in front gap to Verstappen, 2.0"

PITSTOP: Verstappen pits, but at the worst possible moment...

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED. Zhou into the wall!! Thankfully the Haas driver is okay, but he spun off and hit the barrier.

PITSTOPS: Tsunoda, Russell, Gasly, Ricciardo, Stroll, Magnussen, Hülkenberg and Vandoorne all pit. Piastri comes in a lap later!

We go racing again midway through Lap 31!

Vandoorne has a lock-up! Very lucky to avoid the barrier, but an awful home Grand Prix for him!

PIASTRI

TSUNODA

Lap 35: Hamilton, Norris, Leclerc, Verstappen, Lawson, Piastri, Tsunoda, Russell, Ocon, Gasly, Bottas, Sainz, Ricciardo, Pourchaire, Stroll, Magnussen, Albon, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne. Zhou out of the race.

Piastri overtakes Lawson for P5! Only two seconds off Verstappen here as well!

(ADA) "Five laps to go. Tyre phase update?"

(HAM) "Tyres are still good."

(LEC) "The tyres are struggling a lot here."

(BOZ) "Five laps to go. Bring it home at this point. Norris 3.5 ahead, Verstappen 13 behind."

Piastri starting to get in range of Verstappen, while still defending Lawson here. A sensational drive here.

Three laps remaining. Hamilton 9.4 ahead of Norris, who is 3.7 ahead of Leclerc. Leclerc has 13.5 on Verstappen, who is 1.1 ahead of Piastri. Lawson 2.2 behind, then 2.6 to Tsunoda, Russell 3.3 behind, then 4 seconds to Gasly and a further 5 to Ocon. Ricciardo 5 seconds out of the points.

Piastri tries to overtake Verstappen at the Bus Stop, keeps the pressure into La Source, has the run up to Eau Rouge and gets the move done!!!

LAST LAP

It's been a phenomenal performance from Lewis Hamilton, a well deserved race win here, he's been superb today, he rounds the Bus Stop Chicane and rounds the final corner to WIN THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX!!! Norris P2, Leclerc P3 and couldn't quite take the fastest lap but he fame close, Piastri P4, Verstappen P5, Lawson P6, Tsunoda P7, Russell P8, Gasly P9, Ocon P10!

(ADA) "And P1, Lewis, P1! Was a mega, mega race! Well done, Lewis. Well deserved today!"

(HAM) "WOOO! Yessss! Fantastic job today, great performance. Let's keep pushing, we still have a title fight here."

(ADA) "Amazing job. Back top of the table."

(BOZ) "P3, Charles, P3. Good effort today."

(LEC) "Ah, I didn't do a great race, didn't have the pace today. I'll take the podium, but yeah, I need to be better. Did we get fastest lap at the end?"

(BOZ) "Unfortunately not, we had our fastest lap, but just missed out."

(LEC) "F***k. Was worth a shot."

2026 BELGIAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Lewis Hamilton 01.20.21
2. Lando Norris +8.937
3. Charles Leclerc +2.179
4. Oscar Piastri +13.272
5. Max Verstappen +1.980
6. Liam Lawson +1.115
7. Yuki Tsunoda +1.924
8. George Russell +3.565
9. Pierre Gasly +5.292
10. Esteban Ocon +6.298
11. Daniel Ricciardo +3.622
12. Carlos Sainz +3.823
13. Valtteri Bottas +0.394
14. Lance Stroll +8.541
15. Théo Pourchaire +10.891 5s
16. Alexander Albon +3.529
17. Kevin Magnusssn +9.000
18. Stoffel Vandoorne +4.975
19. Nico Hülkenberg +3.541
20. Zhou Guanyu DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: OSCAR PIASTRI, McLAREN

A sensational drive from Oscar Piastri, who is a man very much in demand in the upcoming transfer window. Piastri went from P16 to P4, in an absolutely superb driver. A deserved Driver of the Day.

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Yuki Tsunoda, Andretti 1.43.583

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri, McLaren 2.038s

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Hamilton 297
Leclerc 295
Verstappen 216
Piastri 197
Norris 163
Lawson 87
Bottas 83
Ricciardo 54
Russell 42
Tsunoda 39
Gasly 26
Stroll 7
Pourchaire 6
Albon 5
Vandoorne 5
Sainz 4
Magnussen 3
Ocon 2
Zhou 1
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 592
McLaren-Ford RBPT 360
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 303
Andretti-Ferrari 93
Aston Martin-Honda 88
Williams-Ferrari 49
Audi Sauber 32
Mercedes 9
Hitech-Renault 5
Haas-Mercedes 1

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 994
Pirelli 538

[humble totem]

I feel you might be slightly biased towards Lewis
Lewis P1 from P3
Charles P3 from P1🤔

[tired thorn]

drivers tend to lose and gain positions during a race yknow

[foggy locust]

Hahaha I'm letting them race

IRL Leclerc fan though after all 😛

In terms of the IRL 2025 season, I'm supporting Charles' first title

In terms of this save - I'm happy with either Charles' Third or Lewis' Eighth

[foggy locust]

The 2027 F1 Grid

Ferrari
Leclerc (2030)
?????

McLaren
?????
?????

Red Bull
Verstappen (2028)
Lawson (2027)

Aston Martin
Bottas (2028)
?????

Andretti
Tsunoda (2028)
Ricciardo (2027)

Williams
Russell (2029)
?????

Audi
Pourchaire (2028)
Gasly (2028)

Mercedes
Sainz (2028)
?????

Hitech
Ocon (2028)
Magnussen (2027)

Haas
?????
Zhou (2028)

SUMMER BREAK: With Hamilton retiring, who will partner Leclerc in 2027?

Lewis Hamilton will say goodbye to Formula 1 at the end of the 2027 season, with the seven time Champion and Championship leader going out attempting to take his Eighth title in his final season.

His two year teammate partnership with Charles Leclerc has been a strong and friendly one off the track, and incredibly competitive on the track.

But now Ferrari must look for Hamilton's successor.

With Oliver Bearman now confirmed to continue as Ferrari's reserve and test driver for 2027, Ferrari seem to be leaning towards McLaren's Oscar Piastri, although Andrea Kimi Antonelli remains in the mix for a shock signing to the Champions.

SUMMER BREAK: With both drivers potentially leaving, what now for McLaren?

McLaren are in a bind.

Having dithered between a long term choice of renewing either Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris, it now looks possible that the Papaya could lose both drivers.

Oscar Piastri is the favourite to replace the retiring Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, and it is said that the Scuderia is Piastri's preferred destination for the 2027 season and beyond. McLaren are still working to convince Piastri to remain at the team for next year.

As far as Lando Norris goes, he has made it clear to the team that he could potentially stay, but wants to be treated as "a number one driver". Norris is also believed to be in talks with both Mercedes and Aston Martin for the 2027 season.

As far as replacements for one or both go, it is a tough time to need to replace both drivers. It is likely that McLaren favour a rookie to sign alongside Piastri and Norris, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli the favoured choice, while Red Bull juniors Joshua Dürksen and Victor Martins are potentially considered to replace one of Piastri or Norris.

Jack Doohan is also being internally considered, as well as Ayuwu Iwasa.

If McLaren were to go for a veteran, options are limited, but a shock return for Sergio Perez to his potential team could be an outside bet if McLaren wanted a veteran presence, but this is likely only if they lose both Piastri AND Norris.

SUMMER BREAK: With Vandoorne out, who joins Bottas at Aston Martin?

Aston Martin signalled their intentions quickly with informing Stoffel Vandoorne that he would not be renewed for the 2027 season.

With Valtteri Bottas in place, intentions turn to the 2027 season. Aston Martin could very well go down the route of a talented rookie, such as Andrea Kimi Antonelli or Joshua Dürksen, or sign a veteran presence such as Nico Hülkenberg or Sergio Perez.

Lando Norris is also very much in play, should he leave McLaren, and Lawrence Stroll is believed to be putting in an aggressive approach to sign the English driver.

But the wildcard is owner Lawrence Stroll's son, Lance, who could make a return to the team two years after leaving for Williams to try and prove himself away from his father's team - and being sacked in the process after one too many crashes into his teammate.

SUMMER BREAK: Can Toto land his star of the future?

And so to Mercedes, a team who have been badly struggling in the new regulations. Alex Albon has been doing his best in limited machinery, but with Carlos Sainz locked down to a longer term deal, he could be the one to make way.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli could earn the promotion to the seat, however it is believed he favours an Aston Martin or Ferrari move.

The favourite therefore is Lando Norris, who would be a popular choice for Mercedes, as well as renewing his friendship and teammate partnership with Carlos Sainz. Norris and Sainz were teammates in 2019 and 2020 at McLaren, and would be a popular choice.

Should Norris remain at McLaren or go to Aston Martin, and should Antonelli not stay on, Alex Albon could well be renewed, or Mercedes could make a pitch at Piastri - but it is likely he will either stay at McLaren or move to Ferrari.

A one year deal for a Sergio Perez or Nico Hülkenberg could also be in play as Mercedes could assess their options going forward for 2028, with Toto's long term desired signing Max Verstappen out of contract at the end of the 2028 season.

SUMMER BREAK: After surprise Stroll sacking, what now for Williams?

Williams surprised everyone post Hungary when they announced they would be ending Lance Stroll's contract two years early.

Now though, with Stroll on his way out, Williams turn their attention to who they could sign for the 2027 season.

While a rookie such as Joshua Dürksen, Jack Doohan, Ayuwu Iwasa or Victor Martins could get their first F1 chance with Williams, Williams are believed to want a more experienced driver to join Russell and avoid the mistakes of Stroll.

Sergio Perez is the likely favourite, and he woukd not be the first former Red Bull driver to get another F1 chance with Williams.

Nico Hülkenberg is also in play, while a move for Mick Schumacher, currently a reserve for Ferrari, could be an option.

And of course, a sentimental immediate return for Alexander Albon, who left for Mercedes and is likely not to be renewed, is also on the table.

SUMMER BREAK: Nico Hülkenberg's last chance, or a new direction for Haas?

Nico Hülkenberg has struggled this season and many in Formula 1 believe his time in the sport may be up, but Haas are likely to take some more time to make their decision on his future.

Zhou Guanyu has been confirmed for 2027 (and 2028), and Hülkenberg is fighting for his F1 future, although Williams and McLaren could be potential options should he not be renewed by Haas.

Outside of that, Haas are believed to favour either Alex Albon or Ayumu Iwasa to partner Zhou for 2027.

If they were to opt for a rookie, Ferrari reserve Oliver Bearman would be a popular choice, but Bearman is believed to want to remain with Ferrari for now, and the severing of Haas' relationship with Ferrari will not help the American team's cause.

Outside of those options, a surprise pick of Sergio Perez, Pato O'Ward, Lance Stroll or Logan Sargeant would potentially prove popular with the North American audience.

SUMMER BREAK: No changes at Red Bull, Andretti, Hitech or Audi expected

The other four teams on the grid are expected to carry their current lineups into the 2027 season.

For Red Bull, Max Verstappen will obviously remain with the team, while Liam Lawson was renewed for another year but is believed to be on a "prove it year" for 2027, with the rest of 2026 dedicated to learning from Max.

Despite his struggles, Audi aren't expected to replace Théo Pourchaire and still see him as their long term future, alongside Pierre Gasly. Both are signed through 2028.

Likewise with Hitech, they have been happy with Esteban Ocon's performances this season despite some horrific reliability luck, and Kevin Magnussen, who expects to retire after the 2027 season, is likely to be allowed to see his career out with the Renault team.

And likewise for Andretti, who are likely to do the same for Daniel Ricciardo, who is out of contract for the 2027 season, while Yuki Tsunoda is signed through 2028 and will likely remain with the American team for the next two seasons.

[foggy locust]

So, after today's fantastic news, some changes are incoming in this save!

We will be concluding this season as planned, and then continuing with this canon - Leclerc's two current Championships remain canon, for example - but we will likely be restarting the save at the end of this season, and proceeding like it is the 2027 season!

Each team will get the setup that it has at the end of the 2026 season (and I'll sim to Bahrain 2027 to make sure it is valid...slight spoilers, we probably will not be beginning next season in Bahrain!)

plus, we might be adding an eleventh team. Stay tuned.

(Also, there might be some new surprises for the lineups 😉 )

[foggy locust]

SUBARU IMPREZA FORMULA 1 TEAM TO JOIN THE F1 GRID IN 2027

Formula 1 is officially expanding to eleven teams.

Subaru Impreza will join the Formula 1 grid for the 2027 season, for the first time since a brief stint in 1990, when it bought a controlling interest in a small Italian team, Coloni Motorsport. However, the team struggled to even pre-qualify for races, and Subaru decided to withdraw from the partnership, selling the team back to Enzo Coloni, debt free but without sponsors or an engine. The team went onto secure Ford Cosworth engines, but never qualified for a race again.

However, Subaru are more synomous with the World Rally Championship in the 1990s and 2000s, having three Drivers and Constructors Championships to their name, as well as competing in World Rally Cross.

Subaru have long since wanted to bring themselves back to the Formula 1 grid, and were involved as a team that could potentially take over the failed Hyundai bid for the Renault team, which became Hitech. But now Subaru have been working on their own project for a long time, hoping for the go ahead, and today, it has been granted. They will race with a Japanese licence.

Subaru will be the 11th Formula 1 team. A stunning start to the Summer Break in F1.

[humble totem]

How is this possible mate ?
I thought you were on ps5?

[foggy locust]

PS4 haha

Le new update 👀

[foggy locust]

@humble totem

I had considered doing a Subaru CAT save, so I am combining my traditional Ferrari save with this one.

It's almost a soft reboot - the lineups and the Canon remains, but every driver gets three years of their career back 😊

(And yes, I will still be managing Ferrari!)

[humble totem]

Hahaha time travelling while retaining the same lineup?

[foggy locust]

Essentially!

In this universe it will be officially the 2027 season, though!

But in my actual save it will be 2024

But I'll be playing about with the lineups. The four teams that don't have drivers out of contract will keep the same lineups, and I will honour my new signing too. The other teams...we might have some fun with that

Also means I can set up a new calendar for next season

But this season will conclude as normal

[humble totem]

I like the idea
Personally I am going to retire any Driver not name Lewis who is above 30 in my save and promote the younger drivers from the get go
Why?
5yrs into my current save , the driver decay is just too much especially for drivers 25 and above

[foggy locust]

That sounds fun too!

[humble totem]

But starting over again is really difficult for me because I play at 1x speed

[foggy locust]

Yeah, this is fair! I do the same

But that's why I'm doing the soft reboot

So everything that's happened from 2024-26 counts as far as this in game universe still matters

[humble totem]

But driver progression of younger drivers won't be accounted for 😞

That's why we need a driver editor

For PS4 users like ourselves

[foggy locust]

Seeing what they produce today, then we'll go from there!

[foggy locust]

LIAM LAWSON TO EXIT RED BULL RACING AT END OF 2026 SEASON

The first domino has fallen, and it's an absolute shocker.

Despite signing a new deal for the 2027 season, Red Bull Racing have announced that Liam Lawson is to exit the team at the end of the current season.

Christian Horner believes that Lawson's perfomances have not been up to Red Bull's standards in competing for the Constructors Championship, and therefore a change had to be made.

Lawson's future in the sport remains uncertain, while Red Bull are due to announce a replacement in a press conference shortly.

[tired thorn]

so now kimi is truly able to come 👀

at this point its just gaslighting u into signing kimi 💀

[foggy locust]

Hahahah we'll see

I have a few surprises in store for the lineups though

[tired thorn]

👀 this emoji has become our new thing in this career

its been used more times than races

[foggy locust]

Hahahaha

[humble totem]

Heard the young Italian can be used from the onset
Make his dream Italian dream a reality 😁

[foggy locust]

FIA ANNOUNCE OFFICIAL CALENDAR: AUSTRALIA OPENER, LAS VEGAS FINALE

The FIA have announced the official 2027 Formula 1 Calendar, with the season to get underway in Australia, and conclude in Las Vegas, in a shorter 21 race calendar, down from 24 in 2026.

There will still be six Sprint races across the 2027 calendar, however only one will feature in a weekend that held a Sprint in 2026: Brazil, the penultimate weekend.

After Australia, China will host Round 2, before a much earlier run than normal on the North American continent - Mexico, United States and Canada will all host races between April and May - COTA will feature its first race taking place in April this year.

The European leg of the tour begins and ends in Italy, bookmarking the middle part of the calendar, with just eight European races this season. Imola opens in May followed by the traditional Monaco date on the same day as the Indy 500, with Hungary following, before a Britain/Austria double header. Belgium and Netherlands will then take place right before the summer break.

Monza will begin the second half of the season, before Azerbaijan. Abu Dhabi moves away from its traditional season finale up to September, but will still take place as a day-night race, with a 6pm start time scheduled.

Bahrain begins October after a brief mid-season break, before trips to Singapore and Japan at the end of October and start of November. A triple header concludes the season, with Saudi Arabia returning to the late part of the calendar after its debut there in 2021. Brazil will be the penultimate race of the season, before the final race in Las Vegas.

The following is the official 2027 calendar:

[tired thorn]

w calendar tbh

wish brazil was last tho

[foggy locust]

I was tempted to do Brazil last but I wanted to keep the Sprint there

[humble totem]

I am doing a Monaco sprint 🤣

[foggy locust]

You're braver than I am haha

[dry zephyr]

Guys , is there a way to go read the start of this career?

[foggy locust]

This is the start - I will forewarn you, there is a LOT of content hahaha @dry zephyr

I appreciate the interest 🙂

[dry zephyr]

Thank u

[foggy locust]

No worries!

RED BULL RACING ANNOUNCE LANDO NORRIS FOR 2027 SEASON

In some stunning news, Red Bull Racing have officially announced the signing of Lando Norris for the 2027 season.

Norris was expected to leave McLaren at the end of the year after frustration with management, and Red Bull have pounced to secure his signing ahead of Mercedes and Aston Martin.

Norris officially joins Max Verstappen as his teammate for next year, with Red Bull finally completing the signing that they've tried to get over the line twice - in 2021 and at the start of 2024, with Norris renewing with McLaren both times. Now Norris will finally make his way to the Red Bull team.

Norris said his main decision lied in the fact that the opportunity was there to switch to another Championship chasing team, and therefore has chosen to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season, instead of Mercedes or Aston Martin.

Norris says he very much relishes the challenge of Verstappen as well as "Leclerc and whomever joins him at Ferrari" and says he can win his first World Championship next season.

The Red Bull team have described it as a signing "years in the making."

[tired thorn]

there has to be a hint somewhere in these news reports of whos signing for ferrari

[foggy locust]

KEVIN MAGNUSSEN TO LEAVE HITECH AT END OF 2026 SEASON

In another Summer Break shocker, Kevin Magnussen has announced he intends to leave Hitech at the end of the 2026 season, one season ahead of his deal concluding.

Magnussen has decided to take a step back from full time competition for next year, in order to spend more time with his family.

Magnussen has driven for Hitech for two years, and leaves with the team's blessing.

ALEX ALBON RETURNS TO WILLIAMS

Williams have confirmed the signing of Alex Albon, who returns from Mercedes after a single season to his former home for a second stint with the Grove team.

Albon was quoted as saying "it was a mistake to leave Williams, and after the opportunity came up to return, I could not pass up the opportunity. Williams is home for me, and I'm glad to be back."

James Vowles was said to be "delighted" to have Albon back, and was very excited for the potential of a Russell/Albon lineup for the 2027 season.

Mercedes will now officially look for a new driver to partner Carlos Sainz for the 2027 season.

[dry zephyr]

Hey , sorry to disturb , u were right , its a very long story! Could u pls tell me who won the championships in the past seasons?

[foggy locust]

All good!

Leclerc won both 2024 and 2025

He beat Verstappen to the to the title in season 1, and Hamilton on the final day in season 2

[dry zephyr]

As a ferrari fan , im happy to hear that mate

[foggy locust]

SUSIE WOLFF TO REPLACE MOHAMMED BIN SULAYEM AS FIA ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT

Susie Wolff, director of F1 Academy, has won the FIA Election and will replace Mohammed Ben Sulayem as FIA President at the end of the 2026 Season.

Wolff will take on the role as FIA President after a successful run as director of F1 Academy, which has gone from strength to strength in the past three years.

The Scottish executive was formerly a test driver for Williams and took part in multiple FP1 sessions, as well as running Venturi Racing of Formula E as firstly Team Principal and then CEO.

Wolff replaces the controversial Ben Sulayem, who has faced numerous issues in his run, including clashing with drivers on numerous occasions over swearing, and the poor stewarding of this year's Monaco Grand Prix - which featured FIVE Red Flags and finished three and a half hours after it started - was seen as the final straw.

Wolff's election has been greeted with enthusiasm from F1 drivers and staff. She will assume the role on the 1st of January 2027.

[tired thorn]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[foggy locust]

HONDA TRYING TO SIGN TSUNODA FOR ASTON MARTIN?

An interesting caveat has just arrived in the battle for fourth between Aston Martin and Andretti, as the rumour mill is saying Honda are trying to buy Tsunoda out of his Andretti deal.

Tsunoda has another year to run on his current contract, and it's believed that Andretti want to extend that deal - but he does remain a Honda sponsored driver.

And with the seat becoming available after the scheduled exit of Stoffel Vandoorne at the end of the 2026 season, Tsunoda could make the shocking move across to the British Racing Green for next season.

Aston and Honda are reportedly divided on a potential move - Lawrence Stroll is said to favour signing his son Lance, Honda are said to want Tsunoda, while there are some within the team who want to reunite with Sergio Perez.

One to keep an eye on as we head to Netherlands in a few days time.

[dry zephyr]

Can this really happen on the game?

