Essere Ferrari II

[foggy locust]

(BON) "And that's a Red Flag, Oscar. Ricciardo in the wall, thankfully he's okay. We will switch to Plan C."

(PIA) "Yeah, understood."

Restart order on Lap 3: Piastri, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Pourchaire, Russell, Norris, Bearman, Antonelli, Sainz, Verstappen, Hadjar, Lawson, Gasly, Bottas, Pérez, Albon, Ocon, Colapinto, Bortoleto, O'Ward, Herta. Ricciardo out of the race.

🌧️ The rain will be arriving much earlier in the race than thought due to this delay, meaning teams will likely be switching off their initial plans.

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO AGAIN

Piastri holds the lead, Leclerc holding off Tsunoda, then Pourchaire, Norris up ahead of Russell, Bearman, Antonelli, Sainz and Verstappen in the top ten.

(BOZ) "We are holding position, absolutely no need for any risks here Charles. We know what we have to do."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy. Don't love it, but copy."

(BON) "Charles will not attack, he will hold position"

(PIA) "Yeah, copy."

Looks like Ferrari are telling the team to hold position. P2 would be enough for Leclerc to clinch the Championship tonight as is.

(BOZ) "Let Oscar build a bit of a gap, we need this in play for the pitstops"

(LEC) "Might put me at risk with P3, is P3 still Tsunoda?"

(BOZ) "P3 is Tsunoda"

(LEC) "Yeah, I will do it, but will need to manage it to not put myself at risk"

PIASTRI

Speaking of Tsunoda, he's under pressure for P3, as Pourchaire is going for position, and a huge move for the Audi almost gets him said position, but he's left himself vulnerable to Norris who snatches P4!

Make that P3! Norris moves past Tsunoda and into the podium places!

(BON) "Temps look good, you can probably afford to push a little bit more"

There's about two seconds, and five cars, between Norris in 3rd, and Sainz in 9th. Fascinating battle building for the podium places. Leclerc only 2.3 ahead of Norris in 3rd as well.

Tsunoda has a look down the inside of Norris, but can't take position!

On the second go around though, Tsunoda gets the place from Norris!

LECLERC

Ferrari trying to manage the gap between Piastri and Leclerc here - Leclerc has been told he doesn't need to take any risks tonight, as it stands, his P2 would secure him a fourth World title. What he doesn't want is to be brought back into the battle with Tsunoda, Norris et all for P3, but they also want to try and double-stack the cars when the rain comes.

Bearman getting the shout to let Verstappen through, and he's done it without question. Good teamwork from the young English driver.

(BON) "Rain is imminent."

(PIA) "Copy"

(BOZ) "Some slight LiCo for brakes"

(LEC) "...Okay"

🌧️ The rain has started, it's very slight at the moment, though. When do teams start pitting for the ints?

(LEC) "Rain isn't quite as heavy as we thought, can we wait it out?"

(BOZ) "It's going to get heavier from here. Stay out for now, we are keeping an eye on it"

COLAPINTO AND BORTOLETO TOUCH WHEELS! Doesn't look like major damage to either car, however!

PITSTOPS: Flurry of action in the pitlane! Everyone bar the two Ferraris, Bearman, Sainz and Hadjar have come in. Russell has a delay as Williams can't get the front right off properly!

RUSSELL RADIO "What the f--- happened there?"

CAR 43 (COLAPINTO) - CAUSING A COLLISION

Colapinto earns himself a penalty for that collision with Bortoleto. He comes into the pitlane so he'll be taking it immediately.

(BON) "And box this lap, box this lap"

(PIA) "Copy, box"

(BON) "We will be putting on new inters"

(BOZ) "Box, box for inters Charles"

(LEC) "Copy, box"

PITSTOPS: Piastri into the pitlane, Leclerc follows him, Ferrari nail the double stack to perfection! 2.108 for Piastri, 2.086 for Leclerc! Incredible work! Sainz, Hadjar and Bearman all pit as well for the Inters!

Verstappen looks like he was the main benefictionary of the stops as he's jumped up to 5th!

Herta's car is struggling a lot here, looking like engine and ERS issues. Hasn't been his weekend.

Tsunoda has pushed to two seconds ahead of Norris, and now very much looks favourite for P3 - but there's a long way to go here.

Bortoleto wide at the second turn, but doesn't look like he's lost much time. He is running P20, however, just behind O'Ward.

Pourchaire down to P7, but having problems with that Audi engine! Could that derail what has been a promising day for him?

Verstappen overtakes former Red Bull teammate Norris!

Tsunoda now has some work to do, defending position from Verstappen. Max Verstappen. In the rain. Uh oh.

