PITSTOP: Another pitstop for Pourchaire. Been one to forget for him today. He takes Mediums on.
#Essere Ferrari II
foggy locust
PITSTOP: Herta in again, taking on Mediums. Andretti again coming under questions for their strategy here.
Gasly putting Norris under pressure for P4 here. Norris defending well against the man who replaced him at the Papaya.
It has to be said, if Ferrari win this, it'll be because they've made the one-stop work. Lap 47 of 62, this seems very possible for them. Verstappen still 17 seconds behind and not gaining quickly enough to challenge.
PITSTOP: Russell stops and that's a very slow stop for the Williams! That's mot going to help them on a day where they're losing a lot of ground to McLaren!
PITSTOP: Tsunoda in from P7 - it has to be said, he's performed well today. Lawson also pits for Softs.
SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED!!!
A heartbreaking end to the evening for Bortoleto, who spins off and hits the barrier. His race is over. Safety Car deployed.
(BOZ) "Safety Car, box immediately, box immediately."
(LEC) "Are they okay?"
(BOZ) "Bortoleto is okay. Box."
(ADA) "Bortoleto in the barrier, he's okay. Box immediately please."
(PIA) "Glad he's okay. Box."
PITSTOPS: Bottas, Antonelli, Bearman, Leclerc, Piastri, Hadjar, Colapinto all pit. Norris in. Gasly in. Verstappen takes the lead from Leclerc and Piastri!
Lap 50, under SC: Verstappen, Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Norris, Gasly, Albon, O'Ward, Iwasa, Bottas, Herta, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Russell. Ocon, Lawson, Bearman, Hadjar, Colapinto, Pourchaire. Bortoleto and Zhou out of the race
Intriguing tyre situations here
LAPPED CARS MAY NOW OVERTAKE
You can probably rule Hadjar, Colapinto and Pourchaire out of the points, as they've been lapped. Will the Safety Car wait for them to catch up? Probably not.
WE ARE RACING WITH 9 LAPS TO GO
Verstappen is defending with all he's got, but Leclerc gets round him and retakes the lead of this race!
LECLERC
Leclerc has cleared Verstappen and is now off into the distance.
Russell into the garage! His gearbox has gone, and he is out of the race!!!
Piastri gets ahead of Verstappen, but now has a 4 second gap to Leclerc to overcome!
BUT SCRATCH THAT WE HAVE ANOTHER SAFETY CAR
COLAPINTO IS IN THE WALL. IT IS ANOTHER SAFETY CAR. UNBELIEVABLE STUFF.
This race might end under this Safety Car. It is lap 56 here, seven laps to go. If we get any racing laps, it won't be many.
Hadjar and Pourchaire now have a chance. They've caught up to the back of the pack.
Lap 58, under SC: Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Sainz, Norris, Gasly, O'Ward, Albon, Bottas, Iwasa, Herta, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Lawson, Ocon, Bearman, Hadjar, Pourchaire. Colapinto, Russell, Bortoleto and Zhou out of the race.
GREEN FLAG ON LAP 60. THREE RACING LAPS REMAIN
Leclerc has gotten away well but Piastri is keeping him in check now, Iwasa is very vulnerable in P10, Verstappen stays P3, Sainz P4, Norris P5, Gasly, O'Ward, Bottas, Iwasa under pressure from Herta and Tsunoda!
Just two laps remain now. Now or never for those seeking points
Leclerc fends off Piastri's attempt to take position!
PIASTRI DOWN THE INSIDE OF LECLERC AND PIASTRI MIGHT STEAL THIS WIN ON THE FINAL LAP!!!
LECLERC IS STILL ON THE ATTACK HERE, THROWING IT ALL AT PIASTRI, LECLERC OVERTAKES PIASTRI GOING INTO THE FINAL CORNER!!! OH MY GOD!!!!
WITH THAT STUNNING MOVE, CHARLES LECLERC HAS WON THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX IN THE FINAL MOMENTS!!! WHAT AN ENDING HERE!
VERSTAPPEN P3, SAINZ P4, NORRIS P5, GASLY P6, O'WARD P7, BOTTAS P8, ALBON P9, COLTON HERTA IS GOING DOWN THE INSIDE OF AYUMU IWASA, COLTON HERTA HAS HIS FIRST FORMULA 1 POINTS!!!! AN INCREDIBLE ENDING TO THIS RACE!!!
(BOZ) "AND P1, P1. INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE JOB AT THE END. AMAZING."
(LEC) "YESSSSSSS! YES YES YES!!!! AHHHH YESSSS!!! Ahhhhh, let's goooo! We had to fight for that all evening. That one means a lot, it means a lot."
(BOZ) "Amazing job, today."
(ADA) "And P2 Oscar. You gave it everything, you should be very proud."
(PIA) "Ahhhh, damn. Damn, damn, damn. Don't think there's much more I could've done, got caught out at the end. Great job today, congrats to Charles. Great effort."
(ADA) "You've done very well."
2027 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Charles Leclerc 01.49.31
- Oscar Piastri +0.145
- Max Verstappen +8.246
Carlos Sainz +0.724- Lando Norris +1.255
- Pierre Gasly +0.304
- Pato O'Ward +0.333
Valtteri Bottas +2.238- Alex Albon +0.432
- Colton Herta +3.885
Ayumu Iwasa +0.390- Yuki Tsunoda +0.281
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +0.423
Liam Lawson +0.501- Oliver Bearman +0.200
- Théo Pourchaire +0.498
- Esteban Ocon +0.838
- Isack Hadjar +0.789
- Franco Colapinto DNF
- George Russell DNF
- Gabriel Bortoleto DNF
- Zhou Guanyu DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: COLTON HERTA
A long, long time coming for Colton Herta, after several near misses, as a brilliant drive got him up six places and claimed his first Formula 1 points. The American Driver is on the board, and Colton Herta is your Driver of the Day!
Top Five: Herta, Sainz, Tsunoda, Leclerc, O'Ward
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Charles Leclerc 1.28.832
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Lando Norris 2.210s
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 462
Piastri 382
Verstappen 243
Norris 178
Russell 153
Sainz 142
O'Ward 120
Gasly 116
Bottas 87
Albon 65
Bearman 14
Antonelli 11
Lawson 8
Tsunoda 7
Iwasa 7
Herta 1
Ocon 0
Bortoleto 0
Hadjar 0
Pourchaire 0
Zhou 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 844 
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 421 
McLaren-Ford RBPT 236
Williams-Ferrari 218
Mercedes 153
Aston Martin-Honda 94
Subaru-Mercedes 21
Alpine-Renault 8
Andretti-Ferrari 1
Audi Sauber 0
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 1084
Pirelli 912
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION
McLaren 355
Red Bull 310
Andretti 247
Subaru 195
Williams 170
Ferrari 160
Alpine 143
Mercedes 84
Aston Martin 74
Audi Sauber 48
Haas 32
RICCIARDO ADAMI TO LEAVE FERRARI TO JOIN RED BULL
Ricciardo Adami has signed a three year deal to move from Ferrari to Red Bull for next season, and is likely to reunite with Carlos Sainz at Red Bull Racing.
Adami will join the Red Bull team from next season onwards, leaving the Ferrari role he has held since 2015.
Adami has worked with Sebastian Vettel, Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri at Ferrari.
Ferrari are set to announce Adami's replacement, who will work with Oscar Piastri for the 2028 season, in due course.
foggy locust
DORIANE PIN COMPLETES MOVE TO FERRARI, PIN AND PULLING TO DRIVE FP1 IN JEDDAH
In a stunning piece of news, Mercedes have allowed Doriane Pin to make the move to Ferrari.
Pin was in talks with Ferrari for weeks about a move to the Scuderia's Ferrari Driver Academy, and now the move has been confirmed a few weeks earlier than planned.
The agreement has been made so that Pin can fulfill an FP1 session with Ferrari THIS season.
In a moment of history, Pin will join current Ferrari affiliate Abbi Pulling in the car for FP1 in Saudi Arabia. Pulling will drive Charles Leclerc's car, while Pin will take over for Oscar Piastri.
This is expected to be Ferrari's last reserve FP1 appearances of this season.
foggy locust
SAUDI ARABIA GRAND PRIX 2027
WEEKEND PREVIEW
With just three rounds of the 2027 Formula 1 season to go, the final part of the Asian Triple Header could see Charles Leclerc clinch his third World Championship - if he outscores Oscar Piastri by just eight points this weekend. Can Leclerc take the title in Jeddah? Plus, the F2 Championship concludes, and the Williams-McLaren battle continues.
LAST TIME AROUND
Singapore was as eventful as always, with three appearances of the Safety Car, as Gabriel Bortoleto tagged Zhou Guanyu into the barrier, crashed himself, then Franco Colapinto found the barrier late. Despite Carlos Sainz leading for parts of the race and Max Verstappen taking the lead quite late, it ended up being a battle between Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, with Leclerc overtaking Piastri around the final corners to take his thirteenth win of the season. Verstappen took P3, with Sainz fourth. Colton Herta took his first points in Formula 1 in 10th place.
THE CIRCUIT
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is a 6.174km circuit situated in the Red Sea port of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Described as “the fastest street circuit in Formula 1”, it is the third longest lap of the season, after Spa-Francorchamps and the Las Vegas Street Circuit, where we go in a few weeks for the finale. It made its debut late in 2021 as the penultimate race of the season, and then switched to early in the calendar from 2022 to 2026. Saudi Arabia now moves back to late in the calendar, as the third last round of the season. Three consecutive DRS Zones means a lot of overtaking around these streets, while the long straights and medium speed corners will test the mettle of the Drivers - as will those barriers.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
CAN LECLERC CLINCH THE CHAMPIONSHIP ON SUNDAY?
This makes the first official chance this season for Charles Leclerc to clinch the World Championship. With an 80 point advantage over Oscar Piastri, and 115 to play for, Leclerc can take the title with a win and Piastri failing to take P2, or finishing eight points ahead of him. With 13 wins to Piastri's five, the double World Champion comfortably has the tiebreaker - and would become a treble World Champion by outscoring Piastri by eight. However Piastri won't go down without a fight, and took the race at Singapore all the way to the final corners. Ferrari once again remain strong favourites for that 1-2 - and that would take the title fight to Brazil.
FRUSTRATIONS FOR RUSSELL AT WILLIAMS - NOW WHAT?
George Russell has had a difficult couple of races, as he's failed to finish in both races of this triple header so far. A collision with Alex Albon, caused by Russell, took both Williams drivers out of the race at Suzuka, which landed Russell a grid penalty at Singapore. Combined with a poor qualifying, Russell started P17, then had gearbox issues that left him nowhere - and retiring later in the race. Williams have lost ground in the fight for third, dropping behind McLaren by 18 points, and Russell has been said to be frustrated at his, and the team's, latest form. While denying comments of a rift with teammate Albon, Russell conceded that things do need to improve in Jeddah to take the fight to McLaren.
CAN HERTA SPRINGBOARD AFTER POINTS IN SINGAPORE?
Colton Herta was seen by many as a surprise choice to replace the outgoing Carlos Sainz at Mercedes, having struggled to find his feet in a difficult Andretti car that in no way lived up to last year's car. Herta however has improved massively throughout the season, even with difficulties with the car, and has been said to outperform the car - some mistakes and near misses on points haven't helped. The American driver however got a much needed point for P10 with a brilliant late move on Subaru's Ayumu Iwasa. As he prepares to move to the Silver Arrows for the 2028 season, can Herta Springboard from here and prove why he's been signed by Mercedes?
CAN RED BULL FIX THEIR STRATEGY ISSUES?
Max Verstappen led the race towards the end in Singapore, but the RB23 was no match for the SF-27 after the Safety Car ended, especially on the lower tyres. Red Bull have been having issues with their strategy all season, and Verstappen was said to have wanted to pit for Softs to give himself a chance against Leclerc and Piastri at the end, but was denied by the team. Verstappen has been critical of numerous errors Red Bull have made in the strategy department this season, and as the three time Champion makes his exit from Red Bull at the end of the season, moving to Subaru - he is desperate for one more win with the team before leaving. If Red Bull are to challenge for that, they need to get their strategy department in order.
SIX DRIVERS REMAIN SCORELESS - CAN ANY OF THEM CHANGE THAT THIS WEEKEND?
Six drivers remain without points this season, three of them being the rookies of Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto. Colapinto's teammate Zhou Guanyu and Hadjar's teammate Théo Pourchaire, as well as Colapinto's future Haas teammate Esteban Ocon, are the other scoreless drivers. Ocon has been closest with numerous reliability issues with that infamous Renault engine, which has contributed to his exit from the team to Haas - along with a fractious relationship with Flavio Briatore. Colapinto was in the points early at Singapore before his tyres fell away, while Bortoleto looked on for points before a collision with Subaru's Oliver Bearman ended those hopes - and both Colapinto and Bortoleto crashed and retired from the race. Audi meanwhile have been nowhere, and are set to announce a new Team Principal at the end of this season, as they look to rebound from an awful Mattia Binotto era. Can any of these six drivers score points in Saudi Arabia? It'll be tricky, but Colton Herta got on the board in Singapore, so it is possible.
BONUS - F2 CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE DECIDED IN FINAL WEEKEND
Prema’s Victor Martins looks set to secure the F2 Championship this weekend, as the runaway leader needs just a single point from the entire weekend to secure the F2 Championship, joining such recent Champions as Isack Hadjar, Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto, and past Champions such as Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, George Russell and Théo Pourchaire - all seven of whom are on the grid. There's no seat waiting this season, but could Martins be in line for a future seat within Formula 1? He might be a name to watch in the 2028 Silly Season.
So we head to Jeddah knowing one World Championship will be decided - the F2 title. Could the F1 World Drivers Championship be decided this weekend too? One thing's for sure. You won't want to miss it.
FP1 Reserves: Pulling (Leclerc), Pin (Piastri), Hirakawa (Gasly), Browning (Albon), O'Sullivan (Russell), P. Fittipaldi (Zhou), Chambers (Colapinto), Maloney (Hadjar), Arnold (Bearman)
#73 for Pulling, #89 for Pin
FP1: VER LAW NOR
PIN P5, PUL P7
Verstappen quickest in FP1 ahead of former teammate Lawson and current teammate Norris. An impressive first FP1 for Pin with Ferrari in P5, and Pulling also impressed in P7. Sainz P4 with O'Sullivan also doing well in P6, and Arnold in P8. Tsunoda and O'Ward complete the top ten.
FP2: NOR SAI ANT
LEC P4, PIA P6
Lando Norris quickest in FP2, ahead of Sainz and Antonelli. Leclerc P4 and Piastri P6, split by Bortoleto, while O'Ward was P7, ahead of Iwasa, Albon and Russell. Verstappen outside the top ten in P11.
FP3: SAI VER PIA
LEC P4
Sainz quickest in Saturday's early practice ahead of Qualifying. Verstappen takes P2 ahead of Piastri in P3, while Leclerc was P4. Tsunoda 5th ahead of the Alpines of Ocon and Lawson, with Norris P8, Russell P9 and Bearman P10.
It is time for Qualifying here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and with yellow and red flags quite common around here, timing the lap to perfection will be crucial. We're on the coast of the Red Sea for tonight's Qualifying here in Jeddah as the season hots up. Mercedes and Red Bull topped the practices, Ferrari will remain a constant threat for Pole. Who will take it?
OUT IN Q1: Colapinto, O'Ward, Zhou, Hadjar, Pourchaire, Antonelli
Bubble: Lawson
Top Five: PIA, SAI, VER, GAS, LEC
O'Ward and Antonelli the biggest casualties of Q1, as Russell put together a late S3 to get out of the bottom six. Both Haas and both Audis also exit, as Piastri goes quickest ahead of Sainz, Verstappen, Gasly and Leclerc.
OUT IN Q2: Bortoleto, Tsunoda, Lawson, Ocon, Russell, Iwasa
Bubble: Gasly
Top Five: PIA, LEC, SAI, VER, BEA
Gasly just makes it to Q3 as Russell makes out, while late laps for Bortoleto, Tsunoda and Lawson weren't enough to get Q3, as Ocon also exits. Piastri quickest from Leclerc, with Sainz P3, ahead of future teammates Verstappen and Bearman.
Piastri 
, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Gasly, Albon, Sainz, Bottas, Bearman, Herta
Piastri takes Pole on the night, but will take a gearbox penalty, meaning Leclerc inherits Pole from his teammate! Verstappen P3 ahead of Norris, with Gasly ahead of Albon in that crucial Constructors battle. Sainz takes P7 ahead of Bottas, with Bearman P9 and Herta P10.
2027 SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
LEC VER
NOR GAS
ALB PIA QUAL P1
SAI BOT
BEA HER
TSU LAW
OCO RUS
IWA BOR QUAL P11
COL OWA
POU ANT
ZHO QUAL P19 HAD QUAL P20
Piastri, Bortoleto, Zhou and Hadjar all take five place grid penalties for a new gearbox.
Gonna have a nap, back later for race!
foggy locust
I'm gonna wait till after dinner now
foggy locust
It is time to go racing here at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, and with just three rounds remaining of this 2027 Formula 1 season, on the day we saw the F2 Champion crowned will this be the night we see the F1 Champion of the World crowned? 50 laps of this 6.174km circuit will tell us, it's the third longest lap of the season after Belgium and Las Vegas, plenty of danger with those barriers, but also one of the kindest on tyres. The one stop is likely around here.
Isack Hadjar and Zhou Guanyu both take penalties and drop to the very back of the grid. Andrea Kimi Antonelli will start on row ten with Théo Pourchaire, a problem with qualifying for Pato O'Ward sees the McLaren starts P18 with Franco Colapinto P17. Gabriel Bortoleto also has a five place penalty so he's alongside Ayumu Iwasa on row eight, while George Russell begins P14 and Esteban Ocon is P13. Liam Lawson will start P12 while Yuki Tsunoda is desperate for points and starts just outside them. Colton Herta got his first F1 points last time and he starts where he finished in Singapore, P10, alongside Ollie Bearman on row five, Bearman has some history around this circuit of course. Valtteri Bottas and Carlos Sainz line up on row four, Oscar Piastri won Qualifying but has some work to do with a five place penalty for taking a new gearbox, so he's beside Alex Albon. The McLaren-Williams battle sees Pierre Gasly start highest of the four in P4, then it's Lando Norris beside him, and an old familiar front row. Max Verstappen starts from second, and it's an inherited Pole for Charles Leclerc. Leclerc and Verstappen had a famous battle here in 2022, will we see more of the same tonight? And if it finishes as it starts - Leclerc is Champion tonight. Work for Piastri to do.
Shall we race?
Leclerc M/S, Piastri S/M
Formation lap concludes here in Saudi Arabia, one light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Leclerc away well, Verstappen challenging but Leclerc holds firm, Norris P3, Albon P4, Gasly P5, SAINZ AHEAD OF PIASTRI. That's not good for Oscar's title challenge! Bottas P8, Herta and Tsunoda up into the points!!
Subaru made the very, very late call for Bearman to start from the pitlane. He's up to P21, ahead of Zhou.
Verstappen keeping Leclerc honest here, Leclerc still leads but the three time Champion is challenging the man who could equal his title number tonight.
Piastri gets a DRS move done on Albon...THERE'S CONTACT! PIASTRI'S REAR WING IS HIT BY ALBON!!!
(PIA) "Unbelievable. What was he doing?"
(ADA) "Copy, we are on it."
ALREADY A BUSY NIGHT FOR THE STEWARDS AS COLAPINTO AND BORTOLETO MAKE CONTACT!!!
Albon locks up and goes off into the gravel, and it is looking like a disaster of an evening for Williams now!
CAR 81 (PIASTRI) - CAUSING A COLLISION
(ADA) "And we have a five second penalty for that incident with Albon"
(PIA) "...another great FIA stewarding moment"
Piastri's back is very much against the wall now, and it looks like Charles Leclerc may well be Champion this evening, regardless of his battle with Verstappen!
(BOZ) "Just to update you, Oscar has a five second penalty. Collision with Albon."
(LEC) "Are they both okay?"
(BOZ) "They are OK. Albon had a lock-up, currently running P22, Oscar currently P6."
(PIA) "I have so much damage with the tyres."
(ADA) "Understood, box now and take the penalty"
PITSTOP: Piastri takes his penalty and takes on new Hard tyres. Could he go to the end on those?
GASLY HITS THE BARRIER! He continues on but his tyres are struggling!
(ADA) "Let's get these tyres warmed up quickly. Let's go hunting."
PITSTOP: Gasly in as well and he takes on a new front wing as well as Mediums! He's commiting to the two stop!
In the Williams-McLaren battle, it's only Russell, who's P10, who is scoring points tonight at the moment.
Piastri has gained one back - he's up to P20, ironically enough ahead of Albon!
Verstappen takes the lead from Leclerc, and now Carlos Sainz is in the equation as well!!!
Piastri's recovery efforts continue as he moves past Franco Colapinto for P19!
COLTON HERTA IS P4. A lovely move on Norris for position!
Piastri moves ahead of Bearman and up to P18. A lot of work still to do though for the Australian.
Lap 10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Sainz, Herta, Norris, Lawson, Tsunoda, Russell, Bottas, Ocon, O'Ward, Iwasa, Antonelli, Bortoleto, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Zhou, Piastri, Bearman, Gasly, Colapinto, Albon
Leclerc down the inside of Verstappen, and it is very much shades of 2022 here!
Tsunoda moves ahead of Lawson for position. Could this be a big day for him?
(ADA) "Oscar you can push here."
(PIA) "Copy."
Verstappen retakes position, and now Leclerc has Sainz to deal with as well!
(PIA) "Gasly didn't give me anywhere to go there."
(ADA) "Yeah, we saw that."
PITSTOP: Albon in from P21, and unsurprisingly now P22. He's struggling a lot with damage!
(LEC) "Carlos pushed me wide. Come on..."
(BOZ) "We saw that, we are on it."
OCON AND BOTTAS MAKE CONTACT!!! Seems like Bottas came off slightly worse. As Ocon remains P9, Bottas down to P10.
That situation between Ocon and Bottas has been noted by the stewards, they're looking into it.
Sainz takes the lead off Verstappen!!! Leclerc also has DRS and goes down the inside of the Dutchman. The two car race has become a three car race!
PITSTOP: O'Ward pits for the Mediums. That seems early for him to the end, feels like a two stopper.
Leclerc and Sainz now battling for the win here. Two former teammates have shaken Verstappen, on a day it looks like Leclerc will equal Verstappen on three titles.
Piastri, to his credit, is still fighting for this, but he's struggling a lot on the Hards. He gets ahead of Gasly.
PITSTOP: Colapinto in for Softs! An early stop, that's almost certainly a two stopper...AND A MASSIVE DELAY TO BOOT.
Verstappen back in range of Leclerc and Sainz at the front.
PITSTOP: Herta in for Mediums - can he get those to the end here?
No further action for Ocon or Bottas, the stewards have decided, for their earlier collision. Deemed a racing incident. Bottas currently P9, Ocon P11.
PITSTOP: Iwasa in for a second set of Softs, Subaru are committed to the two stopper here.
Piastri's recovery attempts continue as he goes past Pourchaire for P17. Still a long way back.
PITSTOP: Russell in, and another two stop commitment, as he takes the Softs.
Bottas talking about power issues here! Something to keep an eye on.
Leclerc has opened the gap a little to Sainz.
PITSTOP: Verstappen is going for the undercut on Leclerc and Sainz! He's in for Mediums!
(BOZ) "Verstappen just in, we are sticking to Plan A here."
(LEC) "Yeah, I'm okay with this. Where is Oscar right now?"
(BOZ) "P16"
PITSTOP: Sainz is in a lap later! This is an answer to Verstappen, and the Red Bull goes ahead of the Mercedes!
Lap 21: Leclerc, Norris, Tsunoda, Verstappen, Sainz, Herta, Bottas, Russell, Ocon, Lawson, Antonelli, Iwasa, Piastri, Bortoleto, Bearman, O'Ward, Gasly, Hadjar, Albon, Zhou, Pourchaire, Colapinto
Still to pit: Leclerc, Norris, Tsunoda, Bottas, Bortoleto, Bearman
PITSTOPS: Norris and Tsunoda are both in for the Mediums! That's two more off the list!
(LEC) "Rears are dropping a little bit, but otherwise still holding up okay."
(BOZ) "Okay, understood. Stick with Plan A."
VERSTAPPEN
(ADA) "Box, and box."
(PIA) "Yeah, and box."
PITSTOPS: 2.489 for Piastri! He takes on Mediums to the end now. Gasly in, and Gasly, surprisingly, has gone for the Hards.
(BOZ) "Box Charles, box now."
(LEC) "Box."
PITSTOP: Leclerc in from the lead! 2.603 stop, and he is onto the Softs, rejoining P3.
Verstappen and Sainz up front fighting for the race lead, while Leclerc is about 8.3 back.
Lap 32: Sainz, Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Russell, Herta, Tsunoda, Lasson, Ocon, Iwasa, Antonelli, O'Ward, Albon, Hadjar, Piastri, Zhou, Bottas, Bortoleto, Bearman, Pourchaire, Gasly, Colapinto
(LEC) "Having some issues with the ERS."
(BOZ) "Copy, don't risk it, manage the car best you can. We are winning the Championship as it stands, just see it out."
Leclerc's ERS is playing up, and with Piastri in P15, what an opportunity this is for Verstappen and Sainz to take the first non Ferrari win of the season!!!
PITSTOPS: Some late stops here - Herta, Iwasa and Antonelli, all fulfilling the required two stopper. Herta onto the Hards, Mediums for Iwasa and Antonelli.
OH MY GOD IT IS A RED FLAG!!!!
OH MY GOD. WHILE LAPPING THE HAAS DRIVER, COLAPINTO CLIPS LECLERC INTO THE BARRIER!!!! THE TITLE WILL NOT BE DECIDED TONIGHT!!!
(LEC) "WHAT THE F---?"
(BOZ) "Are you okay, Charles?"
(LEC) "Yeah, I am okay. F---! Franco, what were you doing?"
That's Charles Leclerc's first DNF since Saudi Arabia...2024. While it might not change the course of the Championship, it will not be decided tonight, regardless of what Piastri does in this race.
Restart order on Lap 36: Sainz, Verstappen, Norris, Russell, Tsunoda, Lawson, Ocon, Herta, O'Ward, Iwasa, Antonelli, Albon, Piastri, Zhou, Bearman, Bottas, Gasly, Bortoleto, Pourchaire, Hadjar. Leclerc and Colapinto out of the race.
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO ON THE RESTART
Sainz gets away well, Norris ahead of Verstappen, Tsunoda ahead of Eussell, then Lawson, Ocon, Herta, O'Ward and Iwasa. Piastri ahead of Albon!
Bottas and Hadjar make contact!!
Piastri with a fantastic move to overtake Antonelli!
OH MY GOD A SECOND RED FLAG!!!
ALBON LOCKS UP AND HITS THE WALL!!! HIS RACE IS OVER! He's okay, but the Red Flags are out again!
Restart order on Lap 40: Sainz, Norris, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Russell, Ocon, Lawson, Herta, O'Ward, Iwasa, Piastri, Antonelli, Bearman, Zhou, Gasly, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Bottas, Bortoleto. Albon, Leclerc and Colapinto out of the race.
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO A THIRD TIME
Sainz holds off Norris and Verstappen, Russell up to P4, Tsunoda P5, Lawson, Ocon, O'Ward, Herta, Iwasa, Bearman ahead of Piastri who's shockingly dropped to P12!
Future Red Bull teammates are battling for the win here!! Sainz and Norris very much in play now! Norris taker the lead with ten laps remaining!!
(ADA) "And push, Oscar. You can catch him."
A THIRD RED FLAG IN AS MANY LAPS. OH MY GOD WHAT IS HAPPENING.
Demolition Derby. Tsunoda goes off, and comes back onto the track, colliding straight into Lawson!!! That was a nasty one, and just what Tsunoda, and for that matter Lawson, did not need!!!
Thankfully after a moment, Tsunoda and Lawson both confirm they are okay. Tsunoda's confidence may be absolutely destroyed with that, though. He was on for very, very good points.
Restart order on Lap 43: Norris, Sainz, Verstappen, Russell, Ocon, O'Ward, Herta, Iwasa, Bearman, Piastri, Gasly, Zhou, Antonelli, Hadjar, Pourchaire, Bortoleto, Bottas. Lawson, Tsunoda, Albon, Leclerc and Colapinto out of the race.
For the fourth time today, it is lights out and away we go!
Norris keeps the lead, Verstappen up to P2, then Sainz, Russell, Ocon, Herta now P6, O'Ward, Iwasa, Bearman and Piastri into the top ten.
Bottas' gearbox has gone, and he pulls into the pitlane to retire on Lap 44. We now have 16 runners.
Verstappen takes the lead off Norris!! Norris however takes it back!
Ocon up to P4 ahead of Russell!!!
Sainz is going for P2 from Verstappen! Now a three car race for this win!
Piastri attacking Bearman for P9, and Piastri now up to P9!
