Leclerc back into the lead here on Lap 12!
#Essere Ferrari II
foggy locust
PITSTOP: Herta in from P7! Softs to Mediums, is that to the end?
PITSTOP: Zhou in. And he has a big delay!!
Leclerc has pulled out a 2.5 second gap to his teammate!
PITSTOPS: Bortoleto, Antonelli, Iwasa all in! Iwasa has a delay from a Medium/Soft switch and he rejoins P20!
Gasly now defending third from Verstappen AND VERSTAPPEN AND GASLY ALMOST MAKE CONTACT AT LA SOURCE!!!! VERSTAPPEN TAKES P3 BACK, BUT THAT WAS CLOSE!
Lap 16: Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Gasly, Sainz, Bottas, Ocon, O'Ward, Norris, Herta, Russell, Tsunoda, Bortoleto, Bearman, Antonelli, Pourchaire, Lawson, Zhou, Hadjar, Iwasa, Albon, Colapinto
Bortoleto with a big lock-up! He's hurt his new tyres and lost several places, and that is such a shame!
(ADA) "Update your tyre status please?"
(PIA) "Front left is struggling quite a bit"
PITSTOPS: Verstappen, Bottas and O'Ward all in, and all go Soft to Medium. That's likely one stoppers.
(ADA) "And box, Oscar, box this lap coming up."
(PIA) "Copy, box."
(LEC) "The tyres are really starting to go now."
(BOZ) "Okay, box Charles, box this lap."
(LEC) "Yeah, box this lap."
PITSTOPS: Ferrari bringing both cars in! Absolutely perfect double stack, as Leclerc leaves the box as Piastri enters it, and they rejoin P2 and P3! Norris and Sainz in too!
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED
Lawson locks up and drives straight into the back of Bearman, taking both drivers out of the race!!! That was a horrific incident! Thankfully both are OK, that's likely a grid penalty for Lawson in the Netherlands!
(BOZ) "Safety Car, Virtual Safety Car."
(LEC) "Oh for fuck's sake! No, no, no. Are they okay?"
(BOZ) "Lawson ran into Bearman. Both okay. Gasly only 2.7 ahead, we should regain the lead."
PITSTOP: Gasly, Ocon, Herta and Russell all coming in, as are Antonelli, O'Ward, Pourchaire and Bortoleto for the essentially free stop!
Lap 20, under VSC: Leclerc, Piastri, Gasly, Verstappen, Sainz, Bottas, Ocon, Herta, Russell, Norris, Antonelli, O'Ward, Tsunoda, Zhou, Pourchaire, Bortoleto, Albon, Hadjar, Colapinto, Iwasa. Bearman and Lawson out of the race.
UPGRADED TO FULL SAFETY CAR
And that was a very quick Safety Car as we are racing on the next lap!
LAP 22 AND GREEN FLAG RACING
This has given new life to Piastri in this race as he's challenging Leclerc for the lead again!
Russell up to P8, ahead of Herta!
PIASTRI
Piastri retakes the lead of this race from Leclerc, but Leclerc regains it quickly!
Verstappen and Gasly purring the pressure on!
Antonelli up ahead of Herta now!
Bortoleto runs wide and drops to P19!
Herta retakes P9 from Antonelli and that's huge for the American driver!
Bottas up to P4 ahead of Verstappen!
Bottas overtakes Gasly and is into the podium places!
Russell moves up ahead of Sainz and into P6!
Piastri having to defend Bottas now on Lap 27! The Aaton has just come out of nowhere for this!
Norris up into P9, ahead of Herta!
An IndyCar classic battle as Herta and O'Ward, who went head to head for the Championship last year, are battling here over P10. O'Ward grabs P10 and disappointingly for Herta, he is out of the points right now.
PITSTOP: Albon taking a gamble onto Softs, but a slow stop won't help matters! Zhou also going onto the Softs.
VERSTAPPEN
Williams might have turned this round today - Russell up to P5. He's had a superb drive.
Speaking of Russell, he's just made an absolutely fantastic move on Verstappen for P4!
PITSTOP: Tsunoda makes another stop, he's dropped down to P18.
Just gone 5pm here in Belgium, and 10 laps remain in Round 11. Looking like another routine win for Leclerc, as Ferrari's Sunday 1-2 Streak looks set to remain. Bottas clear in P3, Verstappen ahead of Russell for P3.
HAAS ON HAAS VIOLENCE. NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR, ZHOU AND COLAPINTO MAKE CONTACT!!!
PITSTOP: Ocon coming in, and you have to question the decision making from Alpine here! They're putting him onto Softs and that's taken him out of the points!!!
sterile breach
PITSTOP: Ocon coming in, and you have to question the decision making from Alpin...
Literally had this hours ago. Belgium, a team tries to go the end, and then they pit with less than 10 laps to go. Why? No idea
foggy locust
Gasly ahead of Russell for P5!
Norris meanwhile has grabbed P8 off O'Ward, this has been a sensational drive from him!
foggy locust
Literally had this hours ago. Belgium, a team tries to go the end, and then they...
Taken themselves out of the points. Madness
It makes absolutely zero sense
Narrative wise - they're likely booting Ocon at end of the season and don't want him to get points 🤣
sterile breach
Taken themselves out of the points. Madness
What made it even worse then, the AI driver was running in 3rd, could've fought for the win too
foggy locust
Less than a second between Verstappen and Norris, with Gasly, Russell and Sainz in-between. Norris has recovered so well from a poor qualifying.
foggy locust
What made it even worse then, the AI driver was running in **3rd**, could've fou...
That's genuinely wild. Very questionable decision making from the AI
Sainz having some engine issues! He should get to the end though!
However, Norris is going to take P7 away from him!
Russell however steals P4 from Verstappen!
(BOZ) "Four more laps. That was another very good lap."
Gasly ahead of Verstappen!
Verstappen reclaims P5 from Gasly, and Norris still in the mix!
LAST LAP
It's been a sterling drive from Charles Leclerc, had moments under pressure but he's absolutely run away with it in the end, an eighth win of the season, just a brilliant drive from the two time Champion, it could go a long way to making him a three time Champion, through the Bus Stop Chicane and round the final corner TO WIN THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX!!! IT IS ELEVEN FROM ELEVEN 1-2S FOR THE SCUDERIA AS PIASTRI IS P2!
(BOZ) "And P1, P1, incredible, incredible drive. That's my boy, another win! Well done Charles!"
(LEC) "Let's go, come on, YES! Ahhhh, brilliant job guys, brilliant weekend. This car is unbelievable, this team is unbelievable. Thank you so much guys."
(BOZ) "Amazing job today. Let's keep pushing towards that title."
(ADA) "Taking the flag. P2, P2. That was a really good drive, Oscar, well done mate!"
(PIA) "Nice to get a result. Thank you guys, thanks to the team. Good weekend."
(ADA) "You were great out there. Great job."
Bottas P3, what a performance by him! Russell P4, LANDO STEALS P5 FROM MAX!!! Gasly P7, Sainz P8, O'Ward P9, Antonelli's first F1 point in P10!!
2027 BELGIAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Charles Leclerc 01.21.17
- Oscar Piastri +6.272
- Valtteri Bottas +18.637
- George Russell +1.966
- Lando Norris +3.782
- Max Verstappen +0.652
- Pierre Gasly 0.652
- Carlos Sainz +0.233
- Pato O'Ward +0.275
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +8.032
- Yuki Tsunoda +0.786
- Colton Herta +2.760
- Alex Albon +3.956
- Esteban Ocon +1.181
- Gabriel Bortoleto +8.686
Isack Hadjar +0.657- Théo Pourchaire +0.220
- Ayumu Iwasa +9.443
- Franco Colapinto +2.750
- Zhou Guanyu +4.822
- Oliver Bearman DNF
- Liam Lawson DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: LANDO NORRIS
A superb drive after a difficult qualifying for Lando Norris, taking the Red Bull from P21 to P5, and beating out teammate Max Verstappen. Lando Norris is your Driver of the Day!
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Théo Pourchaire 1.43.403
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Pato O'Ward 2.352s
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 285
Piastri 239
Verstappen 142
Norris 112
Russell 103
Sainz 89
O'Ward 76
Gasly 74
Albon 50
Bottas 47
Tsunoda 7
Lawson 6
Bearman 4
Iwasa 4
Antonelli 1
Ocon 0
Herta 0
Bortoleto 0
Pourchaire 0
Zhou 0
Hadjar 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 524 
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 254 
Williams-Ferrari 153
McLaren-Ford RBPT 150
Mercedes 90
Aston Martin-Honda 54
Subaru-Mercedes 8
Alpine-Renault 6
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Audi Sauber 0
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 685
Pirelli 554
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION
McLaren 199
Andretti 191
Red Bull 162
Subaru 124
Williams 117
Alpine 91
Ferrari 81
Mercedes 48
Aston Martin 44
Haas 32
Audi Sauber 22
foggy locust
2027 DUTCH GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
The final race before the Summer Break, and we head to Zandvoort. With Max Verstappen's home crowd in play, can anyone break Ferrari's Perfect Season?
LAST TIME OUT
Carlos Sainz took the first non Ferrari victory of any kind this season with a win in the Sprint Race in Belgium, however the Perfect Season on Sundays is still on for the Scuderia, as Charles Leclerc coasted home for his Eighth win of the year and Oscar Piastri made it eleven 1-2s from eleven for Ferrari. Valtteri Bottas got Aston Martin's first podium of the season, George Russell's P4 took Williams above McLaren, while Lando Norris went from P21 to P5, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli took his first F1 points.
THE CIRCUIT
The Circuit Zandvoort is situated in the dunes of Zandvoort, near the North Sea Coast line, 22 miles, or 35km, west of Amsterdam. Having been thought to be heading off the calendar after 2026, a last minute deal secured its place on the 2027 calendar and for several seasons to come, as the final race before the Summer Break. The fast and sweeping 4.259km circuit features such corners as Tarzanbocht (Tarzan corner) and Scheivlak. It has banked corners that remind many of IndyCar circuits, and 2 DRS Zones, the latter of which leads from Arie Luyendyk corner into the pit straight and into Tarzanbocht.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
MAX'S HOMECOMING AND A BIG CAREER DECISION TO MAKE
Max Verstappen has a choice to make and he has said he will announce his decision at the end of this weekend. Verstappen has said to have agreed to a deal with a nameless team for the 2028 season and beyond, but the Dutchman is keeping us all guessing till after his home Grand Prix. His current team, Red Bull, as well as Mercedes have been linked to this deal - but Subaru have also been said to have been in play, which would be a monumental move for the new team. In the meantime, he will have plenty of support this weekend on home soil - will it be enough to break Ferrari's Streak and deliver a priceless home win? And what will his F1 future hold after this weekend?
CAN PIASTRI MAKE INROADS INTO LECLERC'S LEAD?
The World Drivers Championship already seems to be down to Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, with a 46 point gap between the two after last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix and Leclerc's Seventh win of the season. This already feels must-win for Piastri if he's going to challenge Leclerc for the Championship after the summer - with just nine rounds to go after the break, it should make for a fantastic finale - but you feel Piastri needs this one this weekend to make inroads on Leclerc's massive lead.
AFTER SAINZ'S SPRINT WIN, WHAT NOW?
Carlos Sainz took home a Sprint win this weekend in a move that massively improved his chances of staying on the F1 grid for 2028, and it is now believed that he is Mercedes AND Red Bull's likely “Plan B” if the other team don't get Verstappen. Sainz was very impressive in Belgium and has bounced back spectacularly from a poor first two years at Mercedes - and in a contract year, that is absolutely vital. This weekend is another chance to impress for the Spanish driver.
LAST CHANCES TO IMPRESS FOR OCON, HERTA, IWASA AND ZHOU
And speaking of which, the pressure is on four other drivers who are all out of contract at the end of 2027 - and only one of them has points this season. Esteban Ocon, Colton Herta and Zhou Guanyu have all yet to score this season - Herta qualified fifth in Belgium but struggled for race pace, while Ocon was running in the top ten when a bizarre late pit call took him out of the top ten. Zhou was crashed into by his teammate in Belgium, and not for the first time this year. Ayumu Iwasa has points - but Oliver Bearman has outshines him in the last few races, and you feel Subaru want to make a splash signing. Ocon is likely leaving Alpine, and you feel Herta, Iwasa and Zhou’s best chances of staying on the grid this season is with their current teams - but a chance to impress other teams, maybe a last chance before silly season kicks into high gear - is here in Zandvoort.
AFTER HEARTBREAKING RACE, HOW DO ANDRETTI BOUNCE BACK?
Andretti qualified P5 and P6 in Belgium, and looked on for double points for a while on the Sunday, however the lack of race pace combined with some lockups by Gabriel Bortoleto cost them big time, and both drivers finished outside the points. It has been a difficult second season in F1 for the American team, who have yet to get a point on the board this time around. We've talked about Herta needing to impress - Bortoleto is signed for the long haul, but he needs to pick up results for his own confidence. Can Andretti bounce back from a tough Belgian Grand Prix weekend?
PREDICTION
It is very hard to bet against Ferrari again this weekend, but a moment of magic from Max Verstappen is very possible - and he absolutely loves this circuit. Williams and McLaren might be the best suited to challenge Ferrari, while the Medium Speed corners will suit Mercedes. The breakup of the Ferrari 1-2 is possible, but we believe the field will just fall short.
Pole Position: Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri
Max Verstappen
One bold prediction: Colton Herta gets points.
FP1 Reserves: Hirawaka (O'Ward), Bustamante (Gasly), Sztuka (Norris), Martins (Lawson), Browning (Albon), P. Fittipaldi (Zhou), Al Qubaisi (Bortoleto), Drugovich (Bottas), Crawford (Tsunoda), Arnold (Iwasa)
IT IS A RED FLAG
The young Subaru reserve Udo Arnold goes aquaplaning right into the barrier! He's okay, but the team have a job to fix Iwasa's car for this weekend!
He does not look impressed
FP1: PIA LEC VER
Piastri quickest from Leclerc in an interrupted FP1, after Subaru reserve Udo Arnold crashed out - despite that, Arnold finished P10 in the session. Verstappen P3, ahead of Russell and Red Bull junior Kasper Sztuka. Hadjar, Hirakawa, Antonelli and Crawford all in the top ten.
FP2: LEC PIA VER
Leclerc went quickest ahead of Piastri and Verstappen in FP2, while Bottas was P4 and Tsunoda P5 in a great showing for Aston. Sainz P6 with Gasly P7, while Iwasa, Russell and Norris complete the top ten.
Leclerc spins in FP3!
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR IN FP3
Théo Pourchaire has had an off there and I'm surprised that isn't a Red Flag! He emerges from the car unharmed, but that's some work for the Audi pit garage to do before Qualifying!
FP3: LEC RUS PIA
Leclerc quickest from Russell and Piastri in FP3, as Albon takes P4. P5 for Norris and P6 for Verstappen, with Bortoleto and Herta P7 and P9 for Andretti. O'Ward splits the Andrettis, Ocon P10.
Welcome to the sand dunes of Zandvoort, it is time for Qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix, and it's Ferrari and Williams who have looked quickest this weekend so far, but there's a lot of support here for Max Verstappen as he has a big decision to make regarding his future. This should be very intriguing.
OUT IN Q1: Ocon, Bortoleto, Colapinto, Hadjar, Pourchaire, Zhou
Bubble: Bearman
Top Five: LEC, RUS, PIA, NOR, VER
No major shocks in Q1, as Ocon, Bortoleto, both Haas and both Audis go out. Bearman just makes it to Q2, as Leclerc P1 and Piastri P3, with Russell splitting the Ferraris.
RED FLAG IN Q2
A huge, huge blow for Williams, as George Russell, who looked most likely to challenge Leclerc and Piastri for Pole, clips the wall and will take no further part in qualifying!
OUT IN Q2: Bottas, Antonelli, Albon, Tsunoda, Iwasa, Bearman
Bubble: Russell
Top Five: LEC, PIA, VER, LAW, GAS
Despite his crash that caused a Red Flag, George Russell makes Q3, but he'll take no part in it. Both Astons, both Subarus, Russell's former teammate Antonelli and current teammate Albon all miss out. Herta and Lawson both make Q3, but Lawson will have a penalty. Leclerc quickest from Piastri and Verstappen.
Q3: Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Gasly, Sainz, Norris, O'Ward, Herta, Lawson 
, Russell (no time)
Leclerc takes Pole number 8 of the season, 3 tenths up on Piastri, while Verstappen was best of the rest in third. Gasly P4 ahead of Sainz in P5, while Norris was P6 and O'Ward P7. An impressive P8 for Herta, while Lawson will take a penalty and drop down the grid, and Russell did not set a time after his Q2 crash.
2027 DUTCH GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
LEC PIA
VER GAS
SAI NOR
OWA HER
BOT ANT
ALB LAW QUAL P9
TSU IWA
BEA OCO
BOR COL
HAD POU
ZHO
PITLANE START - RUS QUAL P10
Break for dinner and the like, back later for race!
foggy locust
It is time to go racing in the sand dunes of the Netherlands. The Circuit Zandvoort plays host to Round 12 of this 2027 Formula 1 season, and it's eleven from eleven for Ferrari, can it be twelve from twelve, or can Max Verstappen make a home statement? The rain clouds may have a part to play towards the end of these 72 laps around this 4.259km circuit, 2 DRS Zones including the long one to Tarzanbocht, plenty of overtaking opportunities. It's the final race before the Summer Break, one last chance to impress before silly season begins.
George Russell crashed out in Q2 so he takes a pitlane start and some new components, Zhou Guanyu starts at the very back alone, then it's the two Audis of Isack Hadjar and Théo Pourchaire. Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto are on row nine, Esteban Ocon has his future in his hands from row Eight, he's alongside Ollie Bearman. Ayumu Iwasa is also racing for his immediate F1 future, just ahead of his teammate, then it's Yuki Tsunoda. Liam Lawson takes a penalty and drops to P12, Alex Albon is promoted to P11, then Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Valtteri Bottas on row five, Colton Herta starts P8 in his search for his first F1 points, Pato O'Ward begins P7, then Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz who awaits his own decision for next year. Pierre Gasly P4 and Max Verstappen starts his home race from P3, and the two Ferraris lock out the front row. Oscar Piastri will start P2, and it is Pole number Eight of the year for Charles Leclerc.
Let's go racing!
One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Leclerc holds the lead at the start, Piastri stays with him, Verstappen next, then Gasly, Sainz ahead of Norris, O'Ward P7, Bottas up to P8 ahead of Herta, Albon is into the points!
Piastri has DRS and has the lead! The two Ferraris have broken away very quickly already!
Gasly moves ahead of Verstappen for P3!!
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR!!!
Bortoleto has gone bowling there, crashing into Colapinto and taking himself into the barrier! He's thankfully okay, but seems furious at his fellow South American driver!
(BOZ) "And Virtual Safety Car. Two cars collided, Bortoleto out. Bortoleto is okay, so is Colapinto."
(LEC) "Okay. Can we switch to Delta?"
(BOZ) "We are sticking to Bravo for now."
(ADA) "And VSC, Oscar. Bortoleto in the wall, he's unhurt. Keep the delta, stay out, stay out."
(PIA) "Copy."
BORTOLETO - GRID PENALTY TO BE SERVED AT MONZA
Nobody pits under VSC
Lap 6, under VSC: Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Gasly, Sainz, Norris, O'Ward, Herta, Bottas, Antonelli, Albon, Lawson, Tsunoda, Iwasa, Ocon, Bearman, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Zhou, Russell, Colapinto. Bortoleto out of the race.
Green flag racing on Lap 6!
Russell complaining of gearbox issues! That might compromise his weekend before it begins, really
(BOZ) "Some light LiCo on 11, get some heat into these tyres please ASAP."
PITSTOP: Colapinto in and takes on Softs. Not sure why Haas didn't go for that during the VSC, but first pitstop of the day of complete.
VERSTAPPEN
Piastri has grabbed the lead from Leclerc! They're about 6 seconds up on Verstappen, but on the Softs against Verstappen's Mediums.
Verstappen has cleared Gasly already and is keeping the gap down to about 6.7 to the Ferraris.
Colton Herta up to P6! He needs a big day today and this could well be said big day!
Sainz regains P6 from Herta!
Lap 14: Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Gasly, Norris, Sainz, Herta, Bottas, Antonelli, Lawson, O'Ward, Albon, Tsunoda, Iwasa, Ocon, Bearman, Russell, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Zhou, Colapinto
PITSTOPS: Antonelli in and onto the Mediums, AUDI DOUBLE STACKING! Pourchaire in for Softs AND AUDI DELAY HIM, AND HADJAR!!!
That's a heartbreaking moment for Herta. Herta spins off the track, and drops from P7 down to P16, and that might have ended his points chances today!
(ADA) "How are the tyres, update please?"
(PIA) "It's still okay...little warm."
(ADA) "Pit confirm and box"
(PIA) "Copy, box"
PITSTOPS: Iwasa in for Mediums! A lap later Piastri is in from the lead for Mediums as well! 2.398 for Oscar and he is on his way!
(BOZ) "Box Charles, box this lap."
(LEC) "Copy box."
PITSTOPS: A 2.597 stop for Leclerc, who also takes the Mediums! He rejoins P5, just behind Piastri! Lawson and Herta also in!
Norris and Piastri both go past Sainz, then Piastri gets Norris! Leclerc also ahead of Sainz!
PITSTOPS: That was for the lead as Verstappen just pitted! He rejoins on Mediums in P10! Norris now in for fresh Mediums, as is Bearman!
PITSTOPS: Sainz in and takes the Hards! Albon also going onto the Hards and they're looking to keep that until the rain!
PITSTOPS: O'Ward and Tsunoda in, and it is pretty much as you were before the stops! Colapinto comes in for his second stop, and a delay on the tyre...that was a long, long delay!
About 1.1 between Leclerc and Piastri, Leclerc may well be in DRS range this coming lap.
(ADA) "Last lap, you 15.985, Charles 15.809. Need to find a little more pace."
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR!!!
Tsunoda locks up and slides off into the barrier, and that's the end of his race!! It has been a miserable first season for Yuki at Aston Martin.
Green flag on Lap 28!
Leclerc trying to catch Piastri cold here but some brilliant defending by Piastri keeps P1 for now!
