Essere Ferrari II

[foggy locust]

Leclerc with a brilliant move to overtake Norris for P1! The Champion showing sensational form here!

Norris however is not giving up and takes P1 back!

(HAM) "Really struggling for pace right now."

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

Verstappen overtakes Hamilton! Lewis not giving up though and takes back P3!

(ADA) "Tyre phase update Lewis?"

(HAM) "Rear tyres graining a bit, good otherwise."

Norris has built up a gap to Leclerc here, could Lando finally get his first win of the season?

Lap 16: Norris, Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Piastri, Lawson, Ocon, Ricciardo, Bottas, Russell, Zhou, Tsunoda, Magnussen, Gasly, Albon, Stroll, Pourchaire, Sainz, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne

PITSTOP: We have our first stop of the day - Stoffel Vandoorne, who comes in for Hards. He rejoins P20.

(ADA) "And box and pit confirm."

(HAM) "Box this lap."

PITSTOPS: Norris, Hamilton and Verstappen all into the pitlane! Hamilton with a very very fast stop, 1.881! Norris retains his position, so does Hamilton!

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

(LEC) "Yeah, copy, box this lap."

Sainz with a big lock-up! He goes off at turn 12!

PITSTOP: Leclerc comes in! The Championship leader onto the Hards, 2.015! Ocon and Ricciardo also in. Leclerc rejoins about 3 seconds behind Norris.

Lawson with some engine issues! He is running P4, but still to pit.

PITSTOP: Tsunoda in! He takes Softs, as well as a new Front Wing! That was a long stop for the Andretti driver!

NORRIS

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

Still to stop: Piastri, Russell, Zhou, Albon

PITSTOP: Russell in! He's onto Softs, Williams committing to the two stopper! That is somewhat surprising this late! He rejoins P11!

Piastri gets the shout to move aside for Norris, and does so without questioning, knowing he's on a different strategy.

POURCHAIRE CLIPS HÜLKENBERG WHILE OVERTAKING HIM!

PITSTOP: Piastri takes the pitstop, allowing Leclerc through. Tiny bit of favouritism to his future teammate? Probably not, he did delay him a little. Piastri takes Hards and comes back onto track P11. Probably one stopping it.

Lap 31: Norris, Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Ocon, Russell, Bottas, Ricciardo, Lawson, Tsunoda, Piastri, Magnussen, Zhou, Albon, Sainz, Gasly, Stroll, Pourchaire, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne

Piastri ahead of Tsunoda, who then runs over the kerbs, and might have picked up some small damage to the floor!

About five seconds right now between Norris and Leclerc. Hamilton a further 3 back. Still all to play for, here.

(LEC) "What are the gaps to Norris and Lewis?"

(BOZ) "Norris 4.8, Lewis 3.5."

(LEC) "Lap times please?"

(BOZ) "Norris 21.374, you 21.280, Lewis 21.290. You are about a tenth quicker than Lando right now."

PITSTOP: Sainz onto Mediums. Bold, by Mercedes. Will those get to the end? We're at half race distance right now.

RUSSELL

Hamilton now under pressure from Verstappen for P3!

Verstappen moves past Hamilton with DRS for P3, and is now chasing Leclerc down!

Lap 40: Norris, Leclerc, Verstappen, Hamilton, Russell, Ocon, Bottas, Ricciardo, Lawson, Piastri, Albon, Tsunoda, Zhou, Pourchaire, Magnussen, Gasly, Stroll, Hülkenberg, Sainz, Vandoorne

POURCHAIRE

Leclerc, Hamilton and Verstappen all ramping up the pressure on Norris. Can Lando keep his nerve here?

PITSTOPS: ANDRETTI DOUBLE STACK. It is successful, as both go onto Hards, Ricciardo in P14, Tsunoda in P16.

Verstappen holding off Hamilton for now, and Norris breaking from Leclerc!

PITSTOPS: Russell in and onto the Mediums, he'll go to the end on those. Magnussen also in.

Verstappen and Hamilton are into Leclerc's DRS Range! Game on in the title race here, game on!!

Verstappen overtakes Leclerc for P2, and is now gaining on Norris!! Hamilton ahead of Leclerc too! Huge for the Championship!!

(ADA) "Pit confirm and box, Lewis. Box this lap."

(HAM) "Box this lap."

PITSTOP: NORRIS IN FROM THE LEAD. Onto the Mediums and a very clean stop. Can he hold his nerve in this latter part of the race! He rejoins P6, he would've liked to have gotten out ahead of Ocon at least!

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

(LEC) "Copy, Box."

PITSTOPS: Verstappen in, FERRARI DOUBLE STACK. THAT WAS INCREDIBLE BY THE SCUDERIA, Hamilton joins AHEAD OF NORRIS. Leclerc P7, Verstappen P5.

Leclerc overtakes Ocon, he's up to P6! He's pressuring the two Red Bulls now!

Leclerc gets past Lawson, but Lawson has done what he needed to do and held up Leclerc for his teammate!

Hamilton takes the lead off Piastri!! Verstappen however very much in play and grabs the position back from Hamilton!!!

Piastri now fighting for position with Norris, and he's not relenting quote as easily this time around!!

PITSTOPS: Gasly and Sainz pit again late. Neither likely to trouble the points today.

Pourchaire locks up, he's off the track!

SAINZ IN THE WALL. TURN 12, HE IS OFF.

Hamilton now gaining on Verstappen! Is this Lewis' chance to reignite his title challenge?

Norris finally gets ahead of Piastri, but he might have lost his opportunity for his first win of the season!

Leclerc overtakes future teammate Piastri, and he's up to P4! Piastri struggling a lot for tyres right now!

ALBON

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED

NICO HÜLKENBERG SLIDES OFF AND INTO THE WALL! HIS RACE IS VERY MUCH OVER AT THIS POINT. Thankfully he's okay, but that is a brutal moment for him.

PITSTOPS: Lawson in for Softs, under the VSC. He reemerges P12. Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris all stay out, Piastri takes the Softs though, and he is very, very much in play now!!!

PITSTOP: Sainz takes his fourth stop of the day. He's onto the Softs.

Lap 60, under VSC: Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Russell, Piastri, Ricciardo, Bottas, Ocon, Albon, Tsunoda, Lawson, Zhou, Magnussen, Pourchaire, Gasly, Stroll, Sainz, Vandoorne. Hülkenberg out of the race.

We are racing on Lap 61!

Hamilton has gotten a better start than Verstappen, and is building a bit of a gap to him!

Leclerc with a brilliant move to take third from Norris!

LAWSON

He might not take the win today, but Norris is still battling for that podium and is up to third again!

With just a few laps to go, Verstappen is in the DRS sights of Hamilton! Can Lewis hold on for what would be a monumental victory?

Piastri up ahead of Russell for P5!

(ADA) "Last Lap, Lewis. Keep this up."

(HAM) "Understood."

LAST LAP

What an incredible performance by Lewis Hamilton, he has reignited his title challenge today, with his Eighth victory of this incredible season, Lewis Hamilton has fired back TO WIN THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX!!! MAX VERSTAPPEN P2, CHARLES LECLERC TAKES P3, NORRIS P4, PIASTRI P5.

(HAM) "WOO HOO!"

(ADA) "And an incredible job, Lewis! P1, P1"

(HAM) "I wanna say a big thank you to all the fans, couldn't do it without you! Amazing result, we really needed that!"

(ADA) "An incredible job today, Lewis!"

(BOZ) "And P3, Charles. A brilliant effort today."

(LEC) "I think we maximised what we had today, that was a good result. Come on! Well done guys. And well done to Lewis."

(BOZ) "You've done really well today Charles."

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

2026 MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Lewis Hamilton 01.37.38
2. Max Verstappen +3.558
3. Charles Leclerc +2.271
4. Lando Norris +7.457
5. Oscar Piastri +10.401
6. George Russell +15.901
7. Valtteri Bottas +4.134
8. Liam Lawson +0.264
9. Daniel Ricciardo +2.273
10. Esteban Ocon +0.254
11. Alexander Albon +13.216
12. Yuki Tsunoda +3.942
13. Théo Pourchaire +7.413
14. Zhou Guanyu +1.555
15. Kevin Magnussen +0.361
16. Pierre Gasly +1 lap
17. Lance Stroll +1 lap
18. Carlos Sainz +1 lap
19. Stoffel Vandoorne +1 lap
20. Nico Hülkenberg DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: LEWIS HAMILTON, Ferrari

A fantastic drive from the seven time World Champion to reignite his title challenge, with just four races of his storied career to go, Lewis has a chance at the Eighth, and this win may go a long way towards helping that. Lewis Hamilton, Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Liam Lawson, Red Bull 1.16.582

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri, McLaren 1.857s

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 414
Hamilton 401
Verstappen 331
Piastri 255
Norris 226
Bottas 122
Lawson 111
Tsunoda 86
Ricciardo 74
Russell 72
Gasly 29
Ocon 16
Stroll 10
Albon 9
Vandoorne 7
Pourchaire 6
Sainz 4
Zhou 3
Magnussen 3
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 815
McLaren-Ford RBPT 481
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 442
Andretti-Ferrari 160
Aston Martin-Honda 129
Williams-Ferrari 82
Audi Sauber 35
Hitech-Renault 19
Mercedes 13
Haas-Mercedes 3

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1439
Pirelli 740

[foggy locust]

FRUSTRATION GROWING WITH SAINZ, MERCEDES

Frustration with Carlos Sainz and Mercedes have been growing tense, with Toto Wolff getting frustrated with Sainz's performances this season, while Sainz has been frustrated at the difficulty of the W17 to drive.

Sainz is 17th in the Championship with just four points to his name this season, while Mercedes have 13 points in the Constructors - currently sitting as low as NINTH.

While Wolff has said that focus on the 2026 car has been limited, and full attention has gone to next year's Car several months ago, the constant crashes of Sainz have been causing issues for the Brackley side.

While Wolff has confirmed that Sainz will drive for them next season - it is looking more and more likely that they will NOT take up his option for the 2028 season, unless Sainz can turn it around. And quickly.

[foggy locust]

FIA PRESIDENT SUSIE WOLFF TAKES OFFICE, ANNOUNCES F1 REGULATIONS FOR 2027

New FIA President Susie Wolff has taken over from Mohamed Ben Sulayem a couple of months earlier than planned after his resignation last week.

Wolff has been hard at work with the new regulations for the 2027 Formula 1 season being announced ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Formula 1 teams next season will have a $155.5m cost cap, up from $139m this past season, to work with. This is partly due to the introduction of Subaru Impreza Formula 1 Team, and the sheer cost of setting up a new team, to allow the Japanese manufacturer a smooth introduction to the sport.

In addition to this, the Pole Position bonus point will be reintroduced for next season, while the fastest lap will remain in place. Double points at Las Vegas will still apply for the final race of the season.

The aerodynamic testing scheme will remain as it was in 2027, while teams will receive a powertrain limit of 5 engines, 3 ERS, and 4 gearboxes.

In addition, the much hated ban on swearing has been lifted by the new FIA President, although she advises the Drivers to "use common sense in press conferences at least."

2027 CALENDAR RECEIVES SLIGHT REVAMP

In addition to this, the calendar has been edited slightly - particularly in the second half of the season.

It will remain the same 21 races for next season, however Austria moves back a weekend, and will now be between July 5-7.

Italy moves up a weekend to the 23-25 of August, while Azerbaijan will now take place two weeks earlier, on Aug 30-Sept 1.

Bahrain moves forward one month, now taking place on Sept 12-14, ahead of Abu Dhabi, which remains in the same slot.

Japan will take place before Singapore, on Oct 18-20, as part of the only triple header of the season, while Saudi Arabia will move forward to Oct 31 - Nov 3, to avoid the heavy travel time of Saudi Arabia to Brazil, followed by Vegas.

Brazil will move forward to Nov 22-24, allowing a week's recuperation before the big Las Vegas finale.

The changes to the calendar have been welcomed by the Drivers' association, with only one Triple Header, and three Double Headers across the 21 races this season.

The five Sprints shall remain the same.

Below is the adjusted calendar.

PRE-SEASON TESTING TO TAKE PLACE IN BARCELONA

In additional news, the traditional three-day pre-season testing will be moved from Bahrain to Barcelona for the 2027 season onwards.

While there won't be any racing at Barcelona this year, it will remain on the calendar as the site of Formula 1's pre-season testing, to take place two weeks before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

All eleven teams have some form of a base in Europe, and it was universally agreed that Barcelona would be a better long-term option for testing this coming year than Bahrain.

[foggy locust]

GABRIEL BORTOLETO TO RACE FOR ANDRETTI IN 2027

Gabriel Bortoleto is joining the F1 grid.

The F2 Championship leader can clinch the F2 Championship as early as this weekend at Sao Paulo, and has celebrated this by being confirmed as Andretti's replacement for Daniel Ricciardo.

Bortoleto will join Colton Herta at the team for next season. Alongside new team Subaru, they are the second team to be confirmed to have an all rookie lineup for 2027.

2027 FORMULA 1 GRID

Ferrari
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri

Red Bull
Max Verstappen
Lando Norris

:McLaren: McLaren
Pierre Gasly
Pato O'Ward

Mercedes
Carlos Sainz
Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Aston Martin
Valtteri Bottas
Yuki Tsunoda

Andretti
Gabriel Bortoleto
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

SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

With just four rounds, and two Sprints, of this 2026 Formula 1 season to go, we head to Brazil and the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. After Lewis Hamilton's victory in Mexico City, the Drivers Championship gap is now down to just 13 points.

Hamilton took his Eighth win of the season in a dramatic race in Mexico, holding off the challenge of Max Verstappen, while Charles Leclerc was third. For the longest time, it looked like Lando Norris was going to take his first win of the season, but Ferrari outsmarted McLaren with the pitstops, allowing Hamilton, and eventually Leclerc, ahead of Norris.

And so, to Interlagos. This will be the only circuit that retains its Sprint status from this season to next year, the fifth of six Sprints this year, the last of five next year, as well as being the penultimate race of the year. The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos, welcomes the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. This 71 lap race has crowned several World Champions over the years, most recently Charles Leclerc's Maiden World Title in 2024. This won't be the case this year - the Championship battle will go at least to Qatar, as it stands, and likely all the way to Abu Dhabi - but Interlagos is still one of the most exciting races of the season, regardless. The 4.309 km counter-clockwise circuit is one of the quickest laps of the season, and one of the shortest, with 15 turns and 2 DRS Zones, and usually features a lot of overtaking and chaos. With a Sprint coming and likely rain on Saturday, both are likely going to be in plentiful supply this weekend.

And it is the two Ferrari drivers competing for the Championship, although Verstappen still holds hopes of a challenge. Just 13 points between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, eight wins a piece. This of course is Hamilton's last chance to clinch his record Eighth Championship, while Leclerc is going for his third straight. No quarter will be given - none asked, either - between two friends, teammates and title rivals. This may be a big ask this weekend though - both Leclerc and Hamilton will be taking MASSIVE penalties. The Sprint might be the best chance for both in Brazil.

Max Verstappen is still in mathematical play for the World Championship, but finds himself 70 points behind Hamilton, and 83 behind Leclerc. This is a must win situation for Max this weekend, and the situation will favour him - he's won here before and he's very capable of doing so again this weekend, and the penalties for the two Ferraris will come into play too. Liam Lawson had a decent performance at Mexico, and after his first podium in the USA two weeks ago, his confidence will be rising ahead of his move to Hitech next year, although will very much be in the supporting role for the rest of his time at Red Bull.

Speaking of Red Bull, Lando Norris is heading there and is desperate to take at least one victory this season for McLaren before he heads to the Milton Keynes outfit. He and Oscar Piastri go their separate ways this season, with McLaren retaining neither driver, as Piastri goes to Ferrari. With Piastri's future team having won the Constructors, can McLaren hold off Red Bull for P2 before they welcome Pierre Gasly and Pato O'Ward next season?

Speaking of brand new lineups, Colton Herta's teammate was announced for next year - F2 Championship leader, Gabriel Bortoleto. Bortoleto becomes the first full time driver from Brazil in Formula 1 since Felipe Nasr, although Pietro Fittipaldi made two guest appearances for Haas in 2020 after Romain Grosjean's horrific accident at Bahrain (which thankfully he walked away from.). Andretti's announcement of Daniel Ricciardo's replacement on Thursday was met with great excitement from the Brazilian fans.

And it could be for a team who have taken Fourth in the Championship, as Aston Martin find themselves 31 points behind Andretti. Aston need a big result, or two, in the next few weeks to close that gap to the American side. Stoffel Vandoorne in particular looks to step up to put himself back in the shop window for next year - he won't be on the F1 grid, but he’ll be looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Williams got a huge result at Mexico with George Russell clinching P6, and it was a much needed boost for the Grove team. With a bit of a gap though to Aston Martin and Lance Stroll struggling for points, Williams have switched most of their focus to the FW48, but they still hold hopes of a fifth placed finish and a huge boost in the team's finances. It will likely rely on Russell pinching some points again this weekend.

Audi announced that they will make their second driver decision around Abu Dhabi, and the team have to fend off the challenge of a surging Hitech for seventh in the Championship. Théo Pourchaire will remain at the team next year, but Audi will be assessing all options to replace the McLaren bound Pierre Gasly.

Esteban Ocon has hit form with Hitech, and the team enter the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with aspirations to try and catch Audi for P7. They'll need more from the soon to be exiting Kevin Magnussen, who plans to exit the sport at the end of the season. Magnussen once got Pole in the rain here in 2022 - Hitech would absolutely take that once more.

Mercedes meanwhile are prepping for Andrea Kimi Antonelli's debut in Formula 1, as the young Italian driver has been getting several FP1 sessions this year. It has been said that Antonelli was the only choice to replace Alex Albon - who made returning to Williams clear as soon as the opportunity came up - and the team fended off a challenge from Ferrari and Aston Martin to promote him alongside Carlos Sainz. The full focus is on next year - don't expect much from Mercedes this weekend.

Haas have been close to adding more points with Zhou Guanyu - is it possible this weekend? Nico Hülkenberg looks less likely to score as he has struggled mightily, and Franco Colapinto will step in next season. For now, four more races for Hülkenberg to hit paydirt.

So, with four more races to go, chances are thinning out for the Championship contenders and across the grid to secure points, Podiums and for some, that final drive on the grid for next year. Who will clinch it all? One thing's for sure - you won't want to miss it.

Going to do this across the days - Friday's practice and Sprint Qualy, then I'll have lunch, then Saturday's Sprint and Qualy, I'll take a break and probably return after dinner to do Sunday's race itself

FP1 Reserves: Dürksen (Lawson), Antonelli (Albon), Maloney (Russell), Montoya (Bottas)

FP1: PIA NOR OCO
HAM P19, LEC P20

Very limited running in the rain here. Piastri and Norris go 1-2, ahead of Ocon, with Zhou Fourth. Verstappen 5th, with Dürksen 6th, and Pourchaire 7th. Tsunoda 8th, while Bottas and Stroll take P9 and P10. Hamilton and Leclerc didn't get much running in, and end up P19 and P20, just behind Antonelli in P18.

RED FLAG IN SQ1

Zhou Guanyu has spun off and is into the wall, and that is a session ender!!! He's okay, but that's ended the session earlier than thought!

OUT IN SQ1: Magnussen, Lawson, Russell, Zhou, Vandoorne
Bubble: Sainz
Top Five: BOT, VER, HÜL, POU, LEC

A chaotic ending to SQ1 as Zhou Guanyu crashed into the wall, taking himself out of the running, as well as Liam Lawson, George Russell, Stoffel Vandoorne and Kevin Magnussen. Bottas ends up quickest, from Verstappen, Hülkenberg and Pourchaire, with Leclerc P5 and Hamilton P8.

THE RAIN STOPPED AT THE WORST TIME. DISASTER.

(LEC) "We are out, yes?"

(BOZ) "Yes, we are out. Sorry."

(LEC) "F---, F---. What are we doing?"

(ADA) "P11. Sorry Lewis, we are out."

(HAM) "We cannot do that. We cannot do that."

OUT IN SQ2: Hamilton, Leclerc, Hülkenberg, Stroll, Sainz
Bubble: :McLaren: Piastri
Top Five: :McLaren: NOR, RIC, GAS, POU, OCO

A genuine shocker as BOTH Ferraris drop out in SQ2. It is the first Q3 of any kind that Charles Leclerc will miss since 2023. Lewis Hamilton will start just ahead of him, as Nico Hülkenberg also drops out in SQ2, along with Stroll and Sainz. Audi celebrating both drivers in SQ3, while Norris and Ricciardo go 1-2.

SQ3: Piastri, Verstappen, Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Norris, Pourchaire, Albon

Oscar Piastri beats Max Verstappen to Pole by 5 tenths in what was a phenomenal lap from the Australian driver. Bottas P3, with Ocon P4, while Gasly was just ahead of the two Andrettis. Norris, Pourchaire and Albon complete the top ten.

2026 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

PIA VER

BOT OCO

GAS RIC

TSU NOR

POU ALB

HAM LEC

HÜL STR

SAI MAG

LAW RUS

VAN

PIT LANE START ZHO QUAL P19

[foggy locust]

It is time to go Sprinting in the Rain. It is very, very wet on track at the moment, so much so that we had a slight delay but we are good to go, and we're all expecting excitement and a bit of chaos. 24 laps of this 4.309km circuit, one of the shortest laps of the season, we will Sprint again here next year, Brazil has held a Sprint every year since they were introduced in 2021, and it is always a favourite.

Zhou Guanyu crashed out in Q1 and starts from the pitlane so Stoffel Vandoorne is alone on row nine, George Russell and Liam Lawson both missed out on SQ2 due to that flag so they're on row eight. Kevin Magnussen has started a Sprint from Pole back in 2022 but today he's 16th, Carlos Sainz 15th, then it's Lance Stroll and Nico Hülkenberg on row seven. The big shock is both Ferraris on row six, their lowest starts of the season and they'll both take penalties tomorrow. Lewis Hamilton starts just ahead of title rival Charles Leclerc on row six for today. Alex Albon in P10, then Théo Pourchaire just ahead in 9th, then it's Lando Norris and Yuki Tsunoda on the fourth row. Daniel Ricciardo just behind Pierre Gasly on the third row, then it's Esteban Ocon who continues his fine late season form in Fourth and Valtteri Bottas is P3, then the most expectant non Ferrari front row possible - Max Verstappen starts 2nd, and it is Pole for Oscar Piastri.

Let's go Sprinting!

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

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Piastri holds the lead ahead of Verstappen, Bottas then up ahead of Ocon, Gasly, Ricciardo, Norris, Tsunoda, Albon then Pourchaire, LECLERC AHEAD OF HAMILTON!

VERSTAPPEN

Hamilton back ahead of Leclerc, and he moves past Pourchaire who runs wide!!

(BOZ) "We need some LiCo for tyre temperatures."

(LEC) "Yeah. Visibility is really bad here."

(BOZ) "Copy. Do what you can."

Verstappen takes the lead from Piastti at the front!

Ricciardo is up to P5, ahead of Gasly!

Leclerc now ahead of Pourchaire and into P11!

(BOZ) "You can push the tyres here Charles. Get into the rhythm."

(LEC) "I don't know what you think the rhythm is, but this is the rhythm."

(HAM) "Struggling for visibility here."

(ADA) "Copy. Keep pushing for now."

(HAM) "It's really bad out here."

Hamilton pushing the points now and is up ahead of Albon into P9!

Leclerc gets past Albon for P10 here.

Lap 8: Verstappen, Piastri, Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Ricciardo, Norris, Tsunoda, Hamilton, Leclerc, Albon, Pourchaire, Stroll, Sainz, Hülkenberg, Magnussen, Lawson, Russell, Zhou, Vandoorne

Tsunoda currently defending that final point not just against Hamilton, but Leclerc as well.

(ADA) "Tyre phase update please, Lewis?"

(HAM) "Tyres are good. Bit hot, but good."

(ADA) "Understood. P9, Tsunoda ahead, 0.4, Charles behind, also 0.4."

Ocon with a lock-up and into the gravel! He drops down to P8!

(HAM) "Ocon locked up and hit me there."

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

Ocon locks up again, clipping Hamilton on his way past!!! Leclerc goes past both in the process, and Ocon drops to P20! Hamilton back on track in P9!

Russell with a lock-up as well, but he continues on.

(BOZ) "Behind you is Lewis. 0.9. Continue like this."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy."

Lap 16: Verstappen, Piastri, Bottas, Gasly, Norris, Ricciardo, Tsunoda, Leclerc, Hamilton, Albon, Pourchaire, Stroll, Sainz, Magnussen, Hülkenberg, Lawson, Russell, Vandoorne, Zhou, Ocon

Gasly with a spin!!! He drops out of the points from P4, and that is a heartbreaker for Audi! Both Ferraris into the points now, by the way.