SAINZ LEADS THE SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX WITH FIVE LAPS REMAINING!
Sainz has opened the gap to Norris and Verstappen! Verstappen takes P2 off his teammate!
(PIA) "That'd been a crash if I hadn't avoided him there."
Piastri believes Bearman pushed him wide, and he falls to P11, outside of the points!!!
Piastri back up to P10 here, ahead of Antonelli. Struggling with the suspension and floor at this point.
Sainz has opened up the gap to Norris to 2.6, and that might be that for the Red Bulls for this win!
Bearman gets Ocon for P8!
OH MY GOD ANOTHER RED FLAG. ANOTHER ONE.
sterile breach
OH MY GOD ANOTHER RED FLAG. ANOTHER ONE.
Typical Jeddah stuff
I once had 4 red flags and 12 DNFs, 8 of which at once
foggy locust
Zhou locks up, and he takes out Gasly and Piastri!!!! CARNAGE. Neither Ferrari will finish today. Neither Haas will finish today. Madness.
(ADA) "Are you okay, Oscar?"
(PIA) "F---!...Yeah, I'm okay. Damn it. Zhou locked up, I stood no chance."
foggy locust
I once had 4 red flags and 12 DNFs, 8 of which at once
Oh my God
Restart order, Lap 47, under Red Flag: Sainz, Norris, Verstappen, Ocon, Russell, O'Ward, Herta, Bearman, Iwasa, Antonelli, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Bortoleto. Piastri, Gasly, Zhou, Bottas, Lawson, Tsunoda, Albon, Leclerc and Colapinto out of the race
Scratch that, Norris takes the lead from Sainz!! Verstappen P3, Russell ahead of Ocon, then Herta, O'Ward, Iwasa, Bearman, Pourchaire into the points! Antonelli, Hadjar and Bortoleto challenging here.
Antonelli reclaims P10 from Bortoleto!
And Hadjar moves up to P10! He could be on for his first F1 point!
Two laps to go!
SAINZ
Herta up to P4!!! He could get his career best result so far here!
COLTON HERTA P3!! COULD HE TAKE A PODIUM?
LAST LAP
SAINZ STEALS THE LEAD FROM NORRIS!!!! NORRIS MIGHT LOSE OUT ON THIS WIN AFTER ALL!
NORRIS IS GOING FOR IT AGAIN AND HE'S UP TO P1 ONCE MORE!!!
Herta falls back behind Verstappen, then Ocon!!!
SAINZ IS ALL OVER THE BACK OF NORRIS HERE
RUSSELL IS IN THE WALL!!!! OH MY GOD, THE DRAMA CONTINUES ON THE FINAL LAP!!!
OCON OVERTAKES VERSTAPPEN AND IS UP TO P3!!!
LANDO NORRIS IS GOING TO HOLD ON, LANDO HAS LANDED!!! LANDO NORRIS WINS THE SAUDI ARABIA GRAND PRIX!!! VERSTAPPEN OVERTAKES OCON INTO THE FINAL CORNER!, AND STEALS THE PODIUM!!! HERTA P5, BEARMAN P6, O'WARD P7, IWASA P8, POURCHAIRE P9, HADJAR P10. BOTH AUDIS GET POINTS AT THE END, BUT IT IS A FIRST RED BULL WIN FOR LANDO NORRIS. WHAT. A. RACE.
2027 SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Lando Norris 01.09.31
- Carlos Sainz +0.113
- Max Verstappen +4.966
- Esteban Ocon +0.139
- Colton Herta +0.141
- Oliver Bearman +4.110
- Pato O'Ward +0.366
- Ayumu Iwasa +0.221
- Théo Pourchaire +9.182
- Isack Hadjar +0.324
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +1.790
- Gabriel Bortoleto +0.376
- George Russell DNF (+1 lap)
- Oscar Piastri DNF
- Pierre Gasly DNF
- Zhou Guanyu DNF
- Valtteri Bottas DNF
- Yuku Tsunoda DNF
- Liam Lawson DNF
- Alex Albon DNF
- Charles Leclerc DNF
- Franco Colapinto DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: LANDO NORRIS
A long overdue moment for Lando Norris, as he finally seals the first non Ferrari victory of the season. It would take something special this season - this was something special from Norris. Lando Norris, race winner, Driver of the Day.
Top Five: Norris, Ocon, O'Ward, Herta, Hadjar
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Carlos Sainz 1.27.077
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Ayumu Iwasa 2.203s
foggy locust
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 462
Piastri 383
Verstappen 258
Norris 203
Sainz 161
Russell 153
O'Ward 126
Gasly 116
Bottas 87
Albon 65
Bearman 22
Ocon 12
Herta 11
Antonelli 11
Iwasa 11
Lawson 8
Tsunoda 7
Pourchaire 2
Hadjar 1
Bortoleto 0
Zhou 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 845
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 461
McLaren-Ford RBPT 242
Williams-Ferrari 218
Mercedes 172
Aston Martin-Honda 94
Subaru-Mercedes 33
Alpine-Renault 20
Andretti-Ferrari 11
Audi Sauber 3
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 1107
Pirelli 992
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION
McLaren 361
Red Bull 325
Andretti 259
Subaru 238
Williams 180
Ferrari 162
Alpine 144
Mercedes 84
Aston Martin 78
Audi Sauber 56
Haas 32
VICTOR MARTINS CLINCHES F2 CHAMPIONSHIP
Victor Martins has sealed the F2 Championship.
He took the points he needed, leading home Dino Beganovic and Roman Staněk in the Championship.
It was a comfortable Championship victory in the end for Martins, who will now look for a potential opportunity to move into Formula 1 for the 2029 season.
PETER BONNINGTON TO MOVE TO FERRARI NEXT SEASON
Peter Bonnington is finally making the move to Ferrari.
Bonnington, best known as Lewis Hamilton's engineer at Mercedes, has been Andrea Kimi Antonelli's engineer for the past season, and before that, worked with Carlos Sainz.
However, Bonnington has decided to make the switch to Ferrari, and will be Oscar Piastri's race engineer from 2028 onwards.
Bonnington replaces the Red Bull bound Ricciardo Adami, who will likely reunite with Carlos Sainz next year.
Sao Paulo permutations:
Oscar Piastri must outscore Charles Leclerc by 27 points over the course of the Sprint Weekend to keep the Championship alive to the final round in Las Vegas.
Leclerc won his Maiden Championship in Brazil, and looks likely to win his third title there, too.
If Leclerc wins the Sprint, or finishes ahead of Piastri, Piastri would need to outscore him by 28 points minimum - so Leclerc would be crowned Champion on the Saturday in this case.
Piastri must finish ahead of Leclerc in the Sprint.
plucky acorn
why do i miss the most chaotic races in the history of history
plucky acorn
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
<:Ferrari:10124488674946785...
now haas look even more pathetic
foggy locust
why do i miss the most chaotic races in the history of history
It was sheer absolute madness
plucky acorn
Piastri is defo gonna go no holds barred in sao paulo
he wants that title as much as leclerc does as well
foggy locust
AYAO KOMATSU TO LEAVE ROLE AS HAAS TEAM PRINCIPAL AFTER THIS SEASON
Ayao Komatsu has announced his intention to leave the Haas Team Principal role after this season.
It has been a difficult season for the American team, and a major reshuffle was expected at the end of this season - and Komatsu will not be a part of it next season.
Haas are expected to announce a new Team Prinicpal at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Komatsu will remain in the role for Brazil and Las Vegas.
2028 Team Principals:
Ferrari: Frédéric Vasseur
Red Bull: Christian Horner
McLaren: Andrea Stella
Williams: James Vowles
Mercedes: Toto Wolff
Aston Martin: Andy Cowell
Alpine: Oliver Oakes
Subaru: Cyril Abiteboul
Andretti: TBA
Audi: TBA
Haas: TBA
foggy locust
2027 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
It's the penultimate weekend of the 2027 Formula 1 season, and after the chaos of Saudi Arabia, the Drivers Championship battle remains alive…just. Will it beyond Brazil?
LAST TIME AROUND
In a word: carnage. Only twelve of the twenty two cars that started the race crossed the finish line, and that included neither of the Constructors Champions - the two drivers fighting for the Drivers’ title. Five Red Flags in total, with Charles Leclerc being crashed into by Franco Colapinto and Oscar Piastri being taken out by a collision between Zhou Guanyu and Pierre Gasly. But it was Lando Norris who took home victory, his first for Red Bull, the first non Ferrari win of the season, beating out the challenge of Carlos Sainz and teammate Max Verstappen. Esteban Ocon and Théo Pourchaire took their first points of the season, Colton Herta got a career high fifth, and Isack Hadjar scored his first F1 points, as Subaru also got double points. The McLaren v Williams battle saw one finisher, and one points scorer, of the four cars - Pato O'Ward.
THE CIRCUIT
For the sixth year in a row, Interlagos will host a Sprint weekend - the only Sprint weekend that has carried over from last Season. The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos, is located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The 4.309km circuit is one of the shortest laps of the season, and one of the few that runs counterclockwise. It has held the Brazilian Grand Prix, and then the renamed Sao Paulo Grand Prix, since 1972, with a one year break in 2020. The track was inaugurated in 1940, by developers who initially wanted to build houses - after the 1929 stock market crash, it was decided to build the racing circuit that would become Interlagos. With two DRS Zones and low speed cornering a main focus, Interlagos is always a highlight. Rain is expected on the Friday.
THE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
THREE TIME LECHAMPION?
The World Drivers Championship has been clinched here seven times - with Fernando Alonso winning both his Championships at Interlagos in 2005 and 2006, Kimi Raikkonen's only World Championship the year after in 2007, and Lewis Hamilton's famous overtake on Timo Glock to deny Felipe Massa in 2008. Jenson Button took the title here in 2009, defeating Rubens Barrichello on home soil, while Sebastian Vettel won his third World title here in 2012, with the race finishing under the Safety Car, to deny Fernando Alonso. And of course, Charles Leclerc's Maiden World Championship in 2024, when he finished second in the race behind Max Verstappen to deny Verstappen a fourth straight title and finally add his name to the list of Drivers’ World Champions.
The last two titles were decided on the final day at Abu Dhabi in 2025 and 2026, and Oscar Piastri needs to outscore Charles Leclerc by 27 points over the course of this weekend to keep the title alive to Las Vegas. Failure to do so would see Charles Leclerc's third World Championship clinched at the same venue he took his first.
Leclerc was on for a Championship victory in Saudi Arabia, but Franco Colapinto crashed into Leclerc while being lapped. It does feel like a matter of time now - Piastri would need a massive turnaround both this weekend and in Las Vegas to take the title away from his teammate. Can Leclerc win it all for the third time in his career?
WILLIAMS NEED A MOMENTUM SHIFT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST McLAREN
The other big narrative going into this weekend is the fight for third, and it has swung McLaren's way in a big way the last few weeks. McLaren now have a 24 point advantage over Williams going into the last two races, and even with double points on the line in Las Vegas, and this fight guaranteed to go to Vegas - McLaren look like the team with the momentum right now. George Russell has failed to finish the last three races - crashing out in Japan and on the final lap in Saudi Arabia, and having mechanical issues in Singapore. Alex Albon also failed to finish in Japan and Saudi Arabia, and took P9 in Singapore. McLaren meanwhile took P4 and P8 in Japan, P6 and P7 in Singapore, and P7 in Saudi, even with a Pierre Gasly crash. McLaren have overhauled Williams in recent weeks, and Williams need something big this weekend to change the narrative.
CAN RED BULL ADD TO THEIR WIN TOTAL AFTER SAUDI?
Last time around, Lando Norris finally took home the victory for Red Bull, his first win for the team, in Saudi Arabia. Norris is expected to be the team leader going forward with Verstappen making the jump to Subaru for the 2028 season, and this was a statement on intent from Lando. Max Verstappen on the other hand is two races away from his first winless season since his debut season - 2015. Red Bull were in position to capitalise on the chaos taking out both Ferraris in Saudi Arabia - but it was Norris, not Verstappen who won the race. What does this mean for Red Bull going forward? Will the team favour Norris over the outgoing Verstappen in preparation for 2028, and can Verstappen take his first win of the season either here or at Vegas?
AHEAD OF HIS FIRST HOME GRAND PRIX, CAN BORTOLETO GET POINTS THIS WEEKEND?
It has been a difficult first season in Formula 1 for Gabriel Bortoleto, who came into the Andretti seat having won Formula 2 on the final day last year, but he has struggled in what has been a very difficult Andretti to drive. Colton Herta has finally found his feet in the sport, having taken fifth in Saudi, and tenth in Singapore, so Andretti are on the board for this year - but Bortoleto has yet to find the scoreboard. He's been close a few times, but hasn't quite gotten those points. What better place to score his first F1 points than his first home race in the sport?
CAN HAAS GET ON THE BOARD?
Speaking of scoreless, after Audi scored double points at Saudi Arabia, Haas are the only team to not score points this season. Ayao Komatsu will leave his role as Team Principal after this season, and Zhou Guanyu will also be leaving the sport, with Esteban Ocon coming in to replace him and join Franco Colapinto for the 2028 season. With just two races left of the Komatsu era, can Haas avoid a scoreless finish to their 2027 season?
We head to Interlagos with plenty to play for, and we may well see the Champion of the World crowned. One thing's for sure - you won't want to miss it.
FP1 Reserves: Hirakawa (Gasly), Tramnitz (Verstappen), Sztuka (Norris), Vesti (Sainz), Schumacher (Antonelli), Browning (Albon), P. Fittipaldi (Zhou), Al Qubaisi (Herta), Drugovich (Bottas), Crawford (Tsunoda)
FP1: LEC VES PIA
Leclerc quickest in a rain soaked FP1, but Vesti splits the Ferraris - do Mercedes have the pace? Piastri P3 ahead of Bearman and Russell, with Hirakawa and Sztuka P6 and P7. Lawson, Pourchaire and Ocon complete the top ten.
It's a rainy Friday here in Interlagos, and we've seen some moments of magic in the rain here over the years - who could ever forget Kevin Magnussen's magical Pole back in 2022 on a early Friday evening in Sao Paulo? On a weekend where the World Title could be decided, Sprint Pole might have a hand in play in that decision. Let's see how we go.
OUT IN SQ1: Antonelli, Bortoleto, Tsunoda, Hadjar, Lawson, Colapinto
Bubble: Zhou
Top Five: LEC, PIA, NOR, VER, OWA
In what turned into a one shot Qualifying, Gabriel Bortoleto exits in SQ1 for his home Grand Prix. It was a bad day for former Red Bull drivers as Tsunoda, Hadjar and Lawson all went out, as Antonelli was the shock SQ1 exit. Colapinto in the closest thing he has to a home race also out. Zhou makes it to SQ2, as Leclerc and Piastri went 1-2 ahead of Norris, Verstappen and O'Ward.
OUT IN SQ2: Ocon, Bottas, Herta, O'Ward, Pourchaire, Zhou
Bubble: Albon
Top Five: PIA, RUS, VER, LEC, NOR
An opportunity for Williams in the fight for third as O'Ward drops out in SQ2, while Russell is through in P2 and Albon in P10. Bottas also out alongside Ocon and Herta, while Pourchaire and Zhou depart as well. Piastri quickest from Russell and Verstappen, with Leclerc in P4 behind Norris, Sainz, and Gasly. Both Bearman and Iwasa are through to SQ3.
Q3: Leclerc, Piastri, Russell, Sainz, Verstappen, Albon, Norris, Gasly, Bearman, Iwasa
No points on the day, but Leclerc is in prime position, as the Champion-elect could seal the title as early as tomorrow. Piastri P2 ahead of Russell, while Sainz takes P4 and Verstappen P5. Albon ahead of Norris and Gasly, and the Subarus of Bearman and Iwasa round out the top ten.
2027 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
SPRINT GRID
LEC PIA
RUS SAI
VER ALB
NOR GAS
BEA IWA
OCO BOT
HER OWA
POU ZHO
ANT BOR
TSU HAD
LAW COL
Our usual Friday into Saturday break for a bit!
foggy locust
Well, here we go. It could well be Championship Saturday here in Sao Paulo, if Charles Leclerc gains a single point on Oscar Piastri, he is a three time Champion of the World TODAY - and he starts in prime position to do just that. Could these 24 Sprint laps be the difference? Round 20 of this 2027 Formula 1 season sees the fifth and final Sprint of the season, 15 turns, 2 DRS Zones - this could be crucial.
Argentina's Franco Colapinto starts the Brazillian Sprint from the very back, and it's Liam Lawson for company on the back row, Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda are on row ten, with Gabriel Bortoleto starting his home Sprint beside Andrea Kimi Antonelli on the ninth row. Zhou Guanyu has Théo Pourchaire for company on row eight, a surprise exit for Pato O'Ward in SQ2 so he's beside old IndyCar title rival Colton Herta on row seven, then it's Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas on row six. The two Subarus start just outside the Sprint Points, Ollie Bearman one spot ahead of Ayumu Iwasa, while Pierre Gasly starts P8 and Lando Norris down in P7. Alex Albon starts today from P6, while it's just P5 for Max Verstappen. Carlos Sainz will begin beside George Russell on the second row, and the two Ferraris lock out the front row. Oscar Piastri must finish ahead of his teammate to keep the title fight alive, while Charles Leclerc will be World Champion for the third time if he finishes ahead of Piastri. Game on here.
Let's go Sprinting in Sao Paulo!
One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Leclerc is away well here, Piastri challenging, Russell third, Verstappen ahead of Sainz, then Albon ahead of Norris, Gasly P8 holding off the two Subarus. Perfect start for Leclerc here.
(ADA) "DRS is enabled, free to race. Charles just ahead, 0.2."
PIASTRI
Verstappen challenging Russell for P3 and Russell holding him off for now!
A disastrous moment for Bortoleto as he spins off at turn 1! The Brazilian fans dismayed at that!
Piastri is going for the lead of this Sprint and Oscar Piastri leads the Sprint!!! As it stands, he will keep this Championship battle alive to the Sunday!
(BOZ) "We are holding position for now, defend the Red Bull and the Williams."
(LEC) "I will follow what you say here."
Ferrari playing the team game for now with both Russell and Verstappen on the attack. Leclerc doesn't seem to mind, he has full advantage in the Championship here.
Lap 8: Piastri, Leclerc, Russell, Verstappen, Sainz, Norris, Albon, Gasly, Bearman, Iwasa, Bottas, O'Ward, Ocon, Herta, Antonelli, Zhou, Tsunoda, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Lawson, Colapinto, Bortoleto
(BOZ) "No need to take any risks here, we are happy with position for now."
(ADA) "And this is good, keep this up for now Oscar."
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED!
There's an Alpine in the barrier and an Andretti in the gravel!!! Ocon clipped by Herta, and both are off! Herta is able to continue, but Ocon's Sprint is over!
Lap 12, under VSC: Piastri, Leclerc, Russell, Verstappen, Norris, Sainz, Gasly, Albon, Bearman, Bottas, Iwasa, O'Ward, Antonelli, Tsunoda, Zhou, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Lawson, Herta, Colapinto, Bortoleto. Ocon out of the race.
CAR 13 (HERTA) - CAUSING A COLLISION
Herta, who is running P19, has a five second penalty for that collision with Ocon!
Russell going on the attack on Leclerc, he has DRS, but Leclerc defends P2!
(BOZ) "Some fantastic defending Charles"
(LEC) "Thank you Bryan"
Russell on the attack on Leclerc, but leaves the door open to Verstappen! Verstappen takes P3 from Russell!
Verstappen going for P2 from Leclerc, and that was a fantastic move from Max to take position!
Verstappen snatches the lead from Piastri! Game on here in the Sprint with seven laps left!
Gasly ahead of Sainz for P5, and that was a lovely move to take position! That's a huge bonus to McLaren in the fight with Williams!
Antonelli having gearbox issues! He's well out of the points, but Mercedes should probably swap that gearbox out before Qualifying.
Piastri up ahead of Verstappen for the lead here!
(ADA) "Tyre phase, when you can?"
(PIA) "Front left is struggling a bit."
HADJAR MAKES THE MOVE ON TSUNODA AND CATCHES HIM AS HE GOES PAST! Would be a shocker if he doesn't land a penalty for that!
Leclerc back ahead of Verstappen with three laps to go!
CAR 6 (HADJAR)
Not surprising that Hadjar has landed a penalty for that.
Norris and Albon clash wheels!!! Norris sounds displeased on the radio, but the FIA has ruled that one a racing incident.
HADJAR HAS A PUNCTURE. DISASTER FOR THE AUDI DRIVER.
FINAL LAP
Bearman ahead of Albon, but defending with mechanical issues!
OSCAR PIASTRI GOES ROUND THE FINAL FEW CORNERS TO WIN THE SAO PAULO SPRINT!!! IT IS A 1-2 FOR FERRARI, CHARLES LECLERC P2, VERSTAPPEN P3, RUSSELL P4. GASLY P5, SAINZ P6, NORRIS P7, BEARMAN P8.
(ADA) "P1, Oscar. You nailed it, fantastic job out there!"
(PIA) "Lovely stuff! That'll at least keep it interesting for tomorrow! Good job out there today, great teamwork as well."
(ADA) "Fantastic job. Onto tomorrow."
(BOZ) "And P2 Charles, that's the flag. Great job there."
(LEC) "Good job guys, so, so happy. Still work to do tomorrow then."
(BOZ) "You've done well today. Better to win it on a Sunday, anyway."
2027 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
SPRINT CLASSIFICATION
- Oscar Piastri 00.29.47
- Charles Leclerc +0.067
- Max Verstappen +0.804
- George Russell +0.203
- Pierre Gasly +6.652
- Carlos Sainz +0.064
- Lando Norris +0.392
- Oliver Bearman +1.035
- Alex Albon +0.439
- Pato O'Ward +4.702
- Valtteri Bottas +0.044
- Ayumu Iwasa +0.458
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +0.202
- Liam Lawson +16.343
- Zhou Guanyu +4.534
- Théo Pourchaire +0.401
- Franco Colapinto +6.227
- Gabriel Bortoleto +4.004
- Yuki Tsunoda +0.071
- Colton Herta +13.853
- Isack Hadjar +37.001
- Esteban Ocon DNF
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 469
Piastri 391
Verstappen 264
Norris 205
Sainz 164
Russell 158
O'Ward 126
Gasly 120
Bottas 87
Albon 65
Bearman 23
Ocon 12
Herta 11
Antonelli 11
Iwasa 11
Lawson 8
Tsunoda 7
Pourchaire 2
Hadjar 1
Bortoleto 0
Zhou 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 860
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 469
McLaren-Ford RBPT 246
Williams-Ferrari 223
Mercedes 174
Aston Martin-Honda 94
Subaru-Mercedes 34
Alpine-Renault 20
Andretti-Ferrari 11
Audi Sauber 3
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 1128
Pirelli 1007
It is time for Qualifying here in Sao Paulo, and after Oscar Piastri's Sprint victory, the Championship battle will go at least to tomorrow's race. It's a vital Qualifying session for both Ferrari drivers, as well as the two Williams and two McLarens. It could be hugely intriguing.
OUT IN Q1: Hadjar, Iwasa, Ocon, Pourchaire, Antonelli, Colapinto
Bubble: Herta
Top Five: NOR, LEC, PIA, SAI, GAS
Hadjar just misses Q2, as Antonelli and Ocon both had car issues and also drop out. Iwasa couldn't convert a late lap to Qualifying, as Pourchaire and Colapinto drop out, and Herta just makes it through. Bortoleto through to Q2 in P9, while Norris was quickest from Leclerc and Piastri.
OUT IN Q2: O'Ward, Tsunoda, Bortoleto, Lawson, Herta, Zhou
Bubble: Gasly
Top Five: LEC, VER, NOR, SAI, PIA
Bortoleto couldn't repeat the Q1 magic and make it to Q3, as Herta also exits. O'Ward the biggest elimination, with Tsunoda, Lawson and Zhou also out. Leclerc quickest from Verstappen and Norris, with Sainz P4 and Piastri P5. Russell and Albon both through to Q3, with Gasly making it for McLaren, Bearman and Bottas also through.
plucky acorn
mercedes has one man on pole and one back in the q1 area
foggy locust
Q3: Sainz, Leclerc, Verstappen, Gasly , Piastri, Russell , Norris, Bottas, Albon, Bearman
plucky acorn
classic brazil™️
foggy locust
Sainz's first Pole since Baku 2024, as he beats Leclerc by 2 tenths. Leclerc in position for his third World title, with Gasly and Russell taking penalties, Piastri will start beside his teammate. Norris, Bottas, Albon and Bearman all round off the top ten.
Race tomorrow! Physically a bit drained this evening, so I'll postpone til tomorrow
foggy locust
2027 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
SAI LEC
VER PIA
NOR BOT
GAS ALB
BEA OWA
RUS BOR
LAW HER
HAD IWA
POU ANT
TSU ZHO
COL
PITLANE START - OCO
Gasly - qual P4, 3 places - for causing collision with Zhou and Piastri in Saudi Arabia
Russell - qual P6, 5 places - gearbox penalty
Tsunoda - 8 places, qual P12 - three places for collision with Lawson in Saudi Arabia, five places for gearbox penalty
Zhou - qual P16, 13 places - 10 places for engine penalty, 3 places for partly causing collision with Piastri in Saudi Arabia
Colapinto - qual P22 - 3 places for causing collision with Leclerc in Saudi Arabia
Race tomorrow as scheduled!
foggy locust
Well, it is super Sunday here in Sao Paulo, and it could well be Championship Sunday. Charles Leclerc needs just a single point and P10 to secure his third World Championship, Oscar Piastri must win the race with the fastest lap, it looks very likely that the title will be wrapped up for the Monegasgue driver today, but you never know. It's the first Pole since Azerbaijan 2024 for Carlos Sainz - can he convert that to his first win for Mercedes in his second last race for the team? 71 laps around this 4.309km circuit, 15 turns and 2 DRS Zones - tyre degradation is always high here and the two stopper, minimum, is almost certain.
Esteban Ocon takes a pitlane start after being crashed into during the Sprint, Franco Colapinto starts on the back row alone with a penalty, then it's Zhou Guanyu in his penultimate race in F1, at least for now, in P20 with Yuki Tsunoda P19. Andrea Kimi Antonelli starts alongside Théo Pourchaire as the slowest of the regular qualifiers, Ayumu Iwasa starts his penultimate race in F1 for now from P16, while Isack Hadjar starts P15. Colton Herta lines up P14 after his collision with Ocon in the Sprint, Liam Lawson starts beside him. Gabriel Bortoleto begins his first home Grand Prix in P12 with real hopes for points, George Russell takes a gearbox penalty and drops to P11. Its P10 for Pato O'Ward and P9 for Ollie Bearman, the Williams v McLaren battle heats up with Alex Albon P8 and Pierre Gasly taking a three place penalty down to P7. Valtteri Bottas starts from P6 with Lando Norris fifth, Oscar Piastri has to win today to have any chance of keeping the Championship alive, Max Verstappen starts P3 in his second last race for Red Bull. The Champion elect, Charles Leclerc, starts P2, and a single point would seal him the title, while it's the first Pole in over three years for Carlos Sainz.
Let's go racing!
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Leclerc has gotten away quicker than Sainz who's had a horrible start and Leclerc takes the lead! Verstappen already up to P2 ahead of Sainz as well! Piastri overtakes Sainz, this is a horrible start for the Mercedes!! Bottas up to P5, ahead of Norris, then Gasly, Albon, O'Ward ahead of Bearman.
(BOZ) "This is a brilliant start Charles but you have Verstappen in your mirrors, do what you can."
(LEC) "Yeah, copy."
Piastri wants to keep this title battle alive best he can and he's ahead of Verstappen! Piastri now pressuring Leclerc for the lead!
(ADA) "That was a very strong lap, well done."
Piastri going for the lead again and Piastri takes the lead!
As it stands:
LEC 487 PIA 417
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR
ANTONELLI LOCKS UP AND TAKES OUT IWASA!!! Iwasa's penultimate race in the sport, at least for now, is at an early end!
(BOZ) "Virtual Safety Car. We are staying out. Iwasa in the wall."
(LEC) "He's okay?"
(BOZ) "Yeah, he's okay. Stay out stay out."
CAR 12 (ANTONELLI)
The FIA not wasting any time with thwr five seconds penalty for Antonelli.
Lap 6, under VSC: Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Sainz, Gasly, Bottas, O'Ward, Albon, Russell, Bortoleto, Bearman, Herta, Lawson, Hadjar, Pourchaire, Antonelli , Tsunoda, Zhou, Colapinto, Ocon. Iwasa out of the race.
We are racing on Lap 7!!
Interestingly, nobody pit on that VSC. Would've been prime position for Antonelli to pit and take that Penalty, but alas.
Leclerc retakes the lead from Piastri!
Norris meanwhile moves up to P3, ahead of Verstappen!!
NORRIS
Sainz is struggling, significantly. He drops behind Gasly for P5! Sainz, who started on Pole, down to P6.