Leclerc back in front a lap later!
Colapinto has just been lapped for the second time on Lap 30.
🌧️ Rain expected in the next few laps!
Lap 33: Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Sainz, Antonelli, Lawson, Bottas, Gasly, O'Ward, Iwasa, Albon, Russell, Bearman, Ocon, Herta, Hadjar, Pourchaire, Zhou, Colapinto. Tsunoda and Bortoleto out of the race.
🌧️ The rain is starting, it's very light and not quite at pitting levels here. Ferrari might have to make a choice of who they pit first though, as their two drivers are neck and neck on track.
(BOZ) "And class 1 rain for a few more laps"
(LEC) "What does a few more laps mean?"
(BOZ) "Until about lap 60"
(LEC) "That's more than a few"
Amidst this rain chatter, Piastri has DRS and the lead again!
(ADA) "Box this lap. Boxing for Inters."
(PIA) "Copy, box."
PITSTOPS: A flurry of stops, only Leclerc and O'Ward have stayed out this far! Everyone else in AND RED BULL DELAY BOTH VERSTAPPEN AND NORRIS! O'Ward now in too!
(BOZ) "Box this lap Charles."
(LEC) "Copy, box."
PITSTOP: Leclerc comes in a lap later, and he's missed the traffic entirely! He comes out of the pitlane with about a 2.6 second lead to his teammate!
Lap 48. About 2.5 between Leclerc and Piastri. Rain increasing, but not quite beyond Class 1 rain at this point.
Lap 52: Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Sainz, Gasly, Bottas, O'Ward, Antonelli, Russell, Albon, Iwasa, Ocon, Lawson, Herta, Bearman, Pourchaire, Zhou, Hadjar, Colapinto
Closest on track battle right now - Lawson and Herta, fighting for P14. What could've been for the American, today, again.
🌧️ The rain going off now, was very brief, and will likely involve another late pirstop for the teams.
(BOZ) "Box this lap, Charles. Box this lap. Rain going off."
(LEC) "Yeah, box."
(ADA) "No more rain, Box now for slicks."
(PIA) "Yeah, Box."
PITSTOP: Ferrari double stack, and it was a clean one, but narrowly, and it is still a comfortable Ferrari 1-2! Sainz, Norris, Gasly, O'Ward, Antonelli and Russell all Box, the last of the Ints runners to pit.
LAWSON
Colapinto with a big spin! It's been another miserable day for the Argentine driver.
LECLERC
Four laps to go!
Just two laps remaining now, and Leclerc is coasting to his ninth victory of an incredible season.
LAST LAP
What looked like it could turn into a chaotic race with the rain and early collisions turned into an absolute cakewalk for Charles Leclerc and Ferrari, who are on the verge of Leclerc's third title and Ferrari's fourth in a row and 20th overall, Leclerc rounds the final corner TO WIN THE DUTCH GRAND PRIX!! IT IS 12 1-2S IN A ROW FOR FERRARI. INCREDIBLE.
(BOZ) "And P1, P1 for the ninth time this season. Incredible, incredible. How you make me dream!"
(LEC) "Ahhhh YES! Let's goooo! Ahhh, fantastic guys, fantastic. Thank you, amazing work by the team. Simply amazing."
(BOZ) "You've done an incredible job today."
(ADA) "And P2, Oscar, P2. Fantastic job, you've done really well today."
(PIA) "Woo! Nice job today guys. Good job, congrats to Charles. Great team effort."
(ADA) "A brilliant performance again today, Oscar."
Verstappen P3, a home podium for Max!!! Sainz beats Norris for P4, Gasly P6, Bottas P7, O'Ward P8, Antonelli P9, Albon takes the final point.
2027 DUTCH GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Charles Leclerc 01.33.52
- Oscar Piastri +7.059
- Max Verstappen +36.147
- Carlos Sainz +3.793
- Lando Norris +0.067
- Pierre Gasly +12.734
- Valtteri Bottas +11.489
- Pato O'Ward +1 lap
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +1 lap
- Alex Albon +1 lap
- George Russell +1 lap
- Ayumu Iwasa +1 lap
- Esteban Ocon +1 lap
- Colton Herta +1 lap
- Oliver Bearman +1 lap
- Liam Lawson +1 lap
- Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
- Zhou Guanyu +2 laps
- Isack Hadjar +2 laps
- Franco Colapinto +4 laps
- Yuki Tsunoda DNF
- Gabriel Bortoleto DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC
Another phenomenal drive from the two time World Champion, who is well on his way to his third title. Surviving a close battle with teammate Oscar Piastri, then building a comfortable gap at the end, Charles Leclerc took his ninth win of the year in style, and is your Driver of the Day!
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Charles Lecelrc 1.11.349
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Pato O'Ward 2.309s
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 312
Piastri 257
Verstappen 157
Norris 122
Russell 103
Sainz 101
Gasly 82
O'Ward 80
Bottas 53
Albon 51
Tsunoda 7
Lawson 6
Bearman 4
Iwasa 4
Antonelli 3
Ocon 0
Herta 0
Bortoleto 0
Pourchaire 0
Zhou 0
Hadjar 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 569
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 279
McLaren-Ford RBPT 162
Williams-Ferrari 154
Mercedes 104
Aston Martin-Honda 60
Subaru-Mercedes 8
Alpine-Renault 6
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Audi Sauber 0
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 731
Pirelli 611
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION
McLaren 225
Andretti 191
Red Bull 162
Subaru 157
Williams 127
Alpine 103
Ferrari 89
Mercedes 56
Aston Martin 44
Haas 32
Audi Sauber 26
sterile breach
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
<:Ferrari:1012448867494678558> L...
Hell of a comeback is needed right about now
foggy locust
MAX VERSTAPPEN TO JOIN SUBARU IMPREZA ON FOUR YEAR DEAL
In a stunning bit of news from the Dutch Grand Prix, Max Verstappen has announced that he will join Subaru Impreza from the 2028 season, partnering Oliver Bearman next season.
Former World Champion Verstappen made the shock announcement this evening, having chosen to join Formula 1's newest team over staying at Red Bull Racing or joining Mercedes for next season.
Verstappen is believed to have chosen Subaru due to their new Honda engine deal, and a belief that the team is already on an upwards trajectory towards the top of Formula 1.
A huge gamble from the Dutch driver, who was fully expected to either join Mercedes or remain at Red Bull.
More as we get it.
ESTEBAN OCON TO JOIN HAAS
Esteban Ocon will join Haas for the 2028 season and beyond.
Ocon will leave Alpine after eight years at the team to move to Haas Toyota Gazoo Racing on a four year deal.
Ocon has had issues with Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore, and is relishing the opportunity at a fresh start with the American team.
Ocon will replace Zhou Guanyu for next season, and will partner Franco Colapinto for the 2028 season.
MERCEDES SIGN DEAL WITH GOODYEAR FOR 2028 SEASON
Mercedes will join up with Goodyear for the 2028 season.
The American manufacturer have announced their return to Formula 1, and will partner with the German team for the 2028 season and beyond.
Mercedes recently announced Goodyear as "their preferred tire of choice", and now that deal will come to their Formula 1 team.
They are the final team to confirm their tyre choice for 2028.
2028 Tyres:
BRIDGESTONE
Ferrari, Aston Martin, Subaru
GOODYEAR
Williams, Mercedes, Andretti, Haas
PIRELLI
Red Bull, McLaren, Alpine, Audi
foggy locust
CARLOS SAINZ TO JOIN RED BULL RACING FOR 2028
Carlos Sainz Jr will re-join Red Bull in 2028, reuniting with former McLaren teammate Lando Norris.
Sainz has looked rejuvenated this season at Mercedes, and has clearly impressed Red Bull enough for a return to their unit.
Sainz drove for Toro Rosso from 2015 to 2017, and now returns to Red Bull's main team over a decade later, having been at Renault, McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes in that time.
SERGIO PEREZ RETURNS TO FORMULA 1 WITH ALPINE
After a three year absence, Sergio Perez is back on the Formula 1 grid, having signed a four year deal with Alpine.
Perez was the clear choice for Flavio Briatore and Alpine to replace the outgoing Esteban Ocon, and will partner Liam Lawson in a potentially volatile lineup next season.
This is Perez's first drive in F1 since leaving Red Bull at the end of 2024. He has spent the last three years in IndyCar.
foggy locust
2028:
Ferrari:
Leclerc (2032)
Piastri (2032)
Red Bull:
Sainz (2030)
Norris (2028)
McLaren:
Gasly (2029)
O'Ward (2028)
Williams:
Russell (2028)
Albon (2028)
Mercedes:
????
Antonelli (2028)
Aston Martin:
Bottas (2028)
Tsunoda (2029)
Alpine:
Perez (2031)
Lawson (2029)
Subaru:
Verstappen (2031)
Bearman (2028)
Andretti:
????
Bortoleto (2029)
Audi:
Pourchaire (2028)
Hadjar (2029)
Haas:
Ocon (2031)
Colapinto (2029)
humble totem
How good is Subaru car ?
Because max will decline like a 90yr old driver if the car is anywhere close to bad
foggy locust
How good is Subaru car ?
Because max will decline like a 90yr old driver if the ...
It's actually pretty decent
Around the 5th fastest right now
He's been performing miracles with a bit of a tractor of a Red Bull though
foggy locust
2027 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
With the summer break in the rearview mirror, we go to the final nine of this 2027 F1 season, one that has been utterly dominated by Scuderia Ferrari. As they return home to historic Monza, can they continue their unprecedented Streak?
LAST TIME OUT
A race that was briefly graced by the rain in Zandvoort, was no real surprise for another Ferrari 1-2. Charles Leclerc took his ninth win of the season in a year where he looks likely to take his third World Championship, with Oscar Piastri P2. Max Verstappen meanwhile took a home podium, with Sainz fourth and Norris fifth.
SUMMER TRANSFER MARKET
The big news coming from the summer break however is that Max Verstappen is not only leaving Red Bull Racing, but has opted to join Subaru for the 2028 season. Verstappen has joined Subaru on a four year deal and will partner Oliver Bearman for next season. Carlos Sainz, after a revival in his third season at Mercedes, will exit Mercedes to join Red Bull Racing, joining up with former McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Meanwhile, Alpine confirmed the return of Sergio Perez to replace the outgoing Esteban Ocon, who will join Haas next season. We are still waiting on confirmation of Andretti and Mercedes’ drivers for the 2028 season.
THE CIRCUIT
One of the real staples of the Formula 1 calendar, Monza is now the first race following the summer break. The third purpose built motor racing circuit in the World, and oldest in Europe - Monza was originally built in 1922. The home of Ferrari and known for the passionate Tifosi, any victory in Red is particularly popular around these parts. The Temple of Speed is known for long straights and fast corners such as the Curva Grande, the Curva di Lesmo, the Variante Ascari and, of course, the Parabolica. Ferrari have won the last three races here, all Charles Leclerc, who became the first Ferrari driver to ever win three straight Italian Grand Prix.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
CAN LECLERC TAKE THE FOURPEAT?
With nine race wins and a comfortable Championship lead, Charles Leclerc has won the last three races at Monza, and looks for a historic fourth in a row. Ferrari can't quite clinch the Constructors on home soil this time around - there will be 434 points available after this race, and the maximum Ferrari's gap can be is 390 - but they can all but with yet another 1-2. But history is on the line for Leclerc who could break the record for most Italian Grand Prix wins in a row - tied with himself and Juan Manuel Fangio. Oscar Piastri however will look for his first Italian Grand Prix win in Ferrari Red.
THE CHALLENGERS - McLAREN AND MERCEDES BRING UPGRADES
McLaren and Mercedes both are bringing major upgrades to this circuit with the hopes of beating out Ferrari on a Sunday for the first time this season. Mercedes have the only non Ferrari win of any kind this season - a Sprint win in Belgium, while McLaren have come close several times but been unable to take a win this season. With Mercedes on the lookout for a new driver due to Carlos Sainz's switch to Red Bull - how will this affect their buildup?
ANTONELLI'S HOME DEBUT
Speaking of Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be making his full Monza F1 debut, excluding free practice appearances, for Mercedes this weekend. While the attention is on the Italian team, the Italian driver on the grid has been steadily improving and picking up points recently. Can he make another points scoring appearance on his first race at this historic home circuit?
STRAIGHT-LINE SPEED FOR WILLIAMS IN PLAY
Williams might well be the other main threat to a home win this weekend due to their out and out straight-line speed. George Russell and Alex Albon have impressed this season, with Williams being considered this year's major surprise package - but the team still have their sights set on their first race win in fifteen years. Could the Grove team be the team to upset the Tifosi of home soil?
WITH TWO RACE SEATS TO BE ANNOUNCED, A LAST CHANCE TO IMPRESS
For drivers without a contract for next year, and two race seats available - Andretti and Mercedes - this may well be a last chance to impress and stay in Formula 1 for next season. Ayumu Iwasa will be leaving Subaru at the end of the year, after the team signed three time World Champion Max Verstappen - it is believed had Verstappen not become available, Iwasa was the favourite to keep his seat, but this was an opportunity the team could not pass up. Colton Herta is still in the frame for his own Andretti seat, but with increasing interest from Mercedes, while Zhou Guanyu is still fighting for his F1 career after the announcement of Haas signing Esteban Ocon for 2028. A good result for any of the three this weekend could go a long way to keeping them on the grid for next season.
PREDICTION
And so to Monza. Can Ferrari keep their Streak alive this weekend? We are expecting a rainy Qualifying, but perfect conditions otherwise. We expect Ferrari to delight their home fans once more with another 1-2, and George Russell to be best of the rest.
Pole Position: Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri
George Russell
One thing's for certain - you will not want to miss it.
FP1 Reserves: Martins (Ocon), Browning (Albon), Al Qubaisi (Bortoleto), Arnold (Bearman)
FP1: LEC VER PIA
Leclerc quickest in FP1 ahead of Verstappen and Piastri. Sainz P4, with Gasly fifth and Norris sixth. Iwasa takes P7 ahead of Browning, Hadjar and Russell.
FP2: LEC NOR PIA
The same as FP1, except the Red Bull in the middle of the two Ferraris is Norris, not Verstappeb, who ended up P9. Leclerc quickest and Piastri P3, while Antonelli took an impressive P4. Iwasa P5, with Bottas P6 and Gasly P7. Russell P8, Sainz P10.
FP3: LEC RUS PIA
Leclerc quickest again in FP3, with Piastri again P3 - Russell takes P2 this time around. Sainz P4 ahead of Verstappen and Norris, with O'Ward P7 and Bortoleto P8. Bearman and Bottas complete the top ten.
It is time for Qualifying at historic Monza, one of the real staples of the F1 calendar, and the fans are clamoring for another Ferrari Pole - Red Bull and Williams have challenged, but Ferrari look quickest thus far this weekend. The rain is absolutely pelting down though - could this be a mixed up grid?
OUT IN Q1: Bearman, Pourchaire, Zhou, Colapinto, Bortoleto , Tsunoda
Bubble: Hadjar
Top Five: ALB, PIA, LEC, GAS, VER
The biggest casualty of Q1 is Yuki Tsunoda, who continues to endure a miserable first season at Aston Martin. Both Haas drivers exit, alongside Pourchaire and Bearman, who went too early and got caught out. Bortoleto takes a penalty so will start at the very back. Albon quickest in Q1 ahead of Piastri and Leclerc, with Gasly P4 and Verstappen P5.
OUT IN Q2: Sainz, Owasa, Lawson, Ocon, Bottas, Hadjar
Bubble: Herta
Top Five: PIA, LEC, OWA, ALB, VER
Sainz misses Q3 by just 0.021, while Iwasa also drops out, alongside the two Alpines, Bottas and Hadjar. Herta and Antonelli both through, while Piastri was fastest ahead of Leclerc, O'Ward, Albon, Verstappen and Norris. Gasly and Russell also through to Q3.
Q3: Leclerc, Russell, Norris, Verstappen, O'Ward, Albon, Antonelli, Piastri, Herta, Gasly
Leclerc takes his ninth Pole of the season, and Russell joins him on the front row. Norris outqualified Verstappen on the second row, with O'Ward P5 and Albon P6. Antonelli will start his home GP from P7, with Piastri just P8. Herta P9 and Gasly P10 to complete the top ten.
2027 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
LEC RUS
NOR VER
OWA ALB
ANT PIA
HER GAS
SAI IWA
LAW OCO
BOT HAD
BEA POU
ZHO COL
TSU BOR QUAL P21
Round 13 of the Formula 1 World Championship in 2027, and it is Monza. The Tifosi are here, the Tifosi are expectant, and will we see another home win for Charles Leclerc and Ferrari? The 5.793km circuit is known for long straights and some of the most famous corners in Formula 1, we'll take this track 53 times this afternoon, 2 DRS Zones, plenty of overtaking opportunities amongst this passionate sea of Red. It might be a one stop, it can be a two stop. Game on here at Monza.
Gabriel Bortoleto takes a penalty and drops from P21 to P22, Yuki Tsunoda gets a one place promotion. Franco Colapinto and Zhou Guanyu won't be teammates next year, but they are for now and they're on row ten. Théo Pourchaire alongside former Ferrari reserve Oliver Bearman on row nine, then it's Isack Hadjar and Valtteri Bottas. Esteban Ocon is Haas bound after this year, for now he's alongside his teammate Liam Lawson on row seven. Carlos Sainz starts on P11 alongside Ayumu Iwasa, then it's Pierre Gasly who's won this race before alongside Colton Herta who races here for the first time. Oscar Piastri starts his first Monza as a Ferrari driver in P8, alongside Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who starts his home race from P7. Alex Albon begins P6 alongside Pato O'Ward, then the two Red Bulls on the second row, and George Russell starts P2 beside Charles Leclerc who is going for his fourth win in a row here, and fifth in total.
(BOZ) "And P1 to start Charles, let's get a good launch off the line here and go from there."
(LEC) "Yeah, copy, copy. Plenty of opportunity here, let's take it."
(ADA) "P8 to start today Oscar. Lot of work to do, but you can do this."
(PIA) "Yeah. Let's do this."
One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO! LET'S GO MOTOR RACING!
Clean start here, Leclerc starts well, Norris gets ahead of Russell at the beginning, Verstappen P4, then O'Ward, Albon, Piastri up ahead of Antonelli, Herta then Gasly!
NORRIS
Norris is keeping pace with Leclerc and Leclerc might have a job on his hands this afternoon!
Lando Norris has DRS and he grabs the lead from Leclerc!
Bortoleto clips the kerb and spins off! He drops from P20, which he had gained, back to P22!
Piastri gains P5 from Albon having just taken P6 from O'Ward!
Leclerc back in front, and in the in-fighting, Russell grabs P2 from Norris!
(PIA) "Lovely stuff."
(ADA) "You're doing a mega job out there. Keep it up!"
George Russell going for the lead and he takes the lead!!! That Williams is looking so, so quick in the straights!
Verstappen moves ahead of Norris to P3!
Gasly is slowly climbing, having now gotten Antonelli, teammate O'Ward and Herta in quick succession.
Lap 6: Russell, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, Albon, Gasly, Antonelli, O'Ward, Herta, Lawson, Ocon, Sainz, Iwasa, Bottas, Bearman, Zhou, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Tsunoda, Colapinto, Bortoleto
Russell seems to be having ERS issues, and while he's dealing with that, Leclerc retakes the lead!
Norris has regained P3! It gets worse for Verstappen who drops behind Piastri as well!
Russell regains P1 from Leclerc!
(LEC) "That Williams is so quick in the straights"
(BOZ) "Copy, do what you can, you have DRS"
SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED!!!
Bottas goes off into the gravel and has beached the car!! He's out of the race and that has brought out the Safety Car!
(BOZ) "Safety Car. Bottas has beached his Aston. Box and pit confirm."
(LEC) "Copy. Glad he's unhurt. Box."
(ADA) "And safety car, box this lap."
(PIA) "Yeah, box this lap. Everyone okay?"
(ADA) "Bottas is okay, he beached the car."
PITSTOPS: EVERY SINGLE CAR PITS. Leclerc had a delay though! He's dropped from P2 to P8!! Piastri has a delay as a result, and drops to P12, disaster for Ferrari on their home circuit!
(LEC) "What the f--- happened?"
(BOZ) "Sorry about that. Left tyre wheel didn't connect properly."
(LEC) "Let's focus on this for now. Unsafe releases hurt us too."
(PIA) "Well, that is not ideal."
(ADA) "Sorry about that. Delay with Charles' stop."
Lap 10 under SC: Russell, Verstappen, Albon, Gasly, Norris, Antonelli, Zhou, Leclerc, Ocon, Sainz, Herta, Piastri, Pourchaire, O'Ward, Lawson, Hadjar, Tsunoda, Iwasa, Colapinto, Bearman, Bortoleto. Bottas out of the race.
Racing on Lap 12!
Ferrari's 1-2 Streak is under serious pressure now!!
Verstappen gets away quickest from the restart AND RUSSELL SLIDES OFF THE TRACK!!! DISASTER FOR WILLIAMS!!
Russell remerges in P7, just ahead of Leclerc.
Piastri ahead of Sainz!
ZHOU ALMOST CLIPS LECLERC THEN RUNS THROUGH THE GRAVEL!!!
An absolutely hectic restart here in Italy
Leclerc quickly making his way through the pack and is back up to P3!
Leclerc gets DRS and he's up to P2, ahead of Gasly!!
Piastri meanwhile grabs P7 off Russell with a lovely move down the inside of the Seconda Variante!
Gasly is attacking Leclerc as they round the Parabolica and into the home straight and Gasly retakes P2!
Leclerc retakes P2 from Gasly! This is allowing Verstappen to continue to break, however!
Russell and Herta both get ahead of Piastri!!
Piastri regains P7, as Antonelli drops behind him. Ocon ahead of Hera.
(LEC) "Struggling for pace on the Hards here."
(BOZ) "Understood, keep doing what you can."
Lap 21: Verstappen, Leclerc, Gasly, Albon, Russell, Norris, Piastri, Antonelli, Ocon, Heta, Iwasa, Lawson, Sainz, Bearman, Bortoleto, O'Ward, Zhou, Tsunoda, Hadjar, Pourchaire, Colapinto
Russell up ahead of Albon!
Piastri gets Norris for P6, then Antonelli overtakes him for P7!