PIASTRI

RICCIARDO

(LEC) "Lot of graining...rain is very difficult here, but decreasing...these tyres are struggling."

(BOZ) "Understood. Four laps left, get the car home at this point."

Up front, Verstappen has absolutely run away with this. 4.5 seconds ahead of Piastri right now. He's about to take his first Sprint win of the season.

Disaster for Russell, who has picked up a puncture!

GASLY IN THE SAME BOAT. He also has a puncture!

No such problems for Max Verstappen, who crosses the line to WIN THE SAO PAULO SPRINT!

Piastri P2!

Leclerc ahead of Tsunoda! A two points swing in the title race!

Bottas P3, Norris P4, Ricciardo P5

Leclerc takes P6 ahead of Tsunoda in P7, Hamilton P8!

(BOZ) "And P6 Charles, P6. Good job today considering qualifying."

(LEC) "Yeah, nice job. Thank you. We did well."

(BOZ) "Onto Qualifying."

(ADA) "And P8, Lewis, P8. Tough one out there."

(HAM) "Yeah, was tough. Let's keep pushing."

(ADA) "You did a solid race. Let's keep pushing."

2026 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
SPRINT CLASSIFICATION

1. Max Verstappen 00.33.14
2. :McLaren: Oscar Piastri +4.836
3. Valtteri Bottas +10.543
4. Lando Norris +0.277
5. Daniel Ricciardo +2.605
6. Charles Leclerc +1.890
7. Yuki Tsunoda +0.482
8. Lewis Hamilton +0.927
9. Alexander Albon +3.699
10. Théo Pourchaire +2.774
11. Lance Stroll +4.535
12. Carlos Sainz +0.227
13. Liam Lawson +4.535
14. Kevin Magnussen +1.666
15. Zhou Guanyu +2.762
16. Nico Hülkenberg +1.381
17. Esteban Ocon +1.381
18. Stoffel Vandoorne +3.534
19. Pierre Gasly +16.959
20. George Russell +25.435

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 417
Hamilton 402
Verstappen 339
Piastri 262
Norris 231
Bottas 128
Lawson 111
Tsunoda 88
Ricciardo 78
Russell 72
Gasly 29
Ocon 16
Stroll 10
Albon 9
Vandoorne 7
Pourchaire 6
Sainz 4
Zhou 3
Magnussen 3
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 819
McLaren-Ford RBPT 492
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 450
Andretti-Ferrari 166
Aston Martin-Honda 135
Williams-Ferrari 82
Audi Sauber 35
Hitech-Renault 19
Mercedes 13
Haas-Mercedes 3

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1457
Pirelli 757

Welcome to Interlagos, and one of the highlights of the Formula 1 calendar. It'll be the penultimate round next year, this time around there's four to go, and the title battle is in the balance. Although it is one that might not be too affected by qualifying today, as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are both taking big penalties. Pole however - very much up for grabs.

OUT IN Q1: Zhou, Ocon, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne, Ricciardo
Bubble: Stroll
Top Five: VER, POU, LEC, PIA, RUS
HAM P8

No major shocks at the bottom end of the table, but Ricciardo and Ocon go out in Q1, as Zhou, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne also drop out. Pourchaire the headline maker in Q1, as he took P2, while Russell and Albon also impressed.

OUT IN Q2: Tsunoda , Albon, Stroll, Magnussen, Sainz
Bubble: Pourchaire
Top Five: LEC, HAM, VER, PIA, NOR

Tsunoda will likely be at the very back after a Q2 exit, while Albon, Stroll, Magnussen and Hülkenberg also exit. Leclerc quickest at the top, from Verstappen, Piastri, Norris and Lawson.

Q3: Verstappen, Leclerc , Hamilton , Piastri, Lawson, Norris, Bottas, Russell, Gasly, Pourchaire

Verstappen takes his fourth Pole of the season, and due to Leclerc and Hamilton's penalties, will be joined on the front row by Piastri. Lawson, Norris, Bottas, Russell, Gasly and Pourchaire all get promoted a row as well.

2026 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

VER PIA

LAW NOR

BOT RUS

GAS POU

ALB STR

MAG SAI

ZHO OCO

HÜL VAN

RIC TSU

LEC HAM

Leclerc takes 19 place grid penalty, QUAL P2. Hamilton takes 19 place grid penalty, QUAL P3. Tsunoda takes 10 place grid penalty, QUAL P11.

Breaking for a while now, back later for the race!

[humble totem]

How are your divers getting penalties when they don't crash?
Never taking a penalty in this game
Power trains are so easy to manage

[brazen wren]

They are with a Mercedes engine, but as Ferrari you're forced to use Ferrari engines

[humble totem]

I mean Ferrari
I had 5 yrs Ferrari save
Never taken a penalty

[foggy locust]

Ferrari engines. We wore them down through the season

So taking the penalties this weekend, my plan was to attack the Sprint

But then that went to absolute hell via qualifying

[foggy locust]

There's always something very special about heading to Brazil, it is time for Interlagos, and the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The first dry session of the entire weekend today, and a potentially tricky day for the two Ferraris. 71 laps around this 4.309 km circuit, 15 turns, including that famous Senna S, 2 DRS Zones, it's most likely a two stopper, try the one at your peril.

And this is an unusual sight, the two Red cars on the back row. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton start P19 and P20 respectively as the title fight is heating up, Yuki Tsunoda also takes a penalty and Daniel Ricciardo was slowest in qualifying so he's P17. Stoffel Vandoorne and Nico Hülkenberg start on row eight, with Esteban Ocon and Zhou Guanyu on row seven. Carlos Sainz starts P12 alongside Kevin Magnussen in P11, Lance Stroll in the top ten with Alex Albon ninth. Then it's the Audis of Théo Pourchaire just behind Pierre Gasly and a great chance for points for them today, George Russell lines up P6, with Valtteri Bottas 5th. Lando Norris starts fourth and Liam Lawson third, and then it is an incredible opportunity for Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen on the front row. Can Verstappen get back in the title fight with just four rounds left? He's got a great chance to today.

Let's go racing!

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Verstappen holds the lead, Piastri second, Lawson third, Bottas ahead of Norris! Gasly battling Russell, Leclerc pushing Tsunoda, but Hamilton sees the opportunity and goes past him!

(BOZ) "Hold position for now, work the way up the order together."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy."

(BOZ) "We will be free to fight later on."

Hamilton and Leclerc currently stuck behind Stoffel Vandoorne, who seems to have turned into prime Fernando Alonso right now.

(ADA) "Charles has more pace right now, let him by"

Leclerc gets the move done on Vandoorne, but he's lost a lot of time to the Andrettis.

(LEC) "We are losing so much time, guys."

(BOZ) "Keep the head down, focus, Charles."

Hamilton ahead of Vandoorne, and up to P19.

Norris ahead of Lawson for P3.

Gasly goes ahead of Lawson too for P4!

Piastri overtakes Verstappen for P1!

Leclerc moved ahead of Tsunoda, and is chasing down Ricciardo. Hamilton now ahead of Tsunoda!

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

Verstappen retakes P1 from Piastri!

Leclerc and Hamilton making their way through the pack together right now, with both having overtaken Ricciardo, and now going after Ocon.

Piastri leads again! Right now, he's doing Leclerc and Hamilton a huge favour here!

(BOZ) "Tyre phase update?"

(LEC) "Lot of graining, high graining here."

(ADA) "You are free to fight at this point."

(HAM) "Where is Charles?"

(ADA) "P13, you, P16.

(BOZ) "Okay Charles, we are going with Plan E, box now, box"

(LEC) "Do we think those will hold up?"

(BOZ) "We do. Box."

(HAM) "These tyres are really struggling."

(ADA) "Understood. Box, box."

PITSTOPS: FERRARI DOUBLE STACK. They nail it perfectly and are back out there onto Hards, but P19 and P20. Norris also boxes for Mediums.

PITSTOP: Early stop for Verstappen, and he takes the Mediums. Rejoins P17, ahead of Norris.

Lawson and Gasly clip wheels!! Both go off the track, and neither is particularly happy about it!

PITSTOPS: Albon and Russell in, and Leclerc ahead of both on the pitstops!

HAMILTON

Gasly and Lawson both escape punishment for that coming together.

PITSTOPS: Lawson, Ocon, Sainz all in. All three will drop down the order here.

(HAM) "You got any more power to give me at this point?"

(ADA) "Keep pushing here."

PITSTOPS: Piastri pits and is back out in P3.

Leclerc currently with a net P4. Incredible drive so far from the Champion. Hamilton P8.

VERSTAPPEN

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

Verstappen under pressure by a McLaren for the second time today, but it is Lando Norris, not Oscar Piastri! Piastri about 5 seconds back

Magnussen locks up and nearly wipes out Ocon into the process!

(LEC) "DRS proving tricky here."

(BOZ) "Keep doing what you're doing, Charles."

Leclerc struggling a little bit on the Hards and drops behind Stroll and Pourchaire. Russell ahead of Hamilton.

Verstappen pulling away from Norris, and Piastri closing in on his teammate.

Piastri overtakes Norris and is up to P2! He's closing now on Verstappen!

Pourchaire into Fourth! Could this be the making of the young Audi driver?

Leclerc and Albon ahead of Stroll, who is right ahead of teammate Russell.

PIASTRI TAKES THE LEAD!!

TSUNODA'S GEARBOX IS GONE, AND HE'S OUT OF THE RACE. He's able to safely make it to the pitlane, however.

Lap 41: Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Pourchaire, Leclerc, Russell, Albon, Stroll, Hamilton, Zhou, Lawson, Ricciardo, Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Magnussen, Hülkenberg, Vandoorne, Sainz. Tsunoda out of the race.

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR

Kevin Magnussen terrorball at work. He clips Pierre Gasly, sending him into Nico Hülkenberg, who was having a mechanical issue anyway, and Hülkenberg is in the wall.

GASLY

Surprisingly Gasly has landed himself a penalty. That seems harsh, Magnussen has gotten away with one there.

PITSTOP: Pourchaire and Albon both stop under the VSC. Pourchaire onto Hards, Albon onto Mediums.

PITSTOPS: VERSTAPPEN AND NORRIS BOTH IN, AS THE VSC ENDS! Russell in too, all three onto Mediums to the end.

STROLL

[foggy locust]

(BOZ) "Box now box, pit confirm."

(LEC) "Box."

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

(HAM) "Box this lap."

PITSTOPS: Piastri in! 9 seconds behind Verstappen, but on fresher tyres. Can he make that count? Leclerc in P14, having taken Mediums to the end.

PITSTOP: Hamilton in! A 1.844 stop, incredible stuff! Ricciardo, Bottas, Magnussen all in too!

Albon goes off at turn 8! A lock-up and he tags the barrier!

Hamilton ahead of Albon, who's struggling with damage!

Leclerc gets Russell for P8!

Leclerc ahead of Pourchaire and into P5

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED

A huge off for Kevin Magnussen! He's okay, but his final Sao Paulo GP is over early!

Lap 56, under VSC: Verstappen, Piastri, Norris, Stroll, Zhou, Lawson, Leclerc, Pourchaire, Russell, Hamilton, Ricciardo, Albon, Bottas, Ocon, Vandoorne, Gasly, Sainz. Magnussen, Hülkenberg and Tsunoda out of the race.

PITSTOP: Stroll pits as the VSC ends! He's onto the Mediums and heads back onto track!

PITSTOP: Lawson in for Mediums, and Albon pitting again after his crash, for another set of Mediums.

RICCIARDO

STROLL WITH A MASSIVE SPIN-OFF. He's now a good 3 seconds behind Bottas for P10!

Pourchaire locks up, and loses P8 to Ricciardo.

ZHOU HAS A PUNCTURE! Haas left him out for too long, and they've blown his chances of points today!

PITSTOP: Zhou pits, and he's on the Softs. Big ask to get anything now for him after that puncture.

Lap 62: Verstappen, Piastri, Norris, Leclerc, Hamilton, Ricciardo, Russell, Bottas, Pourchaire, Ocon, Stroll, Lawson, Albon, Vandoorne, Gasly, Zhou, Sainz

Verstappen absolutely coasting to victory here.

Hamilton under pressure from Ricciardo, but breaks again from him.

(ADA) "Update your status, update your status please."

(HAM) "Tyres are okay."

(BOZ) "And five laps left Charles, keep this pace up."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy."

FINAL LAP

Pourchaire wide at turn 7!

It has been a comfortable afternoon for Max Verstappen, his fourth win of the season, and he rounds the final corner, MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX!!! Oscar Piastri home in P2, and it is a McLaren double podium, Lando Norris in P3!

(BOZ) "And chequered flag. Good effort today Charles, incredible effort."

(LEC) "Yeah, thank you. Was always going to be tough with the penalty, but we did a good job."

(BOZ) "Good job. And Driver of the Day, too."

(LEC) "Thank you to the fans for that!"

(ADA) "Taking the flag. P5. Good job today, Lewis. Good recovery drive."

(HAM) "Yeah, thank you to everyone in the factory, great effort today."

(ADA) "Good job. Charles now 27 ahead, still a way to go."

Ricciardo P6 with FL, Russell P7, Bottas P8, Lawson P9, Ocon P10

SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Max Verstappen 01.29.14
2. Oscar Piastri +10.929
3. Lando Norris +7.484
4. Charles Leclerc +15.751
5. Lewis Hamilton +5.989
6. Daniel Ricciardo +1.485
7. George Russell +5.946
8. Valtteri Bottas +3.190
9. Liam Lawson +5.094
10. Esteban Ocon +0.136
11. Lance Stroll +3.605
12. Théo Pourchaire +3.762
13. Alexander Albon +1 lap
14. Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
15. Stoffel Vandoorne +1 lap
16. Pierre Gasly +1 lap
17. Carlos Sainz +2 laps
18. Kevin Magnussen DNF
19. Nico Hülkenberg DNF
20. Yuki Tsunoda DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC

Charles Leclerc had a phenomenal performance today, going from P19 to P4 in an amazing drive. A worthy winner of Driver of the Day by the Champion.

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Daniel Ricciardo 1.09.733

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Lewis Hamilton 1.843s

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 429
Hamilton 412
Verstappen 364
Piastri 280
Norris 246
Bottas 132
Lawson 113
Tsunoda 88
Ricciardo 87
Russell 78
Gasly 29
Ocon 17
Stroll 10
Albon 9
Vandoorne 7
Pourchaire 6
Sainz 4
Zhou 3
Magnussen 3
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 841
McLaren-Ford RBPT 526
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 477
Andretti-Ferrari 175
Aston Martin-Honda 139
Williams-Ferrari 88
Audi Sauber 35
Hitech-Renault 20
Mercedes 13
Haas-Mercedes 3

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1516
Pirelli 793

[foggy locust]

2026 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW

The lights are on in Vegas and it is time for the third last round of the 2026 Formula 1 season. With the Drivers’ Championship battle on a knife edge, we head to Sin City for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Last time around, it was a Max Verstappen comfortable victory in Sao Paulo, as the Dutch driver took his fourth win of the season to keep his slim Championship hopes alive. McLaren took a double podium with Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris, while Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton took fourth and fifth after starting P19 and P20 in an incredible recovery drive.

And so, to Vegas. The fourth annual Las Vegas Grand Prix, and after signing a new long term deal to remain on the calendar, Las Vegas will become the season finale from next year onwards. For now however, it will be the third last race of the season, and with double points in play at Abu Dhabi, the Championship cannot be clinched here this season. The 50 lap 6.201 km race runs down the Las Vegas Strip and takes in all the sights and sounds of Vegas, includingincorporates some of the most notable landmarks of the city, including the MSG Sphere, Caesar's Palace, Bellagio and Paris Las Vegas. It is a circuit Best known for its low speed cornering, long straights and DRS Effectiveness.

And those very much play to the strengths of the reigning Constructors Champions Ferrari. They will very much go into this weekend as the favourites, and it feels must win for Lewis Hamilton, with a 16 point gap to Charles Leclerc and three races remaining - however, the double points at Abu Dhabi means that Leclerc would need a 52 point gap and to own the tiebreaker to clinch the title before the final race - so this title race is likely going all the way to the wire.

And despite his fourth win of the season in Brazil, Max Verstappen remains 64 points behind Charles Leclerc and would need a gain of 11 points at least over Las Vegas and Qatar to secure his shot at the title in Abu Dhabi. All focus and all upgrades from Red Bull have gone Verstappen's way in recent weeks, as with Liam Lawson heading to Hitech next season and the Constructors’ title gone, Red Bull want to try and get Max his fourth title.

As for McLaren, another double podium and fourth and fifth in the Drivers looks likely, but they still only have a 49 point advantage over Red Bull in the Constructors Championship. With the band breaking up at the end of the season, McLaren want at least one more win to help secure that second spot in the Constructors.

The Andretti versus Aston Martin battle has massively gone in the favour of the American team in recent weeks, with Andretti outscoring Aston once again in Sao Paulo. While it will likely go to Abu Dhabi - with 88 Constructors points up for grabs there - Andretti hold an advantage of 36 points, and outscoring Aston here and at Qatar would likely be enough to get them over the line for a historic first season for the American side.

Williams meanwhile could still potentially upset the applecart, but with work switching to the 2027 car, sixth looks the most likely for them this year. A good platform for the Grove team to work on for next season, with Alex Albon returning to the team to replace Lance Stroll - whose only chance of staying on the grid now rests with Audi - as George Russell will remain with the team for next season, having turned down an offer to move to McLaren. This isn't a weekend that is expected to suit their car, however.

Audi are still assessing their final driver choice, and are set to announce shortly, with the choice potentially coming as early as this weekend - but more likely in Abu Dhabi. Audi have confirmed Théo Pourchaire to stay at the team, as Pierre Gasly will leave for McLaren next year. The team are said to have as many as seven or eight candidates - this might take a while. They are bringing major upgrades to Vegas in the hopes of big points this weekend - however it is only Théo Pourchaire who is receiving them, in another controversial move.

Hitech meanwhile added yet another point in Brazil as Esteban Ocon's late season form continued well. Hitech are also bringing a huge upgrade package this weekend as they look to potentially challenge Audi for seventh, or at least assure eighth this weekend. Can it pay off for the French team?

Mercedes’ focus switched a long time ago to next year and this isn't expected to be a strong weekend for the team, as Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been getting a lot of FP1 time to prepare him for next season - do not be surprised if Mercedes opt to use him again this weekend coming.

As for Haas, it is just three weekends left for Nico Hülkenberg in the sport - he has already turned down the interest from Audi for next year - and he will move on to the World Endurance Championship next season, funnily enough joining Alpine's WEC team. Hülkenberg will hope to avoid his first F1 pointless season - but it will be tough this weekend as Haas have switched focus to next year.

So, the lights are on in Vegas, and we go racing late on Saturday night. How will this affect the Championship, who will take it all - who will gamble and who will win? One thing's for sure. You won't want to miss it.

FP1 Reserves: Maini (Norris), Dürksen (Verstappen), Andersson (Lawson), Hadjar (Magnussen), Marti (Hülkenberg), Goethe (Tsunoda), Aron (Ricciardo)

FP1: LEC HAM DÜR

Leclerc quickest in FP1 ahead of Hamilton, while Red Bull junior Joshua Dürksen was P3. Gasly took fourth ahead of Piastri and Maini, with Andersson, Aron, Goethe and Hadjar, all reserves, impressing.

FP2: LEC HAM NOR

Leclerc again quickest ahead of Hamilton, with Norris P3. Verstappen takes 4th with Piastri 5th, while Bottas, Lawson, Ocon, Albon and Gasly complete the top ten.

Red Flag in P3 brings it to an early end! Ocon in the wall!

FP3: PIA TSU NOR
LEC P6, HAM P10

A Red Flag caused by Esteban Ocon ended FP3 early, as the Hitech driver crashed into the wall. He'll now take a components penalty for Sunday. Piastri fastest from Tsunoda and Norris, with Hülkenberg fourth and Stroll fifth. P6 for Leclerc and P10 for Hamilton, with Albon, Vandoorne and Sainz in between.

The lights are on and we are a go for Qualifying. The stakes are as high as they possibly could be in the Las Vegas Street circuit, for the fourth time we go Qualifying around these streets with a Championship growing ever intenser. The two Ferraris were quickest yesterday, today Ocon's Red Flag crash brought an early end to Qualifying, but where do we go from here?

A Red Flag midway through Qualifying as Hülkenberg locks up and hits the wall! Thankfully he's OK, but his third last Qualifying in F1 comes to an early end!

OUT IN Q1: Albon, Gasly, Vandoorne, Ocon , Hülkenberg (no time)
Bubble: Sainz
Top Five: TSU, BOT NOR VER POU
HAM P7, LEC P9

A Red Flag in Q1 saw a lot of activity and attempts to get out of the bottom five, and Albon, Gasly, Vandoorne and Ocon, who has a penalty (start your memes now), join Hülkenberg in the bottom five. At the top, Yuki Tsunoda surprisingly went fastest ahead of Bottas, Norris, Verstappen and Pourchaire. Piastri, Hamilton, Russell, Leclerc and Lawson your top ten in Q1.

OUT IN Q2: Tsunoda, Sainz, Stroll, Magnussen, Zhou
Bubble: Piastri
Top Five: HAM, LEC, VER, NOR, POU

Tsunoda goes from P1 in Q1 to out in Q2, as Sainz, Stroll, Magnussen and Zhou also drop out. Hamilton quickest from Leclerc, with Verstappen, Norris and Pourchaire also through. Piastri just sneaks through by 0.075.

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

Lando Norris snatches Pole in the final seconds away from Charles Leclerc, with Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton following. Ricciardo sixth ahead of Lawson, then Bottas, Russell and Pourchaire.

2026 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

NOR LEC

VER PIA

HAM RIC

LAW BOT

RUS POU

TSU SAI

STR MAG

ZHO ALB

GAS VAN

HÜL OCO

Ocon - 5 places, QUAL P19

Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, and the 4th running of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Next year, and for the next several years, it will be the final race of the season, tonight it is the third last race of the season. This 6.201km circuit takes in all the sights and sounds of Vegas, the many casinos, the Sphere, and down the Las Vegas Strip. 2 DRS Zones, a top speed of 350.5kph, 50 race laps, 17 turns, a whole lot of excitement and action. It might be a one stop, it might be a two stop, it's all to play for.

Esteban Ocon takes a penalty so starts at the very back, with Nico Hülkenberg alongside him, Stoffel Vandoorne in P18 alongside Pierre Gasly who heads to McLaren next year. Alex Albon begins P16 with Zhou Guanyu P15, it is fourteenth for Kevin Magnussen and Lance Stroll will begin P13. Carlos Sainz in P12, his Mercedes future is under question but he'll be there at least next year, Yuki Tsunoda joins Aston Martin next year and was P1 in Q1 but starts P11 tonight. Théo Pourchaire begins from P10, with George Russell 9th, then it is Valtteri Bottas and Liam Lawson on the fourth row. It's Daniel Ricciardo 6th in his final Las Vegas Grand Prix, at least for now, then P5 for Lewis Hamilton in his third last career race. Oscar Piastri starts 4th with Max Verstappen P3, Charles Leclerc begins tonight with a 17 point lead and a P2 start, and it is the first Pole of the season for Lando Norris. Can he convert it to a win?

Let's go racing in Vegas!!

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

Norris holds position for now as Verstappen is pushing Leclerc for P2 but Leclerc holding him off, Hamilton up to P4 ahead of Piastri! Lawson P6, then Ricciardo has dropped to Seventh, Bottas, Russell and Pourchaire hold firm!

LECLERC GOING FOR THE LEAD DOWN THE VEGAS STRIP AND TAKES P1!!

(BOZ) "Good job Charles, this is an excellent pace, keep it up."

Hamilton going for P2 from Norris and Hamilton takes P2, and now the two Championship protagonists are 1-2!!!

(ADA) "This level of pace is excellent Lewis."

Hamilton pushing for the lead on Lap 4, and he takes the lead from Leclerc!!

HAMILTON

Norris holding off Verstappen and Lawson as well at the moment!

Leclerc retakes the lead, and Norris uses the opportunity to challenge Hamilton for P2, but Lewis holding the McLaren off for now!

(BOZ) "And we'll need some tyre management here Charles."

Gasly having some gearbox issues at the moment. The Audi driver is currently down in P16.

Magnussen clips the wall trying to move past Stroll, and has picked up some damage!

Lap 8: Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris, Verstappen, Lawson, Piastri, Russell, Ricciardo, Bottas, Pourchaire, Tsunoda, Stroll, Magnussen, Zhou, Sainz, Albon, Ocon, Gasly, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg

Hamilton back in the lead! This could be huge for the Championship!