Piastri, who was on the attack of Leclerc, has left the door open to his former teammate Norris who takes P2 from him!
Sainz finding his footing again, as he's gotten past Gasly for P5, and has now taken P4 off Verstappen!
Norris is going for two wins in a row and he's up to P1 ahead of Leclerc!
AS IT STANDS:
LEC 487 PIA 406
Leclerc races past Norris with DRS and the Champion-elect is up to P1 once more!!
PIASTRI RUNS WIDE! Sainz is there to take P3 back from him!
(PIA) "Made a...slight judgement of error there"
(ADA) "It's OK, focus on the race, you're still in this"
(BOZ) "Box, box."
(LEC) "Okay box this lap."
BORTOLETO WITH A SPIN! He was running so well in P12 until then. Such a shame.
PITSTOP: Gasly comes in first, was that a dummy call from Ferrari as Leclerc stays out? Hadjar also in and he's onto the Mediums.
Sainz gets Norris for P2!
PITSTOP: LECLERC IN. The Champion elect onto the mediums, and a 2.429 stop.
BORTOLETO HAS ANOTHER SPIN. His confidence has completely gone here.
PITSTOPS: Sainz in from the lead! Albon and Bearman also in, and Sainz is held up by an unsafe release!!
Leclerc rejoined just behind Gasly, and has found himself stuck behind Pourchaire and losing time to the McLaren!
Piastri pushing Norris for the lead of this race on Lap 22!
PITSTOPS: Lando is in though, and onto the Softs! Bottas and Herta are both in as well.
(ADA) "So Oscar, we are boxing now. Box now. Box to overtake."
(PIA) "Yeah, understood. Box."
PITSTOPS: Piastri and Verstappen are both in! A 2.269 stop for Piastri, but he rejoins behind Leclerc!
PITSTOPS: Russell comes in from the lead! Taunoda also in, Russell off the Hards onto the Mediums, Tsunoda off the Medkums and onto the Softs.
Pierre Gasly now leads the Sao Paulo Grand Prix!!
VERSTAPPEN
VERSTAPPEN RADIO: "I smell some weird fluid"
Norris takes advantage of the Gasly/Leclerc battle and he now leads this race on lap 28!
Piastri up to P3, ahead of Gasly!
Piastri ahead of Leclerc for P2! Leclerc will still be Champion in this scenario, but he still wants the win today!
But so does Oscar Piastri, and Piastri moves up ahead of Norris into P1!
sterile breach
Is there a double points finale?
foggy locust
Norris regains the lead on Lap 32!
foggy locust
Is there a double points finale?
It is double points in Vegas, aye
We can't get 1000 now unfortunately (Saudi put paid to that)
(ADA) "From the tyres perspective, we can push a little more."
OCON
VERSTAPPEN AND O'WARD MAKE CONTACT!!! Looks like Verstappen came off worse there, and the former Champion is down to P11!!!
CAR 29 (O'WARD) - CAUSING A COLLISION
That's five seconds for the former IndyCar Champion for hitting the former F1 World Champion.
Piastri up to P1 again, and he's up past Norris and trying to break away from him!
OCON AND POURCHAIRE MAKE CONTACT!!! Pourchaire goes sliding off, and Ocon is in the barrier too!
CAR 98 (POURCHAIRE) - CAUSING A COLLISION
Sainz gets Norris for P2!
PITSTOP: Norris in for a second time! That's Mediums likely to the end now.
(BOZ) "That's Gasly in, thoughts on Plan C?"
(LEC) "Too early"
PITSTOP: Gasly in on Lap 43 and onto the Mediums!
SAINZ
PITSTOP: O'Ward is in to take his penalty for the collision with Verstappen. He replaces his front wing in the process, that was a long stop as a result!
(BOZ) "Box, box, box this lap."
(LEC) "Copy, box."
(BOZ) "Push until then"
(LEC) "Okay, leave me to it"
PITSTOP: Leclerc is in for Mediums! A 2.215 stop for Leclerc and that's a lovely stop.
PITSTOPS: Sainz in and that's A MASSIVE DELAY! What was that from Mercedes? To put that in context, Pourchaire had a five second penalty, took his stop and still got out the pitlane before Sainz. Jesus, Mercedes.
(ADA) "Box Oscar, box now."
(PIA) "Yeah, box."
PITSTOPS: Piastri and Russell in, Zhou, a lap down, is having issues with the jack! 2.554 for Piastri and he's onto the Softs, Russell takes the Mediums.
POURCHAIRE
He's still yet to pit a second time, but Valtteri Bottas currently leads this race.
(PIA) "Vibrations are quite bad now."
(ADA) "Copy, we are checking, we'll try and fix it and come back to you."
Sainz up ahead of Piastri! Leclerc then goes round his teammate for position! Leclerc looking almost certain now to be a three time Champion today!
(LEC) "ERS seems a bit off here. Struggling with deployment."
(BOZ) "Yeah we're looking into it now Charles, standby on this."
Sainz moves ahead of Gasly for P2! Can he win this race here though?
Sainz, Norris and Gasly are all in play for the race win now! Both Ferraris are struggling a little with technical issues, this has potential to be a phenomenal fight to the end now!
Ten laps to go here!
(LEC) "The car seems to be getting better and better."
(BOZ) "Okay, let's push for this podium now."
Sainz has gained on Norris, and Gasly has fallen back...Leclerc has DRS and Leclerc is not out of this yet!!
Having solved the ERS issues, Leclerc is absolutely flying, and is putting Norris under pressure here!
Leclerc overtakes Norris for P2!! Can he now catch Sainz for the lead?
Gasly overtakes Norris for that third step on the podium! Gasly going a long way to helping secure McLaren P3 in the Championship!
PITSTOP: Antonelli pulling into the garage with four laps left...and he's pitting to retire the car. A disappointing end to his afternoon.
Two laps remaining
Norris back up to P3, but this might go to the line!
Piastri under pressure for P5 from Russell!!
It's been a phenomenal drive for Carlos Sainz, it's his first win since 2024, HIS FIRST FOR MERCEDES, CARLOS SAINZ WINS THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX!!! CHARLES LECLERC ROUNDS THE FINAL CORNERS, AND FOR THE THIRD TIME IN HIS CAREER, CHARLES LECLERC, IS CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!!!
(BOZ) "CHARLES, YOU'VE DONE IT. CHARLES LECLERC, YOU ARE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD AGAIN!!! CONGRATULATIONS, AMAZING. AMAZING JOB THIS SEASON, YOU'VE FULLY DESERVED THIS."
(LEC) "YESSSSSSS!!!! YES YES YESSS!!! SI SI SI GRANDISSIMI!!!! AHHHH YESSSSSSSS!!!! Amazing. Amazing, what a team, what a car, what a season. Thank you, thank you all of you."
(BOZ) "Thank you Charles, you've made us dream once more."
(LEC) "Thanks to Oscar as well, he's been a brilliant teammate this season. Amazing job."
(VAS) "Congratulations Charles, you've been absolutely brilliant again this year. Fully deserved Champion. We're lucky to have you here."
(LEC) "Thank you Fred, it's my honour to be a Ferrari World Champion again. Thank you so much for believing in me."
Norris holds off Gasly for P3!
Russell gets Piastri in the final corner for P5!!!
(ADA) "P6, Oscar, P6. Sorry about that today, you gave it everything. Unlucky today."
(PIA) "Sorry guys, just wasn't my day today. Congratulations to Charles, he deserves the Championship this year. It's been a great first season, and yeah, we'll come back and fight again next year."
(ADA) "You'll come back stronger. Both in this race and for the Championship."
Verstappen P7, Bearman P8, Albon P9, Bottas P10!
Seven teams score points today
foggy locust
2027 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Carlos Sainz 01.28.14
- Charles Leclerc +4.647
- Lando Norris +3.875
- Pierre Gasly +0.848
- George Russell +7.220
- Oscar Piastri +0.326
- Max Verstappen +6.946
- Oliver Bearman +0.406
- Alex Albon +7.952
- Valtteri Bottas +0.863
- Pato O'Ward +1.748
- Yuki Tsunoda +15.025
- Colton Herta +2.931
- Liam Lawson +0.285
- Zhou Guanyu +1 lap
- Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
- Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
- Isack Hadjar +1 lap
- Franco Colapinto +1 lap
- Esteban Ocon +1 lap
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli DNF (+4 laps)
- Ayumu Iwasa DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: CARLOS SAINZ
A fantastic battle between several drivers saw Carlos Sainz convert his first Pole since 2024 into his first win since 2024, and with two races before he leaves Mercedes for Red Bull, his first win for the Silver Arrows. Carlos Sainz is your Driver of the Day!
Top Five: Sainz, Leclerc, Russell, Norris, Gasly
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Max Verstappen 1.09.112
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Pierre Gasly 2.199s
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 487
Piastri 399
Verstappen 271
Norris 220
Sainz 190
Russell 168
Gasly 132
O'Ward 126
Bottas 88
Albon 67
Bearman 27
Ocon 12
Herta 11
Antonelli 11
Iwasa 11
Lawson 8
Tsunoda 7
Pourchaire 2
Hadjar 1
Bortoleto 0
Zhou 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 886
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 491
McLaren-Ford RBPT 258
Williams-Ferrari 235
Mercedes 201
Aston Martin-Honda 95
Subaru-Mercedes 38
Alpine-Renault 20
Andretti-Ferrari 11
Audi Sauber 3
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 1170
Pirelli 1068
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION
McLaren 387
Red Bull 331
Andretti 263
Subaru 238
Williams 192
Ferrari 188
Alpine 159
Aston Martin 90
Mercedes 84
Audi Sauber 56
Haas 32
plucky acorn
nice job charles 👏
that battle for second in the constructor's is defo heating up, if mclaren and williams screw up mercedes could sneak into 2nd out of nowhere, defo something to keep an eye on
and of course the important question... WILL HAAS GET POINTS!?!?!?! (probably not lmao)
foggy locust
It's a fascinating battle between McLaren, Williams and potentially Merc.
I'm hopeful Zhou and Colapinto can nick a point or two, same with Bortoleto, but I don't see it unfortunately
foggy locust
FORD BUY OUT RED BULL POWERTRAINS, WILL SUPPLY RED BULLS, HAAS
Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ford have announced their purchase of the Red Bull Powertrains engine program.
Ford will officially provide engines to Red Bull Racing as Ford's official works team, beginning the 2028 season.
Ford have also announced that they will supply Haas, as Haas move away from Toyota, for the 2028 season.
McLaren have ended their deal with RBPT as of Vegas, and will be supplied by someone else...
sterile breach
FORD BUY OUT RED BULL POWERTRAINS, WILL SUPPLY RED BULLS, HAAS
Ahead of the Las...
McLaren Ferrari, calling it now
foggy locust
McLAREN TO REUNITE WITH MERCEDES ENGINES FOR 2028 SEASON
McLaren will return to being a Mercedes customer team for the 2028 season.
McLaren have spent the last year with Ford RBPT engines, however, McLaren have decided to return away from Ford after the new deal was announced with Red Bull and Haas for 2028.
McLaren will return to their old provider of Mercedes for next season.
foggy locust
McLaren Ferrari, calling it now
I'm afraid not haha
We provide Williams and Andretti atm
Mercedes outbid us for McLaren 🤣
foggy locust
2027 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
And so it comes down to this. Las Vegas, Nevada, and for the first time, the Formula 1 season finale takes place down the Las Vegas Strip. The 21st and final race of the 2027 Formula 1 Season, and while both Championships are wrapped up, there's still plenty to play for this weekend. It's Double or Nothing in Vegas.
LAST TIME AROUND
At Sao Paulo, the final Sprint weekend saw the crowning of a World Champion. Carlos Sainz sealed his first Mercedes victory from Pole, but despite Oscar Piastri's Sprint win, Charles Leclerc clinched his third World Championship in four years with a P2 finish, regaining the title after losing it to Lewis Hamilton last season, with his lead now insurmountable to Piastri and the rest of the field. Lando Norris beat out Pierre Gasly in a close fight to take P3.
THE CIRCUIT
For the first time since 1982, Las Vegas, Nevada will host the final race of the Formula 1 season. A new agreement to keep the race on the calendar for ten years was agreed this past off-season, and that includes bringing the season finale to Vegas for the very first time - and for the foreseeable future, replacing Abu Dhabi as the final race (with Abu Dhabi moving to September this year.). The 6.201km circuit takes in all the sights and sounds of Vegas, including a 1.9km straight down the Vegas Strip, as well as the Vegas Sphere, a new favourite sight on the F1 calendar. With the long straights, good straight-line speed is massively important in Vegas, as well as good DRS and low-speed cornering.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
CAN WILLIAMS OVERCOME McLAREN?
Going into the final weekend, McLaren and Williams are separated by 23 points, and on a normal race weekend, that would be a chasm for Williams to climb. However, on Vegas, it’s Double or Nothing - meaning there's 89 points to play for this weekend, giving Williams an opportunity to steal third from McLaren. McLaren have had the momentum over the last few race weekends, but Williams have more podiums and have always been known for good straight-line speed. They'll need that this weekend if they're to overcome McLaren.
CAN MERCEDES STEAL POSITION FROM McLAREN OR WILLIAMS
However, they're not the only team in contention for position. Mercedes find themselves 34 points behind Williams, and 57 behind McLaren, and with those double points available, Mercedes could steal position from Williams, or if they're lucky, McLaren, this weekend. Unlike the two teams above them, Mercedes have a victory to their name this season - last weekend's win in Sao Paulo, and also the Sprint win in Belgium, both for Carlos Sainz. If Mercedes outscore Williams or McLaren by enough, they could jump up the table - which could be worth millions to the Silver Arrows.
IN HIS FINAL GOODBYE TO RED BULL, CAN VERSTAPPEN AVOID A WINLESS SEASON?
Max Verstappen has not had a winless season in Formula 1 since his Toro Rosso debut season back in 2015, but this season has been challenging for Red Bull and Verstappen - so much so, that this will be his final race for the team. Verstappen makes his first Formula 1 move outside of the Red Bull corporation next season, moving to Subaru. While there will be a small level of familiarity for Verstappen with Subaru's new deal with Honda, who powered him to his three title wins - the Dutchman hasn't had the same level of success with the Ford based RBPT this season, and has yet to register a win. In his final Red Bull race, can he avoid that winless season?
CHANGE POSSIBLE IN THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE TABLE?
Any points whatsoever could be absolutely massive for Aston Martin, Subaru, Alpine, Andretti, Audi Sauber and particularly the scoreless Haas, as with the double points, from Subaru down to Haas, there's a 38 point gap. Aston are defending sixth and it would take a massive result for Subaru, Alpine or Andretti to overhaul Aston - Andretti in particular finished ahead of Aston last year, but have not had nearly that level of competitiveness this year - but beyond Aston's likely sixth place, it is ALL up for grabs this weekend. Can Gabriel Bortoleto, Franco Colapinto or Zhou Guanyu get on the board this weekend?
AN F1 GOODBYE TO ZHOU AND IWASA - FOR NOW
The two drivers leaving the grid after this race are Zhou Guanyu and Ayumu Iwasa, with Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez returning to Formula 1 next season. Iwasa in particular can feel unlucky to lose his seat - Subaru Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul has said that if Max Verstappen hadn't become available, Iwasa would've kept his seat for next season - while Zhou has endured a difficult few years with Haas and looks for his next opportunity, likely outside Formula 1 entirely, as of next year. Both drivers will want to stake a claim for a 2029 seat, and this will be one last opportunity to impress - at least for now.
The final race of the season comes to Las Vegas for the first time since 1982, and while it will be the first final race to not host a title decider since 2024, it will still have so much to play for across the grid. And one more time this year, you will not want to miss it.
We've opted to run Rafa Camara and Dayton Coulthard in FP1. Nothing to play for, so might as well give the reserves a run out
Câmara #36, Coulthard #38
FP1 Reserves: Câmara (Leclrerc), Coulthard (Piastri), Hirakawa (Gasly), Tramnitz (Verstappen), Sztuka (Norris), Arnold (Iwasa)
foggy locust
FP1: TSU HER HIR
CÂM P7, COU P8
Tsunoda quickest in a session full of rookies, as Herta takes P2 and Hirakawa P3. Russell ahead of Bearman and Sainz, with Ferrari reserves Câmara and Coulthard P7 and P8. Albon and Sztuka complete the top ten.
FP2: RUS GAS ALB
LEC P9, PIA P11
Russell and Albon go 1-3, in a good sign for Williams, with Gasly P2. Tsunoda P4 ahead of Verstappen and Norris, with Bottas P7 and Sainz P8. Leclerc and Piastri split by Lawson in 9th and 11th
FP3: PIA RUS POU
LEC P4
Piastri quickest in FP3 in Ferrari's first statement of intent, with Russell P2 and Pourchaire an impressive P3. Leclerc P4 ahead of Sainz, with Iwasa P6 and Herta P7. Gasly, Antonelli and O'Ward complete the top ten.
Well, here we go. The final Qualifying of the 2027 Formula 1 season, and we are here in Las Vegas for the final race weekend for the first time since 1982. Both Championships have been decided, but there's plenty to play for in the Constructors - McLaren, Williams and Mercedes are fighting for third, while the bottom five could be completely flipped upside down with points for any of the teams. The long straights means straight-line speed is massively important here, it's very chilly here so it will be fascinating to follow. Here we go.
foggy locust
OUT IN Q1: Colapinto, Ocon, Bortoleto, Hadjar, O'Ward, Pourchaire
Bubble: Antonelli
Top Five: LEC, PIA, BOT, VER, NOR
Advantage, Williams. McLaren lose O'Ward in Q1 and Antonelli almost goes out too. Both Audis exit as well as Bortoleto and Colapinto, who both look almost certain to end the season on zero points. Ocon in his final Alpine appearance will start in the bottom six. Leclerc and Piastri quickest from Bottas, Verstappen and Norris.
foggy locust
OUT IN Q2: Leclerc, Herta, Tsunoda, Zhou, Lawson, Gasly
Bubble: Iwasa
Top Five: PIA, BEA, SAI, VER, NOR
A shocker as the new World. Champion is out in Q2! Ayumu Iwasa, in his final competitive session for at least a year, knocks out new Champion Charles Leclerc. Williams and Mercedes get both drivers through, but McLaren lose Gasly and it may well be advantage Williams. Herta drops out in Q2 in one of his home races, his final Andretti race before moving to Mercedes. Zhou's final competitive F1 session for at least a year sees him out in Q2, and Tsunoda and Lawson also exit. Piastri quickest from Bearman, with Sainz, Verstappen and Norris in the top five. Bottas also through.
(LEC) "We're out, right?"
(BOZ) "Yes unfortunately we are out. P11."
(LEC) "F---! Aah, sorry. I did a s--- lap. A s--- lap."
(BOZ) "We'll get them tomorrow."
foggy locust
Q3: Bottas, Norris, Verstappen, Bearman, Piastri, Russell, Sainz, Albon, Iwasa, Antonelli
Another stunning Polesitter as Valtteri Bottas flew to his first Pole since Sao Paulo 2021. Six years later, he's back on Pole in Vegas. Lando Norris just outqualifies Max Verstappen in their last race as teammates, a sensational P4 for Ollie Bearman. Just P5 for Oscar Piastri, with Russell P6 and Albon P8, Sainz splitting the Williams. Iwasa will start his last F1 race for now in P9, and Antonelli rounds off the top ten.
2027 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
BOT NOR
VER BEA
PIA RUS
SAI ALB
IWA ANT
LEC HER
TSU ZHO
LAW GAS
OCO BOR
HAD OWA
POU COL
Colapinto - QUAL P17, 5 places, gearbox penalty
Race will be later tonight, likely after IRL Qualifying
plucky acorn
...what
these qualifyings keep getting more insane
watch bloody lawson win the race i'm sure of it-
foggy locust
Been some ridiculous qualifyings this season
foggy locust
Well, in a place known for late nights, it is a very late night here in Las Vegas. A slight delay due to some rain earlier, but it's dried up now and the Formula 1 season finale is set to begin. Round 21 of this 2027 Formula 1 season, the final round, sees us take to the Las Vegas Circuit, and interestingly, this is the earliest Round number this race has ever had - but it is the first finale in Vegas since 1982. The 6.201km circuit, 3.3 miles, takes in all the sights and sounds of Vegas, including the famous Las Vegas Strip, we've seen some daring moves down there across the five years we've raced here, as well as the Sphere. 50 laps, 15 turns, evert turn with some sort of landmark beside it, there's nothing quite like Vegas. No title fight, but plenty to play for tonight.
Franco Colapinto takes a five place penalty and starts last of all, he's beside Théo Pourchaire in P21. Work to do for Pato O'Ward and McLaren from P20, Isack Hadjar starts P19. Ifs P18 for Gabriel Bortoleto who looks for his first points in F1, he has Esteban Ocon for company, Ocon in his final race for Alpine before moving to Haas. Work to do for Pierre Gasly as well from P16, he's beside Liam Lawson on row Eighth. Zhou Guanyu bids farewell to F1 for now from P14, beside Yuki Tsunoda who's had a tough first season with Aston Martin. It's 12th for Colton Herta who moves to Mercedes after this race, the newly minted three-time World Champion Charles Leclerc a shocking Q2 exit so he starts P11. Andrea Kimi Antonelli starts P10 on his first time on the streets of Vegas, Ayumu Iwasa's goodbye to F1 for now sees him start P9. It's P8 for Alex Albon as both Williams start ahead of both McLarens, but the Mercedes of Carlos Sainz is P7, Sainz moves to Red Bull after this weekend. George Russell starts P6 with hopes of Third in the Championship for his team, nothing to play for this weekend for Oscar Piastri who starts fifth. Oliver Bearman begins on the second row beside next year's teammate Max Verstappen, Verstappen's final race for Red Bull sees him start behind Lando Norris in P2, and it is the first Pole in six years for Valtteri Bottas.
With the cars on the formation lap, we can see Verstappen's special goodbye to Red Bull Livery here
Formation lap is completed as Valtteri Bottas slots into P1, so many things to watch out for tonight. Williams v Mercedes v McLaren, the bottom five teams could make huge headwind with just a smattering of points here, and of course, can Bottas take a huge win for Aston?
One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Bottas is away well, Norris holds off Verstappen, Piastri ahead of Bearman, then Russell, Sainz and Albon, Iwasa, Leclerc into the top ten ahead of Antonelli!!
Both McLarens have dropped a place, and as it stands, Williams would go above them by a single point!!
Lando Norris is going for the lead, and he's taken it off Bottas!!!
Leclerc up ahead of Iwasa. Could Leclerc be a kingmaker for McLaren for P3?
Piastri takes advantage of the Norris-Bottas fight to quickly move past both for the lead!!
Russell ahead of Bearman and that's huge for Williams!
Especially considering Leclerc has just moved past Sainz and Albon!
(LEC) "I'm too slow. Struggling a little for grip."
(BOZ) "It's okay, get those tyres warmed up quickly here."
(ADA) "We are happy for you to improve the pace and try and open the gap to the Red Bulls here."
Leclerc with a lovely move on Bearman to gain P5! He's flying!
Albon P6, Russell P8. Right now, they're getting 24 points, and that's just enough, with both McLarens outside the top ten. O'Ward and Gasly are STRUGGLING in P17 and P20, so this is all on Williams now!!
Verstappen takes the lead, and as it stands, it is a Red Bull 1-2!
O'WARD
Albon up to P5, Russell up to P7. Bottas keeping pressure on Albon, and Bottas is back to P4.
Herta is into the points, it is the lower points so for now he won't gain enough for Andretti to overtake Alpine!
Piastri up to P2 ahead of Norris!
Leclerc moves ahead of both Albon and Bottas!
(BOZ) "How's the tyre wear so far?"
(LEC) "It's ok"
McLaren need so much more from O'Ward and Gasly here if they're going to retain P3 in the Championship this evening.
Piastri retakes the lead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix! He still has both Red Bulls immediately behind, however!
(LEC) "We are losing time here guys."
(BOZ) "No worries, long way to go. You're doing well."
Tsunoda ahead of Herta, and that could be some much needed points for him this weekend.
VERSTAPPEN
Reminder that with all Sunday points, that fastest lap point is worth double tonight.
Leclerc takes P4 off Albon! Williams are still ahead of McLaren though, and Mercedes are also out of the points at the moment.
Lap 12: Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc, Bottas, Albon, Bearman, Russell, Tsunoda, Herta, Sainz, Antonelli, Iwasa, Ocon, Lawson, Bortoleto, O'Ward, Zhou, Gasly, Hadjar, Colapinto, Pourchaire
PITSTOP: First stop of the night goes to Colton Herta! He's in for the Mediums and that wasn't the quickest stop in the world. He rejoins P22 and last, for now.
(LEC) "Do we think Plan C could be possible? I'd like to try it perhaps."
(BOZ) "We'll keep an eye on it. Yellow flag."
That is a disastrous outlap for Herta, who has seriously damaged that rear wing! That might cost him any chance of Home points tonight!
PITSTOPS: Russell and O'Ward both in....AND AS THEY COME IN IT IS A RED FLAG!!!
Esteban Ocon's Final Alpine appearance is at an early end. He spins off and hits the barrier!! He's okay, and out of the car, and seems to be walking away okay.
Lando Norris had just taken the lead off Piastri, so he will restart P1.
It's a disaster for Williams and Russell, who now finds himself out of the points, could that cost them Third in the Championship?
Restart order on Lap 16: Norris, Piastri, Verstappen, Leclerc, Bottas, Albon, Bearman, Sainz, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Iwasa, Lawson, Bortoleto, Zhou, Gasly, Russell, Pourchaire, O'Ward, Hadjar, Colapinto, Herta. Ocon out of the race.
Five lights again...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO AGAIN
Norris holds the lead, Piastri P2, COLAPINTO OFF AT TURN 2!!! He is able to continue but delays himself and Herta! Bottas ahead of Leclerc for P4!! Albon P6, and with Russell now behind Gasly and out of the points, it's all on Albon!
Leclerc gets ahead of both Bottas and Verstappen in quick order!
Piastri with a lovely move down the Strip and he's ahead of Norris for the lead!
Gasly defending Russell brilliantly in P15 and P16. It doesn't matter to Gasly if he's not scoring here - as long as Russell doesn't either!
PIASTRI
ALBON
That's a huge two points for Williams - but as it stands, not enough.
It gets worse for Williams - Bearman now putting Albon under pressure and Ollie snatches P6!
A SECOND RED FLAG!!!
Carlos Sainz, while trying to overtake teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, crashes into the barrier! His final Mercedes race is over, and he is out. Mercedes' hopes of going above fifth are over.
Restart order on Lap 21: Piastri, Norris, Leclerc, Verstappen, Bottas, Bearman, Tsunoda, Albon, Antonelli, Bortoleto, Iwasa, Zhou, Lawson, Gasly, O'Ward, Russell, Pourchaire, Hadjar, Herta, Colapinto. Sainz and Ocon out of the race.
Let's go racing a third time!
AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO ONCE MORE
Piastri keeps position, Leclerc up to P2!!! As it stands it is a Ferrari 1-2! Norris P3 ahead of Verstappen, then Bottas, Bearman, Tsunoda, Antonelli ahead of Albon and it is all going wrong for Williams now! Iwasa gets Bortoleto for P10!
(BOZ) "You are free to race here, but keep it clean."
(LEC) "Copy, yeah, happy to do so."
The World Champion has overtaken his teammate and has gone from P10 to P1 in 22 laps!
The World Champion has overtaken his teammate and has gone from P10 to P1 in 22 laps!
A huge opportunity for Bortoleto, as he's up to P10! Could this be his first F1 points?
Piastri back in front! He's not giving this up easily this evening!
Leclerc retakes position as the two Ferraris are trying to break on the two Red Bulls going down to the Strip!
Antonelli up ahead of Bottas and into P5! Mercedes don't have a shot at third now, but is fourth still possible? Maybe?
Red Bull look very very quick sown the straights and Verstappen is pushing for P2 from Piastri now!
THE CARS GO ALMOST FOUR ADRIFT AND LECLERC IS FORCED TO YIELD. VERSTAPPEN P1, PIASTRI P2, NORRIS P3, LECLERC P4.
(LEC) "What the f--- was that from the Red Bulls?"
Gasly locks up! He goes off a side road, is there still hope for Williams here?
Bortoleto takes P9 off Albon!!!
Piastri retakes the lead from Verstappen!
Bottas ahead of Antonelli for P5!
Lap 30: Piastri, Verstappen, Leclerc, Norris, Bottas, Antonelli, Tsunoda, Bearman, Bortoleto, Albon, Lawson, Iwasa, O'Ward, Russell, Pourchaire, Zhou, Hadjar, Gasly, Herta, Colapinto
O'Ward overtakes Iwasa for P12, could that McLaren be pushing the points soon?
PITSTOP: Albon in from P10! This feels like a repeat of earlier, as he takes the Mediums. You feel Williams' hopes of Third in the Championship fading more and more now.
(ADA) "Happy with Plan C?"
(PIA) "Yep, happy."