(ADA) "What you're doing with tyres is okay"
(PIA) "Yep, copy."
(ASA) "Currently P5. Keep up the good work."
Piastri moves ahead of Albon for P5, and now chasing Russell for P4!
RUSSELL
Russell gets Gasly for P3!
Norris gets Piastri, then Antonelli also moves ahead of Piastri for P6!
Verstappen about 3 seconds ahead of Leclerc, but Leclerc closing on him!
Gasly makes contact with Antonelli!!! Antonelli seemed to lock up and clip Gasly, and Gasly has fallen way back!!!
CAR 12 (ANTONELLI) - 5S - CAUSING A COLLISION
Heartbreak for Antonelli as that may have compromised his weekend. It's definitely compromised Gasly's weekend.
Piastri gets former teammate Norris for P4!
PITSTOP: Albon is coming in and taking on a fresh set of Hards! He's the first to make a non SC pitstop!
Lap 30: Verstappen, Leclerc, Russell, Piastri, Norris, Antonelli, Herta, Sainz, Ocon, Iwasa, Bearman, O'Ward, Lawson, Zhou, Gasly, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Albon, Tsunoda, Bortoleto, Colapinto
Piastri up to P3! The 1-2 Streak might be ending today, but the podium is still up for grabs!
ALBON
Zhou has a spin! Same place Bortoleto spun earlier, Pourchaire goes through the gravel to avoid him!
PITSTOPS: Russell, Norris and Gasly all in! All three onto Mediums!
(BOZ) "Thoughts on Bravo?"
(LEC) "Difficult with the early stop. Consider Delta please."
(BOZ) "We will go with Delta. Throw everything at him."
(LEC) "Copy that."
Leclerc now chasing Verstappen down and is in DRS range of the Dutchman! Leclerc goes down the inside and has the lead of the race back!!!
Antonelli up to P3!! He does have that penalty to take, however.
(BOZ) "Verstappen in now. Box now, box."
(LEC) "Box!"
PITSTOPS: Red Bull pit Verstappen, trying for the undercut on Leclerc! A lap later, Leclerc comes in as a response! A 2.540 stop for Leclerc, he's P3, but crucially, ahead of Verstappen!
(ADA) "Box this lap, Oscar. Box this lap."
(PIA) "Yeah, happy to box."
PITSTOPS: Piastri in and onto the Softs. A 2.396 stop and he rejoins in P11! Ocon, Lawson and Pourchaire in, Alpine double stacked!
LECLERC
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED!
For the second time today, an Aston Martin has locked up and beached the car in the gravel!!! Tsunoda locks up and is in the gravel! An awful day for the British Racing Green!
Green flag on Lap 43. Surprisingly, no pitstops on that VSC.
Lap 43: Leclerc, Verstappen, Sainz, Antonelli , Iwasa, Herta, Norris, Russell, Piastri, Bearman, Albon, Gasly, O'Ward, Hadjar, Ocon, Lawson, Pourchaire, Zhou, Bortoleto, Colapinto. Tsunoda and Bottas out of the race.
PITSTOP: Bearman in! Very surprised he didn't opt for that during the VSC. Onto the Mediums, with ten laps to go...a choice.
Mercedes, Subaru and Andretti have to be pulled up on their strategies - Mercedes and Subaru have left both drivers out there on struggling tyres, while Andretti have probably blown Herta's best chance of points so far this season. Not to mention Antonelli has a penalty to take, still.
PITSTOPS: Antonelli and Iwasa in, and Antonelli takes a penalty, and a new front wing to boot. That's probably cost him any shot of home points today.
PITSTOP: Sainz in as well for fresh Softs. He rejoins P11, and as it stands, Isack Hadjar is in the points.
Sadly that lasted only a few seconds, as Sainz immediately overtakes Hadjar.
Lap 48: Leclerc, Verstappen, Russell, Norris, Piastri, Albon, Gasly, O'Ward, Herta, Sainz, Ocon, Hadjar, Iwasa, Bearman, Lawson, Pourchaire, Antonelli, Zhou, Bortoleto, Colapinto
HERTA HAS A PUNCTURE. A SIMPLY DISASTROUS STRATEGY FOR ANDRETTI TODAY. You really have to feel for the American driver, his race has been ruined today by his team.
Ocon meanwhile is into the points!
PITSTOP: Herta drags the Andretti into the pitlane, and takes the Softs, and if is from bad to worse as it is a LONG pitstop. The team struggle with the front right tyre, which wouldn't tighten, that was at least ten seconds!
SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED
That old Renault reliability strikes again. Liam Lawson's engine has blown, and he is out of the race with just two laps remaining!
In an added blow, Ocon had just fallen behind Iwasa, and therefore will not score points today!
The Ferrari 1-2 Streak and Perfect Season is officially ended today. Piastri will come in P4.
FINAL LAP
It might be under the Safety Car, but it has been a wild race today, and the Perfect Season is over for Ferrari in terms of 1-2s, but in race wins, it is still going, as the cars round the PARABOLICA, CHARLES LECLERC WINS THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX!!! Max Verstappen P2, Lando Norris P3, Oscar Piastri P4, George Russell P5, Gasly P6, Albon P7, O'Ward P8, Sainz P9, Iwasa P10!
(BOZ) "And P1, P1. Oh how you make me dream, four Italian Grand Prix wins in a row. You are the best!"
(LEC) "SI SI SI! GRANDISSIMI! Ahhhh, feels good. Even under the Safety Car, always feels good to win here! Thank you guys, great job today. We earned that one."
(BOZ) "We did indeed. Great job!"
(ADA) "And P4, P4. Good effort today Oscar, good try. Went against us today, but it was still a good result."
(PIA) "Yeah, we did the best we could. Sorry guys, we'll learn from this and go on."
(ADA) "Circumstances against us today. P4 is still a good result from P8."
First Red Bull double podium of the year
2027 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Charles Leclerc 01.23.46
- Max Verstappen +0.224
- Lando Norris +0.360
- Oscar Piastri +0.154
- George Russell +0.317
- Pierre Gasly +0.546
- Alex Albon +0.162
- Pato O'Ward +0.171
- Carlos Sainz +0.226
- Ayumu Iwasa +0.190
- Esteban Ocon +0.192
- Oliver Bearman +0.227
- Isack Hadjar +0.204
- Théo Pourchaire +0.198
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +0.216
- Zhou Guanyu +5.933
- Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
- Colton Herta +1 lap
- Franco Colapinto +1 lap
- Liam Lawson DNF (+3 laps)
- Yuki Tsunoda DNF
- Valtteri Bottas DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC
Recovering from pit stop issues to beat Max Verstappen in a duel and retake P1, then comfortably coasting to his tenth win of the season, Charles Leclerc delighted the Tifosi, and the Championship leader extended his lead and took his fourth straight Italian Grand Prix win. Charles Leclerc is your Driver of the Day!
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Lando Norris 1.21.831
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Lando Norris 2.229s
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 338
Piastri 269
Verstappen 175
Norris 138
Russell 113
Sainz 103
Gasly 90
O'Ward 84
Albon 57
Bottas 53
Tsunoda 7
Lawson 6
Iwasa 5
Bearman 4
Antonelli 3
Ocon 0
Herta 0
Bortoleto 0
Hadjar 0
Pourchaire 0
Zhou 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 607
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 313
McLaren-Ford RBPT 174
Williams-Ferrari 170
Mercedes 106
Aston Martin-Honda 60
Subaru-Mercedes 9
Alpine-Renault 6
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Audi Sauber 0
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 786
Pirelli 659
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION 2027
McLaren 240
Red Bull 205
Andretti 192
Subaru 163
Williams 135
Alpine 125
Ferrari 95
Mercedes 56
Aston Martin 44
Haas 32
Audi Sauber 26
MATTIA BINOTTO TO LEAVE AUDI AT END OF 2027 SEASON
Mattia Binotto has announced his intention to step down as Audi Team Principal at the end of the 2027 season.
Audi has struggled under Binotto's leadership, and difficulties with former driver Pierre Gasly, along with a difficult car project for the 2027 season, are said to be to blame.
Binotto will remain in his role as Team Principal until the 2027 Las Vegas Grand Prix. A replacement for the 2028 season is due to be announced shortly.
plucky acorn
MATTIA BINOTTO TO LEAVE AUDI AT END OF 2027 SEASON
Mattia Binotto has announced...
ah god damn you binotto
you should be able to sbinnalla people more
humble totem
It's actually pretty decent
Nice
How highly rated is there head of aero and technical director?
Because i noticed they play a major part on future car development being excellent
foggy locust
Aero is 82 but he's joining Mercedes next year. They have an 87 (Jarrod Murphy) joining next season
Tech chief is 88 rated
Best tech chief is Loic Serra (custom) who's at us, 94
Best Head of Aero is 98 and at Aston for two more years
But yeah, Subaru have a bright future
humble totem
Ok that's cool mate
He will be good considering the Atr and CFD dump they have
foggy locust
AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX 2027
WEEKEND PREVIEW
Round 14 of the 2027 Formula 1 Season heads to Baku, and with the hopes of the perfect Sunday Season over for Ferrari, can they take another giant step towards a fourth Constructors Championship?
LAST TIME OUT
Charles Leclerc reeled Max Verstappen back in after an eventful Monza to take his fourth consecutive Italian Grand Prix win, but it was a double Red Bull podium with Oscar Piastri Fourth, ending the 1-2 Streak for Ferrari. George Russell continued his strong form as Williams closed the gap to McLaren to just four points.
THE CIRCUIT
The Baku City Circuit, at 6.003km, is the fourth longest of the season, after Spa, Jeddah and Las Vegas. It has held the Azerbaijan Grand Prix every year since 2017, with the exception of the shortened season in 2020, and the European Grand Prix once in 2016. It takes in the sights and sounds of Baku, mixing modern architecture with 12th Century history. Known for long straights and those barriers, Baku is often the sight of a Safety Car or two.
FIVE STORIES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
CAN ANYONE BEAT LECLERC TO VICTORY THIS WEEKEND?
With ten victories from thirteen rounds so far this season, this looks very likely to be Charles Leclerc's third World Championship. Monza however was one of his toughest challenges this season as Max Verstappen led that race for a significant period of time, and there have been moments where Ferrari have looked beatable this season. On a track he's traditionally very, very strong at, he finally took victory in 2025 and has won the last two. Can anyone beat him on Sunday?
WITH VERSTAPPEN ON HIS WAY OUT, CAN LANDO LEAD RED BULL?
Max Verstappen shocked the world during the Summer Break by announcing a stunning switch to Subaru, F1's newest team, at the end of this current season on a four year deal. The pressure is now on his teammate Lando Norris to step up and lead Red Bull into the future - Lando does have another year on his current deal with the Bulls - and while he welcomes a former teammate and friend in Carlos Sainz to the team next year, Lando wants that #1 driver status with the Bulls. He got his second podium of the season last time around - can he make a statement around these streets?
WITH JUST FOUR POINTS BETWEEN THEM, McLAREN VS WILLIAMS IS HOTTING UP
The battle for third is the most intense one we have this season, as McLaren and Williams are separated by just 4 points, while Mercedes are a further 64 back. McLaren looked stronger at the start of the year and have gained, but Williams have come into their own in this very intense battle between two historic British teams. This is a circuit that will likely suit Williams more - can they take advantage of it and jump ahead of their Championship rivals?
WITH BINOTTO ON HIS WAY OUT, WHAT NOW FOR AUDI?
Audi have still yet to score a single point this season, and Mattia Binotto announced his intention to exit the team at the end of the season. We wait to see what Audi will do at the Team Principal position - for now though, they will be very much focused on beating out the challenge of Haas and Andretti at the bottom - a single point may well do it this weekend. With potential carnage looming here, could they take advantage of that and score points for the first time this season?
CAN TSUNODA OVERCOME HIS STRUGGLES?
Yuki Tsunoda has had a difficult start to life at Aston Martin, with reports that he's struggling to get to grips with the car after years with the Red Bull family and then life at Andretti, who bought out Racing Bulls. Tsunoda hasn't scored since Silverstone and has just seven points this season to Valtteri Bottas’ 53. With Aston having struggled due to one driver outperforming the other in recent years - Lance Stroll then Stoffel Vandoorne - Tsunoda really doesn't want to turn into another Aston Martin second driver. Points here, much needed points, would help his cause.
And so to Baku. Always an eventful race, often an entertaining one, it should make for a thrilling weekend. One thing's for sure - you won't want to miss it.
FP1 Reserves: Hirakawa (O'Ward), Sztuka (Norris), Vesti (Antonelli), Browning (Albon), O'Sullivan (Russell), Al Qubaisi (Herta), Arnold (Iwasa)
FP1: LEC PIA HIR
Leclerc quickest by about 3 tenths over Piastri, with McLaren junior Ryo Hirakawa third. Gasly Fourth ahead of Williams reserve Zak O'Sullivan, while Verstappen took sixth. Pourchaire P7, ahead of reserves Luke Browning and Frederik Vesti, while Carlos Sainz was P10.
IT IS A RED FLAG IN FP2
Zhou Guanyu crashes out in FP2! He spun off and hit the barrier! Thankfully he's okay, but that's the end of his Friday!
FP2: LEC PIA RUS
Leclerc quickest again in FP2, with Piastri P2 and Russell P3. Norris took P4 ahead of Antonelli, with Verstappen P6 and Tsunoda P7. O'Ward, Herta and Ocon complete the top ten.
FP3: LEC GAS PIA
Leclerc quickest from Gasly and Piastri, with Verstappen P4. Russell P5 ahead of O'Ward and Albon, with Pourchaire P8, Bottas P9 and Bortoleto rounding off the top ten.
It is time to go Qualifying here in Baku, around these streets, and after Charles Leclerc topped all three practices, he comes in as the favourite, but Oscar Piastri will be up there, and McLaren, Williams and Red Bull have shown some pace. Can anyone stop the Scuderia here?
IT IS A RED FLAG TO END Q1!!!
Colton Herta has hit the barrier, and the American driver is out in Q1! A disaster for him, and that brings Q1 to a premature end!
OUT IN Q1: Lawson, Herta, Colapinto, Ocon, Pourchaire, Bortoleto
Bubble: Albon
Top Five: LEC, RUS, PIA, GAS, VER
Colton Herta's late Q1 crash ended the session earlier than expected, as he joins his teammate Bortoleto, both Alpines, Colapinto and Pourchaire at the exit door. Albon just makes it through, as Leclerc was quickest from Russell and Piastri. Both Subarus and Hadjar in the top ten.
OUT IN Q2: Iwasa, Sainz, Bottas, Hadjar, Gasly, Zhou
Bubble: Tsunoda
Top Five: PIA, LEC, RUS, VER, NOR
Tsunoda's late lap knocked compatriot Iwasa out in Q2, as Sainz and Gasly were the big casualties of the session. Bottas, Hadjar and Zhou also exit, as Piastri went quickest from Leclerc and Russell. Bearman and Antonelli into Q3.
Q3: Piastri, Leclerc, Norris, Verstappen, O'Ward, Russell, Bearman, Antonelli, Tsunoda, Albon
Piastri takes his fourth Pole of the season ahead of Leclerc by just 0.056. Lando Norris outqualifies Max Verstappen on the second row, with O'Ward ahead of both Williams - Russell P6 and Albon P10. Former Prema teammates Bearman and Antonelli are P7 and P8, with Tsunoda P9.
2027 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
PIA LEC
NOR VER
OWA RUS
BEA ANT
TSU ALB
IWA SAI
BOT HAD
GAS ZHO
LAW HER
COL OCO
POU BOR
Wee break for now. Back later for race!
foggy locust
Well it is game on here in Baku. Round 14 of the 2027 Formula 1 World Championship and an opportunity for Ferrari to take a big step towards a fourth Constructors, and Oscar Piastri sits on Pole, can he make a late challenge for the Drivers' title? The fourth longest lap of the season at 6.004km, we take it 51 times around this circuit that mixes 12th Century architecture and modern culture. 20 turns, 2 DRS Zones, overtaking isn't impossible but it will be challenging at every turn, especially with those barriers lurking. It's likely a one stop, it can be a two stop.
Gabriel Bortoleto starts at the very back with Théo Pourchaire for company, then it's Esteban Ocon and Franco Colapinto on row ten, Colton Herta avoids a penalty for his Q1 crash so he's starting P18 with Liam Lawson P17. Zhou Guanyu had a crash in FP2 and he's starting P16, with Pierre Gasly a shock P15 exit. Isack Hadjar begins from P14 and Valtteri Bottas will start P13, then it's Carlos Sainz and Ayumu Iwasa on row six. Alex Albon starts tenth and Yuki Tsunoda, who badly needs points today, begins P9. Andrea Kimi Antonelli starts P8 alongside his former Prema teammate Ollie Bearman in P7, it's P6 for George Russell and Pato O'Ward starts ahead of the two Williams in P5. Red Bull lock out the second row with Lando Norris ahead of Max Verstappen, it is yet another Ferrari front row lock-out - P2 for Charles Leclerc, while Oscar Piastri takes his fourth Pole of the season.
One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Piastri holds position at the start, Leclerc P2, Norris stays ahead of Verstappen, O'Ward P5, Russell sixth, then Bearman, Tsunoda ahead of Antonelli, Iwasa into the top ten!
Verstappen, on the Softs, moves ahead of Norris on the Mediums.
Bortoleto hits the barrier! He's able to continue but he's already lost a lot of time!
LECLERC
Leclerc goes storming down the side of Piastri with DRS and he leads!
(BOZ) "This is a good pace already Charles, keep it up."
(LEC) "Yeah, copy."
GASLY TAGS THE BARRIER! A surprising mistake from him and he's lost a ton of time to Bottas in P12!
Piastri takes the lead back from Leclerc!
(LEC) "Cannot get closer."
(BOZ) "Keep focused, you can do this."
(ADA) "This is good defending Oscar, keep it up."
Leclerc retakes position at the front! That was a brilliant move for the lead!
(BOZ) "Well done, Charles"
(LEC) "Thank you, Bryan"
Bearman up to P6 ahead of Russell!!
Antonelli holding off Iwasa, who has fought his way into the points!
Pato O'Ward is up to Fourth! He overtakes Norris!
VERSTAPPEN RADIO (VER) "Ah, I have a problem, engine, engine problem."
Leclerc defending Piastri Well here, and the two have broken out a 7 second lead over the pack.
IWASA AND ANTONELLI MAKE CONTACT!! Both cars have damage!!!
CAR 12 (ANTONELLI) - 5S
PITSTOP: Iwasa in, and takes on a new nose. That might have compromised his chances of getting points, a real shame today.
Lap 10: Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Russell, O'Ward, Norris, Bearman, Antonelli , Tsunoda, Bottas, Albon, Sainz, Hadjar, Lawson, Colapinto, Ocon, Zhou, Herta, Iwasa, Bortoleto, Gasly
Piastri retakes the lead from Leclerc, and continues to try and defend him into the main straight but Leclerc had the DRS and the lead!
(PIA) "Bit of a sitting duck there."
(ADA) "Race is long, head down."
Norris overtakes Bearman, but the rookie is keeping the pressure on!
ALBON
Albon overtakes Bearman, taking advantage of him attacking Norris!
PITSTOPS: O'Ward, Bearman, Sainz and Hadjar all in. Hadjar the only one to swap to Mediums, the rest stick to Softs for a second stint.
Lando Norris reporting engine issues, and it's looking worse than Verstappen's!
Piastri goes down the inside of Leclerc for the lead!!!
PITSTOPS: Bottas and Lawson both in, Lawson takes Softs, Bottas Mediums.
PITSTOPS: Verstappen and Russell both in! Verstappen stays on Softs, Russell takes Mediums!
Tsunoda with a big spin! That will not help his confidence!!!
Leclerc back into the lead on Lap 19!
PITSTOPS: Antonelli in to take his penalty, as well as Norris, Tsunoda and Colapinto.
Leclerc lets Piastri slip by briefly, gets the DRS and regains the lead. A fantastic move in this game of cat and mouse between the two Ferraris.
(BOZ) "Lovely stuff, build that gap a bit now, Charles."
sterile breach
Need that 2024 T1 overtake soon
foggy locust
BOTTAS
Piastri back into DRS range of Leclerc! Very much game on again!
(BOZ) "Okay let's push until the pits, push until the pits."
(LEC) "Okay, leave me to it."
(ADA) "Pit confirm and box, Oscar."
(PIA) "Copy. Box."
PITSTOP: Piastri in! He goes from Softs to Mediums and its a 2.589 stop, retaining P2.
(BOZ) "Box this lap Charles, box this lap."
(LEC) "Copy, box this lap."
PITSTOP: Leclerc in from the lead, it's a 2.427 stop for him as he goes from Softs to Mediums, and he rejoins just behind Piastri!
ALBON
Albon overtakes Norris for P7! Norris struggling a lot with his engine!
PITSTOP: Second stop for Iwasa, who takes the Hards, likely to the end.
Leclerc retakes P1 with a nice move down the inside of Piastri!
Tsunoda having issues with that Honda engine! That could compromise his chances!
Piastri regains the lead from Leclerc! He's not giving up this fight just yet!
Leclerc takes position back on Lap 31, but Piastri coming back at him with DRS, great defending from Leclerc holds him off! What a battle this is between Leclerc and Piastri!
Lap 32: Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Russell. O'Ward, Bearman, Albon, Norris, Bottas, Antonelli, Hadjar, Lawson, Tsunoda, Herta, Iwasa, Sainz, Ocon, Zhou, Pourchaire, Colapinto, Gasly, Bortoleto
Piastri challenging Leclerc into Turn 1, Leclerc holds him off but Piastri gets the job done two turns later!
PITSTOPS: Russell and Bearman pit! Russell rejoins P5, Bearman P10.
Bottas takes P7 back odd a struggling Norris! That engine proving a real problem!
PITSTOP: Pato O'Ward is in from P5, and goes onto the Mediums, he rejoins in P8, ahead of Antonelli and Bearman!
PITSTOP: Verstappen stops for the second time and he's onto the Mediums. Russell has jumped ahead of him here!
IWASA
PITSTOPS: Albon and Norris in, Norris is the first to gamble on the Softs - he needs the gamble with his engine issues!
(BOZ) "How are the tyres?"