Leclerc retakes the lead! Norris however going for a move on both Ferraris and he's into the lead! That was huge by Lando!!

Verstappen goes ahead of Hamilton! This is disaster for Lewis for the title!

PITSTOP: Pourchaire first to come in! The Audi has a big delay however and that's cost him a lot of time!

Hamilton gains two positions in short order - firstly getting Verstappen for third, then Norris for second!

Hamilton goes roaring down the Las Vegas Strip and into the lead!!!

PITSTOPS: Haas do a double stack, but they've made a complete mess of it! Zhou gets away cleanly, but Hülkenberg delayed!!

Sainz and Gasly make contact!!!

PITSTOPS: Mercedes enforced into a double stack, and Sainz is delayed as a result!

PITSTOP: Hamilton in! Norris in! Lawson in! Tsunoda in! 2.119 stop for Hamilton and he will rejoin P6! Lawson jumps Norris in the pitlane! Bottas in too!

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED!!!

Nico Hülkenberg finds himself in the wall, having locked up and gone off! His race is over, thankfully okay, but he's done for today!

PITSTOP: Leclerc has caught a massive break! He pits under the VSC, a 1.949 stop to boot! Ocon also coming in under the VSC, as is Vandoorne!

We are racing on Lap 18!

Leclerc takes P3 back from Russell!

Lap 18: Verstappen, Piastri, Leclerc, Russell, Ricciardo, Hamilton, Lawson, Norris, Bottas, Pourchaire, Tsunoda, Gasly, Ocon, Albon, Stroll, Zhou, Magnussen, Vandoorne, Sainz

Still to pit: Verstappen, Piastri, Russell, Ricciardo, Gasly

PITSTOPS: Piastri and Russell both in! Piastri onto Mediums from Hards, Russell goes the other direction!

(BOZ) "Verstappen 6.5 ahead, yet to pit."

(LEC) "Copy. Lap times?"

(BOZ) "Sorry Safety Car deployed, I will get back to you."

SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED

Russell and Tsunoda collide!!! Tsunoda takes damage that ends his race, while Russell has major damage!!!

PITSTOPS: Gasly, Albon, Russell and Zhou all pit under the SC!

RUSSELL - 5s

PITSTOP: Verstappen and Ricciardo both pit for free! Verstappen onto Softs, Ricciardo onto the Hards!

Lap 22 under SC: Leclerc, Verstappen, Hamilton, Piastri, Norris, Lawson, Ricciardo, Pourchaire, Bottas, Ocon, Stroll, Magnussen, Sainz, Vandoorne, Gasly, Albon, Russell , Zhou. Tsunoda and Hülkenberg out of the race.

We go racing again on Lap 24!!

Verstappen, on the Softs, gets ahead of Leclerc on the Mediums!

VERSTAPPEN

Both Leclerc and Hamilton are keeping in range of Verstappen here!

Leclerc grabs the lead from Verstappen on Lap 29!! The Mediums starting to have more of an advantage now!

PITSTOP: A second stop for Pourchaire! He's onto the Hards which should see him to the end now.

Hamilton up to P2! It is very much game on with the front three now!

Hamilton takes the lead back from Leclerc!!!

PITSTOP: VERSTAPPEN IN. The Red Bull trying to undercut the Ferraris here!

Bottas having engine issues! He pulls into the pitlane, his engine has gone and he is out of the race!! That is a disaster for Aston in their fight with Andretti!

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

(HAM) "Yeah, box this lap."

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

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

(LEC) "Copy, box."

PITSTOP: LECLERC IN FROM P1. He takes Softs, 1.878, an incredible stop!!

HAMILTON

PITSTOPS: Lawson in and onto Mediums to the end! Russell also pits and takes his penalty. He's onto the Softs!

(ADA) "Lewis: it's Hammer Time."

Leclerc ahead of Ricciardo, but he lost A LOT of time behind the Andretti!!

PITSTOP: Piastri pits from the lead! He takes on the Softs and returns to the track in P5.

PITSTOP: Norris follows his teammate in a lap later! He's also taking the Softs, ad returns to the track behind his teammate in P6.

LECLERC

(BOZ) "Lap times: Verstappen 39.005, Lewis 38.577, you 38.465. Piastri fastest lap, 37.879. Keep pushing."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy."

PIASTRI

GASLY

PIASTRI

Piastri takes Fastest Lap, loses it to Gasly, then takes it back from him.

Speaking of Piastri, he's up to P4, ahead of Ricciardo!

With six laps left, Verstappen about 2.6 ahead of Hamilton, who is 3 seconds ahead of Leclerc.

Gasly has a broken suspension, and that could be his race over! He's going to be classified though, but he pulls into the pitlane to retire.

LAST LAP

A six points swing in play, as Leclerc is right on Hamilton for P2!!!

LECLERC HAS DRS BUT HAMILTON IS HOLDING HIM OFF!!!

MAX VERSTAPPEN CROSSES THE LINE TO WIN THE LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX, HIS FIFTH WIN OF THE SEASON! LEWIS HAMILTON HOLDS OFF CHARLES LECLERC FOR P2, AND THREE POINTS GAINED FOR THE TITLE!!

(ADA) "And P2, Lewis, P2! Amazing job today, well done at the end!"

(HAM) "Woooo! Fantastic job. Let's keep pushing right to the end of the season!"

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

(BOZ) "And P3, Charles. P3. Great race today."

(LEC) "Yeah, we did a good job. It was tough, credit to Lewis, and to Max today. Good job today Bryan. Still in this."

(BOZ) "Still all to play for."

Piastri P4, Norris P5

Ricciardo holds off Lawson for P6!

Stroll P8

Ocon P9

Pourchaire P10, and he gets a much needed point!

See you for the finale next season, Vegas!

2026 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Max Verstappen 01.30.08
2. Lewis Hamilton +4.563
3. Charles Leclerc +0.199
4. Oscar Piastri +2.732
5. Lando Norris +3.780
6. Daniel Ricciardo +12.980
7. Liam Lawson +0.134
8. Lance Stroll +9.619
9. Esteban Ocon +2.054
10. Théo Pourchaire +0.223
11. Kevin Magnussen +5.800
12. Stoffel Vandoorne +2.999
13. Zhou Guanyu +2.947
14. Carlos Sainz +0.188
15. Alexander Albon +0.106
16. George Russell +30.186
17. Pierre Gasly +2 laps (DNF)
18. Valtteri Bottas DNF
19. Yuki Tsunoda DNF
20. Nico Hülkenberg DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: ESTEBAN OCON, Hitech

A mighty drive from Esteban Ocon to go from a grid penalty and P20 to snatching P9 and some more valuable points for Hitech. Esteban Ocon, your Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri, McLaren 1.36.599

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1.878s

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 444
Hamilton 430
Verstappen 389
Piastri 293
Norris 256
Bottas 132
Lawson 119
Ricciardo 95
Tsunoda 88
Russell 78
Gasly 29
Ocon 19
Stroll 14
Albon 9
Pourchaire 7
Vandoorne 7
Sainz 4
Zhou 3
Magnussen 3
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 874
McLaren-Ford RBPT 549
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 508
Andretti-Ferrari 183
Aston Martin-Honda 139
Williams-Ferrari 92
Audi Sauber 36
Hitech-Renault 22
Mercedes 13
Haas-Mercedes 3

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1590
Pirelli 829

AUDI SIGN ISACK HADJAR FOR 2027

The final seat on the 2027 Formula 1 grid has gone to Isack Hadjar.

Hadjar will move from Hitech reserve to a full race seat for 2027, joining Audi and Théo Pourchaire at the team, replacing the McLaren bound Pierre Gasly.

The 2024 F2 Champion has secured his spot on the grid for next season, and will debut with Audi at the Australian Grand Prix next March.

There will be a grand total of EIGHT rookies in Formula 1 next season, as the next generation arrives in the sport.

TYRE CHANGES: WILLIAMS TO TAKE BRIDGESTONE TYRES FOR 2027, HITECH TO MOVE TO PIRELLI

Two more teams have announced tyre supplier changes for the 2027 season.

Williams will switch to Bridgestone tyres away from Pirelli, while Hitech will go in the opposite direction.

The window for tyre changes has now closed, and the suppliers for next season are as follows:

Bridgestone: Ferrari, Andretti, Williams, Haas, Subaru
Pirelli: McLaren, Red Bull, Aston Martin, Audi, Hitech, Mercedes

2027 FORMULA 1 GRID

Ferrari
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri

Red Bull
Max Verstappen
Lando Norris

McLaren
Pierre Gasly
Pato O'Ward

Mercedes
Carlos Sainz
Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Aston Martin
Valtteri Bottas
Yuki Tsunoda

Andretti
Gabriel Bortoleto
Colton Herta

Williams
George Russell
Alexander Albon

Audi
Théo Pourchaire
Isack Hadjar

Haas
Zhou Guanyu
Franco Colapinto

Hitech
Esteban Ocon
Liam Lawson

Subaru
Ayumu Iwasa
Oliver Bearman

[humble totem]

Do you want any tips for your soft reboot if you don't want your grid going back to looking like the generic default grid after season 1?

[foggy locust]

Sure!

[foggy locust]

QATAR GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

It is the penultimate weekend of this sensational 2026 season, and the Drivers’ Championship is going to the final race. Whether it's two or three drivers competing for that title next Sunday in Abu Dhabi is up for debate.

Last time around, Max Verstappen took his fifth win of the season in Las Vegas. to keep his Championship hopes alive, with Lewis Hamilton holding off Charles Leclerc for P2 at the very end. Verstappen now finds himself 55 points back off Leclerc (and 41 off Hamilton) with just two races remaining - however with double points in play at Abu Dhabi - 52 points total - plus this weekend and a Sprint to come - a further 34 - Verstappen remains in play, while Hamilton looks to close the gap on Leclerc.

And it will be the final Qatar Grand Prix - at least for some time. The Lusail International Circuit drops off the calendar entirely next year as one of the races cut from this year's 24 race calendar to next year's refined 21 race calendar, and therefore, we will not be racing here after this weekend. The 5.419 km circuit in the Desert was initially built for motorbike racing and will return to that purpose after this weekend, but before then, it will receive one last Sprint and race. 57 laps, 16 turns, and just the one DRS zone. It won't be an overtaking fest, and is a tricky, grueling circuit.

Ferrari enter this circuit with both drivers battling for the Drivers’ Championship, but this is not one that suits the SF-26, and that could be problematic for Leclerc and particularly Hamilton, who is chasing Leclerc in the Championship by 14 points. It is very much up for grabs still, but Ferrari's late season focus has seemingly shifted to the SF-27 and next year's title defence, and any upgrades were not with Lusail in mind. This could be a tough weekend for the Scuderia.

And that could open the door for Max. Verstappen will have the car advantage and the upgrades will be going his way once again, and victory in the main race would assure that he would almost certainly have an outside shot at the title in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen must outscore Leclerc by 4 points this weekend to remain in contention - Leclerc has the tiebreaker, eight wins to a maximum of seven. Liam Lawson will play the support role once more as he heads to Hitech after this year.

Red Bull’s other focus will be closing in on McLaren, with a 41 point gap between the two teams and 147 to play for. It's still very up in the air and McLaren will need both their drivers to be scoring points to see out their advantage over the Bulls in the last two races - an 89 point gap would be enough with one to go, but that seems unlikely - McLaren would need to gain 48 points on Red Bull this weekend. This is likely going to the wire before Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris leave at the end of the season.

Andretti and Aston Martin's battle may reach the final race, but Andretti sit 44 points ahead of Aston with two races to go - Aston would need some huge results from Valtteri Bottas and the outgoing Stoffel Vandoorne for next season. As for Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo - Tsunoda will be joining his team's rivals next year, and Ricciardo will be going on a sabbatical, so both will want to finish their Andretti tenure off on a high in these last two races.

Williams have turned their focus to next year, with Lance Stroll's chances of staying on the grid having disappeared, he may look towards a move to the World Endurance Championship. As for Williams themselves, they look set in sixth this year - they would need a huge result this weekend to challenge for fifth - and the car doesn't seem suited to Lusail.

Both Audi and Hitech have brought late season upgrades for a late push, and both hope to secure that P7 spot. A longshot now to get sixth, with Williams 56 ahead of Audi and 70 ahead of Alpine with two rounds left - but there's still plenty to play for, with that double points contest in Abu Dhabi looming. Audi confirmed Hitech's reserve Isack Hadjar to join Théo Pourchaire for next season, after he missed out on Hitech's own empty seat, which is going to Liam Lawson.

Mercedes meanwhile have put everything into next year, and the Max Verstappen rumours persist - but Toto Wolff has confirmed that Carlos Sainz will be a Mercedes driver next season. He could use a result here or at Abu Dhabi to change his trajectory and give him some positivity and momentum into next year. Andrea Kimi Antonelli remains an interesting prospect for Mercedes for next year.

As for Haas, it is the penultimate F1 race for Nico Hülkenberg and just two more chances to avoid his first ever pointless F1 season. Can he manage it? Haas are very much needing a good year next year after a tough allround season - the pressure is very much on Ayao Komatsu after a horrendous season for Haas this year.

So, the final Sprint of 2026, the penultimate race, and the final Grand Prix in Qatar. And a Drivers’ Championship in the balance. One thing's for certain. You won't want to miss it.

FP1 Reserves: Maini (Norris), Dürksen (Verstappen), Hadjar (Magnussen), Goethe (Ricciardo), Montoya (Vandoorne)

FP1: HAM TSU DÜR
LEC P6

Hamilton goes quickest in FP1 ahead of Tsunoda and Dürksen, while Hadjar impressed again, and Lawson was just behind. Leclerc P6, ahead of Gasly and Bottas, with Pourchaire and Piastri finishing off the top ten.

For one last time in Qatar, we go racing on a Formula 1 weekend, and it is time for Sprint Qualifying. Hamilton quickest in practice, he needs this one this weekend probably more than his teammate does. This could be very intriguing.

OUT IN SQ1: Zhou, Ricciardo, Gasly, Lawson, Hülkenberg
Bubble: Stroll
Top Five: VER, PIA, HAM, LEC, NOR

Lawson is the big shock exit of SQ1, as Zhou, Ricciardo, Gasly and Hülkenberg also go out. Stroll just makes SQ2, while Verstappen was quickest from Piastri, Hamilton, Leclerc and Norris.

OUT IN SQ2: Stroll, Vandoorne, Pourchaire, Sainz, Albon
Bubble: Russell
Top Five: VER, PIA, LEC, HAM, NOR

Both Mercedes drop out in SQ2 as they struggled for pace again, as well as Vandoorne and Pourchaire. Russell pips Stroll to SQ3, while Tsunoda needed a late lap to get out of the bottom five.

Verstappen quickest from Piastri, with Leclerc, Hamilton and Norris following.

SQ3: Verstappen, Piastri, Hamilton, Leclerc, Russell, Ocon, Bottas, Tsunoda, Magnussen, Norris

Verstappen holds onto Sprint Pole from Piastri, who almost took it at the end. Hamilton and Leclerc weren't far off but couldn't quite match the pace of the front two, while Russell was fifth, with Ocon and Magnussen P6 and P9. Future Aston teammates Bottas and Tsunoda right beside each other, with Norris P10.

2026 QATAR GRAND PRIX
SPRINT GRID

VER PIA

HAM LEC

RUS OCO

BOT TSU

MAG NOR

STR VAN

POU ALB

SAI ZHO

RIC GAS

LAW HÜL

For one last go in Qatar, it is Sprint weekend and the penultimate weekend of the 2026 Formula 1 season. And the penultimate weekend of Lewis Hamilton's F1 career, as the all time great retires at the end of this season. Change is in the air in Formula 1 with eight rookies joining the grid next season, we won't be here in Qatar next season, either. 19 laps around this 5.419km circuit, 16 turns, just the 1 DRS Zone, it won't be an overtaking fest, but it's game on here in the Championship.

Nico Hülkenberg starts his Final Sprint at the very back then it's Liam Lawson in P19, Pierre Gasly beside Daniel Ricciardo on the ninth row, then row eight is Zhou Guanyu and Carlos Sainz, who will remain at their respective teams next year. Alex Albon is Williams bound and he begins alongside Théo Pourchaire, then it's Stoffel Vandoorne and Lance Stroll on row six. Lando Norris and Kevin Magnussen on the fifth row, just behind by future Aston Martin teammates Valtteri Bottas and Yuki Tsunoda. Esteban Ocon alongside George Russell on the third row, then the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, while Oscar Piastri starts P2 and it is Sprint Pole for Max Verstappen.

Let's go Sprinting one last time this season!

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Oscar Piastri has gone FLYING off the line and takes the lead from Max Verstappen! Charles Leclerc ahead of Lewis Hamilton, then George Russell, Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas and Yuki Tsunoda, Lando Norris has dropped out of the top ten behind Magnussen and Stroll!

Piastri gaining very quickly on Verstappen here. The lack of DRS making it easy for Piastri to break away!

Hamilton dives down the outside of Leclerc and takes P3! That might be huge for the destination of the title!

Hamilton now pushing Verstappen for P2, and takes the position!

Ocon moves ahead of Russell for P5!

Norris back up to P9! He gets Magnussen and Stroll in quick succession!

Vandoorne runs wide!

And a big lock-up by Magnussen! He drops to the back of the pack!

(LEC) "Car is overheating a lot here."

(BOZ) "Copy. Cool best you can."

Lap 8: Piastri, Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc, Ocon, Bottas, Russell, Tsunoda, Norris, Stroll, Albon, Pourchaire, Sainz, Gasly, Ricciardo, Zhou, Lawson, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg, Magnussen

Norris overtakes Tsunoda for P8!

Verstappen takes back P2, and Leclerc is back in front of Hamilton again!

Pourchaire off!!! A big spin from the Audi driver!

Hamilton back into P3!

(HAM) "Lot of overheating in the car right now."

(ADA) "Yeah, do what you can to cool the engines."

(ADA) "Tyre phase update?"

(HAM) "Dropping off a lot here."

Leclerc retakes P3, and as it stands, it is a 15 point gap to Hamilton in the Championship going into Sunday!

(LEC) "The rear tyres are starting to drop off significantly, really struggling a lot with the pace now."

(BOZ) "Copy. Get the car to the end here."

Lap 18: Piastri, Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Ocon, Norris, Bottas, Tsunoda, Russell, Stroll, Gasly, Sainz, Ricciardo, Lawson, Albon, Magnussen, Zhou, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg, Pourchaire

LAST LAP

An astonishing drive from Oscar Piastri, he has been dominant today and he is heading towards his first Sprint victory of the season, he's coasted most of the way here, OSCAR PIASTRI WINS THE FINAL QATAR SPRINT. MAX VERSTAPPEN P2, LECLERC P3, HAMILTON P4.

(BOZ) "And P3, P3. Good job Charles."

(LEC) "Let's go. Good effort, good job today. Onto Qualifying."

(BOZ) "You've done well."

(ADA) "And P4 Lewis, P4. You've done a good job."

(HAM) "Yeah, thanks guys. Good effort."

Ocon P5, Norris P6, Bottas P7, Tsunoda P8.

QATAR GRAND PRIX
SPRINT CLASSIFICATION

1. Oscar Piastri 00.28.17
2. Max Verstappen +5.102
3. Charles Leclerc +5.914
4. Lewis Hamilton +2.452
5. Esteban Ocon +2.773
6. Lando Norris +2.934
7. Valtteri Bottas +2.934
8. Yuki Tsunoda +5.430
9. George Russell +2.929
10. Lance Stroll +1.893
11. Pierre Gasly +1.313
12. Carlos Sainz +5.184
13. Liam Lawson +0.963
14. Daniel Ricciardo +0.365
15. Kevin Magnussen +2.952
16. Alexander Albon +0.342
17. Zhou Guanyu +3.232
18. Stoffel Vandoorne +2.724
19. Nico Hülkenberg +2.847
20. Théo Pourchaire +2.023

Game crashed.

Redo:
Piastri demoted to P4
Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton promoted to P1, P2, P3
Norris promoted to P5
Lawson promoted to P6
Ocon demoted to P7
Gasly promoted to P8

We head to Qualifying here on Saturday Night in Lusail, and after Oscar Piastri's comfortable Sprint win, it could be McLaren's to lose here - although Verstappen and both Ferraris still in play here, too.

OUT IN Q1: Tsunoda, Vandoorne, Hülkenberg, Gasly, Zhou
Bubble: Russell
Top Five: PIA, VER NOR, LAW, HAM
LEC P6

Piastri needed a late lap to go quickest and get out of the bottom five, but Tsunoda is the big exit of Q1. Vandoorne, Hülkenberg, Gasly and Zhou also exit. Verstappen, Norris, Lawson all ahead of Hamilton and Leclerc.

Red Flag!!! Lance Stroll spins off and is in the wall! That's the end of his session!

OUT IN Q2: Pourchaire, Ricciardo, Albon, Sainz, Stroll (no time)
Bubble: Magnussen
Top Five: LEC, HAM, NOR, PIA, LAW

Lance Stroll crashing out brought out an early Red Flag, as Pourchaire, Ricciardo, and both Mercedes drop out in Q2. Leclerc and Hamilton 1-2, ahead of Norris, Piastri and Lawson. Just 7th for Verstappen, behind Ocon. Bottas, Russell and Magnussen also into Q3.

Q3: Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, Ocon, Bottas, Lawson, Magnussen, Leclerc, Russell

A game changer qualifying in the Championship. Hamilton on Pole, Leclerc could just manage P9 after a poor first lap and no improvement on the second. Verstappen joins Hamilton on the front row, with Norris and Piastri P3 and P4. Ocon P5 and Magnussen P8 as Hitech's strong late form continued, with Bottas and Lawson in between, and then Russell P10.

QATAR GRAND PRIX 2026
STARTING GRID

HAM VER

NOR PIA

OCO BOT

LAW MAG

LEC RUS

RIC ALB

SAI STR

TSU VAN

HÜL GAS

ZHO POU

Pourchaire to take ten place grid penalty for a new engine - qual P11

[foggy locust]

Let's go racing one more time in Qatar!

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Hamilton holds the lead as Norris is ahead of Verstappen! Piastri P4, Ocon 5th, then Bottas and Lawson, Leclerc already up to P8!!

NORRIS

Leclerc on the march already. He gets ahead of Liam Lawson and he's up to P7!

Hamilton holding off Norris who goes wide trying to overtake him!!

(HAM) "Can't do that, Lando"

Leclerc moves up to P6! He's ahead of Bottas and is now trying to chase down Ocon!

: SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED

Game crashed AND THE ENTIRE WEEKEND IS GONE. FFS

Sprint Re-Do:
Verstappen P1, Leclerc P2, Hamilton P3, Piastri P4, Norris P5, Lawson P6, Ocon P7, Gasly P8

[sterile breach]

Hulkenberg vs Hulkenberg. Hmmm interesting

[foggy locust]

We will start the race again on Lap 6, the Haas drivers have been given a reprieve

[foggy locust]

Lol the Hülkenberg crashing into himself was too much for the game universe to take and it fell in on itself

So we'll go again from lap 6 and get it as close as we can!

Oscar Piastri was demoted to P4 after the Sprint due to shenanigans by Mclaren

Lap 8: Verstappen leads from Hamilton. Leclerc has fought his way up to P3, Piastri is now P4 as Norris falls away from P1 down to P5, Lawson battling with Pourchaire for P6. Bottas, Gasly and Tsunoda complete the top ten. Hülkenberg had a lock-up early, and collided with Zhou, but during the Red Flag the team managed to complete the cars to get them back onto the grid.

We go from lap 9.

And after a rolling start, we are back racing here in Qatar!

Verstappen has gained on Hamilton, who is pushing ahead of Leclerc now.

Piastri moves ahead of Leclerc! That could be huge for the title race!

PITSTOPS: Early stops for Norris, Pourchaire and Magnussen!

LECLERC

POURCHAIRE

(LEC) "Struggling a lot in these conditions"

(BOZ) "Take a drink."

PITSTOP: Piastri takes his first stop and takes Mediums! He re-enters P7.

(BOZ) "Pit confirm."

(LEC) "Box this lap."

PITSTOP: Leclerc in and takes on Hards! He rejoins P7, about 1.7 behind Piastri.

(ADA) "Box this lap, Lewis."

(HAM) "Yeah, box."

PITSTOP: Hamilton in! He takes a stop of 2.077 and he's onto the Hards. He rejoins P3!

Ferrari may have undercut Verstappen here very well.

PITSTOP: VERSTAPPEN IN. He responds to the Ferrari pitstops and goes onto the Mediums again! Verstappen keeps the lead but Hamilton right behind him!

Hamilton takes the lead! Verstappen still trying to get those tyres into the right window and Hamilton capitalises!