[brazen wren]

No FIA personell names are in the game

[foggy locust]

No, this is purely storyline based for this save

[dry zephyr]

Good

[foggy locust]

Why good?

I'd be delighted if MBS was replaced, he's terrible

[plucky acorn]

this'll be fun >:)

despite barely being able to keep up since it seems like you do half a season's worth of stuff in between each time i look at the thread i will be watching how this goes down with great interest

[foggy locust]

Hahahah I appreciate the support pal! Yeah, we definitely go into full detail. It's very fun to do!

The shorter seasons available now though IS very much appreciated though 🤣

[humble totem]

How many races do you intend to do ?

I am still sticking to 24

[foggy locust]

21

Think that's a happy medium for me between a decent sized season and manageable

Toying with cutting the Sprints to five, though

[humble totem]

Is the sprint not 5 already?

By default

F1m24 is practically the only game I play (not much time)
I only have one save so that's why I am sticking to 24 races

[foggy locust]

Six by default

[humble totem]

Oh thought it was 5
My bad

[foggy locust]

All good

Decided to drop the Monza Sprint

A Sprint off the Summer Break seems a bad idea, anyways

SUBARU SETTING UP THREE BASES AHEAD OF FORMULA 1 DEBUT

Subaru have set up three headquarters for their Formula 1 division ahead of their 2027 Debut.

The main headquarters will remain in Ebisu, Shibuya, Japan, and the team will race with a Japanese licence.

They will collaborate with Subaru of America, based in Camden, New Jersey.

And interesting, Subaru will also use facilities in Toyota's Cologne base, which will be shared with the Haas Formula 1 team.

Toyota own 20% of Subaru, and also have a stake in Haas. It is believed the two teams will share a Red Bull-Racing Bulls sister team partnership, but remain independent of each other in competition.

Subaru are likely to announce an engine deal for the 2027 season in the near future, as well as their 2027 driver partnership.

[foggy locust]

2027 GRID:

Ferrari
Leclerc
????

Red Bull
Verstappen
Norris

McLaren
????
????

Aston Martin
Bottas
????

Mercedes
Sainz
????

Andretti
Tsunoda (TBC)
Ricciardo

Hitech
Ocon
????

Williams
Russell
Albon

Audi Sauber
Pourchaire
Gasly

Haas
Zhou
????

Subaru
????
????

[dry zephyr]

Who are the possible sostitues to hamilton in ferrari?

[viral wraith]

Tsunoda to be continued... 👀

[foggy locust]

Between Piastri and Antonelli at this point. I'm still deciding

[dry zephyr]

What about bearman?

[foggy locust]

Tempted but I think he's likely going elsewhere first

[humble totem]

An Italian is the obvious choice
Give piastri his own team that can build around him Maybe Aston Martin with Adrian newey now there while Kimi remains the Italian prodigy driving for the most famous Italian brand who learns from leclerc, hands over the touch to him in some years time just like vettel did for him

[dry zephyr]

Yeah i think u are right

[tired thorn]

lads i've been saying this for ages, im not sure how much its swayed their mind 😭

[foggy locust]

It definitely has me thinking more about it. I've been leaning Oscar for a few reasons - he's my second favourite driver on the grid, his starting rating is higher with the soft reboot, and he has that same level of potential, and my ability to develop rookie drivers isn't the greatest in game, it's my weakest aspect.

The romantic in me loves the idea of the Italian driver in the most famous Italian team though, so it's definitely something I'm considering. You've all absolutely put up a compelling case for him. And even if I don't pick him this time, who's to say I don't in the future? 👀

Sorry wee bit of OOC to give some context on my decision haha

Depends on what lineups I can set as well - I have a wee surprise in mind if Piastri DOES leave McLaren

[foggy locust]

We'll be back after the weekend for the Netherlands! Summer break ends then ☺️

[foggy locust]

YUKI TSUNODA JOINS ASTON MARTIN FOR 2027

Yuki Tsunoda has signed a deal to join Aston Martin, after the Honda works team bought him out of his Andretti contract.

In some sensational news ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, it has emerged that Aston have paid Andretti Yuki's salary for the next TWO seasons in order to release the Japanese driver.

Tsunoda, who is backed by Honda, was seen as the clear choice to replace Stoffel Vandoorne, who has seemingly chosen to stay within the team and will become a reserve driver for 2027.

Andretti will now be looking for his successor to partner Daniel Ricciardo for the 2027 season.

My day has now become free, so

DUTCH GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

After a Summer Break that changed everything, Formula 1 is BACK. Career moves, a brand new calendar, and an entire new team were announced during this break. So we head to Zandvoort for a race that next year will be before the Summer Break, this year it is the return.

And last time around in Belgium, it was a dominant display by Lewis Hamilton that saw him take victory well ahead of Lando Norris, with Charles Leclerc finishing just third, meaning that Hamilton went top of the Drivers’ Championship. Oscar Piastri came back from a Q1 exit to P4, while Max Verstappen suffered engine issues for a P5 finish.

But Verstappen will have plenty of support at our next race - Zandvoort. Returning to the calendar for the first time since 1985 back in 2021, the Dutch Grand Prix has proved a staple of the Formula 1 calendar ever since, and was renewed for several more years during the summer break. The 72 lap, 4.259 km Circuit Zandvoort features 14 turns including the daunting Tarzanbocht, led into by the 2nd of 2 DRZ Zones, as well as those famous banked corners at turns 13 and 14. It also features the Orange Army - expect to hear a lot of “Links Rechts” this weekend! However, bring your raincoat - it is going to be a rainy Sunday.

And Ferrari are bringing upgrades this weekend, with a new Underfloor and Rear Wing featuring at this circuit. With just two points between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, with the latter's retirement on the horizon, this title fight may go all the way to the final race in Abu Dhabi. Hamilton has seven wins to Leclerc's five, and it feels like either could come out on top this weekend.

Red Bull had a shocking announcement during the Summer, shaking up the transfer market entirely by announcing the signing of Lando Norris from McLaren. Norris leaves McLaren after seven years with the team, and faces the daunting challenge of becoming Max Verstappen's new teammate. Here though, Verstappen may be the favourite going into this race, and will have a lot of home support to back him up. As for Liam Lawson, he now knows his future is away from Red Bull, and needs to put himself in the shop window.

McLaren meanwhile have their sights set on renewing Oscar Piastri as the long term leader of their team, with the news that Norris is moving to Red Bull. A win here would go a long way to proving to Piastri that he can win a World Championship with the Papaya. With Norris moving to one of their main rivals, McLaren will be desperate to not lose Piastri to their other main rival - Ferrari. The second seat remains very much up for grabs, and the team will likely analyse their options over the next few weeks.

Aston Martin have announced the exit of Stoffel Vandoorne from the main seat - surprisingly though, he will take on a reserve role once more with the team next year. So the question remains who will partner Valtteri Bottas, and the man replacing him is Andretti's Yuki Tsunoda. Tsunoda has agreed a deal to join his team's rivals for the 2027 season, and this rivalry just took on a new dynamic going into Zandvoort.

Andretti meanwhile are in discussions for what to do now Tsunoda is leaving for Aston Martin. A second driver will need to be signed, and focus may go to Indycar’s Colton Herta, although Oliver Bearman may well also be in the mix due to their relationship with Ferrari. For now, despite leaving the team at the end of the year, Tsunoda, as well as Daniel Ricciardo, will be focused on Zandvoort and beating out the challenge of Aston Martin - Tsunoda’s team for next year.

Williams made the decision to remove Lance Stroll from his seat, and Alexander Albon will return back to the team to partner George Russell next season. A move that could be a major upswing for Williams, for now, though, the Grove team are still looking to secure sixth in the Championship. Having gained on Audi once more last time out, they look favourites for sixth, but they'll need to keep the consistency up in the meantime.

Audi meanwhile might well end up being the only team who keep their same driver partnership for 2027 - Théo Pourchaire and Pierre Gasly are both confirmed to remain at the team for at least another season. Gasly added another two points to keep them within 17 of Williams, but they need more out of Pourchaire, who has a single points finish to his name this season.

Mercedes are still yet to announce their replacement for Alexander Albon, but it is believed their young reserve and F2 Champion Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the likely favourite to get the nod and get his debut in F1 next season. Carlos Sainz will remain with a team that badly need some luck in what has been a very difficult season for the Silver Arrows - a season they would rather forget sooner rather than later. For now, getting any points they can in the next ten races will be crucial.

Kevin Magnussen announced his exit from Hitech a year before the end of his contract in order to step back from the sport and spend more time with his family - a decision that Hitech respected. While they look for a replacement for Magnussen, he and Esteban Ocon are looking to overhaul Mercedes in the bid for Eighth, like Mercedes, any points they can get will be crucial.

And finally to Haas, who will see Nico Hülkenberg exit the sport at the end of the year. They're still yet to announce a replacement, but it is believed they're likely to introduce a rookie to the sport next season. For now, Haas have been struggling to get any points whatsoever - could they get themselves off the bottom of the table this weekend?

With the chaotic summer break a memory, Teams and drivers will be competing this weekend for Championship placings, potential places on the grid next year, and potentially even a position at a brand new team. In the pouring rain. You will absolutely not want to miss it.

FP1 Rookies: Dürksen (Verstappen), Andersson (Lawson), Maloney (Russell), Mini (Stroll), Goethe (Tsunoda), Montoya (Vandoorne)

FP1: LEC HAM GOE

Ferrari went 1-2 as expected, but Goethe was the star outside of the top two, going third in the Andretti. Bottas, Piastri, Ricciardo and Dürksen followed, with Albon, Ocon and Andersson completing the top ten.

FP2: LEC HAM NOR

Leclerc went 2 for 2 on Friday, going quickest ahead of Hamilton and Norris. Tsunoda P4, and Bottas P5, showing strong signs for Aston's 2027 lineup. Piastri P6, ahead of Lawson and Verstappen in his first session this weekend on home soil. Zhou and Ocon complete the top ten.

FP3: HAM LEC VER

Hamilton quickest ahead of Leclerc and Verstappen on the final practice, with Piastri and Lawson just behind. Norris in sixth, with Tsunoda seventh, Bottas eighth, Magnussen P9 and Stroll P10.

It is time for Qualifying here on the sunny beaches of Zandvoort, the first race after the summer break. The Dutch GP has been renewed for several more years after doubts it wouldn't be, it will be the last race before the Summer next time around, this time, it opens the latter half of the season. Ferrari have looked quickest and will be the ones to beat, will Max Verstappen be able to delight his home fans here?

OUT IN Q1: Zhou, Vandoorne, Ricciardo, Sainz, Hülkenberg
Bubble: Magnusseb
Top Five: NOR, LEC, LAW, OCO, STR
HAM P8

A completely topsy-turvy Q1 saw Lawson, Ocon and Stroll, two of which are leaving their teams at the end of the year, in the top five, with Leclerc just behind Norris for top spot. At the bottom, heavy traffic cost Zhou and Sainz places in Q2, with Ricciardo, Vandoorne and Hülkenberg also dropping out.

OUT IN Q2: Ocon, Magnussen, Gasly, Pourchaire, Albon
Bubble: Stroll
Top Five: HAM, LEC, VER, PIA, LAW

Both Audis and both Hitechs drop out in Q2, alongside Albon in the Mercedes. Stroll was close to the exit but Ocon just couldn't improve to knock him out. Hamilton went quickest ahead of Leclerc, Verstappen, Piastri and Lawson. Tsunoda, Bottas, Norris, Russell and Stroll into Q3 too.

Q3: Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris, Tsunoda, Bottas, Lawson, Russell, Stroll, Piastri

Leclerc takes his eighth Pole of the season, just ahead of Hamilton, with a sensational flying lap. Home favourite Verstappen P3, ahead of his future Red Bull teammate Lando Norris in fourth. Tsunoda P5, with Bottas P6 and Lawson P7. Russell and Stroll ahead of Piastri, who hit traffic both laps and could only finish tenth.

2026 DUTCH GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

LEC HAM

VER NOR

TSU BOT

LAW RUS

STR OCO

MAG GAS

POU ZHO

VAN RIC

SAI HÜL

PITLANE START PIA

PITLANE START ALB

PITLANE STARTS for Piastri (QUAL P10), Albon (QUAL P15)

Welcome to the shores of Zandvoort, and we are back after the Summer Break. Round 15 of this fantastic 2026 Formula 1 season, we go to the Netherlands. The Circuit Zandvoort is located in the dunes north of the City of Zandvoort, it is near the North Sea coast line and is just 35 km, or 22 miles, west of Amsterdam. And it's a 4.259km circuit, 72 laps, a top speed of 334.8km, taken at an elevation of 8.66m. 14 turns, just 2 DRS Zones, overtaking isn't the easiest here and there's rain clouds in the air. The Orange Army is out in force, hoping to roar Max Verstappen home to another home victory, but he'll have two Ferraris to get past first.

Both Alexander Albon and Oscar Piastri have elected to take a change of components and start from the pitlane, so that means Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz share the ninth row instead of the tenth. Daniel Ricciardo in P16 ahead of Stoffel Vandoorne who returns to being a reserve next year, Zhou Guanyu beside Théo Pourchaire on row seven. Pierre Gasly starts from P12 with Kevin Magnussen P11, Magnussen announced his intention to step away from F1 during the summer break. Esteban Ocon starts just ahead of his teammate, Lance Stroll P9 trying to put himself in the shop window. George Russell begins from P8 and Liam Lawson is also looking to impress teams after his announced exit from Red Bull. Future teammates Valtteri Bottas and Yuki Tsunoda are on the third row, they're fighting for fourth in the Constructors' Championship today. Speaking of future team mates, Lando Norris starts P4, alongside the man he will join at Red Bull next year, Max Verstappen in P3. And it's a Ferrari front row lockout, Championship leader Lewis Hamilton starts P2, alongside Charles Leclerc on Pole Position, his 8th of the season.

Rain set to hit around 42, so it is likely still going to be a two stop race

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

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Leclerc gets a good start, Hamilton right behind him, then Verstappen and Tsunoda moves ahead of Norris! Lawson still ahead of Russell and Stroll, Piastri and Albon have a lot of work to do at the back!

Leclerc and Hamilton have broken away quickly here, and Hamilton tries takes the lead from his teammate, but Leclerc holds him off!

Tsunoda putting a lot of pressure on Verstappen for P3!

Russell with a lock-up and Stroll goes ahead! Russell has dropped to P19, a disaster for Williams!

A huge moment for Yuki Tsunoda, who goes third ahead of Verstappen! You cannot say he's not trying everything for his team right now

Meanwhile up front, Hamilton snatches the lead of the race from Leclerc!!

Magnussen has a lock-up!!! He drops down to P16!

Leclerc regains the lead from Hamilton up front, and it looks like they're trading DRS. They're 3.5 ahead of Tsunoda.

(ADA) "We are happy with your tyre management so far, Lewis. Keep this up."

(LEC) "The Softs are graining a lot quicker than expected here."

(BOZ) "Copy, copy. Tyre management as much as possible right now, Charles."

Verstappen regains P3, and not long after, Norris has taken Fourth from Tsunoda!

Lap 12: Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris, Tsunoda, Bottas, Lawson, Stroll, Ocon, Gasly, Pourchaire, Ricciardo, Zhou, Vandoorne, Sainz, Russell, Piastri, Magnussen, Albon, Hülkenberg

PITSTOP: First one of the day goes to Carlos Sainz. A clean stop, and he's back out there, albeit last of all.

Gasly carrying a gearbox fault! Could be an issue going forward in this race!

PITSTOP: Lando Norris is in! He swaps onto the Mediums. Stroll and Albon both follow suit and do the exact same.

(BOZ) "Tyre phase update please, Charles?"

(LEC) "Rears dropping off a lot here."

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

(LEC) "Box this lap."

PITSTOPS: Leclerc is in! He gets a 2.229 stop, and is quickly away. Tsunoda and Ricciardo both in, Andretti are double stacking!

(ADA) "Box this lap, Lewis."

(HAM) "Understood. Happy to box this lap."

PITSTOP: Hamilton in! They switch his Softs to mediums and...a rare Ferrari pitstop error! They have a slow moment getting the tyre on, which costs Hamilton an extra Second! A 3.211 stop!

(HAM) "F---'s sake, what happened?"

(ADA) "Tyre wasn't in position correctly. Sorry about that."

(HAM) "F---ing hell."

PITSTOP: Gasly pits from P5! Magnussen in too.

Leclerc, on the much fresher tyres, already closing in on Verstappen for P1. About 3.6 between the two. Verstappen yet to stop...

PITSTOP: Scratch that, as is Verstappen is in! He's gone for another set of Softs, which is bold...and Red Bull double stack! Lawson takes the Hards, Russell in for Hards and Vandoorne onto Softs. A lot of action in the pitlane!

Lap 20: Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Piastri, Norris, Pourchaire, Bottas, Lawson, Stroll, Ocon, Sainz, Ricciardo, Gasly, Zhou, Russell, Albon, Vandoorne, Magnussen, Hülkenberg

Still to stop: Piastri, Pourchaire

PITSTOP: Pourchaire is in! Piastri going at least one more tour, Pourchaire goes onto the Softs from the Mediums!

RICCIARDO

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED

[sterile breach]

Piastri didn't pit?

[foggy locust]

An absolute heartbreaker for Yuki Tsunoda. He loses the Andretti at turn 3, and hits the barrier, ending his race. Tsunoda is unhurt. He's apologetic on the radio. That one is a sore one for the American team. And for Tsunoda, who was driving superbly so far this weekend.

[foggy locust]

PITSTOP: Piastri had just pit right before the VSC! He had put Softs on, rejoining P12.

[sterile breach]

12th?! Damn

[foggy locust]

(ADA) "Tsunoda in the barrier."

(HAM) "Is he okay?"

(ADA) "He's okay. Watch out for debris."

[foggy locust]

P11 now. He had started from the pitlane

[sterile breach]

Ah

[foggy locust]

on Lap 26!

Lap 27: Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris, Bottas, Lawson, Ocon, Ricciardo, Stroll, Sainz, Piastri, Gasly, Zhou, Russell, Albon, Vandoorne, Pourchaire, Magnussen, Hülkenberg. Tsunoda out of the race.

(BOZ) "Charles, we need to manage front tyres."

(LEC) "Copy. What is the gap to Lewis?"

(BOZ) "Lewis 2.9, Verstappen 14.5."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy. Tyres are still good."

SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED

On the same corner that claimed Tsunoda's race, has now claimed Pourchaire's race. He crashes out at Turn 3, and it's a full Safety Car!

PITSTOPS: Ocon, Stroll, Sainz, Zhou and Albon all take free pitstops. Will any of the front runners come in?

[sterile breach]

Turn 3 is a graveyard, last time I managed Zandvoort, it claimed 3 cars

[foggy locust]

Lap 30, under SC: Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris, Bottas, Lawson, Ricciardo, Piastri, Gasly, Russell, Ocon, Stroll, Vandoorne, Sainz, Zhou, Albon, Magnussen, Hülkenberg. Pourchaire and Tsunoda out of the race.

[foggy locust]

Yeah, it's wild like

(BOZ) "We believe it will rain in around 4 minutes. A lot of rain expected quickly."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy. Safety Car didn't come at the best time."

(HAM) "It's starting to hit now here."

(ADA) "Copy, we think it will be soon."

LAPPED CARS MAY NOW OVERTAKE

[dusk wyvern]

debris or devries 😌😏

[foggy locust]

(BOZ) "Box for inters, box for inters"

(LEC) "Copy"

(ADA) "Box now, box"

We are racing again!

PITSTOPS: An absolute flurry for pitstops. Leclerc, Russell, Hamilton, Stroll, Ocon, Sainz, Hülkenberg all onto Inters, Norris, Bottas, Gasly and Magnussen go straight to the Wets. Verstappen, Lawson, Piastri, Ricciardo, Vandoorne, Zhou and Albon stay out!

PITSTOPS: Verstappen, Lawson, Piastri, Ricciardo, Vandoorne, Albon all take full Wets. Zhou stating out, for some reason.

George Russell finds himself in the lead of this Grand Prix!! Could the miracle be on?

Zhou has a lock-up, unsurprisingly on the Mediums, and that's likely ruined his entire race!

Lap 38: Russell, Leclerc, Hamilton, Stroll, Ocon, Sainz, Norris, Bottas, Verstappen, Gasly, Magnussen, Lawson, Piastri, Vandoorne, Ricciardo, Zhou, Albon, Hülkenberg.

PITSTOP: Zhou finally comes in and goes onto the Wets!

(BOZ) "Box for Wets, box for fresh Wets."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy, box."

(ADA) "Box, pit confirm."

(HAM) "Understood, pit confirm."

Lap 39: Stroll, Sainz, Norris, Russell, Verstappen, Leclerc, Gasly, Magnussen, Piastri, Hamilton, Lawson, Vandoorne, Ricciardo, Albon, Ocon, Bottas, Zhou, Hülkenberg

Russell with a massive lock-up and he goes through the gravel! He re-emergence in P6, however.

Lance Stroll finds himself in P1, but still on Inters. He and Carlos Sainz are the only two of the field remaining on Inters, as the rest have pit to change them, including Leclerc, Hamilton and Russell.

Hamilton gets ahead of Piastri for P9! The rain coming down heavily, though!

Hamilton up to P8 and making his way through the pack again.

[sterile breach]

Water level?

[foggy locust]

Verstappen holding off Leclerc in the rain here, about 0.6 between the two.

[foggy locust]

4.68mm and climbing!

[sterile breach]

Yeah the two on inters are screwed

[foggy locust]

Lando Norris takes the lead of the race! Stroll falls behind Verstappen, then Leclerc.

PITSTOP: Carlos Sainz finally comes in for Wets, and he rejoins P16.

Hamilton goes around Gasly and into P6! A brilliant move!