(LEC) "Holding up well, no issues"
(ADA) "Well done Oscar, this is great work. Keep it up."
PITSTOP: Bottas pits for Mediums and rejoins just behind Norris!
Lap 38: Leclerc, Piastri, Russell, Verstappen, O'Ward, Bearman, Antonelli, Albon, Iwasa, Norris, Bottas, Tsunoda, Hadjar, Lawson, Herta, Ocon, Sainz, Zhou, Gasly, Pourchaire, Bortoleto, Colapinto
Piastri having another go at Leclerc here, Leclerc holding him off again, as both lap Pourchaire. This is sensational stuff from both Ferrari drivers.
Lap 41 and Piastri gets the move done! Huge opportunity for him now!
Albon ahead of Antonelli. Combined with Russell's P3, Williams are going third in the Championship.
Bad day for Sainz. He's just been lapped by his former teammate Leclerc, as well as race leader Piastri.
Problems for Bottas, who's having issues with his ERS.
The Ferraris wheel to wheel, and Piastri comes out ahead! Huge moment for the Australian here!
Bottas and Norris both get Antonelli!
LECLERC DOWN THE INSIDE AND WHEEL TO WHEEL, AND LECLERC LEADS ONCE MORE.
Huge for the battle for third in the Constructors, as Pato O'Ward moves up to P4 ahead of Max Verstappen! Williams are still going above McLaren, but that's a few extra points to them!
Four laps remaining here, and it is a fight to the line between Leclerc and Piastri
PITSTOP: Antonelli takes a late pitstop, and it is looking like Mercedes will not score a point today.
That means Iwasa is back into the points. Combined with Bearman's brilliant drive for P6, a superb performance by the two Subarus today.
ANTONELLI
That fastest lap won't mean much if he can't get back into the points.
DISASTER FOR ALBON WHO TAGS THE BARRIER!!! HE SEEMS TO HAVE GOTTEN AWAY WITH MINIMAL DAMAGE THOUGH.
Up front, Leclerc and Piastri still battling for P1, just two laps to go and this will go all the way to the flag!
Piastri attacking Leclerc again but Leclerc holds him off for now!
FINAL LAP
Leclerc defending Piastri, Piastri going for the lead but Leclerc holds him off!!! This is thrilling to the finale here!
AN INCREDIBLE BATTLE BETWEEN LECLERC AND PIASTRI TODAY, THEY'RE ONTO THE MAIN STRAIGHT AT THE END, PIASTRI WILL GET ONE MORE DRS RUN, BUT IT WILL NOT BE ENOUGH, CHARLES LECLERC WINS THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX!!! AN INCREDIBLE BATTLE! PIASTRI 2ND, 13 1-2S FOR FERRARI THIS YEAR. INCREDIBLE STUFF.
(BOZ) "And P1, P1!!! Amazing job to hold on at the end Charles, brilliant job!"
(LEC) "LET'S GO, COME ONNNN!!!! Ahhhh, thank you, Bryan, thank you to the team. Amazing job. Amazing. All credit to Oscar, he pushed me all the way today."
(BOZ) "You did fantastically well. Well done today."
(ADA) "And P2, Oscar, P2. Amazing job out there."
(PIA) "Ahhh, I wanted that a lot there. Thank you very much guys. Great job today. Thanks to the team. Well done to Charles, he deserved it."
(ADA) "You did very well. Think you wee very strong out there."
Andrea Kimi Antonelli overtakes Ayumu Iwasa, and that's likely bagged Mercedes two points!!
George Russell comes home for P3! Pato O'Ward in a fantastic P4, P5 for Max Verstappen, Oliver Bearman with his best F1 result so far in P6! Valtteri Bottas holds off Alex Albon for P7, Lando Norris P9, Andrea Kimi Antonelli P10 and the fastest lap point.
2027 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Charles Leclerc 01.33.06
- Oscar Piastri +0.619
- George Russell +43.370
- Pato O'Ward +9.277
- Max Verstappen +10.847
- Oliver Bearman +9.952
- Valtteri Bottas +9.312
- Alex Albon +0.068
- Lando Norris +1.340
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +8.809
- Ayumu Iwasa +2.332
- Colton Herta +8.135
- Isack Hadjar +0.047
- Liam Lawson +0.208
- Esteban Ocon +2.485
- Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
- Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
- Franco Colapinto +1 lap
- Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
- Yuki Tsunoda +1 lap
- Pierre Gasly +1 lap
- Carlos Sainz +1 lap
DRIVER OF THE DAY: OLIVER BEARMAN
Oliver Bearman had his best F1 finish of his young career, taking a phenomenal P6, the best result Subaru have had yet. A well deserved Driver of the Day performance by the young English driver!
Top five: Bearman, O'Ward Leclerc, Piastri, Russell
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Andrea Kimi Antonelli 1.43.918
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Pierre Gasly 2.298s
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 363
Piastri 288
Verstappen 185
Norris 140
Russell 128
Sainz 103
O'Ward 96
Gasly 90
Albon 61
Bottas 59
Bearman 12
Tsunoda 7
Lawson 6
Iwasa 5
Antonelli 5
Ocon 0
Herta 0
Bortoleto 0
Hadjar 0
Pourchaire 0
Zhou 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 651
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 325
Williams-Ferrari 189
McLaren-Ford RBPT 186
Mercedes 108
Aston Martin-Honda 66
Subaru-Mercedes 17
Alpine-Renault 6
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Audi Sauber 0
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 857
Pirelli 691
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION:
McLaren 265
Red Bull 219
Andretti 193
Subaru 181
Williams 150
Alpine 133
Ferrari 101
Mercedes 60
Aston Martin 44
Audi Sauber 36
Haas 32
COLTON HERTA TO DRIVE FOR MERCEDES IN 2028
In another stunning development in this Silly Season, Mercedes have announced the signing of Colton Herta on a one year deal for 2028.
Herta will leave the Andretti team he has spent many years with in both IndyCar and his current run in F1 to join the Silver Arrows next year.
It is believed that Toto Wolff sees Herta as a potential superstar in the sport, and despite not having any points to his name so far this year, Herta has been seen to be outperforming a very difficult to drive Andretti.
Therefore, having missed out on Max Verstappen, who is joining Subaru, and seeing Carlos Sainz leave Mercedes replace Verstappen at Red Bull, Mercedes and Wolff have turned to the American, who will partner Andrea Kimi Antonelli next season.
2028:
Ferrari:
Leclerc (2032)
Piastri (2032)
Red Bull:
Sainz (2030)
Norris (2028)
McLaren:
Gasly (2029)
O'Ward (2028)
Williams:
Russell (2028)
Albon (2028)
Mercedes:
Herta (2028)
Antonelli (2028)
Aston Martin:
Bottas (2028)
Tsunoda (2029)
Alpine:
Perez (2031)
Lawson (2029)
Subaru:
Verstappen (2031)
Bearman (2028)
Andretti:
????
Bortoleto (2029)
Audi:
Pourchaire (2028)
Hadjar (2028)
Haas:
Ocon (2031)
Colapinto (2029)
foggy locust
DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP POINT GAPS
Gap between Leclerc and Piastri: 75
Gap between Leclerc and Verstappen: 178
Gap between Leclerc and Norris: 223
Bahrain: 231
Abu Dhabi: 196
Japan: 169
Singapore: 142
Saudi Arabia: 115
Brazil: 88
Las Vegas: 53
Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen and Norris are the only drivers who can mathematically win the title.
CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP POINT GAPS
Gap between Ferrari and Red Bull: 326
Bahrain: 389
Abu Dhabi: 329
Japan: 284
Singapore: 239
Saudi Arabia: 194
Brazil: 149
Las Vegas: 89
Ferrari will win the Constructors Championship by outscoring Red Bull by 3 points or more over the course of the Bahrain Sprint Weekend.
tired thorn
norris is not getting 223 points 😭
foggy locust
He is not, no. He's likely out of contention after Bahrain
plucky acorn
ferrari 1000 points could happen 👀
ionic wigeon
Bring ricciardo back..
foggy locust
Bring ricciardo back..
👀 👀 👀 👀
foggy locust
BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2027
WEEKEND PREVIEW
Round 15 heads to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and for the first time since 2020, this circuit will not open the Championship. A much later race, but a first Sprint weekend here, and one where Ferrari could seal the Constructors Championship.
LAST TIME OUT
Ferrari domination returned in Baku, as Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri were a class above the rest - however had a phenomenal battle between themselves to the line. Both Red Bulls suffered engine issues, as George Russell took a fourth podium of the season for Williams. Pato O'Ward went back above Pierre Gasly in the Championship, while Subaru bagged double points and their best F1 World Championship result so far.
THE CIRCUIT
The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir has been both a season opener and a testing circuit in recent years, but this year, it was neither. The latest Appearance in the calendar since 2020, Bahrain had the first Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East in 2004. To celebrate the tenth anniversary in 2014, the race was held as a night race - something that has been the case ever since. The 5.412 km circuit has been known for high tyre degradation, and plenty of overtaking opportunities with three DRS Zones. It is also a strong track for difference in strategies, which should make for an intriguing race. In addition, the weekend will be held from Thursday to Saturday, not Friday to Sunday this weekend.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE KEEPING AN EYE ON
FERRARI'S CORONATION?
Ferrari have the opportunity to clinch their fourth Constructors Championship in a row this weekend, and with thirteen 1-2s to their name, can they seal a fourteenth to clinch it in style? They come into this circuit as the overwhelming favourites again, and Leclerc and Piastri may well battle once more for the race win, as they did in Azerbaijan. Three points more than Red Bull this weekend would be enough to clinch the 20th overall World Constructors Championship for the Scuderia.
WILLIAMS, McLAREN AND RED BULL HOT ON FERRARI'S HEELS
Although Williams, McLaren and Red Bull may be the biggest challengers to Ferrari's domination this weekend, as both McLaren and Williams have upgraded to the point where they are close, especially on Medium Speed Cornering. Red Bull meanwhile may well once again be hoping that Max Verstappen and Lando Norris outperform the car this weekend and give them a puncher’s chance at the Championship going into Abu Dhabi next weekend.
THE FIRST BAHRAIN SPRINT - HOW WILL CONDITIONS AFFECT TYRE MANAGEMENT?
Bahrain’s first F1 Sprint Race throws up an intriguing prospect, as we will see the teams racing in slightly warmer conditions for the Sprint itself. How the teams manage tyre degradation in the heat will be fascinating, and how that will translate over to race day on the Sunday. Could we even see Pedro de la Rosa’s long standing lap record of 1.31.447 broken this weekend?
ANDRETTI APPRAISE THEIR OPTIONS AS HERTA MAKES HIS MERCEDES MOVE
In a shocking announcement after Azerbaijan, Colton Herta has chosen to switch to Mercedes for the 2028 season on a one-year deal, leaving the Andretti team after years at the team. Only two drivers on the grid are left without a seat for next year - Ayumu Iwasa and Zhou Guanyu, and this is a big opportunity for both drivers to prove their place in F1. Iwasa has performed well this season and may be tipped to take the seat - another big performance this weekend would be huge for him.
AFTER A POOR BAKU, WHAT NEXT FOR MERCEDES?
Mercedes were rescued from not scoring points at Baku by a late dash to tenth place by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who also bagged the fastest lap point. Carlos Sainz had a difficult weekend, failing to make Q3 and then having a disaster of a race and finishing last in P22. Mercedes now find themselves 78 points behind McLaren and 81 behind Williams in the race for third, while Aston Martin are 42 behind them. Mercedes have looked the fifth fastest this season and that's where they sit - can they rejuvenate themselves with seven rounds to go and maybe make a push for the top four?
As we head to Bahrain for Round 15 of the 2027 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the Constructors title can be decided here this weekend, while the Drivers’ could go a bit of a way towards deciding it. One thing is for absolute certain - you won't want to miss it.
FP1 Reserves: Hirawaka (O'Ward), Sztuka (Norris), Vesti (Antonelli), Martins (Ocon), Browning (Russell), Drugovich (Tsunoda)
FP1: GAS HIR LAW
LEC P4, PIA P5
Could Ferrari's hold on the 1-2s be slipping? Gasly and Hirakawa take a 1-2 for McLaren, with Lawson P3. Leclerc P4 and Piastri P5, with Verstappen P6. Bottas, Bearman, Drugovich and Sainz complete the top ten.
We are under the lights here on Thursday Night, a rare F1 Thursday - we only have these three times a year, in Saudi, Vegas and of course, Bahrain. And this is the only Sprint Qualifying of the season on a Thursday Night, and it is a fascinating one. McLaren looked quickest in practice, could they be on for their first Pole of the season? Ferrari may have something to say about that, expect more from Mercedes, Red Bull, Williams and even potentially Subaru here.
OUT IN SQ1: Ocon, Herta, Lawson, Colapinto, Zhou, Albon
Bubble: Iwasa
Top Five: LEC, PIA, VER, SAI, GAS
Iwasa had a lock-up but narrowly survived, as Antonelli's late lap knocked Ocon out. Antonelli's future Mercedes teammate Herta had a disappointing lap and is out as well as Lawson and Albon, while both Haas drivers exit. Leclerc quickest from Piastri, with Verstappen P3.
OUT IN SQ2: Hadjar, Bortoleto, Antonelli, Bearman, Iwasa, Pourchaire
Bubble: Bottas
Top Five: LEC, OWA, PIA, VER, SAI
Verstappen and O'Ward both needed late laps, but O'Ward splits the Ferraris with Verstappen P4. Hadjar just misses out on SQ3, with Bortoleto also dropping out. Antonelli misses out alongside Bearman and Iwasa, as well as Pourchaire.
SQ3: Leclerc, Piastri, Norris, Verstappen, Russell, O'Ward, Gasly, Tsunoda, Bottas, Sainz
Leclerc pips Piastri to Sprint Pole by 0.003, as Lando Norris takes P3 ahead of Max Verstappen. Fifth for George Russell, while Pato O'Ward's late lap brought him P6 ahead of Pierre Gasly. Yuki Tsunoda ahead of Valtteri Bottas, Carlos Sainz P10.
2027 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
SPRINT GRID
LEC PIA
NOR VER
RUS OWA
GAS TSU
BOT SAI
HAD BOR
ANT BEA
IWA POU
OCO HER
LAW COL
ZHO ALB
Usual in between Friday/Saturday breather, back in a little bit for Sprint and main race Qualifying!
foggy locust
It is time for a Sprint night here in Bahrain, 19 laps of this 5.412km circuit, and it is all to play for today. Bahrain's first ever Formula 1 Sprint on a weekend where the F3 Championship is decided, and the F1 Constructors Championship may well be decided too. Ferrari are in prime position to clinch this weekend, and they start strong but Red Bull are their biggest challengers.
Alex Albon starts at the very back alongside Zhou Guanyu, while Franco Colapinto is just one spot ahead of his teammate and beside Liam Lawson. New Mercedes driver Colton Herta starts P18 with Esteban Ocon P17, it's P16 for Théo Pourchaire and P15 for Ayumu Iwasa. Ollie Bearman starts beside his former Prema teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli for his second race in a row, Gabriel Bortoleto starts P12 with Isack Hadjar P11. It's P10 for Carlos Sainz and P9 for Valtteri Bottas, Yuki Tsunoda just ahead of his teammate with the two McLarens P7 and P6 in their home race, Pato O'Ward starts just ahead of Pierre Gasly and just behind George Russell in P5. It's a Red Bull second row lockout on a weekend where they need to outscore Ferrari to keep the Constructors alive, Lando Norris starts P3 and Max Verstappen P4, and speaking of Ferrari, it's yet another lockout of the front row for the Scuderia. Oscar Piastri starts P2, and it is P1 for Charles Leclerc once more.
We are opting for Mediums here to keep an extra Softs for the race
Let's go Sprinting!
One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Lando Norris has had an astonishing start and fired past both Ferraris for the lead of this race! Leclerc P2, Verstappen P3, Piastri P4! Russell's still P5, then Gasly, O'Ward, Bottas, Hadjar ahead of Sainz!
Leclerc going for the lead but Norris holds him off for now!
(PIA) "Overtaking proving difficult on the Mediums."
(ADA) "The race is still on for us here."
Leclerc is going for the lead and Leclerc takes the lead! Norris drops behind Verstappen to P3!
(BOZ) "Brilliant move Charles."
(LEC) "Thank you, Bryan. Needed to get that done early."
Verstappen keeping Leclerc under pressure and has DRS, taking the lead off Leclerc!
Gasly moves ahead of Russell and is up to P5! That could be important in the fight for third!
We have the makings of another Leclerc v Verstappen classic here in Bahrain. Leclerc briefly takes the lead, Verstappen goes back at him and takes P1 back!
(PIA) "Lando didn't give me anywhere to go there."
(ADA) "We saw that, we are on it."
(PIA) "Move of a Red Bull, that."
Some fiestyness between former McLaren teammates Norris and Piastti, as Piastri believes Norris pushed him wide to regain P3.
(ADA) "You can push more in the High Speed."
Bottas moves ahead of Tsunoda in the battle for the final point.
(BOZ) "Need some slight LiCo, tyres are overheating a bit."
(LEC) "Struggling a bit to keep up."
Lap 9: Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Gasly, Russell, O'Ward, Bottas, Tsunoda, Sainz, Bearman, Bortoleto, Antonelli, Iwasa, Hadjar, Pourchaire, Lawson, Herta, Albon, Zhou, Ocon, Colapinto
Piastri goes down the inside of Norris, as the two former McLarens are closing up towards Verstappen and Leclerc. Leclerc regains the lead with a beautiful move down the inside of Verstappen!!!
Verstappen is complaining about high tyre degradation, and Piastri uses the chance to get ahead of him!
(ADA) "Verstappen is complaining about tyre degradation, now is your chance."
Verstappen has retaken P2 from Piastri, and Leclerc has broken clear of the pack, taking a 2 second advantage!
Piastri goes down the inside of Verstappen and retakes P2! He's now gaining on his teammate!
Norris moves up ahead of Verstappen!!
Norris has stormed out of absolutely nowhere to go ahead of Piastri, and now is challenging Leclerc!
Bortoleto with, what I believe, is his third spin of the weekend so far. He drops to P14 from P12.
Lando has come out of absolutely nowhere to lead the Bahrain GP Sprint!!!
Gasly gets Verstappen for P4, Max is really struggling with the tyres!
The lead doesn't last for Norris, who gets caught napping by both Ferraris! Leclerc leads, Piastri P2!
(BOZ) "Okay, you can push. Use that tyre advantage to its fullest now."
Leclerc and Piastri have broken away from the pack now with three laps left, but Piastri has caught up to his teammate and is challenging for the Sprint win!
Herta runs very wide there! He hasn't lost position at all though.
FINAL LAP
Leclerc has broken away from Piastri at this point, and looks likely to secure his third Sprint win in four here, it's been a very competitive race but Ferrari's gamble on the Mediums has paid off and then some, Leclerc rounds the final corners TO WIN THE BAHRAIN SPRINT. Oscar Piastri P2, it is yet another 1-2 for the Scuderia, this is utter dominance from the Champions!
(BOZ) "And that's the flag, P1, P1! Congratulations Charles!"
(LEC) "Let's GOOO! Ahhh, thank you...thank you to everybody. This car is a monster, it is phenomenal. Thank you."
(BOZ) "Amazing job once more."
(ADA) "And P2, P2. Great job today Oscar, you were very strong out there."
(PIA) "Yep, thank you guys, that was a lot of fun out there!"
(ADA) "You did a great job today. Onto Qualifying."
Audi on Audi violence as Pourchaire overtakes Hadjar, and Hadjar clips his front wing on the back of his teammate's car in the process!
Norris P3, Verstappen gets Gasly for P4! Russell P6, Bottas ahead of O'Ward on the final lap too!
2027 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
SPRINT CLASSIFICATION
- Charles Leclerc 00.30.09
- Oscar Piastri +1.633
- Lando Norris +8.469
- Max Verstappen +2.516
- Pierre Gasly +0.301
- George Russell +0.252
- Valtteri Bottas +1.218
- Pato O'Ward +0.374
- Yuki Tsunoda +6.424
- Carlos Sainz +0.564
- Oliver Bearman +0.858
- Ayumu Iwasa +3.262
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +2.024
- Gabriel Bortoleto +7.092
- Liam Lawson +0.662
- Théo Pourchaire +1.086
- Isack Hadjar +0.921
- Alex Albon +0.221
- Colton Herta +0.372
- Esteban Ocon +11.799
- Zhou Guanyu +1.167
- Franco Colapinto +1.156
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 371
Piastri 295
Verstappen 190
Norris 146
Russell 131
Sainz 103
O'Ward 97
Gasly 94
Albon 61
Bottas 61
Bearman 12
Tsunoda 7
Lawson 6
Iwasa 5
Antonelli 5
Ocon 0
Herta 0
Bortoleto 0
Hadjar 0
Pourchaire 0
Zhou 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 666
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 336
Williams-Ferrari 192
McLaren-Ford RBPT 191
Mercedes 108
Aston Martin-Honda 68
Subaru-Mercedes 17
Alpine-Renault 6
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Audi Sauber 0
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 875
Pirelli 709
As the sun goes down and the lights descend on the desert here in Bahrain, it is time for Qualifying! After a thrilling Sprint Race, Ferrari have closed in on the Constructors - Red Bull must outscore them by 2 points to keep the Championship alive to Abu Dhabi. Qualifying could go a long way to deciding whether the Constructors' title is decided this weekend, on a circuit more used to holding the opener.
OUT IN Q1: Hadjar, Colapinto, Tsunoda, Pourchaire, Zhou, Bortoleto
Bubble: Ocon
Top Five: PIA GAS, VER, LEC, OWA
Verstappen had to overcome a terrible first lap to get through, but he goes through third fastest. Hadjar couldn't improve as he and Pourchaire both exit, while Tsunoda's Aston Martin struggles continue. Bortoleto drops out, while both Colapinto and Zhou also exit. Piastri quickest from Gasly, Verstappen, Leclerc and O'Ward.
OUT IN Q2: Albon, O'Ward, Antonelli, Ocon, Lawson, Herta
Bubble: Iwasa
Top Five: LEC, BEA, PIA, RUS, SAI
Both Williams and McLaren lose one driver each, as Albon and O'Ward drop out in Q2. Future Mercedes teammates Antonelli and Herta are also out, as are current Alpine teammates Ocon and Lawson. The big story of Q2 though is Ollie Bearman, who split the two Ferraris in a Subaru. Incredible.