Albon clips the wall! He's kept the car going, but lost time in chasing Colapinto.

We are halfway through what's been quite an eventful evening thus far. Piastri leading from Leclerc, who will clinch his fourth title, as it stands. Tsunoda ahead of Verstappen, with Norris, Russell, Sainz, Pourchaire, Bottas and Bearman in the top ten.

(BON) "Think about slightly less lift and coast"

(PIA) "Copy"

🌧️ Looks like the rain is easing off here. Should be getting back to slick tyres in the next four to eight laps.

Tsunoda has defended P3 and has now gained on Verstappen!

(LEC) "Guys it's dry. Slicks are close"

(BOZ) "Copy Charles, box now, box now"

(BON) "And box at the end of this lap here, Oscar. Box for slicks."

(PIA) "Box"

PITSTOPS: Piastri and Leclerc going onto the Softs, 2.391 for Piastri, 2.425 for Leclerc, and they retain the 1-2. Tsunoda stays third ahead of Verstappen, Perez and Albon are the only one staying out on the Ints!

3.8 between Piastri and Leclerc, Leclerc now 10 seconds up on Tsunoda. As it stands, Leclerc wins his fourth World title tonight.

PITSTOPS: Pérez and Albon last in off the slicks. Perez now P15, Albon P20.

BOTTAS

Colapinto gets the blue flags and lets Piastri through. The chaos required for Haas to get points today seems unlikely at this point.

Pourchaire at one point looked like he could contend for a podium, but is now 12th and struggling heavily with the engine. A shame.

Tsunoda having to defend 3rd from Verstappen again, who has caught up to the Aston Martin!

3.8 between Piastri and Leclerc, who have settled into a comfortable 1-2 here.

Antonelli having issues and having to defend Mercedes' sole point against Lawson. Could be a big night for Aston Martin.

(BOZ) "Ease off on the tyres here Charles. No risks needed, avoid the kerbs. Five laps to go. Nearly there, Charles. Nearly there."

(LEC) "Okay."

SAINZ RADIO "I lost the car hydraulics"

Disaster for Sainz and Red Bull!!! His engine has blown, and he's out of the race with four laps to go!!! He'll still be classified, four laps down. That puts Antonelli and Lawson both into the points!

THREE LAPS TO GO

Tsunoda doing absolutely everything he can to fight off Verstappen and hang onto what would be his first podium of the season!

(BON) "Last lap. Bring it home"

LAST LAP

It's been a phenomenal drive by Oscar Piastri that may well be overshadowed by his teammate's title win, but he's has a sensational drive, and is truly worthy of his fourth win of the season.

What a season it has been for the Champion though, 13 wins so far, and this will wrap up his fourth World Championship tonight.

OSCAR PIASTRI ROUNDS THE FINAL CORNER, AND WINS THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX!!!!

(BON) "What an amazing drive, Oscar! Fourth win of the season, incredible effort today and across the season!"

(PIA) "Lovely stuff! Yeah, that was a good win, mega job everyone. Thank you. Congratulations to Charles, he's deserved it this year. I will be coming for that title next year, though!"

(BON) "Your time with that title will come, Oscar. Great job today and over this season."

JUST BEHIND PIASTRI, CHARLES LECLERC ROUNDS THE FINAL CORNER, AND IS P2, AND THAT MEANS CHARLES LECLERC IS CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!! FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN HIS CAREER, CHARLES LECLERC IS WORLD CHAMPION.

(BOZ) "CHARLES LECLERC, YOU ARE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD AGAIN. INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE. WELL DONE CHARLES, YOU'VE EARNED IT."

(LEC) "YESSSSSS!!!! YES YES YES!!!! COME ON, BABY!!! LET'S GOOOOO!!!! Ahhhh, thank you. Thank you so much for this car, for this team. It wouldn't be possible otherwise. Incredible. Just incredible."

(BOZ) "We'll enjoy it tonight Charles, with some champagne"

(LEC) "Tonight is going to be a big, big night."

(VAS) "Congratulations Charles, incredible job once again. You are the Champion of the World!"

(LEC) "Thank you Fred, thank you Bryan, thank you to the entire team. Amazing job this season."

Meanwhile Max Verstappen has stolen P3 away from Yuki Tsunoda!!!! Norris P5, Bottas P6, Russell P7, Bearman P8, Lawson P9, Antonelli P10.