(BOZ) "Verstappen in front, 0.6. Norris is 1.5."

(LEC) "Visibility is very very poor here."

(BOZ) "Keep focused, you're doing a good job."

Hamilton goes ahead of one time race leader Lance Stroll, who is sinking without a trace on those Intermediates.

Norris currently holding off Verstappen and Leclerc, but those tyres are starting to wear very, very thin!

Vandoorne with a spin off! He drops from P11 to P15. Significant aquaplaning from Vandoorne there.

PITSTOP: Stroll finally admits defeat and goes into the pitlane for new Wets. He's rejoining P16, and might be well out of any points chances now.

Leclerc pulls off a brilliant move to take P2 off Verstappen! Norris however has gained a little bit while that battle was going on.

PITSTOPS: Gasly and Lawson both come in for fresh Wets! 23 laps to go, they'll have to push to the end to get any points now.

PITSTOP: Norris is gambling on another stop! He's onto fresh Wets and is back out there in P5!

(BOZ) "And Norris pitted, he's 19 seconds behind now. Thoughts on plan D?"

(LEC) "Risky. But manageable."

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

PIASTRI (A while ago, forgot to mention it)

(Lap 27, in fact. Got lost in the shuffle!)

Ocon having real issues with his gearbox. Could that cost Hitech points today?

Bottas up to P9, ahead of Ocon. Vandoorne now putting him under pressure.

PITSTOPS: Piastri and Ricciardo both in! Both take fresh Wets and are back out in P13 and P17, respectively.

Lawson with a lock-up and he slides off the circuit! He's dropped from P12 to P15. An awful race for the New Zealand driver.

Lap 63: Leclerc, Verstappen, Russell, Hamilton, Norris, Albon, Bottas, Ocon, Vandoorne, Sainz, Piastri, Stroll, Gasly, Magnussen, Lawson, Zhou, Ricciardo, Hülkenberg

PITSTOP: Albon and Vandoorne both in! Both are likely to miss out on the points now.

Zhou also goes aquaplaning with a big spin! Albon gets P15 for free.

PITSTOP: Another stop for Zhou, who takes the intermediates, VERSTAPPEN AND RUSSELL ARE COMING IN FOR INTERS TOO!

(BOZ) "Box now, box for inters, rain intensity is decreasing"

(LEC) "Yeah, box"

(ADA) "Box for inters, box now for inters"

(HAM) "Box now!"

PITSTOPS: Leclerc and Hamilton double stack! Enough of a gap, so Ferrari make it work. Leclerc out in 2.293, Hamilton in 1.946, the fastest stop of the day!

Norris now leads, but on full Wets, while Leclerc, Verstappen and Hamilton are all on Inters!

Ocon is pulling into the pitlane to retire. His reliability luck has struck once more. Awful luck for him.

Six laps remaining. Can Norris hold off a charging Leclerc?

Four laps to go. Leclerc closing quickly on Norris. Hamilton is well back, however, 12 seconds behind.

PITSTOP: Gasly stops, very late in the day, and that'll cost him any chance of points. He's furious at his team for stopping him this late!

Leclerc going for the lead and Leclerc takes the lead back!!

Verstappen putting the pressure on Norris now, and Verstappen goes round the outside of Norris and takes P2!

LAST LAP

Magnussen with a puncture!!! Disaster for Hitech!

Hamilton closing in on Norris, and Hamilton has stolen a podium from Norris!!! That is huge for the Championship, as well!!!

(BOZ) "AND P1, CHARLES! P1!"

(LEC) "YESSSS! YES YES YES! Ahhh YESSS! COME ON, BABY, LET'S GOOOO! Ahhh, yesss! Fantastic, fantastic effort. Great strategy, can't ask for more than this. What a win, what a team."

(BOZ) "An amazing job. Fantastic today, Charles."

(ADA) "And P3 Lewis, a brilliant job today. Well done!"

(HAM) "Good result despite everything, let's keep pushing. We've got that mentality to win this. Thank you to the entire team, I'm so inspired by you guys."

(ADA) "A great effort today Lewis."

Russell P5

Bottas gets Piastri at the end for P6!!!

Bottas P6, Piastri P7, Albon P8, Vandoodne P9, which is huge for AM, Stroll P10

2026 DUTCH GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Charles Leclerc 01.42.21
2. Max Verstappen +4.237
3. Lewis Hamilton +4.520
4. Lando Norris +0.836
5. George Russell +6.443
6. Valtteri Bottas +35.216
7. Oscar Piastri +0.810
8. Alexander Albon +4.419
9. Stoffel Vandoorne +9.985
10. Lance Stroll +1.719
11. Carlos Sainz +1.654
12. Liam Lawson +1.957
13. Pierre Gasly +4.027
14. Zhou Guanyu +2.921
15. Daniel Ricciardo +10.804
16. Kevin Magnussen +1 lap
17. Nico Hülkenberg +1 lap
18. Esteban Ocon DNF
19. Théo Pourchaire DNF
20. Yuki Tsunoda DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: GEORGE RUSSELL, WILLIAMS

On a day where it looked like he could potentially even win the race or take a podium, George Russell eventually settled for fifth - taking big points for Williams. The fans duly recognised that, and voted Russell the Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri, McLaren 1.12.791

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Lewis Hamilton, 1.946s

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 320
Hamilton 312
Verstappen 234
Piastri 204
Norris 175
Bottas 91
Lawson 87
Ricciardo 54
Russell 52
Tsunoda 39
Gasly 26
Albon 9
Stroll 8
Vandoorne 7
Pourchaire 6
Sainz 4
Magnussen 3
Ocon 2
Zhou 1
Hülkenberg 0

[foggy locust]

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 632
McLaren-Ford RBPT 379
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 321
Aston Martin-Honda 98
Andretti-Ferrari 93
Williams-Ferrari 60
Audi Sauber 32
Mercedes 13
Hitech-Renault 5
Haas-Mercedes 1

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1052
Pirelli 582

TENSION BETWEEN GASLY AND BINOTTO AT AUDI

Pierre Gasly and Audi Team Principal Mattia Binotto were said to "be at loggerheads" following the Dutch Grand Prix.

It is the latest of a series of strategy errors that have cost Audi, and particularly Gasly, points this season.

A late call to pit Gasly with ten laps left, despite Gasly believing he could make it to the end on his current tyres, dropped him out of the points and ended his race in 13th.

Gasly was said to be furious on the radio and confronted Binotto about it after the race.

Binotto, for his part, denied there was any tension between the two. Gasly is contacted to Audi until the end of 2027, with an optional year for 2028.

[foggy locust]

OSCAR PIASTRI TO JOIN SCUDERIA FERRARI IN 2027

The worst kept secret is now official.

Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari have announced the signing of Oscar Piastri for the 2027 season, to join Charles Leclerc at the team.

Piastri has long been seen as the potential successor to Lewis Hamilton at the team, and after careful deliberation, Ferrari have decided to sign Piastri for next season.

McLaren will now be looking for successors to both Piastri, who heads to Ferrari, and Norris, who signed for Red Bull during the summer.

Piastri will join the defending Constructors Champions on January 1st. The contract details are, as of yet, undisclosed.

MERCEDES PROMOTE ANDREA KIMI ANTONELLI TO RACE SEAT FOR 2027

Mercedes Petronas AMG have announced the official promotion of Andrea Kimi Antonelli to a 2027 Mercedes race seat.

Antonelli, who was being scouted by Ferrari and Aston Martin, has opted to stay with the team who have supported his entire career thus far, and the Italian driver will be on the F1 grid next season.

Antonelli will partner Carlos Sainz at the team for the 2027 season.

OOC: We will be keeping an eye on how he progresses at Merc, btw

2027 FORMULA 1 GRID

Ferrari
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri

Red Bull
Max Verstappen
Lando Norris

McLaren
????
????

Mercedes
Carlos Sainz
Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Aston Martin
Valtteri Bottas
Yuki Tsunoda

Andretti
Daniel Ricciardo
????

Williams
George Russell
Alexander Albon

Audi
Pierre Gasly
Théo Pourchaire

Haas
Zhou Guanyu
????

Hitech
Esteban Ocon
????

Subaru
????
????

[wraith sedge]

@foggy locust how do you edit the current teams

like change the team that they are

[foggy locust]

I'm doing a soft reboot with the editor

Oh, this is storyline based. In game, they're still RB, Alpine and Sauber respectively

I'm on PS4, so no Rule 5ing here I'm afraid 😛

Subaru meanwhile will be the CAT added at the end of this season

[sterile breach]

Hell yeah

[tired thorn]

rip u would have been the king of ferrari

[foggy locust]

Might still be, one day

[foggy locust]

PATO O'WARD IN TALKS WITH TWO F1 TEAMS

Pato O'Ward has been linked with a huge potential Formula 1 Debut in 2027.

O'Ward, the 2025 Indy 500 Winner and 2026 IndyCar Championship leader with two races to go, has been long talked about as a potential Formula 1 driver.

Well, according to sources, O'Ward is being considered by both McLaren, his IndyCar team, and new F1 team Subaru, for a seat for the 2026 season.

McLaren have lost both Piastri and Norris, and O'Ward could be in prime position to move to the F1 team.

But it is also believed that Subaru have set him as one of their top targets for their F1 seat.

O'Ward has said he won't make a decision until after the end of the 2026 IndyCar season, but the Champion elect looks like he may well be heading to Formula 1 next season.

[foggy locust]

ITALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

And so to Italy, as we head towards the business end of the 2026 season. The home of Ferrari hosts a Championship battle between its two drivers, on the weekend they've announced another, and an Italian driver joins the grid for the first time since 2021.

Ferrari announced the signing of Oscar Piastri from McLaren to join Charles Leclerc at the team from next season, succeeding the retiring Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile, Andrea Kimi Antonelli becomes the first full time F1 Driver from Italy since Antonio Giovinazzi drove for Alfa Romeo in 2021.

Last time around though, in the Netherlands, it was a Charles Leclerc victory in a chaotic rainy race, that saw both a Safety Car and a Virtual Safety Car, and several pitstops due to the changing conditions. Leclerc took the victory from home hero Max Verstappen, with Lewis Hamilton passing Lando Norris towards the end to keep the gap in the Championship down to eight points.

And so, to Monza. The Temple of Speed is a staple of the Formula 1 calendar, and this will be the 96th edition of the Italian Grand Prix. Every World Championship Italian Grand Prix has been held at Monza, with the exception of 1980, which was at Imola. Known for its long straights and very fast corners, the 5.793km circuit features 11 turns, 2 DRS Zones, and a very passionate Tifosi, desperate for another Ferrari victory.

And the defending Champions have won the last two here, both coming at the hands of Charles Leclerc. He has the eight point advantage over Lewis Hamilton in the Championship, and this is one that Hamilton desperately needs this weekend. Hamilton has won this race five times - 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018, but never as a Ferrari driver, and Leclerc three times - 2019, 2024 and 2025, all as a Ferrari driver. Can Hamilton win at Monza in Red for the first - and only - time before he retires?

Meanwhile, McLaren are desperately searching for their future. A disastrous few months has seen the team dither on the decision to sign either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri long term, and has ended up losing both of them. Where do McLaren go from here? In the meantime, the challenge remains to defend second place from Red Bull. They had a famous 1-2 here in 2021 with Daniel Ricciardo winning that race - what they wouldn't do for that again.

Red Bull have secured their long term partnership at last, after several attempts, Lando Norris will join Max Verstappen at the team next year. For now though, Verstappen and Liam Lawson will be looking to take P2 off McLaren this weekend. Red Bull's strong High Speed around this circuit will make them amongst the favourites to win - can Verstappen take a second win this season, or could Lawson upset the applecart and truly put himself in the shop window?

Aston Martin gained on Andretti this past weekend and the close battle for fourth continues between the two. Yuki Tsunoda, who will swap the American team for British Racing Green next season, crashed out while challenging for a podium, and Aston capitalised to take double points and retake P4 from Andretti. This battle remains close though, and could really go either way. Andretti are bringing upgrades and Monza will suit them more than Aston, but only just. It could be very very close between the two this weekend.

Williams meanwhile were one of the big winners last weekend, with George Russell taking a huge fifth and Lance Stroll getting tenth, to boost them well ahead of Audi. Williams seem a team very much going in the right direction, with Alex Albon returning to the team next season, could they make a push up the rankings next season, or even break the gap to Andretti or Aston this year? Another big points weekend could go a long way towards it.

Audi had some internal drama between Team Principal Mattia Binotto and Pierre Gasly after a poor strategy error cost Gasly points at Zandvoort, and it's not the first time Audi have made a strategy blunder this season. Gasly and Theo Pourchaire have been hurt in their chances for points by this, and something seemingly has to give within that team.

Mercedes confirmed their reserve Andrea Kimi Antonelli to partner Carlos Sainz for the 2027 season, and at this point, Mercedes seem to be looking towards 2027. They did get points with Alex Albon last weekend, but the team have struggled all year and Team Principal Toto Wolff, in a press conference, mentioned that they were onto next season at this point.

Hitech's focus meanwhile seems to be getting on top of the reliability issues that has plagued their car all season, which struck again last time as Esteban Ocon was forced to retire once again. While they look for their next driver to replace Kevin Magnussen, the rest of 2026 will likely be spent trying to right the problems with that Renault engine.

As for Haas, full focus has gone on 2027 as well, with Zhou Guanyu set to continue in the role, but Haas have not confirmed who will join him. They are still assessing whether Nico Hülkenberg will continue with the team or whether they will sign a new driver. Hülkenberg essentially has nine races to save his F1 career - getting a point would be a good start.

And so to Monza. With the Championship in full fight between Leclerc and Hamilton, decisions to be made at McLaren, Haas, Hitech, Andretti and potentially even Audi, a battle for second between McLaren and Red Bull, and one between Aston and Andretti for fourth, it's all to play for this weekend. You won't want to miss it.

FP1 Reserves: Maini (Norris), Antonelli (Albon), Tsolov (Sainz), Maloney (Russell), Goethe (Ricciardo), Boya (Gasly)

FP1: LEC HAM VER

A good marker for the start of the weekend for Ferrari, as Leclerc goes quickest with Hamilton second, and Verstappen third. Zane Maloney P4 as the Williams reserve continues to impress, ahead of Tsunoda and Andretti reserve Goethe. Stroll, Norris, Bottas and Zhou complete the top ten, with F2 Championship leader Maini P13 and Andrea Kimi Antonelli P19 on home soil as he prepares to take that Mercedes seat next season.

FP2: VER HAM LEC

Verstappen goes quickest ahead of Hamilton and Leclerc, with Norris not far off the pace. Gasly fifth, with Bottas P6 and Hülkenberg P7. Albon, Ocon and Ricciardo round off the top ten.

FP3: LEC HAM VER

Leclerc goes quickest ahead of Hamilton and Verstappen, with next year's Ferrari driver Piastri P4. Bottas P5, ahead of Pourchaire and Lawson, with Tsunoda, Albon and Ricciardo finishing off the top ten.

Welcome to Monza, and to the home of Scuderia Ferrari. It is a magical circuit, the Temple of Speed, and there's very few places, if any, that inspire this kind of magic. A sea of Tifosi Red, looking for that all important Ferrari victory. In his last run here at Monza, Lewis Hamilton may want to deliver the result the romantics want, but Charles Leclerc could create Ferrari history at Monza - no driver has won this race in Ferrari Red three times in a row, and only Juan Manuel Fangio of any drivers has done it before - 1953, 1954 and 1955, one for Maserati followed by two for Mercedes. Looking to deny that historic Ferrari win are both Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri, who will wear that famous red suit next year here. It all starts here with Qualifying.

OUT IN Q1: Magnussen, Sainz, Gasly, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg
Bubble: Zhou
Top Five: HAM, VER, LEC, NOR, PIA

The big talking point was ANOTHER mistake by Audi that sent Pierre Gasly out too late to do a second flying lap, sending him crashing out in Q1! Albon knocked teammate Sainz our of qualifying, as Lawson needed a late flier to get out of the bottom five, as well. Magnussen, Vandoorne and Hülkenberg, all exiting the sport at the end of the year, also drop out in Q1. Hamilton quickest from Verstappen and Leclerc, with Norris and Piastri completing the initial top five.

OUT IN Q2: Zhou, Lawson, Russell, Stroll, Ricciardo
Bubble: Albon
Top Five: LEC, PIA, HAM, NOR, VER

Lawson drops out in Q2 once more, with Zhou, Russell, Stroll and Ricciardo just missing out as well. Pourchaire makes Q3 for the 7th time this year, with just Albon's 3rd Appearance in Q3. Leclerc fastest from Piastri, Hamilton, Norris and Verstappen.

Q3: Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Piastri, Norris, Ocon, Bottas, Pourchaire, Albon

Leclerc and Hamilton had to both come back from poor first laps to take a Ferrari 1-2 to the delight of the Tifosi, with Leclerc with an astonishing final sector to secure his 9th Pole of the season, his fourth in a row, and fifth in six races. Hamilton P2, with Verstappen third and Yuki Tsunoda snatching the second row away from Oscar Piastri, who will start his last Italian GP before his move to Ferrari next year from fifth. Norris P6, with Ocon P7, Bottas P8, Pourchaire and Albon round off the top ten.

2026 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

LEC HAM

VER TSU

PIA NOR

OCO BOT

POU ALB

ZHO LAW

RUS STR

RIC MAG

SAI GAS

VAN HÜL

Welcome to our Historic Monza. North of Milan, North of Italy, in the city of Monza resides this famous circuit that hosts the home of Formula 1's most famous team. And it is a sea of red in support of that historic team that have locked out the front row. It's breathtaking, it's emotional, it's the Italian Grand Prix. The 96th running of this Italian Grand Prix, held at Monza for every edition since 1981, this 5.793km circuit features 11 turns, including the famous Parabolica, the testing Ascari and the ever dangerous Valiantes. 53 laps, it could be a one stop, it could be a two stop. Those 53 laps taken at an elevation of 12.48 metres. It is an open game here, but the only winners the fans want to see is one of the Red cars. Can Ferrari deliver?

Nico Hülkenberg starts at the very back alongside Stoffel Vandoorne, while Pierre Gasly was once again furious at his team after another mistake, he lines up P18 with Carlos Sainz P17, Sainz had Pole for Ferrari here in 2023, while Gasly won the race back in 2020. Kevin Magnussen sixteenth and Daniel Ricciardo, another former winner, in P15, then the two Williams of Lance Stroll and George Russell on row seven, Liam Lawson went out in Q2 and starts P12, with Zhou Guanyu lining up 11th. Alex Albon will be back in Williams blue next year and he starts tenth today, Théo Pourchaire lines up 9th, while Valtteri Bottas starts P8 and Esteban Ocon is seventh. The two McLarens on the third row, next year Lando Norris will be at Red Bull and Oscar Piastri will be in the Ferrari Red suit, Yuki Tsunoda took a fantastic fourth then third for Max Verstappen who wants to upset the Ferrari faithful today, then it is a Ferrari front row lockout. Lewis Hamilton starts P2 in his last chance to win here for Ferrari, while Charles Leclerc is going for something no Ferrari driver has ever done - win the Italian Grand Prix three times in a row. This is going to be emotional, fascinating, and huge for the Championship.

Let's go racing!

One light, two, three, four, five...

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Leclerc holds the lead, Verstappen gets past Hamilton, Hamilton has had a really slow start ..OH MY GOD HAMILTON GOES WIDE AND DROPS ALL THE WAY TO P8!!!

A SHOCKING START HERE AT MONZA

(HAM) "Sorry guys, I made a mistake there."

(ADA) "Concentrate, long way to go. Focus on the race."

(BOZ) "Verstappen 0.3, Verstappen P2, 0.3"

(LEC) "Where is Lewis?"

(BOZ) "P8, he slipped off the track, still in the race."

(LEC) "S***"

The Hamilton fightback is on as he gets past Pourchaire, then Ocon for P6!

Russell runs wide, but doesn't lose too much time!

Hamilton ahead of Norris and into P5! He's got a bit of a gap to catch Piastri, though!

Up front, Leclerc defends Verstappen and that is allowing Tsunoda to attack Verstappen! Tsunoda is into P2!!!

It is so tight between the front four, and Piastri and Verstappen both overtake Tsunoda! Piastri now challenging his future Ferrari teammate for the lead!!

(ADA) "We can push a bit more here, Lewis."

(HAM) "I need more power."

Piastri takes the lead off Leclerc!!! Next year a Piastri win would be very popular here, not today though!

Lap 7: Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Norris, Ocon, Zhou, Albon, Pourchaire, Stroll, Lawson, Bottas, Russell, Vandoorne, Magnussen, Gasly, Ricciardo, Sainz, Hülkenberg

A fantastic battle up front between the 2027 Ferrari lineup. Piastri currently holding off Leclerc.

Hamilton now putting himself in the conversation for P3, as he goes ahead of Tsunoda! Damage limitation for the seven time Champion in his bid for an eighth?

Leclerc back into P1! Piastri now under pressure from Verstappen and Hamilton!

An incredible move by Zhou who grabs P6 off Norris!! Could Haas be on for big points today?

A brilliant move by Hamilton and he gets past Verstappen, but it's only brief as Verstappen takes the position back and now Hamilton is vulnerable from Tsunoda!

Hamilton makes it stick on lap 12! He's up to P3!

Sainz off!! He locks up at Valiante de Rettifilo!

Hamilton is right back in the conversation for the lead, catching up to Leclerc and Piastri!!

Norris retakes P6 from Zhou!

Magnussen with a big lock-up! He goes off!

Hamilton back to P2! Game on once more in the Championship?

HOW QUICKLY IT CAN CHANGE! HAMILTON OVERTAKES LECLERC AT THE PARABOLICA, AND VERSTAPPEN TAKES ADVANTAGE TO SNATCH P2!!