Q3: Iwasa, Leclerc, Verstappen, Gasly, Piastri, Russell, Sainz, Bearman, Norris, Bottas
An absolute shocker. Ayumu Iwasa, who is likely moving to IndyCar at the end of the year, snatches his, and Subaru's, first ever Pole Position. Iwasa timed his lap to perfection and got a lovely tow off Charles Leclerc to beat Leclerc by 2 tenths. Leclerc second, with Verstappen third and Gasly fourth. Piastri takes P5 from Russell and Sainz, while Bearman was P8, Norris P9 and Bottas P10.
2027 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
IWA LEC
VER GAS
PIA RUS
SAI BEA
NOR BOT
ALB OWA
ANT LAW
HER HAD
COL POU
ZHO BOR
TSU QUAL P19
PITLANE START - OCO QUAL P14
foggy locust
plucky acorn
Q3: <:Subaru:1344621367995142156> Iwasa, <:Ferrari:1012448867494678558> Leclerc,...
i'm sorry what-
stroll turkey 2020 vibes
foggy locust
It is time to go racing under the lights here in Bahrain, Round 15 of the 2027 Formula 1 World Championship and after a stunning qualifying session ended in a shock Subaru polesitter, can we have the most surprising win going for Ayumu Iwasa? 57 laps over this 5.412km circuit will decide that, 15 turns, 2 DRS Zones, an elevation of 16.9m and plenty of stories to tell over these 57 laps. Iwasa stunned the world yesterday, can he do it again tonight?
Esteban Ocon takes a pitlane start for tonight, and that leaves Yuki Tsunoda on the back row who takes a five place penalty for a new component. Gabriel Bortoleto starts P20 and Zhou Guanyu begins P19, Théo Pourchaire in P18 alongside Franco Colapinto on row nine, Isack Hadjar starts alongside Colton Herta on the eighth row. Liam Lawson and Andrea Kimi Antonelli take up the seventh row, then it's a Williams v McLaren battle on row six with Alex Albon starting just ahead of Pato O'Ward. Valtteri Bottas begins in P10 alongside Lando Norris who's just P9, Ollie Bearman begins from P8 with Carlos Sainz P7. George Russell down in P6 then just P5 for Oscar Piastri, Pierre Gasly starts alongside former teammate Max Verstappen on the second row, then it's the box office front row. Charles Leclerc starts away from Pole Position in P2, and it is Ayumu Iwasa, yes you heard that right, who starts on Pole Position. Subaru's first ever Pole Position in their 15th F1 start back as an official constructor, Ayumu Iwasa's first career Pole. He's got the bonus point for it, can he finish the job this weekend?
foggy locust
i'm sorry what-
It was a genuine shocker. Took the tow off Leclerc and took it all the way to Pole
plucky acorn
i think this is the first time i'm witnessing a session live in this forum so i'm ready to see what the hell happens
foggy locust
I'm excited to see how this goes
Let's go racing in Bahrain!
Formation lap completes, Ayumu Iwasa slots into that Pole Position ahead of Charles Leclerc. No incidents on the formation lap, we are set to go here.
One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Iwasa is away OK but Leclerc has gotten the quicker start and oh my God Leclerc has just already set off down the road! Verstappen stays ahead of Piastri, Sainz P5, COLAPINTO WITH A LOCK UP AND HE'S TO THE BACK, Gasly and Norris up to P6 and P7, Russell ahead of Bearman now, Bottas P10
LECLERC
Iwasa trying to chase down Leclerc but that Ferrari is just so much quicker and Leclerc is opening up a gap already!
plucky acorn
ok leclerc i know you're trying to win the championship but-
foggy locust
Verstappen moves up to P2 ahead of Iwasa! The Subaru driver sadly struggling to keep up here!
Piastri up to P3, and has gotten past Verstappen for P2! It is very quickly a Ferrari 1-2 already
plucky acorn
iwasa here is reminding me of magnussen in the 2022 brazil sprint
shock pole that he just couldn't keep because everyone behind him is so fast
foggy locust
(PIA) "What is the gap to Charles?"
(ADA) "Currently 3 seconds."
(PIA) "...f---ing hell."
foggy locust
iwasa here is reminding me of magnussen in the 2022 brazil sprint
shock pole tha...
Yep, pretty much got that vibe from him as well. Think he can get good points today though
plucky acorn
(PIA) "What is the gap to Charles?"
(ADA) "Currently 3 seconds."
(PIA) "...f--...
LMAO even piastri knows leclerc is on something 😭
foggy locust
Iwasa keeping Verstappen within DRS range at least, but Sainz is also closing a bit.
Piastri has closed the gap to Leclerc to 2.2 here. Game on?
Albon takes position from Bearman, and the second Williams is into the top ten. Huge for the Constructors.
Sainz going for the move on Iwasa, and he's up to P4!
(BOZ) "How are the tyres Charles?"
(LEC) "Deg is higher than I expected, but still okay so far"
Sainz gets past Verstappen for P3! That Mercedes has some pace on it!
Both Subarus are currently defending a McLaren - Iwasa from Gasly for P5, Bearman from O'Ward for P11.
Lap 8: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Verstappen, Iwasa, Gasly, Russell, Norris, Bottas, Albon, Bearman, O'Ward, Antonelli, Herta, Lawson, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Tsunoda, Bortoleto, Ocon, Zhou, Colapinto
plucky acorn
that mercedes got some speed for being basically middle of the field
looks like antonelli isn't really capitalising on that though
foggy locust
Bortoleto tries to overtake Tsunoda and clips him a little bit! Bortoleto is not best pleased about that move from Yuki!
foggy locust
that mercedes got some speed for being basically middle of the field
looks like ...
Yeah they've developed really well this season. I think Kimi will improve, just had a tough first year
(ADA) "Gap to Charles 2.5. This is a good pace Oscar, keep it up."
(PIA) "Yep, copy."
Gasly locks up!! A rare mistake from him and he drops down to P10!!
Sainz is gonna have a job on his hands defending Verstappen with DRS, and Verstappen gets past him into Turn 1!
Bortoleto runs wide, dropping from P19 to P21!
plucky acorn
<:Mclaren:824211922529419264> Gasly locks up!! A rare mistake from him and he dr...
iwasa breathes a sigh of relief knowing his p5 is safe
for now
foggy locust
Norris has DRS and Norris up ahead of Iwasa!
Gasly is struggling with his tyres, Bearman and Antonelli pass him in quick succession!
Norris had just gotten Russell before that move on Iwasa. Russell now in play for P6 as well, as well as Bottas.
Norris is on an absolute tear right now, moving ahead of teammate Verstappen!
Russell goes for the move on Iwasa but that's well defended by the Subaru driver!
Leclerc has extended his lead to about 3.9. It might well be an easy Saturday evening's drive for the potential soon to be three time Champion of the World.
Been a rough evening for a Bortoleto who locks up and takes a trip through the side of the road. Down into P20.
On the third DRS attempt, Russell gets Iwasa for P6!
It gets better for Russell who moves up to P5 ahead of Verstappen!! Williams could be on the way to opening up a little gap to McLaren, neither of whom are currently in the points!
Russell completely bullies his way through past Lando Norris into P4!! Norris unhappy on the radio about that!
PITSTOP: Colapinto is having real issues with his tyre in the pits, as the Haas pit crew cannot get that front left off! The first stop of the day was a grand total of...12.511s. Well then.
Russell is flying through the field now and is right on the gearbox of Third Placed Carlos Sainz! Can he get the move done for P3?
PITSTOPS: Verstappen in for Mediums, as are O'Ward, Tsunoda, Zhou and Bortoleto...Bortoleto gets a new front wing...HAAS HAVE A SECOND DELAY FOR ZHOU!!! What is going on with the Haas pit crew tonight?
PITSTOPS: Sainz, Norris, Bearman and Antonelli take their first switch of tyres.
(BOZ) "Box Charles, box."
(LEC) "Yeah, box."
PITSTOPS: Leclerc in from the lead! A 2.374 stop and Medium tyres and he rejoins in P4. Iwasa and Gasly in too, Iwasa rejoins P9, but crucially, ahead of Verstappen! Gasly down to P16.
(ADA) "Box this lap, Oscar. Box this lap."
(PIA) "Copy, Box. Oscar pit lane."
PITSTOPS: Piastri, Russell and Bottas all in, Russell held up slightly, but Piastri gets a 2.320s stop! Piastri P2, Bottas P6, Russell P8.
Lap 20: Leclerc, Piastri, Albon, Sainz, Norris, Verstappen, Bottas, Russell, Iwasa, Lawson, Bearman, O'Ward, Antonelli, Gasly, Tsunoda, Herta, Hadjar, Ocon, Pourchaire, Bortoleto, Zhou, Colapinto
Still to pit: Albon, Lawson
PITSTOP: As we say that, Albon in from P3, Lawson follows him in! Albon rejoins P12, ahead of Gasly but behind O'Ward! Lawson meanwhile will rejoin P17.
Herta reporting issues with his gearbox! More problems for the American driver!
The five car battle between Norris, Verstappen, Bottas, Russell and Iwasa has resumed. About 2 seconds separates Norris in P4 from Iwasa in P8.
Five seconds between Leclerc and Piastri, while Sainz is 13 back in third place. Ferrari continuing as they have all season.
Verstappen moves ahead of Norris for P4!
Russell ahead of Bottas and now putting the pressure on Norris. Meanwhile Iwasa has lost DRS and is falling back a bit here.
ANTONELLI
Russell has shaken Bottas and is now turning up the pressure on Norris and Verstappen.
It's safe to say, a catastrophe aside, Ferrari are winning the Constructors Championship this evening.
plucky acorn
red bull proceeds to nuke the circuit-
foggy locust
Sainz has been caught napping a little bit, as Verstappen, Norris and Russell are right on him for that final podium spot!
(LEC) "We are clinching tonight as it stands, yes?"
(BOZ) "Yes Charles, but there's still a bit to go."
(LEC) "Copy, leave me to it."
Antonelli gets the move done on Iwasa, and now there's a Subaru on Subaru fight for P9 and P10!!
Verstappen up to P3 ahead of Sainz! A lovely move from the former Champion!
(ADA) "We are happy for you to improve the pace there. Tyre update when you can?"
(PIA) "Tyre feels okay right now."
PITSTOP: Antonelli first to blink on the late stops! He's onto the Mediums and that's likely him until the end now!
PITSTOP: Verstappen in for Softs! On Lap 38, he's the first to take the early gamble for Softs!
Bearman moves ahead of Iwasa! Iwasa hasn't had the best night, having started on Pole, and now down in P8!
PITSTOP: Norris follows his teammate in one lap later, and has also opted for the Softs!
Hadjar reporting "an awful vibration" from the Audi! He's down in P15 right now, and struggling.
PITSTOP: Lawson in and onto the Softs.
(BOZ) "Box now, box box"
(LEC) "Copy, box"
VERSTAPPEN
PITSTOP: Leclerc in and that's a 2.292 stop! Lovely job from the Ferrari pitcrew! He's onto the Softs. Hadjar comes in too for Softs.
(ADA) "And box this lap, Oscar."
(PIA) "Box."
PITSTOPS: Oscar Piastri in from the lead, he's onto the Softs and it is a 2.520 stop for him! Piastri rejoins 9 seconds behind Leclerc. Sainz also in and onto the Softs, as is Zhou. Haas have ANOTHER DELAY. Oh my God, what is happening there?
Three pit stop delays in four attempts for Haas. Serious questions must be asked of this team now.
PITSTOP: Russell in from P3! Not the quickest stop from Russell, he drops to P11.
(ADA) "Good lap, Oscar, that was the fastest lap so far."
PIASTRI
Piastri's lap there - 1.32.009, still six tenths off the Pedro de la Rose record of 1.31.447. The oldest standing lap record might get another year yet.
Are Subaru trying to go to the end here? Pit too late and you might cost Bearman and Iwasa points entirely here.
Speaking of which, Verstappen back to P3, ahead of Bottas, who has still yet to pit for a second time.
RUSSELL
De La Rosa Watch: Russell clocks a 1.31.860. Still 4 tenths away.
O'Ward gets ahead of Pole sitter Iwasa for P10. You have a feeling they've left him out to dry a bit.
PITSTOP: Bottas blinks though, and he's into the pitlane. De La Rosa watch begins again.
O'Ward gets ahead of Bearman, and both Subarus are eight next to each other.
PITSTOP: Not for long, as Bearman finally comes in! You feel this should've happened a lot earlier, though, and the rookie is down to P13 with not a lot of time to make that up.
Russell chasing down Norris for P4! Still a fair gap to try and get that podium though.
Iwasa is trying his best to one-stop here. A brave effort, but it may not yield any points bar his Pole Position bonus point.
Antonelli gets past Iwasa, who has absolutely been left out to dry by his team here.
PITSTOP: Iwasa finally comes in. This should've happened about ten laps ago. That's completely wrecked his chances of points today.
GASLY
De La Rosa Watch is in play again - a 31.641 for Gasly. Close, but still a couple of tenths off.
Russell gets past Norris for P4! With just over 5 laps remaining, can he catch Verstappen for the podium?
(BOZ) "Five laps to go."
(LEC) "Can we go for fastest lap?"
(BOZ) "No Charles, Oscar is only 8.7 behind."
(LEC) "Okay, but...okay."
PITSTOPS: Ferrari seem to be double stacking, this is a surprise! With three laps to go, they seem to be going for that extra fastest lap point!! Leclerc and Piastri emerge P1 and P2 as expected.
LECLERC
Oh my God, the De La Rose record has been SHATTERED. Leclerc puts up a 1.29.433. Incredible.
LAST LAP
An incredibly dominant performance, a new lap record, a 1-2 and four time Constructors Champions, this has been a perfect night for the Scuderia, Charles Leclerc rounds the final corners TO WIN THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX, HIS 12TH WIN OF THE YEAR, 15 OUT OF 14 FOR FERRARI!!! OSCAR PIASTRI HOME IN P2, AND IT IS A TWENTIFIETH TITLE FOR F1'S MOST HISTORIC TEAM!!
(BOZ) "And P1 Charles, we've done it, Constructors Champions again!!! Well done, congratulations!"
(LEC) "LET'S GO, COME ONNNN!!!! AHHH YES YES YESSSS!!! Ahhh, come ON! Tonight is going to be a big night, what an effort, what a team!"
(BOZ) "We will have a great night, with some champagne, it has been an amazing effort. Well done mate."
(ADA) "And P2 Oscar, P2, that is us confirmed Constructors Champions! Amazing effort, thank you for all your efforts this season so far. You're a big part of this."
(PIA) "Mega mega job, we did everything we could today. Honoured to have been part of this, first of many for us together."
(ADA) "Amazing job today. Mega job."
Verstappen P3, Russell P4, Norris P5, Sainz P6, Bottas P7, O'Ward P8, Gasly P9, Albon P10
I can't get over the Subaru complete collapse today, though.
plucky acorn
win
foggy locust
2027 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Charles Leclerc 01.31.40
- Oscar Piastri +7.359
- Max Verstappen +22.929
- George Russell +4.023
- Lando Norris +0.514
- Carlos Sainz +5.045
- Valtteri Bottas +7.868
- Pato O'Ward +3.236
- Pierre Gasly +0.865
- Alex Albon +2.243
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +5.352
- Oliver Bearman +5.780
- Ayumu Iwasa +8.285
- Yuki Tsunoda +13.807
- Liam Lawson +1 lap
- Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
- Esteban Ocon +1 lap
- Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
- Isack Hadjar +1 lap
- Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
- Colton Herta +2 laps
- Franco Colapinto +2 laps
DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC
An astonishing performance from Charles Leclerc, who took the lead at the first corner and never looked back, smashing a 21 year old lap record in the process and helping his team clinch the Constructors Championship. Charles Leclerc is your Driver of the Day!
Top Five: Leclerc, Russell, O'Ward, Piastri, Norris
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Charles Leclerc 1.29.433 🆕
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Pato O'Ward 2.247s
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 397
Piastri 313
Verstappen 206
Norris 156
Russell 143
Sainz 111
O'Ward 101
Gasly 96
Bottas 67
Albon 62
Bearman 12
Tsunoda 7
Lawson 6
Iwasa 6
Antonelli 5
Ocon 0
Herta 0
Bortoleto 0
Hadjar 0
Pourchaire 0
Zhou 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 710
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 361
Williams-Ferrari 205
McLaren-Ford RBPT 197
Mercedes 116
Aston Martin-Honda 74
Subaru-Mercedes 18
Alpine-Renault 6
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Audi Sauber 0
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 933
Pirelli 754
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION
McLaren 290
Red Bull 227
Andretti 193
Subaru 183
Williams 160
Ferrari 134
Alpine 133
Mercedes 67
Aston Martin 56
Audi Sauber 40
Haas 32
foggy locust
win
Thanks for following along today!!
ARVID LINDBLAD WINS F3 CHAMPIONSHIP IN TIEBREAKER OVER OLIVER GOETHE
Arvid Lindblad captured the F3 Championship on the final day in Bahrain, beating Oliver Goethe to the title on race wins after the two tied on 226 points.
Lindblad finished P9 in Bahrain to Goethe's P2, but Sztuka, who finished P3 in the Championship, won the race to help Lindblad capture the Championship.
Ferrari Academy Driver Abbi Pulling was fourth in the Championship, the highest ranked non Red Bull driver.
plucky acorn
Thanks for following along today!!
no problem, really like the storytelling with this save
foggy locust
Aw I appreciate that bud!
foggy locust
ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2027
WEEKEND PREVIEW
We head to Abu Dhabi for Round 16 of the 2027 Formula 1 season, and it is the earliest in the F1 calendar it has ever been held. With 15 race wins from 15 for Ferrari, can anyone else take a win this season?
LAST TIME AROUND
It was celebrations for Ferrari in Bahrain, as they clinched their 20th Constructors Championship, and fourth in a row, with six rounds to spare. A truly dominant season by the Scuderia was earmarked with two 1-2s in the Sprint and in the Race, but the highlight of the weekend was Ayumu Iwasa's shock Pole Position for Subaru. Unfortunately poor strategy from the Japanese team dropped them to P12 and P13, missing out on all points bar Iwasa's Pole bonus point. Both Red Bull drivers took third in the Sprint and Race respectively - Lando Norris on Saturday, Max Verstappen on Sunday - but it wasn't enough to deny Ferrari their fourth Constructors in a row.
THE CIRCUIT
The Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island will not host the F1 Championship finale for the first time since 2013, when that honour went to Brazil - this time it is Las Vegas that will host the final race. As mentioned before, it is the earliest the race has ever been held, a race usually held in November has moved to September. To reflect this, the start time of the race has moved from 5pm to 6pm to allow Abu Dhabi to keep its day-night race. Sixteen corners and 2 DRS Zones, the Yas Marina Circuit, as the name suggests, passes by the Marina and through the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi which makes up part of its architecture. The 58 lap, 5.281km circuit is generally seen as a two stopper, but a one stop is very possible as well. It remains to be seen what effect the earlier date of the race will have on the tyre life around here.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
NO CHAMPIONSHIP DECIDER, BUT LECLERC CAN TAKE A BIG STEP
The Drivers’ World Championship has been decided several times around here, including the last two years - involving Charles Leclerc winning his second World title beating Lewis Hamilton in 2025, and Lewis returning the favour to clinch his record Eighth World Championship last year, defeating Leclerc and Max Verstappen on the final day, retiring from Formula 1 immediately after the race. While the title cannot be decided just yet - Leclerc has an 87 point gap over current teammate Oscar Piastri, and 192 over Max Verstappen - he can take a huge step towards the title if he takes his thirteenth victory of the season around Abu Dhabi, a race he famously won in 2025 to take that second title on the final day.
NOW OR NEVER FOR VERSTAPPEN IN FINAL RED BULL TITLE TINT
Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull to join Subaru at the end of this current season, and he remains 192 points behind Charles Leclerc, with teammate Lando Norris having been knocked out of title contention in Bahrain. It is a massive longshot for Verstappen at this point to win his fourth with Red Bull before he leaves for Subaru, and he must outscore Charles Leclerc by 23 points to keep his Drivers’ title hopes alive into the start of the Suzuka/Singapore/Jeddah triple header. That being said, he needs a miracle to win the Championship at this point.
AFTER TERRIBLE STRATEGY DAY IN BAHRAIN, HOW DO SUBARU BOUNCE BACK?
Speaking of Verstappen's soon to be new team, Subaru Impreza had a stunning Pole Position from outgoing driver Ayumu Iwasa in Bahrain, taking a Pole Position bonus point. Unfortunately, that was the only point they got last weekend as the pure pace of the Ferraris, George Russell and the Red Bulls overwhelmed them early, then terrible late strategy calls, leaving Bearman and particularly Iwasa out far too late on used Mediums before bringing them in for Softs, hurt them badly and left them far too little time to recover, with Bearman finishing P12 and Iwasa P13. Subaru simply need to do better strategy wise, and it starts this weekend. They clearly have a pacy car that can compete for good points, but the strategy must improve to maximise that.
McLAREN AND WILLIAMS CONTINUE BATTLE FOR THIRD SPOT
McLaren and Williams have had the most intriguing battle of the Constructors Championship this season, and the fight for P3 is hotting up. Williams outscored McLaren over the course of the Bahrain weekend by 5 points to take the advantage to 8 points going into Abu Dhabi. However McLaren are bringing what is likely their final major upgrade for this season to Abu Dhabi, and believe that this could be the one that could even have them challenging Ferrari for a race win this weekend. Williams meanwhile still have upgrades in the works, and outside of Red Bull, these are the two biggest challengers to Ferrari's dominant run. A win for either would be MASSIVE for the Constructors.
ANDRETTI HAVE A DECISION TO MAKE
Andretti are likely to announce their Driver choice for 2028 by Singapore, after it was announced that Colton Herta would move to Mercedes on a one year deal for 2027. It has been a disappointing second season for the American team, who stormed to fourth last season, beating out Aston Martin, but have struggled mightly this year and have yet to score a single point. Rumours are that they might turn to Daniel Ricciardo for a return to the sport - however Ayumu Iwasa turned some heads after his shock Pole at Bahrain, and is said to very much be in contention for the seat.