2028 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Oscar Piastri 01.39.05
2. Charles Leclerc +3.935
3. Max Verstappen +14.594
4. Yuki Tsunoda +0.345
5. Lando Norris +12.659
6. Valtteri Bottas +3.984
7. George Russell +0.344
8. Oliver Bearman +17.517
9. Liam Lawson +3.206
10. Andrea Kimi Antonelli +0.556
11. Isack Hadjar +13.368
12. Pierre Gasly +0.459
13. Pato O'Ward +4.376
14. Sergio Pérez +0.541
15. Esteban Ocon +13.554
16. Théo Pourchaire +10.475
17. Alex Albon +1 lap
18. Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
19. Colton Herta +1 lap
20. Franco Colapinto +1 lap
21. Carlos Sainz DNF (+4 laps)
22. Daniel Ricciardo DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC

Second on the night, but that was enough for the defending Champion to confirm the successful defence of his title. A four-time World Champion, Charles Leclerc clinched the title on an uneventful (for him, anyway) evening in Singapore, and earned the vote for that alone. Charles Leclerc, Driver of the Day, Champion of the World.

Top Five: Leclerc, Tsunoda, Piastri, Bottas, Verstappen

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
George Russell 1.32.426

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Oliver Bearman 2.047s

2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

🇲🇨 Leclerc 455
🇦🇺 Piastri 336
🇪🇸 Sainz 214
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Norris 173
🇳🇱 Verstappen 161
🇺🇸 Herta 130
🇯🇵 Tsunoda 111
🇮🇹 Antonelli 98
🇫🇮 Bottas 86
🇲🇽 O'Ward 64
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Russell 60
🇫🇷 Gasly 37
🇳🇿 Lawson 23
🇲🇽 Perez 19
🇫🇷 Pourchaire 18
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Bearman 8
🇦🇺 Ricciardo 2
🇹🇭 Albon 1
🇫🇷 Hadjar 0
🇫🇷 Ocon 0
🇧🇷 Bortoleto 0
🇦🇷 Colapinto 0

2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 791
Red Bull-Ford 387
Mercedes 228
Aston Martin-Honda 197
Subaru-Honda 169
McLaren-Mercedes 101
Williams-Ferrari 61
Alpine-Renault 42
Audi 18
Andretti-Ferrari 2
Haas-Ford 0

2028 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1157
Pirelli 548
Goodyear 291

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION

Red Bull 315
Ferrari 282
McLaren 229
Subaru 192
Aston Martin 169
Williams 148
Andretti 133
Alpine 130
Mercedes 126
Audi 85
Haas 9

CHARLES LECLERC CLINCHES FOURTH WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Charles Leclerc has clinched the Drivers' Championship of the World for the fourth time in his career, and fourth time in five seasons.

Leclerc is now a double-double Champion, having won the title in 2024 and 2025, then missed out to Lewis Hamilton's eighth title win on the final day in 2026, before winning the title again in 2027 and 2028.

Leclerc clinched his fourth title with second place in Singapore behind teammate Oscar Piastri, and that was enough to seal an insurmountable advantage.

With thirteen wins so far this season, it has been a dominant defence for the Monegasque driver, who now equals former teammate Sebastian Vettel with four titles.

Piastri's up to 89 rated. Leclerc is 90.

Game on next season.

[foggy locust]

Think I might do a morning game of this!

SAUDI ARABIA GRAND PRIX 2028
WEEKEND PREVIEW

With just three races to go in the season and both Championships wrapped up, there's still plenty to play for in Saudi Arabia. Race wins, podiums and Championship placings still up for grabs in the final three races. We are in the third part of this Asia triple-header, and we head to Jeddah.

LAST TIME AROUND

It was Oscar Piastri's night but Charles Leclerc's Championship, as Piastri took his fourth race win of the season in Singapore, while Leclerc's second-place finish was enough to wrap up a fourth World Championship for the Monegasque driver. A comfortable 1-2 for Ferrari in the end, while Max Verstappen narrowly pipped Yuki Tsunoda to third on the final lap, denying the Japanese driver his first podium of the season. Aston Martin edged closer to Mercedes in the Constructors, Subaru kept their hopes alive with double points, while Kimi Antonelli, George Russell and Liam Lawson added to their totals. But it was Charles Leclerc's Championship win that was the story of the night - and of this season.

THE CIRCUIT

Located on the Corniche beside the Red Sea, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit's place on the calendar was under threat for some time as there was talk of building a purpose built circuit in Saudi, but it has yet to materialise, so for now, Jeddah remains on the calendar. Having debuted as the penultimate race in 2021, it moved to the second race of the year in 2022 and was there until 2026, before moving back towards the end of the year as part of the Japan-Singapore-Saudi triple header. The 6.174 km circuit is the third longest of the season - behind Spa and Las Vegas - the latter is the season finale next month - and has a mix of Medium Speed Cornering, those barriers and is one of the fastest circuits on the calendar - and the fastest street circuit. Last year's race saw chaos with both Ferraris retiring and Lando Norris taking home victory here.

STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING

WHO WILL WIN THE FIGHT FOR THIRD?

Mercedes have a 31 point advantage over Aston Martin with three races to go, however that is three races that includes a Sprint Weekend and Double or Nothing at Las Vegas. Subaru are a further 28 points back from Aston and retain hopes of catching Aston, particularly now that both drivers are scoring points a bit more regularly. Max Verstappen remains fifth in the Drivers’ Championship, and hopes that Subaru can put up a challenge for both titles next year - but for now, he's focused on a potential race win before the end of the year and helping secure Subaru fourth, if not even third. It likely comes down to a battle between Mercedes and Aston for third, and Aston and Subaru for fourth - if that makes sense. Should be very intriguing in the midfield.

CAN ANYONE TAKE THE WIN OFF FERRARI?

This might be the weekend to do it, as we've only seen one non Ferrari victory this season - a win for Carlos Sainz at Belgium. It has been another dominant season for Charles Leclerc in particular, with 13 wins, while Oscar Piastri has taken four, including the most recent race in Singapore. However, Ferrari have fully switched their focus to next year (and have been believed to have been doing so since the Summer Break), so this may well be the time for another team to snatch a victory in the last three races. Last year, neither Ferrari finished this race as both drivers were crashed into, and were forced to retire. We don't expect that again, but they may have a fight on their hands for the race win, especially at a circuit that doesn't suit their cornering.

CAN AUDI SECURE SOME POINTS?

Audi have been close recently to adding to their 18 points this year, all belonging to Théo Pourchaire. It has been a difficult year for the two Audis, particularly Isack Hadjar who has struggled to adapt to this year's Audi, and in fact leaves for Williams on a long-term deal next season. Pourchaire is also taking the exit door as he joins Subaru as Max Verstappen's teammate next season. For now though, Pourchaire has been close to the points on several occasions, and was running very well in Singapore before his engine let him down, while Hadjar has just missed the points a couple of times. Can Audi capitalise on the likely chaos in Saudi and secure some points?

WITH THREE RACES TO AVOID BLANKING AGAIN, CAN HAAS GET POINTS THIS YEAR?

It has been a rough season for Haas’ Formula 1 team, and they are still scoreless through eighteen rounds. They have failed to score points in 2021, 2024 and last year, and could be on for their fourth scoreless performance this decade. They've got three races to avoid that, and it has been another tough season for Esteban Ocon and Franco Colapinto. Ocon has come closest on a few occasions, but hasn't been able to get any points across the line, while Colapinto has struggled throughout this year. With just three races to go, can Haas get any points this year? And how will they fare next year under the new regulations and the new management of Mike Krack? The pressure ramps up for them next year with hopes of a brighter future for the team - for now, it remains a struggle. Points would help with that - this might be their best chance remaining

And so we head to Saudi Arabia, and although the titles are decided for this year, there is still plenty to play for, and you are still not going to want to miss it.

CÂMARA, PIN TO RUN FP1

Ferrari will be running Rafael Câmara and Doriane Pin in the car for FP1.

Câmara will take the seat of Oscar Piastri, Pin will take the seat of newly crowned four-time World Champion Charles Leclerc for this session.

Both will then be in action again immediately for Qualifying for the final F2 race of the season.

FP1 Reserves: Pin (Leclerc), Câmara (Piastri), Grant (Sainz), Aron (Hadjar), Barnard (Bottas), Shwartzman (Bearman)

FP1: CÂM VER TSU
PIN P4

Rafael Câmara with a superb final lap to take top spot in FP1 ahead of Max Verstappen. Tsunoda P3, with Doriane Pin an impressive P4 as well. Gasly 5th ahead of Herta and O'Ward, Shwartzman and Grant impressed in 8th and 9th, Pérez 10th.

FP2: OWA VER LAW
PIA P7, LEC P8

Pato O'Ward quickest in FP2, ahead of Verstappen and Lawson. Bearman P4, with Tsunoda 5th and Gasly 6th. Piastri 7th and Leclerc 8th for Ferrari, Sainz and Russell round off the top ten.

FP3: LEC OWA GAS
PIA P8

Leclerc and Ferrari remain the team to beat in FP3, ahead of both McLarens. Hadjar up to P4, ahead of Sainz and Norris, while Piastri in 8th split the Subarus of Bearman and Verstappen. Ocon 10th.