O'Ward gets ahead of a struggling Lawson, and yep, McLaren are in the points now, Williams are not.
(BOZ) "We need you to push slightly more now"
(LEC) "Yeah, can do."
(LEC) "Quite a big vibration"
(BOZ) "Seems like a slight gearbox issue, Charles. 18 laps of this season to go, we should be okay here. You're doing well."
PITSTOP: Norris comes in from P4! This was a necessary stop as his tyres were starting to fall away a bit, but it's likely taken him out of the points - especially considering Piastri, Leclerc and Verstappen probably won't have to pit now.
THEY DEFINITELY WON'T NOW!!! RED FLAG CALLED!!!
AND IT IS LANDO NORRIS IN THE BARRIER!!! He went for the overtake on George Russell, mistimed it entirely, and hit the wall!! His race is over! Thankfully Lando is okay, but that's a painful end to his first season at Red Bull!
Restart order on Lap 36: Piastri, Verstappen, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Bottas, Antonelli, Bearman, Bortoleto, O'Ward, Lawson, Russell, Pourchaire, Iwasa, Gasly, Zhou, Albon, Hadjar, Herta, Colapinto. Norris, Sainz and Ocon out of the race.
Five lights again...AND FOR THE FOURTH TIME TONIGHT, IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Piastri holds firm, Leclerc up ahead of Verstappen!! Tsunoda holds P4, Antonelli ahead of Bottas! O'Ward up to P7, then Bearman, Russell ahead of Bortoleto!
Norris back to the pitlane now, frustrated at the ending of his race.
Verstappen having some slight issues with power here!
TSUNODA
Tsunoda is in play here!! Tsunoda moves up to P2 ahead of Leclerc!
Verstappen gets ahead of Leclerc for P3!
FOR THE SECOND TIME TONIGHT, AN ASTON MARTIN LEADS THE RACE, AS YUKI TSUNODA MOVES INTO THE LEAD OF THE LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX!!!
Piastri retakes the lead, and Tsunoda slips to third behind Verstappen!
Verstappen retakes the lead here!!
HADJAR CLIPS THE WALL AT TURN 2! He's odd but thankfully OK and continues on, down in P17!
Pato O'Ward now up to P5, and he's on the cusp of clinching third in the Constructors for McLaren. Phenomenal drive from him today.
Piastri up ahead of Verstappen for the lead!!
Leclerc putting the pressure on Tsunoda for that final podium place!
LAWSON CLIPS GASLY HERE!!! Lawson seemed to come off worse!
Might be some heartbreak for Bortoleto, who's fallen to P11!
PITSTOP: Lawson into the garage, and he's picked up major damage from that collision with Gasly, and he's ending his race 6 laps early!
(PIA) "Vibrations are quite bad now."
(ADA) "Six laps to go. Keep going."
(LEC) "Quite a big vibration."
(BOZ) "Some lift and coast. Get this to the end now Charles."
Both Piastri and Leclerc seem to be having gearbox issues! Leclerc is struggling a lot and has fallen behind Bearman!
Bortoleto's tyres have fallen away and he's likely finishing the season on no points.
PITSTOPS: Bizarre pitstops from Bortoleto and Zhou. Neither one is getting points now!
(LEC) "I am struggling so much here, so much"
(BOZ) "Copy. Do the best you can."
Verstappen also having issues here with 3 to go!
Leclerc has fallen to P7! Not the ideal ending to the season for the World Champion!
What a drive from Pato O'Ward, as he is challenging for P5!
Leclerc still fighting for everything as he challenges Bearman for P6!
BORTOLETO
He gets nothing for that, though, down in P14.
LAST LAP
PIASTRI
As Oscar Piastri begins the final lap of the season, he DOES get something for that fastest lap.
It's been a chaotic survival of a final race here, three Red Flags, a memorable finale, but as Oscar Piastri races down the Strip, he will win in Las Vegas for the very first time, his sixth win of the season, a statement of intent for next year, he goes past the Sphere, down the final corner TO WIN THE LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX!!!
Max Verstappen's held on for P2, YUKI TSUNODA TAKES A PODIUM. HUGE FOR HIM TONIGHT. BOTTAS P4, O'WARD P5, BEARMAN P6, LECLERC P7, RUSSELL P8, ANTONELLI P9, IWASA P10. What a conclusion to the season!
(ADA) "And P1, P1, a brilliant final race for us together! Fantastic job, mega job tonight, Oscar!"
(PIA) "Very lovely job guys! Wow whee. Brilliant effort tonight and this season, thanks for everything Ricky, good luck at Red Bull. Been a pleasure this season."
(ADA) "Thank you, and thank you for your efforts this season. Statement of intent for next year for you."
(PIA) "Fantastic way to finish off this season."
(BOZ) "And P7, P7, Charles. Not quite what we wanted today. But you did well to get the car home. Good job tonight."
(LEC) "Yeah, we'll take it. We'll come back stronger. It has been an amazing season so I cannot complain too much. Thank you for all your efforts this year Bryan, you've been fantastic. Thank you to the entire team, it's been an amazing season for all of us."
(BOZ) "And thank you Charles for this season. Same again next year?"
(LEC) "Haha, hopefully same next year."
foggy locust
2027 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Oscar Piastri 01.18.57
- Max Verstappen +5.624
- Yuki Tsunoda +5.011
- Valtteri Bottas +6.268
- Pato O'Ward +0.126
- Oliver Bearman +0.138
- Charles Leclerc +1.791
- George Russell +0.160
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +0.367
- Ayumu Iwasa +0.139
- Pierre Gasly +3.065
- Alex Albon +0.280
- Théo Pourchaire +4.423
- Gabriel Boetoleto +4.423
- Zhou Guanyu +6.585
- Isack Hadjar +1.264
- Franco Colapinto +33.125
- Colton Herta +20.960
- Liam Lawson DNF (+6 laps)
- Lando Norris DNF
- Carlos Sainz DNF
- Esteban Ocon DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: YUKI TSUNODA
Yuki Tsunoda got his best Aston Martin result so far, and equalling the best result of their season with a phenomenal P3. It was a sensational performance that truly earned the final Driver of the Day Award for the season, and it goes to Yuki Tsunoda!
Top Five: Tsunoda, O'Ward, Piastri, Verstappen, Leclerc
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri 1.37.036
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Gabriel Bortoleto 2.239s
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Leclerc 499
Piastri 451
Verstappen 307
Norris 220
Sainz 190
Russell 176
O'Ward 146
Gasly 132
Bottas 114
Albon 67
Bearman 43
Tsunoda 37
Antonelli 15
Iwasa 13
Ocon 12
Herta 11
Lawson 8
Pourchaire 2
Hadjar 1
Bortoleto 0
Zhou 0
Colapinto 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 950
Red Bull-Ford RBPT 527
McLaren-Ford RBPT 278
Williams-Ferrari 243
Mercedes 205
Aston Martin-Honda 151
Subaru-Mercedes 56
Alpine-Renault 20
Andretti-Ferrari 11
Audi Sauber 3
Haas-Mercedes 0
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 1260
Pirelli 1184
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION
McLaren 403
Red Bull 341
Andretti 306
Subaru 238
Williams 212
Ferrari 194
Alpine 159
Aston Martin 90
Mercedes 84
Audi Sauber 56
Haas 38
At the start of the season, I made predictions and honestly I think I did quite well
Top four in the Constructors all spot on, Champions spot on.
I underestimated Merc, Williams, Subaru and Audi, overestimated Haas, Alpine and Andretti
Piastri now 87 rated.
Game on next season.
foggy locust
Qualifying H2H records for 2027
Ferrari: Leclerc 13-8 Piastri
Red Bull: Verstappen 14-7 Norris
McLaren: Gasly 14-7 O'Ward
Williams: Russell 15-6 Albon
Mercedes: Sainz 18-3 Antonelli
Aston Martin: Bottas 14-7 Tsunoda
Subaru: Iwasa 11-10 Bearman
Alpine: Ocon 9-12 Lawson
Andretti: Herta 12-9 Bortoleto
Audi Sauber: Pourchaire 10-11 Hadjar
Haas: Zhou 11-10 Colapinto
humble totem
Do you think Charles can equal schummi records?
What's Oscar rating currently in your game?
foggy locust
What's Oscar rating currently in your game?
87
foggy locust
Do you think Charles can equal schummi records?
Potentially. On my 22 save he did seven straight titles
plucky acorn
2027 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
<:Ferrari:10124488674946785...
most normal williams and mercedes implosion
can't wait to see what unfolds next season, come on 2028!
humble totem
most normal williams and mercedes implosion
Mercedes surprisingly seems strong after I rebooted my save post last update
3rd year in and Merc are still very good
Williams on the other hand is still a midfield car
foggy locust
He will be challenging Charles seriously next year
Yeah I can genuinely see a proper title fight this year
foggy locust
OLIVER OAKES TO LEAVE ALPINE FOR AUDI, TEAM TO RENAME FOR 2028
Audi have announced the signing of Oliver Oakes as Team Principal, poaching him away from Alpine.
Oakes has led Alpine/Hitech for the last few years, and a split was said to have happened after Oakes disagreed with Briatore on renaming the team back to Alpine after one year with the Hitech name.
Oakes is said to have been brought in with the 2029 regulation changes in mind.
In addition, Audi will no longer use the Sauber name as part of their team name as of 2028, renaming themselves Audi Sport Formula 1 Team.
Alpine are due to announce their new Team Principal in due course.
ANDRETTI-CADILLAC ANNOUNCE TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIP FOR 2028
Andretti and Cadillac will join forces for the 2028 season as a technical partnership.
Much like Haas' deal with Toyota, Cadillac and General Motors will provide resources, support and a title sponsorship to the Andretti team from 2028 onwards.
In addition, Graeme Lowden will come in as Team Principal, as Michael Andretti, who has had the role for the first two years of the team's history, will move up to Executive Vice-President.
Andretti Cadillac will still use Ferrari engines for the 2028 season, however are open to the idea of developing engines with Cadillac in the future.
MIKE KRACK IN AS TEAM PRINCIPAL OF HAAS
Haas Toyota Gazoo Racing have announced that Mike Krack will come in as Team Principal, replacing Ayao Komatsu.
Krack was previously Aston Martin's Team Principal and was instrumental in their 2023 season, before being demoted to Chief Trackside Officer after a difficult few years.
The Luxembourgish engineer is now in charge of Formula 1's bottom placed team, and is charged with revitalising the fortunes of a team who have finished bottom three of the last four seasons - twice with zero points.
plucky acorn
krack returns™️
brazen wren
This is sure to please Mike Krack
foggy locust
One final TP announcement...
GUENTHER STEINER TO BECOME TEAM PRINCIPAL AT ALPINE
He's back.
In a shocking bit of news, Guenther Steiner is returning to Formula 1 after four years away, becoming the new Team Principal of Alpine.
Steiner was believed to be Flavio Briatore's first and only choice to replace the outgoing Oliver Oakes, who has departed for the Audi role.
Steiner was the Haas Team Principal between the establishment of the American team in 2014 until 2023, and now, after a five year absence from a management role in Formula 1, has stepped up to take the Alpine role.
Alpine will have even more of a veteran aspect to their team next year, as Sergio Perez also returns to F1 to partner Liam Lawson - and Steiner will have to manage two traditionally volatile personalities, who don't seem to like each other.
But he's done that before with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg at Haas, and that is believed to be the reason the Italian-American is back in the sport with the French team.
One thing's for sure: Alpine will be fun to watch next year.
sterile breach
GUENTHER STEINER TO BECOME TEAM PRINCIPAL AT ALPINE
He's back.
In a shocking b...
"He does not fok smash my door, tell him that"
foggy locust
Got some stuff to prep for the new season but should hopefully kick it off later in the week
foggy locust
2028 FORMULA 1 ENTRY LIST
🇮🇹 SCUDERIA FERRARI 
🇲🇨 Charles Leclerc (1)
🇦🇺 Oscar Piastri (81)
🇦🇹 ORACLE FORD RED BULL RACING 
🏴 Lando Norris (4)
🇪🇸 Carlos Sainz (55)
🏴 McLAREN FORMULA 1 TEAM
🇲🇽 Pato O'Ward (29)
🇫🇷 Pierre Gasly (10)
🏴 ATLASSIAN WILLIAMS RACING 
🏴 George Russell (63)
🇹🇭 Alex Albon (23)
🇩🇪 MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM
🇺🇸 Colton Herta (13)
🇮🇹 Andrea Kimi Antonelli (12)
🏴 ASTON MARTIN HONDA F1 TEAM
🇫🇮 Valtteri Bottas (77)
🇯🇵 Yuki Tsunoda (22)
🇯🇵 SUBARU IMPREZA FORMULA 1 TEAM
🇳🇱 Max Verstappen (33)
🏴 Oliver Bearman (87)
🇫🇷 BWT ALPINE RENAULT F1 TEAM 
🇲🇽 Sergio Perez (11)
🇳🇿 Liam Lawson (30)
🇺🇸 LUCAS OIL ANDRETTI CADILLAC GLOBAL AUTOSPORT
🇧🇷 Gabriel Bortoleto (5)
🇦🇺 Daniel Ricciardo (3)
🇩🇪 AUDI SPORT F1 TEAM
🇫🇷 Théo Pourchaire (98)
🇫🇷 Isack Hadjar (6)
🇺🇸 HAAS TOYOTA GAZOO RACING
🇫🇷 Esteban Ocon (31)
🇦🇷 Franco Colapinto (46)
sterile breach
2028 FORMULA 1 ENTRY LIST
🇮🇹 <:Ferrari:1012448867494678558> SCUDERIA FERRARI ...
3 tire manufacturers from 3 different continents, something is bound to go wrong with tires
foggy locust
Going to be very fun to watch though
2028 FORMULA 2 ENTRY LIST
🇮🇹 PREMA RACING
🏴 🇸🇪 Arvid Lindblad (1)
🇵🇱 Kacper Sztuka (2)
🏴 INVICTA RACING
🇺🇸 Jak Crawford (3)
🇪🇸 Pepe Marti (4)
🇳🇿 RODIN MOTORSPORT
🇪🇪 Paul Aron (5)
🏴 Zak O'Sullivan (6)
🏴 HITECH PULSE-EIGHT
🇨🇿 Roman Stanĕk (7)
🇮🇹 Gabriele Minì (8)
🇫🇷 ART GRAND PRIX
🇯🇵 Rimoto Miyata (9)
🇸🇪 Dino Beganovic (10)
🇳🇱 MP MOTORSPORT
🇧🇷 Enzo Fittipaldi (11)
🇧🇷 Rafael Câmara (12)
🇦🇪 🇩🇪 AIX RACING
🇮🇳 Kush Maini (14)
🇳🇱 Richard Verschoor (15)
🇫🇷 DAMS LUCAS OIL
🏴 Luke Browning (16)
🇲🇨 Arthur Leclerc (17)
🇪🇸 CAMPOS RACING
🏴 Taylor Barnard (18)
🏴 Dayton Coulthard (19)
🇳🇱 VAN AMERSFOORT RACING
🇫🇷 Doriane Pin (20)
🇩🇪 Tim Tramnitz (21)
🇮🇹 TRIDENT
🇧🇧 Zane Maloney (22)
🇳🇴 Dennis Hauger (23)
sterile breach
2028 FORMULA 2 ENTRY LIST
🇮🇹 PREMA RACING
🏴 🇸🇪 Arvid Lindblad ...
What are your affiliates overall ratings?
foggy locust
🇮🇹 PREMA RACING
🇺🇸 Maxwell Esterson (1)
🇪🇸 Mari Boya (2)
🇮🇹 Nikita Bedrin (3)
🇮🇹 TRIDENT
🇦🇷 Héctor Araya (4)
🏴 John Bennett (5)
🇩🇰 🇩🇪 Oliver Goethe (6)
🇫🇷 ART GRAND PRIX
🇳🇱 Udo Arnold (7)
🇳🇴 Martinius Stenshorne (8)
🇨🇴 Sebastian Montoya (9)
🏴 HITECH PULSE-EIGHT
🇵🇾 Joshua Dürksen (10)
🇮🇪 Alexander Dunne (11)
🇧🇬 Nikola Tsolov (12)
🇳🇱 VAN AMERSFOORT RACING
🇳🇱 Laurens van Hoepen (14)
🇪🇨 🇺🇸 Juan Manuel Correa (15)
🇳🇱 Nina Gademan (16)
🇳🇱 MP MOTORSPORT
🇦🇺 Christian Mansell (17)
🇲🇽 Rafael Villagomez (18)
🇮🇹 Leonardo Fornarolli (19)
🇪🇸 CAMPOS RACING
🇵🇹 Daiane Afonso (20)
🇧🇪 Amaury Cordeel (21)
🏴 Chloe Grant (22)
🇳🇿 RODIN MOTORSPORT
🇮🇹 Vincenzo Testa (23)
🇧🇭 Lulwa Abadi (24)
🇦🇹 Charlie Wurz (25)
🇨🇭 JENZER MOTORSPORT
🏴 Joseph Loake (26)
🇲🇽 Noel León (27)
🇨🇭 🏴 Callum Voisin (28)
🇦🇪 🇩🇪 AIX RACING
🇫🇷 Sami Meguetounif (29)
🏴 Abbi Pulling (30)
🏴 James Wharton (31)
foggy locust
What are your affiliates overall ratings?
Dürksen (66)
Pin (67)
Câmara (68)
Pulling (63)
Coulthard (67)
A. Leclerc (69)
Beganovic (71)
Also have Stroll and someone I'm yet to announce for car development, Hamilton for marketing
Speaking of which
ZHOU GUANYU RETURNS TO FERRARI AS RESERVE DRIVER
Zhou Guanyu has signed a two year deal to become Ferrari's reserve driver, behind Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.
Zhou spent the last four years at Haas having left Sauber at the end of 2024, but failed to secure a raceseat for the 2028 season.
Zhou will join Lance Stroll on car development, as well as serving as the team's primary reserve driver for 2028.
sterile breach
Dürksen (66)
Pin (67)
Câmara (68)
Pulling (63)
Coulthard (67)
A. Leclerc (69)
Be...
Is Camara max development rate?
plucky acorn
🇮🇹 PREMA RACING
🇺🇸 Maxwell Esterson (1) <:Audi:1246122573037699143>
🇪🇸 Mar...
i feel bad for the f3 teams that have drivers from 3 different academys
the chemistry in prema hitech jenzer and aix is gonna be low as all hell
foggy locust
I think it's an interesting dynamic
outer timber
2028 FORMULA 2 ENTRY LIST
🇮🇹 PREMA RACING
🏴 🇸🇪 Arvid Lindblad ...
is Maloney from barbados or bahamas?
foggy locust
Barbados
Flag corrected as such
Thanks for the correction!
Pre-Season Testing Results:
FERRARI FASTEST IN PRE-SEASON, TIGHT PACK BEHIND THE SCUDERIA
Defending Champions Ferrari remain the team to beat, although Red Bull did go quickest with late runs on Day 2, and the pack is tight behind the Scuderia.
Ferrari's advantage remains in the cornering and remain the team to beat, although both Red Bull and McLaren did show a lot of pace in top speed.
Ferrari were quickest in all three corners, ranking well in top speed and Acceleration. They also had the best tyre preservation, and only ranked lower than the top three in one category - Engine Cooling, where they sit Fourth. They also went quickest in both qualifying and race sims, as the SF-28 proved very good to handle and comfortable for both Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. The Champions look like they have a very strong car on their hands once more, and Ferrari remain the team to beat for the 2028 season.
Red Bull went quickest on day two and they're quickest in Top Speed and Acceleration, but the RB23 proved quite slow in the cornering - ranking Seventh in all three categories. Red Bull did have some joy in race sims, going second fastest there, and third in qualifying sims - but is that specific to Barcelona? Circuits where straight-line speed is effective might bring more joy than ones that rely on a lot of cornering for the Bulls. Development of the corners this season will be key to Red Bull's success, but there is hope there for a post Max Verstappen era.
McLaren's MCL42 looked quickest in Dirty Air, and handled very well in the corners. Their qualifying sims were a bit of a mixed bag, as Pato O'Ward went third quickest in that but it was just P17 for Gasly, and race sims saw them average out around sixth quickest. Acceleration proved to be a little problem, ranking sixth, but their cornering was very good, particularly in High Speed Cornering. The race sims were slightly less than McLaren were hoping for, but that may well be track-specific. O'Ward went third fastest on Day 1, and generally had a stronger testing than his teammate. However with good top speed and good cornering, the MCL42 looks a strong car that can compete at the top end for both drivers, if they can maximise it.
Williams once again looked strong in both straight-line speed, and both low and medium speed cornering were second best to Ferrari. Williams didn't have much success surprisingly with race or qualifying sims however, will this set them back? The FW50, Williams’ 50th car as a team, looks like it has a slightly narrow window of success, and if they can get that window right, they could be up challenging for race wins this season - but getting that window right will be crucial for George Russell and Alex Albon.
Mercedes’ W19 looks like a solid midfield car that was comfortable for both Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Colton Herta. Herta in particular showed some pace on Day 3, but Mercedes averaged around mid-table across the board, and it looks like a car that will score solid points but needs major upgrades in order to be challenging for any race wins this season. They struggled for DRS Effectiveness, ranking Seventh, while Cooling that Mercedes engine proved to be effective. Medium Speed Cornering was more effective than Low or High, but not by much. This might be a team to watch later in the season, but they will likely start around the middle of the pack.
Aston Martin had some joy around Day 1 and Day 2, with Yuki Tsunoda and Valtteri Bottas logging top half times, but Day 3 was more difficult. Aston looked strong on Acceleration and the AMR28 looked like a car that is going to be kind on its tyres, but a bit slower through the corners than some of its rivals. Engine Cooling proved particularly difficult, and the AMR28 is currently the heaviest car on the grid. On the plus side, the qualifying and race sims went well around Barcelona, but need we remind you, this is a circuit NOT on the calendar this year. The British Racing Green have some work to do to catch up to the teams ahead of them, and might have been even surpassed by Subaru.
Speaking of which Subaru come into their second season with a lot of momentum having added Max Verstappen to the team, where he joins Oliver Bearman. And testing went well for the Japanese team, particularly in cornering, proving one of the fastest in all three sections of cornering. High Speed Cornering proved particularly effective for Subaru, while both Low and Medium Speed Corners were also strong. Subaru did struggle for Top Speed and Acceleration as the car gets used to the new Honda engines, having used Mercedes last year, but the car was also good in Dirty Air and good on its tyres. This could be a real dark horse team this year.
Alpine enter this season with a car that's decent in the corners, having ranked around fifth in mid table on all three corner sections. Their DRS Effectiveness was the best on the grid which will help them significantly on the first weekend in Australia. They struggled for qualifying sims and looked better in race sims, so this might be a car that does better over a longer period of time, although the tyrewear wasn't great on the A528. Sergio Perez had a successful first F1 testing in four years, going fifth on Day 3, and Liam Lawson was solid if unspectacular, going eighth on Day 2. There's some potential for a solid midfield car here.
Andretti have developed a car that's “99% new” after last year's difficult second season was a letdown after a spectacular debut season that saw them fourth. A third change of concept in a final year before regulation changes may prove difficult, and it was a very difficult pre-season testing for Daniel Ricciardo and Gabriel Bortoleto. Ricciardo's ninth on Day 3 was the main highlight, but the MA-03 struggled for pace in both cornering and on the straights. The Acceleration proved the strongest part of the car, which means it might have some joy in overtaking, but everything else was a struggle, including race sims. This might be a car that's quicker over one lap than over a race distance, and it wasn't that quick over one lap. Work to do for the American team.
Audi meanwhile may also have some work to do. The AUD03 was strong in Acceleration and around the lower midfield for cornering. Their qualifying and race sims were decent, if unspectacular, and they had some straight line speed. The car struggled with Dirty Air and tyre temperatures though, having issues with overheating across the week in tyre temperatures, although the Audi engines proved to have some pace behind them. Audi will likely have to bring upgrades early and often if they're going to challenge consistently in a packed midfield.
And Haas. Oh, Haas. This engine regulations period ends after this season, and it is one that Haas will comfortably like to forget. Testing was difficult for the American team and they were without a doubt slowest in almost all aspects. Is this a team that have given up on this season already? The VF-28 was proving difficult to handle for Esteban Ocon and Franco Colapinto, who are both signed to next year and might well be looking at the bigger picture already. Haas were bottom in every category, bar Extra Weight (3rd last) and Engine Cooling (2nd last), and they also had the slowest qualifying and race sims. It might be tough for Haas Toyota Gazoo Racing this year.
THE RANKINGS:
Top Speed:
Red Bull: 1.5
McLaren: 3.5
Ferrari: 5.5
Williams: 7.5
Mercedes: 9.5
Aston Martin: 11.5
Audi: 13.5
Subaru: 15.5
Alpine: 17.5
Andretti: 19.5
Haas: 21.5
Acceleration:
Red Bull: 1.5
Audi: 3.5
Ferrari: 5.5
Aston Martin: 7.5
Andretti: 9.5
McLaren: 11.5
Mercedes: 13.5
Williams: 15.5
Subaru: 17.5
Alpine: 19.5
Haas: 21.5
DRS Effectiveness:
Alpine: 1.5
Ferrari: 3.5
McLaren: 4.5
Williams: 7.5
Subaru: 9.5
Aston Martin: 11.5
Red Bull: 13.5
Mercedes: 15.5
Audi: 17.5
Andretti: 19.5
Haas: 21.5
Low Speed:
Ferrari: 1.5
Williams: 4.5
McLaren: 4.5
Subaru: 7.5
Alpine: 9.5
Mercedes: 11.5
Red Bull: 13.5
Audi: 15.5
Aston Martin: 17.5
Andretti: 19.5
Haas: 21.5
Medium Speed:
Ferrari: 1.5
Williams: 4.5
McLaren: 4.5
Subaru: 7.5
Mercedes: 9.5
Alpine: 11.5
Red Bull: 13.5
Aston Martin: 15.5
Audi: 17.5
Andretti: 19.5
Haas: 21.5
High Speed:
Ferrari: 1.5
McLaren: 3.5
Subaru: 5.5
Williams: 7.5
Alpine: 10
Mercedes: 11
Red Bull: 13.5
Audi: 15.5
Aston Martin: 17.5
Andretti: 19.5
Haas: 21.5
Dirty Air:
McLaren: 1.5
Ferrari: 3.5
Subaru: 5.5
Williams: 9
Alpine: 9.5
Mercedes: 10
Red Bull: 13.5
Aston Martin: 15.5
Andretti: 17.5
Audi: 19.5
Haas: 21.5
Tyre Preservation:
Ferrari: 1.5
Subaru: 3.5
Mercedes: 5.5
Aston Martin: 7.5
McLaren: 9.5
Williams: 12.5
Andretti: 12.5
Red Bull: 15.5
Alpine: 17.5
Audi: 19.5
Haas: 21.5
Engine Cooling:
Williams: 1.5
McLaren: 3.5
Mercedes: 5.5
Ferrari: 7.5
Audi: 9.5
Subaru: 11.5
Red Bull: 13.5
Alpine: 15.5
Aston Martin: 17.5
Haas: 19.5
Andretti: 21.5
Total Extra Weight:
Ferrari: 1.5
McLaren: 5.5
Subaru: 6.5
Williams: 8.5
Audi: 8.5
Red Bull: 10.5
Andretti: 12.5
Mercedes: 15.5
Haas: 17.5
Alpine: 19.5
Aston Martin: 21.5
QUALIFYING SIMS
Ferrari: P1, P2
McLaren: P3, P17
Red Bull: P4, P5
Aston Martin: P6, P14
Subaru: P7, P10
Williams: P8, P15
Mercedes: P9, P19
Audi: P11, P13
Alpine: P12, P18
Andretti: P16, P21
Haas: P20, P22
RACE SIMS
Ferrari: P1, P2
Red Bull: P3, P4
Subaru: P5, P8
Mercedes: P6, P18
Aston Martin: P7, P16
McLaren: P9, P11
Alpine: P10, P12
Williams: P13, P15
Audi: P14, P17
Haas: P19, P22
Andretti: P20, P21
plucky acorn
OLIVER OAKES TO LEAVE ALPINE FOR AUDI, TEAM TO RENAME FOR 2028
Audi have announ...
did you just predict this actually happening-
foggy locust
did you just predict this actually happening-
Hahahah properly amazing timing isn't it
plucky acorn
watch steiner join alpine in some form-
foggy locust
HAAS TOYOTA GAZOO RACING
Nationality: United States of America
Chassis: VF-28
Engine: Ford
Tyres: Goodyear
Team Principal: Mike Krack
Esteban Ocon (31)
Franco Colapinto (46)
Haas enter the beginning of a new era, as new Team Principal Mike Krack replaces the outgoing Ayao Komatsu. After three seasons out of four finishing at the bottom of the table, two of them without pointless, change was badly needed by the team. They look to put another tough season behind them and begin anew in 2028, but this may be a team looking further forward than that.