So we go racing once more at Abu Dhabi, sight of many historic Championship wins over the years. While it won't have one this time around, it will still definitely be a very intriguing race weekend. And as always, you certainly will not want to miss it.
LECLERC BROTHERS TO BOTH DRIVE FOR FERRARI IN FP1
Ferrari will fulfill one of their FP1 rookie sessions this weekend, as Arthur Leclerc joins brother Charles on the Circuit for the second time.
Arthur and Charles Leclerc have driven together in FP1 once before back in 2024, and the two will once again take part in the same session.
Arthur will take Oscar Piastri's car for this session.
FP1 Reserves: A. Leclerc (Piastri), Hirakawa (Gasly), Sztuka (Verstappen), Arnold (Bearman)
Arthur is running #97 today btw
A rare practice moment as Colton Herta seems to have picked up a puncture! Not sure how he's done that, hasn't been any other incidents so far today.
A lovely moment at the end of FP1 as Charles Leclerc pulls alongside his brother Arthur and waves to him. Charles P1, Arthur an impressive P4.
FP1: LEC NOR ANT
ALE P4
Charles Leclerc goes quickest, just 0.075 ahead of Lando Norris, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli 0.171 behind in P3. Arthur Leclerc does well for P4, with Lawson P5, O'Ward P6 and Hirakawa P7. Russell, Albon and Sainz complete the top ten.
FP2: BOT VER LEC
PIA P4
Aston Martin and Bottas finding some pace in the representative FP2, as they go fastest ahead of Verstappen, Leclerc and Piastri. Bearman P5, with Tsunoda showing some promise in P6 as well. Bortoleto takes P7 ahead of Gasly, while Sainz and Russell round off the top ten.
FP3: NOR PIA LEC
Norris quickest from Piastri and Leclerc in the final practice session ahead of Qualifying here. O'Ward and Gasly follow in P4 and P5, with Bottas and Tsunoda split by Bortoleto. Verstappen P9, Albon P10.
It is time to go Qualifying here in Abu Dhabi as the sun has set and the lights are on. And this is a very intriguing qualifying here, with Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and even Aston Martin showing a lot of pace through practice. This feels like it could be anyone's game. Let's see how this one pans out.
HERTA SLIDES OFF IN Q1 AND HITS BEARMAN! That might well be a penalty for the American driver!
CAR 13 (HERTA), CAR 87 (BEARMAN) summoned to Stewards after qualifying
OUT IN Q1: Iwasa, Hadjar, Colapinto, Herta, Bortoleto, Zhou
Bubble: Gasly
Top Five: SAI, PIA, NOR, VER, TSU
LEC P8
Herta's crash with Bearman early in Q1 didn't quite end either's sessions, but Herta misses Q2 anyway while Bearman goes through. Bearman's teammate Iwasa, one week after that shock Pole, is out in Q1, as is Herta's teammate Bortoleto. Hadjar and the Haas drivers also exit in Q1. Sainz quickest, with Piastri P2, ahead of the Red Bulls of Norris and Verstappen, then the Astons of Tsunoda and Bottas. Leclerc P8 behind Albon.
OUT IN Q2: Bearman, Antonelli, Albon, Ocon, Pourchaire, Tsunoda
Bubble: O'Ward
Top Five: PIA, LEC, SAI, GAS, VER
Six teams lose one eriver from qualifying, as Bearman just misses Q3 by 0.078 and Antonelli by 0.082, as Pato O'Ward just makes Q3. Tsunoda's struggles with Aston continue once more, as Pourchaire, Ocon and Albon also exit. Piastri ahead of Leclerc by 0.044, with Sainz 0.066 behind - Sainz looked on for Pole before a pointless overtake of Yuki Tsunoda. Gasly P4 ahead of Verstappen, with Norris, Russell, Bottas and Lawson also through.
Verstappen wide in his last qualifying lap! That's blown his chances of Pole!
Q3: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Russell, Gasly, Verstappen, Bottas, Lawson, O'Ward, Norris
Inevitable. After all that questioning through FP1-Q2, Leclerc pulls out a worldie lap to take Pole once again. Piastri may have been denied by traffic, but takes his place on the front row. Sainz best of the rest, alongside Russell. Gasly settles for P5, with Verstappen running wide and blowing any chance of Pole in P6. Bottas and Lawson will go on the fourth row, just P9 for O'Ward and P10 for Norris.
2027 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
LEC PIA
SAI RUS
GAS VER
BOT LAW
OWA NOR
BEA ANT
ALB OCO
POU TSU
IWA HAD
HER BOR
ZHO COL QUAL P19
Colapinto given five place penalty
NO PENALTIES FOR HERTA, BEARMAN IN Q1 CLASH
Colton Herta and Oliver Bearman have escaped punishment for their Q1 collision in Abu Dhabi on Saturday evening.
Herta and Bearman made contact early in the session, with Bearman picking up slight wing damage.
However it is believed as the incident had no effect the rest of qualifying, the two were given a slight reprimand and no further punishment.
Bearman will start Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 11th place, while Colton Herta will start 19th, ironically after Franco Colapinto received a previously known about components penalty.
Well, here we go. Round 16 of this 2027 season that's been dominated by a certain team in Red, and qualifying after an intriguing Q1 and Q2 once again went the way of the Scuderia in Q3, but what will Sunday bring? For the first time since 2013, 14 years ago, we do not conclude the season here at the Yas Marina Circuit, instead it is Round 16, and indeed, an hour later. This 5.281km circuit takes in the Abu Dhabi marina and the Yas Hotel, hence the name Yas Marina, 2 DRS Zones, 16 turns, quite good for overtaking, and of course with the sun setting over the course of this race. It might be a one stop, it's usually a two.
Franco Colapinto takes a penalty so drops to the very back alongside Zhou Guanyu, Gabriel Bortoleto starts P20 and Colton Herta escaped punishment for a collision with Ollie Bearman, but starts P19. Isack Hadjar P18 alongside last weekend's Polesitter Ayumu Iwasa, this week down in P17. Yuki Tsunoda begins P16 with Théo Pourchaire lining up P15, it's P14 for Esteban Ocon who still seeks his first points of the year and P13 for Alex Albon. Kimi Antonelli in P12 alongside Ollie Bearman in P11, third weekend in a row they've shared the same row. Lando Norris starts just P10 and P9 for Pato O'Ward, one of the men who replaced him at McLaren. Liam Lawson begins today from P8 with Valtteri Bottas up in P7, Max Verstappen ran wide on his last Qualifying lap so he's P6 behind former teammate once upon a time Pierre Gasly in P5. It's P4 for George Russell and Carlos Sainz starts from P3, and it is, once again, a Ferrari front row lock-out. Oscar Piastri starts today from P2, and it is Pole once more for Charles Leclerc. Can he take a huge step towards his third title today?
Let's go racing in Abu Dhabi!
Formation lap done, one light, two, three, four, five....AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Leclerc holds firm at the start and is away well, Piastri holds off Sainz for P2, Russell P4, Verstappen ahead of Gasly, Lawson, Bottas, O'Ward, Bearman and Antonelli both get Norris at the start!!!
A rough weekend for Herta continues as he locks up and falls to the back of the pack!
Piastri meanwhile is going for the lead but Leclerc holds him off for now!
Sainz and Russell battling for P3, but losing pace on the two Ferraris already!
PIASTRI
Ocon ahead of Norris, Norris is complaining on the radio that he's really struggling on the Mediums here.
(BOZ) "Okay, good pace so far. Oscar is free to race, try and keep him behind you."
(LEC) "Copy that."
Piastri has taken the lead, but Leclerc allows himself to get DRS and retakes position! Smart play from the Champion!
Norris back ahead of Ocon, then takes Lawson in quick succession to get back into the points.
Bottas under pressure from Bearman, who has a lot of confidence here and looks to overtake the veteran!
(ADA) "That was a lovely move Oscar, you're doing a great job here."
Colton Herta is having real problems with the brakes of that Andretti, that's another lock-up and another off!
Piastri takes the lead back from Leclerc!
The SF-27 pretty much in W11 form here. Already about seven seconds ahead of the pack.
Verstappen gets Sainz for P4, then takes P3 from Russell!
Close enough, welcome back HAM-BOT-VER
(ADA) "Right now, your tyres are in a good window. They should be faster than Charles soon."
(PIA) "Yep."
(BOZ) "You're doing a fantastic job on managing these Softs."
(LEC) "Thank you Bryan. Long way to go here."
Leclerc on the Softs has not broken away from Piastri on the Mediums, might that be vital going forward here?
(ADA) "You need to push slightly more. Let's use this advantage."
(PIA) "Yep."
Colapinto having ERS issues, that won't help that struggling Haas. Zhou now reporting the same here as well.
Lap 10: Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Sainz, Russell, Gasly, O'Ward, Bottas, Bearman, Norris, Lawson, Albon, Antonelli, Tsunoda, Ocon, Iwasa, Bortoleto, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Colapinto, Herta, Zhou
Leclerc briefly takes the lead with DRS, but Piastri takes it back!
Sainz battling Verstappen here for P3, Verstappen holding him off for now.
Sainz moves up to P3 ahead of Verstappen!!
Issues for Pato O'Ward as his ERS is struggling a lot!
PITSTOPS: Russell in from P4, first to blink here, in fact Williams are bring both cars in! Bortoleto, Lawson, Pourchaire and Zhou all pit, and Bortoleto has a delay on putting the front right tyre on!!
Leclerc moves back in front of Piastri!
O'Ward, even with the busted ERS, moves up to P4 ahead of Verstappen. Brilliant move.
(BOZ) "Box now, box box"
(LEC) "Copy, box this lap"
PITSTOPS: Iwasa, Ocon and Herta all in for their first stops. Iwasa takes Mediums, Ocon onto Hards, Herta interestingly takes new Softs.
BORTOLETO
PITSTOP: Leclerc is in from the lead! A 2.520 stop for Leclerc and he's heading back out there in P6. That'll help Piastri, with Leclerc being in traffic!
(ADA) "And Charles just boxed, he is in traffic so push now, push."
PITSTOP: Sainz, Verstappen and Gasly all in. Sainz onto Hards, Verstappen Mediums, Gasly Mediums.
Leclerc clears O'Ward, who is continuing to struggle with those ERS issues.
(ADA) "Pit confirm and box."
(PIA) "Copy. Box."
Leclerc ahead of Norris, who like O'Ward still has to pit.
PITSTOPS: Piastri in from the lead! He's onto the Hards after a 2.509 stop. Norris and O'Ward both onto Hards too, Piastri keeps the lead, 2.8 ahead of Leclerc!!!
(ADA) "So P1, Charles 2.8 behind. Get some good warm-up in those tyres."
Lap 20: Piastri, Leclerc, Russell, Sainz, Verstappen, Norris, Albon, Gasly, O'Ward, Bearman, Iwasa, Lawson, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Bortoleto, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Ocon, Herta, Colapinto, Zhou
Sainz now under pressure from Russell for P3, but Sainz puts on a bit of pace. Verstappen very, very much in pursuit now.
And Verstappen takes P3 from Russell!
Verstappen up to P3, can he put a dent into the massive lead from Piastri and Leclerc, though?
Piastri currently 2.9 up on Leclerc.
(LEC) "What was Oscar's last laptime?"
(BOZ) "Oscar 27.703, you 27.766. Not much in it. Gap 2.5."
(LEC) "Yeah, copy."
Sainz retakes P3 but is having issues with his engine! GP in response is onto the radio to Verstappen to tell him to push.
Verstappen does indeed take P3 from Sainz, and Norris and Russell are closing in.
Piastri now 3.5 up on Leclerc.
Norris overtakes Sainz for P4!
Fascinating battle for the final podium spot behind Piastri and Leclerc breaking out. Norris gets his teammate Verstappen for P3, and now Verstappen trying to chase down Norris to recover position!
PITSTOP: Gasly into the pitlane for Hards and he reemerges P12. It's been a disappointing Abu Dhabi for a McLaren team who were hoping to even push for a win this weekend.
Lawson down in P14 has a spin! That's a big off and that's lost him some time.
(BOZ) "Box this lap, Charles. Box this lap."
(LEC) "Yeah, and box this lap."
PITSTOPS: Verstappen, Bottas and Russell all in, as is Iwasa. All onto Hards except Russell. Leclerc is in a lap later, and has a delay!!! 6.297, that was a horrendous stop for him and that's likely cost him any chance of the win today!!
(LEC) "What happened?"
(BOZ) "Problem with the jack, sorry about that Charles."
(LEC) "We'll talk about it later."
(BOZ) "Focus for now, push best you can."
(LEC) "Yeah, copy that."
VERSTAPPEN
(BOZ) "Tyres in a good window. Keep pushing."
(LEC) "Yeah, copy."
(ADA) "Pit confirm and box."
(PIA) "Copy, box."
About 24 seconds between Piastri and Leclerc.
PITSTOP: Piastri in! He takes Softs and it's a much quicker 2.373 stop for him! He rejoins 2.7 ahead of Leclerc!
PITSTOP: Norris in for his second stop, and also onto Softs. Only Sainz (P3), Bearman (P8) and Tsunoda (P9) are yet to stop for a second time.
Zhou with a lock-up!! He slides off, but avoids the barrier!
BOTTAS
PITSTOPS: Bearman and Tsunoda in and onto Softs.
Sainz might be trying the one stop, but be is struggling, heavily, on those Mediums.
PITSTOP: Never mind, he's in immediately for Softs, and he re-emerges in P8.
(ADA) "Tyre phase update when you can, Oscar?"
(PIA) "Tyre feels okay."
(ADA) "Gap is 8.8 to Charles."
PITSTOP: Zhou in for a late stop. Is this an attempt to steal the fastest lap? They won't get points for it, but it'll annoy Aston Martin, if nothing else
(LEC) "Can we go for fastest lap?"
(BOZ) "We will come back to you, checking the margins."
(BOZ) "Okay, we are good to go for fastest lap. Box now, box"
(LEC) "Copy, box"
Leclerc, who's 11 seconds behind Piastri, is asking to come in to try for the fastest lap point, and it looks like the team are going to allow him to do it.
PITSTOP: Leclerc does indeed come in! This is an attempt on the fastest lap for Ferrari!
2 LAPS TO GO
(BOZ) "Okay, push for these last two laps."
(LEC) "Copy."
LAST LAP
LECLERC
1.22.742. That's an astonishing lap from Leclerc.
What a drive Oscar Piastri has had today. He keeps Ferrari's Streak alive with a sensational performance and a well deserved victory, his fourth of the season and fourth for Ferrari, OSCAR PIASTRI WINS THE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX!!!
(ADA) "And that's the flag, P1! A mega mega job, you've done amazing today, Oscar!"
(PIA) "Whoo hoo hoo! Yeah, well done everyone. Massive performance, let's keep it going. Winners, that's pretty cool!"
(ADA) "You've done fantastic. Well done."
A 1-2 for Ferrari with Charles Leclerc in P2!
(BOZ) "And that is P2, good job today, you've done well! Congratulations Charles. Fastest lap, lap record too. 1.22.144 on that last lap!"
(LEC) "Good job! Thanks guys, well done to Oscar on the win, good performance. Something to say about the pitstop, but other than that, we were very strong. Happy with that."
(BOZ) "You've done really well. Amazing job today."
Verstappen P3, Norris P4, Russell P5, Gasly P6, Bottas P7, Sainz P8, Bearman P9, Albon P10.
2027 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Oscar Piastri 01.25.29
- Charles Leclerc +28.758
- Max Verstappen +25.719
- Lando Norris +4.185
- George Russell +9 528
- Pierre Gasly +2.678
- Valtteri Bottas +1.140
- Carlos Sainz +11.530
- Oliver Bearman +1 lap
- Alex Albon +1 lap
- Ayumu Iwasa +1 lap
- Yuki Tsunoda +1 lap
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +1 lap
- Pato O'Ward +1 lap
- Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
- Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
- Liam Lawson +1 lap
- Colton Herta +1 lap
- Isack Hadjar +1 lap
- Esteban Ocon +1 lap
- Franco Colapinto +2 laps
- Zhou Guanyu +2 laps
DRIVER OF THE DAY: OSCAR PIASTRI
A phenomenal drive from the Australian, who looked the quickest for most of the weekend, was unlucky not to take Pole and then had a sensational Sunday, running away to a deserved victory. Oscar Piastri takes his fourth win of the season, and is your Driver of the Day!
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Charles Leclerc 1.22.144 🆕
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Lando Norris 2.273s
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 417
Piastri 338
Verstappen 220
Norris 168
Russell 153
Sainz 115
Gasly 104
O'Ward 101
Bottas 73
Albon 63
Bearman 14
Tsunoda 7
Lawson 6
Iwasa 6
Antonelli 5
Ocon 0
Herta 0
Bortoleto 0
Hadjar 0
Pourchaire 0
Zhou 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 755
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 388
Williams-Ferrari 216
McLaren-Ford RBPT 205
Mercedes 120
Aston Martin-Honda 80
Subaru-Mercedes 20
Alpine-Renault 6
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Audi Sauber 0
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 991
Pirelli 799
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION
McLaren 316
Red Bull 252
Andretti 220
Subaru 183
Williams 162
Ferrari 140
Alpine 133
Mercedes 81
Aston Martin 56
Audi Sauber 41
Haas 32
sterile breach
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
<:Ferrari:1012448867494678558> L...
It's so over, 2028 maybe?
foggy locust
2028 is going to be interesting
Think Oscar v Charles will be fascinating next year
Then we have what Williams, McLaren, Subaru with Max etc will do
Because of the reset, 2029 ends up being the massive regs change
If we get another season of utter Ferrari dominance, I'll explore my options on where to take the save
Trying to challenge the empire I've built could be fun
sterile breach
If we get another season of utter Ferrari dominance, I'll explore my options on ...
Haas are in the trenches at the moment, maybe a rebrand will occur soon. Whatever it'll be called, I'll guess that already.
foggy locust
I kinda wanna get past the new regs, see who's good, see who's terrible for that
Next year is a major contract year as well ala IRL 2024
I think there's about ten drivers out of contract
foggy locust
Haas are in the trenches at the moment, maybe a rebrand will occur soon. Whateve...
👀 👀 👀
Might have 2027 done by next weekend. Five races left, I'm not doing one tomorrow because it's my birthday
Probably Japan Sunday
plucky acorn
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
<:Ferrari:10124488674946785...
the fact there's 3 teams on 0 is very bizarre
not looking good for any of them
especially audi since they're making their own engines
foggy locust
Yeah shocked how bad Andretti, Audi and Haas have been. Especially considering Andretti were fourth last year.
Singapore (Round 18) might be their best shot at points.
foggy locust
FIA ANNOUNCE 2028 F1 CALENDAR
Formula 1 have announced the 2028 calendar, with no changes to the race order for the 2028 season.
The 2028 season will see a 21 race calendar take place in the same order as the 2027 season, beginning in Australia on the 3rd of March next year, before going to China two weeks later.
April and early May will see Mexico, COTA and Canada host the first North American leg of the season.
The European leg of the season goes from Italy to Italy, with Monza as Round 6 before Monaco's traditional end of May date.
Hungary will host its Grand Prix in its new slot of early June, before a late June Appearance of Silverstone.
Austria, Belgium and Netherlands will conclude the first half of the season before the Summer Break.
The European leg concludes with Monza immediately after the Summer Break, then heading to Azerbaijan the following week.
The Middle East double header of Bahrain and Abu Dhabi then follows, before the Triple Header of Japan, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.
We head to Brazil for the penultimate weekend of the season, before concluding the season for the second year in a row in Las Vegas.
The same Five Sprints will happen this coming year: Canada, Silverstone, Belgium, Bahrain and Brazil.
foggy locust
2027 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
Round 17 of the 2027 Formula 1 season and we head to Suzuka, a real favourite of the fans, drivers and teams alike. With Ferrari a perfect 16 from 16 this season, can anyone break their dominance this weekend?
LAST TIME AROUND
It was the fourth victory of the season for Oscar Piastri in Abu Dhabi, who had a brilliant performance to take another 1-2 from Charles Leclerc, who broke the lap record at a second consecutive circuit. Max Verstappen was again third and Lando Norris fourth, as Red Bull proved best of the rest once more. Seven different teams secured points at the Yas Marina Circuit.
THE CIRCUIT
Suzuka's Figure of Eight is a very unique track on the F1 calendar, and is also of course home to both Formula 1 and Super Formula. The 5.807 km circuit is situated in Ino, Suzuka City, and is the home circuit of Honda Motor Co, which will add an advantage to Aston Martin. It is also the home race of F1's newest team, Subaru, as well as one driver from both Aston Martin and Subaru - Yuki Tsunoda and Ayumu Iwasa respectively. Known for a real mix of low, medium and high speed cornering, including 130R, one of the fastest and most iconic corners on the F1 calendar, one that's caught out many a driver over the years. Featuring 18 corners but just one DRS Zone, Suzuka is a very technical challenge that will test the best of the Drivers. Rain is expected on Saturday, which should make for an intriguing qualifying session.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING OUT FOR
SUBARU'S HOMECOMING
Subaru are the sixth Japanese team to run in Formula 1 - along with the works Honda and Toyota teams, Maki Engineering, Kojima Engineering and Super Aguri have also run in Formula 1 - and the first on the grid as a constructor since Toyota in 2009 - however Honda have kept a presence on the grid with a previous deal with Red Bull Racing, and now Aston Martin. Honda will of course pair with Subaru for the 2028 season and beyond. It has been a solid first season for Subaru, with the highlight being Ayumu Iwasa's shock Pole in Bahrain, but the spotlight will be shone on them brightly next year with the arrival of three time Champion Max Verstappen. For now though, Subaru look to have a very strong first home Grand Prix. This is of course also Ayumu Iwasa's home Grand Prix, and with only one seat left available in F1, this could be a real opportunity for him to make an impression to keep his place in the sport.
PRESSURE ON TSUNODA AHEAD OF HIS HOME RACE?
Speaking of Honda, Aston Martin's Yuki Tsunoda has had a difficult season in his first year in the British Racing Green, with many believing the switch from Andretti did not benefit Tsunoda or Aston Martin. Tsunoda has just seven points to teammate Valtteri Bottas’ 73 - and has gone against what Aston Martin brought him in to do, which is having both drivers scoring points regularly. Yuki badly needs a performance and some points into the bargain - so where better to get it than his home Grand Prix?