AS IT STANDS:
HAM 461 LEC 461 VER 415

Leclerc takes P4 away from Gasly!

AS IT STANDS:

LEC 463 HAM 461 VER 415

PITSTOP: Gasly pits, he's onto the Hards!

Verstappen retakes the lead from Hamilton!! Game on in the Championship for Max?

AS IT STANDS:

LEC 463 HAM 454 VER 422

(HAM) "We really don't have the pace on the Hards here."

Stroll having engine issues, and he pulls into the pitlane! His race is very much done here!

Zhou has a massive spin-off! Given a reprieve from earlier, but he's struggling here!

Pourchaire locks up! He drops behind Russell to P9!

Norris gets Leclerc for P4, and it's a gamechanger again for this Championship!

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR

Hülkenberg's second crash of the evening, and this time it WAS into himself - and the wall. He's OK, his race is over, officially this time.

PITSTOP: Russell pits and takes Softs! Bold call.

WE ARE RACING AGAIN ON LAP 31!

PIASTRI

Leclerc retakes P4 from Norris!!

Piastri ahead of Hamilton! Oh, my word!

GAMECHANGER. VERSTAPPEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CAR!

PITSTOP: PIASTRI IN FROM P2. Another set of Mediums and he's back out there in P4! Lawson also pits from P5 and drops to P10.

(ADA) "Pit confirm and box."

(HAM) "Yeah, box."

PITSTOPS: Hamilton in for new Mediums! A stop of 2.006 and he's back out there! He rejoins P4, just behind Piastri! Ocon also in and rejoins P10 on new Mediums.

(BOZ) "Box this lap, box."

(LEC) "Copy, box this lap."

PITSTOP: Leclerc in for new Mediums - 1.812, an INCREDIBLE stop for the Ferrari team!!

PITSTOP: VERSTAPPEN IN FROM THE LEAD. He's onto the Softs - 16 laps to go. That's a gamble by the Bulls! Oscar Piastri now leads the race!!!

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

Verstappen on the fresh Softs retakes P2, and Hamilton stood no chance of holding him off there!!

Verstappen and Piastri now battling for the lead!

VERSTAPPEN HAVING GEARBOX ISSUES. Could this end his title challenge? Piastri holding him off for the lead right now!

VERSTAPPEN

Verstappen not giving up without a fight here, but Piastri holding him off.

Lap 50: Piastri, Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc, Norris, Lawson, Ocon, Tsunoda, Bottas, Gasly, Ricciardo, Russell, Magnussen, Sainz, Pourchaire, Vandoorne, Albon, Zhou

VERSTAPPEN POWERS PAST PIASTRI, AND MAX MAY HAVE NEW LIFE IN THIS CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE!!

(ADA) "Two more laps, Lewis. Push for these laps."

(HAM) "Yeah, understood."

LAST LAP

Verstappen has run away with it now, Hamilton trying to chase down Piastri but bad to lap the Audi of Pourchaire and that's slowed him, Verstappen rounds the final corner TO WIN THE FINAL QATAR GRAND PRIX!!! OSCAR PIASTRI HOLDS OFF LEWIS HAMILTON, HAMILTON P3, LECLERC P4

(ADA) "And P3, P3. Think you were really strong out there."

(HAM) "Yeah, let's keep pushing until the final weekend. Great job today. Thank you everyone, you've all inspired me so much."

(ADA) "You've inspired us too Lewis."

(BOZ) "And P4 Charles, P4. Good job today. You've done well."

(LEC) "That was nice. Good job guys. Still a race to win next weekend."

(BOZ) "All to play for next Sunday."

2026 QATAR GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Max Verstappen 01.27.06
2. Oscar Piastri +2.695
3. Lewis Hamilton +1.926
4. Charles Leclerc +6.260
5. Lando Norris +20.422
6. Esteban Ocon +13.990
7. Liam Lawson +0.580
8. Yuki Tsunoda +10.157
9. Valtteri Bottas +1.428
10. Pierre Gasly +3.979
11. George Russell +7.521
12. Daniel Ricciardo +5.239
13. Kevin Magnussen +9.747
14. Carlos Sainz +1 lap
15. Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
16. Stoffel Vandoorne +1 lap
17. Alexander Albon +1 lap
18. Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
19. Nico Hülkenberg DNF
20. Lance Stroll DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: YUKI TSUNODA

A superb recovery from Yuki Tsunoda to take P8 and a well deserved collection of points for Andretti after a tough qualifying. Tsunoda is your Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Max Verstappen, Red Bull 1.25.588

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari 1.811s

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 463
Hamilton 451
Verstappen 423
Piastri 316
Norris 270
Bottas 134
Lawson 128
Ricciardo 95
Tsunoda 92
Russell 78
Gasly 31
Ocon 29
Stroll 14
Albon 9
Pourchaire 7
Vandoorne 7
Sainz 4
Zhou 3
Magnussen 3
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 914
McLaren-Ford RBPT 586
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 551
Andretti-Ferrari 187
Aston Martin-Honda 141
Williams-Ferrari 92
Audi Sauber 38
Hitech-Renault 32
Mercedes 13
Haas-Mercedes 3

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1687
Pirelli 870

[humble totem]

Okay
From my observation most Ai teams will give drivers less than 80 rated a one year contract by default
This will lead to another silly season after spa where the Ai teams will let go of their young starlet with huge potential for 80plus rated older free agents who will be signed for next season.
So the 80 plus free agent might include hulk stroll Zhou Perez or whoever you left out at the beginning of your customs career mode .
These drivers will be back on the grid for your season 2 while the young drivers you initially gave a seat are kicked out.
To avoid these scenarios you will have to do some things (it works in most manager games)

• Duplicate your save i.e has two exact saves immediately after spa then do the next sentence on the duplicated save file

• Engage all the drivers you don't want back to the grid in a lengthy contract negotiation

• These will force the Ai to negotiate with drivers they won't initially want to negotiate with (your young stars)

• When the Ai agrees contract with your team , just acknowledge it
  Most Ai won't agree contract with other teams when in this phase (highly rated ones like Lewis might)

*Repeat this process from post spa to Dutch grand Prix running duplicate saves to understand the patterns ( it might be a bit cumbersome but you will definitely get your desired drivers lineup

It is worth it for long term saves but for short term saves it might not be worth the multiple simulation because it takes time.

This is the only way you can get your desired grid lineup(not team specific but Grid specific)on console

[foggy locust]

Thanks mate.

I'm also trying to generate a mostly long term contract situation for most of the rookies next season as well, if I can.

I wish it'd let you decide the contracts going into a new save.

Double Points on offer:
1st - 50
2nd - 36
3rd - 30
4th - 24
5th - 20
6th - 16
7th - 12
8th - 8
9th - 4
10th - 2

FL - 2

Leclerc: 463
Hamilton: 451
Verstappen: 423

LECLERC IS CHAMPION IF:

Leclerc finishes ahead of Hamilton AND Verstappen.

Leclerc finishes in the top seven, nor Hamilton or Verstappen can win the title. (LEC 475 VER 475 HAM 463 - Leclerc would win on tiebreaker.)

Leclerc finishes within points range of Hamilton if he finishes in the top six, or Verstappen if he wins.

HAMILTON IS CHAMPION IF:

Hamilton wins the race (HAM 521 or 523 )
Leclerc can only get 501 maximum and Hamilton wins on tiebreaker.
Verstappen can only get 455 maximum.

Hamilton finishes 2nd (HAM 487 or 489)
Leclerc finishes 4th without the FL, or 5th with, or below (LEC 487 or LEC 485 max) - would go to countback if they were tied.

Hamilton finishes 3rd (HAM 481 or 483)
Leclerc finishes 6th without FL or 7th with (479 or 475 max) or below

Hamilton finishes 4th (HAM 475 or 477)
Leclerc finishes 8th without FL or below (LEC 473)

Hamilton finishes 5th (HAM 471)
Leclerc finishes 9th or below (LEC 471)

Hamilton finishes 6th (HAM 463)
Leclerc finishes out of the points (LEC 463)

If Hamilton finishes 7th or below, he cannot win the title.

VERSTAPPEN IS CHAMPION IF:

Verstappen wins the race w or wo FL (52 - VER 475 or 473)
Hamilton finishes P6 or below (20 - HAM 471)
Leclerc finishes P8 or below (8 - LEC 471)

Verstappen cannot win the title if he does not win the race.

[tired thorn]

SO UR SAYING THERES A BIG CHANCE

IF LEWIS WINS THE RACE

HES WON THE TITLE?

[foggy locust]

He's Champion if he wins

Double Points is in play

ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2026
WEEKEND PREVIEW

It is here. It is Championship Sunday. The finale of this quite incredible 2026 season, the last Abu Dhabi finale for a while, the final goodbye for several on the grid, including the seven time World Champion who could become the eight time World Champion tonight to conclude his career - or we could get his teammate becoming a three time Champion. Or it could be a Max miracle to clinch his fourth.

A messy race in Qatar set up a Championship finale to remember - with double points on the line. Max Verstappen held off Oscar Piastri for the win last time, and Lewis Hamilton held off Charles Leclerc for the final step on the podium. Oscar Piastri had a Sprint win stripped from him to give Max Verstappen his second of the season, in controversial circumstances.

And so to Abu Dhabi for the finale. The race that will hold the final race of the season for the 15th and Final time before it moves to Las Vegas from next season onwards, and Abu Dhabi will in fact move to September - but remain as a day-night race. The 58 lap, 5.281km circuit has seen many memorable moments in Formula 1 history - from Sebastian Vettel's emotional first Championship in 2010, to Nico Rosberg taking his first World Title in his final race in 2016. From Max Verstappen clinching his first World title in dramatic, and controversial, circumstances in one final racing lap in 2021, to Charles Leclerc's final day victory over Lewis Hamilton in 2025. To now, a three way battle for the title.

For Charles Leclerc, the chance to clinch his third Championship in a row, and his second here. Leclerc has been a standout this year in his second title defence, especially in Qualifying - 11 Pole Positions and eight wins so far this year. It is simple for Charles - finish ahead of both title rivals, and he is Champion of the World for the third time. He has won the title here before - last year, defeating teammate Lewis Hamilton on the final day. Do that again, and he's a three time Champion of the World.

For Lewis Hamilton, the chance to become the Greatest of All Time. In his final Formula 1 outing, his 404th and Final Formula 1 race - having reached the 400th milestone at Mexico City - a race he won - Hamilton brings down the curtain on his F1 career looking to do what no driver has ever done before, to clinch his Eighth. If he wins the race, he will be Champion of the World for the 8th time. If he doesn't - he needs to finish ahead of Leclerc to do it. It would be a first for Hamilton - unlike his two title rivals, he has never won the World Championship at Abu Dhabi - and lost it here four times: to Vettel, Rosberg, Verstappen and Leclerc.

For Max Verstappen, the chance to pull off the greatest upset. He is 40 points behind Leclerc and 28 behind Hamilton. Verstappen needs to win the race, and needs a lot of help from elsewhere to clinch the title - only if Hamilton is below P5, and Leclerc below P7, can Verstappen take the title. And he must win to do it. It's a long shot, but he has been very on form lately.

Elsewhere, it is the end of one era - and the beginning of a new one. No team will be retaining their same Driver pairing, and this will be the final race with just ten teams - Subaru Impreza Formula 1 team makes their bow at the Australian Grand Prix next March. We will add the Pole Position point next season, and lose three races from the calendar - Spain, Miami and Qatar - as the season becomes a 21 race calendar. Five Sprints next year too, rather than Six - only one taking place at the same venue.

Aside from Hamilton, it is also goodbye to Stoffel Vandoorne, who returns to a reserve position for Aston Martin, and will also drive in Formula E next season. Lance Stroll's next move is currently unknown, but it is believed he will take on the World Endurance Championship. Daniel Ricciardo will take a year's sabbatical from the grid, while Kevin Magnussen takes a step back to spend more time with his family.

It is the final race in Papaya for both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as Lando Norris will join Red Bull Racing to join Max Verstappen, and replace Liam Lawson, who is Hitech bound. Oscar Piastri, who will join Constructors Champions Scuderia Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc next year, will also race for McLaren one more time. Pierre Gasly heads to McLaren, leaving behind a tumultuous time at Audi, while Alexander Albon returns home to Williams from Mercedes. Yuki Tsunoda swaps Andretti for Aston Martin, hoping to secure Andretti Fourth at the expense of his new team.

There's still some stuff to settle in both Championships. Aside from the much talked about Drivers’ title battle, the Constructors will see McLaren and Red Bull fight for second - McLaren are 35 points ahead of Red Bull, while Andretti have a 36 point advantage over Aston Martin for fourth. Audi are just six points ahead of Hitech, while Mercedes are just ten ahead of Haas. Oscar Piastri has a 46 point advantage over Lando Norris, while there's just six points between Valtteri Bottas and Liam Lawson, and three between Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda.

But, the main focus is where it should be: the Drivers’ Championship. On Championship Sunday, who will win it all? Verstappen, Leclerc or Hamilton? One thing's for certain - you absolutely will not want to miss it.

No reserves in the car this time. Leclerc and Hamilton deserve equal time in the car. And we've filled our FP1 quota

FP1 Reserves: Maini (Norris), Dürksen (Lawson), Maloney (Russell), Boya (Pourchaire)

Apparently Red Bull did not feel the same way as us

FP1: HAM LEC BOT

First blood to Hamilton here, going 0.110 ahead of Leclerc, while Red Bull chose not to run Verstappen, with Dürksen in play instead, who ended up P8 in Verstappen's car. Bottas third and Ocon fourth, ahead of F2 Championship leader Kush Maini who has a title decider against Gabriel Bortoleto later today. Piastri P6, with Zane Maloney P7, and Lawson and Sainz conclude the top ten.

FP2: PIA NOR LEC
HAM P4, VER P18

A McLaren 1-2 in FP2, with Leclerc just ahead of Hamilton by 0.022. Verstappen P18, focusing on long run pace. Tsunoda P5 with Vandoorne P6 as the battle for fourth continues, with Sainz, Ocon, Stroll and Bottas in the top ten.

FP3: LEC VER HAM

Game on. The three title protagonists go 1-2-3 in final practice, with Magnussen P4. Lawson P5, with Gasly sixth, while Piastri and Norris are P7 and P8. Russell and Pourchaire, who both take penalties in qualifying, P9 and P10. Hülkenberg will also take a penalty in his final F1 race.

With the sands of time taking away this 2026 season, it is time for Qualifying. One last qualifying for this season, the final qualifying for Lewis Hamilton's F1 career, and can it be fifth time lucky for him at Abu Dhabi? Or can it be Charles the Third, or Max the Fourth? It is all to play for for the three Championship protagonists, and it begins here.

[foggy locust]

OUT IN Q1: Norris, Sainz, Vandoorne, Zhou, Hülkenberg
Bubble: Stroll
Top Five: GAS, PIA, LEC, BOT, VER
HAM P6

Just what we all expected, ay? Pierre Gasly goes fastest in Q1 in his final Audi appearance, while Lando Norris will start his final McLaren appearance in the bottom five, depending on penalties elsewhere. Sainz, Vandoorne and Zhou will start in the bottom five too, while Hülkenberg's final F1 appearance will have him starting from the back. Leclerc P3, Hamilton P5, Verstappen P6 of the Championship protagonists, but Piastri and Bottas in between, and Gasly is the story of Q1.

OUT IN Q2: Albon, Pourchaire , Magnussen, Ricciardo, Piastri
Bubble: Russell
Top Five: HAM, VER, LAW, TSU, BOT
LEC P7

Another disaster for McLaren as Piastri goes out in Q2 in his final appearance for the team. Albon, Pourchaire, Magnussen and Ricciardo all out in Q2, as Magnussen and Ricciardo will start their last races for now from the middle of the pack. Pourchaire takes a penalty. Leclerc faced a nervous moment but makes Q3, as he, Hamilton and Verstappen will all battle for Pole.

Q3: Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Gasly, Russell , Lawson, Bottas, Stroll, Ocon

Drama to the very end. Verstappen snatches Pole away from Hamilton, with Leclerc third. The top three in the Championship start 1-2-3, in reverse order. An incredible performance from Tsunoda puts him P4, with Gasly P5. Russell will take a penalty and drop down the grid, while Lawson, Bottas, Stroll and Ocon complete the top ten.

As it stands: Leclerc would be Champion if it finishes this way.

2026 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

VER HAM

LEC TSU

GAS LAW

BOT STR

OCO ALB

MAG RIC

PIA NOR

SAI RUS

VAN ZHO

POU HÜL

[foggy locust]

As the sun sets on Abu Dhabi and on this 2026 Formula 1 season, we've been around the world and back again. We started in Bahrain back in March, now here in December, we're 489 km down the road in Abu Dhabi. Around the world in two hundred and eighty days, and one final, major thing to be decided. Three drivers, one World Champion. The 58 laps of this 5.281km circuit will decide the fate of three men and one World Championship, 16 turns, 2 DRS Zones, a 10.24m elevation per lap. As one era ends, another begins.

Nico Hülkenberg says goodbye to Formula 1 from the back of the grid, he's beside Théo Pourchaire who also takes a penalty. Zhou Guanyu starts 18th then it's 17th for Stoffel Vandoorne in his goodbye to F1, George Russell and Carlos Sainz start on the Eighth row. McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris start on the seventh row as they say goodbye to the team and each other, going separate ways in this offseason, it's also goodbye to Daniel Ricciardo and Kevin Magnussen who start on row six. Alex Albon begins his final Mercedes race from P10 before returning to Williams, Esteban Ocon lines up 9th, while Lance Stroll bids farewell to F1 from P8 and Valtteri Bottas starts 7th. Liam Lawson's final Red Bull race sees him start P6 and Pierre Gasly begins 5th in his final outing for Audi, with Yuki Tsunoda P4 in his final Andretti race before moving to Aston Martin. The top three are the top three in the Championship. Charles Leclerc's title defence tonight begins from P3, while Lewis Hamilton's 404th and Final Formula 1 start sees him start P2 in search of the Eighth, then it is Max Verstappen on Pole Position, and he needs that win, as well as help elsewhere. What will happen here tonight as the sun sets on this season?

Let's go racing at Abu Dhabi!

Formation lap done. Who will be Champion?

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

Verstappen holds position, Hamilton going for the lead and Hamilton has the lead!!!! Leclerc holding off Tsunoda and Leclerc trying to overtake Verstappen AND IT IS A RED FLAG ON THE FIRST LAP, OH MY GOD!!!

Russell locks up and plows straight into Norris, collecting Ricciardo!!! Absolute carnage at the very start, and it is a Red Flag!

Norris' Final McLaren appearance before his move to Red Bull is over on the first lap.

Russell is also out of the race, and will likely take a penalty - but it won't matter into next season.

Ricciardo has damage, but is set to carry on.

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

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO AGAIN

Hamilton holds the lead ahead of Leclerc, LECLERC GOING FOR THE LEAD AND TAKES IT, HAMILTON TAKES THE LEAD BACK. TSUNODA AHEAD OF VERSTAPPEN. WOW!

AS IT STANDS:
HAM 501 LEC 499 VER 447

HAMILTON

Verstappen takes P3 from Tsunoda, but he is having some engine issues and that will hurt his title challenge!

(BOZ) "This is a good effort so far, 0.675 to Lewis. Keep this pace up."

(ADA) "And as it stands you are 0.4 ahead of Charles, 1.5 ahead of Verstappen."

(HAM) "Leave me to it for now."

Leclerc takes the lead for the first time today!!! As it stands he would be a three time Champion!

LEC: 513 HAM: 487 VER: 455

Ricciardo really struggling with the damage caused by George Russell. A heartbreaking way to bow out of the sport.

VERSTAPPEN

(BOZ) "We are happy with the status right now. Verstappen 3 seconds behind. Between you and Lewis right now."

(LEC) "Copy."

Leclerc holding off Hamilton right now, Verstappen about 3.7 back. Long way to go on Lap 10, but looking good for Ferrari, who as it stands, would have 1000 points exact.

For the record, McLaren are currently 5 up on Red Bull.

Andretti comfortably taking Fourth, as Aston aren't even scoring right now.

Hamilton has DRS, and the lead!!

But it doesn't last long as Leclerc takes it right back!!!

As it stands:
LEC 513 HAM 487 VER 455

(ADA) "And use K1 if possible"

(HAM) "I'm trying mate."

(ADA) "Focus on consistency."

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

PITSTOP: Pourchaire first car in for the day! He's onto the Hards, and rejoins P17. Still ahead of the struggling Ricciardo.

HAMILTON INTO THE LEAD!! OH MY WORD. What a move that was!

AS IT STANDS:

HAM: 501 LEC: 499 VER: 455

Hamilton has broken Leclerc's DRS. that could be incredibly crucial!

(ADA) "Pit confirm and box."

(HAM) "Box this lap."

PITSTOPS: ALBON HAS A DELAY. Sainz is also in but enough of a gap, even with the delay. Lawson comes in for Mediums as well!

Leclerc has closed the gap again, but Hamilton still leads. As you were.

PITSTOP: A 1.906 stop for Hamilton!!! That is EXACTLY what he needed in this race!!

PITSTOP: Tsunoda also is from P4. He's onto Hards, Haas meanwhile are doublestacking and just pull it off! Just!

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

(LEC) "Copy, box."

Hamilton in traffic is exactly what he didn't need! He moves past Piastri, who ironically replaces him at Ferrari after this race.

PITSTOP: LECLERC IN FROM THE LEAD. He takes a 2.119 stop, taking on the Hards. HE GETS OUT AHEAD OF HAMILTON!! THAT IS HUGE!

PITSTOP: Verstappen responds to Leclerc and Hamilton! He joins in P8!

Pierre Gasly may be kingmaker here. Hamilton has taken time to clear him, and Leclerc has brought out a 1.6 gap to his teammate and title rival!!

(LEC) "Might owe Pierre a beer for that."

Leclerc now has Ocon between himself and Hamilton here. Ocon is yet to pit, but could cause some trouble for the seven time Champion.

LAWSON

Hamilton gets past Ocon at the second attempt! He's now back in range of Leclerc!

AS IT STANDS:
LEC: 513 HAM: 487 VER: 439

PITSTOPS: Ocon, Piastri and Gasly all come in. Ocon rejoins P6, Piastri P9, Gasly P10.

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

Hamilton has DRS range on Leclerc and is attempting to get him for P1, but Leclerc defends fantastically well and holds position!

HAMILTON GOING FOR THE LEAD AND THE FERRARIS GO WHEEL TO WHEEL!! THEY KEEP IT CLEAN AND HAMILTON HAS THE LEAD!!!

AS IT STANDS:
HAM: 501 LEC: 499 VER: 453

OCON

Ricciardo is toughing this out, but he's already two laps down, and lapping about 10 seconds slower than the pack. A sad ending to this stage of his motorsport career.

Lap 28: Hamilton, Leclerc, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Ocon, Piastri, Albon, Gasly, Lawson, Stroll, Magnussen, Bottas, Zhou, Pourchaire, Vandoorne, Sainz, Hülkenberg, Ricciardo

Leclerc has DRS and leads once more!!! The title changes once more!

AS IT STANDS:
LEC: 513 HAM: 487 VER: 453

Elsewhere, Hitech are currently going above Audi into P7 in the Championship. Ocon P4, Gasly P8, Magnussen P11, Pourchaire P14.

(HAM) "Can't get close enough mate!

(ADA) "Try your best here."

Hamilton and Leclerc wheel to wheel again and now the pendulum spins the way of Hamilton!

AS IT STANDS:
HAM: 501 LEC: 499 VER: 453

Hülkenberg goes wide!

Leclerc with DRS, Leclerc into the lead once more and once more we see a change in the title!

LECLERC

That double bonus point could be crucial.

LEC: 515 HAM: 487 VER: 453

Verstappen is about 20 seconds behind Leclerc and Hamilton. The fourth title is looking even more distant now for Max.

Tsunoda carrying some slight engine issues, but he continues for now. Ricciardo by the way is 3 MINUTES down.

PITSTOPS: Zhou and Vandoorne both in. Sainz follows not long after, all on Mediums to the end here.

PIASTRI

Sainz with a big lock-up and off!

Hamilton takes the lead, but Leclerc comes right back at him to take it right back!!!

PITSTOPS: Piastri and Ocon both in! Piastri gets ahead of Ocon in the pitlane!

Hamilton is going for the lead and he retakes it!!! Oh my word it all changes again!!

HAMILTON

AS IT STANDS:
HAM: 503 LEC: 499 VER: 453

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

(HAM) "Yeah, box this lap."

(BOZ) "And Box this lap, Charles. Box this lap. 18 laps to go."

(LEC) "Yeah, Box."