Last Season: In short, another unmitigated disaster, and worse than 2026. Haas had, by far, the slowest car in the field, and were the only team to fail to score a single point - the second time they've done that since 2024, and the third time since 2021. Since 2021, they have finished bottom in 2021, 2023, 2024, 2026 and 2027, and it was clear change was badly needed. Zhou Guanyu and Franco Colapinto both failed to score any points in Zhou's final season in the team.
The Drivers: After three years with Haas, Zhou Guanyu makes his exit from the American team, having scored a grand total of four points for the team. The Chinese driver makes the move to Ferrari to become their Reserve driver for at least the next two years. In comes Esteban Ocon, who escapes what he called “an increasingly toxic environment” with Alpine under Flavio Briatore, and he signs for Haas on a four-year deal with the 2029 regulation changes in mind, hoping for a much improved VF-29. He signs alongside Argentina's Franco Colapinto, who enters his second full Formula 1 season with Haas, having spent time with Williams and Ferrari as a Reserve Driver.
The Staff: It's a new Team Principal for Haas, as Luxembourgish engineer Mike Krack comes in from Aston Martin. He led Aston Martin to a great start in 2023, before the team fell away a bit, before dropping to Sixth in 2024 and being demoted to Chief Trackside Officer. Matt Harman remains as Technical Chief, while Ian Greig comes in from Aston Martin alongside Mike Krack to take the role of Head of Aerodynamics. Haas have hired Hitaru Mori as their new Sporting Director, with Mori having worked at Subaru last Season. Stuart King will now serve as Esteban Ocon's race engineer, while Pierre Hamlin remains as Franco Colapinto's race engineer for a second season.
The Tech: Haas are going for an all American approach this year, as they become Ford's customer team. They have selected Goodyear's tyres, while they have opted for a white and red Livery this year, as is Haas’ recent tradition, along with Toyota's influence. Toyota will continue to support the team with their wind tunnel and facilities in Cologne.
Pre-Season Testing: Testing was difficult for the American team in Barcelona, and they were without a doubt slowest in almost all aspects. The VF-28 was proving difficult to handle for Esteban Ocon and Franco Colapinto, who are both signed to next year and might well be looking at the bigger picture already. The car was bottom in every category bar engine cooling and extra weight, and also had the slowest race and qualifying sims.
Prediction: It is hard to see anything but bottom place for a struggling Haas team, and this is a team that could fully punt 2028 in order to focus on 2029, and it's be completely understandable. Both drivers are signed up beyond 2028, so it feels like a no pressure situation for Ocon or Colapinto. But any points at all would be a bonus this year for Haas. 11th.
AUDI SPORT F1 TEAM
Nationality: Germany
Chassis: AUD-03
Engine: Audi
Tyres: Pirelli
Team Principal: Oliver Oakes
Théo Pourchaire (98)
Isack Hadjar (6)
Audi have made changes at the top as they fully embrace their own identity this season - sadly, the Sauber name has now fully disappeared from the F1 Grid. Mattia Binotto is out, and Oliver Oakes has made the switch from Haas after a fallout with Flavio Briatore. But with a still youthful line-up, both of whom are on the last years of their contracts, can Audi challenge in the midfield?
Last Season: Difficult, and would have been scoreless if not for a magical double points evening in Saudi Arabia. Mattia Binotto's leadership had proven untenable after several not good years in charge, and change felt inevitable. Isack Hadjar and Théo Pourchaire tried their best with a poor car and poor strategy, but it was a bad concept car with awful management and that does not a happy combination make. Only two Q3s, and three points total.
The Drivers: It is the second year of the Théo Pourchaire and Isack Hadjar lineup, and Pourchaire's fourth season at Audi. Both drivers are out of contract at the end of the year and both are under immense pressure to prove they belong in Formula 1. Now in his fourth year, Pourchaire has never gotten more than seven points in F1, and the team badly missed Pierre Gasly last year. The French driver will have to step up to prove he can lead Audi into the Oakes era. Meanwhile for Isack Hadjar, can he step up to the plate within Formula 1 this year? This feels like a make-or-break season for the French-Algerian.
The Staff: Oliver Oakes comes into Audi having left Alpine under a storm, with disagreements with Flavio Briatore about team personnel decisions - in particular, the signing of Sergio Perez, as Oakes wanted Ayumu Iwasa or Jack Doohan to fill the role. Oakes now comes in to Audi, and those two names will be ones to watch if Pourchaire or Hadjar don't step up this year. James Fry remains as Technical Chief, while Dirk de Beer retains his role as Head of Aerodynamics. Jeremy Cotterill has signed a new long-term deal to stay as Audi's Sporting Director, while James Urwin comes in from Williams as Théo Pourchaire's race engineer, and Xavier Marcos Pedros, who won the World Title with Charles Leclerc in 2024, will be Isack Hadjar’s engineer for a second year.
The Tech: Audi have developed their own engines since the 2026 regulation changes, and this will remain the case. They have also opted to stick with Pirelli's tyres for this season, meaning continuity is in play on this front as well. Audi will continue with their traditional Black and Red Livery, introduced in 2026.
Pre-Season Testing: The AUD03 was strong in Acceleration and around the lower midfield for cornering in Barcelona. Their qualifying and race sims were decent, if unspectacular, and they had some straight line speed. However, the car struggled with Dirty Air and tyre temperatures, having issues with overheating across the week in tyre temperatures, although the Audi engines proved to have some pace behind them. Some promise, but a lot of work to do to catch up to that midfield.
Prediction: While they might have the jump on Haas and maybe Andretti, they'll have a challenge with the rest of the field, and with a line-up under pressure, will that crumble or succeed in the first year of Oliver Oakes as Team Principal? If Pourchaire, Hadjar, or preferably both, can break out this year, they have a shot. But it may take some time. 9th.
LUCAS OIL ANDRETTI CADILLAC GLOBAL AUTOSPORT
Nationality: United States of America
Chassis: MA-03
Engine: Ferrari
Tyres: Goodyear
Team Principal: Graeme Lowden
Daniel Ricciardo (3)
Gabriel Bortoleto (5)
Andretti's second season in Formula 1 was nowhere near as successful as their first, slipping from fourth in the Championship down to ninth, and having a struggle to secure points. This year, a new technical partnership with Cadillac has come into play, and with that, Graeme Lowden comes in as Team Principal, replacing Michael Andretti who moves up to Executive Vice President of the team. Daniel Ricciardo returns after a year's sabbatical to partner Gabriel Bortoleto, replacing the outgoing Colton Herta, who moved to Mercedes.
Last Season: A bit of a step-down from 2026. Andretti struggled with a new car concept, and an inexperienced line-up, losing Yuki Tsunoda to Aston Martin and Daniel Ricciardo to a year out from the sport. It took Andretti until Singapore to get their first point of the year, but Colton Herta followed that up with a fantastic fifth in Saudi Arabia. Gabriel Bortoleto struggled in his first year in F1, and failed to register a point - his best finish was 12th, twice - in Mexico City and Saudi Arabia.
The Drivers: With Colton Herta being signed by Mercedes, the team have returned to Daniel Ricciardo, who has ended his sabbatical - with a year in IndyCar to boot - and returned to Andretti on a three-year deal. He joins Gabriel Bortoleto, as the 2026 F2 Champion hopes to have a more successful second year in the sport with Andretti. The Brazilian has a lot of promise, but has yet to have the car to truly show his skills, and made a few rookie errors last year - something he'll need to cut down on.
The Staff: Graeme Lowdon has experience in F1 before, as CEO of Virgin and Marussia, Andretti is his third team. But this is the role of Team Principal, and it will be fascinating to see how he adapts to the modern sport. Andretti bring in Jody Egginton as their new Technical Chief, while Adam Kenyon remains as Head of Aerodynamics. Aurélien Pallier stays on as Sporting Director, while Laura Mueller moves over from Haas and will work as the race engineer for Daniel Ricciardo. Hugh Bird stays on as Gabriel Bortoleto's race engineer.
The Tech: Despite the new technical partnership with Cadillac, Andretti will continue to use Ferrari engines for now. Like fellow American team Haas, they have opted for the American tyre manufacturer in Goodyear. Andretti have removed the blue and red from their Livery and gone for a simple yellow and black effort - very reminiscent of Jordan or Renault from years gone by.
Pre-Season Testing: With a “99% new” car, a third change of concept in a final year before regulation changes may prove a challenge and it was a very difficult pre-season testing for Daniel Ricciardo and Gabriel Bortoleto. Ricciardo's ninth on Day 3 was the main highlight, but the MA-03 struggled for pace in both cornering and on the straights. The Acceleration proved the strongest part of the car, which means it might have some joy in overtaking, but everything else was a struggle, including race sims. May be a car that's quicker over one lap than over a race distance, and it wasn't that quick over one lap.
Prediction: Unfortunately it looks like Andretti may have gone in the wrong direction in search of an answer to their problems from last year. Colton Herta seemed to be developing well and he'll be a miss. it remains to be seen how Ricciardo will do after a year out. A big year for Bortoleto as well, he really wants that first F1 point and more. This is a team that will likely be quicker than Haas - they might not be quicker than anyone else, though. 10th.
BWT ALPINE RENAULT F1 TEAM
Nationality: France
Chassis: A528
Engine: Renault
Tyres: Pirelli
Team Principal: Guenther Steiner
Sergio Perez (11)
Liam Lawson (30)
An interesting and potentially volatile dynamic at Alpine, featuring four big personalities. New Team Principal Guenther Steiner is back in Formula 1 after several years away - how will he work with Flavio Briatore? And how will Sergio Perez and Liam Lawson work as a team, having known to not get along while at Red Bull? This could be fireworks.
Last Season: Oliver Oakes’ final year in charge was one that wasn't easy for Alpine - Oakes clashed with Briatore regularly, while Renault's reliability issues with their engine struck once more. The team had four points finishes in 21 races - Liam Lawson with a P8 in Mexico, as well as P9s at Silverstone and Suzuka. Esteban Ocon provided the highlight with a P4 and a near podium in Saudi, but Ocon and Briatore didn't get along either, and Ocon left Alpine after eight years within the Renault team. Oakes soon followed him out the door after disagreements on who to sign - Oakes wanted either Ayumu Iwasa of Subaru, or long time Reserve Jack Doohan to get a shot, while Briatore wanted the big name of Sergio Perez.
The Drivers: And it was Briatore who got his way in the end, as Sergio “Checo” Perez returns to Formula 1 after three seasons away, having lost his seat at the end of 2024 with Red Bull. Perez then spent the next three years in IndyCar. Perez's new teammate is a man he clashed with, and the man who eventually took that Red Bull seat - Liam Lawson. However Lawson lasted one year before leaving for Alpine. Both drivers are contracted until 2029 at earliest. This could be fascinating folks, buckle up.
The Staff: “The Return of the King” as one source described Guenther Steiner's return to the F1 paddock. Steiner was instrumental in the birth of the Haas F1 team, and was there for nine years before leaving at the end of 2023. This is his first F1 management role in almost five years, and it will be very intriguing to see how he gers along with Briatore - or how he manages the Perez/Lawson dynamic. Alpine retain David Sanchez as Technical Chief, with Guru Johl in his contract year as Head of Aerodynamics. Randeep Singh returns as Sporting Director, while Pau Rivera continues to work as Liam Lawson's engineer for a second year, and Mattia Spini stays at Alpine, now working with Sergio Perez.
The Tech: Alpine stick with those oh so reliable Renault engines for another year, despite rumours of abandoning its engine program for the 2029 season. Something to keep an eye on this year. Alpine also opt to remain with Pirelli for a second year after spending 2026 on Bridgestones. Alpine bring in a mixed pink and blue Livery, somewhat reminiscent of their yellow and black styled cars, but in pink and blue.
Pre-Season Testing: Alpine enter this season with a car that's decent in the corners, having ranked around mid table on all three corner sections. Their DRS Effectiveness was the best on the grid which will help them significantly on the first weekend in Australia. They struggled for qualifying sims and looked better in race sims, so this might be a car that does better over a longer period of time, although the tyrewear wasn't great on the A528. Sergio Perez had a successful first F1 testing in four years, going fifth on Day 3, and Liam Lawson was solid if unspectacular, going eighth on Day 2. There's some potential for a solid midfield car here.
Prediction: If Alpine can keep the team drama to a minimum, and that's a big if, and if Lawson and Perez can get the best out of the car, Alpine could well push for sixth or even fifth. But they had a good car to start last year and development and reliability was a problem. They should be above the bottom three, but until they can prove otherwise, no higher than that. 8th.
sterile breach
The Staff: Graeme Lowdon has experience in F1 before, as CEO of Virgin and Marus...
'99% new car', the last 1% is Ferrari SF-27, similar to the Pink Mercedes in 2020
foggy locust
Hahahaha
The "99% new car" was a nod to our SF-25 haha
SUBARU IMPREZA FORMULA 1 TEAM
Nationality: Japan
Chassis: CMR-02
Engine: Honda
Tyres: Bridgestone
Team Principal: Cyril Abiteboul
Max Verstappen (33)
Oliver Bearman (87)
Arguably the most intriguing team on the grid this season. Subaru Impreza had a solid first year in the sport, as they pushed to a Seventh Placed finish, one Pole Position, and a very good rookie lineup in Ayumu Iwasa and Oliver Bearman. And then they broke the Internet and signed Max Verstappen. The eyes on this team, and the pressure, just went right through the roof.
Last Season: Subaru had a very good start to life back in Formula 1, much better than their first attempt. The team finished on a very good 56 points, with both Oliver Bearman and Ayumu Iwasa finishing in the points seven times each - Bearman bagged points in the last three races as well, with both benefitting from the Vegas Double Points Rule. You feel for Iwasa who lost his seat simply because Max Verstappen became available, and Flavio Briatore was determined to sign Sergio Perez at the cost of his Team Principal, otherwise Iwasa would've likely been on the grid this year.
The Drivers: So how do you follow that? Well, signing a three time World Champion is some start to the second season. Max Verstappen will drive for a non Red Bull affiliated team for the first time in his career, having signed a massive four year deal with Subaru. Verstappen believes this is a team that can eventually win Championships - a great show of faith, but a great deal of pressure. He'll join second year English driver Ollie Bearman, who enters his contract season with Subaru, and remains with the backing of Scuderia Ferrari - however, the Ferrari raceseat door is significantly locked for a while. Bearman did well in his first season - another year like that will likely land him either a Subaru renewal or a new deal on the grid elsewhere.
The Staff: Cyril Abiteboul enters his second year as Team Principal at Subaru, having previously served that role at Renault in the pre-Alpine days, before moving on to a successful run with Hyundai's WEC department. Dan Fallows enters his second year as Technical Director at Subaru, having joined from Aston Martin, and previously served that role at Red Bull. Jarrod Murphy is also in his second year at the team having joined from Mercedes, serving the same Head of Aerodynamics role he had there, while another former Red Bull man, Jonathan Wheatley, remains as Sporting Director. So a lot of familiarity for Verstappen in his move to this team. Ben Mitchell will work as Max Verstappen's new race engineer, while John Howard continues to work with Oliver Bearman.
The Tech: Another bit of familiarity for the three time Champion, as Subaru agreed a massive deal with fellow Japanese manufacturer Honda for their engines this year, breaking the Aston Martin exclusivity agreement. Subaru will also remain with Bridgestone, another Japanese company, for their Tyres. Subaru bring their traditional royal blue and yellow Livery to the grid once more.
Pre-Season Testing: Testing went well for the Japanese team, particularly in cornering, proving one of the fastest in all three sections of cornering. High Speed Cornering proved particularly effective for Subaru, while both Low and Medium Speed Corners were also strong. Subaru did struggle for Top Speed and Acceleration as the car gets used to the new Honda engines, having used Mercedes last year, but the car was also good in Dirty Air and good on its tyres. Both Verstappen and Bearman were said to be very happy with testing for Subaru.
Prediction: This could be a real “sky's the limit” kind of season for Subaru. A car that the drivers really like, a three time World Champion and a rapidly improving young second-year driver to drive it, and an accomplished staff. Could they challenge at the very top? They'll certainly give the established order some headaches this year. Verstappen could take this car places - it depends on whether Bearman can match him. 3rd.
ASTON MARTIN HONDA F1 TEAM
Nationality: England
Chassis: AMR28
Engine: Honda
Tyres: Bridgestone
Team Principal: Andy Cowell
Valtteri Bottas (77)
Yuki Tsunoda (22)
Aston Martin have some stability at the top, but in Valtteri Bottas’ contract year, can he continue to challenge? And can Yuki Tsunoda find that consistency he was lacking last season? Aston need to get into a position where both drivers are scoring regular points - something they've not had since 2023, and even then, Alonso was miles ahead of Stroll. Can they get consistency, finally, this year?
Last Season: A rough start to the year for Tsunoda saw him struggling to pick up points regularly and it was this kind of struggle that got his predecessor Stoffel Vandoorne released. Bottas was picking up points regularly and that helped keep Aston afloat, but they fell from fifth in the Championship - narrowly missing out on top four again - down to Sixth. Bottas missed the points just four times last year - Tsunoda only hit the points five times in total. However both got a podium - Bottas in Belgium, and Tsunoda at the final race in Las Vegas - a race for moments he looked like he could even win - and Bottas took the last Pole of the season in Vegas. A 3-4 in Las Vegas shows a team that might have some momentum going into 2028.
The Drivers: The Bottas-Tsunoda partnership continues for at least one more season, and Bottas remains a driver who can compete towards the higher end of the grid, even as he reaches the twilight of his career. Bottas is in his contract year and it'll be fascinating to see if Aston renew him for a new deal or not, but he may well be in demand elsewhere if not. As for Tsunoda, he seemed to get more comfortable with the car towards the end of the season and that's a good sign for 2028, after a tough start to life at Aston after a career year so far at Andretti. The Vegas podium and the longer term deal may well help his confidence, too.
The Staff: Andy Cowell remains as Team Principal for the fourth year, and his three previous years have seen Fourth, Fifth and Sixth in the Constructors. He remains popular at the team though and has worked well with Bottas in the three years together, having hand selected him to join from Sauber, as well as Tsunoda in their one year so far together. Andrea de Zordo comes in from Andretti to replace outgoing Enrico Cardille, who moved to Mercedes, while ace-in-the-hole Adrian Newey remains on as Head of Aerodynamics, and where Newey is, Championships usually follow. Tim Goss comes in as Sporting Director, having left Racing Bulls and nor stayed at Andretti in their takeover. Josh Peckett stays on as Valtteri Bottas’ race engineer, while Gary Gannon will continue working as Yuki Tsunoda's race engineer.
The Tech: Aston Martin will stay as Honda's official works team, although the exclusivity deal expired last Season and they have taken on a second team in Subaru. Aston have also opted for a switch to Bridgestone tyres, moving away from Pirelli this year. Their Livery of course uses the traditional British Racing Green, but with a yellow trim rather than white trim this season.
Pre-Season Testing: Some joy around Day 1 and Day 2, with Yuki Tsunoda and Valtteri Bottas logging top half times, but Day 3 was more challenging. Aston looked strong on Acceleration and the AMR28 looked like a car that is going to be kind on its tyres, but a bit slower through the corners than some of its rivals. Engine Cooling proved particularly difficult, and the AMR28 is currently the heaviest car on the grid. On the plus side, the qualifying and race sims went well across the three days, and reliability was strong.
Prediction: This prediction is more a reflection on those around them rather than Aston themselves - Aston seem to have stood still, but been surpassed by one team behind them. They'll be competitive on some weekends more than others, but they'll likely fall down another spot in the Championship simply because other teams have out developed them - and development in-season has never been a strong suit of the British Racing Green. 7th.
MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM:
Nationality: Germany
Chassis: F1 W19
Engine: Mercedes
Tyres: Goodyear
Team Principal: Toto Wolff
Andrea Kimi Antonelli (12)
Colton Herta (13)
A team that might be close to Subaru in the “most intriguing” stakes, and that's all due to their lineup for this season. Two second-year drivers - the first time since their return to the sport in 2010 that Mercedes have fielded a lineup of both drivers that have a year or less in the sport - but one that could massively pay off if both meet their potential.
Last Season: Carlos Sainz was massively rejuvenated after two tough years with Mercedes following his move from Ferrari, as he took his’ first win since 2024 at Sao Paulo. Sainz ended up fifth in the Championship with five podiums, a race win, a Pole Position and a Sprint victory. Andrea Kimi Antonelli had a quieter intro into Formula 1 with five points finishes - but he grew into the car in the second half of the season, and the promise is there for a much stronger sophomore season.
The Drivers: Sainz however has departed Mercedes for Red Bull, and in comes Colton Herta. It was a shock signing for Mercedes as at the moment of the announcement, he was yet to pick up his first F1 points - but then took tenth at Singapore and fifth in Saudi Arabia in the two races since the announcement. It is a one-year prove it deal for the American second-year driver, so the pressure will be immense from the get-go. This is also a big pressure year for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who has long since been seen as the future of Mercedes, but he's in a contract year this year. Both Antonelli, and Mercedes themselves, will have to perform this year. This contract situation may be one of, if not the, biggest of the off-season.
The Staff: Toto Wolff remains in charge as Team Principal and CEO of Mercedes, and despite some disappointing results in recent years, has not yet indicated that he's going anywhere anytime soon. Enrico Cardille is in as Technical Chief to replace the Red Bull bound James Allison, with Cardille having spent time in recent years at Ferrari then Aston Martin. Mercedes brought in Davide Paganelli to replace Jarrod Murphy last year as Head of Aerodynamics, and Andy Stevenson remains as Sporting Director. Both race engineers have changed - Peter “Bono” Bonnington has left the team, joining Ferrari, and Marcus Dudley has also exited for McLaren. In are William Joseph going the other way from McLaren, and he will work with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, while Chris Cronin joins from a brief stint at Red Bull to work with Colton Herta.
The Tech: Mercedes are, of course, a works team so will be once again providing their own engines, and they've had a significant amount of success with those engines over the years. Mercedes have taken a tyre gamble though, switching away from Pirelli to join up with the returning Goodyear. Mercedes’ Livery has also switched back to Black, with them going for a Black Livery with a teal and silver trim, as a nod to the Silver Arrows.
Pre-Season Testing: The W19 looks like a solid midfield car that was comfortable in testing for both Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Colton Herta. Herta in particular showed some pace on Day 3, but Mercedes averaged around mid-table across the board, and it looks like a car that will score solid points. They struggled for DRS Effectiveness, ranking Seventh, while Cooling that Mercedes engine proved to be effective. Medium Speed Cornering was more effective than Low or High, but not by much. Development will be crucial.
Prediction: And that's exactly it - development of both the car and the drivers themselves will be key to Mercedes’ success in the 2028 season. A team to watch across the course of the year, this is a team who may come into it more towards the crucial end of the season. There's likely four or five teams ahead of them for now - will it stay that way? Herta and Antonelli will be key to that changing. 6th.
ATLASSIAN WILLIAMS RACING
Nationality: England
Chassis: FW50
Engine: Ferrari
Tyres: Goodyear
Team Principal: James Vowles
George Russell (63)
Alex Albon (23)
After a break-out season for Williams, their best season since the 2003 season where they finished second, and tying fourth in 2005, Williams now look to push on and challenge at the very top of the table. James Vowles, George Russell and Alex Albon all return, but it is a contract year for Russell and Albon.
Last Season: A realising of the potential that Williams had when James Vowles took charge, and when George Russell returned to the team from Mercedes (and Alex Albon followed back from Mercedes.) Williams fought McLaren all the way to the final day of the season for third in the Championship, and for a while looked in position to snatch it, but two badly timed pitstops followed by Red Flags completely wrecked their chances of third in Las Vegas, finishing fourth in the Constructors for the first time since 2007. They took four podiums - all Russell's - and Russell finished sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, with Albon tenth.
The Drivers: In George Russell, Williams have a driver who could be considered a future potential World Champion, and Russell returned to Williams from Mercedes with the belief that the team could challenge for the Championships. Alex Albon made a similar return from Mercedes after just one year at the team, saying he was “returning home” to the Grove team. Russell and Albon have proved to be a successful line-up so far - bar one coming together at Suzuka - and it definitely seems to have improved since Albon replaced Lance Stroll. Both drivers are in contract years, so it will be intriguing to see if the team retain both drivers - particularly with a potential McLaren and Red Bull seat in play this year.
The Staff: James Vowles was put in charge of Williams as Team Principal in 2023 and has seen a steady progress of improvement across his five years in charge thus far, with three P7s becoming a P6 and last year's P4. Vowles has been able to bring in Pierre Wache on a one-year deal this year from Red Bull as the Technical Chief, while Alessandro Cinelli remains as Head of Aerodynamics. Ron Meadows remains as Sporting Director having also moved from Mercedes. Mark Slade remains with George Russell as race engineer for another year, while Mathew Ogle comes in to replace James Urwin as Alex Albon's race engineer.
The Tech: Williams have been provided engines by old rivals Ferrari for two years now, and that deal has been renewed for a further three years, including this one. However, Williams have made the switch from Bridgestone tyres to the Goodyear tyres they last won a World Championship on. Williams retain their traditional blue Livery, with red and white trim - an ode to their 1997 Championship winning car - and of course, the Duracell engine cover that has featured on every Williams since 2023 remains in place.
Pre-Season Testing: As is tradition, Williams once again looked strong in both straight-line speed, and both low and medium speed cornering were second best to Ferrari. Williams didn't have much success surprisingly with race or qualifying sims however. The FW50, Williams’ 50th car as a team, looks like it has a slightly narrow window of success, and if they can get that window right, they could be up challenging for race wins this season - but getting that window right will be crucial for George Russell and Alex Albon.
Prediction: And it all depends on getting that window right week after week. Chances are, until the upgrades come in to solve this issue, there could be some off-weeks for the Grove team. Williams really want that first race win since 2012 this year, and they might get that, but there's more competition at the top, this might be a small step down this year. 5th
foggy locust
McLAREN FORMULA 1 TEAM
Nationality: England
Chassis: MCL42
Engine: Mercedes
Tyres: Pirelli
Team Principal: Andrea Stella
Pierre Gasly (10)
Pato O'Ward (29)
The Papaya and Chrome haven't won a Constructors Championship in 30 years now - 1998 being their last success - and while this year's car looks like an ode to that car, can it, and their continuing lineup of Pierre Gasly and Pato O’Ward, challenge for the Championships this year?
Last Season: Around Australia and Pato O'Ward's podium, it looked like McLaren might have the second best car on the grid. In Mexico, they arguably should've won the race before Pierre Gasly's tyres gave out on him towards the end. But throughout the season, McLaren were caught and surpassed by Red Bull, and caught and nearly beaten by Williams, fending them off on the final day in Las Vegas, and that took two poorly timed before a Red Flag pit stops by Williams in order to clinch third. Pato's podium in Australia ended up being McLaren's only podium of 2027.
The Drivers: There is no denying that O'Ward and Gasly worked well together, something McLaren very much welcomed after the blow-up of the Norris-Piastri line-up saw them lose both drivers in a single season. O'Ward has a lot of potential to be a very successful driver in Formula 1, and Gasly looks rejuvenated by his move to McLaren after his difficult periods at Alpine and Audi. Gasly is under contract a year more than O'Ward, who is in his contract year - how will that dynamic play out this season? McLaren need to be careful with that potential renewal after the way they handled their previous situation.
The Staff: Andrea Stella remains in charge as Team Principal, although the constant shadow of CEO and regular Sky interviewee Zak Brown looms large at McLaren. Long time Technical Chief Neil Houldey was let go at the end of last year in favour of bringing in Pat Fry, which seemed a surprising move. Long time Head of Aerodynamics Peter Prodromou signed a new four year deal at the end of the off-season, so he will be here a while. Will Courtenay made the switch from Red Bull Racing this year, and becomes the new Sporting Director at McLaren after a long gardening leave at Red Bull. Race engineer Marcus Dudley comes in to work with Pato O'Ward this season, while Tom Stallard will switch from working with Pato O'Ward to working with Pierre Gasly for this season.
The Tech: After a two year deal with Red Bull Powertrains ended, McLaren decided not to renew it due to the uncertainty of the Ford buyout, and instead opted to return to previous and long-time engine provider Mercedes on a deal lasting through to at least 2030. McLaren have also stuck with Pirelli's tyres for this upcoming season. The Livery is a mix between McLaren's traditional Papaya and the Silver seen on their Constructors Championship winning cars of 1998 and the Drivers title winner of 2008 - both celebrating the anniversary of their last title win.
Pre-Season Testing: The MCL42 looked quickest in Dirty Air, and handled very well in the corners. However qualifying sims were a bit of a mixed bag, as Pato O'Ward went P3, but it was just P17 for Gasly, and race sims saw them average out around sixth quickest. Acceleration proved to be a little problem, ranking sixth, but their cornering was very good, particularly in High Speed Cornering. The race sims were a worry, but that could well be track specific, or it could be a car that is quicker over one lap than a car that works well in race trim. O'Ward went third fastest on Day 1, and generally had a stronger testing than his teammate. However with good top speed and good cornering, the MCL42 looks a strong car that can compete at the top end for both drivers, if they can maximise it, and get on top of those race trims. Despite those inconsistencies, the MCL42 likely starts off as the second quickest car overall.