CAN PIASTRI REDUCE THE GAP ON LECLERC?
After Oscar Piastri's fourth win of the season in Abu Dhabi, he has reduced the Championship gap to 79 points to Charles Leclerc - and with double points on the line in Las Vegas, it is still game on in the Championship, at least for now. With just five rounds left however, Piastri does however have to reduce the gap drastically to keep his title hopes alive going into the final race. Leclerc will take a penalty for new components however at Suzuka - is this an opportunity for Oscar to bring down the gap in the title race?
LAST CALL FOR THE ANDRETTI SEAT
Andretti have said they will announce their replacement for Mercedes-bound Colton Herta ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, and therefore this makes this the last chance to impress for both Ayumu Iwasa and Zhou Guanyu, who are both without a seat for next year. We've talked about Iwasa elsewhere in this article, but it has been a really tough season for Zhou in what has been an incredibly difficult Haas to drive, but any sort of performance could give him a last chance at getting on Andretti's radar before their announcement at Singapore.
CAN LAWSON USE SUPER FORMULA EXPERIENCE TO HIS ADVANTAGE?
Liam Lawson is a driver who is very experienced around Suzuka, finishing as runner up in the 2023 Super Formula Season, while also racing here for the then AlphaTauri in Formula 1, stepping in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo. Lawson has Alpine's only points of the season - six - and will welcome in a new teammate next season - Sergio “Checo” Perez, who he infamously clashed with during their time together within the Red Bull organisation. Lawson and Perez will be a potentially volatile situation not seen at Alpine since Ocon and Gasly. For now though, Lawson's experience round here may be a big boost for both himself and his team.
And so to Suzuka. With just five rounds remaining of this season, it is getting towards crunch time in the battle for the Drivers’ title, as well as the Williams/McLaren fight in the Constructors. But it is also a massive proving ground, and with rain likely on Saturday - it could be quite a mixed up grid. And one thing's for sure - you will not want to miss it.
RAFA CAMARA TO RUN FP1 FOR FERRARI
Rafael Camara will run FP1 for the first time for Ferrari.
Ferrari fulfill another one of their FP1 requirements as the young Brazilian driver gets an opportunity in an F1 car for the first time.
The FDA driver will take Charles Leclerc's car for the first practice session, alongside Oscar Piastri.
Camara is expected to be entered into Formula 3 next season.
FP1 Reserves: Câmara (Leclerc), Hirawaka (O'Ward), Sztuka (Norris), Vesti (Antonelli), P. Fittipaldi (Colapinto)
#56 for Camara
FP1: HIR RUS VES
PIA P5, CÂM P7
A bit of a surprising morning session as Ryo Hirawaka goes quickest on home soil, ahead of George Russell and Mercedes junior Frederik Vesti. Pierre Gasly P4 ahead of Oscar Piastri and Esteban Ocon, with Rafa Câmara's FP1 debut seeing him P7. Ollie Bearman P8 with Alex Albon P9 and Max Verstappen ended up P10.
FP2: SAI RUS PIA
LEC P22
Carlos Sainz quickest in FP2 ahead of George Russell and Oscar Piastri. Albon P4 with Iwasa P5, and Verstappen P6. Ocon P7, with Bortoleto P8, Bottas P9 and Lawson P10. Leclerc P22, surprisingly.
Antonelli locks up and hits Pourchaire!!! Both might be taking a trip to the stewards after this session.
FP3: SAI LEC GAS
PIA P4
Sainz quickest in a rain soaked third practice ahead of Leclerc, Gasly and Piastri. Ocon P5, and Antonelli P6 despite hitting Pourchaire, who ended up P9. Russell P7 and O'Ward P8, with Tsunoda P10.
POURCHAIRE, ANTONELLI ESCAPE PUNISHMENT FOR FP3 CLASH
Théo Pourchaire and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will both not receive a penalty for their FP3 collision.
Antonelli locked up and clipped Pourchaire during the session, damaging his own front wing and Pourchaire's rear wing.
But the FIA were surprisingly lenient on the Italian, and Antonelli has instead received a fine of €50,000 for the incident.
Antonelli will not take a grid penalty this weekend.
It is time to go Qualifying here in Suzuka, and after three practices that saw Mercedes top two and McLaren top one, it feels like anyone's game. But Ferrari will of course be in contention, and will still be the team to beat. The rain is absolutely pouring down though, it might just be a case of who gets it right here. Here we go.
OUT IN Q1: GAS, POU, IWA, BEA, NOR, COL
Bubble: ZHO
Top Five: RUS, SAI, OWA, ANT, VER
LEC P6, PIA P14
A couple of absolute shockers as Gasly and Norris both exit in Q1! Russell was P22 on his first run, but went P1 towards the end, as Leclerc and Piastri abandoned their last laps. Subaru have had a disastrous first home Qualifying session as both Iwasa and Bearman are out in Q1, while Colapinto locked up and missed out alongside Pourchaire. Russell quickest from Sainz, O'Ward, Antonelli and Verstappen.
OH MY GOD, RED FLAG IN Q2
A huge off for reigning F2 Champion Gabriel Bortoleto! He gets caught out and spins off into the barrier! He's OK, thankfully, but his session is over!
OUT IN Q2: Tsunoda, Lawson, Herta, Hadjar, Zhou, Bortoleto (no time)
Bubble: Ocon
Top Five: LEC, PIA, OWA, SAI, ANT
Tsunoda just misses Q3 in his home race, alongside Lawson, while Bortoleto crashed in Q2 and didn't set a time, bringing out a Red Flag. Hadjar, Herta and Zhou also out. Leclerc quickest from Piastri, with O'Ward P3, Sainz P4 and Antonelli P5. Albon, Russell, Verstappen, Bottas and Ocon all through as well.
Q3: O'Ward, Piastri, Sainz, Albon, Leclerc , Russell, Bottas, Ocon, Antonelli, Verstappen
Pato O'Ward takes his first Formula 1 Pole Position! In the soaking rain, the McLaren driver beat Oscar Piastri to Pole Position, while Carlos Sainz was third. Alex Albon was fourth, ahead of Charles Leclerc who had to settle for fifth and will take a penalty into the bargain. George Russell P6 ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Ocon, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli P9 and Max Verstappen just P10.
CHARLES LECLERC TO TAKE FIVE PLACE GRID PENALTY
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will take a five place grid penalty on Sunday for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Leclerc, who leads the Drivers' Championship, will take the penalty for taking one more gearbox than allowed by the FIA regulations for this season.
The double World Champion, who qualified P5 on Saturday, will now start P10.
2027 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
OWA PIA
SAI ALB
RUS BOT
OCO ANT
VER LEC QUAL P5
TSU LAW
HER HAD
ZHO GAS
POU IWA
BEA NOR
COL
PITLANE START - BOR QUAL P16
Gonna take a little break then back for the race!
foggy locust
Well it is time to go racing here at Suzuka. After an eventful rainy Qualifying, it is a shock McLaren Pole for the first Pole of his F1 career for electric rookie Pato O'Ward. But now the real work begins. Round 17 of this 2027 Formula 1 season, 53 laps around this figure of eight 5.807km circuit, one of the real staples of the F1 calendar. Just 1 DRS zone so overtaking will be tricky, but can McLaren - and O'Ward - finish the job and inflict the first defeat of the season upon Ferrari?
Gabriel Bortoleto had a crash in Q2 so he starts from the pitlane, leaving Franco Colapinto alone on the back row. Lando Norris was a shock Q1 exit and begins today P20, with Oliver Bearman P19, just behind Ayumu Iwasa who starts his first home Grand Prix in F1 P18. He has Théo Pourchaire for company in P17, then it's Pierre Gasly a a shock P16 and Zhou Guanyu P15, Isack Hadjar begins P14 and Colton Herta races for the first time around Suzuka, staying from P13. Liam Lawson will start 12th today with Yuki Tsunoda beginning his home race P11, it is a five place penalty for Charles Leclerc who starts P10 alongside Max Verstappen, who will drive for the home team here next season, in P9. Kimi Antonelli starts P8 as Esteban Ocon desperately looks for points in P7, Valtteri Bottas starts P6 alongside George Russell P5, while Alex Albon is just ahead of his teammate and it's a second row start for his former teammate Carlos Sainz as well in P3. Oscar Piastri starts P2 with an opportunity to lower the gap to his teammate Leclerc in the Drivers' Championship, and it is a first career Pole for Pato O'Ward in Formula 1. But can it be a first career win for him?
Let's go racing in Japan!
One light, two, three, four, five
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
O'Ward is slow off the line and Piastri takes the lead of the race at the first corner! Sainz P3, Albon P4, Russell P5, Bottas ahead of Antonelli, Leclerc is up to P8 already ahead of Ocon and Verstappen!!
PIASTRI
(ADA) "DRS enabled, DRS enabled. Point five to O'Ward, he's in range, defend that DRS."
(PIA) "Copy."
Leclerc with a fantastic move down the inside of Antonelli, and Leclerc is up to P7!
OH MY GOD IT IS CHAOS. SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED!!!
RUSSELL AND ALBON COLLIDE!!! RUSSELL WAS GOING FOR THE OVERTAKE, A LOCK-UP LATER AND BOTH WILLIAMS DRIVERS ARE IN THE WALL!!!! DISASTER FOR THE GROVE TEAM IN THEIR FIGHT FOR THIRD IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!
PITSTOPS: Everyone bar Piastri, Leclerc, Lawson, Hadjar and Norris have pit under the Safety Car. It's a Ferrari 1-2 for now. Zhou has a delay!!
(PIA) "It's too late to pit now isn't it?"
(ADA) "Yes, stay out, stay out."
RUSSELL
George Russell will take a grid penalty in Singapore.
(BOZ) "We are keeping track position here, Charles."
(LEC) "Potential of Plan C? Please consider it."
Lap 5, under SC: Piastri, Leclerc, Lawson, Hadjar, Norris, O'Ward, Sainz, Bottas, Ocon, Herta, Verstappen, Iwasa, Antonelli, Gasly, Tsunoda, Bortoleto, Pourchaire, Zhou, Bearman, Colapinto. Albon and Russell out of the race.
With both Williams out of the race, this is a real opportunity for McLaren to gain some serious ground for the fight for third. O'Ward, who started Pole, currently P6, but none of the five ahead have pitted. Gasly P14.
Green flag racing on Lap 6!
This has put Leclerc right in play today akin to Piastri.
(BOZ) "You are free to race with Oscar, but keep it clean. We've already seen a teammate collision elsewhere."
(LEC) "Yeah, copy."
Ferrari's best chances here might rely on building the gap ahead of their first pitstops.
Sainz up ahead of future Red Bull teammate Norris for P5!
Piastri and Leclerc have opened the gap up to Lawson to around 5 seconds.
Sainz, who's looking quick here, will have to negotiate the Alpine as fast as possible.
(LEC) "Tyre degradation is proving heavier than expected. Lot of graining already."
(BOZ) "Understood, do what you can."
Sainz gets past Lawson for P4! He's already eating into those Softs though, is this now a three stopper for the Merc?
Piastri defending the racing line well against Leclerc here, and the real lack of DRS is making this challenging for the Championship leader.
We might be in a situation where staying out has likely benefitted the Ferraris, Lawson, Hadjar and Norris. Remains to be seen though.
Saying that, O'Ward and Bottas have just gotten Hadjar in quick succession.
Leclerc tries to go down the inside of Piastri but Oscar holds Charles off for the lead!
Norris moves up ahead of Lawson, and that tyre difference might be showing now.
(LEC) "Still a lot of graining, rears are dropping off a lot already."
(BOZ) "Yeah, understood, we are monitoring it Charles."
Piastri's tyre advantage starting to show now and he's opened up a 1.8 lead to Leclerc!
Lap 15: Piastri, Leclerc, Sainz, Norris, O'Ward, Bottas, Lawson, Ocon, Verstappen, Herta, Antonelli, Hadjar, Iwasa, Tsunoda, Gasly, Bortoleto, Zhou, Bearman, Pourchaire, Colapinto
Another reliability issue for Colapinto! Looking like another ERS problem.
PITSTOP: Hadjar in, first of the five who didn't pit under the SC to come in, and he's onto the Mediums. He returns in P20.
(BOZ) "And pit confirm this lap, Charles."
(LEC) "Yeah copy, pit confirm."
PITSTOP: Leclerc comes in from P2! Ferrari sticking to the plan, BUT IT IS A DELAY OF 6.281!!! What is happening with the Ferrari pitstops lately?
(LEC) "What happened?"
(BOZ) "Problem with the jack. Sorry about that."
(LEC) "...we really need to fix that jack."
Leclerc up ahead of Antonelli for P9, it doesn't look like the delay has hit him too badly.
PITSTOP: Sainz is in for fresh Softs, he's the first to stop for the second time today!
Leclerc overtakes Herta and is up to P8.
(ADA) "And box, Oscar, box this lap."
(PIA) "Copy, box."
PITSTOPS: Antonelli, Tsunoda and Gasly all in for the second time today. All three get out ahead of Hadjar.
Leclerc just making his way through the pack right now. He's committed to the two stop, having gone Soft-Soft.
PITSTOP: Speaking of which, Piastri is in for the first time today! A delay by the team and it's a 3.498 stop, Ferrari are having a nightmare on pitstops!
(PIA) "What happened there?"
(ADA) "Slow pitstop, sorry. The wheel wouldn't lock."
(PIA) "Come on, guys..."
PITSTOP: Bottas is in for the second time today, and he takes on the Softs.
Piastri returned to the track behind Leclerc. Well, this is fascinating now for the net lead!
We say net lead, but McLaren and Red Bull could potentially two-stop O'Ward and Verstappen, with the one already taken. Game on?
Ocon goes off! A lock-up and he drops to P16. He'll be glad to leave Alpine at this point.
Leclerc moves ahead of Verstappen for P2!
TSUNODA
A good moment for Tsunoda in his home race, he's P13.
plucky acorn
oh i pop in for a second and there's a race happening i better look at what's happened
foggy locust
Leclerc going for the lead and Leclerc goes round O'Ward, who is struggling with his tyres, to take P1 for the first time today!
Piastri is up ahead of Verstappen, but is well back on Leclerc and O'Ward right now. Sainz putting pressure on both, however!
HERTA
foggy locust
oh i pop in for a second and there's a race happening i better look at what's ha...
Been quite eventful thus far
plucky acorn
<:Ferrari:1012448867494678558> <:Alpine:824211922282086430> Leclerc just making ...
yikes...
ferrari strategy never changes huh...
foggy locust
yikes...
ferrari strategy never changes huh...
Hahaha our strategy has been quite good, it is the pitstops that are questionable today
PITSTOP: Bearman in from P8, onto new Softs and drops from P8 to P18.
plucky acorn
hopefully for the second set of stops they sort themselves out
foggy locust
Piastri pressuring O'Ward, and overtakes the man who replaced him at McLaren. McLaren seem to be hanging O'Ward out to dry on those tyres right now!
foggy locust
hopefully for the second set of stops they sort themselves out
Fingers crossed
POURCHAIRE
sterile breach
Hahaha our strategy has been quite good, it is the pitstops that are questionabl...
Pit stop mistakes always happen at the times when the most opportunities happen, it makes me want to fire my entire pit crew when that happens
foggy locust
Lap 28: Leclerc, Piastri, O'Ward, Sainz, Verstappen, Bottas, Norris, Herta, Lawson, Antonelli, Gasly, Iwasa, Tsunoda, Bortoleto, Ocon, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Bearman, Zhou, Colapinto
foggy locust
Pit stop mistakes always happen at the times when the most opportunities happen,...
Right? It's always the worst when it happens and yeah, same, heads gotta roll. We've had a few mistakes lately on stops
PITSTOP: Iwasa in from P13, and he's rejoining P19.
BEARMAN
plucky acorn
no one's able to hold onto the fastest lap for like 2 seconds it seems
foggy locust
PITSTOP: O'Ward comes in and he's onto the Mediums. With 23 laps left, will that be enough to get to the end? He rejoins P9.
foggy locust
no one's able to hold onto the fastest lap for like 2 seconds it seems
Track evolution and a barrage of stops has been very high here
Herta is coming under pressure right now from Norris and Lawson for P6. The American driver is in a good spot though to get his first points of his F1 career.
An interesting point here - Leclerc still HAS to stop. Piastri doesn't. It'd be a hell of a task to get those Softs to Lap 53, though.
PITSTOP: Verstappen in! He's onto Softs, and he rejoins P14. 22 laps on Softs with this high tyre degradation? Good luck, Max.
plucky acorn
ok ig red bull have more of a ferrari strategy-
foggy locust
No wonder Max is leaving for Subaru
Tbf Subaru had a shambles a few weeks ago at Bahrain
foggy locust
(BOZ) "Okay Charles, we need you to push for these laps."
(LEC) "Yeah, I am pushing."
foggy locust
i mean look at mercedes in germany 2019
This is true. That was a horrendously bad race for them.
I miss Hockenheim
plucky acorn
don't we all
foggy locust
plucky acorn
i like how everyone's in a explainable gap and then there's colapinto with a 20 second gap
foggy locust
(BOZ) "Box this lap, Charles, box this lap."
(LEC) "Yeah, copy. Let's hope for better on this one."
foggy locust
i like how everyone's in a explainable gap and then there's colapinto with a 20 ...
He's been awful and his car is dreadful
His ERS is in trouble as well though
PITSTOPS: Antonelli, Norris and Tsunoda all pit, Antonelli P15, Norris P16, Tsunoda P19.
PITSTOP: Leclerc in for Mediums, a necessary change - 2.359, MUCH better by Ferrari this time. He's now P3.
plucky acorn
in the words of former ferrari man kimi raikonnen:
"f***ing finally!"
foggy locust
(ADA) "Okay Oscar, pit confirm and box."
(PIA) "Copy. Box."
PITSTOPS: Sainz in for Softs. Herta and Bortoleto being double stacked, and Pourchaire in as well! Sainz rejoins P4, Herta P12, Bortoleto and Pourchaire P17 and P18.
PITSTOPS: Piastri in for Softs, and a 2.373 stop! Much better from Ferrari for the second time! He rejoins 4.193 behind Leclerc, but on Softs to Leclerc's Medoums! Bottas, Lawson and Gasly all take late Softs, as does Zhou!
plucky acorn
something tells me you gave the pit crew a right proper yell in between those stops
foggy locust
Verstappen having issues with his gearbox! O'Ward overtakes him for P4!
foggy locust
something tells me you gave the pit crew a right proper yell in between those st...
Discussions may have been had, aye
SAINZ
Piastri now 3.1 behind Leclerc - this might come down to whether Piastri can get within the window of Leclerc before the tyre advantage shifts to his teammate.
Bearman struggling with the tyres a bit, but as it stands, the Japanese team are on for a shock double points in their home race.
Although Antonelli has just gotten past Iwasa for P8.
(ADA) "1.5 to Charles, focus. This is a good job here, Oscar."
Piastri has entered striking range of Leclerc with ten laps to go. This should be an intriguing finale between the two Ferrari drivers.
Piastri has DRS, he's going for the lead but Leclerc heads him off here!!
Antonelli ahead of Bearman, who is really struggling with the tyres now.
Piastri has DRS, HE'S GOING DOWN THE INSIDE AND OSCAR PIASTRI LEADS THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX!!!
PITSTOP: Subaru are pitting Bearman with just eight laps left. Gotta question this, as he's now down to P16 and will have no time to recover any points.
PIASTRI
Leclerc is keeping within DRS range of Piastri with seven laps left, and that may be his best chance of winning this race.
Lap 48: Piastri, Leclerc, Sainz, O'Ward, Bottas, Verstappen, Antonelli, Lawson, Iwasa, Gasly, Herta, Tsunoda, Bortoleto, Norris, Ocon, Bearman, Pourchaire, Zhou, Hadjar, Colapinto
WITH FIVE LAPS LEFT, LECLERC GETS DRS AND GOES DOWN THE INSIDE OF PIASTRI TO TAKE THE LEAD OF THE RACE!!
Tsunoda ahead of Herta for P11. Another missed opportunity for the Andretti driver.
Leclerc had opened the gap to Piastri but Piastri gets within DRS and keeps himself in range. The tyre difference has shifted however to Leclerc here.
Gasly up ahead of Iwasa and he's up to P9. A great recovery drive from Gasly today!
PIASTRI RETAKES THE LEAD ON LAP 51!!! The DRS paying off there! This is a thrilling battle between the Australian and the Monegasque!
Two laps to go. Piastri holding firm. Leclerc having a look down the inside, but Piastri keeps the lead.
Leclerc is right on the gearbox of Piastri, he's going for it but Piastri holds on!
LAST LAP
A thrilling battle that's gone all the way to the chequered flag here, Leclerc and Piastri giving it everything for this race win, Piastri holding firm but Leclerc attacking again, Leclerc has a look down the inside, Piastri holds him off, we are rounding the final few corners and into the last Chicane, OSCAR PIASTRI IS GONNA HOLD ON, OSCAR PIASTRI WINS THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX, CHARLES LECLERC P2. THIS WAS A THRILLING BATTLE TO THE LINE!!! THE FIFTH WIN OF THE SEASON FOR OSCAR PIASTRI, WHAT AN INCREDIBLE RACE!!!
(ADA) "And that's the chequered flag, amazing job, Oscar!!! Mega drive, what a smart race. Well done today!"
(PIA) "YESSSSS! Well done everybody, that was probably the most stressful afternoon of my life! That was a brilliant race. Charles pushed me the whole way, that was really fun."
(ADA) "Amazing job. Well deserved today."
(BOZ) "And P2, P2 Charles. Great job, hard luck at the end."
(LEC) "Aaaah! Ah. Good job guys. Congratulations, Oscar. Ah, I really wanted that one, but it was a good job, no complaints. Bar the first stop, we did very well today."
(BOZ) "You did very well today."