PITSTOP: Leclerc is in! A 2.066 stop and onto to the Mediums until the end and this time, Hamilton gets out ahead!!! Verstappen pits as well for the Mediums!

AS IT STANDS:
HAM: 501 LEC: 499 VER: 435

PIASTRI

About 2 seconds between Hamilton and Leclerc, can Leclerc close that gap and defend his title?

Ricciardo's gearbox has finally given up. Almost 5 minutes and four laps down, he pulls into the pit to retire, waving goodbye to the fans on his in-lap.

Lap 45: Hamilton, Leclerc, Piastri, Tsunoda, Bottas, Ocon, Verstappen, Albon, Gasly, Lawson, Stroll, Zhou, Magnussen, Pourchaire, Vandoorne, Sainz, Hülkenberg. Ricciardo, Norris and Russell out of the race.

STROLL LOCKS UP. HE ALMOST TOOK OUT LAWSON IN THE PROCESS OF THAT!!!

PITSTOP: Tsunoda pits and he's down to P11! Andretti will remain Fourth, as it stands though, as Aston aren't making up enough points!

Albon spins off, handing a position to the man he's replacing next season, Stroll.

Piastri having some slight issues with his car!

PITSTOP: Likely the final pitstop of the season. Valtteri Bottas comes in and takes the Softs.

Albon has a lock-up! He's off there!

(BOZ) "Gap is 2.6 to Lewis. You can catch him."

(ADA) "Charles is pushing, we need you to push. 8 more laps, Lewis."

(HAM) "...Eight?"

Five laps to go. Hamilton 3 seconds ahead of Leclerc, and as it stands, he will be Champion of the World for the Eighth time. Piastri P3, Ocon P4, Verstappen P5.

BOTTAS

Four laps of Lewis Hamilton's F1 career to go, and as it stands, he's signing off on the greatest note possible.

(BOZ) "Full push, Charles. Full push."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy. I'll do my best."

THREE LAPS REMAINING

(ADA) "And two laps to go."

(HAM) "Understood."

Two laps to go. Leclerc is giving it absolutely everything, but Hamilton is just doing enough, and he looks like he's going to see it out.

FINAL LAP

The man from Stevenage, England, with seven World Championships to his name, the greatest of our generational, arguably the greatest of all time, rounding the final corners of his Formula 1 career, and he is going to sign off on the greatest note possible, LEWIS HAMILTON ROUNDS THE FINAL CORNER AT ABU DHABI, AND FOR THE RECORD EIGHTH TIME, LEWIS HAMILTON IS THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!! LEWIS HAMILTON WINS THE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, HE IS CHAMPION OF THE WORLD FOR THE EIGHTH TIME!!! AN INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE CAREER. THE BEST OF ALL TIME. CHARLES LECLERC GAVE IT EVERYTHING TODAY, BUT IT JUST WASN'T ENOUGH. AN INCREDIBLE TITLE BATTLE HAS FONE THE WAY OF SIR LEWIS HAMILTON, EIGHT-TIME CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!

(ADA) "LEWIS HAMILTON, YOU ARE THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD, THE RECORD EIGHTH CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!"

(HAM) "WOOOOOOOOO! YEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! GET IN THERE!!!!! Thank you, thank you...it's amazing, what a team, what a dream, what a performance. Simply amazing."

(ADA) "You are amazing. You are the greatest."

(HAM) "This has been the greatest honour of my life, my amazing career, I couldn't have done it without all the fans, all the kids out there who dream the impossible, you can do it too. That one is for you all. And to Ferrari, I always wanted to be Champion and drive the Red Car, now I've done it. The greatest honour."

(ADA) "Thank you Lewis. Thank you. Grazie."

(BOZ) "And P2, Charles. P2. Lewis is Champion. Thank you for all your efforts this year, you gave it everything. Proud of you and to have worked with you this season."

(LEC) "I gave it everything I had. Everything. Thank you. This is tough, but we'll bounce back. Congratulations to Lewis, he is the Greatest. An honour to have been his teammate."

(BOZ) "You are the best. We'll be back.

Piastri P3, Ocon P4, Verstappen P5, Gasly P6, Tsunoda P7, Bottas P8, Lawson P9, Albon P10.

2026 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Lewis Hamilton 01.24.34
2. Charles Leclerc +2.240
3. Oscar Piastri +48.583
4. Esteban Ocon +9.773
5. Max Verstappen +1.003
6. Pierre Gasly +7.024
7. Yuki Tsunoda +0.571
8. Valtteri Bottas +0.589
9. Liam Lawson +4.055
10. Alexander Albon +13.077
11. Lance Stroll +1.246
12. Kevin Magnussen +18.180
13. Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
14. Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
15. Stoffel Vandoorne +1 lap
16. Nico Hülkenberg +1 lap
17. Carlos Sainz +1 lap
18. Daniel Ricciardo DNF
19. Oscar Piastri DNF
20. George Russell DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: LEWIS HAMILTON

It couldn't have been anyone else today. On his final Grand Prix Appearance, Lewis Hamilton broke the record for most World Championships won, his Eighth World Title. The Driver of the Day. The Greatest of All Time. Lewis Hamilton, the new World Champion, is your Driver of the Day!

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Valtteri Bottas, Aston Martin 1.24.518

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Lewis Hamilton 1.905s

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Hamilton 501
Leclerc 499
Verstappen 443
Piastri 346
Norris 270
Bottas 144
Lawson 132
Tsunoda 104
Ricciardo 95
Russell 78
Ocon 53
Gasly 47
Stroll 14
Albon 11
Pourchaire 7
Vandoorne 7
Sainz 4
Zhou 3
Magnussen 3
Hülkenberg 0

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 1000
McLaren-Ford RBPT 616
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 575
Andretti-Ferrari 199
Aston Martin-Honda 151
Williams-Ferrari 92
Hitech-Renault 56
Audi Sauber 54
Mercedes 15
Haas-Mercedes 3

2026 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1833
Pirelli 928

GABRIEL BORTOLETO WINS F2 CHAMPIONSHIP

Gabriel Bortoleto beat out the challenge of Kush Maini to clinch the F2 Championship in the feature race at Abu Dhabi.

Bortoleto took victory to clinch the F2 Championship in a sensational weekend for the Brazilian driver.

Bortoleto is confirmed to drive in F1 next season, joining fellow rookie Colton Herta at Andretti.

[tired thorn]

OH MY LORD LEWISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

YOU ARE THE WORLD CHAMPION

7 TIMES WE'VE SAID IT BEFORE

HERES AN 8TH FOR YA

I CANT BELIEVE ITS FINALLY HAPPENED

[humble totem]

You welcome.
The game doesn't let you 😞
Anyway I got my perfect grade for season2 with the help of the info I gave you

*Red bull
Max /Lawson

*Ferrari
Charles/bearman.

*McLaren
Norris/bortoleto

• Merc
  Russell/Lewis ( vesti got kicked out after season 1)

*Aston Martin
Piastri/ drugovich

*Alpine
Gasly/doohan

• Sauber
  Ocon/Alonso ( just got signed back)

*Visa cash
Theo/shartzman

• Hass
  Zane( was my driver for half a season because I needed to develop him from 75 to 80 rated,I let him go just after spa so that the Ai can sign him for 4yrs contract,he is currently still on Very high development rate thanks to the team hub glitch/ Yuki ( oward and victor Martins got kicked out after season 1 but they will able to grow to 79 rated each thanks to me taking advantage of their very high development rate)

*Williams
Alex/sainz

• Lamborghini Manuel(An Italian brand I created to rival my favourite team (Ferrari )
  Logan/ Kimi

I have drivers like hadger,hauger , Franco all part of my Lamborghini affiliate (all 79 rated thanks to the little team hub glitch I use in boosting their development to very high (, Montoya and mansel (F1 greats sons)with max development already at 69 each)

Lewis,Alonso and albon don't have a contract for 2026 so my affiliate( hadger hauger Franco)should be around 82 rated by next summer and ready to replace them when silly season kicked in

Montoya and mansel will be develops further for probably 2027 entrance when guys like Carlos sainz would have deteriorated badly

Fyi I control my own team Lamborghini Manuel because that's the only way I can take advantage of the team hub glitch to develop young drivers for the future so my grid would look fresh and challenging because of the driver decay thing that's very common

[humble totem]

Shockingly enough I have fallen in love with my own team because it feels very authentic considering the fact I spent hours creating an original Lamborghini logo with an Italian flag for my team.
This makes the team looks so authentic and immersive to me that it got me reading on the history of Lamborghini brand 🤣

[foggy locust]

I'm glad I could get him his Eighth ☺️

[foggy locust]

These are pretty good lineups!!

I think I now have some good contracts from this one I just set up!

[humble totem]

That's nice
Having those lengthy contract for rookies is very important for their development otherwise they will be without a seat for a year with zero development points because they are free agents

[foggy locust]

Yeah agreed

I don't mind if Piastri has a short one because I can just extend him

ALPINE NAME TO RETURN TO FORMULA 1 AFTER ONE YEAR

Renault F1 have announced the return of their Alpine brand name, renaming it back from Hitech F1 after a singular year.

Alpine will return to the grid after a year's absence, and will revert back to its previous identity after spending the 2026 season as Hitech F1.

The deal with the Hitech group expired and Renault have chosen not to renew the deal, so have reverted back to their previous name of Alpine F1 Team.

BWT will remain as sponsors, and Esteban Ocon and Liam Lawson will drive for Alpine next season.

[tired thorn]

i actually cant believe it

i had no faith

i lost all hope

i can truly say I WAS HERE FOR IT

(did u let him win)

[foggy locust]

Nah he won fairly

It was very close between him and Charles

I had the ruling that whomever was in front would get the pitcall first - Lewis was ahead both times

[tired thorn]

(im not sure if i believe you)

BUT

IM TAKING IT ANYWAYS

[foggy locust]

Hahahah fair

Speaking of Lewis

LEWIS HAMILTON ANNOUNCES BRAND AMBASSADOR ROLE WITH FERRARI

Newly retired World Champion Lewis Hamilton is to remain a part of Ferrari for the long term.

Hamilton, who clinched his Eighth World Title with victory in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, will remain a part of the Ferrari family for the long term, working as a brand ambassador for the team.

Hamilton will also likely take on speaking engagements and punditry gigs in addition to his new role.

[tired thorn]

UGH I THOUGHT THAT WAS A MESSAGE OF HIM STAYING

BUT ILL TAKE IT AGAIN

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[foggy locust]

Hahaha sticking with Charles/Oscar as my lineup

LANCE STROLL SIGNS FOR FERRARI WEC ROLE

Lance Stroll has a new role in motorsport - driving for Ferrari in the World Endurance Championship.

Stroll will team up with the newly returning Antonio Giovinazzi and Antonio Fuoco to drive the Ferrari 499P from next season onwards, on a five year deal.

Stroll will also help with car development for the Ferrari F1 team.

FERRARI DRIVER ACADEMY RE-SHUFFLE

Ferrari have announced several movements in their Driver Academy ahead of the 2027 season.

In addition to the big name ambassador role for Lewis Hamilton, Antonio Giovinazzi also returns to the Ferrari fold on a one year deal to re-join the WEC team, as well as the addition of Lance Stroll.

Ferrari have signed two big additions to their FDA - the highly tipped signings of Rafael Câmara, and Dayton Coulthard.

Câmara is the 2024 Formula Regional European Champion and will compete in the Super Formula Championship in Japan this coming season, tipped to be in Formula 3 next year.

As for Dayton Coulthard, he is the son of Scottish racing driver David Coulthard, and will join the FDA this year, also with the aim of Formula 3 next season.

In addition, the FDA have confirmed several exits. Sophia Flörsch has moved on and will race in INDY NXT this year as an independent driver, while Leonardo Fornaroli and Charlie Wurz also depart the Academy for this year, competing in F2 and F3 as independents.

Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto depart on loan, to drive in full time race seats this year for Subaru and Haas respectively.

Abbi Pulling, Aurelia Nobels, Dino Beganovic and Logan Sargeant will remain in their roles with the FDA this year.

2027 FORMULA 1 GRID

Ferrari
Charles Leclerc (2029)
Oscar Piastri (2028)

Red Bull
Max Verstappen (2027)
Lando Norris (2028)

McLaren
Pierre Gasly (2029)
Pato O'Ward (2028)

Mercedes
Carlos Sainz (2027)
Andrea Kimi Antonelli (2028)

Aston Martin
Valtteri Bottas (2028)
Yuki Tsunoda (2029)

Andretti
Gabriel Bortoleto (2029)
Colton Herta (2027)

Williams
George Russell (2028)
Alexander Albon (2028)

Audi
Théo Pourchaire (2028)
Isack Hadjar (2028)

Haas
Zhou Guanyu (2027)
Franco Colapinto (2029)

Alpine
Esteban Ocon (2027)
Liam Lawson (2029)

Subaru
Ayumu Iwasa (2027)
Oliver Bearman (2028)

[foggy locust]

FERRARI QUICKEST IN PRE-SEASON TESTING, WILLIAMS AND MERCEDES IMPROVE, RED BULL STRUGGLE

Ferrari have gone quickest in pre-season testing by several tenths, however it was a successful test for several teams.

Charles Leclerc topped the table in all three days, with Oscar Piastri quickest in two of the three morning sessions, and the Champions went quickest in both qualifying and race trim. However, McLaren were quickest in high speed cornering, and Williams were quickest in Low Speed Cornering, while Ferrari went quickest in Medium Speed Cornering. Ferrari however had a 5 tenths advantage on day one over the next quickest - Pierre Gasly in the McLaren. Carlos Sainz's Mercedes was the closest to Ferrari on day two, being within 4 tenths, and on the final day, Max Verstappen was 7 tenths back in third.

McLaren meanwhile also proved quick in qualifying and race trim, as both Pierre Gasly and Pato O'Ward looked comfortable with the car.

Red Bull struggled with the understanding of their cars on the first couple of days, with both Max Verstappen and Lando Norris complaining of oversteering, however both seemed more comfortable on the third and final day as Red Bull seemed to have a better handle on their car.

Both Mercedes and Williams seem to have made big steps forward this year in the early going, as both proved quick - Williams looked very impressive in qualifying trim, while they and Mercedes had similar race pace. It looks like Mercedes' early focus on 2027 may have paid off, while Williams look like they've taken a big step forward.

Alpine and Aston Martin looked comfortably the best of the rest, with Andretti taking a step back from their strong first season in the sport. Aston and Alpine traded good times but were ultimately sixth and seventh in both qualifying and race trim, with Andretti Eighth.

Newcomers Subaru had a clean pre-season testing with no errors and a lot of data gained, and were around the level of Haas, while Audi looked the slowest.

[foggy locust]

SUBARU IMPREZA FORMULA 1 TEAM
Chassis: CMR-01
Engine: Mercedes
Nationality: Japan
Ayumu Iwasa (41)
Oliver Bearman (87)

Formula 1's eleventh team has arrived. Subaru Impreza has a rich history in motorsport, especially in the World Rally Championship, with six Championships to their name - three Constructors and three Drivers titles, with Scottish rally driver, the late great Colin McRae, for whom their chassis is named for. Subaru now arrives in Formula 1 for the first time since a brief entry in 1990.

Last Season: They didn't take part in the 2026 F1 season, so their last appearance in Formula 1 was a brief attempt partnering with the Coloni team in 1990, after trying to buy a stake in Minardi (who became Toro Rosso, AlphaTauri, Racing Bulls, and are now Andretti). The attempt was a disaster and was abandoned halfway through. This time however, Subaru enter as a fully fledged manufacturer, and not an engine manufacturer, leaving that job this time around to Mercedes.

The Drivers: Two highly touted rookies. Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa spent several years in the Red Bull system, and was passed up for a raceseat on several occasions with the junior team, before it was sold to Andretti. Iwasa was the 2026 Japanese Super Formula Champion after three years in that system, and joins Formula 1 for his debut. Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman was long tipped as a future Ferrari driver and the prized asset of the Ferrari Driver Academy - he arrives on loan from Ferrari - and the Scuderia were insistent on him getting a raceseat for 2027, making a deal with Subaru for the loan signing. Bearman has plenty of experience in F3 and F2, and was the reserve and test driver for Ferrari since 2024.

Pre-Season Testing: They were the second slowest team in qualifying trim and third slowest in race trim, but they got plenty of laps on the board, managed to push the CMR-01 to its limits, and put some good times on the board, with Bearman going 13th on Day 2. A mistake free testing session was the best that Subaru could have asked for, and they got that.

Prediction: It might be a baptism of fire for the Subaru team, with two rookies in play and a brand new car that will take some time to understand. They might avoid bottom spot, and it all depends on development, but points may be hard to come by, especially initially. 10th.

HAAS TOYOTA GAZOO RACING
Chassis: VF-27
Engine: Mercedes
Nationality: United States of America
Zhou Guanyu (24)
Franco Colapinto (46)

Haas welcome the start of a new beginning, as Nico Hülkenberg departs the team after a pointless season, and exciting young Argentinian rookie Franco Colapinto steps in alongside Zhou Guanyu. Haas look to put a horrendous 2026 behind them and rebound. Ayao Komatsu has some work to do and is under a lot of pressure this year to improve.

Last Season: A tough 2026 season. Haas only scored three points the entire year after getting the new regulations completely wrong, Haas only scored points twice in 24 races - at Austria and Azerbaijan, both Zhou Guanyu - as Nico Hülkenberg's Final F1 season was pointless.

The Drivers: Zhou Guanyu remains with the team for this year, and will take on his sixth Formula 1 season, having spent three years with Alfa Romeo/Sauber (now Audi) and having been at Haas for the last two. China's first F1 driver has been a popular member of the F1 paddock and helped keep Haas afloat last year. Franco Colapinto meanwhile makes his Formula 1 debut with a lot of hype behind him, having spent time in the Williams Driver Academy before switching to the Ferrari Driver Academy for the last two years. Colapinto, like Bearman before him, is out on loan from Ferrari, and has signed a two year deal with long term Ferrari partner Haas (before the 2026 season). Colapinto also has spent time in F2 and F3, and was fifth in Formula 2 last year.

Pre-Season Testing: Better than last year, but that's not saying much. Zhou Guanyu showed some pace on day two, but Haas were ninth fastest in qualifying trim and tenth fast in race trim. They seem to have a better handle on the regulations than initially.

Prediction: Haas were a long way back last year, and remain as such, but they've shown improvements and the young and hungry team will help. Anything more than three points and not bottom spot would be seen as a success, even in a shorter year, and we believe Haas can get that. 9th.

MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM
Chassis: F1 W18
Engine: Mercedes
Nationality: Germany
Carlos Sainz (55)
Andrea Kimi Antonelli (12)

It's hard to believe that Mercedes are this early in a pre-season Preview, but here we are. Like Haas, Mercedes got the new regulations horribly wrong, and were playing catch-up all year, with a despondent Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon quickly choosing to return to Williams. Can Mercedes’ highly rated rookie help salvage the struggling Silver Arrows?

Last Season: An unmitigated disaster. The W17 was a wreck from race one and Mercedes struggled significantly throughout the year. A mid-season upgrade gave them some hope, but they reverted back and it was revealed that it was their only upgrade of the year, switching focus to the W18.

The Drivers: Carlos Sainz had his worst career season last year, taking a grand total of 4 points from 24 races, only scoring at Monaco and Hungary. Mercedes have announced they won't take up his option immediately, so it feels like now or never for Sainz's F1 career - he must improve. Pushing him will be the 2025 Formula 2 Champion and hotly tipped as the future of Mercedes - Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Italian driver won Formula 2 in 2025, and after a year as the reserve driver, gets an opportunity at the big time. But let's not forget the Max Verstappen rumours…

Pre-Season Testing: In a word, promising. The W18 looks a much better put together car than the W17, and showed some real pace, with Carlos Sainz putting up the second quickest time on Day 2. In race sims, the car looked around the fifth fastest, and the fourth in qualifying sims. May the early switch to focusing in the W18 have actually worked?

Prediction: Mercedes might well make the jump up the grid, but it's likely to be back to the midfield than the front again - they've got a long way to go to be challenging for Championships again. It all depends on the hunger of Carlos Sainz and how Kimi Antonelli adapts to Formula 1. 7th.

AUDI SAUBER F1 TEAM
Chassis: AUD-02
Engine: Audi
Nationality: Germany
Théo Pourchaire (98)
Isack Hadjar (6)

Audi begin their second season with the ownership of the Sauber team, and after a season that was very much overshadowed by turmoil off the track between Team Principal Mattia Binotto and Driver Pierre Gasly, which saw the departure of Gasly to McLaren. Incoming is 2024 F2 Champion Isack Hadjar, alongside third year driver Théo Pourchaire.

Last Season: Audi were dealing more with the issues between Binotto and Gasly than the issues on the track, which saw a challenge to Williams for sixth completely falter in the midst of awful strategy calls, something that plagued Binotto's time at Sauber. Jonathan Wheatley exited as a result as well as losing Gasly. In fact, the team lost P7 to Hitech (now once again Alpine) on the final day.

The Drivers: With Gasly gone, the job of leading the team now lands on third year driver Théo Pourchaire to lead the team. Pourchaire came into F1 in 2025 with Sauber, and has shown flashes of potential, but has yet to really deliver on said potential - with Gasly now at McLaren - Audi need him to step up. Isack Hadjar was the 2024 Formula 2 Champion and spent time in Formula E in 2025, but hasn't had a full time drive in a year, having spent last Season as Test and Reserve driver for Hitech. Hitech/Alpine passed up on Hadjar, but he landed his opportunity with Audi.

Pre-Season Testing: Concerning, but not without hope. Audi were the slowest in race trim and in qualifying trim, but Isack Hadjar went 8th fastest on day 2, quicker than both Red Bulls. The AUD-02 looked very uncomfortable to drive however and over the course of the week, looked the slowest car. Work to do in development.

Prediction: Audi have a lot of work to do. Expectations are tempered with the inexperienced lineup, but Pourchaire is in his third year. He needs to do better. Binotto needs both drivers to step up and perform. Right now though, they look the slowest. 11th.

BWT ALPINE RENAULT F1 TEAM
Chassis: A527
Engine: Renault
Nationality: France
Esteban Ocon (31)
Liam Lawson (30)

Alpine became Hitech for just a single season, and after the deal ended, they once again became Alpine. Esteban Ocon remains to lead the team once more, and will be joined by Liam Lawson, who spent a year with Red Bull. Kevin Magnussen leaves the team on good terms, choosing to step back to spend time with his family. Alpine look to take their strong second half momentum and continue up the order of the grid.

Last Season: After a rough start to 2026's new regulations and a heap of reliability issues in the middle of the year, the Renault team ended last year on a very strong note, finally getting on top of those reliability issues and Esteban Ocon hitting very good form, jumping above Audi on the final day. Kevin Magnussen's final year at Alpine was a bit more tricky, scoring a single point at Saudi Arabia, China and Hungary.

The Drivers: Esteban Ocon enters this year on great form, having finished in the points in every race bar two after the summer break. In a contract year and potentially pushing up the grid, can Alpine convince him of their long term potential? Meanwhile Liam Lawson struggled at Red Bull in his singular year there, despite signing a contract extension, however after his sole podium at COTA, Alpine made the move to sign him up on a three year deal to replace Magnussen. Lawson has something to prove - but as Gasly and Albon have proved, there's always life after Red Bull.

Pre-Season Testing: Alpine have continued where Hitech left off, mainly, with a solid reliable midfield car. In both days Ocon was in the car in the afternoon, he found himself P5 and P6. Lawson struggled a little more to get used to the car, but found his way later in the Testing. The Alpine saw themselves Seventh in race and qualifying sims, but the car looked stable.

Prediction: Steady progress. Alpine look one of the best of the midfield, and could well beat out the challenge of Mercedes and Aston for fifth, but they'll need good in-season development to do so. We expect them to just miss out on that fifth, however. Will that be enough to keep Ocon at the team? 6th.

ATLASSIAN WILLIAMS RACING
Chassis: FW49
Engine: Ferrari
Nationality: England
George Russell (63)
Alex Albon (23)

A rejuvenated Williams team, under the leadership of James Vowles and with George Russell leading the charge, have been growing ever stronger through the last couple of years. After a single year at Mercedes, Alex Albon has been convinced of Williams’ potential to return home to the team to form a strong line-up.

Last Season: A tale of two drivers. Williams’ lead driver George Russell returned to the team from Mercedes (we're sensing a theme here) and performed very well in a solid car, finishing 10th in the Championship. Lance Stroll floundered, and crashed into Russell twice, prompting James Vowles to end his contract early at the end of last season.

The Drivers: In George Russell, Williams have a driver that has the potential to win a World Championship and it shows his belief in James Vowles’ vision that he returned to Williams. Russell fully believes he can eventually win it all with Williams, and turned down a move to McLaren to stay with the Grove team. As for Alex Albon, he returns to Williams, quoted as “moving home” after a difficult single season at Mercedes.