It is time to go Qualifying just off the coast of the Red Sea, we are at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, and although the Championships are decided for this year, still a lot to play for tonight. First time all weekend we see the equal playing field, Ferrari still look like favourites but anything can happen around these streets.

OUT IN FP1: Pérez, Sainz, Lawson, Ocon, Gasly, Ricciardo
Bubble: Bortoleto
Top Five: BOT PIA, NOR, OWA, VER
LEC P10

Sainz is the shock Q1 exit, as well as Gasly struggling again in qualifying. Both Alpines go out alongside Ocon and Ricciardo, as Bortoleto and Colapinto make it through. Bottas quickest from Piastri, Norris and O'Ward, Verstappen next. Just 10th for the World Champion Leclerc.

(LEC) "Are we through?"

(BOZ) "No, we are not, P12, Charles. P12."

(LEC) "Oh for f---'s sake! Traffic, too much traffic. I did a s--- lap, too, that didn't help. Sorry guys."

(BOZ) "We'll make it up tomorrow."

Gets worse, Antonelli has just gone 8th - P13 for the Champion!

OUT IN Q2: Russell, Hadjar, Leclerc, Colapinto, Bortoleto, Albon
Bubble: Bearman
Top Five: NOR, PIA, TSU, HER, OWA

A shocker in Q2 as the new World Champion is out! Leclerc drops out in P13, as Russell was eliminated late by Antonelli. Piastri was able to claw out of the bottom five, but Leclerc exits! Hadjar goes out P12, and Colapinto, Bortoleto and Albon also exit. Norris tops Q2 ahead of Piastri, with Tsunoda, Herta and O'Ward following. Pourchaire, Verstappen, Antonelli, Bottas and Bearman join them in Q3.

Piastri has a penalty as well 👀

Q3: Piastri , Norris, Verstappen, Pourchaire , Bottas, Tsunoda, Herta, O'Ward, Bearman, Antonelli

Piastri wins Qualifying, but won't keep Pole due to a penalty, which means Lando Norris inherits position, and Max Verstappen joins him on the front row. Pourchaire will also drop down from 4th with a penalty, promoting both Astons up at least one spot. Herta and O'Ward have row four, for now, and Bearman and Antonelli row five, for now.

Piastri still gets the point though.

PIASTRI, POURCHAIRE TO LAND GRID PENALTIES FOR SUNDAY'S RACE

Both Ferrari's Oscar Piastri and Audi's Théo Pourchaire will take grid penalties for tomorrow's race in Jeddah for going over their alloted number kf components.

Piastri, who won Qualifying and takes the Pole Position bonus point, will take a five place penalty and drop to 6th for a new gearbox, while Pourchaire will take a 21 place penalty, taking on a new engine, gearbox AND ERS, and will start last on the grid.

However Williams' George Russell - who was 11th - has elected to start from the pitlane, so Pourchaire will line up 21st.

2028 SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

NOR VER

BOT TSU

HER PIA

OWA BEA

ANT HAD

LEC COL

BOR ALB

PER SAI

LAW OCO

GAS RIC

POU

PITLANE START - RUS

Piastri - QUAL P1, 5 Place Penalty
Pourchaire - QUAL P4, 21 Place Penalty
Russell - QUAL P11, Pit Lane Start

Well here we go. Round 19 of the 2028 Formula 1 season, and with just three races remaining on this calendar, we head to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The third longest lap of the season, clocking in at 6.174, only Spa and Vegas are longer, and we will go 50 times around this circuit. The floodlights are on, we are ready to begin.

George Russell has elected to a pitlane start so that leaves Théo Pourchaire, who takes a massive 21 place penalty, 21st and alone on the grid. Daniel Ricciardo slowest in qualifying and he's beside Pierre Gasly on row ten, then it's Esteban Ocon and Liam Lawson on the ninth row. Carlos Sainz and Sergio Pérez line up together on row eight, Alex Albon beside Gabriel Bortoleto on the seventh row. Franco Colapinto, who has yet to score a point for Haas, starts 12th, and he's got the newly crowned World Champipn Charles Leclerc for company, Leclerc a surprising 13th in qualifying but gets promoted two spots. Isack Hadjar and Kimi Antonelli on row five together, they'll team up at Williams next year, Ollie Bearman begins today eighth, and Pato O'Ward is Seventh. Oscar Piastri won qualifying but starts 6th today while Colton Herta lines up 5th, then it's an all Aston Martin second row of Yuki Tsunoda and Valtteri Bottas, the front row sees Max Verstappen alongside last year's winner of this race, Lando Norris, who inherits Pole from Piastri.

Shall we race?