Prediction: With the car likely being better suited to some tracks than others, McLaren could have weekends where they can challenge for wins and a few weekends where they aren't as quick. While that inconsistency could hurt them, they'll likely get on top of it with upgrades, and if they can get on top of it, they can challenge. Don't get us wrong, this is a very, very quick car. But can Pato O'Ward or Pierre Gasly challenge for the Drivers’ title? That remains to be seen. But the team should do enough to challenge up towards the top of the Constructors. 2nd
ORACLE FORD RED BULL RACING
Nationality: Austria
Chassis: RB24
Engine: Ford
Tyres: Pirelli
Team Principal: Christian Horner
Lando Norris (4)
Carlos Sainz (55)
For the first time since 2016, Red Bull will enter a season without Max Verstappen as one of their drivers at Red Bull Racing, a season in which he moved up from Toro Rosso. Lando Norris is joined at the team by old friend and former McLaren teammate Carlos Sainz - meaning Sainz is the first driver to drive for all four of McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull Racing. “Carlando” is reunited - but can Red Bull sustain a title challenge without Verstappen?
Last Season: A season where Red Bull didn't look to having a particularly good car saw them finish off comfortable Best of the Rest, but miles behind the dominant Ferrari. Red Bull only took one victory - Saudi Arabia - breaking Ferrari's winning Streak, and it was Lando Norris, not Max Verstappen, who won that race. It was Verstappen's first winless season since his debut season in 2015, while Norris took his first victory for Red Bull. Red Bull finished 423 points behind Ferrari, but 249 ahead of McLaren in third, taking twelve podiums and a singular win.
The Drivers: With Verstappen now at Subaru, Lando Norris has the opportunity to step up and become team leader at Red Bull - but he might also look towards former team McLaren in a contract year. In the meantime, can he add to his win total with the Bulls and potentially even challenge for the World Championship this year? Carlos Sainz had two rough years and one good year in his three years at Mercedes, and that good year earned him the move to Red Bull. Can he repay the faith his new Team have put in him and keep up this level of performance in his later career?
The Staff: Christian Horner remains in charge as Team Principal and CEO at Red Bull despite ever growing pressure to move on from the team, and having been at Red Bull since the founding of the team in 2005, can Horner hold off said growing pressure for a change? Speaking of staff changes, James Allison comes in to replace Pierre Wache as Technical Chief after Wache's move to Williams, while Enrico Balbo remains as Head of Aerodynamics. Long term Head of Strategy Hannah Schmitz has been promoted to Sporting Director in a dual role, replacing Will Courtenay who has moved to McLaren. Ricciardo Adami has moved from Ferrari to Red Bull and will rejoin Carlos Sainz as his race engineer, while Gianpiero “GP” Lambiase will now serve as the race engineer for Lando Norris.
The Tech: One of the major stories of the 2027 silly season was the purchase of Red Bull Powertrains outright by Ford, and Ford will now serve as the title sponsor of Red Bull Racing, as Red Bull become the official Ford works team. A decision made to take the pressure off Red Bull designing their own engines in-house, and handing it off to Ford to allow Red Bull more time to develop the car. Red Bull will retain Pirelli's tyres, and their Livery retains the traditional dark blue, red and yellow Livery that Red Bull usually put out, with a very slight twist.
Pre-Season Testing: The RB23 was quickest in times on day two, and had the quickest overall pace in Top Speed and Acceleration, but the RB23 proved quite slow in the cornering - ranking Seventh in all three categories. Red Bull had some success in race sims, going second fastest, as well as being third in qualifying sims. Circuits where straight-line speed is effective might bring more joy than ones that rely on a lot of cornering for the Bulls. Development of the corners this season will be key to Red Bull's success, but tracks like Vegas and Monza in particular should prove fruitful for Red Bull.
Prediction: This is a genuinely tough one to rank. Red Bull are likely to take a step back from losing their long term team leader in Verstappen, despite a very capable Norris-Sainz lineup. Last year's car wasn't the easiest to manage and this year's looks more of the same, except Verstappen and Norris got the best out of it. Can Norris and Sainz get the best out of it too? In a packed group behind the Champions, they might fall back, slightly. 4th.
SCUDERIA FERRARI
Nationality: Italy
Chassis: SF-28
Engine: Ferrari
Tyres: Bridgestone
Team Principal: Frédéric Vasseur
Charles Leclerc (1)
Oscar Piastri (81)
So, follow that. In a season that harkened back to the early 2000s Michael Schumacher levels of dominance, Ferrari clinched their 20th Constructors Championship in dominant fashion, and Charles Leclerc, despite a challenge from teammate Oscar Piastri, clinched his third World Championship. The Champions come in as the team to beat, and the title fight may well come from within.
Last Season: Some would say it went quite well. Nineteen wins and Seventeen 1-2s, a level of dominance we haven't seen from Ferrari since the early 2000s. It was thirteen wins for Charles Leclerc for his third title, and six for Oscar Piastri. Ferrari had a 1-2 in every race at the start of the year from Australia to Netherlands, and looked nigh on unbeatable for most of the year. A chaotic race in Saudi Arabia saw both drivers taken out by a Haas, the only race of the season where neither Ferrari was on the podium. A truly dominant season for the Scuderia.
The Drivers: Charles Leclerc is a three time World Champion, and enters this season as the favourite to take his fourth. Leclerc is at the peak of his game right now and has been truly a force of nature in a Ferrari that is incredibly suited to his style of driving, the Monegasque driver looks to go down as one of the best to ever do it. However he might have a challenger for this year’s title from within, as Oscar Piastri has only been getting better and better, taking six victories last year, and stepping into the seat Eight tjme World Champion Lewis Hamilton left as be retired as Champion at the end of the 2026 seqwon. The sixth-year Australian driver enters his second season at Ferrari and looks poised to make a full challenge for the Championship this year. This could be an incredible title fight.
The Staff: Frédéric Vasseur has been in charge since Mattia Binotto was sacked at the end of the 2022 season, and has completely revitalised Ferrari in his five years in charge. After a tough first season where the team took a single victory, he has led them to four straight Drivers and Constructors titles - three for Leclerc, and one for Lewis Hamilton. Vasseur brought in Loic Serra as Technical Chief from Mercedes to replace Enrico Cardille, who made the move to Aston Martin (and is now at Mercedes), a couple of seasons ago, while Diego Tondi, who has been at Ferrari since 2012, was promoted to Head of Aerodynamics in 2024. Diego Ioverno has also been at Ferrari long term, starting in the 2000s, and replaced Laurent Meknes as Sporting Director in 2024. Bryan Bozzi stays on for his fourth season as Charles Leclerc's race engineer, while Peter “Bono” Bonnington, Lewis Hamilton's long term Mercedes race engineer, finally moves over from Mercedes to Ferrari, however it's to work as Oscar Piastri's race engineer.
The Tech: Ferrari have been providing their own engines since day one back in 1950, and of course remain doing so as their own works team. Ferrari have stayed loyal to Bridgestone for another season, and the close partnership between the Scuderia and the Japanese tyre manufacturer has contributed to Ferrari's recent return to success. Naturally, Ferrari's Livery is their traditional Red, this time with black and white trim, as opposed to the white and green trim of the Italian flag from last season.
Pre-Season Testing: Ferrari had a very good three days of testing, although the car wasn't quite as dominant as the SF-27. The SF-28 was quickest in all three corners, also ranking well in top speed and Acceleration. They also had the best tyre preservation, and only ranked lower than the top three in one category - Engine Cooling, where they sit fourth. They also went quickest in both qualifying and race sims, as the SF-28 proved very good to handle and comfortable for both Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. The Champions look like they have another contender.
Prediction: The Leclerc v. Piastri Championship fight could end up being the most interesting thing about Ferrari this year, and as proven with Leclerc's title fights against Hamilton in 2025 and 2026, the team will allow both drivers to go for it. They will face a challenge from the teams around them, and I don't think they dominate quite as much as they did in 2027, but they once again remain the team to beat. Champions.
A big thank you if you've read all this, it was really fun to write (and took me about the better part of an evening!). Really appreciating all the support this save has had!
Hoping to do Australia potentially even tomorrow, or Friday.
(Had to repost the last three teams because there were some editing issues!)
foggy locust
2028 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
And so, it begins again. 21 Rounds, 22 Drivers, 11 Teams, 5 Continents, 1 World Champion, 1 Constructors Champion. Around the world from Australia to Las Vegas. And it all begins in Melbourne, as is tradition.
LAST TIME AROUND
The first season finale in Las Vegas was a spectacular ending to the 2027 season, as Oscar Piastri took his sixth win of the season to lay down a statement of intent to teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished P7 after gearbox issues, for 2028. Williams lost the chance for Third in the Constructors after two badly timed pitstops coincided with Red Flags, as McLaren did enough to clinch P3. It was goodbye for now to Zhou Guanyu and Ayumu Iwasa from the Formula 1 grid, while Max Verstappen had his last race for Red Bull and nearly won it.
THE CIRCUIT
Between mid March and early December, Albert Park's track is open to the public and aspects of the Circuit can be driven around. However after that, they are preparing for this - the first Grand Prix of the season, and there's always something special about beginning in Melbourne. The 5.278km circuit has 14 turns and a grand total of four DRS Zones, meaning DRS Effectiveness is massively crucial here, and overtaking is a regular occurrence. For the 58 laps of this race, it is hard, though not entirely impossible, to break away from the pack. Since 2022 and the return to the calendar after a two year absence, every single race here has been won by either Charles Leclerc or Max Verstappen. Leclerc took his first career Grand Slam here in 2022, and also won here in 2024, 2026 and last year's season opener. Verstappen meanwhile won the 2023 and 2025 renewals of this race. Melbourne will host its second season opener in a row - and is set to host the opener for several years to come in a brand new deal.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
CAN PIASTRI HIT PAYDIRT ON HOME SOIL?
Oscar Piastri won six races last Season, as he made a statement towards a potential title challenge in 2028, and that will be the aim for the Australian this season - to challenge for the World Championship. The perfect place to start that is by winning his home race in his home city. Piastri was born in Melbourne, and has never won this race - but was the first Australian to stand on the podium at Albert Park in Formula 1 after his P2 last year. This year, he aims to go one better. His main challenger to that will likely be his teammate and defending World Champion Charles Leclerc, who looks to take his first steps towards his fourth title this weekend. Can Piastri give Australia the result they are looking for this weekend?
TWO FORMER RED BULL DRIVERS RETURN TO THE GRID - BUT CAN THEY STILL GO?
We have the Formula 1 returns of Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo this weekend, and this is of course Ricciardo's home Grand Prix as well. Ricciardo returns to the F1 Grid after a year's sabbatical to rejoin the team he previously left, Andretti, while Perez is on the F1 grid for the first time in four years, having left Red Bull in 2024 and failed to secure an F1 drive since then. There was a lot of controversy with Perez's signing, as one of the reasons former Alpine TP Oliver Oakes left was Alpine choosing him over Jack Doohan or Ayumu Iwasa. So the pressure will be on both - Ricciardo to perform in front of his home fans, and Perez to prove that Alpine and Flavio Briatore made the right decision bringing him in. Perez might have a better chance this weekend than Ricciardo - the Alpine seems better suited to Melbourne than the Andretti.
HOW WILL VERSTAPPEN’S SUBARU DEBUT GO?
Speaking of former Red Bull drivers, who thought we'd be describing Max Verstappen in that way? But here we are - after 12 years driving in Formula 1 associated with Red Bull, Verstappen is without the support of the energy drinks company for the first time in his career. The Dutchman makes his Subaru debut at Melbourne, and the hope for Verstappen is that this is a team that could potentially challenge at the top right way - but it might take time to challenge the Ferraris. Verstappen will be hopeful for fighting for a podium with the likes of McLaren, Williams and Mercedes this weekend though - as well as maybe his former team.
AND HOW WILL RED BULL FARE WITHOUT HIM?
As for Verstappen's former Red Bull team, the lineup of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz takes on the post Verstappen era. You got the feeling Red Bull's drivers were outperforming the car last Season, and so it may go again this year. Melbourne however may be a track that's kind to Red Bull - the Bulls’ phenomenal top speed, currently ranked the highest in the sport, may come into play. Could Norris or Sainz, or both, potentially fight for the win in Melbourne? They'll have to get a handle on those corners though, as the RB24 struggled in high speed cornering in testing - will that hurt them this weekend?
WITH TEN OF THE TWENTY TWO ON A FINAL YEAR OF THEIR CONTRACT, HOW WILL THAT COME INTO PLAY THIS YEAR?
Ten members of the 22 man grid are out of contract at the end of the season - Red Bull's Lando Norris, McLaren's Pato O'Ward, both Mercedes of Colton Herta and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, both Williams of George Russell and Alex Albon, Aston Martin's Valtteri Bottas, Subaru's Oliver Bearman and both Audis of Théo Pourchaire and Isack Hadjar, and some very talented drivers knocking at the door to get their opportunities, this is a big prove it year for many drivers. Melbourne is the start to proving whether they deserve a move up the grid, or to be on the grid at all. The most open contracts since 2024, this should be a very intriguing year for these ten men, and it all begins in Melbourne.
And so to the opening round of the 2028 season. With no rain expected, this should hopefully be a clean weekend - but how will the Championship order be looking after Melbourne? One thing's for sure - you will not want to miss it.
FP1 Reserves: Grant (Sainz)
Just the one reserve in FP1 on opening weekend, as Carlos Sainz's Red Bull debut/return is delayed to FP2. Scottish Red Bull junior Chloe Grant is being thrown in at the deep end here on her first race weekend with the team.
It's a Subaru debut for Max Verstappen, Colton Herta has his first FP1 at Mercedes, and a first FP1 in four years for Sergio Perez.
foggy locust
FP1: VER LEC PIA
A signal of intent from Max Verstappen, as he goes 0.073 quicker than Charles Leclerc in FP1, with Oscar Piastri 3 tenths back. Théo Pourchaire took P4 in a good start to the Oliver Oakes era at Audi, with Pato O'Ward, who has slight technical issues, P5. Sergio Perez was P6 in his first FP1 in four years, with Gabriel Bortoleto P7 and Pierre Gasly P8. Oliver Bearman took P9, and Chloe Grant marked her Red Bull FP1 debut with an impressive P10 - ahead of Lando Norris, who ended up 14th.
FP2: LEC ANT PIA
Leclerc quickest in FP2, 3 tenths up on Antonelli, as Piastri was 4 tenths back in P3. Russell and O'Ward P4 and P5, with Norris 6th, improving on FP1. Bottas ahead of Albon, with Verstappen P9 and Sainz 10th.
FP3: LEC NOR VER
PIA P5
Very tight at the top in FP3, as Leclerc goes 0.059 quicker than Norris and 0.124 quicker than Verstappen. Lawson fourth, then Piastri and O'Ward. Perez took 7th ahead of Antonelli, with Gasly 9th and Russell 10th.
Well, here we go. All the questions from pre-season, from the long Winter off, are about to be answered. The first qualifying session, the first competitive session of 2028 is about to begin. The gloves are off and there's nowhere to hide now. Albert Park opens the season and that DRS should be a huge help round here. Who will take the first Pole, and that first bonus point, of 2028?
foggy locust
OUT IN Q1: Albon, Gasly, Pourchaire, Ocon, Ricciardo, Colapinto
Bubble: Bortoleto
Top Five: LEC, VER, TSU, BOT, SAI
PIA P9
Some shocks already in Q1 as two teams fighting for P3 last year lose one driver - Gasly and Albon both out in Q1! Ricciardo goes out amd will start his first home race back in P21, but gave Verstappen a tow to get him through, both Haas drivers of Ocon and Colapinto, as well as Pourchaire, exit. That tow landed Verstappen P2 behind Leclerc, while Tsunoda and Bottas were P3 and P4. Just P9 for Piastri, while a late lap from Perez got him through.
(BON) "Currently P16."
(PIA) "F***. That wasn't a good lap. That Audi didn't help though."
(BON) "We'll get them tomorrow, head up."
OUT IN Q2: Lawson, Verstappen, Hadjar, Sainz, Bearman, Piastri
Bubble: Norris
Top Five: LEC, TSU, BOT, RUS, OWA
Some absolute shockers in Q2, as a combination of track evolution and traffic claims Verstappen, Sainz AND Piastri!! Bearman also exits alongside Lawson and Hadjar. Leclerc quickest ahead of the two Astons of Tsunoda and Bottas, while Russell and O'Ward go P4 and P5. Bortoleto, who is seeking his first F1 points, is through to Q3, as is Perez in his first qualifying in F1 in four years. Both Mercedes of Herta and Antonelli are through, as is Norris.
(BOZ) "And that's P1, P1 baby! Congratulations!"
(LEC) "Let's goooo! Ahhh, fantastic start. Let's continue that tomorrow."
sterile breach
(BON) "Currently P16."
(PIA) "F***. That wasn't a good lap. That Audi didn't he...
It's so over, round 2 maybe?
foggy locust
Q3: Leclerc, O'Ward, Bottas, Russell, Herta, Norris, Perez, Tsunoda, Bortoleto, Antonelli
Leclerc dominant in Q3 as he takes Pole by 0.399. O'Ward will join him on the front row, with Bottas P3 and Russell P4. Herta starts his first Mercedes race from 5th, with Norris sixth and Perez Seventh. Tsunoda went purple in the middle sector but couldn't convert that above P8, with Bortoleto P9 and Antonelli P10.
foggy locust
It's so over, round 2 maybe?
Early days
Got a couple of things to do so I'll be doing the race later this evening 😊
2028 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
LEC OWA
BOT RUS
HER NOR
PER TSU
BOR ANT
LAW VER
HAD SAI
BEA PIA
ALB GAS
POU OCO
RIC COL
foggy locust
Well, here we go. It's opening day in the 2028 Formula 1 season, and we all begin on nil once again. Forget what's gone, embrace what's here. A leisurely Sunday drive in the park this is not, as this is may well be an overtaking fest with those 4 DRS Zones to play with. 58 laps, 5.278km, an elevation of 2.45 metres and 14 turns per each of those 58 laps. And it is a very, very different grid than most of us were expecting. Three tyre manufacturers this season - how will that come into play today?
Franco Colapinto starts at the very back alongside the returning Daniel Ricciardo, starting his home Grand Prix from P21. Esteban Ocon is alongside Théo Pourchaire in P20 and P19, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon begin shockingly on P18 and P17. Even more shockingly, Oscar Piastri starts his home race from 16th and some work to do for the native Melburnian, he's got Ollie Bearman for company on row eight. Carlos Sainz races for Red Bull once more and starts P14, Isack Hadjar up in P13 to start the year. Max Verstappen another shock Q2 exit as he makes his Subaru debut from 12th beside Liam Lawson who races the closest race to his homeland of New Zealand. Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto begin their respective second seasons on row five, Yuki Tsunoda from P8 and it's welcome back to Sergio Perez in his Alpine Debut, he begins his first race in 4 years from P7. Lando Norris starts 6th and it's a 5th place start for Colton Herta in his Mercedes debut, then George Russell begins 4th and Valtteri Bottas lines up 3rd. Pato O'Ward starts 2nd in the race he got his first and only podium of his career thus far, and defending Champion Charles Leclerc starts as he means to go on from Pole Position.
Let's go racing in Melbourne!!
Formation lap done, all twenty two cars in position, it's a new season and a new beginning once more, one, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO!
Leclerc is away very well here, Bottas gets ahead of O'Ward, then Russell, Herta, Norris, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Bortoleto, Perez has fallen to tenth, Verstappen, Sainz and Piastri have all gained places already, as has Ollie Bearman! P11 for Max, P12 for Carlos, P13 for Ollie, P14 for Oscar as it stands.
(BON) "DRS has been enabled, currently P14. Albon right behind you, gap of 0.5"
(PIA) "Yeah, copy."
(BOZ) "Okay, you're out of Bottas' DRS range, keep it clean and tidy at this point, you're doing a great job already. That's the fastest lap."
(LEC) "Yep, good sign already."
LECLERC
Piastri up ahead of Sainz and Bearman, now chasing the only other former Champion on the grid Verstappen.
(PIA) "Move of a World Champion, that one"
PIASTRI AND VERSTAPPEN ALMOST MAKE CONTACT, AND VERSTAPPEN IS FORCED WIDE! Sainz goes past both men briefly, but Piastri retakes position, SAINZ RUNS WIDE NOW
Piastri moved up past Bortoleto and into the points!
(BON) "This is excellent work Oscar. You've got Kimi Antonelli up next, three seconds ahead. Careful with Perez and Sainz."
Perez the latest to have some trouble keeping the car on the circuit. He slips off and Piastri and Sainz move past.
Currently Leclerc about six seconds clear, and this is already looking ominous from the Champion.
O'Ward moves into P2 ahead of Bottas!
(BOZ) "Lap 8, how's the tyres so far?"
(LEC) "Holding up fine. Seems to be losing a little grip in T4-5, otherwise ok"
O'Ward the latest to go wide!! Russell overtakes Bottas in the confusion, and he's up to P2!
Lap 12: Leclerc, Bottas, Russell, Norris, O'Ward, Herta, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Sainz, Piastri, Bortoleto, Verstappen, Perez, Gasly, Bearman, Albon, Lawson, Hadjar, Ricciardo, Pourchaire, Ocon, Colapinto
Norris with a lovely move to take P2!!
(BON) "Keep trying to drop temp, if you can."
(PIA) "Yeah, doing my best."
(BON) "Just do the best you can."
Colton Herta overtakes George Russell for P4!
Make it P6 for Russell as Tsunoda gets him too!
(BON) "Let us know about the tyres."
(PIA) "Front left is struggling a small bit here."
PITSTOPS: The first pirstops of the 2028 season see Sainz, Lawson and Ricciardo come in! All three Drivers have opted for Hard tyres here!
Aston look like they may have a fast car on their hands this season. Tsunoda up to P3, with Bottas running P4!
(BON) "Okay Oscar, box at the end of Lap 18 please."
(PIA) "Okay. Overtaking proving difficult."
(BON) "Got every chance here."
Somewhat surprising that Ferrari have called Piastri, running Mediums, in before Leclerc, running Softs, but here we are.
PITSTOPS: Norris, Russell, Piastri, Perez, Gasly all in! Piastri with a 2.351 and he's gotten ahead of Russell in the pitlane here!
(BOZ) "Okay, box this lap Charles. Box this lap."
(LEC) "Copy, box. Plan C?"
(BOZ) "Plan C."
The two Astons currently trading DRS in order to fend off Herta for those podium spots.
PITSTOPS: LECLERC IN FROM THE LEAD. The Champion takes Mediums, a 2.582 stop, and retains the lead! Herta, Tsunoda both in! Bottas stays out for now. Bearman, Bortoleto and Pourchaire all come in too!
PITSTOP: Bottas in from P3, having just lost position to Antonelli! He's now down to P9!
Piastri ahead of Ocon, we sense Ocon might be on the one stopper here, however.
Antonelli and Verstappen are the other two on one-stoppers most likely, neither has pit as of yet.
SAINZ
Pourchaire with a lock-up at turn 3! He runs into the gravel!
PITSTOP: Ocon in! He drops out of the points and he's onto the Mediums - might be tricky to get those to the end, but he'll try!
TSUNODA
PITSTOP: Verstappen comes in from P5! He's onto the Hards and this is absolutely a one-stopper from the three time Champion!
HERTA
It has to be said, Antonelli has done a fantastic job on those tyres thus far, and he's claiming DRS off Norris! Risky staying out another lap though, think he's trying to get the DRS off Norris before pitting!
It hasn't panned out though as Norris has broken DRS!
PITSTOP: Off that attempt, Antonelli is in, the last to pit for the first time, and onto the Hards. That's likely the one stopper.
Lap 28: Leclerc, Norris, Sainz, O'Ward, Piastri, Bottas, Tsunoda, Herta, Russell, Antonelli, Lawson, Perez, Albon, Gasly, Bearman, Verstappen, Ricciardo, Bortoleto, Hadjar, Ocon, Colapinto, Pourchaire
VERSTAPPEN
Have Red Bull outstragised everyone here? They're currently running a 2-3, although Sainz is under pressure from O'Ward.
Piastri not far behind there and he could be coming to join the fray here.
(PIA) "Going to need to get out of this three car DRS as soon as I can here."
(BON) "Copy Oscar, do what you can here."
Lap 31: Leclerc, Norris, Sainz, O'Ward, Piastri, Bottas, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Russell, Herta, Lawson, Gasly, Bearman, Perez, Albon, Verstappen, Bortoleto, Hadjar, Ricciardo, Ocon, Pourchaire, Colapinto
Brilliant stuff from the Australian driver, as Piastri goes round O'Ward, then goes down the inside of Sainz with DRS within a couple of corners! This got a big reaction from the Melbourne crowd here!
PITSTOP: Perez in from P16, and he's taking Hards to the end, rejoining P22 and last.
Penny for Oliver Oakes' thoughts here with Perez running P22. Has to be said though, neither Audi is anywhere near the points either, and Lawson is running P10.
PITSTOP: Albon comes in and he's onto the Hards. Speaking of Hadjar, he also comes in for the Hards.
(BON) "No management currently required. Build up a gap best you can now."
Piastri has Sainz, Bottas and O'Ward to deal with here in a tight fight for that P3.
Lap 37: Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Sainz, Bottas, O'Ward, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Herta, Russell, Lawson, Gasly, Bearman, Verstappen, Albon, Bortoleto, Ricciardo, Ocon, Perez, Pourchaire, Colapinto, Hadjar
Sainz has DRS and steals P3 away from Piastri!
PITSTOP: Tsunoda onto the pitlane, and takes on the Hards - quite late in the race for that, and he re-emerges P14.
PITSTOPS: NORRIS IN. He takes Hards and is going to the end, as O'Ward comes in to do the same. Norris emerges ahead of Antonelli, and that's huge for Red Bull. As both Norris and O'Ward are out ahead of Verstappen, which is a problem for Subaru!
PITSTOP: Sainz is in for the Mediums on Lap 40! It is currently a Ferrari 1-2!
(BON) "So we will box at the end of this lap."
(PIA) "Copy, box."
BOTTAS
Bottas with a brilliant move down the inside of Piastri!
PITSTOP: And Piastri comes in from P3! A 2.615 stop and he's heading back out on Softs to the end! He rejoins P4!
(BON) "Okay Oscar, you're rejoining P4. Norris car ahead, P3, 4.3. Sainz P5, gap 2.1."
(BOZ) "Charles box this lap, box this lap."
(LEC) "Yeah, box."
PITSTOP: Leclerc in, and that's a slightly longer pitstop than planned - 4.2! They had some issues with the right wheel, but he's still got a comfortable lead!
(LEC) "Better now than in a close race."
ANTONELLI
PITSTOP: Herta rejoins and he's taken the Mediums - with 15 laps to go, that's a questionable strategy from Mercedes! He's now down in P17!
PITSTOP: Bearman in and onto the Softs, Lawson meanwhile has taken the Mediums. Bearman P12, Lawson P17.
NORRIS
(BOZ) "Push for this lap."
LECLERC
Leclerc with a 15.742, which has shattered O'Ward's lap record by nearly 3 and a half seconds. Jesus.
Lap 49: Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Bottas, Sainz, Antonelli, O'Ward, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Gasly, Bearman, Albon, Herta, Russell, Lawson, Perez, Ricciardo, Hadjar, Ocon, Colapinto, Pourchaire, Bortoleto
Piastri quickly closing in on Norris and the fight could be on for P2!
PITSTOP: Bottas in from P6! That was a massive delay though and that might cost Aston a lot of points! He rejoins P10!
Norris defending position well from Piastri on Lap 51, Piastri will get another go at it though!
PIASTRI DOWN THE INSIDE OF NORRIS, AND PIASTRI IS P2!! The fans love it here, and what a recovery drive from Oscar Piastri today!
Norris briefly takes P2 back, but Piastri suckered him in to get the DRS!
(BON) "Such an awesome job mate!"
PITSTOP: Gasly in very late. Been a very, very disappointing weekend for that McLaren.
Norris keeping the pressure on former teammate Piastri for that second step of the podium. Both are well clear of Sainz in P4, and well, well behind Leclerc in P1.
(LEC) "Lawson has been shown the blue flag three times now, why is he not moving out the way?"
(BOZ) "He's been told once more."
(LEC) "Finally. For f---'s sake."
Penultimate lap and Leclerc having issues overtaking - Lawson, who he is lapping. Lawson did take a lot of time to get out of the way there.
LAST LAP
Norris will have a run at Piastri, Piastri holds him off here!!
Meanwhile, it has been a sensational opening day from the defending Champion, Pole Position, led from start to finish, Fastest Lap, a New Lap Record, another win at Melbourne, A FIFTH CAREER GRAND SLAM, CHARLES LECLERC WINS THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX AND STARTS THE SEASON OFF WITH CELEBRATIONS FOR FERRARI!!! THE DEFENDING CHAMPION STARTING ON A PERFECT NOTE!!!