Pre-Season Testing: Williams might have found something in this year's car. They were quickest in Low Speed Cornering, ahead of Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull. Russell and Albon were third and fifth fastest on the second day of testing, and the car was third fastest in qualifying trim and fourth in race trim. They might have something here.

Prediction: Williams look like a team united with a fast car and some real potential. They could well be the best of the rest - could they even take their first win in 15 years this season? Could they challenge for more? 4th.

ASTON MARTIN HONDA F1 TEAM
Chassis: AMR27
Engine: Honda
Nationality: England
Valtteri Bottas (77)
Yuki Tsunoda (22)

Aston Martin lost out on a second consecutive Fourth in the Championship, after difficulties with drivers in one of their cars. Lawrence Stroll has taken drastic actions to reverse this, poaching Yuki Tsunoda, a Honda backed driver, to the team from their arch rivals Andretti. He joins Valtteri Bottas as Aston push on to try and take fourth back, as Stoffel Vandoorne remains as a Test Driver.

Last Season: Spent in a battle with Andretti for fourth in the Championship, it ended up being a battle of one driver against two, as Stoffel Vandoorne struggled throughout the season to match teammate Valtteri Bottas. The car wasn't as good as 2025, and Bottas’ efforts weren't enough to hold off Andretti.

The Drivers: Valtteri Bottas remains with Aston Martin for another season, as his career has been completely rejuvenated following his struggles with Alfa Romeo/Sauber in 2024. Aston took a chance on Bottas and were proven completely right, as he took several podiums in 2025 and remained competitive in 2026. As for Yuki Tsunoda, he got his first career podium and Andretti's first ever podium in Azerbaijan last year, and again looked an incredibly improved driver throughout last season having been freed from the Red Bull program. He now switches to an Aston team with Honda's backing.

Pre-Season Testing: Aston's AMR27 doesn't look to quite have the pace of the AMR25, but it is close to the AMR26, and Bottas and Tsunoda performed well on the first day, with Bottas fourth, but the car was sixth fastest in qualifying AND race trim. It looks like a car that hasn't jumped backwards, OR forwards, in what will be an incredibly competitive midfield.

Prediction: Aston come into this season with the same level of car and a better driver line-up, but with a more packed midfield, and that might deny them fourth once more. The in-season development has always been a weakness of Aston, that's something they'll have to improve on. They didn't look too far off the pace though, so there's potential, and that lineup improvement will help. 5th.

LUCAS OIL ANDRETTI GLOBAL AUTOSPORT
Chassis: MA-02
Engine: Ferrari
Nationality: United States of America
Gabriel Bortoleto (5)
Colton Herta (13)

A brand new lineup, a brand new title sponsorship, a brand new Andretti. Entering their second season in the sport but with a rich legacy in motorsport, Andretti had a dream first season, clinching Fourth in the Championship in their first go. Their sophomore season sees a brand new lineup having lost Yuki Tsunoda to arch rivals Aston Martin and Daniel Ricciardo to a sabbatical - 2026 F2 Champion Gabriel Bortoleto and 2026 IndyCar runner-up Colton Herta make the step up to Formula 1.

Last season: A dream start. Andretti took to Formula 1 like a duck to water, with Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo hitting form early and performing very well. A strong start and end to the season in particular saw them beat out the challenge of Aston Martin, and were comfortable in fourth in the end even despite Daniel Ricciardo's last race issues due to a crash caused by George Russell. Andretti ended up 48 points ahead of Aston Martin in the fight for Fourth.

The Drivers: A young and brand new line-up. Yuki Tsunoda was tempted away by rivals Aston Martin, as Honda's backing proved too much for Tsunoda to resist. Meanwhile Daniel Ricciardo took a season long sabbatical from Formula 1 with Andretti's blessing, ending his contract a year early. In steps Gabriel Bortoleto, who won Formula 2 on the final day last year against Kush Maini. The Brazilian driver has been brilliant throughout three years in F2 and finally gets his breakthrough into F1 this year. As for Colton Herta, he makes the switch from Andretti's IndyCar team to Andretti's F1 team. The team know him well, he's highly rated and has what it takes to compete at this level.

Pre-Season Testing: Some work to do. Andretti's focus on Fourth last year to the final race may have set back development on the MA-02 slightly, having had to battle Aston to the final race last year, and split their time. Andretti were just eighth overall in race and qualifying trim, and their highest time was eleventh - Herta on day three, with Bortolero twelfth on day two. Their in-season development was very good last year - that's something they need to do again this year.

Prediction: Having lost both established drivers and relying on two F1 rookies, as talented as they may well be, would set any team back, particularly a young F1 team like Andretti. This might be a more challenging second year, the dream start is hard to keep up with. 8th.

ORACLE RED BULL RACING
Chassis: RB23
Engine: Ford
Nationality: Austria
Max Verstappen (33)
Lando Norris (4)

Red Bull Racing have now gone three years without a Constructors or Drivers Championship. With that in mind, Christian Horner and the team have made a splash, signing Lando Norris away from McLaren to partner Max Verstappen, who himself is in his contract year. With arguably the best lineup on the grid, can Red Bull pry the Championships back from Ferrari?

Last Season: A more extreme version of Aston Martin's situation. Max Verstappen performed very well, especially in the second half of the season, taking five wins in the last six races and taking the Drivers Championship to the final day of the year. Liam Lawson however struggled in the Red Bull car, like Sergio Perez before him, and could only take a single podium, and Red Bull could not match Ferrari, or McLaren, in the Constructors, finishing third.

The Drivers: A contract year for Max Verstappen, and a crucial year for Red Bull to convince Verstappen to stick around at the team for 2028 and beyond. The three time Champion is desperate for that fourth title, and he came close to it last year. However he will have his toughest teammate challenge yet - Lando Norris. After years of speculation and talk, Norris finally made the move from McLaren to Red Bull, and if Verstappen leaves, Norris becomes the team leader - in fact, the English driver will probably push Verstappen all the way this year, especially if there is a Championship car in the making. Norris came crushingly close to wins last year, but just missed out.

Pre-Season Testing: The RB23 proved a bit of a handful in the first couple of days of testing however, with both Verstappen and Norris struggling with oversteer that affected their ability to do decent laps. It looked like the fourth best car in qualifying and as low as fifth in race trim during simulations, but Verstappen in particular found some pace in the car on the final day, finishing third behind Leclerc and Piastri. Red Bull have a lot of work to do on this car to make it a Championship challenger…unless they were sandbagging?

Prediction: In the early half of the season, the strong driver line-up will have to make do for the current potential limitations of the RB23 - but if Red Bull can get on top of it early, they could push Ferrari all the way for the Constructors. Or, if it was sandbagging, they'll challenge the Scuderia with this lineup - arguably the best on the grid. 2nd.

McLAREN FORMULA 1 TEAM
Chassis: MCL41
Engine: Ford
Nationality: England
Pierre Gasly (10)
Pato O'Ward (29)

A new era for Zak Brown's McLaren, as the unthinkable has happened - having failed to back either Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris specifically, they've ended up losing both of them to Championship rivals. Instead, they've managed to pry away Pierre Gasly from Audi, as well as bring in the 2026 IndyCar Champion - and 2025 Indianapolis 500 Winner - Pato O'Ward for his Formula 1 debut. With this lineup, can they challenge for both Championships?

Last Season: A very strong season for the Papaya, as they took the only victory that wasn't Max Verstappen or either Ferrari driver, with Oscar Piastri taking victory in Miami, and they came close with both drivers on several occasions. Piastri was also stripped of a Qatar Sprint victory due to a late penalty, and Lando Norris had several near misses. Despite Max Verstappen's late charge, McLaren held Red Bull off for second in the Constructors.

The Drivers: A whole new line-up for the Papaya, as with Piastri and Norris leaving the team, and George Russell opting to stay at Williams, Pierre Gasly comes in from Audi. Gasly had some issues with Mattia Binotto at Audi, and gets a much needed move - a move very much up the grid that he has earned with some strong performances for Audi despite his issues off the track with the team. Can Gasly be a World Championship contender in this team? His teammate is finally getting his opportunity in Formula 1 after conquering IndyCar - this marks the second time McLaren have replaced a British driver with an IndyCar Champion, after Juan Pablo Montoya replaced David Coulthard in 2005. Pato O'Ward won the IndyCar Championship last season, and finally won the Indy 500 in 2025 - he moves over from Arrow McLaren's IndyCar team, so he is a driver the team knows well.

Pre-Season Testing: A strong opening for McLaren, they were consistently fast and the car looked strong and stable. The second fastest team in both qualifying and race trim, they were the quickest in high speed cornering - which should suit Melbourne, the opening race this year. Gasly was third fastest on day one of testing and O'Ward on day three. A very successful three days by McLaren, and a car they feel is ready for the season.

Prediction: It all comes down to the Drivers. How does Pato O'Ward adjust to Formula 1, and after a tough time at Red Bull in 2019, eight years on, is Pierre Gasly now ready for a Championship contending car - and a potential title challenge? They might just lose out to the sheer dominance of the Scuderia and the power of Red Bull's line-up. 3rd.

SCUDERIA FERRARI
Chassis: SF-27
Engine: Ferrari
Nationality: Italy
Charles Leclerc (16)
Oscar Piastri (81)

And so, to the Champions. Three titles in a row, Formula 1's most famous team were dominant in 2026. Lewis Hamilton narrowly defeated Charles Leclerc to clinch his Eighth World Championship in his final Formula 1 race. In Hamilton's stead steps Oscar Piastri, with the Australian ready for the move - can he challenge Leclerc for the Championship?

Last Season: Absolute domination. The SF-26 was a class above the rest for the early part of the season, and despite some late troubles with development towards the end of the year when focus switched to the SF-27, the team had already clinched the Constructors title by Austin, and broke 1000 points - the most by any constructor in Formula 1 history. The two drivers went to the wire as Lewis Hamilton retired in perfect style, winning his record Eighth World Championship, while Charles Leclerc pushed him all the way, with eight wins and eleven Poles - which would have been enough to win the Championship in almost any other season of F1.

The Drivers: And so number 1 once again becomes number 16 for Charles Leclerc, as after two back to back World Championships, he narrowly missed out on a third to teammate Hamilton. The fire will absolutely be there for Leclerc to regain his Championship, and he starts out as the bookies’ favourite to take his third World title. However, he will have a stern challenge from Oscar Piastri, who moves over from McLaren. Piastri has had an astonishing rise in Formula 1 since deciding against racing for Alpine and joining McLaren instead, finishing ahead of Lando Norris in both 2024 and 2025. Now he joins the Champions, with his eyes on his first World Championship.

Pre-Season Testing: Ferrari have pretty much started where they were at the start of last year - at the front of the pack, but not as far ahead as they were at the start of these regulations. The SF-27 looks strong and comfortable to drive, but McLaren and, surprisingly, Williams seem to have closed the gap a little. Although not quickest in every aspect of cornering, they still look to have the fastest medium speed cornering. Ferrari still went fastest in qualifying and race trim, and Leclerc topped all three days of practice overall, with Piastri quickest in two of the morning sessions.

Prediction: The favourites. Ferrari look like they're ready for the challenge once more, and look like the team to beat. Arguably the strongest driver line-up on the grid - it's them or Red Bull - and probably the overall quickest car. In-season development will be crucial, but it has been strong before, and they might not take the foot off the pedal this time around. 1st.

CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION

Ferrari
Red Bull
McLaren
Williams
Aston Martin
Alpine
Mercedes
Andretti
Haas
Subaru
Audi

DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION

Leclerc
Verstappen
Piastri
Norris
Gasly
Russell
Bottas
O'Ward
Albon
Ocon
Tsunoda
Antonelli
Lawson
Sainz
Herta
Zhou
Bortoleto
Bearman
Iwasa
Colapinto
Pourchaire
Hadjar

[humble totem]

Great lineup
Outside McLaren having two average drivers with no great driver for a team with such a good car

[foggy locust]

They had to scramble a bit with losing Piastri and Norris

And then being turned down by Russell

I'm intrigued to see what Gasly and O'Ward can do with that car though

[foggy locust]

AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2027
WEEKEND PREVIEW

A brand new season. A brand new era for Formula 1. It's lights out and away we go, again.

Last season ended in emotional circumstances, as Lewis Hamilton retired as an eight time Champion of the World, narrowly defeating Charles Leclerc to victory in Abu Dhabi, while Max Verstappen's title challenge ended in a distant Fifth place. Hamilton retires from the sport with eight Championship titles, beating the record he shared with Michael Schumacher, as well as becoming the first driver to win a World Championship at three different teams.

And so to a brand new era, which brings eight rookie drivers to Formula 1, and for the first time since the 2017 season, the reigning Champion will not be on the grid. The number 1 would've been absent anyway - Hamilton preferred keeping his regular #44 in his previous title defences - but previous Champion Charles Leclerc is back to his traditional number of #16.

For the first time since the 2019 season, we will begin the season at Australia. The traditional season opener lost the rights to it between 2021 and 2026, but returns back to its rightful place as race one on the calendar. Nine months of the year, Albert Park is open to be driven through by the public, and for three, it is setting up for the Australian Grand Prix. The 58 lap, 5.278km circuit is a haven for DRS overtaking, with four DRS Zones, as well as strong on High Speed Cornering. 14 turns through Albert Park, this half circuit, half street course is a traditional baptism of fire, and will especially be so for the eight rookies on the grid this year. No rain is expected throughout the weekend.

The Champions Ferrari start as favourites, although the opening race might be a challenge. Charles Leclerc begins his quest to regain his lost Championship, and for the first time since the 2024 season, will carry his traditional #16 on his car. He welcomes new teammate Oscar Piastri, who moves over from McLaren, and finally broke the Australian curse at his home race last year, finishing on the podium. Can Piastri challenge Leclerc for the win, and put a stamp on a title challenge, this time around? Ferrari may have to overcome their High Speed cornering, but their strongest DRS makes them the favourites here.

McLaren meanwhile start life after Piastri and Lando Norris with a whole new line-up. Pierre Gasly makes the switch over from Audi, while Pato O'Ward finally gets his chance in Formula 1 after narrowly defeating Colton Herta for the IndyCar Drivers Championship in 2026. O'Ward comes into F1 as a McLaren Drivers Champion, but McLaren haven't had an F1 Drivers Champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. Can O'Ward, or Gasly, challenge at the top of the table this year?

Red Bull have, without a doubt, the strongest lineup in their 22 year history, as Lando Norris makes the move from McLaren to Red Bull. He joins Max Verstappen at the team, and both are very much in World Drivers Championship contention in 2027. Despite a difficult testing for Red Bull, they seemed to understand their car better after day three, and this is still a car that can arguably win the Championships. Verstappen has his greatest teammate challenge to date, but there's no doubt he will rise to the challenge. Can Norris or Verstappen beat out the Ferraris this year?

Andretti are another team who welcome a brand new driver lineup, and O'Ward's IndyCar Championship rival Colton Herta also makes the switch to Formula 1. One of the most exciting rookie lineups in years is formed with Herta alongside Formula 2 Champion Gabriel Bortoleto. Andretti might not have the car they had last year, though, so it may well be a game of patience for Herta and Bortoleto, but this is a very intriguing team for 2027.

Aston Martin retain Valtteri Bottas and add Honda backed driver Yuki Tsunoda for 2027, another fresh and exciting lineup for this year. This is a team that badly wants success, and having failed to crack the top four last year, wants to push on and take that top four spot, at the minimum, this season. Tsunoda clinched Andretti's first ever podium at Baku and has really come into his own as a driver - Bottas meanwhile has been looking for a car that will match the Mercedes W11, without a seven time World Champion teammate. Is this that car?

Williams have their most exciting lineup in some significant time, as George Russell is joined by off track best friend Alex Albon. Both drivers returned to Williams after spells at Mercedes, and form a team that is led by James Vowles in his fifth year in charge of the team. This is a team that can potentially upset the applecart this year, and is aiming for podiums - could they even get a first race win for Williams in 15 years?

Alpine are now Alpine again, after a year under the Hitech banner, and they welcome Liam Lawson to the team, replacing the outgoing Kevin Magnussen. A strong stretch of form at the tail end of last year and a potentially good car sees the Renault based team in their best form in a while - like Williams, they may fancy their chances of a potential upset win in 2027, and like Williams, this is their strongest lineup in some time.

Audi however look like a team going in the wrong direction going into Australia. A rough testing period and losing Pierre Gasly to McLaren has hit Audi hard. Théo Pourchaire is now expected to lead the team going into this season, and the third year French driver is joined by a rookie French driver - 2024 F2 Champion Isack Hadjar. Audi will start off on the back foot - Australia may be tough, but it is all about in-season development for the team.

As for Haas, they welcome Argentinian rookie Franco Colapinto to the team alongside Zhou Guanyu, and like Audi, start the season as likely backmarkers. Haas only scored three points in the entirety of last season, seeing them finish bottom of the table, and that simply must improve this coming season. The pressure is on Ayao Komatsu this season, results simply must get better.

And of course, Australia sees the debut of Subaru Impreza Formula 1 team - the eleventh team in Formula 1. Subaru will appear on an F1 grid for the first time since a disastrous run as an engine manufacturer in 1990 - they've deferred the engines this time to Mercedes, and come in as a bona-fide constructor instead. With rookie pairing Ayumu Iwasa and Ollie Bearman making their F1 debuts this weekend, this will be a fascinating team to follow.

And so to Melbourne, as the traditional season opener returns home to Australia. Around the world from Australia to Vegas begins right here. But who will take the first step forward? One thing's for sure. You won't want to miss it.

(BOZ) "And radio check?"

(LEC) "Radio check okay."

(BOZ) "New season Charles, New beginning. We start now for title number three."

(LEC) "Copy. Let's do this."

(ADA) "Radio check, Oscar?"

(PIA) "Yep, all good."

(ADA) "Welcome home, Oscar, and welcome to Ferrari."

(PIA) "Let's get to work."

FP1 Reserves: Sztuka (Verstappen), Tramnitz (Norris), Vesti (Sainz), Martins (Lawson), P. Fittipaldi (Zhou), Arnold (Bearman)

[foggy locust]

FP1: PIA LEC OWA

Oscar Piastri goes quickest in his first FP1 for Ferrari, on home soil to boot, 0.007 ahead of Charles Leclerc. An impressive debut FP1 for Pato O'Ward who was third, then Esteban Ocon fourth. Russell and Albon fifth and sixth in promising signs for Williams, with Tsunoda seventh and Gasly eighth. Andrea Kimi Antonelli ninth, and Ayumu Iwasa completes the top ten, with Subaru having a car in the top ten in their first FP1.

FP2: LEC PIA GAS

Leclerc about 3 tenths quicker than Piastri in FP2, as Ferrari again go 1-2. Gasly just ahead of O'Ward, while Lando Norris was fifth in his first Red Bull session since testing. Antonelli sixth with Russell seventh, while Verstappen was just eighth. Bearman takes a very impressive ninth for his first FP with Subaru, and Sainz is tenth.

FP3: VER ALB RUS
PIA P5, LEC P6

Were Red Bull sandbagging all along? Verstappen quickest in FP3, ahead of the two Willians of Albon and Russell. Gasly P4, with Piastri and Leclerc fifth and sixth. Bottas seventh ahead of Sainz, and the two Andrettis of Herta and Bortleto are also into the top ten.

Welcome to Melbourne and to the start of the 2027 Formula 1 season. It has been eight whole years since we've started here, but we'll be starting here for the foreseeable future. Round 1 of 21, and it is time for the first competitive session of 2027 - qualifying about to begin. Ferrari looked quickest in practice, but Williams, Red Bull and McLaren all had moments, as did the brand new team, Subaru. And don't forget it will be six drivers, not five, eliminated in Q1 and Q2 this year. It's time to stop hiding everything - who will take Pole on day one?

OUT IN Q1: Herta, Pourchaire, Bortoleto, Colapinto, Bearman, Antonelli
Bubble: Hadjar
Top Five: LEC, RUS, VER, GAS, NOR
PIA P9

A rough first go of it for the rookie contingent, as of the bottom six, five of them are rookies - only O'Ward, a fantastic P6, Iwasa, an impressive P10, and Hadjar, who has outqualified his teammate in P16, remain. Pourchaire exits alongside Herta and Bortoleto, as both Andrettis start in the bottom six. Colapinto, Bearman and Antonelli all drop out and will start behind their teammates. Leclerc fastest ahead of Russell and Verstappen, with Gasly fourth and Norris fifth, while Piastri in his home GP was ninth in Q1.

OUT IN Q2: Bottas, Tsunoda, Zhou, Iwasa, Hadjar, Ocon
Bubble: Lawson
Top Five: LEC, OWA, PIA, GAS, ALB

Both Astons narrowly miss out on Q3, as we also lose two of the three remaining rookies - Iwasa in P14 and Hadjar in P15. Lawson outqualifies Ocon, as Zhou also drops out. Leclerc first and Piastri third, with O'Ward impressively splitting the two - Gasly fourth and Albon fifth. Sainz took a late lap to take sixth and get out of the bottom five.

Q3: Leclerc, Russell, Gasly, Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, O'Ward, Sainz, Lawson, Albon

Charles Leclerc starting as he means to go on, with the first Pole Position of the season. George Russell stunningly puts a Williams on the front row, with Pierre Gasly third. Oscar Piastri starts fourth in his home GP ahead of the two Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Pato O'Ward will start his F1 debut from P7, with Carlos Sainz, Liam Lawson and Alex Albon completing the top ten.

2027 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

LEC RUS

GAS PIA

VER NOR

OWA SAI

LAW ALB

BOT TSU

ZHO IWA

HAD OCO

HER POU

BOR COL

BEA ANT

And here we go again. A brand new season, a brand new beginning and the 77th Formula 1 World Championship starts here. 21 rounds around the World, from Australia to Vegas, and it starts here at Albert Park. 58 laps around this 5.278km circuit, an elevation of 2.45m, 14 turns and 4 DRS Zones. Plenty of chances for overtaking around this drive around the lake. The 30th Australian Grand Prix, and the first time in eight years we've started here.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli will debut from last on the grid, and he's got his former Prema F2 teammate Ollie Bearman for company, Franco Colapinto steps into Haas from P20 and then it's the reigning F2 Champion Gabriel Bortoleto in P19, Théo Pourchaire starts year three from P18 and the IndyCar runner up from last year, Colton Herta, begins life in F1 from P17. Esteban Ocon couldn't find his late season form from last year so he's 16th, 2024 F2 Champion Isack Hadjar finally gets his nod in F1 from P15. Ayumu Iwasa begins life at Subaru as an F1 driver from P14 as the new team get a car on the Seventh row, he's beside Zhou Guanyu in P13. The two Astons are on the sixth row and with a shout of points as Yuki Tsunoda makes his Aston debut from P12 and Valtteri Bottas begins P11, then it's Alex Albon in P10 on his return to Williams and P9 for Liam Lawson who makes his Alpine debut. Carlos Sainz has his highest start in P8 since Las Vegas 2025, IndyCar Champion Pato O'Ward starts his F1 debut in P7. Then it's the two Red Bulls on the third row, Lando Norris makes his Red Bull debut from P6, Max Verstappen just P5 today. Oscar Piastri starts his Ferrari debut on home soil from P4, and then it's P3 for Pierre Gasly, and yes, there's a Williams on the front row - George Russell starts P2, and Charles Leclerc had 11 Pole Positions last Season - he's one from one for this season, he starts on Pole.

Let's go racing in Melbourne!

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

Leclerc gets away well and races away, Russell stays P2, Piastri ahead of Gasly, Verstappen fifth, O'WARD AHEAD OF NORRIS, Lawson up ahead of Sainz, then Albon in P10, Colton Herta has had a SUPERB start and he's P13!!! Bearman and Antonelli have both gained places early!

(ADA) "And you can use K1. I'll leave it to you to judge the risk."

(PIA) "Copy."

Russell keeping Leclerc honest in this early going! Could this be a real opportunity for Williams?

(LEC) "It's hard to break with this much DRS."

(BOZ) "Copy Charles, do what you can to extend the gap."

Verstappen showing a turn of pace right now and moves ahead of Gasly for P4!

Russell trying to overtake Leclerc but he's left the door open and Piastri has a go at him for P2, Russell holds off the Ferrari though!

(PIA) "Overtaking is very very difficult here."

(ADA) "You can do it."

(PIA) "Passed."

(ADA) "Good job. Charles car in front. Free to race, keep it tidy with him."

(PIA) "Sweet."

A huge roar from the Australian fans as Piastri goes past Russell into P2, AND PIASTRI IS GOING FOR THE LEAD AND OSCAR PIASTRI LEADS THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX!!! LECLERC GOES A LITTLE WIDE BUT NOT BY MUCH! THE FANS GO WILD HERE!