Tsunoda also overtook Piastri for P4 in that same sequence!

Leclerc going for P2 from Verstappen, and Leclerc is back just behind Hamilton!

Magnussen with a big spin off!!!

Leclerc going for the lead, and gets it, but Verstappen sneaks up on both Ferraris and snatches P1!!

(LEC) "Tyres are struggling a little here"

(BOZ) "Yeah, copy, understood Charles."

Lap 20: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Piastri, Ocon, Norris, Zhou, Bottas, Stroll, Lawson, Russell, Pourchaire, Albon, Ricciardo, Gasly, Sainz, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg, Magnussen

Leclerc going for P1 into the first corner, and he takes the lead! The Tifosi loudly roar their approval at that move!!!

Hamilton moves ahead of Verstappen and it is currently a Ferrari 1-2!!!

Lawson spins off at Variante della Roggia! That's cost him several places!

PITSTOPS: Hülkenberg in for Hards, and VERSTAPPEN COMES IN FOR HARDS. Red Bull trying the undercut!!

OH MY GOD IT IS A SAFETY CAR!!!!

Unbelievably for Red Bull, as soon as Verstappen pits, Lawson's gearbox breaks down! That is the worst possible timing!!!!

(BOZ) "Safety Car, Safety Car! Box, box!"

(LEC) "What happened?"

(BOZ) "Lawson has a gearbox failure. He's out of the race."

(LEC) "Copy, yeah, box."

(ADA) "Box Lewis, box this lap. Safety Car. Lawson out with gearbox failure.

(HAM) "Understood. Happy to box."

PITSTOPS: Zhou, Russell, Stroll, Bottas, Ricciardo, Albon, Pourchaire, Gasly and Vandoorne all in for free. All onto Hards...except Gasly who has taken a second set of Softs. Whatcha doing, Audi?

PITSTOPS: Leclerc and Hamilton both in! An unavoidable double stack for the Scuderia, Piastri in, Tsunoda in, Piastri and Tsunoda jump ahead of Hamilton, and all four are still ahead of Verstappen!!

Lap 24, under SC: Leclerc, Piastri, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Verstappen, Ocon, Norris, Zhou, Russell, Stroll, Bottas, Ricciardo, Albon, Pourchaire, Gasly, Vandoorne, Sainz, Hülkenberg, Magnussen. Lawson out of the race.

We go around the Parabolica and we go racing once more on Lap 27!!

Leclerc gets away quickly, then Piastri, Hamilton ahead of Tsunoda, Verstappen, Norris, Zhou, Russell and Stroll, Bottas just outside the points, Gasly moves ahead of Pourchaire! A big gamble by Audi on the Softs, will it pay off?

OH MY GOD A SECOND SAFETY CAR

Piastri goes wide, and he's managed to beach the car!!! On the weekend he was announced as a Ferrari driver, a big mistake from Piastri and he is out of the race!!!

Lap 29, under SC: Leclerc, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Verstappen, Ocon, Norris, Zhou, Russell, Stroll, Bottas, Albon, Ricciardo, Pourchaire, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg, Magnussen, Sainz, Gasly. Piastri and Lawson out of the race.

PITSTOP: Gasly pulls in for a second pitstop, and goes onto the Hards. You can tell he is absolutely furious about the strategy decisions once more from his team!

We are racing again on Lap 32!!

Leclerc holding position, Tsunoda gets past Hamilton for P2! What a move by Yuki!!

IT IS A THIRD SAFETY CAR WHAT THE WHAT

The Mercedes engine in Hülkenberg's Haas has had enough for today and that's it. He's out of the race, and a third Safety Car is called within about the space of ten laps here.

PITSTOPS: Magnussen and Sainz both gambling on the Softs. Early, but if they can make it work...

One Racing lap since Lap 22.

It's Lap 35, by the way.

We go racing for the fourth time today on Lap 36, and will we have any more SCs?

Verstappen reporting mechanical issues on Lap 37!! This could be a gamechanger today!

Leclerc currently being challenged by Yuki Tsunoda! What a day this could be for Andretti!!

(HAM) "I've been hit, man!"

(ADA) "We saw it, we are on it."

(HAM) "What was Norris doing?"

It is a heartbreaking moment for Lewis Hamilton as Lando Norris hits him!!! He drops down to P10!!! That could be title costing!!!

Tsunoda is going for P1!! He briefly has it, but Leclerc takes it back!!

Hamilton overtakes Stroll for P9, but it is purely, purely damage limitation for Lewis at this point!

Looks like Norris has also picked up damage in that incident with Hamilton!

I didn't have Tsunoda as the one to break the threepeat of Leclerc, but as it stands, he has the best opportunity!! He is putting Leclerc under real pressure!

Despite the slight technical issues, Verstappen overtakes Tsunoda and is now going after Leclerc for the lead, and even Ocon is in play now!!!

Hamilton moves ahead of Zhou for P7! He's chasing Russell and Norris in the middle of the pack.

Verstappen takes the lead off Leclerc! Tsunoda uses the chance to take P2 off the Champion!!!

Yuki Tsunoda takes the lead back!!! This could be the miracle story! Leclerc back up to P2 and back in play!

Hamilton up to P5, and that could be huge for him!

Leclerc going for the lead back and takes it back!!! The Ferrari fans love that here!

Sadly Tsunoda might have flown too close to the sun! The tyres are starting to fall off and he drops behind Verstappen, then Ocon!!

OCON IS IN PLAY. OCON GETS AHEAD OF VERSTAPPEN. OH MY GOD, WHAT IS THIS RACE?

FOUR LAPS REMAINING

Leclerc is pulling clear now!! Verstappen retakes P2 from Ocon, who is having to defend Tsunoda and attack Verstappen, and after all this, Hamilton is back in play now too!!!

Lap 51: Leclerc, Verstappen, Ocon, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Russell, Bottas, Stroll, Ricciardo, Zhou

Tsunoda, who could've won this race, falls behind Hamilton, and Hamilton takes P3 from Ocon!! What a recovery from Lewis!

(BOZ) "Two laps to go, bring it home"

(LEC) "Copy this."

WHAT A RECOVERY FROM HAMILTON. HE HAS TAKEN P2 FROM VERSTAPPEN HERE!!!

FINAL LAP

This has been a fantastic race, an epic contest, and the threepeat has happened, for the first time ever, A FERRARI DRIVER WINS THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX FOR THE THIRD TIME IN A ROW, HE ROUNDS THE PARABOLICA, CHARLES LECLERC WINS THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN HIS CAREER, THE THIRD IN A ROW!!!

(BOZ) "HOW YOU MAKE ME DREAM, HOW YOU MAKE ME DREAM!!! THREE IN A ROW, CHARLES, THREE IN A ROW."

(LEC) "MAMMA MIA, YESSSSS!! YES YES YES!!! SI SI SI, GRANDISSIMI!!!! LET'S GOOOO, COME ONNN!!"

(BOZ) "Simply amazing. What a drive, what a drive."

LEWIS HAMILTON IS GOING TO HOLD MAX VERSTAPPEN OFF FOR P2, YUKI TSUNODA P4, ESTEBAN OCON P5. WHAT. A. RACE.

(ADA) "And P2, Lewis. P2. Incredible, considering the circumstances."

(HAM) "I gave it everything. I really did. I wanted this so badly, I'm sorry I couldn't deliver it today. We maximised that, but I wanted this badly."

(ADA) "You've done incredible. Fantastic race."

Russell P6, Bottas P7, Ricciardo P8, Stroll P9, Norris snatches P10 from Gasly and Zhou

[sterile breach]

Finally, the Hitech didn't blow up

[foggy locust]

ITALIAN GRAND PRIX 2026
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Charles Lecleec 01.27.22
2. Lewis Hamilton +6.955
3. Max Verstappen +0.137
4. Yuki Tsunoda +0.729
5. Esteban Ocon +1.583
6. George Russell +9.489
7. Valtteri Bottas +1.811
8. Daniel Ricciardo +0.896
9. Lance Stroll +0.967
10. Lando Norris +9.001
11. Pierre Gasly +0.104
12. Zhou Guanyu +0.012
13. Alexander Albon +0.186
14. Théo Pourchaire +1.679
15. Carlos Sainz +0.954
16. Kevin Magnussen +15.794
17. Stoffel Vandoorne +2.704
18. Nico Hülkenberg DNF
19. Oscar Piastri DNF
20. Liam Lawson DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: YUKI TSUNODA, ANDRETTI

There's any number of drivers this could've gone to. Esteban Ocon finally getting a huge points scoring reward. Lewis Hamilton's recovery drive for P2. Max Verstappen making the podium despite a gearbox issue. Charles Leclerc's threepeat. But it was the underdog story of Yuki Tsunoda, who fought tooth and nail with the best of the best, and at one point looked on for his Maiden victory. It was in vain, but an incredible effort, which earned the vote as Driver of the Day!

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 345
Hamilton 330
Verstappen 249
Piastri 204
Norris 176
Bottas 97
Lawson 87
Russell 60
Ricciardo 58
Tsunoda 51
Gasly 26
Ocon 12
Stroll 10
Albon 9
Vandoorne 7
Pourchaire 6
Sainz 4
Magnussen 3
Zhou 1
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 675
McLaren-Ford RBPT 380
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 336
Andretti-Ferrari 109
Aston Martin-Honda 104
Williams-Ferrari 70
Audi Sauber 32
Hitech-Renault 15
Mercedes 13
Haas-Mercedes 1

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri, McLaren 1.22.511

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri, McLaren 1.946s

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1136
Pirelli 599

CHRISTIAN MANSELL CLINCHES F3 CHAMPIONSHIP

Christian Mansell has won the F3 Championship at Monza, beating out the challenge of Martinius Stenshorne, Leonardo Fornarolli and Abbi Pulling to take the F3 title.

The McLaren afflilate pulled off a sensational performance at Monza to ensure his title.

McLaren will likely look to move him towards F2 next season.

GASLY LOOKING TO AUDI EXIT?

In some shocking news, rumours are circulating that Pierre Gasly could exit Audi early - with several teams potentially interested in signing the French driver?

Gasly has been at loggerheads with Audi Team Principal Mattia Binotto in recent weeks, and it struck twice at Monza - a blunder in qualifying that cost him and chance of Q2, followed by two poor pitstop choices that cost Gasly points once more.

And it has been said that Gasly's position at the Audi team could be untenable at this point.

If he were to leave Audi, he would be in high demand. McLaren is the most high profile position available, and Gasly could benefit from a move up the grid, however Andretti, Haas and his former team, now Hitech (Alpine when Gasly was there), could all be interested.

For now though, it is looking like a matter or when, not if, Gasly departs Audi.

McLAREN SET SIGHTS ON RUSSELL?

Speaking of huge transfer news, McLaren are potentially set to make a huge swoop to sign George Russell from Williams.

Having lost Oscar Piastri to Ferrari and Lando Norris to Red Bull, McLaren have been said to set their sights on the English driver to lead their team into the future.

McLaren would have to work out compensation with Williams should the move happen, however, as Russell signed a long term deal to join Williams last year.

We will follow this story as it develops.

[wraith sedge]

OOOooOooOOOoo Franco news.. Where's he going?

[foggy locust]

HAAS ANNOUNCE FRANCO COLAPINTO FOR 2027 SEASON

In some huge breaking news, Haas F1 have confirmed that Franco Colapinto will be joining them as a full-time driver for the 2027 season.

Colapinto will join Zhou Guanyu for the 2027 season at Haas, confirming the exit of long time stalwart Nico Hülkenberg from the team.

Colapinto has spent the last two years in the Ferrari Driver Academy, after a move from Williams, and now the Argentine driver has landed a full time race drive in Formula 1.

We'll have more on this as we get it.

[wraith sedge]

GET IN

I beg sign him if he does well

I put him in redbull in 2024 once and he dominated the whole grid

beat Max consistantly

[foggy locust]

Oh nice!!

I'll see how he does, hopefully he can do well at Haas first!

2027 FORMULA 1 GRID

Ferrari
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri

Red Bull
Max Verstappen
Lando Norris

McLaren
????
????

Mercedes
Carlos Sainz
Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Aston Martin
Valtteri Bottas
Yuki Tsunoda

Andretti
Daniel Ricciardo
????

Williams
George Russell
Alexander Albon

Audi
Pierre Gasly
Théo Pourchaire

Haas
Zhou Guanyu
Franco Colapinto

Hitech
Esteban Ocon
????

Subaru
????
????

[tired thorn]

omd lewis cmon man

bros just slowly fading away

[foggy locust]

Made a huge error at the start, recovered, hit by Norris, recovered well again

Leclerc has just been on absolute fire lately

DANIEL RICCIARDO TO RETIRE SOON?

Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend in Baku, rumours are persisting about Daniel Ricciardo potentially retiring at the end of the year.

This would mean Andretti, who looked set to continue with a Tsunoda-Ricciardo lineup, could lose both of their drivers.

The team have yet to mention who they are looking at for the replacement for Tsunoda, and the rumours are now saying that Daniel Ricciardo could be on his way out, too.

[foggy locust]

AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

We head over to Baku for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and with a Formula 1 world in absolute flummox off the track, and a very exciting Drivers’ Championship battle on it, there's just eight rounds to go of this incredible season.

Last time out in Italy, Tifosi joy as Ferrari brought home a 1-2, and Charles Leclerc did the historic threepeat at Monza. But it was not as easy as all that, as for a while it looked like Yuki Tsunoda was going to shock the world, and Lewis Hamilton had to get through a lot of chaos to reclaim second.

And so to Baku, the fourth longest lap of the season (behind Spa, Jeddah and Vegas), and the track that mixes 12th century history with modern architecture. Known for long straights and slow corners, it has caught out more than a few, including current World Champion Charles Leclerc in the infamous “I am stupid” moment of 2019. 2 DRS Zones, known for strong overtaking, very exciting racing, and a major incident or two across the years.

And the Ferrari Championship battle continued to go in Leclerc's favour, as he now has a 15 point advantage over Lewis Hamilton with eight races - and double points in Abu Dhabi - to go. Ferrari's low speed cornering advantage means they are the undoubted favourites going into Baku, and even though they found it tough going at Monza, they pulled off the 1-2 anyway.

McLaren meanwhile had a rough time at Monza, with Oscar Piastri beaching the car and exiting the race early, while Lando Norris clipped Lewis Hamilton, picked up damage, and struggled to a single point. With a 295 gap to Ferrari in the Constructors - and 441 remaining, the gap is very much closing for McLaren to reclaim the Constructors for the first time since 1998 - and an uncertain future awaits. Rumours have it that they have made an approach to Williams for George Russell - we will see how that looks after this race.

Red Bull find themselves 331 points behind Ferrari, but just 44 behind McLaren, and the focus now fully feels like on the battle for second. Max Verstappen still has an outside bet at the Championship - 96 points behind Leclerc as of writing - but it is a long shot, and Red Bull's focus may well go to the 2027 car. With Lando Norris joining next year, the team might be thinking about next year's title challenge instead.

Andretti were celebrating a fantastic performance from Yuki Tsunoda and taking an advantage back over Aston Martin, then the bombshell dropped about Daniel Ricciardo potentially retiring at the end of this season. Questions will now be asked about who Ricciardo's successor will be, if he were to leave the sport at the end of the season. Andretti have a good relationship with Ferrari - could Ferrari's Oliver Bearman fill this role, or could they opt for another Aussie such as Jack Doohan? One to keep an eye on. For now, Andretti will continue to battle for fourth in the Championship.

And unlike their Championship rivals, Aston Martin are set for 2027 - ironically enough, it's Yuki Tsunoda who joins Valtteri Bottas from next season onwards, replacing Stoffel Vandoorne. It remains five points between Aston and Andretti, however it feels like the car advantage might be with Andretti for now. Aston, and Adrian Newey, will need to find something, or the focus may go on the AMR27.

Williams have a fight off the track to hold onto George Russell, despite the long term deal he signed, as McLaren have shown interest in signing him to replace Piastri and Norris as a lead driver for 2027. Russell had a strong performance at Monza, taking sixth, as Lance Stroll also brought home two points for the team. Williams find themselves just 30 points back from Aston and Andretti - could they have a late charge for fourth?

Audi on the other hand also look likely to lose their lead driver - but for very different reasons than Williams. Pierre Gasly has been frustrated with Team Principal Mattia Binotto, and with the numerous strategy blunders caused by the team. With Jonathan Wheatley joining the team next year, this may cease - but Gasly seems like he's had enough already, and an exit discussion is already being had. How will that affect things on the track this weekend?

As for Hitech, they finally got past their reliability issues and delivered Esteban Ocon a well overdue result. Ocon is committed to Hitech for another season, but discussions are being had in the Renault team of who will join him for next year, with Kevin Magnussen leaving the sport. For now, they have jumped up to eighth, and if Ocon can keep up his recent form up, it should be fascinating to see if they can take even seventh from a struggling Audi side.

Mercedes dropped down to ninth in the Championship after Hitech's result, and focus switched a long time ago to the W18, next year's challenger. Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have suffered a miserable season, and Albon will return to Williams next year, paving the way for Andrea Kimi Antonelli to join the team full time next season. It will be interesting to see how he progresses.

Haas meanwhile confirmed Franco Colapinto for next season after the Italian Grand Prix, and are another team who switched their focus to 2027 a long time ago. With Franco joining Zhou Guanyu for next season, can Nico Hülkenberg avoid a pointless season for the first time in his career? He's got just eight races left to do so.

And so to Baku, a continuing staple on the F1 calendar. No rain is expected, so we will have an intriguing race ahead this weekend. Who will take the victory? One thing is for certain - you won't want to miss it.

FP1 Reserves: Maini (Piastri), Marti (Zhou), Boya (Pourchaire), Montoya (Vandoorne)

A VSC in FP1 as Carlos Sainz goes off into the wall! He's unhurt, but frustration growing at the Silver Arrows!

A BIG OFF FOR VERSTAPPEN, AND THAT'S A RED FLAG, THE SESSION IS OVER

Thankfully Max is ok

FP1: LEC TSU HAM

A FP1 summed up by two big crashes - Carlos Sainz at the start, with Max Verstappen hitting the wall at the end and bringing out a Red Flag. Leclerc and Hamilton were split by a massively on form Tsunoda, while Albon was P4, with Norris and F2 Championship leader Maini P5 and P6. Bottas, Stroll, Ricciardo and Hülkenberg round off the top ten.

FP2: HAM LEC BOT

Hamilton goes fastest ahead of Leclerc and Bottas in FP2, with Norris, Tsunoda and Piastri following. Gasly, Ricciardo, Ocon and Magnussen fill out the top ten, while Red Bull's struggles continued this weekend - Lawson P14 and Verstappen P16. Vandoorne crashed early in the session, but was able to continue, ending up P20.

FP3: VER HAM LEC

Verstappen goes quickest ahead of Hamilton and Leclerc, with Lawson Fourth, as Red Bull seem to have solved Friday's issues. Norris P5, with Pourchaire P6 and Tsunoda P7, Piastri P8. Ricciardo and Sainz P9 and P10. The cleanest session of the weekend thus far.

It is time for qualifying here in Baku, as we begin to hit the business end of the 2026 season. It is Saturday evening, it is a warm evening, and this is a Pole that has been taken by Charles Leclerc in every single year since 2021 bar 2024, when he was beaten to it by Max Verstappen. If he takes another Pole here, it'll be his fifth in a row. Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, the two McLarens and even Andretti and Aston Martin could harbour hopes of top spot here, it feels very very open.

OUT IN Q1: Albon, Magnussen, Zhou, Gasly, Sainz
Bubble: Hülkenberg
Top Five: VER, TSU, HAM, BOT, RUS
LEC P6

Another Audi disaster for Pierre Gasly and frustration building up for him and the team, while Mercedes see both drivers drop out in Q1. Magnussen and Zhou also exit, as Hülkenberg makes Q2, narrowly. Piastri and Lawson needed late laps to save themselves from a Q1 exit, while Verstappen was quickest ahead of Tsunoda, Hamilton P3, with Bottas and Russell just ahead of Leclerc.

OUT IN Q2: Ocon, Pourchaire, Stroll, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg
Bubble: Bottas
Top Five: HAM, VER, LEC, NOR, LAW

Ocon just misses out on another Q3, and Vandoorne had a late chance to knock out teammate Bottas but couldn't convert it. Pourchaire, Stroll and Hülkenberg also drop out in Q2, while both Andrettis and Russell go through, alongside Bottas, the two McLarens, two Red Bulls and two Ferraris. Hamilton quickest with Leclerc third, and Verstappen splitting the two.

Q3: Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris, Tsunoda, Piastri, Bottas, Lawson, Russell, Ricciardo

A stunning run of qualifying form for Charles Leclerc, both this season and at Azerbaijan, continues, as he takes Pole for the fifth race in a row, the tenth this season, and every Pole bar 2024 here since 2021. It was just 0.015 between Leclerc and Hamilton, with Verstappen 0.123 back. Norris fourth, ahead of Tsunoda and Piastri, Bottas takes seventh, Lawson P8, Russell P9 and Ricciardo P10.

2026 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

LEC HAM

VER NOR

TSU PIA

BOT LAW

RUS RIC

OCO POU

STR VAN

HÜL ALB

MAG ZHO

GAS SAI

Welcome to a Sunny Sunday on the streets of Baku, the Baku City Circuit welcomes Round 17 of this 2026 Formula 1 season, and we are into the endgame. The Baku City Circuit has held a Grand Prix every year since 2016, with the exception of 2020 - 2016 saw the hosting of the European Grand Prix here, then the Azerbaijan Grand Prix made its debut in 2017. 53 laps of this 6.003km circuit, the fourth longest of the season, taking in 12th and 15th Century Architecture along the way, at an elevation of 26.96m. 20 turns, 2 DRS Zones, plenty of danger lurking. Ferrari have locked out the front row once more, can anyone stop them this weekend?