Sainz P3! Another podium for him! O'Ward P4, Bottas P5, Verstappen P6, Antonelli P7, Gasly P8, Lawson P9, Iwasa P10.
plucky acorn
(ADA) "And that's the chequered flag, amazing job, Oscar!!! Mega drive, what a s...
great result from piastri there to hold on!
another 1-2 by ferrari, 1000 points is happening surely
foggy locust
2027 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Oscar Piastri 01.24.51
- Charles Leclerc +0.705
- Carlos Sainz +12.750
- Pato O'Ward +20.695
- Valtteri Bottas +2.327
- Max Verstappen +12.613
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +1.589
- Pierre Gasly +1.548
- Liam Lawson +5.242
- Ayumu Iwasa +0.156
- Yuki Tsunoda +4.191
- Oliver Bearman +0.234
- Gabriel Bortoleto +2.557
- Colton Herta +5.172
- Esteban Ocon +1.694
- Lando Norris +2.165
- Théo Pourchaire +7.001
- Zhou Guanyu +8.328
- Isack Hadjar +1 lap
- Franco Colapinto +1 lap
- Alex Albon DNF
- George Russell DNF
plucky acorn
lando wasn't really able to recover from that qualifying huh
foggy locust
DRIVER OF THE DAY: PIERRE GASLY
A very under the radar drive from Pierre Gasly on the day his teammate was getting the early headlines, as he went from a poor Qualifying and P16 to recover to P8, clinching more valuable points for McLaren. Pierre Gasly has taken the vote for DOTD!
Top Five: Gasly, Iwasa, Piastri, Leclerc, Lawson
foggy locust
great result from piastri there to hold on!
another 1-2 by ferrari, 1000 points ...
Yeah he was brilliant today, well deserved win! We need 201 points from four rounds (including a Sprint in Brazil and double points in Vegas.) It's possible
foggy locust
lando wasn't really able to recover from that qualifying huh
Awful weekend for him
plucky acorn
it's been so long since pierre got dotd in real life we had to go back to using encode sans for the graphic
foggy locust
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri 1.25.989
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Pierre Gasly 2.278s
foggy locust
it's been so long since pierre got dotd in real life we had to go back to using ...
Hahaha he's long overdue one. Both him and Russell are in this boat
Russell hasn't had one since he joined Merc
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 435
Piastri 364
Verstappen 228
Norris 168
Russell 153
Sainz 138
O'Ward 114
Gasly 108
Bottas 83
Albon 63
Bearman 14
Antonelli 11
Lawson 8
Tsunoda 7
Iwasa 7
Ocon 0
Herta 0
Bortoleto 0
Hadjar 0
Pourchaire 0
Zhou 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 799
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 396
McLaren-Ford RBPT 222
Williams-Ferrari 216
Mercedes 141
Aston Martin-Honda 90
Subaru-Mercedes 21
Alpine-Renault 8
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Audi Sauber 0
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 1036
Pirelli 857
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION
McLaren 351
Red Bull 281
Andretti 220
Subaru 195
Williams 162
Ferrari 142
Alpine 133
Mercedes 82
Aston Martin 68
Audi Sauber 47
Haas 32
plucky acorn
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
<:Ferrari:10124488674946785...
i don't think the oxfordshire civil war is really helping them in the fight for third is it
foggy locust
i don't think the oxfordshire civil war is really helping them in the fight for ...
It is not, no
foggy locust
DANIEL RICCIARDO TO RETURN TO ANDRETTI ON THREE YEAR DEAL
He's back.
After a year long sabbatical from Formula 1, Daniel Ricciardo will re-join Andretti on a three year deal for the 2028 season.
With Colton Herta Mercedes bound at the end of this season, Andretti have opted for continuity as Daniel Ricciardo will return to Formula 1 with the team, partnering Gabriel Bortoleto for the 2028 season.
Ricciardo has described this as "my final contract in motorsport" and "a homecoming", as he will return to the grid next season.
Andretti opted for Ricciardo over Ayumu Iwasa, who is leaving Subaru at the end of the year. It was said to be "a close decision", but Ricciardo's familiarity with the Andretti car and team is said to be the deciding factor.
Ricciardo last drove for Andretti in 2026, as the team finished Fourth in the Constructors. They are currently ninth, having not scored a point this season.
foggy locust
2027 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
The second part of the Asian triple-header comes to Singapore, and after Oscar Piastri's victory at Suzuka, is there a title fight on? Plus, the fallout from the announcement of Daniel Ricciardo returning to the sport and to Andretti continues, as Ayumu Iwasa and Zhou Guanyu miss out on a seat for 2027.
LAST TIME AROUND
It was a thrilling battle at Suzuka between Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, as Piastri came out on top to take his fifth win of the season and keep his World Championship hopes alive, with the gap now at 71 points with four rounds to go - but with a Sprint weekend in Brazil, and double points in Vegas, the race is still alive. Pato O'Ward took his first Pole Position in Formula 1 but couldn't convert it, while Williams teammates George Russell and Alex Albon had a collision that brought out an early Safety Car.
DANIEL RICCIARDO TO RETURN TO FORMULA 1 WITH ANDRETTI
Daniel Ricciardo's year long sabbatical from Formula 1 is over at the end of this season, as he has rejoined Andretti on a three-year deal. Ricciardo has described this as “his last contract in the sport” and “a homecoming” to an Andretti team that he was very happy with before his sabbatical. With Colton Herta leaving for Mercedes, Andretti felt the only choice was bringing a familiar face back in Ricciardo - passing up the opportunity to sign Ayumu Iwasa from Subaru or Zhou Guanyu from Haas.
THE CIRCUIT
The home of Formula 1's original night race, the Marina Bay Street Circuit features the areas of Kallang (turns 1 to 3) and Downtown Core (turns 4 to 19) in Marina Bay, Singapore. It is frequently described as “the toughest race of the season” due to the high humidity, incredibly little margin for error due to the barriers - meaning a high chance of Safety Cars or Red Flags, and the long run time - most races get close to the 2 hour limit. With all this, these 62 laps of the 4.940km circuit is a brutal gauntlet of a race. There have been memorable moments across the years, including the infamous CrashGate race, where Nelson Piquet Jr crashed purposely to allow Renault teammate Fernando Alonso an advantage. This also may well be the best opportunity for the lower teams to score points due to the lower number of finishers that usually happen around here.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
CAN PIASTRI LAY DOWN THE CHALLENGE TO LECLERC?
The most intriguing battle of the Championship is at the very top - Oscar Piastri has closed the gap to Charles Leclerc to 71 points - and with 142 still to play for, a third straight win for the Australian could give him a chance against his Monegasgue teammate. Leclerc is still very much in the driving seat of this Championship - even if Piastri wins all four remaining races with maximum points (Pole and Fastest Lap), Leclerc would still win the title with P2s across the board. Leclerc's third Championship isn't guaranteed here, but it's likely. Piastri needs help from elsewhere if he wants to challenge for it - or even to keep it alive to Vegas. All he can do though is keep winning.
AS THEY FIGHT FOR THIRD, HOW DO WILLIAMS RECOVER AFTER SUZUKA?
George Russell and Alex Albon showed a united front after their collision cost Williams several points and dropped them to fourth in the Constructors, and Team Principal James Vowles has ruled out any talk of a rift between the two long-time friends. But with Russell serving a grid penalty for being at fault for that collision in Singapore, the team needs to bounce back with a big result. McLaren have a six point advantage to Williams with four rounds remaining, after Pato O'Ward's Pole at Suzuka and P4 finish, with Pierre Gasly finishing P8 in a Driver of the Day performance. Has the momentum swung McLaren's way in the fight for third?
SEVEN SCORELESS DRIVERS SEE THEIR BEST OPPORTUNITY FOR POINTS
Singapore is always a lottery, especially when it comes to the points scorers, and with seven drivers still yet to get off the mark with four rounds remaining - Esteban Ocon of Alpine, plus the Haas, Andretti and Audi Sauber drivers - this may well present their best chance of getting points this season. Avoiding any kinds of incidents is vital for these four teams, as they look to take that step up for valuable Championship points and potentially millions of dollars for the team. Any single point here could be massive towards that total, particularly for Andretti, Audi and Haas, all of whom are on zero points this year.
AFTER A POOR SUZUKA, CAN LANDO NORRIS BOUNCE BACK?
It has been a quietly productive first season with Red Bull for Lando Norris, and he is seen as the team's long term future with Max Verstappen's exit to Subaru at the end of this year. Norris however does trail Verstappen by 60 points in the Drivers’ Championship, and had a terrible weekend at Suzuka - having gone out of qualifying in Q1, and failed to recover to take any points in Japan. Norris could do with a big weekend to prove he can lead Red Bull in Verstappen's absence next season - part of his reasoning for leaving McLaren was a feeling that he wouldn't be prioritised over Piastri - who left for Ferrari anyway. Norris has old friend Carlos Sainz coming in from Mercedes to join him next season, but Sainz is well known for not wanting to be just a number two driver. A big weekend here would be a massive statement for Lando.
COULD WE SEE ANY MORE POLE SHOCKS THIS WEEKEND?
While Ferrari remain strong favourites on race pace, two of the last three weekends have seen them beaten in Qualifying - and Singapore is a race where qualifying is vital. Ayumu Iwasa took a stunning Pole in Bahrain last month, and last weekend it was Pato O'Ward's first career Pole. The two rookies are the only drivers this season outside of Charles Leclerc (who has ten Poles) and Oscar Piastri (who has five) to take Pole Position this season. Can anyone else upset the applecart and grab Pole this season, or will we be right back to the Ferrari 1-2 on the grid?
The season is starting to wind down with just four rounds remaining - it is a late Singapore this season, and one that could change the course of this 2027 Formula 1 season. You will absolutely not want to miss it.
A lot of rain on and off today, expecting more throughout Friday. No reserves for us today
FP1 Reserves: Hirakawa (O'Ward), Vesti (Antonelli), Martins (Lawson), Maloney (Pourchaire), Arnold (Bearman)
Hirakawa, who topped FP1 last time out, and F2 Champion elect Martins - who is likely to clinch it next time out in the final round in Jeddah - are the standouts here.
FP1: HIR LEC PIA
For the second weekend in a row, McLaren junior Ryō Hirakawa has gone fastest in FP1, besting Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri by a tenth and a half. Gasly P4 ahead of Russell and Albon, with Sainz P7, Bottas P8, Herta P9, Tsunoda P10.
FP2: GAS OWA ANT
LEC P7, PIA P8
In a rain soaked FP2, Pierre Gasly was quickest from Pato O'Ward, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli P3. Ayumu Iwasa was 4th ahead of Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda, with Charles Leclerc P7 and Oscar Piastri P8. Colton Herta broke his front wing on the barriers, but ended up P10 behind George Russell.
FP3: GAS SAI PIA
LEC P4
Three for three for McLaren in practice, as Gasly comes quickest, 0.061 ahead of Sainz, with Piastri P3 and Leclerc P4. O'Ward 3 tenths back in 5th, with Tsunoda 6th and Albon in P7. Verstappen and Norris 8th and 9th, Liam Lawson rounds off the top ten.
As the sun sets and the lights come on, we go to a crucial Qualifying. High downforce and absolute precision is required around here, and with McLaren being quickest in practice, Ferrari have work to do. Mercedes have also impressed, this could be a very intriguing evening. Ferrari's Perfect Record this season is very much up for grabs here.
IT IS A EARLY RED FLAG!!!
Oh, Yuki. His nightmare of a season continues as he locks up and hits the barrier! He's apologetic on the radio, but he is okay. He won't take any further part tonight though.
OUT IN Q1: Lawson, Colapinto, Zhou, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Tsunoda (no time)
Bubble: Iwasa
Top Five: VER, SAI, PIA, RUS, GAS
LEC P6
Apart from Tsunoda's Q1 crash, no major shockers in Q1, but two of the three scoreless teams have no drivers into Q2. Lawson also exits alongside the two Haas and two Audis. Verstappen quickest from Sainz, with Piastri P3 and Leclerc P6. Russell and Gasly complete the top five.
OUT IN Q2: Herta, Bearman, Ocon, Russell, O'Ward, Antonelli
Bubble: Bortoleto
Top Five: LEC, PIA, VER, GAS, SAI
Two major talking points in Q2 sees Russell, O'Ward and Antonelli all exit before Q3, and Bortoleto knocking teammate Herta out in Q2! Ocon and Bearman are also out. Leclerc quickest from Piastri, while Verstappen, Gasly and Sainz complete the top five. Iwasa, Bottas, Albon and Norris will also take part in Q3.
Q3: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Albon, Gasly, Verstappen, Bottas, Norris, Bortoleto, Iwasa
Leclerc back on top in qualifying, as he takes his 11th Pole of this season. Piastri will join his teammate on the front row, while Sainz and Albon will start on row two. Gasly 5th ahead of Verstappen and Bottas, with Norris eighth, Bortoleto gets a career high P9 start, and Iwasa begins P10.
The earliest Charles can secure the #1 again for next season is next weekend, but he could take a big step here.
2027 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
LEC PIA
SAI ALB
GAS VER
BOT NOR
BOR IWA
BEA OCO
OWA ANT
LAW HER QUAL P11
RUS QUAL P14 COL
ZHO POU
HAD TSU
HERTA, RUSSELL TAKE GRID PENALTIES
George Russell will serve a three place grid penalty for his collision with Alex Albon at Suzuka, and Colton Herta will serve a five place penalty for a new gearbox.
Well, here we go again. It is a hot and humid evening in Singapore, even in late October, and it is Round 18 of this 2027 Formula 1 season. With just four rounds to go, it is getting into crunch time. This 4.940km circuit on the Marina Bay takes in Kallang and Downtown Core, and at 62 laps, it is one of the longest, and arguably the most gruelling, race of the season. Danger lurks at every one of the 19 turns here in Formula 1's original night race, it won't be an overtaking fest, but expect that Safety Car to come into play at least once or twice. With the longest pitlane on the F1 calendar, expect teams to try the one stop or to go long here.
Yuki Tsunoda crashed out in Q1 and starts at the very back as a result, he has Isack Hadjar for company, while Théo Pourchaire is just one spot ahead of his teammate. Franco Colapinto starts just ahead of Zhou Guanyu, and George Russell takes a three place penalty for crashing into Alex Albon at Suzuka. Colton Herta has a five place penalty for a new gearbox, he drops to P16 behind Liam Lawson in P15. It's 14th for Andrea Kimi Antonelli while Pato O'Ward starts P13, Esteban Ocon is alongside Ollie Bearman on the sixth row. Ayumu Iwasa starts P10 and Gabriel Bortoleto has his best chance of points so far this season in P9, it's P8 for Lando Norris while Valtteri Bottas starts P7. Max Verstappen just P6 on his statistically worst circuit but he has won here before, Pierre Gasly will start from P5. Alex Albon begins from 4th and it is a P3 start for Carlos Sainz, and not for the first time this year, it is a Ferrari front row lockout. Oscar Piastri starts P2 and it is the 11th Pole Position of the season for Charles Leclerc.
Let's go racing in Singapore!
Formation lap done, we are setting up on the grid
One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Leclerc away well, Piastri challenging but Leclerc gets away quickest, Sainz keeps P3, then Albon, Gasly, Verstappen, Bottas, Bortoleto ahead of Norris! Iwasa P10, Bearman up to P11 ahead of Antonelli!
Leclerc and Piastri have broken away well, Piastri is attacking Leclerc here but Charles protects position!
(ADA) "Try to get some LiCo into the tyres"
(PIA) "Yep."
Leclerc defending the position has allowed Sainz back into the equation here! That Mercedes is looking quick!
(BOZ) "Don't lose position, this is a good pace. Monaco 2024."
(LEC) "Yeah, understood completely."
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED
Zhou has slammed into the barrier!!! It is an early Safety Car,and he os out of the race!! Looks like Pourchaire caught him! That's the end of Zhou's race, he's okay!
IT HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO A FULL SAFETY CAR.
PITSTOPS: Lawson, Russell, Herta, Hadjar, Tsunoda and Pourchaire have all pit early after that Safety Car call.
CAR 98 (POURCHAIRE) - CAUSING A COLLISION
That's a slamdunk penalty. Can't argue with that.
PITSTOPS: Every single car bar Leclerc, Piastri and Colapinto are coming in now! Franco Colapinto, on used Softs, currently running P3, behind Leclerc and Piastri!
(LEC) "Are we boxing?"
(BOZ) "No, stay out, likely that will not be the last one of those."
Lap 6, under SC: Leclerc, Piastri, Colapinto, Albon, Sainz, Gasly, Verstappen, Bottas, Bortoleto, Norris, Lawson, Antonelli, Iwasa, Russell, Ocon, O'Ward, Herta, Hadjar, Tsunoda. Bearman, Pourchaire. Zhou out of the race.
There's a long, long way to go, but if this holds or if we get another Safety Car or Red Flag, this could be utterly massive for Colapinto.
We are back underway on Lap 9!!
Leclerc gets away well but Piastri has a look down the inside, Colapinto holding position but those tyres are already starting to fall away and he's going to have a job to keep position!
Sainz retakes P3 from Colapinto, and if that SC does not come, the Mercedes could be in prime position here.
Lap 10: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Colapinto, Albon, Gasly, Verstappen, Bottas, Bortoleto, Norris, Lawson, Antonelli, Iwasa, Russell, Ocon, Herta, Hadjar, Tsunoda, Bearman, Pourchaire. Zhou out of the race
Piastri has another look down the inside of Leclerc, but Leclerc holds position!
Albon goes ahead of Colapinto for P4.
POURCHAIRE WITH A SPIN! He's not had a great start to tonight!
LECLERC
(ADA) "Thoughts on Plan C? Question?"
(PIA) "...doable."
Colapinto badly needs either a Safety Car or Red Flag, as both Gaslt and Verstappen get past him in quick succession.
Important move in the fight for third, as Gasly gets ahead of Albon!!
Not looking good for Colapinto's chances of points now. That Haas' tyres have completely fallen away, he's behind Bottas and Bortoleto.
PITSTOP: The first non Safety Car pitstop, and it is indeed Colapinto, who takes on Mediums - that's almost certainly a two stop.
PIASTRI GOING FOR THE LEAD AT THE FRONT AND OSCAR PIASTRI LEADS HERE IN SINGAPORE!!
(ADA) "Charles 0.7 behind with DRS."
(PIA) "Yep."
Leclerc goes down the inside at turn 1 and regains the lead on Lap 17!
Sainz is very much in play. Closing the gap to the Ferraris, just 2.1 behind now!
Russell, running P12, asking his engineer to check the upshifts.
Piastri takes the lead back from Leclerc! The Ferraris having issues with the tyres and they might need to blink on the pitstops sooner rather than later!!
Sainz is right behind Leclerc and Piastri! Leclerc retakes P1, but that Mercedes is a real problem now!
ANTONELLI AND LAWSON MAKE CONTACT! THERE'S DEBRIS ON THE TRACK, YELLOW FLAGS. No Safety Car.
CAR 12 (ANTONELLI) - CAUSING A COLLISION
(BOZ) "Box this lap, box."
(LEC) "Yeah copy pit confirm. Where will we be after this?"
(BOZ) "We suspect P16."
(LEC) "F---!"
PITSTOP: Leclerc is in! We suspect the Ferrari might be trying a one stopper...and it is another delay. Oh my God. 4.249 stop.
(LEC) "Perfect."
(BOZ) "Sorry about that. On plus side, you are P9, not P16."
Sainz pushes ahead of Piastri and for the first time this race, a non Ferrari leads tonight!
Leclerc moves ahead of Russell for P8!
PITSTOP: Pourchaire in to take his penalty! He rejoins P21.
Piastri has DRS and has the lead back!
PITSTOP: Herta onto the Softs...which is a choice, considering we have more than half the race to go.
DISASTER FOR BORTOLETO. Bearman clips him on an overtake, and that's likely ruined Bortoleto's best chance of points this season!!!
Sainz back in front, and Piastri is struggling a little on those tyres now!
CAR 87 (BEARMAN) - CAUSING A COLLISION
THE SUBARUS MAKE CONTACT! BEARMAN HAS JUST BEEN GIVEN A PENALTY, IS THAT ANOTHER ONE INCOMING?
PITSTOP: Bortoleto pits, and takes on a new front wing. That's completely ruined his chances of points tonight. Such a shame.
PITSTOPS: Tsunoda in, Hadjar in. Tsunoda also taking the Softs...not sure on that choice! Hadjar onto the Mediums, that's likely to the end now.
PITSTOPS: Russell in, Ocon in. Russell takes a delay! Both drivers onto Softs now.
(ADA) "Box Oscar, box this lap."
(PIA) "Yeah, box."
PITSTOP: Piastri in, and a much better 2.415 stop for him. He rejoins P8.
Lap 31: Sainz, Gasly, Verstappen, Norris, Albon, Leclerc, Bottas, Piastri, Iwasa, Bearman , O'Ward, Colapinto, Lawson, Herta, Antonelli, Tsunoda, Russell, Ocon, Bortoleto, Pourchaire, Hadjar
PIASTRI
PITSTOP: Verstappen in and onto the Hards, that's also very much likely to the end.
Norris and Leclerc are ahead of Albon!
Leclerc goes ahead of Norris and is back onto the podium, as it stands!
GAME ON AT THE FRONT. Sainz and Gasly battling for that P1!
PITSTOP: Norris in for the second time. He's onto Mediums to the end.
Piastri moves past Albon to P4!
Leclerc is very much in play again. With the better tyres, he's five seconds behind Sainz and Gasly.
PITSTOP: Bottas in! He's onto Mediums, as Iwasa as also comes in for Mediums.
Leclerc with a lovely move on Gasly, and he's up to P2!
(BOZ) "And fantastic job Charles."
(LEC) "Thank you, Bryan."
PITSTOPS: Gasly in, Albon in. Gasly onto Mediums, as is Albon. Work to do now to catch the front runners. Bearman comes in to take his penalty for the collision with Bortoleto.
LECLERC TAKES THE LEAD AGAIN! Piastri now up to P3 and chasing Sainz!
Piastri gets past Sainz, and Ferrari once again have the 1-2! I think Mercedes have left Sainz out far too long here.
PITSTOP: Sainz pits on Lap 41! Is he going to have enough time to overcome the gap to the two Ferraris, as well as Verstappen, Norris and Gasly?
Sainz has 30 seconds to make up. This is a big, big ask now.
We resume the regularly scheduled Ferrari battle for the lead, as Piastri, on the Mediums, overtakes Leclerc on the Hards!