Russell runs a little wide into the gravel! He'd able to return to the track and keep P3 though!

Leclerc takes advantage of the uncertainty and goes back into P1, but Piastri is pushing back!

Lap 8: Leclerc, Piastri, Russell, Gasly, Verstappen, O'Ward, Norris, Lawson, Albon, Sainz, Tsunoda, Bottas, Herta, Bortolero, Ocon, Hadjar, Iwasa, Antonelli, Zhou, Bearman, Pourchaire, Colapinto

Piastri retakes the lead with DRS!!!

Gasly overtakes Russell for P3!!

Gasly going for P2, and Gasly is up to second! Leclerc coming back at him with DRS, though!

Oh my word, Pierre Gasly is going for the lead and Pierre Gasly leads the Australian Grand Prix!!!

Norris has retaken P6 from O'Ward.

Piastri attacking Gasly but Leclerc goes down the inside and retakes P2!

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

(PIA) "Still okay for now."

PITSTOP: The first pitstop of the 2027 season goes to Colton Herta! The Andretti driver comes in and takes Hards, rejoining at the back of the pack.

Gasly is so far holding Leclerc and Piastri off here. Could we be on for a huge victory for the McLaren?

As we say that, Leclerc retakes the lead!!

Verstappen up to third! It looks like he pushed Piastri wide to get it!

PITSTOPS: Gasly in from P2!!! He takes on Hards and rejoins, while the two Williams double stack!!

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

(PIA) "Yeah, box this lap."

PITSTOPS: Verstappen and Piastri in! In fact a bunch of stops as Bottas, Ocon, Antonelli, Iwasa and Bearman all come in, Subaru double stacking and have a bit of a delay for Bearman as a result!

(BOZ) "Box Charles, box."

(LEC) "Yeah, box."

PITSTOP: Leclerc in from the lead! He rejoins P5, behind Verstappen, which means Pato O'Ward, in his first F1 race, is leading the Australian Grand Prix!!

Big mistake by Iwasa as he spins off and into the gravel!! He is able to get back on track, but is at the back of the pack now.

Leclerc and Piastri make their way through traffic, but have lost a lot of time to Verstappen, who now sits in prime position!

(LEC) "I think the Hards may have been a mistake here."

(BOZ) "Copy, keep pushing for now."

(LEC) "We have no pace on them right now.'

(BOZ) "Gap to Verstappen, 3.5."

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

Gasly up ahead of Piastri and challenging Leclerc, and this will make Max Verstappen very happy!

PITSTOP: Pato O'Ward in from the lead! He's onto the Softs, and McLaren two stopping the rookie! He rejoins P7!

Gasly gets Leclerc for P2!!

Piastri though pushing Leclerc and moves ahead of his teammate!! Piastri not done there as he's up to P2 ahead of Gasly!!

(BOZ) "Nicely done, hold position and work together to get Verstappen, then go from there."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy."

Leclerc up to third! Ferrari telling the former Champion to hold position for now to close the gap to Verstappen!

(BOZ) "Tyre energies are good. Free to race."

(LEC) "Copy."

Scrap that, apparently, the Ferraris are now being allowed to race.

Colton Herta is having a very solid debut - he's now up past Tsunoda and into the points.

Leclerc gets Piastri, then Gasly in quick succession.

Lap 30: Verstappen, Leclerc, Gasly, Piastri, Norris, Russell, O'Ward, Albon, Bottas, Herta, Tsunoda, Ocon, Sainz, Lawson, Antonelli, Bortoleto, Colapinto, Bearman, Zhou, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Iwasa

Bortoleto with a slight lock-up, but he has a big gap to Colapinto, so doesn't lose position, but does lose some time to Antonelli.

(LEC) "F---! I made a mistake. I went so wide there."

(BOZ) "It's okay, get back into the rhythm. You can do this."

(LEC) "Copy, copy. F------."

Leclerc runs wide!!! He drops to P6!

Norris gets former teammate Piastri, and as it stands - it is an unexpected Red Bull 1-2.

Leclerc making his way back through the pack, he's ahead of Russell and Gasly already!!

Leclerc moves past Piastri, and the pack is closing in on Verstappen!!!

One lap ago, Leclerc was P6. Now, he overtakes Norris, and he's going for P1 again!!

Unbelievable stuff from the former Champion, as he moves past Verstappen and into the lead once more!!!

(LEC) "Max pushed me wide."

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

PITSTOP: Ocon in from P9! He's onto Hards and on his way here, rejoining P18.

PITSTOP: Verstappen in from the lead!!! He takes New Hards and that will do him to the end. Bottas and Antonelli also onto the Hards.

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

(PIA) "Yeah, box."

PITSTOPS: Piastri, Russell and O'Ward all in! Piastri just behind Verstappen now!

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

(LEC) "Yeah, box this lap."

PITSTOPS: Leclerc and Gasly both in! Leclerc onto the Mediums, as is Gasly, and both return to the track, Leclerc out ahead of Verstappen!!!

Lap 39: Norris, Leclerc, Verstappen, O'Ward, Gasly, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Lawson, Herta, Albon, Bottas, Sainz, Antonelli, Ocon, Bearman, Pourchaire, Bortoleto, Hadjar, Zhou, Colapinto, Iwasa

Verstappen now back ahead of Leclerc for P2! Norris likely to pit again, however.

HERTA

Piastri ahead of both Gasly and O'Ward!

Leclerc ahead of Verstappen into P2!!!

PITSTOP: Colapinto has issues with his pitstop!!

[foggy locust]

Leclerc going for the lead and regains it from Norris! Leclerc now gaining significantly from the two Red Bulls, and Piastri!

Piastri up ahead of Verstappen! Leclerc has now pulled out a 5 second gap on the pack!!!

Verstappen ahead of Norris, and Piastri also gets his former teammate!

PITSTOP: Norris pits late, and takes Mediums...a somewhat questionable strategy from Red Bull? He's down to P8.

Piastri up ahead of Verstappen!!

Pourchaire with a big lock-up!

Lap 51: Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, O'Ward, Russell, Gasly, Albon, Norris, Sainz, Bottas, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Lawson, Herta, Ocon, Bortoleto, Zhou, Pourchaire, Bearman, Colapinto, Iwasa, Hadjar

A huge, HUGE potential shocker here as O'Ward overtakes Verstappen!!! The 2026 IndyCar Champion could be on the podium in his F1 debut!!!

(ADA) "Ease off here, Oscar. Bring it home."

BEARMAN OFF. He spins off, as he mentions too much oversteer! A rough debut for the Subaru team.

O'Ward has sadly dropped away here, as his tyres are starting to fall off a bit. He's down to P5.

TWO LAPS REMAINING

FINAL LAP

O'WARD

PATO O'WARD BACK INTO THIRD. OH MY WORD.

A dominant display by Charles Leclerc, as he rounds the corner TO WIN THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX!!! OSCAR PIASTRI HOME IN A SCUDERIA FERRARI 1-2, PATO O'WARD HAS COME HOME TO TAKE P3, A STUNNING RESULT. MAX VERSTAPPEN P4, PIERRE GASLY P5, RUSSELL P6, NORRIS P7, ALBON P8, SAINZ P9, BOTTAS P10.

(BOZ) "And that's my boy, another win, well done, great start to the season, Charles!"

(LEC) "Let's goooo! Let's go, come on! That's exactly how we should start the season, COME ON!"

(BOZ) "Amazing job. Great start to the year."

(ADA) "And P2, Oscar, P2. Podium in your home race and your Ferrari Debut. Well done mate!"

(PIA) "That was really fun, great start to life here. Great job guys."

(ADA) "You've done really well. Good job today."

2027 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Charles Leclerc 01.20.46
2. Oscar Piastri +10.333
3. Pato O'Ward +5.358
4. Max Verstappen +0.211
5. Pierre Gasly +0.752
6. George Russell +0.367
7. Lando Norris +8.353
8. Alex Albon +6.711
9. Carlos Sainz +7.951
10. Valtteri Bottas +0.752
11. Andrea Kimi Antonelli +10.106
12. Yuki Tsunoda +0.360
13. Esteban Ocon +7.180
14. Colton Herta +0.628
15. Liam Lawson +0.404
16. Gabriel Bortoleto +17.284
17. Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
18. Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
19. Oliver Bearman +1 lap
20. Franco Colapinto +1 lap
21. Ayumu Iwasa +1 lap
22. Isack Hadjar +1 lap

DRIVER OF THE DAY: PATO O'WARD

An incredible F1 debut for Pato O'Ward, who took an astounding podium in his first race, finishing P3 ahead of Max Verstappen and George Russell. A deserved Driver of the Day award for the McLaren Driver.

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Pato O'Ward 1.19.223

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Pierre Gasly 2.419s

[foggy locust]

2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 26
Piastri 18
O'Ward 16
Verstappen 12
Gasly 10
Russell 8
Norris 6
Albon 4
Sainz 2
Bottas 1
Antonelli 0
Tsunoda 0
Ocon 0
Herta 0
Lawson 0
Bortoleto 0
Zhou 0
Pourchaire 0
Bearman 0
Colapinto 0
Iwasa 0
Hadjar 0

2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 44
McLaren-Ford RBPT 26
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 18
Williams-Ferrari 12
Mercedes 2
Aston Martin-Honda 1
Alpine-Renault 0
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Haas-Mercedes 0
Audi Sauber 0
Subaru-Mercedes 0

2027 FIA FORMULA 1 DHL FASTEST PITSTOP:

McLaren 43
Red Bull 23
Andretti 12
Alpine 10
Subaru 6
Mercedes 4
Audi Sauber 2
Aston Martin 1
Williams 0
Ferrari 0
Haas 0

2027 FIA WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 56
Pirelli 47

[foggy locust]

2027 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW

We head to the Shanghai International Circuit for Round 2 of this 2027 Formula 1 season, and after an entertaining opener in Melbourne, we are set for a thrilling second round in China.

Last time around, it was Charles Leclerc who opened with victory, but a competitive race saw six different leaders at certain points - both Ferraris, both McLarens and both Red Bulls led at one point or another. Oscar Piastri was second in his home race and Ferrari Debut, while Pato O'Ward impressed in his F1 debut, taking a stunning podium - much like the current World Champion did in his first race for McLaren.

And so, to Shanghai International Circuit. The 56 lap, 5.451km hosts the second race of the season, and for the first time since its return to the calendar in 2024, will not be hosting a Sprint weekend this weekend. After four years absence between 2020 and 2023, it came back strongly, and Ferrari have won all three races here, with Charles Leclerc winning here in 2024 and Lewis Hamilton winning 2025 and 2026.

And it is a track that will suit Ferrari's medium speed cornering. The Champions started as they mean to go on, with Charles Leclerc taking the first win of the season, and the first Pole Position bonus point of this era, while Oscar Piastri came home in P2 in his home race. The post Lewis Hamilton era has begun well for Ferrari, as Leclerc looks to regain his Championship for the third time - but his closest challenger thus far looks to be his teammate.

McLaren for a whole though looked like they could take the first win of the season, with both Pierre Gasly and Pato O'Ward pushing Ferrari all the way, and it was O'Ward who shocked the F1 World with his first podium. McLaren should be strong around here as well - they equalled Ferrari in Medium Speed performance in testing - and it is not unfeasible to think they could challenge for the win again this weekend coming.

As for Red Bull, both Max Verstappen and Lando Norris had to overcome a performance deficit in the RB23 to take P4 and P7 respectively - as well as a questionable strategy call from the Red Bull pitwall to pit Norris for Mediums with ten laps to go. Verstappen, as talented as he is, will always be in the conversation for wins, and Norris looks to be a driver coming into his own on that front as well. Red Bull, whether the car is where they want it to be or not, remain a threat this weekend.

Williams however were a big surprise package in the first weekend of the season as George Russell put their car on the front row in Australia. While the race pace wasn't quite up to the qualifying pace at Melbourne, Williams did take double points in Melbourne - P6 and P8 - and this is a circuit that will suit their fantastic low speed cornering. While it would be a shock to see a Williams victory this weekend, this is a team very much on the rise and looking to challenge for wins at some point this season. Russell and Alex Albon are capable of doing so - this will be a fascinating team to watch this weekend.

Mercedes’ decision to punt 2026 and focus on 2027 seemed to pay off in practice, but they struggled a bit more in qualifying, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli dropping out in Q1 - although Carlos Sainz did make Q3, and Antonelli did make it up to P11 in the race, and a couple more laps may have seen him grab some points. Sainz looks like a driver rejuvenated after a tough two seasons in the initial going - with him out of contract at the end of the year, and Max Verstappen likely available next year - he'll need to be at his best this season.

After a tough testing, Aston Martin seemed a bit more on par in Australia, especially in race pace - having qualifying P11 and P12, Bottas snatched a point for the Astons, as Tsunoda ended up 12th. This is a team that have famously struggled for in-season development, and we saw that last year with them failing to get Fourth in the Championship, and to be fair, that is why they signed Tsunoda away from Andretti. Aston may, will, have to improve their in-season development to get anything out of this year, although that early point from Bottas does help.

Alpine couldn't quite convert their late 2026 form into an early start in 2027, with a P13 and P15 finish for Esteban Ocon and Liam Lawson to begin this season. However there is hope as their car does look strong - they need more from Ocon and Lawson this weekend to convert some good car performance into some points for the team - likely they'll have to beat out Mercedes and Aston for the points, which will be very tough to do.

Andretti have started their sophomore season on the back foot, with a solid but unspectacular P14 and P16 debut for Colton Herta and Gabriel Bortoleto, respectively. It'll take both some time to adjust to Formula 1, but the IndyCar runner-up and F2 Champion do come in with a wealth of experience elsewhere, and can bring home points for Andretti. Like last season's main rivals Aston Martin though, they'll have to rely on in-season development in a very crowded midfield. Might be a little early to be talking points for them this weekend.

Haas’ main target for this year is getting off the bottom and beating out the challenge of Audi and Subaru, and so far, so good. Zhou and Colapinto were 17th and 20th in the race, but Zhou did make 13th in qualifying, which likely means the one lap pace is stronger than the race pace. Haas struggled for tyrewear in Australia and this is something they'll need to address quickly this season, especially with some tracks more harsh on tyrewear coming up.

It was a tough debut for Isack Hadjar for Audi in Australia, with him finishing P22 and last, as the car really struggled. Audi have looked to have gotten off on a bad start to the regulations, and after slipping behind Alpine last Season on the final day in Abu Dhabi and finishing 8th in the Championship, look to have the slowest car of the lot this gear. Théo Pourchaire did finish ahead of the two Subarus and that might be their best shot of not finishing bottom this year - the pressure is already on Mattia Binotto, especially with Pierre Gasly's great start at McLaren.

As for Subaru, the new team in the F1 paddock didn't have the easiest opening weekend with both Ayumu Iwasa and Oliver Bearman having spins during the race at Melbourne, with Bearman P19 and Iwasa P21. It's 11th and last so far for the new team - but to be fair, it's been one race, and it’s too early to say how their debut season will go. Finishing above Haas and Audi may well be the aim for the Japanese manufacturer however.

And so, to Shanghai, where a very interesting second race awaits us. With no rain expected, F1's new era continues, and one thing's for sure - you won't want to miss it.

FP1 Reserves: Hirawaka (O'Ward), Sztuka (Norris), Browning (Albon), P. Fittipaldi (Colapinto)

FP1: VER LEC GAS
PIA P4

Verstappen quickest through first practice, 2 tenths ahead of Leclerc, with Gasly third. Piastri fourth ahead of Russell and the two Alpines of Ocon and Lawson. McLaren junior Hirakawa and Williams junior Browning were P8 and P9, with Sainz P10.

FP2: LEC SAI PIA

Leclerc quickest in FP2, ahead of former teammate Sainz and current teammate Piastri. Russell P4 with Norris P5, while Verstappen was 6th. Lawson, Antonelli, Gasly and Bottas complete the top ten.

FP3: PIA LEC RUS

Piastri goes quickest in FP3 ahead of Leclerc, with Russell P3. O'Ward Fourth, with Ocon fifth, and Antonelli and Sainz P6 and P7. Pourchaire ahead of Verstappen and Norris.

Welcome to Round 2 here in Shanghai, and it is time for Qualifying. The first Chinese Grand Prix with no Sprint weekend since 2019, and of course then, there were no Sprints. 5.541km, it's a gruelling lap on tyre wear, a top speed of 213.6mph, and Ferrari have had the pace in practice, but Verstappen topped FP1 and you cannot discount McLaren, or even Williams here. This should be fascinating.

OUT IN Q1: Hadjar, Zhou, Iwasa, Herta, Colapinto, Bortoleto
Bubble: Pourchaire
Top Five: SAI, LEC, ALB, GAS, OWA
PIA P8

Zhou exits in Q1 for his home GP, but outqualifies Colapinto. Hadjar just misses Q2, while both Andrettis are out in Q1 in a shocking start to the season to the team who finished Fourth last year. Sainz quickest ahead of Leclerc and Albon, the two McLarens of Gasly and O'Ward follow. Piastri needed two laps to get through in P8.

OUT IN Q2: Bearman, Bottas, Pourchaire, Ocon, Lawson, Tsunoda
Bubble: O'Ward
Top Five: PIA, LEC, GAS, SAI, RUS

Ollie Bearman just missed out on Subaru's first ever Q3, as Pato O'Ward had a late lap to knock him out. Piastri went fastest after a great final sector to get out of the bottom six, with Leclerc P2. Bottas ahead of Tsunoda, Ocon ahead of Lawson, Pourchaire also exits.

Q3: Piastri, Russell, Gasly, Albon, Verstappen, O'Ward, Leclerc, Sainz, Antonelli, Norris

Oscar Piastri takes his first Pole of the season! He took P1 ahead of George Russell who's on the front row for the second race weekend in a row. Pierre Gasly P3 ahead of Alexander Albon in fourth, as both Williams are on the front two rows. Max Verstappen P5, and Pato O'Ward and Charles Leclerc both hit traffic and couldn't improve their final laps. Carlos Sainz just ahead of Andrea Kimi Antonelli who has his first top ten start, and Lando Norris P10.

2027 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

PIA RUS

GAS ALB

VER OWA

LEC SAI

ANT NOR

BEA BOT

POU OCO

LAW TSU

HAD ZHO

IWA HER

COL BOR

Break for a bit to charge the phone, back later for the race!

[foggy locust]

Well, it is time to go racing here in Shanghai, and after a full weekend of practice and qualifying behind us, it is time for the 2027 Chinese Grand Prix. Round 2 of the 2027 season, Shanghai International Circuit and a 5.541km lap, 56 of them in total, and an absolute eater of tyres. 16 turns, lots of overtaking chances, but tyre management is going to be absolutely vital around here. It can be a one stop, it's probably a two stop, and after a chaotic Qualifying, it is game on.

Gabriel Bortoleto starts at the very back this weekend with Franco Colapinto for company, Colton Herta starts his second F1 race from P20 and another rookie Ayumu Iwasa in P19. Zhou Guanyu starts his home race P18 and it's P17 for Isack Hadjar, Yuki Tsunoda just sixteenth and former teammate AND Red Bull Racing seat rival Liam Lawson in P15. Esteban Ocon just ahead of his teammate and Théo Pourchaire begins P13, then Valtteri Bottas P12 and Ollie Bearman has Subaru's highest start so far. Lando Norris just P10, with Kimi Antonelli P9 and into the top ten for the first time in his career, then Carlos Sainz in P8 beside former teammate and two time Champion Charles Leclerc in P7. Pato O'Ward starts from P6 with Max Verstappen beside him in P5, Alex Albon on the second row beside Pierre Gasly, the man he once upon a time replaced at Red Bull. George Russell starts on the front row for the second weekend in a row, and the first Ferrari Pole, and first Pole of the season, for Oscar Piastri. But can he turn that into a win this weekend?

Let's go racing!

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

George Russell has gotten away quicker than Oscar Piastri and is into the lead, Alex Albon ahead of Pierre Gasly, O'Ward up to fifth, Carlos Sainz has jumped ahead of two World Champions in Verstappen and Leclerc!!!

Piastri goes round the outside of Russell and regains the lead!!

(PIA) "Lovely stuff."

(ADA) "Good job, let's get into a rhythm here."

Russell going for P1 again and George Russell leads the Chinese Grand Prix again!

Pierre Gasly now up to P3 ahead of Albon!

PIASTRI

(LEC) "I am struggling a lot with oversteer. Where are we losing time?"

(BOZ) "Turns 11 through 13. Do what you can to get past Sainz."

Leclerc does in fact move past Sainz and he's back up to P7!

Piastri is going for the lead once more and Oscar Piastri retakes the lead!

O'Ward currently defending Verstappen and Leclerc. The IndyCar Champion defending two former F1 World Champions here.

Piastri has pulled out a bit of a lead here now, about 2 seconds ahead of Russell, but Williams' straight-line speed is impressing.

Gasly retakes P3 from Albon and is down the road a bit. Albon now holding off O'Ward.

Leclerc with a beautiful move down the inside of Verstappen! He's up to P6!

(BOZ) "And P6, Charles, you're doing a good job, keep it up. Albon ahead."

O'Ward gets Albon for P4, and is now putting the pressure on his teammate Gasly!

Leclerc goes past Albon and up to P5!

(ADA) "The gap is 3.4 to Russell, keep this level of pace up, tyre management where you can."

(PIA) "Yep, OK."

(BOZ) "How are your tyres?"

(LEC) "They're not as graining as much as we thought here."

Gasly up ahead of Russell and into P2! He's trying to chase down Piastri now!

Leclerc goes ahead of O'Ward and into P4!

(LEC) "O'Ward has a lot of pace"

(BOZ) "Copy, understood. Both McLarens directly ahead, podium is in sight."

O'Ward giving Leclerc a lot of hassle and was briefly P4, but Leclerc takes it back and has his sights on Gasly now!

Lap 9: Piastri, Russell, Gasly, Leclerc, O'Ward, Albon, Verstappen, Sainz, Norris, Antonelli, Bottas, Bearman, Ocon, Tsunoda, Herta, Lawson, Pourchaire, Zhou, Iwasa, Hadjar, Bortoleto, Colapinto

Leclerc having a sensational drive so far, and he's up ahead of Gasly into P3!

Very late braking by both Leclerc and Russell, and as it stands - a Ferrari 1-2!!

(BOZ) "And that's P2 Charles, Oscar is 5.3 ahead. Free to race at this point."

(LEC) "Copy."

Gasly ahead of Russell into P3!

Verstappen very much back in the conversation - he's up to P5!

(ADA) "Update tyre phase when you can?"

(PIA) "It's still okay, less graining than expected. Left rear is a little worn though."

PITSTOPS: Antonelli in from the points, he takes on Hards but has a delay!!! The Merc team had an issue removing that back left! That might hurt the rookie's chances of points today! Iwasa also in for Subaru and he has a clean stop. P21 Antonelli, P22 Iwasa.

PITSTOPS: Pourchaire and Zhou both in! Bortoleto also following, as is Hadjar, and Zhou AND Hadjar had to wait for safe releases which will have cost them time!

Leclerc has gotten clear of Gasly, and has closed the gap to his teammate to 4.1 seconds.

PITSTOPS: Williams are double stacking and splitting strategies! Russell onto Mediums, Albon onto Hards. Clean stops for both, but NOT FOR OCON WHO HAS A BIG DELAY! Alpine can't get the car on the jack properly!

(ADA) "Box, Box."

(PIA) "Copy, box."

PITSTOP: Red Bull pit Norris! He's onto Softs again, so he's committed to at least a two stopper!

Leclerc has closed the gap to just 2 seconds. The Champion flying here.

PITSTOPS: Piastri comes in though! A 2.798 stop for Oscar and he rejoins, as Gasly and Verstappen are both in too, as is Bottas!

(BOZ) "Box, box"

(LEC) "Yeah, box this lap"

Bortoleto with a lock-up! The Sophomore Andretti proving a lot more difficult to handle than its predecessor.

PITSTOP: LECLERC IN. A 2.614 stop for the former Champion, he rejoins about 3.4 behind his teammate. Sainz leads.

PITSTOP: Sainz in from the lead, a clean stop this time by Mercedes and he rejoins in P6 - ahead of Verstappen!!

PIASTRI

ALBON

Piastri's fastest lap didn't last long, as Albon nicks it from him.

Piastri does already have a point this weekend - the FIA introduced the Pole Position bonus point this past off-season.

Lap 21: Piastri, Leclerc, Gasly, O'Ward, Russell, Sainz, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Albon, Norris, Lawson, Antonelli, Bottas, Ocon, Bearman, Herta, Zhou, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Bortoleto, Iwasa, Colapinto

O'WARD

Antonelli trying to overtake Lawson, AND THEY COLLIDE! LOOKED LIKE LAWSON TURNED INTO THE ITALIAN DRIVER!!