Carlos Sainz lines up at the very back and it is Pierre Gasly alongside him, Zhou Guanyu and Kevin Magnussen are together on row nine, with Alex Albon starting P16 and Nico Hülkenberg in P15. Stoffel Vandoorne and Lance Stroll are both trying to find a drive next year and find themselves on row seven, Theo Pourchaire starts P12 and Esteban Ocon P11. Daniel Ricciardo is P10 amidst new retirement rumours and he's beside George Russell who's wanted by McLaren. Liam Lawson starts P8 as he looks to set up his F1 future, Valtteri Bottas begins P7, while it's P6 for Oscar Piastri and Yuki Tsunoda lines up 5th. Lando Norris begins from P4 while Max Verstappen starts third, then the front row lock-out by Ferrari. It's P2 for Lewis Hamilton, and a 5th career Pole, excluding Sprints, for Charles Leclerc at Baku, and 5th in a row. Can he take an even bigger advantage in the Championship?

We're going racing here in Baku!

One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Leclerc off to a strong start, Verstappen has beaten Hamilton off the line and is up to P2! Norris ahead of Tsunoda, then Piastri, Bottas, Russell ahead of Lawson, Ocon then Ricciardo!

Veratappen putting Leclerc under some early pressure here, Hamilton about a second back already!

Hamilton currently defending Norris for P3. The Championship feels like it might be slipping away from Lewis here!

Piastri having issues with vibrations in the car, something to keep an eye on!

HAMILTON

That is some response by Hamilton, and he catches up to Verstappen, and passes him for P2! Championship back on?

HAMILTON, LECLERC AND VERSTAPPEN THREE WIDE, HAMILTON TAKES THE LEAD, LECLERC P2, VERSTAPPEN NOW UNDER PRESSURE FROM NORRIS!

It is all happening now on Lap 5, as Hamilton drops from P1 to P4! Norris snatches the lead, Verstappen P2, Leclerc P3! What just happened there??

Hamilton has DRS and Hamilton has P3 back from Leclerc!

Lap 6: Norris, Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc, Tshnoda, Piastri, Bottas, Russell, Ocon, Lawson, Ricciardo, Pourchaire, Albon, Zhou, Hülkenberg, Stroll, Vandoorne, Gasly, Magnussen, Stroll

Yellow flags waving as Vandoorne clips the wall! No stoppage, but Vandoorne has issues and he drops down to P18, behind Gasly!

Piastri having major gearbox issues, he's going to have to manage them to get to the end of this race!!

(ADA) "Gap to Norris, 3.4."

(HAM) "What's happened to our pace today?"

Leclerc takes P3, and the two Ferraris do seem to be managing their tyres better than Norris or Verstappen. Gap now 1.8 between Norris and Leclerc.

Up front though, Verstappen has reclaimed the lead of the race from Norris!

Stroll and Hülkenberg bang wheels! Stroll is on the radio complaining that it was way too late to make that move!

Norris attacking Verstappen using DRS, but he cannot make the move stick!

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

Hülkenberg tags the barrier! He continues on, but that was a shocking moment!

Pourchaire tags the wall!!! He drops from P12 to P16 and has major tyre damage into the bargain!

PITSTOPS: Russell and Pourchaire pit! Russell onto Hards, Pourchaire onto Mediums. VANDOORNE COMING IN FOR A NEW FRONT WING, and goes Soft-Soft! The first stops of the day are done!

Norris struggling with his tyres and is slowing! Leclerc moved past him, so does Hamilton, Tsunoda as well! What is happening to McLaren today?

Ferrari are back™️. Leclerc and Hamilton have caught up to Verstappen, both pass him for the lead of the race!!

Ferrari's strong tyre management is paying off here. Verstappen keeping in touch with DRS, just, but is fading back further and further!

PITSTOP: Ricciardo in, and he's onto a fresh set of Softs. Looks like he's going the two stopper.

(BOZ) "Thoughts on Plan B, Charles?"

(LEC) "I think we should stick on Plan C here."

PITSTOPS: Norris and Lawson both in, and both onto the Hards! That's likely to take them to the end today!

PITSTOP: Verstappen in for Mediums, Bottas in for Hards! Seems early for Max unless it is a two stopper!

Albon hits the wall!!! He is running with a major puncture and huge damage to the front wing, and he is dropping significantly here! That's likely his chances of points over today!!

PITSTOPS: Ocon and Stroll both in and both onto the Mediums!

PITSTOP: Albon has made it back to the pits after an age...and he's pulling into the garage. I'm not shocked at that, that was major damage. Albon's race is over.

Leclerc and Hamilton still battling for the lead! Leclerc holding his teammate off right now.

PITSTOPS: Piastri and Zhou in! Zhou takes the Mediums, Piastri onto Softs!

Hamilton retakes the lead and this is one he needs more than Leclerc does, today!

Lap 19: Hamilton, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Verstappen, Russell, Norris, Piastri, Bottas, Ricciardo, Gasly, Ocon, Lawson, Sainz, Zhou, Stroll, Magnussen, Pourchaire, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg. Albon out of the race.

Still to stop: Hamilton, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Gasly, Sainz

(BOZ) "Tyre phase update Charles?"

(LEC) "Still some life in them, bit of graining on the rears."

Tsunoda now putting pressure on Hamilton and Leclerc here! This has been a sensational run of form from him, lately!

PITSTOP: Gasly in! He's onto the Softs...Will those last 32 laps?

PITSTOP: TSUNODA GOING FOR THE UNDERCUT! He's onto the Hards and that'll be his only stop! He rejoins P5!

Piastri's gearbox has gone!!! He pulls into the pitlane and his race is over! A second consecutive DNF for the Australian!

(ADA) "Box Lewis, box this lap."

(HAM) "Box this lap, understood. Happy to box this lap."

(ADA) "Mode push until then."

PITSTOP: Hamilton in...and a MASSIVE DELAY! A 5.873 STOP!!! THAT MIGHT COST HIM ONCE MORE!!!

(HAM) "What was that, guys? What was that?"

(ADA) "Sorry about that, problems with the jack."

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

(LEC) "Copy, box this lap"

Hamilton rejoins in P6, and that is horrendous for his title challenge!!!

PITSTOP: Leclerc comes in for Mediums and Ferrari get him out in 1.967s!! Redemption for Hamilton's stop?

DRS Train forming from Russell (P2) to Norris (P5) here. Leclerc and Tsumoda in amongst that.

Leclerc reclaims second from Russell! About 10 seconds between Verstappen and Leclerc, but Leclerc has the much fresher tyres.

For the second race in a row, Hamilton has a recovery job on his hands. He gets past Norris for P5.

Lap 28: Verstappen, Leclerc, Russell, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Norris, Ricciardo, Bottas, Ocon, Lawson, Zhou, Stroll, Magnussen, Gasly, Sainz, Pourchaire, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg. Piastri and Albon out of the race.

PITSTOP: A second stop for Vandoorne, who goes onto the Mediums, and that'll likely take him to the end today.

Hamilton with a great overtake on Tsunoda! He has P4, and pressure now on Russell!

Hamilton gets past former teammate Russell, and retakes P3!

Leclerc has eight seconds to make up, Hamilton twelve. There is always the chance that Max pits again, into the bargain.

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

NORRIS

Norris moves past Tsunoda into P3, and takes a FL into the bargain!

PITSTOPS: Second stops for Ricciardo and Lawson.

Verstappen is very much back in play. Overtaking Tsunoda for P4, and then making quick work of Norris for third!

PITSTOP: Another stop for Ocon, but he has a delay as Hitech have issues with that front right wheel!

PITSTOP: Norris in for a second stop! He takes Mediums, surprisingly considering there's 15 laps left, and rejoins behind Bottas and Russell

PITSTOP: Bottas in for Mediums! He rejoins in P9

PITSTOP: Gasly called in for a second stop! He is annoyed on the radio, but he comes in, takes Softs and is onto P12!

PITSTOP: Zhou in for a second stop, and takes Softs!

Hamilton having to fend off Verstappen, who is on the fresher, faster tyre here! This could be vital for the Championship!

SAINZ HITS THE WALL!! HE IS OUT OF THE RACE! THE SAFETY CAR HAS BEEN CALLED ON LAP 41!

(BOZ) "Safety Car, Safety Car called. Sainz in the wall."

(LEC) "Is Carlos okay?"

(BOZ) "He is okay, he's out of the car. Box for Softs."

(LEC) "Box."

(ADA) "Carlos in the wall, Sainz in the wall. He is unhurt, thankfully."

(HAM) "Glad he is OK. Box?"

(ADA) "Box now for Softs."

PITSTOPS: Leclerc, Hamilton and Tsunoda all pit, Leclerc and Hamilton onto the Softs, Tsunoda onto the Mediums, and all three retain P2 through P4. Verstappen takes the lead back!

Lap 42, under SC: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Russell, Norris, Ricciardo, Bottas, Ocon, Lawson, Zhou, Gasly, Magnussen, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Pourchaire, Vandoorne. Sainz, Piastri, Albon out of the race.

LAPPED CARS MAY NOW OVERTAKE

We go racing on Lap 45!!

Verstappen away quickly, Leclerc having to defend Hamilton and Hamilton snatches P2 from Leclerc!!! Gamechanger in the Championship!

Hülkenberg and Stroll make contact for the second time today!!! Stroll has come off worse and has major damage!

HAMILTON

The face of the title race has changed DRAMATICALLY! Hamilton leads the race from Leclerc, as both get past Verstappen!!

Leclerc takes the lead back from Hamilton and it is game on once more!

TSUNODA AHEAD OF VERSTAPPEN! COULD THE PODIUM BE ON FOR ANDRETTI?

With four laps to go, this is stunning. Hamilton leads from Leclerc again, but Tsunoda is in the conversation, as is Verstappen.

Leclerc and Hamilton battling to the very end here, this is going to go to the wire!

Leclerc retakes P1! Hamilton has DRS and is attacking fully though and goes back into P1 with two laps left!!!

Leclerc leads going into the final lap! Who will win this incredible battle??

LAST LAP

LECLERC TRYING TO HOLD OFF HAMILTON BUT HAMILTON HAS DRS AND TAKES THE LEAD!!! NORRIS UP TO P4 AHEAD OF TSUNODA, HAMILTON GAINING A LITTLE, LECLERC BACK ON THE ATTACK, BUT LEWIS HAMILTON DEFENDING...LECLERC HAS DRS, IT IS A DRAG RACE TO THE LINE AND IT IS ALMOST A PHOTO FINISH...LECLERC WINS THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX BY 0.005!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!

(LEC) "Who won? Did we win? Did we get it?"

(BOZ) "AND P1, CHARLES. P1. YOU GOT IT. JUST."

(LEC) "YESSSSS! YES YES YESSSS!! YESSSSSS!!! AH, COME ONNNNN!!! What a race, what a race. Thank you every...to everybody. Unbelievable race with Lewis."

(BOZ) "You are the best. A stunning drive."

[dusk pawn]

hi ppl

need help wath save iders plz

[foggy locust]

(HAM) "Who won? Did we get that?"

(ADA) "So P2 at the end, Lewis, P2."

(HAM) "Ahh, f---! Ah, I gave it everything at the end there. Absolutely everything. What a race, though! Congrats to Charles, fantastic effort at the end there. I thought I had that at the end, I really did."

(ADA) "Great effort at the end there, Lewis. Fantastic job."

TSUNODA P3. YUKI GETS A PODIUM.

Norris P4, Verstappen P5, Bottas P6, Ricciardo P7, Russell P8, Zhou P9, Gasly P10.

2026 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Charles Leclerc 01.37.45
2. Lewis Hamilton +0.005
3. Yuki Tsunoda +3.504
4. Lando Norris +2.344
5. Max Verstappen +0.120
6. Valtteri Bottas +2.121
7. Daniel Ricciardo +2.519
8. George Russell +0.185
9. Zhou Guanyu +2.483
10. Pierre Gasly +0.134
11. Esteban Ocon 10.955
12. Liam Lawson +0.125
13. Kevin Magnussen +4.802
14. Nico Hülkenberg +7.223
15. Lance Stroll +3.541
16. Théo Pourchaire +4.675
17. Stoffel Vandoorne +22.180
18. Carlos Sainz DNF
19. Oscar Piastri DNF
20. Alexander Albon DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC, FERRARI

A fantastic race in Azerbaijan that went to the very wire, but saw Charles Leclerc come out on top by the narrowest of margins from Lewis Hamilton. An amazing race, and Leclerc's victory was duly noticed as your Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 1.43.473

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1.966s

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 370
Hamilton 349
Verstappen 259
Piastri 204
Norris 188
Bottas 105
Lawson 87
Tsunoda 66
Russell 64
Ricciardo 64
Gasly 27
Ocon 12
Stroll 10
Albon 9
Vandoorne 7
Pourchaire 6
Sainz 4
Zhou 3
Magnussen 3
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 719
McLaren-Ford RBPT 392
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 346
Andretti-Ferrari 130
Aston Martin-Honda 112
Williams-Ferrari 74
Audi Sauber 33
Hitech-Renault 15
Mercedes 13
Haas-Mercedes 3

2026 FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1213
Pirelli 624

RED BULL RACING TO USE PIRELLI TYRES IN 2027

Red Bull Racing are the first team to cross the divide, as they will return to using Pirelli tyres in the 2027 season.

Red Bull had signed a one year deal with Bridgestone, but have opted to return to Pirelli from next season onwards.

This removes one of Bridgestone's best performing teams and hands them back to the Italian manufacturer.

SUBARU TO ANNOUNCE DRIVER LINEUP, ENGINE AND TYRE CHOICE AT SINGAPORE

Subaru are almost ready to join the fray.

The Japanese manufacturer were announced as the 11th Formula 1 team a couple of months ago, and a long awaited launch of the team is prepared for Singapore.

Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Subaru will announce their engine manufacturer, their tyre manufacturer, the colours of the car, and of course, the all important driver lineup.

Speculation has been rampant about just who Subaru will announce for the 2027 season, and we will all find out at the weekend.

Subaru Impreza Formula 1 Team will make their entry into the sport officially at the 2027 Australian Grand Prix.

[plucky acorn]

catching up on the last 3 races (like i said last time i sent a message here, every time i check so much has happened)

[plucky acorn]

half the grid casually having mechanical issues of some kind

[plucky acorn]

they thought it'd be funny to do us 2002 (or 2003 i forget)

[foggy locust]

Very much that time of the season

[foggy locust]

SUBARU IMPREZA FORMULA 1 TEAM LAUNCH IN SINGAPORE

We have just concluded the launch of the 11th Formula 1 Team, Subaru Impreza Formula 1 Team, who have shown off their first season Livery, announced their engine and tyre deal, their team Principal, and their driver lineup.

Subaru are using a blue and yellow Livery similar to their famous World Rally Cars from years gone by.

CYRIL ABITEBOUL TO RUN SUBARU IMPREZA F1 TEAM

Subaru have announced the hiring of Cyril Abiteboul as their Team Principal for 2027.

Most famously known as the Renault Team Principal, Cyril Abiteboul brings a wealth of knowledge across motorsport to the newly established Subaru team, and will help lead the team into their first season in Formula 1.

He was most recently the Team Principal of Hyundai Motorsport in WRC.

SUBARU TO USE MERCEDES ENGINES, BRIDGESTONE TYRES

Subaru have announced they will use Mercedes engines and Bridgestone tyres for their first season in Formula 1.

Subaru had spoken to Honda about potentially supplying engines, but Honda reaffirmed their commitment to Aston Martin.

Therefore Subaru have selected to use Mercedes engines.

As for Bridgestone, Subaru were committed to the Japanese supplier from the get-go, and they will work together for the next season and beyond.

SUBARU ANNOUNCE IWASA, BEARMAN AS DRIVER PAIRING FOR THE 2027 SEASON

Subaru Impreza Formula 1 Team have announced the signing of Ayumu Iwasa and Oliver Bearman as their first ever driver pairing in the sport.

Iwasa has impressed in Formula 2, and was considered numerous times for Red Bull Racing as a potential signing for then junior team Racing Bulls, but after selling the team to Andretti, that avenue closed. However, Subaru were determined to sign Iwasa, and it all fell into place for him to finally make the breakthrough into Formula 1.

As for Oliver Bearman, the long time Ferrari reserve driver was being considered for the second seat at the Champions, but Ferrari opted to sign Oscar Piastri, and Bearman will now join Subaru on loan from the Ferrari Driver Academy, with their blessing.

Iwasa and Bearman is an exciting young driver pairing that could do very well together in their first combined season in the sport.

2027 FORMULA 1 GRID

Ferrari
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri

Red Bull
Max Verstappen
Lando Norris

McLaren
????
????

Mercedes
Carlos Sainz
Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Aston Martin
Valtteri Bottas
Yuki Tsunoda

Andretti
Daniel Ricciardo
????

Williams
George Russell
Alexander Albon

Audi
Pierre Gasly
Théo Pourchaire

Haas
Zhou Guanyu
Franco Colapinto

Hitech
Esteban Ocon
????

Subaru
Ayumu Iwasa
Oliver Bearman

GEORGE RUSSELL CONFIRMS HE WILL STAY AT WILLIAMS FOR 2027

Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, George Russell has sensationally turned down McLaren's offer and will remain at Williams for the 2027 season.

Russell mentioned that he had signed a long term deal with Williams that he intends to see through, and reaffirmed his commitment to the team, and his belief in James Vowles' project.

McLaren will now have to look elsewhere for their 2027 driver pairing. Both McLaren drivers are set to exit the team, with Lando Norris joining Max Verstappen at Red Bull, and Oscar Piastri joining Charles Leclerc at Ferrari next year.

[foggy locust]

SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

With just seven rounds to go of this 2026 Formula 1 Season, the biggest story out of the weekend so far was the launch of Subaru Impreza Formula 1 Team - and their signings of Oliver Bearman and Ayumu Iwasa. But, away from the 11th team, there's still a Championship to play for.

And after another eventful race at Baku, Charles Leclerc took a third consecutive win after the Summer Break to increase the gap in the Drivers World Championship to 21 points, while Ferrari have a 327 point advantage over McLaren and a 373 point advantage over Red Bull. Ferrari can effectively knock Red Bull out of Championship contention this weekend, as Red Bull must score 20 points more than Ferrari to keep themselves in WCC contention this year.

The Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore is home to Formula 1's original night race, and it will come a month later in the season next year. Infamous for a high number of Safety Car appearances, the 4.940 km circuit has had numerous incidents over the year, including of course, Crashgate, which led to the long ban of Flavio Briatore from Formula 1, and a major turning point in the 2008 F1 season. After two years without races between 2020 and 2021, it returned to the calendar in 2022. A revised layout introduced from 2023 removed the infamous “Singapore Sling” chicane from the circuit.

And after three straight wins for Charles Leclerc, time is running out for Lewis Hamilton in his bid for his Eighth and Final F1 title, as he is due to retire at the end of this season. Hamilton has already announced this will be his final few races, and he desperately wants that record 8th title, but he's going to have to overcome the massively in form Leclerc, who has been on Pole for the last five race weekends - and won three of them. Ferrari start as favourites again this weekend, can Hamilton put a dent in Leclerc's Championship lead, or can Leclerc extend it further?

As far as McLaren goes, the future remains uncertain. With Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris leaving at the end of the year, McLaren may well turn their attention to their Academy - 2026 IndyCar Championship leader and 2025 Indy 500 Winner Pato O'Ward looks the favourite to get one of their seats - they could indeed also opt for Gabriel Bortoleto. What's for certain is that it will not be George Russell - Russell has opted to stay with Williams for next season. McLaren have also struggled for points in the last two weekends, and will need to fix some errors within the team to beat out Red Bull for P2.

Red Bull meanwhile confirmed their 2027 driver lineup won't feature Liam Lawson, so his attention is turning towards securing his place on the grid elsewhere, but positions are drying up. Aside from the two McLaren seats, Hitech's replacement for Kevin Magnussen, instability with Pierre Gasly at Audi and Andretti yet to confirm their position for next year, he's running out of options. Max Verstappen meanwhile will be focusing on trying to keep his title challenge to Leclerc and Hamilton alive.

Speaking of Andretti, rumours have it that Daniel Ricciardo is considering retirement at the end of this season. Andretti have said they will confirm at least one of their seats for the 2026 season next time out at COTA - will it be a potential replacement for Ricciardo, or the other seat? Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda secured the team's first podium in their history, a historic moment at Baku for Andretti Motorsport.

Tsunoda's success was bad news short term but good news long term for his future team, Aston Martin. Tsunoda will join Valtteri Bottas at the team next year, and that bodes well for next season, but for now, they have slipped 18 points behind a surging Andretti side. Can Aston do enough to stop the American team who have all the momentum right now?

George Russell committed his future to Williams in a real show of faith of James Vowles’ management, turning down the opportunity to move to McLaren. Williams are now 38 points behind Aston Martin, and 56 behind Andretti. Fifth might still be in play for the Grove team, but Fourth feels like it might be a step too far. Lance Stroll is still fighting for his future in F1, can he do enough to impress for a race seat somewhere next year?

Audi and Pierre Gasly look like they could be heading for an early divorce, with Gasly clashing with Mattia Binotto plenty of times this season. The team and Gasly are likely working on an exit deal - it remains to be seen where Gasly will end up, although he won't be short on offers, and Audi may use the next seven races to see who they could bring in to partner Théo Pourchaire at the team next year.

Hitech are still perusing their options for the 2027 season, and it was a tough go of it again for Esteban Ocon and Kevin Magnussen at Baku, with neither hitting the points. Hitech's highlight this year was their superb fourth at Monza, which took them above Mercedes, but couldn't capitalise on neither Mercedes finishing at Baku.