(BOZ) "AND P1! That's a fifth career Grand Slam Charles, incredible, incredible today!"
(LEC) "YESSSSS! YES YES YES, LET'S GOOOO!! HAHA! AAHHHH, YESSS! Ah, perfect start. That's exactly how we should start the season! COME ON!"
(BOZ) "Amazing job today. Amazing."
Meanwhile can Piastri hold off Norrris and hold onto the 1-2, PIASTRI ROUNDS THE FINAL CORNER AND FENDS OFF NORRIS TO BRING HOME THE 1-2!!!
(BON) "And that's the chequered flag mate, so that's P2 on home soil, Oscar, brilliant result from starting P16!"
(PIA) "Mega mega job there. Did everything we could, and always nice to get a home podium! Would like to win this one, but maybe next year."
(BON) "You did a fantastic job. Gave it everything. Well done Oscar, head up."
Norris P3
Sainz comes in P4, P5 for Antonelli! O'Ward P6, Verstappen takes P7, Bottas P8, Tsunoda P9, Bearman P10.
1-2 for Ferrari, 3-4 for Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren get points, Subaru and Aston double points.
foggy locust
2028 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Charles Leclerc 01.19.29
- Oscar Piastri +36.895
- Lando Norris +0.080
- Carlos Sainz +9.031
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +11.234
- Pato O'Ward +1.549
- Max Verstappen +0.737
- Valtteri Bottas +7.665
- Yuki Tsunoda +0.134
- Oliver Bearman +0.511
- Colton Herta +11.105
- Alex Albon +0.510
- George Russell +1 lap
- Liam Lawson +1 lap
- Pierre Gasly +1 lap
- Daniel Ricciardo +1 lap
- Sergio Perez +1 lap
- Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
- Isack Hadjar +1 lap
- Esteban Ocon +1 lap
- Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
- Franco Colapinto +1 lap
DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC
From Pole to flag, picking up a new fastest lap record, Charles Leclerc was utterly unbeatable today, as the new World Champion recorded his fifth career Grand Slam. Charles Leclerc is your first Driver of the Day of the 2028 season!
Top Five: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Antonelli, Verstappen
2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
🇲🇨 Leclerc 27
🇦🇺 Piastri 18
🏴 Norris 15
🇪🇸 Sainz 12
🇮🇹 Antonelli 10
🇲🇽 O'Ward 8
🇳🇱 Verstappen 6
🇫🇮 Bottas 4
🇯🇵 Tsunoda 2
🏴 Bearman 1
🇺🇸 Herta 0
🇹🇭 Albon 0
🏴 Russell 0
🇳🇿 Lawson 0
🇫🇷 Gasly 0
🇦🇺 Ricciardo 0
🇫🇷 Pourchaire 0
🇫🇷 Hadjar 0
🇫🇷 Ocon 0
🇧🇷 Bortoleto 0
🇦🇷 Colapinto 0
2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 45
Red Bull-Ford 27
Mercedes 10
McLaren-Mercedes 8
Subaru-Honda 7
Aston Martin-Honda 6
Williams-Ferrari 0
Alpine-Renault 0
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Audi 0
Haas-Ford 0
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION:
Red Bull 37
Mercedes 20
Andretti 15
McLaren 12
Ferrari 10
Aston Martin 6
Williams 1
Subaru 0
Haas 0
Alpine 0
Audi 0
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Charles Leclerc 1.15
342 🆕
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Lando Norris 2.241
F2 SPRINT:
- Enzo Fittipaldi
- Dino Beganovic
- Zane Maloney
- Dennis Hauger
- Kacper Sztuka
- Rafael Câmara
- Tim Tramnitz
- Roman Stanĕk
F2 FEATURE
Pole: Rafael Câmara
- Rafael Câmara
- Tim Tramnitz
- Zane Maloney
- Paul Aron
- Dayton Coulthard
- Dino Beganovic
- Kasper Sztuka
- Taylor Barnard
- Dennis Hauger
- Enzo Fittipaldi
F3 SPRINT
- John Bennett
- Rafael Villagómez
- Nina Gademan
- Héctor Araya
- Nikita Bedrin
- Mari Boya
- Joshua Dürksen
- Chloe Grant
F3 FEATURE
- Alexander Dunne
- Martinius Stenshorne
- Udo Arnold
- Joshua Dürksen
- John Bennett
- Chloe Grant
- Héctor Araya
- Nikita Bedrin
- Nina Gademan
- Noel León
Next F2 round is Montreal, so Round 5, next F3 Round is Imola, Round 6
sterile breach
I had both F2 and F3 go to Mexico at one point
foggy locust
Both in Mexico would be fun
foggy locust
Realised I forgot to post my predictions I made pre Australia haha
(Written before Australia)
Drivers Championship Prediction:
Leclerc
Piastri
Verstappen
O'Ward
Norris
Gasly
Russell
Bearman
Sainz
Antonelli
Albon
Herta
Bottas
Perez
Tsunoda
Pourchaire
Lawson
Ricciardo
Hadjar
Ocon
Bortoleto
Colapinto
Constructors Championship Prediction
Ferrari
McLaren
Subaru
Red Bull
Williams
Mercedes
Aston Martin
Alpine
Audi
Andretti
Haas
foggy locust
2028 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
After an enjoyable opener that saw Charles Leclerc lay down a statement to the chasing pack in Australia, we head to the Shanghai Audi International Circuit for the Chinese Grand Prix and Round 2 of the 2028 Formula 1 Grand Prix.
LAST TIME AROUND
Charles Leclerc was in a class of his own as he took a Grand Slam, leading from Pole to flag, breaking the fastest lap record and winning the opening round of the season at Melbourne. Behind Leclerc, it was a close-knit pack as Oscar Piastri narrowly beat out Lando Norris for P2, bringing home a second consecutive home podium. Andrea Kimi Antonelli landed P5 for Mercedes, with Pato O'Ward's front row start ending in a P6, as he couldn't quite take a second consecutive Australia podium. Subaru and Aston Martin took double points, with Verstappen and Bearman P7 and P10, and Bottas and Tsunoda P8 and P9.
THE CIRCUIT
The Shanghai Audi International Circuit is situated in the Jiading District of Shanghai, China, and has hosted the Chinese Grand Prix since 2004, running from 2004 to 2019, then after a four year absence from the calendar, returned in 2024 as the fifth race of the season, before moving to the second round last year. The 16 turn, 5.451km Circuit is known predominantly for a mix of low and medium speed cornering, and features the 270 degree right hand turn in Turn 1 and 2, one of the trickiest combinations on the F1 Calendar. Since the return to the calendar, Ferrari have won every single race here.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
WHO WILL STEP UP TO THE CHAMPION?
Charles Leclerc laid down the marker at the Australian Grand Prix - “catch me if you can.” Leclerc won the opening race by 36.895 seconds from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, and from the opening lap he was never in any danger of not winning the opening race. With 13 wins last year, and 1 dominant win already this year, can anyone step up and challenge Leclerc for the World Drivers Championship this year? There has been some potential - Piastri recovered very well from a qualifying where he got caught in traffic, both Red Bulls fought well, McLaren, Mercedes and Williams are capable of more, and we have yet to see the true potential of Max Verstappen in the Subaru. But for now, Leclerc remains the heavy favourite to win his fourth World title, and we wait to see who, if anyone, can challenge him for the Championship.
AFTER A DISAPPOINTING DAY ONE, WHAT NOW FOR WILLIAMS?
Williams came into Australia with high expectations, having taken Fourth in the Constructors and pushed for Third last Season, and with a good strong looking car from testing, expectations were high for the Grove team. But, unfortunately, they were just there at Melbourne, not really making an impact on the race and finishing a disappointing combined P12 (for Albon) and P13 (for Russell). James Vowles wrote Australia off as a “learning experience”, and the Grove team are bringing early upgrades to Shanghai with hopes of once again challenging at the front. Was Australia a one off, or were the expectations too high to begin this year? Shanghai, a circuit that should suit Williams more than Melbourne did, may answer that.
CAN AUDI TURN SHANGHAI INTO A NEW HOME ADVANTAGE?
At the end of last year, Audi signed a deal with the Shanghai International Circuit for a sponsorship deal to rename the Circuit - the Shanghai Audi International Circuit, with the idea of turning the race into a new home Grand Prix - with no Germany or Switzerland on the calendar, Shanghai could serve as a new home Grand Prix for Audi. Audi have spent a lot of time, money and marketing in the Chinese Market to try and up their support for this coming weekend, and with two drivers out of contract at the end of the season, the pressure will be on to make this weekend a success. Audi's qualifying pace in Melbourne wasn't terrible, but their race pace struggled, and they ended up P18 and P19. Audi got points in one race last Season - Saudi Arabia - and they will be hoping their new found support will help them score some points this weekend.
CAN MERCEDES, ASTON OR SUBARU PUSH FORWARD TOWARDS THE FRONT?
It's too early to say who will be at the forefront of the fight to challenge Ferrari - Red Bull looked the next quickest in Melbourne - but Mercedes, Subaru and Aston Martin all found themselves in the points this past weekend, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli snatching P5, while Subaru and Aston saw both drivers hoover up the lower points. Aston seem to have a better car than expected, but again, was it track specific this past weekend, or has Adrian Newey worked his magic? Mercedes were unlucky not to get Colton Herta in the points as well, as a late pitstop for Mediums took him out of the points and he didn't quite have the pace on those Mediums with not as much time left. Meanwhile Subaru of course have the Max Verstappen factor. These three teams look the most likely to have that kind of breakthrough that Williams did last year into the top four - can they add to strong starts to the season?
WITH McLAREN'S UPGRADES, IS THERE A NEW DRIVER HIERARCHY?
McLaren have an interesting scenario on their hands. Pierre Gasly is signed for two more years, including this one. Pato O'Ward is out of contract at the end of this season coming. But there's many within McLaren, according to sources close to the team, who want to build the team around O'Ward, seeing him as the future of the Papaya team. O'Ward took sixth in Melbourne, with Gasly struggling all weekend with a Q1 exit and a P15 finish, while O'Ward was initially on the front row. While Melbourne didn't suit McLaren's car - it looks like Shanghai will, and it is one that McLaren will believe they could potentially even win on Sunday. Do team orders come into play already to favour O'Ward, or will we see a return of the controversial “Papaya Rules”?
No rain in Shanghai and once again no Sprint, as we continue with the regular weekend format. That being said, it should be a very interesting weekend and we will truly see who can step up in Shanghai. And one thing's for sure - you won't want to miss it.
ZHOU GUANYU TO RUN FP1 AT HOME RACE
Zhou Guanyu is getting the opportunity to drive the SF-28 this weekend at his home Grand Prix.
Ferrari are fulfilling the first of their Reserve FP1 sessions by putting Zhou in, and it is a great opportunity for Zhou to once again appear in front of his home fanbase.
Zhou spent six years on the F1 grid with Sauber and Haas, and looks for his next full time drive opportunity, this is a chance to show what he can do.
Zhou will take the seat of Oscar Piastri for FP1 this weekend.
FP1 Reserves: Zhou (Piastri), Bennett (O'Ward), Grant (Norris), Araya (Herta), Miní (Perez), Staněk (Russell)
FP1: ZHO LEC POU
A fantastic moment for Zhou Guanyu, who goes quickest in FP1 in his home GP! Leclerc just 0.025 off his Reserve teammate, with Pourchaire P3. Sainz followed in P4, with Gasly 5th and Red Bull junior Chloe Grant P6. Bearman P7 ahead of Ricciardo, Tsunoda and Mercedes reserve Héctor Araya.
FP2: PIA NOR LEC
A late lap from Oscar Piastri took P1 away from Lando Norris, with Charles Leclerc P3. Verstappen 4th ahead of Albon and Herta, while Russell was 7th and O'Ward 8th. Sainz in 9th and Pourchaire's 10th complete the top ten.
FP3: LEC PIA TSU
Leclerc quickest in FP3 ahead of Piastri and Tsunoda, with Antonelli 4th. Verstappen takes 5th ahead of Gasly and Sainz, with Bearman, Herta and Albon completing the top ten.
It is time for Qualifying here in Shanghai, and it is game on here once more. After a dominant Leclerc win in Melbourne, he went quickest in two of the three practices, although Piastri took the other, and Red Bull, Aston and even Audi, in their new home GP, showed some pace. Could be a very intriguing Saturday at the Shanghai Audi International Circuit.
OUT IN Q1: Perez, Albon, Colapinto, Ocon, Gasly, Ricciardo
Bubble: Bortoleto
Top Five: LEC, PIA, NOR, VER, SAI
Gasly and Albon underwhelm again and are both out in Q1 for the second weekend in a row! A late Antonelli lap took him out of the bottom five, while Lawson was last to complete and knocks out teammate Perez. Colapinto, Ocon and Ricciardo also exit in Q1. Leclerc was 2 tenths faster than Piastri and Norris, with Verstappen and Sainz following.
OUT IN Q2: Pourchaire, Bottas, Hadjar, Herta, Bearman, Bortoleto
Bubble: Lawson
Top Five: LEC, SAI, PIA, NOR, ANT
Both Audis exit in Q2, as Pourchaire misses out on Q3 by just 0.072. Bottas drops out by 0.096, while Bearman also exits. Bearman's teammate Verstappen was on for P1 then decided to race Sainz and cost himself that. Herta and Bortoleto also drop out. Russell needed a late lap to get through as did Antonelli and Lawson. Leclerc quickest from Sainz and Piastri, then Norris and Antonelli. O'Ward and Tsunoda also through to Q3.
(BOZ) "And that is P1, Pole Position, Charles!"
(LEC) "Let's gooooo! Ahhh, come on! Perfect start to the weekend, let's go!"
(BON) "And that's P2, good job today Oscar."
(PIA) "Yeah, not bad, gave it all I had there."
Q3: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Verstappen, Russell, O'Ward, Tsunoda, Norris, Antonelli, Lawson
No major shocks as Leclerc takes his second Pole of the season, about a tenth and a half up on Piastri. Sainz third, about 2 tenths back, with Verstappen fourth. Russell took 5th ahead of O'Ward, while Tsunoda and Norris are P7 and P8. Antonelli and Lawson complete the top ten.
2028 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
LEC PIA
SAI VER
RUS OWA
TSU NOR
ANT LAW
POU BOT
HAD HER
BEA BOR
PER ALB
COL OCO
GAS RIC
And let us begin. Round 2 of the 2028 Formula 1 season sees us arrive in China, the Shanghai Audi International Circuit welcomes F1 for the first time since its new name change, but for the fifth year running since its return to the calendar. 56 laps of this 5.451 km Circuit, 16 turns at an elevation of 7.3 metres per lap. It is a circuit that is traditionally tough on the tyres, so a two stop is the most likely play, but let's see how the three tyre manufacturers play this.
Daniel Ricciardo starts at the very back alongside Pierre Gasly who's had a tough start to 2029, it's the two Haas drivers of Esteban Ocon and Franco Colapinto on row ten, then Alex Albon again out in Q1 beside Sergio Perez on row nine. Gabriel Bortoleto starts on the eighth row beside Ollie Bearman, Colton Herta begins from 14th and it's 13th for Isack Hadjar in Audi's adopted home race. Théo Pourchaire is just one row ahead of his teammate in 11th beside Valtteri Bottas, Liam Lawson and Andrea Kimi Antonelli start just inside the top ten. Lando Norris begins P8 with Yuki Tsunoda 7th, Pato O'Ward and George Russell well ahead of their teammate in 6th and 5th respectively, Max Verstappen has put his Subaru on the second row alongside Carlos Sainz, and the more things change. Wouldn't you know it, another Ferrari front row lockout. Oscar Piastri begins from P2 and it is two Poles from two races for defending Champion Charles Leclerc.
Time to go racing in Shanghai!
As the cars settle on the grid, the lights come on...one, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Leclerc is away well, Piastri still in his wing mirrors, Sainz keeps P3 away from Verstappen, Russell and Tsunoda both up ahead of O'Ward, Norris, Lawson ahead of Antonelli!
The two Ferraris have raced away early here and you sense the SF-28 might also be a rocketship like its predecessor.
PIASTRI
(BON) "Let's drop the temperature of the rears if we can."
(PIA) "Yeah."
Piastri ahead of Leclerc, no Grand Slam today!
(BOZ) "You and Oscar are free to race, as always, keep it clean."
Sainz is keeping within Verstappen's DRS!
As is Tsunoda with Russell!
Leclerc tries to go down the inside of his teammate Piastri, but he can't get the move done!
On the second attempt though, Leclerc is up ahead of his teammate and back into the lead!
Verstappen is starting to break away from Sainz, can he lower the gap to Leclerc and Piastri though?
Tsunoda with a lovely move to get past Russell into P5!
VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED!!!
MASSIVE OFF FOR POURCHAIRE. The first retirement of the season as he spins into the gravel at turn 7 and hits the barrier!! Thankfully he's okay, but not what he, or Audi needed here.
Piastri had just taken the lead from Leclerc right before that VSC was called.
Will anyone pit here?
(BON) "We have a car off. Pourchaire."
(PIA) "Is he okay?"
(BON) "Yeah, driver okay. Stay out here. P1."
(BOZ) "Big off for Pourchaire, he's okay though. VSC but stay out, and lower delta."
(LEC) "Glad he's ok"
Lap 8, under VSC: Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Sainz, Tsunoda, Russell, Norris, Antonelli, O'Ward, Bottas, Lawson, Herta, Hadjar, Bearman, Albon, Bortoleto, Perez, Ocon, Gasly, Ricciardo, Colapinto. Pourchaire out of the race.
We are racing on Lap 9!
Bortoleto runs wide and loses position to Perez!
Leclerc will have DRS here and Leclerc takes the lead of the race!
(BON) "And I'd like your thoughts on Plan D"
(PIA) "I think if could work, tyres are good right now."
(BON) "Copy."
Sainz moves past Verstappen and into P3! Sainz has had a real career rejuvenation in the last year or so, and it looks like he's taken that to Red Bull, too!
Leclerc is holding off Piastri, and the tyres are holding up better than expected for both drivers. Is a one stop possible here?
Piastri gets by with the DRS! He's into the lead here! But he's handed his teammate the DRS advantage!
The Ferraris go wheel to wheel, and Piastri just comes out ahead there! Brilliant racing from the two!
Verstappen up ahead of Sainz! Could Subaru be getting their first F1 podium today?
(LEC) "Ah. Close."
(BOZ) "Keep going, you're doing well here."
Leclerc does get the job done on the next turn and he's back into the lead!
SAINZ
PITSTOP: The first pitstop of the day falls to George Russell, as he comes in and goes Soft-Soft. He's down to P17, and committed to the two stopper at this point.
PITSTOPS: Pitstops for Herta, Perez and Bortoleto. Herta, like Russell, has gone for the Softs, as has Perez. Bortoleto onto the Mediums. VERSTAPPEN IN A LAP LATER, Bottas in, the Subaru pit crew staying in the pitlane as Bearman also pits and takes the same strategy as his teammate. So does Bottas.
RUSSELL
PITSTOP: Norris in off the Softs and down to P11.
(BOZ) "Okay Charles, box this lap, box this lap."
(LEC) "Copy, box."
Piastri retakes the lead from Leclerc, but the Champion is pushing him as he prepares to pit at the end of this lap!
PITSTOP: LECLERC IN. A 2.254 stop, lovely stuff from Ferrari, and he will rejoin in P4.
(BON) "Let us know what you think on the tyres, Oscar?"
(PIA) "Front left struggling a little bit...otherwise they're okay, they've still got some life in them."
Leclerc gets ahead of Tsunoda, who is still yet to pit. Could Yuki also be one-stopping here?
PITSTOP: The answer to that is "no", as Tsunoda comes in for the Softs.
PITSTOP: Sainz is in for the Hards! Looks like Red Bull are trying the one stop! Antonelli, his former teammate, also coming in for Hards!
(BON) "We'll drop the lift and coast for now, and we'll push."
(BOZ) "You were about a second and a half quicker than Oscar that last lap. Going well here."
(BON) "Okay Oscar, we're ready for you, box the end of this lap."
(PIA) "Copy, box"
Verstappen 7 seconds ahead of Norris and 11 ahead of Sainz. Sainz is likely one-stopping here, however.
PITSTOP: Piastri in! Last to stop for the first time, and it's a 2.595 stop, slower than Leclerc's stop! Piastri now about 10.415 behind Leclerc, but on the fresher rubber.
(BON) "So, it's hammer time."
(PIA) "Yep."
Gasly has a lock-up and he goes off! Hadjar moves past him and Gasly is down to P16!
LECLERC
(BOZ) "Thoughts on Plan D?"
(LEC) "Might be tricky, might make it work, let's revisit this in about ten laps"
Sainz moves past Norris and into P4! About six seconds between Versyappen and Sainz now.
PITSTOP: Second stop for Russell, and he's onto the Mediums to the end. Perez in as well for his second stop, he does the same.
PITSTOPS: Verstappen, Herta and Bottas all in for second stops! Verstappen down to P9, Herta P14, Bottas P15.
(BOZ) "Gap is now 17.6, we can push for a little bit here and extend that."
(LEC) "Copy."
VERSTAPPEN
PITSTOP: Lawson in for his second stop and moves onto the Hards.
Tsunoda with a beautiful move on Sainz to take P3!
PITSTOP: Norris in and onto the Mediums, he'll go to the end on those and he's into P10.
(BOZ) "And box Charles, box this lap."
(LEC) "Yeah, box this lap."
PITSTOPS: Andretti and Bortoleto having pitstop issues, as the back tyre doesn't go on properly! A lap later, Tsunoda in for Softs and he'll rejoin P9.
Lap 41: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Verstappen, O'Ward, Antonelli, Russell, Norris, Tsunoda, Bottas, Herta, Bearman, Gasly, Lawson, Albon, Perez, Ricciardo, Hadjar, Bortoleto, Ocon, Colapinto
PITSTOP: LECLERC IN FROM THE LEAD. A 2.256 stop and the Champion is onto Softs, Piastri races through for the lead!
(BOZ) "Okay Charles, rejoining P2. 4.9 to Oscar in P1, Sainz 18.3 behind. Get some warmth into those tyres quickly."
PITSTOP: Gasly in and onto the Softs, And it has not been a good day for him. He's P18.
Leclerc in Piastri's DRS now, he's going for the lead here and Leclerc leads once more in China! Piastri stood no chance with the worn Hards!
(PIA) "Can we box?"
(BON) "Yeah, box now if you like. Box now."
Piastri has requested to box off the Hards, believing he can take the fastest lap off Leclerc!
PITSTOP: Piastri does exactly that and goes into the Softs, and will now see if he can chase his teammate down in these last 11 laps!
LECLERC
Colton Herta ahead of Bottas and up to P5!
Tsunoda has had a really good rrive today. He's now pushing O'Ward for P5.
Herta ahead of Norris! Herta up to P9!
Piastri rounds his fellow Australian Ricciardo to lap him on lap 48.
PIASTRI
Lap 50: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Russell, O'Ward, Herta, Norris, Antonelli, Bottas, Bearman, Albon, Lawson, Hadjar, Perez, Gasly, Ocon, Bortoleto, Ricciardo, Colapinto
It's a four car fight for those lower points, as Bottas overtakes Antonelli. O'Ward, Herta, Norris, Bottas and Antonelli all in the mix here.
Verstappen ahead of Sainz for P3! This is the fight for the final step on the podium!
A big spin for Hadjar!
Herta ahead of O'Ward, and a rough start to the season for McLaren continues to go downhill!
FINAL LAP
Been a very collected and composed drive from Charles Leclerc here, despite an earlier fight from Oscar Piastri, Leclerc goes two from two in style, CHARLES LECLERC GOES ROUND THE FINAL CORNER, AND WINS THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX!!!
(BOZ) "And that's P1, that's an amazing job once more, well done! Brilliant driving!"
(LEC) "Let's go, come on!! Ahhh, brilliant job. Thank you guys, amazing work once more."
(BOZ) "Fantastic job today mate. Well done."
(BON) "And that's P2 mate! Well done, very impressive drive."
(PIA) "Not bad at all, we had to try for the one stop but it just didn't work out. Still not a bad result."
(BON) "Really impressive drive. The wins will come this year."
Ferrari 1-2 number two of the year.
Verstappen rounds the final corner to bring home Subaru's first podium in their 23rd Grand Prix!! Sainz home in P4, Tsunoda P5, HERTA GETS RUSSELL FOR P6!!! Russell P7, Norris P8, Bottas P9, just P10 for O'Ward. What has happened to McLaren?
foggy locust
2027 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Charles Leclerc 01:31;27
- Oscar Piastri +21.334
- Max Verstappen +30.169
- Carlos Sainz +3.597
- Yuki Tsunoda +12.323
- Colton Herta +5.205
- George Russell +0.470
- Lando Norris +0.233
- Valtteri Bottas +1.032
- Pato O'Ward +0.669
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +7.134
- Oliver Bearman +11.669
- Alex Albon +1 lap
- Liam Lawson +1 lap
- Pierre Gasly +1 lap
- Sergio Perez +1 lap
- Isack Hadjar +1 lap
- Daniel Ricciardo +1 lap
- Esteban Ocon +1 lap
- Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
- Franco Colapinto +1 lap
- Théo Pourchaire DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: COLTON HERTA
A superb drive from the Mercedes driver to bring home a brilliant P6, having started 14th, and some superb wheel to wheel battles with Norris, Bottas and Russell amongst others. Colton Herta is your Driver of the Day!
Top Five: Herta, Tsunoda, Leclerc, Verstappen, Bottas
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri 1.32.050 🆕
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Carlos Sainz 2.224s
2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
🇲🇨 Leclerc 53
🇦🇺 Piastri 37
🇪🇸 Sainz 24
🇳🇱 Verstappen 21
🏴 Norris 19
🇯🇵 Tsunoda 12
🇮🇹 Antonelli 10
🇲🇽 O'Ward 8
🇺🇸 Herta 8
🏴 Russell 6
🇫🇮 Bottas 4
🏴 Bearman 1
🇹🇭 Albon 0
🇳🇿 Lawson 0
🇫🇷 Gasly 0
🇲🇽 Perez 0
🇦🇺 Ricciardo 0
🇫🇷 Hadjar 0
🇫🇷 Pourchaire 0
🇫🇷 Ocon 0
🇧🇷 Bortoleto 0
🇦🇷 Colapinto 0
2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 90
Red Bull-Ford 43
Subaru-Honda 22
Mercedes 18
Aston Martin-Honda 18
McLaren-Mercedes 9
Williams-Ferrari 6
Alpine-Renault 0
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Audi 0
Haas-Ford 0
2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 130
Pirelli 52
Goodyear 15
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION:
Red Bull 62
Ferrari 36
Andretti 25
McLaren 24
Subaru 21
Mercedes 20
Aston Martin 6
Alpine 5
Williams 3
Haas 0
Audi 0
foggy locust
2028 MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
Round 3 of the 2028 Formula 1 season sees us head to Mexico City, and the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. With two Leclerc wins in the first two races, how will this one shake up?
LAST TIME AROUND
It's two from two for Charles Leclerc, and it was relatively comfortable for him in China. Oscar Piastri challenged him in the early going, but different strategies and a failed attempt at a one-stop put paid to the Australian's hopes of victory, and it became another distant win for Leclerc. Max Verstappen took Subaru's first ever podium, Yuki Tsunoda took fifth as his strong start to the year continues, and George Russell and Williams got on the board.
THE CIRCUIT
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a 4.304km circuit in Mexico City, named for the brothers Ricardo and Pedro Rodriguez. Ricardo Valentín Rodríguez de la Vega was the first Mexican driver to ever take the wheel in a Formula 1 session in 1961, while Pedro Rodríguez de la Vega took two victories in Formula 1, and also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Circuit is located in the public park of the Magdalena Mixhuca Sports City, in South East Mexico City, an Olympic Park that was used for the 1968 Summer Olympics. The track is most known for its high altitude levels - an elevation of 2.238m, meaning very thin air that can cause difficulties for both the Drivers and the Cars, and makes this circuit a unique challenge on the F1 Calendar. Having usually taken place later in the season, it moved to April last year, where it remains for this season. The long straights and three DRS Zones makes good DRS crucial, while a mix of low and high speed corners will test the Drivers.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
HOMECOMING FOR O'WARD AND PEREZ
For the first time since 2014, we will have two Mexican drivers on the F1 grid, and af that point, this race was not on the calendar - it was introduced in 2015. This makes this weekend's race a very unique atmosphere, as Sergio “Checo” Perez will race in Formula 1 at home in Mexico for the first time since 2024, when he left Red Bull, this time for Alpine. And with Alpine's very strong DRS Perez will be hopeful of his first points of the season. But in Perez's absence, a new hero has emerged for the Mexican fans - McLaren's Pato O'Ward. O'Ward dazzled the fans last year and has been the stronger McLaren driver so far this season - and the only one to get points thus far this season. Although the MCL42 hasn't quite reached its predecessor, O'Ward will be hopeful of good points and maybe even a podium this weekend.