Formation lap done, lights are coming on - one, two, three, four, five...

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Norris holds the lead into the first corner, Verstappen second, then Bottas, Herta, Tsunoda, Piastri, O'Ward, Antonelli, Leclerc is into the top ten already having gotten past Bearman and Hadjar, Colapinto 11th

AND WE HAVE A SAFETY CAR CALLED ALREADY!!!

Théo Pourchaire's recovery attempts are over already as he locks up and goes right into the Andretti of Daniel Ricciardo!!! Both cars are out, and we already have a Safety Car on Lap 1!

CAR 98 (POURCHAIRE)

No surprise there. Pourchaire's day ends early. He's out of the race, and he'll have a grid penalty at Interlagos. Ricciardo out too, and he looked very annoyed at the incident.

Glad to report both drivers unhurt, though.

Lap 2, under SC: Norris, Verstappen, Bottas, Herta, Tsunoda, Piastri, O'Ward, Antonelli, Leclerc, Bearman, Colapinto, Hadjar, Bortoleto, Pérez, Lawson, Albon, Gasly, Sainz, Ocon, Russell. Ricciardo and Pourchaire out of the race.

We are back racing a lap later! Verstappen already testing Norris to see if he can get past him early.

O'Ward with a lovely move off the restart to take position from Piastri!

(BON) "Keep the head focused Oscar, we are on the slower tyre, we have a long way to go here."

(PIA) "Yep, understood, no panic"

Leclerc, Verstappen, Piastri and Gasly the only ones on the Mediums. Pourchaire took them too, but we're not really thinking about that now.

(BOZ) "Some slight LiCo for temps Charles"

(LEC) "Copy. This is going to be a trend today isn't it"

(BOZ) "Probably"

Verstappen going for the lead from Norris, and he takes it! Verstappen knows this is his best chance of breaking his long winless drought!

Leclerc moves ahead of Antonelli for 8th! The Champion now two seconds behind his teammate!

(PIA) "DRS train f---ing me over a bit here"

(BOZ) "And some more LiCo for tyre temps"

(LEC) "I told you this was going to be a trend"

The two Astons are trading places constantly, giving each other DRS in the process. Good teamwork here.

We have our second collision between Audis and Andrettis today! Bortoleto tries to overtake Hadjar, but clips his wheel and finds the barrier! His front wing is in pieces!

No penalties given to either Hadjar or Bortoleto, but Bortoleto's race has been compromised, massively.

PITSTOP: Bortoleto coming into the pitlane, and his team have pulled him up, and are wheeling him into the garage. Andretti are leaving here with no points. Again.

Double DNF for Andretti. Brutal day for them.

Norris retakes the lead from Verstappen on Lap 10, but only briefly, as Verstappen retakes the position!

NORRIS RADIO "Max pushed me off there"

Piastri gets past O'Ward and is up to P6!

(BON) "Let us know about the tyres Oscar"

(PIA) "They feel okay so far"

THAT MIGHT CHANGE THINGS. RED FLAG. RED FLAG.

Esteban Ocon hits the curb and he's into the wall!!! His race is very much over, unfortunately, and his car is left in the middle of the road. Red Flag!

OCON RADIO "Ahhh, I hit the wall guys. I'm okay, I'm sorry"

Tsunoda had just gotten past Norris at the time of that Red Flag!

Restart order on Lap 14: Verstappen, Tsunoda, Norris, Bottas, Herta, Piastri, O'Ward, Leclerc, Antonelli, Bearman, Lawson, Colapinto, Pérez, Sainz, Gasly, Russell, Albon, Hadjar. Ocon, Bortoleto, Ricciardo, Pourchaire out of the race.

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO AGAIN

Verstappen holds off Tsunoda for the lead, Norris, Piastri is up to Fourth, what a start he's had! Leclerc up to Sixth behind Bottas, Herta and O'Ward 7th and 8th, then Antonelli and Lawson!

Leclerc is ahead of Bottas and into fifth, meanwhile Piastri is up to 3rd! Ferrari right back into this race now!

Make that Fourth for Leclerc who gets past Tsunoda!

(BOZ) "P4 Charles, you're free to race Oscar at any point, but keep it clean when you do"

(LEC) "What's the gap to Oscar?"

(BOZ) "2.1 to him and the race leaders."

PIASTRI

Norris going for the lead again! Norris overtakes Verstappen, and leads the race!

Piastri has overtaken Verstappen, puts the pressure on Norris and Piastri leads this race!!! What a turnaround!

It does have to be said, that all four of the front runners switched to Softs, while the Astons are now on Mediums. Lap 17 - can anyone go to the end, or is this a two stopper?