Mercedes had a disastrous Azerbaijan Grand Prix with neither car making it to the finish line, both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz crashing out. Mercedes have freely admitted their entire focus is on the 2027 car. Can the Silver Arrows rebuild successfully for next year? It feels like seven races too many to go for them.

And while Haas are still rooted to the bottom of the table, hope for the future is very much emerging - Zhou Guanyu took ninth, and points, in Baku, and the team confirmed Franco Colapinto for the 2027 season. Nico Hülkenberg has confirmed he will leave F1 at the end of this season, he is not looking for a new team for next year - and he will want to avoid going out on a pointless season.

Always chaotic, always eventful, always entertaining. It is Singapore Grand Prix weekend once more. Who will take a huge step towards Championship glory this weekend? One thing's for sure - you will not want to miss it.

FP1 Reserves: Antonelli (Albon), Hadjar (Magnussen), Marti (Zhou), Goethe (Ricciardo), Montoya (Vandoorne)

Worth keeping an eye on Antonelli of course, who has confirmed a Mercedes race seat for next year, but also Hadjar at Hitech and Goethe at Andretti, who both are auditioning for one today.

FP1: LAW HAM LEC

A much needed statement by Liam Lawson as he looks to secure his place on the F1 grid for the 2027 season. Hamilton P2 ahead of Leclerc in P3, with Verstappen fourth. Tsunoda P5, with Gasly, who's looking for his future with his exit from Audi all but certain, in P6. Stroll, Russell and Norris follow, and Antonelli P10 and impressive as he gears up for his debut next year. Piastri just P13, ahead of Goethe in P14 and Hadjar in P15.

FP2: LEC ZHO HAM

Leclerc quickest and Hamilton third, but the real standout here is Zhou in P2! Lawson fourth as his strong start to the weekend continues, with Albon fifth, and Bottas P6. Pourchaire, Norris, Tsunoda are P7-P9, just P10 for Verstappen. Piastri P12.

FP3: HAM LEC VER

Hamilton quickest in FP3 ahead of Leclerc and Verstappen, with Magnussen P4, and Bottas P5. Russell sixth, with Ocon, Vandoorne, Piastri and Stroll completing the top ten. Norris P20 as McLaren's weekend struggles continue.

Welcome to Qualifying here in Singapore, arguably F1's toughest weekend of the calendar, it is hot, it is humid, and it is going to be very entertaining. Ferrari remain the favourites this weekend, Red Bull were challenging though, and can McLaren overcome their early weekend struggles? It's all to play for this weekend.

OUT IN Q1: Zhou, Gasly, Pourchaire, Stroll, Hülkenberg
Bubble: Vandoorne
Top Five: PIA, VER, HAM, LEC, BOT

Both Haas and both Audis go out, as Gasly's struggles against his team continue in earnest. Stroll also exits in Q1. Up the top, Piastri comes back from his practice issues to go fastest from Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc and Bottas in Q1.

OUT IN Q2: Lawson, Sainz, Magnussen, Vandoorne, Albon
Bubble: Ocon
Top Five: VER, HAM, LEC, PIA, NOR

Lawson drops out in Q2 again, while Sainz just misses out as well. Magnussen, Vandoorne and Albon also exit, with Ocon just getting through to Q2. Your expected Top five are the top five, with Verstappen ahead of Hamilton and Leclerc, then Piastri and Norris.

Q3: Leclerc, Hamilton, Piastri, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Bottas, Russell, Ricciardo, Norris, Ocon

A SIXTH Pole in a row for Charles Leclerc, who has been in outstanding qualifying form, dunking over 2 tenths on the rest of the field. Lewis Hamilton will complete another Ferrari front row, with Piastri third ahead of Verstappen. Tsunoda takes P5 with Bottas P6, with Russell, Ricciardo, Norris and Ocon in the top ten.

2026 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

LEC HAM

PIA VER

TSU BOT

RUS RIC

NOR OCO

LAW SAI

MAG VAN

ALB ZHO

GAS POU

STR HÜL

The lights are on, and it is go time in Singapore. Round 18 of this fantastic Formula 1 season, and F1's original night race is here. Generally drivers can lose about 2 to 3 kilograms around these streets due to the heat and humidity of this race, and with those ever lurking barriers, this is not a race for the faint of heart. 63 laps around this 4.940km circuit, 19 turns, 4 DRS Zones but it's still a tough overtaking race, an elevation of 5.28m. We've only ever had one race without a Safety Car here - plan accordingly.

Nico Hülkenberg lines up at the very back as Lance Stroll is alongside him, Théo Pourchaire and Pierre Gasly are on row nine as Gasly's exit from Audi draws closer. Zhou Guanyu and Alex Albon start together on row eight, then it's Stoffel Vandoorne and Kevin Magnussen in what is likely the last Singapore GP for both. Carlos Sainz begins from P12, while Liam Lawson starts P11 as he looks for his next drive, Esteban Ocon in P10, while Lando Norris starts P9. Daniel Ricciardo begins eighth with rumours of his looming retirement, George Russell will start from P7, then it's future teammates Valtteri Bottas and Yuki Tsunoda on the third row together. Max Verstappen starts fourth, having won here in 2024, then it's Oscar Piastri in P3, and another Ferrari front row lockout. Lewis Hamilton starts second, and it is a sixth consecutive Pole for Charles Leclerc. Can Leclerc be beaten in this form?

Let's go racing in Singapore!

(LEC) "And radio check?"

(BOZ) "Radio check okay. Let's get a good clean start here, Charles, and go from there."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy, think if we can start off well here we have a good platform."

(BOZ) "Copy. You got this."

(ADA) "Radio check Lewis?"

(HAM) "Radio check okay."

(ADA) "Get off to a good start here and try and beat Charles to the first corner, keep it clean and go from there."

(HAM) "Understood, I'll do my best off the line."

One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Leclerc with an absolute stormer of a start, Hamilton holding off Piastri and Verstappen, then Bottas, Ricciardo up ahead of Russell, Norris P9, Lawson into the top ten ahead of Ocon!

HAMILTON

Hamilton and Leclerc battling for the lead and Leclerc is just holding off his teammate!

Bottas moves past Tsunoda into P5!

Hamilton takes P1! He's not giving up this Championship battle without a fight!

Daniel Ricciardo up to P5!!

Leclerc back to P1, but the infighting has allowed Piastri and Verstappen to get into the conversation here!

Lap 5: Leclerc, Hamilton, Piastri, Verstappen, Ricciardo, Bottas, Tsunoda, Russell, Norris, Lawson, Ocon, Magnussen, Sainz, Vandoorne, Zhou, Albon, Gasly, Pourchaire, Hülkenberg, Stroll

Hamilton retakes the lead on Lap 7! Piastri and Verstappen very much in the battle for first though!

Stroll runs wide! He doesn't really lose time, or position, seeing as he's running P20 anyway.

Leclerc back in front! The two Ferraris are holding off Piastri and Verstapepn for now at least!

(BOZ) "Hamilton DRS."

(LEC) "Yep, it's hard to shake Lewis, Piastri or Verstappen right now."

Bottas takes P5 from Ricciardo!

(BOZ) "Thoughts on Plan C?"

(LEC) "There's more life in these tyres than we thought"

(HAM) "Tyres are holding up pretty good. Think there's more we can do we these."

(ADA) "Yeah, understood, agreed. Plan C might be in play"

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

PITSTOP: Lawson first in for a stop! That long pitlane puts him all the way down in P20 for now!

Bottas holding off Ricciardo for P5 at the moment, a bit of a train forming!

Hamilton back in front from Leclerc! The two Ferraris have opened up the gap to Piastri and Verstappen!

PITSTOPS: Ocon in and so is Sainz! Both onto the Hards and that might take them to the end. Might, being the key word.

PITSTOPS: BOTH VERSTAPPEN AND PIASTRI IN! Verstappen takes the Hards, Piastri gambling on the Mediums!!

PITSTOP: Magnussen, Gasly and Albon all in. Gasly onto Softs, Magnussen and Albon onto Mediums. Audi gambling once again with Gasly.

VERSTAPPEN

PITSTOP: Russell in from P5! He takes the Hards, and HAAS ARE DOUBLE STACKING! The gap had initially allowed them to make it work, but Hülkenberg has a delay getting the tyre off!!!

PITSTOP: Tsunoda in! He's onto the Hards!

The Ferrari pitcrew are in the pitlane, we are awaiting either Hamilton or Leclerc coming in here!

(ADA) "Box this lap, box"

(HAM) "Yeah, box this lap"

PITSTOP: HAMILTON IN FROM THE LEAD! He's onto the Hards, 2.206 and back into the race! Hamilton rejoins in P6!

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

(LEC) "Yeah, box."

PITSTOP: LECLERC IN. HE HAS A DELAY, 3.806! THE JACK DIDN'T WORK!

(LEC) "It's a joke, come on! What a joke."

(BOZ) "Sorry about that."

(LEC) "We'll talk later."

Disaster for the Scuderia. Hamilton now P4, Leclerc down in P8, and 19 seconds behind Verstappen. The Champion has work to do.

Lap 27: Verstappen, Piastri, Bottas, Hamilton, Ricciardo, Norris, Russell, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Lawson, Ocon, Vandoorne, Gasly, Sainz, Magnussen, Zhou, Stroll, Pourchaire, Albon, Hülkenberg

Still to pit: Bottas

PITSTOP: As we say that, Bottas is in! He's onto the Hards and rejoins in P11.

Ricciardo pressuring Hamilton for P3, but Hamilton holding him off for now!

LECLERC

(HAM) "Really struggling for pace on the Hards here."

(ADA) "Yeah, understood."

(HAM) "We should've gone to the two stop."

This feels like a real opportunity for a race win for either McLaren or Red Bull here. Verstappen and Piastri battling for the lead right now.

Ricciardo snatches third from Hamilton! Could this be an opportunity for a second consecutive podium for Andretti?

PIASTRI

LECLERC

Piastri takes fastest lap, then Leclerc immediately responds.

Russell overtakes Norris, and Norris is now in the sights of Leclerc!

Hülkenberg mentioning a lack of power here!

HAMILTON

In addition to the fastest lap, Hamilton up to P3!

[tired thorn]

what position is leclerc in?

bcs we need to gain more points on that mf

[foggy locust]

Leclerc moves ahead of Norris, and now has Russell in his sights!

Leclerc is P6

[tired thorn]

CMON LEWIS

LETS GET SOME POINTS

[foggy locust]

Lewis P3

[tired thorn]

sorry for talking over ur commentary

[foggy locust]

12 seconds back on Piastri and Verstappen, who may or may not stop again

[foggy locust]

No you're entirely fine pal, I welcome it ☺️

Verstappen opening up a 1 second gap to Piastri! Hamilton within 10 seconds of Piastri!

Leclerc overtakes Russell and he's up to P5!

[tired thorn]

if i know anything about lewis, that mf comes alive in the final 3 races, hopefully the game recognises that 😭

okay back to you good sir, take it away!

[foggy locust]

Russell helping out former teammate Hamilton bigtime here, by overtaking Leclerc!

Lap 35: Verstappen, Piastri, Hamilton, Ricciardo, Russell, Leclerc, Norris, Tsunoda, Lawson, Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Zhou, Magnussen, Stroll, Pourchaire, Albon, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED

George Russell, having another nightmare at Singapore. Running P5, he crashes into the barrier and that's the end of his race!! He's unhurt but you can tell he's annoyed at his own error!

Gasly on the radio to his team asking why they're not pitting him under the VSC - this feels like it would've been a perfect opportunity to come off those Softs!

PITSTOP: Hülkenberg through only driver to actually take the VSC stop. And he's been lapped. So yeah, there's that.

Lap 38, under the VSC: Verstappen, Piastri, Hamilton, Ricciardo, Leclerc, Norris, Tsunoda, Lawson, Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Zhou, Magnussen, Stroll, Sainz, Pourchaire, Albon, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg. Russell out of the race.

Green flag on Lap 39!

PITSTOP: Magnussen and Hitech have been caught out by the timing of the end of that VSC, they were coming in as it was ending! Magnussen goes onto the Hards.

PITSTOP: PIASTRI IN. Again, why didn't he pit under the VSC? He's rejoining behind his teammate, in fact, down to P7!

PITSTOP: Gasly in. He is beyond furious at the team here! They've brought him in and put him on Mediums!

The Internet right now:

TSUNODA

Sainz having issues with the hydraulics!

PITSTOP: Ricciardo in for the second time! He goes onto the Hards, and that is...a choice

Lap 42: Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc, Norris, Tsunoda, Piastri, Lawson, Bottas, Ricciardo, Ocon, Zhou, Stroll, Sainz, Gasly, Magnussen, Albon, Vandoorne, Pourchaire, Hülkenberg

PITSTOP: Norris in for a second stop! He's onto the Hards and rejoins P10.

PITSTOP: VERSTAPPEN IN AND ONTO THE MEDIUMS!! GAMECHANGER HERE WITH 21 LAPS LEFT! Lawson follows him in after he's already left the pitlane, and takes Mediums!

Bizarrely, after all that, we are right back where we started - a Ferrari 1-2. With Piastri 16 and Verstappen 17 seconds behind on fresher tyres, will that stick?

PITSTOP: Ocon in! He's onto the Mediums and it will be a challenge for him to get points now.

Piastri has cleared Tsunoda for P3 now. He's within 9 of Leclerc.

VERSTAPPEN

Verstappen now up to P4 ahead of Tsunoda, and closing on Piastri!

Verstappen goes past Piastri for P3! He's now chasing down Hamilton and Leclerc!

PITSTOP: Stroll in! He's onto the Softs, looking to steal that fastest lap from Verstappen. For...reasons?

Leclerc has closed the gap to Hamilton to 4.6, while Verstappen is 8 seconds behind. Could be an interesting finish here!

Verstappen pressuring Leclerc and is up to P2!

(LEC) "I'm a sitting duck on these tyres"

Leclerc for all its worth is fighting Verstappen all the way here for P2. Piastri may well be in the conversation once more now!

PIASTRI WITH A LOCK-UP TRYING TO OVERTAKE LECLERC! He avoids the barrier but he drops behind the Champion!

Hamilton under pressure from Verstappen here now and with ten laps left this feels like a matter of time!

PITSTOP: Tsunoda in! This feels like a fastest lap attempt more than anything else!

Max Verstappen regains the lead!! A brilliant move by the Dutchman!

Lap 56: Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc, Piastri, Ricciardo, Norris, Bottas, Lawson, Tsunoda, Ocon, Gasly, Magnussen, Zhou, Stroll, Vandoorne, Pourchaire, Sainz, Albon, Hülkenberg

Piastri now putting pressure on Leclerc for that final step on the podium again. Could be vital Championship points here!

Piastri with a beauty of a divebomb to take P3 from Leclerc!!

(ADA) "Box this lap, we won't get a better chance than this for the Softs"

(HAM) "Box"

(BOZ) "Box, box"

(LEC) "It is late?"

(BOZ) "We think we have the margin. Box."

PITSTOPS: FERRARI BOXING LATE. A gamble, but under the VSC and with their ailing tyres, it is worth a shot! Hamilton takes a 1.959 stop, Leclerc a 1.929, that was an incredible pair of stops by Ferrari!!!

Hamilton down to P4, Leclerc to P6. They were both risking punctures there. It was now or never.

Will that pay off for Ferrari?

Those stops probably came too late for Ferrari!

Hamilton takes P3 off Norris, and is trying to close in on Piastri!

TSUNODA

HAMILTON

Leclerc regains P5 from Ricciardo!

It has been a superb performance from Max Verstappen, who comes home to take just his second win of the season, MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX!!!

Oscar Piastri holds off Lewis Hamilton for P2!

Hamilton P3

Norris P4, Leclerc P5

(ADA) "And P3, P3. Good effort today, it wasn't the result we wanted, but you did well."

(HAM) "Yeah, let's keep pushing. Strategy was off today, but we go again. That VSC just came too late, but we had to go for it."

(ADA) "Good try and good points. Charles P5, so we have gained six points in the Championship."

(BOZ) "And P5 Charles, P5. Not the result we wanted today. Sorry about that."

(LEC) "Yeah. The strategy wasn't great, the pitstop error didn't help. We'll learn from this and come back stronger."

(BOZ) "You did all you could today."

Ricciardo P6, Tsunoda P7, Lawson P8, Bottas P9, Ocon P10

2026 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Max Verstappen 01.41.59
2. Oscar Piastri +20.873
3. Lewis Hamilton +1.223
4. Lando Norris +6.629
5. Charles Leclerc +1.987
6. Daniel Ricciardo +2.054
7. Yuki Tsunoda +4.959
8. Liam Lawson +13.530
9. Valtteri Bottas +2.140
10. Esteban Ocon +7.405
11. Pierre Gasly +20.227
12. Lance Stroll +5.627
13. Kevin Magnussen +0.364
14. Stoffel Vandoorne +1 lap
15. Carlos Sainz +1 lap
16. Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
17. Alexander Albon +1 lap
18. Nico Hülkenberg +1 lap
19. Zhou Guanyu DNF
20. George Russell DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: MAX VERSTAPPEN

Red Bull's three time Champion Max Verstappen had a sensational drive today, with a dominant performance that reminded many of his 2023 form. His second win around the streets of Singapore, and second win of the season, Max Verstappen is your Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari 1.30.015

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Max Verstappen, Red Bull 1.894s

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 380
Hamilton 365
Verstappen 284
Piastri 222
Norris 200
Bottas 107
Lawson 91
Tsunoda 72
Ricciardo 72
Russell 64
Gasly 27
Ocon 13
Stroll 10
Albon 9
Vandoorne 7
Pourchaire 6
Sainz 4
Zhou 3
Magnussen 3
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 745
McLaren-Ford RBPT 422
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 375
Andretti-Ferrari 144
Aston Martin-Honda 114
Williams-Ferrari 74
Audi Sauber 33
Hitech-Renault 16
Mercedes 13
Haas-Mercedes 3

2026 FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1283
Pirelli 656

PIERRE GASLY TO LEAVE AUDI AND JOIN McLAREN FOR 2027

Some huge breaking news from the F1 paddock at Singapore.

McLaren and Audi have agreed a deal for Pierre Gasly to join the Woking team from 2027 onwards.

Gasly will leave Audi at the end of the season, and join up with McLaren, after McLaren agreed to pay a fee of $8m to break Gasly's contract two years early.

Audi have agreed to forgo the final year of Gasly's salary in order to break his contract early.

Gasly and Audi TP Mattia Binotto had been at odds for most of this season over poor strategy errors, and it was felt the divorce was inevitable, while McLaren were looking for an experienced driver to help lead their team after the exits of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Gasly will join McLaren on the 1st of January, 2027, while Audi will now be looking for a driver to join Théo Pourchaire for next season.

RICCIARDO "UNCOMMITTED" ON F1 FUTURE

Daniel Ricciardo has confirmed that he does not know whether he will continue in the sport beyond this season, as of yet.

Ricciardo is signed to Andretti for one more season, and has spoken to Mario Andretti about his future in the sport.

Andretti are keen to see him continue on in the sport, but will understand if he feels he is done.

Ricciardo spoke to F1 media after the race and was asked about his future, and was reluctant to give an answer one way or the other.

Andretti have confirmed that they will announce Yuki Tsunoda's replacement at the Circuit of the Americas.

HITECH DECIDING BETWEEN LAWSON AND BORTOLETO

Hitech F1 are also very much in the midst of a decision on who will get their second seat beside Esteban Ocon for the 2027 season, with the decision now believed to be down to either Liam Lawson or Gabriel Bortoleto.

Bortoleto has put up an incredible comeback in F2 to now lead the F2 World Championship.

But Lawson has had experience in F1 with both Racing Bulls and Red Bull and could be seen as the potential favourite for the seat.

2027 FORMULA 1 GRID

Ferrari
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri

Red Bull
Max Verstappen
Lando Norris

McLaren
Pierre Gasly
????

Mercedes
Carlos Sainz
Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Aston Martin
Valtteri Bottas
Yuki Tsunoda

Andretti
Daniel Ricciardo (TBC)
????

Williams
George Russell
Alexander Albon

Audi
????
Théo Pourchaire

Haas
Zhou Guanyu
Franco Colapinto

Hitech
Esteban Ocon
????

Subaru
Ayumu Iwasa
Oliver Bearman

[tired thorn]

ugh thats not what we needed mannnnnnnnn

classic ferrari

that 15 point difference is alot bigger then it seems knowing how competitive leclerc is, that could have been our only chance ffs

[ionic wigeon]

please dont retire dani ric.

[foggy locust]

We haven't done that much over the course of this save, but honestly it was on me. Tried to do the one stopper at Singapore and it didn't pay off, then the VSC came a couple of laps too late to really count

[foggy locust]

COLTON HERTA TO DRIVE FOR ANDRETTI F1 IN 2027

A huge bit of breaking news ahead of this weekend's United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas - Formula 1's newest American team will have Formula 1's newest American driver for next season.

Colton Herta, who finished runner-up in the 2026 IndyCar season to Pato O'Ward, was today confirmed as moving across from Andretti's IndyCar team to Andretti's Formula 1 team.

While there is still speculation on Daniel Ricciardo's future, Herta has been confirmed for Andretti to replace Yuki Tsunoda, who moves to Aston Martin at the end of the 2026 season.

2027 FORMULA 1 GRID

Ferrari
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri

Red Bull
Max Verstappen
Lando Norris

McLaren
Pierre Gasly
????

Mercedes
Carlos Sainz
Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Aston Martin
Valtteri Bottas
Yuki Tsunoda

Andretti
Daniel Ricciardo (TBC)
Colton Herta

Williams
George Russell
Alexander Albon

Audi
????
Théo Pourchaire

Haas
Zhou Guanyu
Franco Colapinto

Hitech
Esteban Ocon
????