CAR 30 (LAWSON) - 5s - CAUSING A COLLISION WITH CAR 12 (ANTONELLI)

Five second penalty for Lawson. Not ideal, but that one was on him. Looks like he picked up damage on that too.

About 2.4 between Piastri and Leclerc. Leclerc closing on his teammate right now.

(BOZ) "Currently you are about 3 tenths quicker than Oscar per lap."

(LEC) "What was the last lap time?"

(BOZ) "Oscar 37.565, you, 37.283."

Sainz up ahead of Gasly and O'Ward and onto the podium! The rejuvenation of Carlos Sainz, is it for real?

Lap 28: Piastri, Leclerc, Sainz, Gasly, O'Ward, Russell, Verstappen, Norris, Albon, Bottas, Ocon, Antonelli, Tsunoda, Herta, Bearman, Lawson , Zhou, Pourchaire, Iwasa, Hadjar, Colapinto, Bortoleto

We very much have a fight for the race win now, as Leclerc is almost in DRS range of his teammate Piastri!!

Piastri about 3 tenths quicker than Leclerc on Lap 29, that's the first lap in a fair few where the Australian has been quicker than the Monegasque here.

PITSTOP: Zhou in for the second time today, and onto the Hards. That might be him to the end now.

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

(PIA) "I can see him, yeah."

(ADA) "Prepare K1."

Leclerc with DRS and is into the lead of this race!! A brilliant move!

LECLERC

Leclerc and Piastri have now just lapped but Haas drivers and Bortoleto, and this might not be at the best time for Piastri.

PITSTOP: Lawson is in to serve his five second penalty!! He does so, and then Alpine have their second pitstop delay of the day with the jack!!! That was a disaster!

Leclerc has opened up a bit of a gap, but Piastri reduces it slightly with the DRS from Iwasa.

Lawson furious at his team on the radio. Bad day for the Alpine pit crew.

(PIA) "I'm struggling a bit with the tyres."

(ADA) "Where exactly is the issue"

(PIA) "The fronts are struggling a lot, uh, definitely losing time o. Those."

PITSTOPS: O'Ward, Norris and Ocon all in for their likely final stops of the day. Norris onto Mediums, O'Ward and Ocon Hards. Herta also comes in off the Softs and goes onto Mediums.

PITSTOPS: Gasly and Russell both in. Gasly takes Mediums, Russell onto Softs - those will have to last 21 laps, that is risky by Williams.

PITSTOP: Sainz in from P3! He takes the Hards and that'll do him to the end now.

(ADA) "Pit confirm and box."

(PIA) "Copy, box."

Antonelli with a lock-up! He goes off but recovers pretty quickly.

PITSTOP: Piastri in, and a 2.579 stop for him. He comfortably rejoins in P2.

(BOZ) "Box now, box box."

(LEC) "Copy, box."

GASLY

PITSTOPS: Leclerc in from the lead for his second stop! He goes back onto the Softs and it is a 2.667 stop. He narrowly gets out in the lead ahead of Gasly! Tsunoda makes his second stop, and Verstappen also in for Softs!

PIASTRI

Leclerc under a lot of pressure from Piastri as he's trying to get his tyres into the right window!

(PIA) "Overtaking is very, very difficult."

(ADA) "And press K1."

O'Ward with a lock-up! He doesn't lose any positioning, but he loses time to Russell for P5!

Piastri has DRS, AND PIASTRI TAKES THE LEAD BACK! WOW!

Lap 43: Piastri, Leclerc, Sainz, Gasly, Russell, O'Ward, Verstappen, Norris, Albon, Ocon, Tsunoda, Bearman, Antonelli, Herta, Bottas, Iwasa, Zhou, Lawson, Pourchaire, Bortoleto, Hadjar, Colapinto

Leclerc going for the lead and Leclerc retakes P1 from Piastri!

A heck of a battle for P3 as well as Gasly overtakes Sainz!

Piastri is here to fight for this win! He retakes the lead from Leclerc!

(ADA) "Tyre phase update?"

(PIA) "Feels okay"

This is quite the battle between Leclerc and Piastri here. Leclerc back in front for now, Piastri is keeping the former Champion honest though!

OH MY GOD. GASLY AND SAINZ HAVE A COMING TOGETHER IN THAT BATTLE FOR THIRD!!! A BIG COLLISION!!! GASLY IS FURIOUS AS HE HAS MAJOR DAMAGE, AND SAINZ WAS RECKLESS IN THAT DEFENCE!!!

And it's once again the right place right time for the Ultimate Opportunist, George Russell!! With the carnage in front, he moves into P3!!!

CAR 55 (SAINZ) - CAUSING A COLLISION WITH CAR 10 (GASLY)

There's the Sainz we've known for the last two seasons. Absolute desperation to keep that P3, and a horrible defence that has wrecked both his and Gasly's races.

PITSTOP: Gasly in for a new front nose, and new tyres. He is absolutely furious with Sainz.

Sainz has wrecked his tyres doing that as well, and it'll be shocking if he gets to the end on those.

PITSTOP: Sainz in to serve his penalty and take on new Softs. A bit of a delay in the process. He's dropped to P9, and that's completely thrown away Mercedes' points today.

Piastri retakes the lead from Leclerc up front!!! This is a fantastic battle!

Max Verstappen has taken P4 off Pato O'Ward. From bad to worse for the Papaya.

Leclerc back in front as we start Lap 50, but Piastri is right on him here! This is going all the way to the line!

Lap 51: Leclerc, Piastri, Russell, Verstappen, O'Ward, Norris, Albon, Gasly, Sainz, Tsunoda, Ocon, Bottas, Antonelli, Herta, Bearman, Zhou, Lawson, Bortoleto, Pourchaire, Iwasa, Colapinto, Hadjar

LECLERC HAS BROKEN DRS! COULD THAT BE DECISIVE HERE?

GASLY

Gasly ahead of Albon, and chasing down Norris for P6!

Leclerc coasting now, as Piastri's tyres are falling away here. An incredible effort from the Australian, though.

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED

A BIG SPIN-OFF FOR HADJAR. HE'S IN THE WALL AND HIS RACE ENDS A COUPLE OF LAPS EARLY. A sickener for the rookie.

FINAL LAP

One more racing lap here, and it has been an astonishing drive from Charles Leclerc, he has been utterly brilliant this afternoon, from a P7 start on the grid to P1, he rounds the final corners to WIN THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX!!! A game effort from Oscar Piastri who makes it a 1-2 for the Scuderia for the second time in two races this season!!!

(BOZ) "OH HOW YOU MAKE ME DREAM, HOW YOU MAKE ME DREAM. P7 TO P1. YOU ARE THE BEST."

(LEC) "Mamma Mia...YESSSS!!! COME ON!!! Ahhh, what a race, what a win! COME ON!"

(BOZ) "Brilliant job today. Brilliant drive. And Driver of the Day as well."

(LEC) "Thank you, and thank you to the fans. And thanks to Oscar as well, he pushed me all the way today, he was brilliant. Great race."

(BOZ) "Amazing job. Normal pick-up at the end please, mode slow."

(ADA) "And P2, Oscar. P2. Hard luck, but amazing job today."

(PIA) "Yeah, thank you very much, car was really good in the end. Tried my best at the end there. Congrats to Charles, great drive from him."

(ADA) "You've done a really good job as well. Your time will come."

George Russell home in P3 for Williams, what a result for him! Max Verstappen P4, Pato O'Ward P5, Lando Norris P6, great recovery from Pierre Gasly for P7, Alex Albon P8, P9, for Carlos Sainz and Yuki Tsunoda gets his first point of the year!

2027 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Charles Leclerc 01.32.49
2. Oscar Piastri +4.238
3. George Russell +42.403
4. Max Verstappen +10.406
5. Pato O'Ward +4.371
6. Lando Norris +0.777
7. Pierre Gasly +0.220
8. Alex Albon +1.019
9. Carlos Sainz +19.313
10. Yuki Tsunoda +1 lap
11. Esteban Ocon +1 lap
12. Valtteri Bottas +1 lap
13. Colton Herta +1 lap
14. Andrea Kimi Antonelli +1 lap
15. Oliver Bearman +1 lap
16. Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
17. Liam Lawson +1 lap
18. Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
19. Ayumu Iwasa +1 lap
20. Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
21. Franco Colapinto +1 lap
22. Isack Hadjar DNF (+3 laps, classified)

DRIVER OF THE DAY:
CHARLES LECLERC, FERRARI

An astonishing drive from P7 on the grid to take a dominant victory, lapping more than half the field and taking on immense pressure from his teammate, Charles Leclerc shone today to take his second win of the season, and his first Driver of the Day of the season!

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Pierre Gasly, McLaren 1.33.151

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Lando Norris, Red Bull 2.410s

2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Leclerc 51
Piastri 37
O'Ward 26
Verstappen 24
Russell 23
Gasly 17
Norris 14
Albon 8
Sainz 4
Bottas 1
Tsunoda 1
Ocon 0
Antonelli 0
Herta 0
Lawson 0
Bearman 0
Zhou 0
Bortoleto 0
Pourchaire 0
Iwasa 0
Colapinto 0
Hadjar 0

2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 88
McLaren-Ford RBPT 43
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 38
Williams-Ferrari 31
Mercedes 4
Aston Martin-Honda 2
Alpine-Renault 0
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Subaru-Mercedes 0
Haas-Mercedes 0
Audi Sauber 0

2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 119
Pirelli 87

DHL FASTEST PIT STOP CHAMPIONSHIP

McLaren 59
Red Bull 48
Andretti 45
Mercedes 14
Williams 14
Alpine 6
Ferrari 2
Audi Sauber 2
Aston Martin 2
Haas 0

[foggy locust]

TOTO WOLFF LOOKING TO SIGN MAX VERSTAPPEN FOR 2028 SEASON

Mercedes have apparently made an approach to sign Max Verstappen for the 2028 season.

Mercedes have struggled for the last couple of seasons, particularly with Carlos Sainz's struggles once more in causing a penalty by crashing into Pierre Gasly in China.

And the rumour mill is that Mercedes have already made the decision to replace Sainz for the 2028 season, with three time former Champion Max Verstappen in the frame to replace Sainz.

Wolff has long since been an admirer of the Red Bull driver, and with Red Bull struggling early this season, might this be his opportunity to sign the Dutchman for next year?

[foggy locust]

MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX 2027
WEEKEND PREVIEW

And so to Round 3 of the 2027 Formula 1 World Championship, and just under six months after we raced here back in October, we go to Mexico City for the Mexico City Grand Prix.

It is the earliest the Mexico Grand Prix has been held in the season since the 1992 edition, which was the second race of that year and was held in March, won by Nigel Mansell of Williams who went on to lift the Drivers’ title that season. Mexico's Grand Prix is held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the 4.304 km circuit that features 71 laps and 3 DRS Zones, and overtaking opportunities all over the track. Featuring a mix of low and high speed cornering and strong DRS, this should be an entertaining overtaking festival.

Last time around, Charles Leclerc overcame a P7 start to take a second consecutive victory in China, finishing ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri. Two races, two Ferrari 1-2s. Can anyone stop the Champions?

Ferrari bring their first upgrades of the year to this race, bringing a new Underfloor and Susspnsion to this circuit. They remain the favourites around here and it is hard to back against three from three for the on-form Charles Leclerc as he looks to regain his Championship, but Oscar Piastri gave him a fantastic fight in China and looks to do so again here.

It is a first home race in Formula 1 for Pato O'Ward, as the McLaren driver will have a huge fanbase around him, looking for his first win in Formula 1 in just his third race. McLaren may have one of the best chances of beating Ferrari, as O'Ward and Gasly have gotten off to a good start this season and their car is getting closer to the Scuderia's.

Red Bull have been picking up steady but unspectacular points thus far this year with a car that hasn't been up to the likes of the Red Bull cars from 2021-23. Max Verstappen remains a threat but is already a distant 27 points off Charles Leclerc after two races, while Lando Norris hasn't adopted to that Red Bull as of yet. The big story of the week however remains a potential move from Max to Mercedes - Toto Wolff is a long time admirer of Verstappen, can he finally get his man? Red Bull will need to improve quickly to convince Verstappen to stick around the team.

And it very much looks like Carlos Sainz might be heading out of Mercedes at the end of the year. Sainz has struggled in the Silver Arrows, and blew a significant opportunity for points by crashing into McLaren's Pierre Gasly in China. With Andrea Kimi Antonelli considered the future of the team, and Toto set on trying to bring Verstappen in - could Sainz be axed for a former World Champion for the second time in a row?

Williams meanwhile have been right in this fight, although their qualifying pace has been a tiny bit better than their race pace - George Russell has been on the front row of both weekends so far, but he earned the team’s first podium since the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix - infamously just two laps long - and their first full race podium since Baku 2017 (with Russell's former teammate Lance Stroll). Russell and Albon are getting the best out of a very good car, and with the fight for second between McLaren, Williams and Red Bull very close already - could Williams be on for top four, or better?

Aston Martin claimed their second point of the year as Yuki Tsunoda took P10 in China, their second P10 of the year after Valtteri Bottas took one in Australia. It has been a solid but unspectacular start for Aston Martin, who look best of the rest but well behind the top five teams, a disappointing start after their attempts on top four last year and clinching it in 2025. Aston are bringing upgrades as well with hopes for challenging for better points this time around - although it's still early.

Alpine have built a solid car that's shown decent qualifying pace, but Esteban Ocon and Liam Lawson have yet to put a complete weekend together in the first two, and so far, no points for the French team, who haven't been able to capitalise on a strong ending to 2026. Ocon is out of contract at the end of the year, and will be looking to his options for next season, with Haas and Subaru both potentially interested in the French driver. Something to prove for Ocon who had such a strong finish to last season.

Andretti's MA-02 hasn't proven as easy to drive as the MA-01 from last year as of yet, but it seems to be a car that has better race pace than qualifying pace, as in the first two weekends both Cotton Herta and Gabriel Bortoleto have made up places on the Sunday. If Andretti can get it together quickly, this is a line-up that could start scoring some good points - but they need a better qualifying car to get up the grid and put their talented young drivers in a good position to score points first.

Subaru meanwhile are yet to bring any upgrades to their car, as the Japanese manufacturer may well be looking towards the European leg of the calendar. They went above Haas and Audi into P9 due to Ollie Bearman's P15 in China, but this looks like a team that are still struggling to challenge for points. It's early days for the new team though - it will take time. Expectations remain low for this weekend.

Zhou Guanyu had an unspectacular race on home soil last weekend, and he is a driver under pressure for a new deal, as his contract runs out at the end of the year. He did score Haas’ only points last Season, and it may be tough for him and Franco Colapinto in a very difficult car to drive right now. Expectations also remain low for Haas this weekend. Work to be done for Ayao Komatsu's team.

And Audi had the first retirement of the season last time around, when Isack Hadjar crashed out with three laps to go in China. Hadjar and Théo Pourchaire have without a doubt the slowest car so far this season and the Mattia Binotto project may be coming to an end this year - the team very much look in disarray and some serious work needs to be done, or serious changes may be in play.

With no rain expected this weekend, it will be a festival atmosphere in the stands, as we go racing in Mexico City. One thing is for sure - you won't want to miss it.

FP1 Reserves: Hirawaka (Gasly), Sztuka (Verstappen), P. Fittipaldi (Zhou), Al Qubaisi (Bortolero), Maloney (Hadjar), Drugovich (Bottas), Crawford (Tsunoda)

History for Amna Al Qubaisi, who becomes the first woman from the Middle East to take part in a Formula 1 session

FP1: LEC PIA RUS

Leclerc quickest in FP1 ahead of Piastri in another Ferrari 1-2. Russell third, with Norris Fourth, and Sainz fifth. O'Ward was sixth with Albon seventh, Lawson eighth, and McLaren junior Hirakawa ninth, with Red Bull junior Sztuka tenth. Al Qubaisi was 21st, ahead of Fittipaldi.

TSUNODA IN THE WALL. His Friday ends early!

FP2: PIA LEC VER

Piastri tops Friday's second session with Leclerc second and Verstappen third. Gasly P4 ahead of home hero O'Ward. Bottas ahead of Antonelli, then Sainz, Lawson and Albon. Tsunoda crashed out and caused a VSC.

FP3: LEC PIA VER

Ferrari 1-2 again in practice 3, as Leclerc quickest from Piastri and Verstappen. Norris Fourth as Red Bull show some pace, then Gasly, Antonelli, Iwasa, Albon, Bottas and Lawson. O'Ward just P13.

It is time to go qualifying in Mexico City, as it is Round 3 of this 2027 Formula 1 World Championship. The earliest we've been here since 1992, when a certain Nigel Mansell won the race that weekend - and went on to win the World Championship that season. Another Englishman in a Williams, George Russell could be in the mix this weekend, but Ferrari remain the team to beat here. And of course, a lot of support for McLaren's and Mexico's own Pato O'Ward, who will hope to put in a fantastic showing in his home race weekend.

OUT IN Q1: Herta, Colapinto, Zhou, Albon, Bearman, Hadjar
Bubble: Tsunoda
Top Five: PIA, VER, OWA RUS, SAI
LEC P6

Andretti did not send Herta out in time so he couldn't complete a final flying lap, and was knocked out in the process. Bearman and Albon both hit traffic and were eliminated, alongside Colapinto, Zhou and Hadjar. Piastri quickest ahead of Verstappen and to the delight of the fans, O'Ward. Leclerc P6.

OUT IN Q2: Bottas, Antonelli, Bortoleto, Lawson, Iwasa, Pourchaire
Bubble: Tsunoda
Top Five: PIA, RUS, LEC, VER, GAS

Bottas and Antonelli just miss out on late fliers, as Leclerc needed a final lap to get out of the bottom five. Lawson had a spin in his first run, and ended up P13, as Bortoleto, Iwasa and Pourchaire also exit. Piastri fastest with Russell second.

Q3: Leclerc, Verstappen, Piastri, Russell, Sainz, Norris, Gasly, Tsunoda, O'Ward, Ocon

After two sessions where he wasn't particularly high up, Leclerc delivered another Q3 special to take Pole by exactly 2 tenths from Verstappen, who splits the Ferraris, with Piastri third. Russell P4 and off the front row for the first time this season, with Sainz fifth, and Norris sixth. Gasly outqualifies O'Ward on O'Ward's home soil, P7 and P9, with Tsunoda P8 and Ocon P10.

2027 MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

LEC VER

PIA RUS

SAI NOR

GAS TSU

OWA OCO

BOT ANT

BOR LAW

IWA POU

HER COL

ZHO ALB

BEA HAD

Welcome to Mexico City, a little bit earlier than usual! It is Round 3 of the Formula 1 World Championship and we are in this packed stadium, the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. We are a grand total of 2229m above sea level, thin air and altitude will be a challenge, cooling the car, and the Drivers, even more so. 71 laps around this 4.304km circuit, 17 turns, 3 DRS Zones, plenty of opportunities for overtaking here. The C5, C4 and C3 tyres in play.

Isack Hadjar starts at the very back alongside Ollie Bearman, then it's Alex Albon in just P20 after a poor qualifying, just behind Zhou Guanyu. Franco Colapinto one spot ahead of his teammate, Colton Herta didn't get a second lap done in qualifying and starts P17. Théo Pourchaire lines up 16th and Ayumu Iwasa starts from 15th, while Liam Lawson had a spin in qualifying so starts 14th with Gabriel Bortoleto 13th. Kimi Antonelli starts today from 12th and Valtteri Bottas is 11th, while Esteban Ocon starts 10th. Pato O'Ward begins his first home Grand Prix in F1 from 9th, it's 8th for Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly 7th, directly in front of his teammate. It's 6th for Lando Norris and 5th for his old friend Carlos Sainz, while George Russell starts from 4th and Oscar Piastri begins 3rd. It is a very familiar front row, with Max Verstappen starting P2, and Charles Leclerc begins on Pole Position for the second time in three races this season.

(LEC) "Radio check?"

(BOZ) "Radio check okay. Get some cooling into the car on the outlap please."

(PIA) "And Radio check, Ricky?"

(ADA) "All good, radio is good, Oscar. Get those tyres warmed up on your way to the grid."

Let's go motor racing!

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

Leclerc a little sluggish off the line and Verstappen gets ahead of him, both Ferraris struggled off the line and Sainz is up to P3, Piastri P4, Russell fifth, then Norris, Gasly P7, O'Ward up to P8 and the fans love that! Bottas up to 9th, Tsunoda P10.

(LEC) "That was such a s--- start."

(BOZ) "Copy Charles, keep the head up, long way to go."

Leclerc struggling a little in the early going and Piastri moves ahead of his teammate for P2!!!

(PIA) "Sweet."

(ADA) "You're doing a mega job, currently P1."

(PIA) "Nice."

Piastri overtakes Verstappen for P1, and Max has been caught napping as Leclerc gets past him with DRS!

Leclerc finding his rhythm and up to P1 again, overtaking Piastri! Piastri keeping him honest though with DRS!

LECLERC

Piastri however wants the lead back and Oscar Piastri takes it! He leads the Mexico City Grand Prix!

Lap 6: Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Sainz, Gasly, Russell, O'Ward, Tsunoda, Ocon, Bortoleto, Antonelli, Bottas, Lawson, Iwasa, Bearman, Zhou, Pourchaire, Herta, Colapinto, Hadjar, Albon

Norris just overtook Sainz for P4.

NORRIS MOVES AHEAD OF VERSTAPPEN! A brilliant move by Lando on his teammate!

About 1.8 between Piastri and Leclerc right now. Piastri is absolutely flying here!

Gasly and O'Ward now pushing up the pack, the two McLarens working together, and up to P4 and P5!

Leclerc back within Piastri's DRS range, Leclerc has DRS, LECLERC HAS THE LEAD!

Verstappen now down in P7! That Red Bull's tyrewear proving a problem!

Gasly going for third and into third!

Leclerc now opening up the gap slightly to Piastri.

(LEC) "It is going to be difficult to break away from Oscar here without DRS."

(BOZ) "Copy, do what you can. This is good pace in all three sectors, you are doing a good job."

RUSSELL

Russell ahead of Norris! Red Bull having real tyre degradation issues around here!

(ADA) "What do you think about Plan C, question?"

(PIA) "Doable."

(PIA) "I'm a bit of a sitting duck to this McLaren."

(ADA) "You need to push more. Tyre update when tou can?"

(PIA) "Front left is struggling a bit."

Piastri struggling a little with tyrewear and Gasly moves ahead of him into P2!!

Tsunoda moves ahead of Verstappen, who is having real problems with those tyres!

PITSTOP: ALPINE DOUBLE STACK. Ocon in first, then Lawson, it wasn't the quickest so Lawson gets delayed, slightly!

Piastri finds some pace and retakes P2 from Gasly!

Russell also up ahead of Gasly!!

RUSSELL

(ADA) "Pit confirm and box."

(PIA) "Copy. Box."

PITSTOP: VERSTAPPEN IN. He takes Hards and is all the way down in P17. Hadjar also in.

PITSTOP: Oscar Piastri is in from P2! A 2.517 stop for him and he's rejoining in P7. Tsunoda also in!

(BOZ) "Box Charles, Box."

(LEC) "Copy, Box this lap."

PITSTOP: LECLERC IN FROM THE LEAD. He's onto the Mediums, a 2.554 stop, and is heading back out in P4, Norris, O'Ward and Antonelli all pit!

Ferrari seem to have split the strategies - Leclerc on Mediums, Piastri on Hards. Interesting.

George Russell currently leading the Mexico City Grand Prix - could Williams be one-stopping him?

Lap 22: Russell, Gasly, Sainz, Leclerc, Piastri, Bottas, Iwasa, Norris, Bortoleto, O'Wars, Verstappen, Ocon, Herta, Lawson, Pourchaire, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Bearman, Zhou, Albon, Hadjar, Colapinto

Still to pit: Russell, Gasly, Sainz, Bottas, Iwasa, Bortoleto, Herta, Pourchaire

PITSTOPS: Bortoleto and Pourchaire both in, and rejoining P19 and P22 respectively.

PITSTOPS: Russell in from the lead! Sainz in from P3! Russell onto Hards - the one stop might be on! Same for Sainz. Russell P4, Sainz P9.

NORRIS

Russell with a lovely DRS move on Norris, and he regains P4.

Leclerc closing in on Gasly, who has yet to stop and is really struggling with those tyres! Leclerc with a DRS move on his good friend and he's up to P1!

PITSTOP: Bottas and Herta, both one stopping, are in. Bottas P16, Herta P22.

IWASA WITH A LOCK-UP.