CAN PIERRE GASLY OVERCOME HIS EARLY SEASON STRUGGLES?
Speaking of McLaren, it has been a very tough start to the year for Pierre Gasly. He has thus far failed to make it out of Q1 in either qualifying session so far this season, and while he has made up places in the race on both occasions, the qualifying setbacks have been the problem. Gasly still has good race pace, and if he can get out of even Q1 he can set himself up for a strong Sunday, but has left himself at a disadvantage in both races so far. In a season McLaren were expected to challenge for at least second, and maybe even push Ferrari, it has simply not been good enough. This time last season, Pierre Gasly had a star performance in Mexico and was on for the win until his tyres let him down at the end. Can Gasly refind his form at a race he nearly won last year?
ARE ASTON MARTIN FOR REAL?
Aston Martin have had a stronger start to 2028 than 2027, and both drivers have scored points in both races so far this season, which is exactly what the British Racing Green have been looking for for years. Aston are currently tied for fourth with Mercedes on 18 points, and four points behind Subaru in third. Yuki Tsunoda finally seems to be finding his feet at Aston Martin after a tough season last year, while Valtteri Bottas continues to score reliable points. Will this strong start to the season continue at a circuit that might not be as well suited to their car as they'd hope?
WILL LECLERC DOMINATE AGAIN?
In his title defence so far this season, Charles Leclerc has won the Australian Grand Prix by 36 seconds, and the Chinese Grand Prix by 21 seconds, although the Chinese GP was partly due to an offset in strategy, combined with, and not to take away from, Leclerc's superb performance. The Champion has been at a different level once more in the early going of this season, and the closest a non Ferrari has been to him thus far is 36 seconds. Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen and the two Red Bulls of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz seem the most likely to put the challenge in to Leclerc, and Ferrari teammate Piastri has been strongest of those so far this season. Can anyone deny the Champion a third straight win to start the year?
HOW WILL THE RAIN AFFECT THE RACE?
One final caveat that could equalise the playing field and change everything on Sunday - we are expecting rain in Mexico City on race day. How will that change everything ahead of the race itself? They've always called rain the great leveller in Formula 1, and it can change the course of any motor race. Could we see a few surprises this weekend?
With the rain coming, it should make for an entertaining Sunday, and who knows how the 2028 Mexico City Grand Prix will pan out. One thing's for sure - you will not want to miss it.
FP1 Reserves: Grant (Norris), Sztuka (Sainz), Stanêk (Russell), Chadwick (Ricciardo), Aron (Pourchaire)
FP1: LEC PIA VER
Leclerc quickest through FP1, 2 tenths ahead of Piastri and 3 tenths up on Verstappen. Perez gets his first home weekend in F1 in four years off to a good start in P4, with Herta P5. Gasly P6 ahead of Bottas and Tsunoda, with O'Ward starting his home race weekend 9th, and Albon 10th.
FP2: PIA LEC GAS
Ferrari goes 1-2 again in FP2, with Piastri quickest this time over Leclerc. Gasly P3 with Norris 4th and Herta 5th. Sainz takes 6th from Verstappen, with Bortoleto, Perez and Russell in the top ten.
FP3: LEC SAI PIA
Leclerc quickest from Sainz and Piastri in FP3, with Gasly 4th and O'Ward 5th. Lawson ahead of Herta and Bottas, with Norris and Tsunoda completing the top ten. Verstappen and Russell just outside the top ten.
It is time for Qualifying here in South East Mexico City, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez welcomes Round 3 of the Formula 1 World Championship, and while the fans here will be supporting Sergio Perez and Pato O'Ward in numbers, Ferrari remain favourites for Pole. Perez and O'Ward have shown pace in practice, Gasly, Sainz and Verstappen came close, but this remains a likely Ferrari Pole. But we shall see today.
OUT IN Q1: Ricciardo, Pourchaire, Albon, Perez, Colapinto, Verstappen
Bubble: Bortoleto
Top Five: LEC, NOR, PIA, BOT, SAI
A huge shocker in Q1 as Verstappen qualifies last of all!! Perez out in Q1 in his home GP after a lock-up ruined his last qualifying lap, and Albon is 0-3 for getting out of Q1 this year. Ricciardo just misses out, as well as Pourchaire and Colapinto. Ocon into Q2 for the first time this year, Leclerc quickest from Norris and Piastri, Bottas and Sainz. O'Ward P6.
OUT IN Q2: Russell, Bearman, Bortoleto, Hadjar, Norris, Ocon
Bubble: Gasly
Top Five: LEC, SAI, PIA, OWA, ANT
Norris and Russell both drop out in Q2, as does Bearman, meaning all three English drivers are out before Q3. Hadjar and Bortoleto both exit, as does Ocon. Gasly through to Q3 for the first time this season, as Leclerc goes quickest from Sainz and Piastri. O'Ward through in 4th ahead of the Mercedes of Antonelli and Herta. Lawson, Tsunoda and Bottas also through.
Q3: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Herta, Tsunoda, Bottas, Antonelli, O'Ward, Gasly, Lawson
Three from three for Leclerc! He takes it from Piastri by 3 tenths, while Sainz goes P3. Herta a career high 4th, with Tsunoda and Bottas sharing the third row. Antonelli ahead of O'Ward who will start his home GP from 8th, Gasly 9th and Lawson 10th.
Did a fantastic job on tyre saving this weekend, have two Softs and two Mediums for the race.
Sunday: rain
2028 MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID
LEC PIA
SAI HER
TSU BOT
ANT OWA
GAS LAW
RUS BEA
BOR HAD
NOR OCO
RIC POU
ALB PER
COL VER
Well, here we go. The heavens have just opened and it is a rainy, rainy Sunday here in Mexico City. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, named for Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez, situated in Magdalena Mixhuca Sports City in South East Mexico City, this is a public park that was an Olympic Park in 1968, and now houses this brilliant racetrack. 71 laps, 4.304km, the thin air will come into play here, we are a grand total of 2229m above sea level. Forget the three DRS Zones, they're likely not a factor today, forget the dry tyres as well, it's full intermediates weather.
And it's a real shocker as Max Verstappen starts at the very back of the pack, he's beside Franco Colapinto on row eleven, Sergio Perez starts his first home race in four years from P20, then it's P19 for Alex Albon. Théo Pourchaire begins alongside Daniel Ricciardo on row nine, it's Esteban Ocon beside Lando Norris who was a shock Q2 exit on row eight. Isack Hadjar beside Gabriel Bortoleto on the Seventh row, we have Ollie Bearman starting 12th alongside George Russell in 11th. It's Liam Lawson in P10 and Pierre Gasly 9th, Pato O'Ward starts his second home F1 race from 8th, then Andrea Kimi Antonelli 7th, the two Astons of Valtteri Bottas and Yuki Tsunoda on row three, Tsunoda just ahead of his teammate. Colton Herta begins a career high fourth, with Carlos Sainz third, and it's once again a Ferrari front row lock-out. Oscar Piastri begins from P2, and it is three from three on Poles this year for Charles Leclerc.
Rain clouds gathering here in Mexico as the Drivers complete the formation lap, and the rain has started
Let's go racing!
One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO
Piastri has gotten a better start than Leclerc and Piastri is into the lead, Leclerc has had a shocker and has dropped down to 4th behind Sainz and Herta!!! Tsunoda and Bottas 5th and 6th, Antonelli then O'Ward, Gasly and Russell into the top ten ahead of Lawson!
(LEC) "I got away really badly there"
(BOZ) "Keep the head up, long way to go"
Leclerc overtakes Herta for P3 again!
(PIA) "Rain all over the track"
(BON) "Yep, do your best here Oscar"
Sainz is going for the lead here and Sainz takes the lead!!
HERTA
Lovely move by Piastri who retakes the lead of this race now!
(LEC) "Visibility is really really difficult here"
(BOZ) "Yeah, understood. You're doing well here."
(BON) "Fastest lap that lap, Oscar."
(PIA) "Copy"
Bearman with a lock-up and he goes wide! He stays on track, just, but concedes position to Norris and Hadjar!
🌧️ The rain proving tricky here. No guaranteed pitstops though this afternoon, with this rain, that will be intriguing to follow.
Piastri starting to open up a gap to Sainz, Leclerc now looking to go down the inside of his former teammate, but Sainz currently holding him off!
(LEC) "Having a hard time keeping the tyres cool here"
(BOZ) "See if you can go through a few puddles, get some coolness in those tyres"
Sainz going on the attack! Sainz snatches P1 from Piastri again!
Lap 11: Sainz, Piastri, Leclerc, Herta, Tsunoda, Bottas, Antonelli, O'Ward, Gasly, Russell, Lawson, Norris, Bortoleto, Hadjar, Bearman, Ocon, Ricciardo, Perez, Pourchaire, Albon, Verstappen, Colapinto
Stunned how nowhere Verstappen has been so far today. The former Champion struggling to get past Albon for P20.
(PIA) "We are struggling with the pace here"
(BON) "A long way to go Oscar. Keep pushing."
ALBON LOCKS UP AND CLOCKS POURCHAIRE!!! Albon claiming it was "stupid" from Pourchaire, but I think that was on the Williams! Verstappen got delayed behind Albon and the former three time Champion is furious at that as well!
Sainz starting to pull away from Piastri, and the Red Bull might have better traction in the wet right now than the Ferrari!
NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION INTO INCIDENT BETWEEN CAR 23 AND CAR 98
Looks like the FIA have ruled no penalty for Albon or Pourchaire. Both are struggling with damage though!
Not sure why but Carlos Sainz seems to love this circuit, he usually absolutely thrives here.
PITSTOP: First stop of the day and it's Alex Albon. He replaces that damaged front wing, he's well back, but he has the freshest tyres of the pack and clean air to work with.
Leclerc starting to put the pressure on Piastri, and in turn, Piastri putting the pressure on Sainz. Both Ferraris have managed their tyres very well so far today.
(BOZ) "You are free to race, we don't want to take any major risks in this weather though"
(LEC) "Okay, yeah, will keep it clean"
Russell up ahead of Gasly and into P9!
Leclerc goes down the outside of Piastri, Piastri tries to defend but Leclerc goes past him and into P2!!
Gasly retakes P9 from Russell!!
Verstappen overtakes Perez for P16!
PITSTOP: Bearman in for a fresh set of Intermediates, he's the second driver to stop this afternoon.
PITSTOPS: O'Ward, Hadjar and Perez all pitting! Both Mexican drivers in on the same lap. O'Ward currently P14, Hadjar P19, Perez P21
Lap 32: Sainz, Leclerc, Piastri, Herta, Tsunoda, Bottas, Antonelli, Russell, Gasly, Norris, Lawson, Verstappen, Bortoleto, O'Ward, Ocon, Ricciardo, Poudchaire, Hadjar, Colapinto, Bearman, Perez, Albon
BEARMAN
PITSTOP: Herta and Antonelli both in, and Mercedes have enough of a gap for a good double stack! Lawson also pits!
(BOZ) "Okay Charles, you can push now."
PITSTOP: Sainz is in from the lead! He rejoins from P3 and is onto fresh Mediums!
Leclerc and Piastri now putting that initial tyre advantage to work here.
PITSTOP: Aston Martin box Tsunoda, who will rejoin P12 behind Herta and O'Ward, who have both pitted.
TSUNODA
PITSTOP: Ricciardo in and onto the intermediates, he rejoins behind the Ferrari of Leclerc, one lap down.
Tsunoda with a lock-up! That won't help those new tyres of his!
Herta goes aquaplaning! He's down to P10, having been challenging Russell for 8th! Lucky to avoid the barrier, though!
PITSTOP: Pourchaire in on Lap 41. He exits in P22 on fresh Ints, a lap down.
(BON) "If you could update your tyre switch?"
(PIA) "Fronts are struggling a lot, rears are going as well."
(BON) "Okay, box, box"
TSUNODA
PITSTOP: Piastri in on Lap 43! A 2.510 stop and he's rejoining in P3, 9 seconds behind Sainz!
(BOZ) "Box this lap, Charles, box this lap."
(LEC) "Copy box. Charles pitlane."
PITSTOP: LECLERC HAS A DELAY. 6.522. Bloody hell, what are you doing, Ferrari? Leclerc rejoins in P2, 7 seconds down on Sainz!
(LEC) "What happened?"
(BOZ) "Sorry about that, Jack wasn't working."
(LEC) "Again. AGAIN."
PITSTOPS: Russell and Ocon both come in for fresh Ints, and Russell rejoins P17, Ocon P20.
Leclerc is trying to warm up his tyres and Piastri moves past him for P2!!
PITSTOPS: A later stop for Norris from P6, Gasly in from P11. Norris rejoins in the P11 Gasly left, as Gasly comes back in P16.
Pato O'Ward has come out of nowhere really for P4 right now, which would be a great result for him and McLaren, as it stands.
Bearman has a lock-up!
Lap 54: Sainz, Piastri, Leclerc, O'Ward, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Bottas, Herta, Verstappen, Lawson, Norris, Russell, Hadjar, Perez, Bearman, Gasly, Ricciardo, Bortoleto, Ocon, Albon, Pourchaire, Colapinto
Bottas and Verstappen still running on their original tyres. They don't have to pit, but they probably should.
Colapinto locks up the tyres and he's off into the gravel!
Leclerc overtakes Piastri once again for P2! The two Ferraris behind Sainz by 3.7 now, and this should be a very intriguing ending to this race!
PITSTOP: Bottas finally in, and he's down to P16.
Verstappen still on his original tyres, and down to P11, and Subaru are leaving him very, very little time to work with for any kind of recovery!
OH MY GOD IT IS A VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR
IT'S SAINZ. CARLOS SAINZ HAS SPUN OFF AND IS IN THE WALL AT TURN 12. ABSOLUTE DISASTER FOR HIM ABD RED BULL. HE LOOKED ON FOR THE WIN AND HIS RACE HAS ENDED 11 LAPS EARLY.
SAINZ RADIO: "I'm okay. What a f---ing disaster."
(BOZ) "Sainz in the wall. Thankfully he's okay, but he's out of the race."
(LEC) "F---ing hell."
(BOZ) "So box now, box now. VSC, we might as well use it."
(LEC) "Yeah, box."
(BON) "And Sainz is out. He's okay, but he's crashed out. So VSC, we will box."
(PIA) "Understood, glad he's OK. Box."
PITSTOPS: Ferrari box both Leclerc and Piastri, and they keep their 1-2 gap. O'Ward up to P3. Verstappen gleefully takes the free pitstop in P10! He'll be down to P15, but he's still caught a break there!
Green Flag and we are racing on Lap 63! Leclerc and Piastri look on for a Ferrari 1-2 that did not look likely a couple of laps ago!
VERSTAPPEN
As it stands, Lawson is P9, PEREZ IS P10. As it stands, though.
NORRIS
Norris takes fastest lap, then immediately loses position to Antonelli. Wild.
LECLERC
(BOZ) "Fastest Lap, fastest lap."
(LEC) "Yeah, copy that. It's raining more and more."
Pourchaire's ERS has failed him, but he's carrying on here.
Two laps to go
Make that LAST LAP
It's a race that seemed destined to be won by Carlos Sainz, but it wasn't to be, after a late crash, which has handed a 1-2 to the Scuderia, and it is three from three for Charles Leclerc and Ferrari, CHARLES LECLERC INTO THE STADIUM SECTION NOW, HE ROUNDS THE FINAL CORNER TO WIN THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX!!!! OSCAR PIASTRI P2, A THIRD 1-2 THIS SEASON!
(BOZ) "And P1! Amazing job, well done today Charles!!"
(LEC) "YESSS!!! Ahhh, well done guys. We got away with one with that pitstop, but we got lucky. We got very lucky. Let's goooo!"
(BOZ) "Fantastic result."
(BON) "So we have taken the flag. So that's P2, Oscar. Well done mate."
(PIA) "Thank you very much, that was very well done in the end. I'll take it today."
(BOZ) "Management was very much spot on. We'll get those wins yet."
ROUND THE FINAL CORNER COMES PATO O'WARD, AND IT IS A HOME PODIUM FOR THE MAN FROM MEXICO!!! P4 for Tsunoda, Norris in P5, Antonelli P6, Herta P7, Russell P8, Lawson P9, Perez having to defend Gasly and Verstappen, BUT HE HOLDS ON, SERGIO PEREZ TAKES A POINT AT HOME!
MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION
- Charles Leclerc 01.45.34
- Oscar Piastri +4.504
- Pato O'Ward +32.609
- Yuki Tsunoda +8.601
- Lando Norris +2.559
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli +3.252
- Colton Herta +3.536
- George Russell +1.299
- Liam Lawson +7.181
- Sergio Perez +12.046
- Pierre Gasly +0.265
- Max Verstappen +0.845
- Valtteri Bottas +3.196
- Isack Hadjar +2.203
- Oliver Bearman +2.997
- Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
- Daniel Ricciardo +1 lap
- Esteban Ocon +1 lap
- Alex Albon +1 lap
- Théo Pourchaire +1 lap
- Franco Colapinto +1 lap
- Carlos Sainz DNF
DRIVER OF THE DAY: PATO O'WARD
An amazing drive from the Mexican driver to snatch a podium on home soil. His second career F1 podium and what a place to get it. Pato O'Ward is your Driver of the Day!
Top Five: O'Ward, Norris, Perez, Leclerc, Russell
FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Charles Leclerc 1.24.447
DHL FASTEST PITSTOP
George Russell 2.234s
foggy locust
2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP
🇲🇨 Leclerc 80
🇦🇺 Piastri 55
🏴 Norris 29
🇲🇽 O'Ward 24
🇪🇸 Sainz 24
🇯🇵 Tsunoda 24
🇳🇱 Verstappen 21
🇮🇹 Antonelli 18
🇺🇸 Herta 14
🏴 Russell 10
🇫🇮 Bottas 6
🇳🇿 Lawson 2
🏴 Bearman 1
🇫🇷 Gasly 0
🇹🇭 Albon 0
🇫🇷 Hadjar 0
🇦🇺 Ricciardo 0
🇧🇷 Bortoleto 0
🇫🇷 Ocon 0
🇫🇷 Pourchaire 0
🇦🇷 Colapinto 0
2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP
Ferrari 135
Red Bull-Ford 53
Mercedes 32
Aston Martin-Honda 30
McLaren-Mercedes 24
Subaru-Honda 22
Williams-Ferrari 10
Alpine-Renault 3
Audi 0
Andretti-Ferrari 0
Haas-Ford 0
2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP
Bridgestone 187
Pirelli 80
Goodyear 42
2028 DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION
Red Bull 80
Ferrari 57
Andretti 33
Subaru 31
Williams 28
McLaren 24
Mercedes 22
Aston Martin 18
Alpine 18
Haas 0
foggy locust
Fastest Lap was a TIE. Leclerc got the extra point because he took it first
foggy locust
2028 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW
We head across from Mexico to Texas and the United States Grand Prix, Round 4 of the 2028 Formula 1 season. After Charles Leclerc went three from three last time out in dramatic circumstances, we continue at COTA and another rainy race.
LAST TIME OUT
Drama at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, as Carlos Sainz crashed out from the lead when looking on for his first win of the season, and the first non Charles Leclerc win of the season, handing the victory to the defending Champion. Oscar Piastri took P2 as Ferrari started very much where they left off in 2027. Pato O'Ward secured an emotional home Podium for McLaren, as Mercedes jumped up to third in the Constructors, and Subaru had another disaster of a strategy call, this time costing Max Verstappen any points.
THE CIRCUIT
The Circuit of the Americas is set on 1,500 acres in the rolling hills just outside downtown Austin, Texas, and has hosted the United States Grand Prix since its return to the calendar in 2012 - with an absence in the shortened 2020 season. The 5.513km Circuit is notoriously tough on tyrewear, although it will be interesting to see how the expected rain on Sunday balances that out, while it has a mix of low and high speed corners, although low speed cornering tends to be favourable around here. Since the year out in 2020, this race has been won by either a Red Bull or a Ferrari. With 20 turns and 2 DRS Zones, the track is one of the longer laps of the season, and those two DRS Zones are prime overtaking spots. COTA had been a Sprint Race in recent years, but will be a normal schedule for this year, and will also host F1 Academy this season.
FIVE STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
AFTER CRASH COST HIM THE WIN, CAN SAINZ REGAIN HIS CONFIDENCE?
Carlos Sainz had a disastrous moment in Mexico, while leading the race and looking likely to take his first win of this season, and second in recent months after his win last year in Brazil in the penultimate race of last season, when he lost the car at Turn 12 and spun into the barrier, costing himself a chance at a win and gaining massively in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ title race. Sainz will have to shake that off and reboost his confidence ahead of the trip to the Circuit of the Americas - the extra week between the two races may have helped, but it was a heartbreaker for the Spanish driver, who has looked rejuvenated in the last year or so. This is a circuit that could suit Red Bull - can Sainz bounce back and challenge for another win in the rain?
COLTON HERTA LOOKS FOR BETTER SOPHOMORE HOME RACE
Colton Herta had a nightmare race here this time last year, struggling to adapt to a difficult Andretti, and spinning twice, as well as locking-up several times. Herta has however had a strong start since his surprising move to Mercedes, doing veey well in qualifying in Mexico, while his race pace has generally been strong. Having just missed the points in Australia, he has taken P6 in China and P7 in Mexico. Herta has been getting on well with new Mercedes teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli as well this season, and the two have worked fantastically as a team. The expectations of Herta now are to perform much better than he did at his home Grand Prix last year - can he deliver on them?
CAN THE AMERICAN TEAMS NICK ANY POINTS THIS WEEKEND?
The two American teams on the grid, Andretti and Haas, have struggled in the beginning of new eras with new Team Principals. Haas didn't score a single point last Season and Ayao Komatsu was replaced by Mike Krack, while Graeme Lowden came in at Andretti to replace Michael Andretti, who moved up into the boardroom of the team. The Teams are both generally looking at the major 2029 regulation changes, but for now, there is still a season to take on and points to be won for both. Neither team has started particularly well though this year, with the four drivers four of the bottom five. Daniel Ricciardo returned at the start of the year to Andretti and remains the hope for a better runout with the team, as Gabriel Bortoleto looks for his first points in F1. Meanwhile Haas brought in Esteban Ocon to help mentor Franco Colapinto as well as bring stability to the team - while Ocon has seemed much happier away from Alpine, it hasn't translated to results on track just yet. Can Haas or Andretti steal any points at COTA? It may take some rain-induced chaos to do so.
CAN WILLIAMS OVERCOME THEIR SLUMP?
Williams have somewhat flattered to deceive in a season where they were expected to take a big jump forward - George Russell has taken P6 and P8 but missed the points entirely in Australia, while Alex Albon has still yet to score his first points of the season. Williams find themselves currently 7th in the Championship after 3 rounds, but they are only 14 points behind Mercedes and there's a long way to go. Can they turn this ship around and challenge once again at the front of the pack? Work to do, and upgrades to come for the Grove team - they're one of the few yet to upgrade this season, which does provide them with some hope. Can they pick up the points they need to challenge for third this year in the meantime while they wait for those upgrades?
THE FIGHT AT THE FRONT
And of course, the fight at the front got quite interesting last time around as Carlos Sainz had the pace to challenge Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, and towards the end of the race looked like he was on for the race win. However, Leclerc ended up with the win after Sainz crashed out, and the Champion is now three wins in three races, and is already looking a huge favourite to take title number four. So can anyone challenge Leclerc at the front again this weekend? Sainz, Piastri and Norris are the most likely three, where as Max Verstappen may be able to if Subaru can sort out their strategy problems - although he did qualify last in Mexico. If there's going to be a title fight this season for the Drivers’ Championship - one of the challengers will have to put a stake forward sooner rather than later. Could it be this weekend, or will Leclerc go four for four on the season?
So we go racing at the Circuit of the Americas, and with a rain soaked race and an entertaining spectacle ahead, one thing's for certain - you won't want to miss it.
JOSHUA DÜRKSEN TO GET FP1 OPPORTUNITY
Joshua Dürksen will run FP1 in place of Charles Leclerc this weekend.
Dürksen will be the second Ferrari reserve to run an FP1 session this season, after Zhou Guanyu did so in China.
FP1 Reserves: Dürksen (Leclerc), Araya (Antonelli), Mini (Perez), Barnard (Bottas)
Dürksen running #53
FP1: PIA HER POU
DÜR P11
Oscar Piastri quickest in FP1 ahead of Colton Herta and Théo Pourchaire. Lando Norris P4 ahead of Isack Hadjar, with Pato O'Ward and Carlos Sainz next. Gabriel Bortoleto 8th, with Gabriele Mini finishing ahead of Liam Lawson. Just P11 for Joshua Dürksen on his Ferrari FP1 debut.
A SPECTACULAR CRASH as Hadjar spins off the circuit, spins back on, and takes Yuki Tsunoda out in the process!!! Both drivers are unhurt, but they'll both sit out the last 12 mins of practice!
FP2: LEC PIA RUS
A fastest last lap from Charles Leclerc put him top of FP2 ahead of Oscar Piastri by just 0.007. George Russell took third with Pato O'Ward fourth. Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda collided in practice, ending both their sessions early. Valtteri Bottas was P5 ahead of Carlos Sainz, with Verstappen P7, Tsunoda himself finishing P8, Herta P9 and Gasly P10.
ISACK HADJAR TO TAKE GRID PENALTY AFTER STEWARDS MEETING
Isack Hadjar will serve a three place grid penalty for Sunday's race following his collision with Yuki Tsunoda in FP2 in Austin.
After a meeting with the stewards, in which Hadjar apologised to Tsunoda for the incident and Tsunoda graciously accepted, the stewards still felt that Hadjar had to serve a grid penalty for the damage caused to both cars.
Hadjar lost control of his Audi and locked up, spun off and spun back onto the track and into Tsunoda's Aston Martin.
Hadjar and Tsunoda are long-time friends from their days in the Red Bull group together, and there's said to be no ill will between the two for Friday's collision.
FP3: LEC PIA SAI
Leclerc quickest in third practice ahead of Piastri and Sainz, with O'Ward P4 and Verstappen P5. Norris just behind his former teammate in 6th, with Bottas 7th and Sainz 8th. Russell and Lawson complete the top ten.
It's Super Saturday here in Texas and a sunny Saturday at that, an intriguing qualifying coming up. Ferrari looked quickest, the pack are bunched up behind them - can anyone challenge the Scuderia for Pole? And within Ferrari, will it be four Poles from four for Leclerc?
OUT IN Q1: Ocon, Hadjar , O'Ward, Bortoleto, Albon, Colapinto
Bubble: Pourchaire
Top Five: LEC, PIA, BEA, NOR, ANT
Disaster for Williams and Albon again, as he is 0-4 for getting out of Q1 this season. O'Ward is the shock exit this time around, as McLaren again fail to get one of their cars out of Q1. Hadjar will drop to P21 after his penalty, both Haas drivers and one Andretti driver - Bortoleto - out in Q1 on American soil. Leclerc quickest from Piastri, with Bearman, Norris and Antonelli following.
Tsunoda having issues with his car here in Q2 - this could mean a pitlane start. He's not been able to get the car out of the garage for a run in this session so far.
OUT IN Q2: Lawson, Norris, Pourchaire, Perez, Antonelli, Tsunoda (no time)
Bubble: Ricciardo
Top Five: PIA, VER, LEC, SAI, HER
Norris is the big exit from Q2, as Antonelli and both Alpines also miss out. Pourchaire drops out too, alongside Tsunoda, who didn't get out of the garage in time due to car issues. Piastri and Leclerc found themselves in the bottom five at one point, but went 1-3, with Verstappen splitting the Ferraris, ahead of Sainz and Herta. Ricciardo through to Q3, and Gasly makes it to Q3 as well. Russell, Bottas and Bearman also through.
Q3: Leclerc, Sainz, Piastri, Herta, Bottas, Russell, Gasly, Verstappen, Ricciardo, Bearman
Inevitable. Leclerc makes it four from four in Qualifying and takes Pole by FIVE TENTHS over the pack, while Sainz splits the Ferraris and Piastri has to settle for third. Colton Herta will start his home race from 4th, with Bottas and Russell just behind. Gasly takes 7th ahead of Verstappen, Ricciardo begins 9th, Bearman 10th.
UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2028
STARTING GRID
LEC SAI
PIA HER
BOT RUS
GAS VER
RIC BEA
LAW NOR
POU PER
ANT OCO
OWA BOR
ALB COL
HAD
PITLANE START - TSU
Tsunoda Qual P16, took pitlane start. Hadjar Qual P18, three place penalty.
After 4 rounds, the only two that are 4-0 are Leclerc and Russell. And to be fair to Piastri, it's hard to top Pole 4 times
Dinner break, back for race later!
foggy locust
Think I'm gonna postpone the race till tomorrow! Not really feeling the mood for it, and there's no rush. We'll continue tomorrow afternoon I think 😊