Subaru
Ayumu Iwasa
Oliver Bearman

[foggy locust]

UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

With just six weekends to go in Formula 1's intense 2026 season, we head to the Circuit of Americas for Round 19 of this season. The title fight is getting closer, with just 15 points between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

And next year, we will be here a lot earlier in the season - Round 4, in fact. This 5.513 km circuit will move from October to April, the earliest the United States Grand Prix itself has been held since March 1991 - although the Miami Grand Prix, which goes off the calendar next year, had usually been in May. For now though, the October race will feature 56 laps, 20 turns, and a Sprint Race, which of course will also not be the case next season around here.

Last time around in Singapore, Max Verstappen flew to victory, a good 20 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri, with Lewis Hamilton third. Charles Leclerc could only manage fifth behind Lando Norris, as Ferrari tried, and failed, the one stop. As always, chaos ensued at Singapore, with both George Russell and Zhou Guanyu crashing out of the race.

It is first Match Point for Ferrari in the Constructors. With a 323 point advantage over McLaren, Ferrari can secure the Constructors Championship this weekend if McLaren do not outscore them by 30 points over the course of the weekend. With just 15 points between the two Ferrari drivers and six rounds left, the pressure remains on for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in the Drivers Championship, especially with more points available. With a tough Singapore Grand Prix in the rear view window, COTA is not a track that particularly suits the SF-26, and that could be problematic for Hamilton and Leclerc - especially the former, who is in chase mode for his Eighth title. Leclerc remains the driver with the advantage as he seeks his third title. This may need to go the side this weekend, so the team can clinch a third consecutive Constructors title.

McLaren missed out on the chance to secure their second win of the season, and the gap is closing between them and Red Bull, but first, they must try and outscore Ferrari by 30 points or more to keep their slim hopes of their first Constructors title since 1998 alive. With Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris going their separate ways after this season, is McLaren's best chances of a Constructors in the near future behind them? That will rely on incoming driver Pierre Gasly, and whomever they confirm as the second driver - expected to be IndyCar Champion Pato O'Ward.

Red Bull meanwhile find themselves just 47 points behind McLaren and with all to play for - and Max Verstappen took his second victory of the season last time out in Singapore. With Lando Norris coming in for next season alongside Max, the team are rebuilding with the hopes of a tilt at both Championships again next season. For now though, the focus is on upsetting the applecart and taking home another victory - and for Liam Lawson, it's about securing his place on the grid for next year.

Andretti broke the big story of the weekend this weekend with Colton Herta officially confirmed to be joining the Formula 1 grid in 2027. The talented American driver will move from Andretti's IndyCar team to Andretti's F1 team for next year - and it is still yet to be confirmed who his teammate will be. The seat is Daniel Ricciardo's, if he wants it, but he is yet to confirm whether he will take it for next year. For now, a 30 point advantage is between Andretti and Aston Martin, and Andretti have their home Grand Prix this weekend - could they even bring home another podium?

As for Aston, the team have been struggling with the battle for fourth. Unlike their immediate rivals, they are settled on their 2027 lineup - Yuki Tsunoda will make the switch from Andretti to join Valtteri Bottas - but Aston feel like a team in freefall this season, with Bottas just ninth and Stoffel Vandoorne failing to score again. Can Aston turn it around to challenge Andretti in the next six weekends?

Williams had a rough go of it at Singapore, and failed to pick up any points, as George Russell crashed out. They have a 40 point deficit to Aston Martin, so Fifth remains a possibility, but they need to start outscoring their rivals. Audi are 41 points behind Williams so remain a threat to the Grove team.

As for Audi Sauber, they are looking for a driver for next season after Pierre Gasly confirmed his exit from the team to move to McLaren, following a lot of issues with strategy and Mattia Binotto. The team have not yet decided who will take the seat next to Théo Pourchaire for next year - but it is believed Liam Lawson, Gabriel Bortolero, Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, Sergio Perez, Kush Maini and Mick Schumacher are all in contention.

Hitech are also looking to confirm their next driver, and it is believed they're looking at either Liam Lawson or Gabriel Bortoleto to replace Kevin Magnussen alongside Esteban Ocon for next season. Ocon clinched another point for Hitech at Singapore, and has quietly been having a solid season, despite reliability issues with the car - can the team continue that momentum for the last six races, and importantly, for next season?

Mercedes had another tough weekend at Singapore, with both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon going out in Q1, and subsequently being lapped in the race. Toto Wolff has fully admitted that focus switched to the W18 “months ago”, and Mercedes feel like they are punting this season at this point. With talented youngster Andrea Kimi Antonelli in next season, what does the future hold for the Silver Arrows, and can they claim eighth off Hitech yet?

Haas are another team thinking about the future right now, and with Franco Colapinto joining next season, Nico Hülkenberg has just six races - and three Sprints - to avoid his first pointless season, just as he's leaving the sport. That may well be Haas’ only focus for the rest of 2026 - that, and preparing the 2027 car.

So while Ferrari focus on potentially clinching the Constructors this weekend, the team also has to balance their Drivers Championship battle. Could this be opportunity a-knocking for Red Bull and McLaren? One thing's for sure. You won't want to miss it.

Sprint tonight, Qualifying maybe tonight, race tomorrow

FP1 Reserves: Maini (Norris), Antonelli (Albon)

FP1: MAI MAG VER
HAM P16, LEC P17

A hell of an audition for McLaren reserve and F2 Championship contender Kush Maini, who took the fastest time overall ahead of Kevin Magnussen and Max Verstappen. Piastri Fourth, with Ricciardo fifth and Russell P6. Tsunoda, Pourchaire, Antonelli and Hülkenberg round off the top ten. Hamilton P16 and Leclerc P17, with Leclerc getting a puncture late in the session!

It is time to go for qualifying in the Sprint, it is Sprint Shootout time in Texas, and after an F2 driver topped the times in the only practice, what will happen with Qualifying? Feels very much like anyone's game this weekend, on a weekend where Ferrari could clinch the Constructors.

OUT IN SQ1: Ricciardo, Magnussen, Russell, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne
Bubble: Sainz
Top Five: LEC, VER, NOR, TSU, LAW
HAM P8

Ricciardo drops out in SQ1 as he continues to consider his future in the sport, with Magnussen, Hülkenberg and Vandoorne, who are all out after this year, also exiting, alongside Russell who got stuck in traffic. Sainz just makes it to SQ2, while Leclerc was quickest from Verstappen, Norris, Tsunoda and Lawson. Hamilton P8, Piastri P12.

OUT IN SQ2: Pourchaire, Stroll, Zhou, Sainz, Ocon (no time)
Bubble: Tsunoda
Top Five: HAM, PIA, LEC, VER, NOR

Ocon's reliability gremlins struck again and took him out of contention for SQ3, while Pourchaire, Stroll, Sainz and Stroll missed out too. Tsunoda just makes it, while Hamilton was quickest from two future teammates - Piastri and Leclerc, then Verstappen and Norris.

SQ3: Norris, Piastri, Leclerc, Albon, Bottas, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Verstappen, Gasly, Lawson

In a bit of a surprise, Lando has landed Sprint Pole! McLaren take a one-two, with Leclerc third, then Albon fourth! Bottas and Tsunoda follow, Hamilton just seventh and Verstappen eighth, with Gasly ninth and Lawson tenth.

[sterile breach]

Most normal weekend for Hitech

[foggy locust]

2026 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX
SPRINT GRID

NOR PIA

LEC ALB

BOT TSU

HAM VER

GAS LAW

POU STR

ZHO SAI

RIC MAG

RUS HÜL

VAN

PITLANE START - OCO

[foggy locust]

There's rain in the air as we prepare to go Sprinting in the wet at COTA, it is early Saturday and it is Sprint Saturday! After an eventful qualifying, we set up for an exciting 19 laps around this 5.513km circuit here deep in the heart of Texas. Forget the DRS Zones, forget the Soft, Mediums or Hards, It's the green Intermediates we're worrying about today.

Esteban Ocon had reliability issues that cost him SQ3, so he starts from the pitlane in an attempt to solve those. Stoffel Vandoorne is alone on P19, with Nico Hülkenberg and George Russell on the Eighth row, Russell hit traffic on his way out. Kevin Magnussen and Daniel Ricciardo on the eighth row, while it's Carlos Sainz P14 and Zhou Guanyu P13. Lance Stroll and Theo Pourchaire together on row six, then Liam Lawson in P10 as he looks for his next drive alongside Pierre Gasly who just secured his. Max Verstappen starts P8, with Lewis Hamilton in 7th, while Yuki Tsunoda starts 6th in Andretti's first Sprint at COTA in F1. Valtteri Bottas 5th, and Alex Albon starts from 4th in one of Mercedes' best starts this year, he's beside Championship leader Charles Leclerc, then it's a McLaren front row lockout. Ferrari bound Oscar Piastri begins from P2, and Red Bull bound Lando Norris has Sprint Pole.

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Norris holds the lead while Piastri is under pressure but holds off Leclerc, then Bottas ahead of Albon, Tsunoda ahead of Hamilton, Gasly moves up ahead of Verstappen!!!

Norris holding firm in the early going here, as Piastri is holding off Leclerc for P2.

LECLERC

(LEC) "McLaren look very, very quick here."

(BOZ) "Copy, do your best to keep pace."

Pierre Gasly is absolutely flying out there! With a real point to prove, he moves past Hamilton!

Pourchaire ahead of Verstappen, and the Bulls are struggling in the rainy conditions!

(ADA) "Keep focused. Big shunt here."

Magnussen goes spinning off and it looks like it clipped Stoffel Vandoorne on his way past!!!

CAR 20 - MAGNUSSEN - 5S

Lap 4: Norris, Piastri, Leclerc, Bottas, Albon, Tsunoda, Gasly, Hamilton, Pourchaire, Verstappen, Lawson, Zhou, Ricciardo, Stroll, Russell, Ocon, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne, Magnussen

PITSTOP: A rare Sprint pitstop! Magnussen stops to take his penalty, a new front wing, and a set of fresh Ints. Might not help with the qualifying.

Hamilton regains P7 from Gasly! Lewis still has a lot of work to do, though!

Leclerc chasing down Piastri, trying to break that 1-2 of McLaren! Piastri defending very well from his teammate for next year!

Norris still holding the Sprint lead, but Piastri and Leclerc are in range here!

BOTTAS

Hamilton up to P6 ahead of Albon, and any points he can gain here, the better for his chances! As it stands, Leclerc is gaining three points on Hamilton here!

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris battling for the lead, and Piastri takes the lead of the Sprint from his teammate!

Hamilton closing on Tsunoda here! Trying to reduce the gap to Leclerc as much as he can!

Sainz having technical issues! Looks like a gearbox problem!

Hamilton up past Tsunoda and into P5!

(BOZ) "You are doing a fantastic job with tyres, keep it up."

Leclerc moves ahead of Norris and into P2!!

Gasly's tyres starting to fall away and he drops firstly behind Verstappen, then Albon!

Leclerc is going for the lead here and Charles Leclerc leads the Sprint! A brilliant move on Piastri there!

Hamilton overtakes former teammate Bottas for P4! The gap for today is back to three!

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

Gasly back into the points! He gets ahead of Albon for P8!

Verstappen overtakes Tsunoda for P6!

[wraith sedge]

Hamilton radio*

[foggy locust]

Hamilton ahead of Norris! What looked like a McLaren 1-2 could end up as a Ferrari 1-2 here!

(ADA) "Gap to Norris, 5.9. Head down."

(HAM) "Understood."

[foggy locust]

Good catch mate, thank you!

Hamilton with a superb overtake on Piastri! The Ferraris have managed their tyres superbly here and could be on for the 1-2 in the rain!

4 laps remaining!

(LEC) "Tyres are overheating a lot."

(BOZ) "Yeah copy Charles, a bit of LiCo for the tyres, please."

Norris gets P3 back from Piastri! Papaya Rules in play, of course. A statement from Norris?

Two laps remaining

Sainz locks up and goes off, and Hülkenberg gets P17 for free!

LAST LAP

(LEC) "Ah, it's raining like crazy."

(BOZ) "Last lap. Bring it home."

An outstanding tyre management job by the World Champion, as he rounds the final few corners, to extend his Championship lead, only by a single point however, as it is a 1-2 for the Scuderia, CHARLES LECLERC WINS THE UNITED STATES SPRINT! LEWIS HAMILTON P2, Norris P3, Piastri P4, Verstappen overtakes Bottas for P5, Tsunoda P7, Gasly P8.

(BOZ) "And P1, that's my boy, another win! Great job out there!"

(LEC) "Let's gooooo! Let's go, come on! That's exactly how we need to start this weekend. Come on!"

(BOZ) "Great job out there."

(ADA) "And P2. Great recovery drive, Lewis!"

(HAM) "Yeah, I did all I could. Let's maximise the result later on today and tomorrow."

(ADA) "Good job. We're still in this."

2026 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX
SPRINT CLASSIFICATION

1. Charles Leclerc 00.33.50
2. Lewis Hamilton +4.714
3. Lando Norris +4.106
4. Oscar Piastri +0.552
5. Max Verstappen +10.416
6. Valtteri Bottas +1.045
7. Yuki Tsunoda +0.402
8. Pierre Gasly +15.105
9. Esteban Ocon +6.579
10. Alexander Albon +0.279
11. Daniel Ricciardo +0.327
12. Liam Lawson +0.293
13. Zhou Guanyu +0.782
14. George Russell +0.632
15. Lance Stroll +0.959
16. Nico Hülkenberg +8.889
17. Théo Pourchaire +3.042
18. Carlos Sainz +6.650
19. Stoffel Vandoorne +8.594
20. Kevin Magnussen +10.849

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 388
Hamilton 372
Verstappen 288
Piastri 227
Norris 206
Bottas 110
Lawson 91
Tsunoda 74
Ricciardo 72
Russell 64
Gasly 28
Ocon 13
Stroll 10
Albon 9
Vandoorne 7
Pourchaire 6
Sainz 4
Zhou 3
Magnussen 3
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 760
McLaren-Ford RBPT 433
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 379
Andretti-Ferrari 146
Aston Martin-Honda 117
Williams-Ferrari 74
Audi Sauber 34
Hitech-Renault 16
Mercedes 13
Haas-Mercedes 3

2026 FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1304
Pirelli 671

It's always Bigger in Texas, and today we have our second Qualifying of the weekend, this time for the race itself. Anyone's game here with the rain looming, it's holding off for now, but it makes it all the more unpredictable. Charles Leclerc won the Sprint and Ferrari are on the verge of another Constructors title, can McLaren do enough to stop them here?

A RED FLAG IN Q1

Kevin Magnussen loses the car going into the final corner, and could that change the complexity of Q1 altogether?

OUT IN Q1: Tsunoda, Sainz, Pourchaire, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg
Bubble: Lawson
Top Five: LEC PIA NOR HAM VER

Kevin Magnussen crashed out in Q1, causing a Red Flag, but the bottom five remained the bottom five. Tsunoda and Pourchaire both had engine issues that limited their chances, while Sainz, Vandoorne and Hülkenberg could not improve. Lawson sneaks through, while Leclerc was fastest from Piastri, Norris, Hamilton and Verstappen.

OUT IN Q2: Stroll, Russell, Gasly, Ricciardo, Magnussen (no time)
Bubble: Zhou
Top Five: LEC, PIA, VER, HAM, LAW

Only 14 cars took part in Q2, and Norris needed a late lap to get out of the bottom five, as did Bottas. Stroll and Russell both drop out for Williams, Gasly and Ricciardo also exit. Zhou and Albon make Q3, as does Ocon. Leclerc quickest from Piastri, Verstappen and Hamilton.

RED FLAG

https://tenor.com/view/red-flag-gif-26576127

Albon into the wall, and he will take no further part in this session!

Verstappen, Leclerc, Lawson, Piastri, Hamilton, Norris, Ocon, Bottas, Albon, Zhou

Despite a late flier attempt from Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen breaks the Champion's Streak of six consecutive Poles, to claim his third of the season. Leclerc will join him on the front row, with Liam Lawson third and Oscar Piastri P4. Lewis Hamilton starts P5, with Lando Norris P6, while Esteban Ocon will start P7, Valtteri Bottas begins P8, P9 for Alex Albon and Zhou Guanyu P10.

2026 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

VER LEC

LAW PIA

HAM NOR

OCO BOT

ALB ZHO

STR RUS

GAS RIC

MAG SAI

HÜL VAN

PITLANE START - TSU QUAL P16

PITLANE START - POU QUAL P18

VANDOORNE - QUAL P19, Five Place Grid Penalty - Technically P23, promoted to P18 due to pitlane starts of Tsunoda and Pourchaire

I am going to pause there for the evening. Race tomorrow!

[tired thorn]

omg lewis is bottling i give up

8th title is gone now

[foggy locust]

It is time to go racing around the Circuit of the Americas, an eventful weekend already with the Sprint in the rain, and not one but two mixed up grids already this weekend. This 5.513km circuit features 20 turns, 2 DRS Zones, lots of low and high speed cornering, and for the first time since Barcelona, it is not a Ferrari on Pole. Ferrari can clinch the Constructors Championship today if McLaren do not outscore them by 32 points.

And it will be pitlane starts for both Yuki Tsunoda and Théo Pourchaire today, while Stoffel Vandoorne has a five place penalty, but actually gets promoted up to P18, due to the pitlane starts for Tsunoda and Pourchaire. Nico Hülkenberg in P17, while Carlos Sainz and Kevin Magnussen start on the eighth row. Daniel Ricciardo begins P14 as he continues to mull up his future options, he's beside McLaren bound Pierre Gasly in P13. Then it's the two Williams, Lance Stroll just ahead of George Russell, Zhou Guanyu lines up beside Alex Albon on the fifth row. Valtteri Bottas begins today 8th and Esteban Ocon is 7th, then it's Lando Norris in P6 and Lewis Hamilton begins just P5 today. Oscar Piastri will start fourth with Liam Lawson P3, and Charles Leclerc starts not in Pole for the first time in seven weekends, he is on the front row, and it's Max Verstappen's first Pole since Barcelona, and just third of the year.

(LEC) "Radio check?"

(BOZ) "Radio check okay. Let's get a good launch off the line here, Charles, and do what you can do to beat Max at the first corner."

(LEC) "Copy that."

(ADA) "Radio check, Lewis."

(HAM) "Radio check okay."

(ADA) "Let's get a good launch, try and pick up some places at the start, and go from there."

(HAM) "Yeah, understood."

Let's go racing!

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Verstappen holds firm at the start, then Leclerc settles in behind him, Lawson P3, Hamilton ahead of Piastri and that will be vital in the Championship battle! Ocon ahead of Norris! Bottas P8, Albon then Zhou!

Leclerc goes down the inside of Verstappen and he's into the lead!!! Hamilton meanwhile takes P3 from Lawson!

LECLERC

Verstappen regains the lead with DRS!

Hamilton defending from Lawson and Piastri here!!

Leclerc with a lovely DRS move to take P1 back! He'll need to break the DRS of Verstappen however.

(BOZ) "And push, see if you can break Verstappen's DRS range."

(LEC) "I'm trying but it is difficult around here."

Russell having issues with the car, and he slides wide with a lock-up!

Stroll spins off! He nearly causes a pile up into the bargain! He keeps P14, but now seven seconds between Zhou in P13 and Stroll.

SAFETY CAR CALLED

Pourchaire locks up and slams into Vandoorne!! Both cars are out of the race, and that's likely a penalty for Pourchaire in Mexico, as well. Both unhurt.

PITSTOPS: EVERYONE BAR THE TWO FERRARIS IN. A flurry of stops there!

(LEC) "Is it too late to box?"

(BOZ) "Yes Charles, it is too late to box. Stay out, stay out."

(LEC) "F---!"

Lap 8, under SC: Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Lawson, Ocon, Piastri, Gasly, Bottas, Norris, Ricciardo, Albon, Zhou, Sainz, Magnussen, Tsunoda, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Russell. Vandoorne and Pourchaire out of the race.

We are racing on Lap 10!!

Hamilton and Leclerc go wheel to wheel and Hamilton grabs the lead!!

(BOZ) "At the moment, hold position, until the pitstops, we need to build a gap as a team here to give us a margin for the pitstops."

(LEC) "I will follow what you say."

(BOZ) "You will be free to race again after the first pitstops."

Ocon overtakes Lawson for P4!!

(ADA) "Tyre phase update, Lewis?"

(HAM) "Tyres are struggling a lot here."

(BOZ) "Tyre update?"

(LEC) "The tyres are completely gone"

(BOZ) "Box now, box."

(LEC) "Copy, box."

PITSTOP: LECLERC IN. He takes New Hards, a 2.169. He'll rejoin P17.

(ADA) "Pit confirm and box."

(HAM) "Happy to confirm, box this lap."

PITSTOP: Hamilton in a lap later, 2.007 for Hamilton!

(ADA) "Hold position and work together through the pack. Free to fight once we are up the order again."

Leclerc and Hamilton both get ahead of Russell.

Lawson having issues with his ERS, and Piastri overtakes him!

Leclerc and Hamilton both move ahead of Zhou and Sainz! The Ferraris working their way up the order!

PITSTOP: Kevin Magnussen comes in for a stop, and onto the Mediums! He will likely stop again!

Bottas is ahead of Lawson for P3!

PITSTOPS: Ocon and Ricciardo in! Ricciardo onto Hards, Ocon Mediums. Hülkenberg onto Hards as well.

Leclerc up to P8, Hamilton P9, as both overtake Albon.

PITSTOPS: LAWSON IN. He's onto Softs! Whatcha doing, Red Bull? Albon onto Mediums as well.