Leclerc in Verstappen's wing mirrors...Leclerc goes for the move and he's up to 3rd!

Norris retakes the lead from Piastri, but he's now got both Ferraris to deal with!

Piastri going for the lead again, and a lovely move on Norris gets the job done!

(LEC) "S---!"

(BOZ) "You okay?"

(LEC) "Yeah, locked the fronts, hit the barrier. Kept it going though. Car okay?"

(BOZ) "Minor front wing damage, looks about it."

Leclerc locks up the fronts! He hits the barrier, but lightly, but he's kept the car going! A rare mistake by the Champion, and he drops to P7!

(LEC) "Tell me what's happening"

(BOZ) "Minor damage in the front wing, we think you can continue with it. Shouldn't lose too much time"

Norris takes the lead back from Piastri!

(LEC) "I'm losing more time than I thought with this wing, can we box"

(BOZ) "Yes, box, box"

(LEC) "We change the front wing and we go again"

PITSTOP: Leclerc in! The Champion takes on a new front wing and the Hard tyres. Good chance of him going to the end now with this.

(BOZ) "No need for LiCo now, just let it fly. Do your best. P18."

Was an 8.355s stop, that's obviously with the front wing change

Piastri regains the lead from Norris!

Norris gets ahead of Piastri, but Piastri regains position with DRS! That was brilliant from the Australian driver!

Norris coming back at Piastri though and Norris regains the lead!

LECLERC

Verstappen up to 2nd, ahead of Piastri!

VERSTAPPEN

SAFETY CAR CALLED!!!

Alex Albon is in the wall! His race is over. A fifth retirement of this race!

ALBON RADIO "I'm okay. Sorry guys."

PITSTOPS: Sainz, Gasly, Hadjar and Colapinto all pit. Sainz and Gasly get out ahead of Leclerc, Hadjar and Colapinto do not.

PITSTOPS: Most of the pack are pitting! Only Piastri and Leclerc stay out!

(PIA) "We should've pit"

We are racing again on Lap 29!

Verstappen, on the fresh tyres, immediately takes the lead from Piastri!

Norris takes position from Piastri as well!

(BON) "Manage these best you can, stay out for now. We'll hope for the best here"

Colton Herta takes third from Piastri, and honestly it's looking like the first non Ferrari podium of this season.

(PIA) "Tyres are gone"

(BON) "Copy, box, box"

PITSTOP: Piastri pits and takes on fresh Softs, 2.444, and it's all gone, spectacularly, horribly wrong for the Champions tonight.

We have a race on at the front though, as Norris and Verstappen haven't had a better chance so far this year. Verstappen currently leading from Norris.

Leclerc ahead of Tsunoda and is now into the points.

Piastri on the comeback trail as well, as he goes up to P16.

Lap 38: Verstappen, Norris, Bottas, Antonelli, Herta, Pérez, Russell, O'Ward, Sainz, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Gasly, Lawson, Hadjar, Bearman, Piastri, Colapinto. Albon, Ocon, Bortoleto, Ricciardo, Pourchaire out of the race.

Antonelli up into P3 and up into the podium places!

Piastri gets ahead of Hadjar and is up to 15th!

Russell, who started from the pitlane, currently running P5. An incredible drive from him today.

Leclerc up to 9th ahead of Pérez

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED

OH MY GOD. LANDO NORRIS CRASHES OUT FROM THE LEAD OF THIS RACE. A heartbreaker for him, and for Red Bull.

Surely this now means Max Verstappen is going to bring home his first win in two years - and a first ever win for the Subaru team!

Lap 44 under VSC: Verstappen, Bottas, Russell, Antonelli, Sainz, Herta, O'Ward, Leclerc, Pérez, Lawson, Tsunoda, Gasly, Piastri, Bearman, Hadjar, Colapinto. Norris, Albon, Ocon, Bortoleto, Ricciardo, Pourchaire out of the race.

SMOKE COMING OUT OF A RENAULT ENGINE. WE'VE SEEN THIS BEFORE. PEREZ'S ENGINE IS GONE UNDER THE VSC AND HIS RACE IS GOING TO END ON LAP 44. He's made it back to the pitlane, so no SC/Red Flag, though.

Russell now pushing Bottas for 2nd! Russell started from the pitlane. What a race this has been for him!

Herta meanwhile snatches Fourth from teammate Antonelli!

(LEC) "DRS train is a problem"

(PIA) "Rears are going a bit. Struggling here, really struggling"

Herta steals 3rd from Russell!!

Russell however takes it right back!