Leclerc moves ahead of Gasly, and Hamilton follows suit.

PITSTOP: VERSTAPPEN IN. He's onto Mediums. Norris onto Softs, Tsunoda onto Softs, Gasly onto Mediums, Sainz onto Mediums, Russell onto Mediums. All of them will be hard pressed to get to the end on those.

Russell having engine issues there!

PITSTOPS: Bottas comes in! He takes Softs, Stroll also onto Mediums!

(ADA) "You are free to fight for position, Lewis."

(HAM) "Yeah, understood."

PITSTOP: Piastri comes in! He's taking Softs, the front runners will all have to pit again at some point!

Verstappen gets past both Ferraris and retakes the lead of the race!

Lap 28: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Lawson, Piastri, Magnussen, Norris, Ricciardo, Bottas, Ocon, Tsunoda, Albon, Gasly, Zhou, Stroll, Russell, Hülkenberg

PIASTRI

Hamilton overtakes Leclerc for P2!!

Magnussen overtakes Ricciardo and clips him on the way past! Classic Magnussen terrorball.

Piastri very much entering the conversation again with Hamilton and Leclerc.

(BOZ) "Defend position for now from Piastri."

(LEC) "Okay, copy."

Norris with mechanical issues. And that might secure Ferrari the Constructors today!

PITSTOP: Bottas in! Onto the Mediums, and that'll take him to the end.

PITSTOP: Magnussen pitting! He's onto the Hards to the end at this point.

Lap 38: Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc, Piastri, Lawson, Norris, Tsunoda, Ocon, Gasly, Ricciardo, Albon, Bottas, Stroll, Zhou, Sainz, Magnussen, Hülkenberg, Russell

PITSTOPS: Tsunoda and Sainz both in!

Stroll having engine issues as well!

LECLERC AND HAMILTON COLLIDE. DISASTER. ABSOLUTE DISASTER. Leclerc locked up and clipped Hamilton. A rare mistake by the Champion!!

(HAM) "F---, Charles! Come on!"

(ADA) "And box this lap, box."

(HAM) "F---!"

(LEC) "F---. I made a mistake."

(BOZ) "Copy. Head up, keep focused. Box, Charles."

(LEC) "F---. Sorry."

CAR 1 - LECLERC

(BOZ) "You have a penalty Charles, for that crash."

(LEC) "Yeah, I know. That's on me."

PITSTOPS: Piastri and Lawson in, Hamilton, Norris, Ocon and Leclerc all pit. Leclerc takes his penalty. Hamilton gets a 1.822 stop, and Leclerc is 8.295, including the front wing change and the penalty.

LECLERC - 5S

Leclerc's penalty did not apply until after his stop! Further disaster for the Champion!!

Weirdly enough, this is now an opportunity for Hamilton to pick up points on Leclerc for the Championship!

PITSTOPS: Verstappen pits, and he will still come out P1. Gasly, Albon and Stroll all come in as well.

Magnussen goes wide!

Hamilton up to P5, and chasing a podium here!

Lap 44: Verstappen, Piastri, Lawson, Bottas, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Norris, Leclerc , Ocon, Ricciardo, Gasly, Albon, Magnussen, Stroll, Sainz, Zhou, Hülkenberg, Russell

Hamilton moves past Bottas into P4!!

(ADA) "Tyre phase, Lewis?"

(HAM) "The tyres are good."

Leclerc up to P7, but of course he still has that five second penalty. Net P8, right now.

ZHOU

Gasly having some issues with the Audi (understatement of the century)

Hamilton drops behind Tsunoda and Bottas!!

LECLERC OVERTAKES HAMILTON. He has five seconds, anyway, so it won't matter but will help his gaining on Norris!

Leclerc up past Bottas, and he currently stands at a net P7

LECLERC

Hamilton battling Bottas, and Bottas holds him off! It's worse for Hamilton as Leclerc is now a net P5, and an actual P5, with the fastest lap to boot!

Yuki Tsunoda started in the pitlane, and is currently P4, and trying to chase down Lawson. Leclerc is up to fourth, but still net P5.

(HAM) "Tyres are gone, Ricky."

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

Norris overtakes Hamilton, who has dropped to P8, his tyres are completely wiped out.

(ADA) "Get the car home at this point, Lewis. Last lap."

It is a comfortable dominant win for MAX VERSTAPPEN, MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX! Piastri P2, Lawson P3, Liam Lawson's first podium in Formula 1! Leclerc over the line in fourth, but will drop to fifth with the penalty, Norris P6, Bottas P7, Hamilton P8, Ocon P9, Gasly P10.

(BOZ) "And P4, but you will drop to P5 with the penalty. Good recovery out there."

(LEC) "Yeah, I struggled out there. Still my apologies to Lewis for the crash. Wrecked both our races. Sorry."

(BOZ) "Head up, we'll talk later."

(ADA) "And P8, P8. Tough one out there, good effort though."

(HAM) "Yeah, tough one guys. Despite the crash, I struggled a lot for pace at the end and my tyres were gone. Need to pick it up in these last five races."

(ADA) "Still five races to go. Still a chance."

Despite the crash between their two drivers, Ferrari have done enough, they have clinched the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Constructors Championship!!!

2026 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Max Verstappen 01.37.06
2. Oscar Piastri +14.130
3. Liam Lawson +10.925
4. Yuki Tsunoda +6.229
5. Charles Leclerc +4.843 5s
6. Lando Norris +2.634
7. Valtteri Bottas +0.612
8. Lewis Hamilton +3.116
9. Esteban Ocon +3.203
10. Pierre Gasly +10.583
11. Alexander Albon +7.256
12. Kevin Magnussen +7.768
13. Zhou Guanyu +2.111
14. Carlos Sainz +1.966
15. Daniel Ricciardo +2.142
16. Lance Stroll +0.425
17. Nico Hülkenberg +1 lap
18. George Russell +1 lap
19. Stoffel Vandoorne DNF
20. Théo Pourchaire DNF Grid Penalty in Mexico

DRIVER OF THE DAY: LIAM LAWSON

His first podium in Formula 1, and a statement of intent that he belongs in the sport. A brilliant performance from Liam Lawson, Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Charles Leclerc 1.35.660

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Lewis Hamilton 1.821s

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 399
Hamilton 376
Verstappen 313
Piastri 245
Norris 214
Bottas 116
Lawson 106
Tsunoda 86
Ricciardo 72
Russell 64
Gasly 29
Ocon 15
Stroll 10
Albon 9
Vandoorne 7
Pourchaire 6
Sainz 4
Zhou 3
Magnussen 3
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 775
McLaren-Ford RBPT 459
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 419
Andretti-Ferrari 158
Aston Martin-Honda 123
Williams-Ferrari 74
Audi Sauber 35
Hitech-Renault 18
Mercedes 13
Haas-Mercedes 3

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1373
Pirelli 704

[foggy locust]

LIAM LAWSON TO JOIN HITECH GRAND PRIX IN 2027

Hitech Grand Prix have announced the signing of Liam Lawson for the 2027 season, from Red Bull Racing.

Hitech GP Team Principal Oliver Oakes announced the move following Lawson's first career podium at the Circuit of the Americas this evening.

Lawson joins Esteban Ocon at the team, and reunites with the team for whom he drove for in F2 in the 2020 and 2021 season.

DANIEL RICCIARDO ANNOUNCES SABBATICAL FROM FORMULA 1

Daniel Ricciardo has announced he will leave Andretti at the end of this season, and take "at least a one year sabbatical" from competition in Formula 1.

Ricciardo was quoted as saying "just general burnout. I have to ask the question, "is the risk worth it", and I feel those competitive fires burning out, so I need to take this break and see if I can get them back."

Andretti were said to be upset by the decision, but accepted it, saying Ricciardo would always be welcome at the team.

Andretti will now turn their attention to whom they will bring in to partner rookie Colton Herta for next year - as well as hanging onto Fourth in the Constructors this year.

2027 FORMULA 1 GRID

Ferrari
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri

Red Bull
Max Verstappen
Lando Norris

McLaren
Pierre Gasly
????

Mercedes
Carlos Sainz
Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Aston Martin
Valtteri Bottas
Yuki Tsunoda

Andretti
????
Colton Herta

Williams
George Russell
Alexander Albon

Audi
????
Théo Pourchaire

Haas
Zhou Guanyu
Franco Colapinto

Hitech
Esteban Ocon
Liam Lawson

Subaru
Ayumu Iwasa
Oliver Bearman

[tired thorn]

FIA CMON MAN HE HIT INTO LEWIS ON PURPOSE

COSTED LEWIS POINTS AND GAINED POINTS ON LEWIS

this needs looking into, this has been manipulated

oh the flashbacks are returning, i can just hear the faint “no michael no this is so not right” in my head

[plucky acorn]

oops

[foggy locust]

McLAREN CONFIRM PATO O'WARD FOR 2027

Some sensational news from the Mexico City Grand Prix, as 2026 IndyCar Champion Pato O'Ward has been confirmed as a McLaren F1 driver for 2027.

O'Ward also won the 2025 Indianapolis 500, and has impressed across the board this season. He's now decided to make the move across to Formula 1 for next season.

O'Ward joins Pierre Gasly at the team for next year, with O'Ward moving from Arrow McLaren's IndyCar team to the F1 team, and Gasly joining from Audi.

O'Ward becomes the second IndyCar veteran to make the move across to F1 next year, with Colton Herta also making the switch for next season - also from Andretti's IndyCar team to their F1 team.

O'Ward was announced this media day in front of an excited Mexican fanbase, who after three years, will finally have a driver back on the grid.

O'Ward and Gasly replace Oscar Piastri, who heads to Ferrari, and Lando Norris, who moves to Red Bull, next season.

BINOTTO: AUDI ASSESSING ALL OPTIONS FOR 2027 SEAT

Audi Team Principal Mattia Binotto has spoken at media day about his team's second seat for next season, and when asked about Sergio Perez, said he was certainly one of the options being considered.

Binotto namedropped Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar, Mick Schumacher, Jack Doohan, Zane Maloney, Kush Maini as well as Sergio Perez as options for their 2027 seat.

Audi have planned to announce the decision "around Abu Dhabi."

Bortoleto and Maini are currently battling for the F2 Championship, Jack Doohan was passed up for the Hitech seat, while Zane Maloney has been impressing at Williams as reserve, as well in Formula E. Schumacher has planned to leave the Ferrari Driver Academy at the end of the year, while Perez remains an ambassador for Red Bull.

[sterile breach]

I thought Binotto was getting sacked again

[foggy locust]

Not yet

He's been given one more year to sort Audi out

They'd have kept Gasly if Binotto was sacked

Very much Leclerc 2022 vibes there (except the title contending car for half a year)

MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

As we head into Round 20 of this 2026 Formula 1 season, a controversial moment in the Championship battle potentially opened the door to a third title contender.

Max Verstappen took a second consecutive victory in commanding fashion at the Circuit of the Americas, as the two Ferraris collided, with Charles Leclerc taking a penalty and ending up fifth, and Lewis Hamilton down in P8. Leclerc's gap to Hamilton is now 23 points after he won the Sprint, while Verstappen remains in contention, 86 points behind Leclerc with 186 to play for.

So with that in mind, we head to Mexico and the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The excitement with the Mexican F1 fans is once again high with the news that there will be a Mexican driver on the grid next season for the first time in three years - 2026 IndyCar Champion Pato O'Ward will join McLaren next season. For now, this 71 lap, 4.304km circuit is at 2229m above sea level, so the air will be thin, and that will of course affect the drivers. 3 DRS Zones, plenty of chances for overtaking, predominantly strong in DRS Effectiveness and Low and High Speed Cornering. Of course next year we'll be right back here in April, as Mexico City moves from Round 20 up to Round 3 of the 2027 F1 Calendar.

We need to talk about Ferrari. The main question is - are the Champions in crisis? They've clinched the Constructors at this point, but the two drivers had a coming together with Leclerc locking up and hitting Hamilton - and being the one to benefit of the two from it. Leclerc, for his part, has apologised to Hamilton for the incident, something that Hamilton has graciously accepted but even still, the pressure is on, and it is a lot to ask of both drivers. The pressure is absolutely ramped up with the Drivers Championship in play once more.

And that is prime opportunity for Max Verstappen to try and capitalise, and try to bring home his fourth World Championship to Red Bull Racing. Verstappen is 86 points behind Leclerc - and would need to win all five remaining races to equal the tiebreaker with the defending Champion - so it does remain a long shot. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson, having secured his position at Hitech for next season after clinching his first career podium at COTA, will put his focus towards supporting his teammate's title bid.

As for McLaren, they have their lineup for 2027. With Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris both leaving the team, Pato O’Ward joins Pierre Gasly at McLaren for next season. For now, Piastri is the only one outside Leclerc, Verstappen and Hamilton to have won a race this year - Miami - and would like to add another one before the end of the year, while Lando Norris wants at least one more before he leaves the team.

Daniel Ricciardo broke the news that he would be leaving Andretti to take a sabbatical next year, and potentially retire from Formula 1 - but for now, he and Yuki Tsunoda continue to aim towards beating Aston Martin for fourth. Conflicting for Tsunoda, who joins the British Racing Green next year, and Andretti will go from one of the most secure lineups on the grid to, potentially, two rookies - Colton Herta is confirmed for his F1 debut next season, we wait to see whom his teammate will be.

Aston Martin dropped another five points to Andretti in the fight for fourth, and Stoffel Vandoorne was taken out of the equation early by Théo Pourchaire of Audi. Valtteri Bottas took P6 in the Sprint and P7 in the Race, but the team still fell a further five behind the American side. The challenge from Williams may have stemmed - for now - but Aston still remains a long shot for fourth now.

Speaking of Williams, they struggled at the Circuit of the Americas due to reliability issues for George Russell, and a spin for Lance Stroll. No points across the weekend at all, and a huge amount of bouncebackability will be needed by the Grove team if they're going to challenge for even Fifth. The FW48 has reportedly shown a lot of promise for next year - for now though, a strong finish to the season would be some good momentum.

Audi meanwhile have said that they are waiting until the end of the season to “assess all possible options” for their second seat. There are “about six drivers on their board that remain in contention”, according to Mattia Binotto. For now, at COTA, Théo Pourchaire crashed into Stoffel Vandoorne, ending both their races, and will take a grid penalty at Mexico City as a result. Pierre Gasly bagged points in both the Sprint and the Race as he prepares to move to McLaren.

Hitech have settled on their 2027 lineup - it will be Liam Lawson joining Esteban Ocon for the 2027 season at the team. Ocon has been performing well as of late, and Lawson comes into the Hitech team having spent this past year at Red Bull. The future could be bright for the Pink and Blue team - with Kevin Magnussen exiting, however, he will look to take some points on the way out.

Toto Wolff has fully admitted focus switched to the W18 - “months ago” - after it was revealed how wrong Mercedes initially got the new regulations. They have struggled with this car as a result and have brought miminal upgrades, hoping to turn it around next year. Carlos Sainz in particular has struggled significantly with the oversteer in this car, and that has apparently “been corrected” for next year. Alex Albon won't be sticking around to find out, he moves back to Williams at the end of the year.

Haas have been trying everything to get Nico Hülkenberg a final point in his F1 career - but he looks very much done at this point, and discussions have even taken place to see if he will finish the season. Hülkenberg has struggled mightily this year and has fully looked a shell of himself - can he put it right with just five races left?

The Mexico City Grand Prix will be an exciting and eventful one, with the fate of the Drivers’ Championship still up for grabs. One thing's for absolute sure - you will not want to miss it.

BEARMAN AND COLAPINTO TO RUN FP1

Ferrari reserves Ollie Bearman and Franco Colapinto will get a run out in FP1 this weekend, as both drivers ramp up preparations for life in Formula 1 next season.

Bearman will drive for brand new team Subaru, while Colapinto will join Haas for next year.

Both drivers will remain Ferrari affliated and will be on loan to their respective new teams.

Bearman will drive Charles Leclerc's car, while Colapinto will be in Lewis Hamilton's car this weekend.

FP1 Reserves: Bearman (Leclerc), Colapinto (Hamilton), Maini (Piastri), Antonelli (Sainz), Maloney (Russell), Mini (Stroll), Boya (Pourchaire)

FP1: BEA COL VER

A very promising session for Ollie Bearman and Franco Colapinto, as they go 1-2 in the early session, ahead of Max Verstappen in third. Tsunoda and Ricciardo follow in 4th and 5th, with F2 Championship contender Kush Maini 6th. Zhou, Ocon, Bottas and Antonelli complete the top ten.

FP2: NOR BOT LAW
LEC P19, HAM P20

Norris quickest through FP2, ahead of Bottas and Lawson. Piastri P4, with Ricciardo P5 and Verstappen P6. Ocon, Tsunoda, Stroll and Pourchaire in the top ten. Leclerc and Hamilton did exclusively long fuel race runs, so end up P19 and P20.

FP3: LEC VER HAM

Leclerc quickest from Verstappen and Hamilton in FP3, while Norris, Piastri and Tsunoda follow. Ocon, Bottas, Russell and Ricciardo in the top ten.

Welcome to Qualifying here at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez. As the season begins wrapping up, there is still all to play for. The Constructors Championship might have gone the way of Ferrari, but the Drivers' Championship battle between Leclerc, Hamilton and Verstappen hots up here, while the fight between McLaren and Red Bull, as well as Andretti and Aston, remains a focus. Who will take Pole here today?

OH MY GOD, A RED FLAG

POURCHAIRE SPINS OFF, AND GOES INTO THE WALL! He is out of Qualifying, and with the penalty applying here, he will likely have a job on his hands this weekend!

OUT IN Q1: Sainz, Vandoorne, Magnussen, Hülkenberg, Pourchaire (no time)
Bubble: Albon
Top Five: NOR, PIA, VER, RIC, RUS
LEC P8, HAM P13

Leclerc needed a late lap to get out of the bottom five, and Hamilton was in danger as well in a rough Q1 for Ferrari. Sainz just misses out, with Vandoorne, Magnussen and Hülkenberg joining Pourchaire, who crashed out. Norris and Piastri complete a McLaren 1-2, with Verstappen third.

OUT IN Q2: Zhou, Albon, Russell, Stroll, Gasly
Bubble: Ocon
Top Five: LEC, HAM, PIA, TSU, VER

Zhou just missed out with a late lap, with Ocon just surviving, and Albon's third sector let him down, with Stroll and Gasly out as well. Gasly had a lock-up that ruined his second lap. Leclerc returns to the top of the table ahead of Hamilton and Piastri, with Tsunoda and Verstappen completing the top five.

Q3: Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Hamilton, Tsunoda, Lawson, Bottas, Ricciardo, Ocon

Oscar Piastri has done it, taking Pole away from Max Verstappen at the very end! Norris beats out the challenge of Leclerc and Hamilton for third, while the two Ferraris start Fourth and Fifth. Tsunoda, Lawson, Bottas, Ricciardo and Ocon complete the top ten.

2026 MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

PIA VER

NOR LEC

HAM TSU

LAW BOT

RIC OCO

ZHO ALB

RUS STR

GAS SAI

VAN MAG

HÜL

PITLANE START - POU

Pourchaire had a three place penalty, but forgoes it for a pitlane start. Qualified P20.

Welcome to Mexico City (not Australia), and to the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix. It is a party atmosphere in the stands at a high altitude, next year we'll be back a lot earlier - Round 3. Round 20 today though, and 71 laps of this 4.304km circuit await us. 3 DRS Zones, 17 turns, 2229m above sea levels, it is a challenge for the drivers and teams alike. McLaren impressed in qualifying, Ferrari faltered, but anything can happen on race day.

Théo Pourchaire crashed out in Q3, and was due a penalty anyway, so he starts from the pitlane. Nico Hülkenberg begins alone on P19, then it is Kevin Magnussen and Stoffel Vandoorne, as time winds down on all three men's F1 careers. Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly on row right together, then the two Williams of Lance Stroll and George Russell. Alex Albon begins from P12, with Zhou Guanyu P11, then it's Esteban Ocon in P10 and Daniel Ricciardo 9th as he races around Mexico for the last time for at least a year. Valtteri Bottas begins 8th, while Hitech bound Liam Lawson starts from 7th today, Yuki Tsunoda begins 6th and it's just 5th for Lewis Hamilton. Charles Leclerc begins from 4th, with Lando Norris 3rd, while it's Max Verstappen second, and Oscar Piastri begins today on Pole Position. But can he convert it for a victory today?

Let's go racing in Mexico City!

One light, two, three, four, five...

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Piastri holds the lead, Hamilton has had a storming start and is up to P2 already, Norris P3, Leclerc's P4, Verstappen has dropped to fifth! Then Lawson, Tsunoda, Ricciardo ahead of Bottas and Zhou into the top ten!

Norris overtakes Hamilton for P2!

NORRIS

LECLERC GOING FOR P3 AND HAMILTON GOES ACROSS THE GRASS AND HOLDS THE POSITION!

(LEC) "Lewis, you cannot do that, mate"

The two Ferraris go double pincer and both get Piastri for P2 and P3!! Norris has pulled off a bit of a gap in the meantime though!

(HAM) "Need more power here guys."

(ADA) "Understood, we will do what we can."

VERSTAPPEN CLIPS WHEELS WITH ONE OF THE ANDRETTIS, IT LOOKED LIKE TSUNODA!! Yeah, it was Tsunoda who has picked up a tiny bit of damage from that!!

Leclerc has taken P2 back off Hamilton and has broken off down the road, he's chasing Norris for the lead now!

Vandoorne has a mechanical issue! Aston Martin once again having reliability issues!

Lap 7: Norris, Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Piastri, Lawson, Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Bottas, Ocon, Russell, Gasly, Zhou, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg, Magnussen, Stroll, Albon, Pourchaire, Sainz