Lap 49: Verstappen, Bottas, Russell, Herta, Antonelli, Sainz, O'Ward, Leclerc, Tsunoda, Lawson, Gasly, Bearman, Piastri, Colapinto, Hadjar. Pérez, Norris, Albon, Ocon, Bortoleto, Ricciardo, Pourchaire out of the race.

Leclerc takes P7 off O'Ward!

RUSSELL GOES SECOND!!!

Day to remember for the Subaru team, this team that have been in the sport for just two years are about to take their first victory, it is a first victory in two years for Max Verstappen, a long, long time coming for him, what a moment for Subaru, MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX!!!

Bottas steals second back from Russell!!! Bottas P2, Russell P3, Antonelli 4th, then Sainz, Herta, Leclerc, Tsunoda, O'Ward and Lawson.

(BOZ) "And P7, P7, Charles. Not what we wanted today, but we will keep pushing."

(LEC) "Yeah, not a good result, but we forget about it and we keep pushing. It's been an incredible season so we can forgive a tough day"

(BOZ) "Onwards and upwards from here"

(BON) "P12, Oscar. P12. Not a result we wanted, but thanks for your efforts today."

(PIA) "Yep. One to forget. We'll learn from it and move on."

GASLY IS IN THE WALL ON THE FINAL CORNER!!!! HE WILL NOT FINISH THE RACE!

SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX 2028
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Max Verstappen 01.21.29
2. Valtteri Bottas +10.883
3. George Russell +0.235
4. Andrea Kimi Antonelli +0.304
5. Carlos Sainz +0.733
6. Colton Herta +0.320
7. Charles Leclerc +0.573
8. Yuki Tsunoda +0.240
9. Pato O'Ward +0.121
10. Liam Lawson +0.998
11. Oliver Bearman +0.214
12. Oscar Piastri +2.529
13. Franco Colapinto +9.860
14. Isack Hadjar +3.440
15. Pierre Gasly DNF (+1 lap)
16. Sergio Pérez DNF
17. Lando Norris DNF
18. Alex Albon DNF
19. Esteban Ocon DNF
20. Gabriel Bortoleto DNF
21. Théo Pourchaire DNF
22. Daniel Ricciardo DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: GEORGE RUSSELL

From the pitlane to the podium, an astonishing drive from George Russell, with Williams' best result of the season. A fantastic drive and one well worthy of Driver of the Day.

Top Five: Russell, Verstappen, Sainz, Antonelli, Herta

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Lando Norris 1.29.306

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Sergio Perez 2.097s

2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

🇲🇨 Leclerc 461
🇦🇺 Piastri 336
🇪🇸 Sainz 224
🇳🇱 Verstappen 186
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Norris 173
🇺🇸 Herta 138
🇯🇵 Tsunoda 115
🇮🇹 Antonelli 110
🇫🇮 Bottas 104
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Russell 75
🇲🇽 O'Ward 66
🇫🇷 Gasly 37
🇳🇿 Lawson 24
🇲🇽 Perez 19
🇫🇷 Pourchaire 18
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Bearman 8
🇦🇺 Ricciardo 2
🇹🇭 Albon 1
🇫🇷 Hadjar 0
🇫🇷 Ocon 0
🇧🇷 Bortoleto 0
🇦🇷 Colapinto 0

2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 798
Red Bull-Ford 397
Mercedes 248
Aston Martin-Honda 219
Subaru-Honda 194
McLaren-Mercedes 103
Williams-Ferrari 76
Alpine-Renault 43
Audi 18
Andretti-Ferrari 2
Haas-Ford 0

2028 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1211
Pirelli 561
Goodyear 326

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION

Red Bull 330
Ferrari 282
McLaren 249
Subaru 220
Aston Martin 175
Alpine 156
Williams 148
Andretti 133
Mercedes 130
Audi 85
Haas 11

F2 SPRINT RACE

1. Arvid Lindblad
2. Kush Maini
3. Kacper Sztuka
4. Dayton Coulthard
5. Rafael Câmara
6. Tim Tramnitz
7. Ritomo Miyata
8. Gabriele Minì
9. Dino Beganovic
10. Enzo Fittipaldi

F2 FEATURE RACE
Pole Position: Dayton Coulthard

1. Dayton Coulthard
2. Ritomo Miyata
3. Arvid Lindblad
4. Gabriele Minì
5. Paul Aron
6. Kacper Sztuka
7. Tim Tramnitz
8. Taylor Barnard
9. Dino Beganovic
10. Dennis Hauger

KACPER SZTUKA WINS F2 CHAMPIONSHIP

Kacper Sztuka has been crowned the 2028Formula 2 Champion.

Sztuka clinched the title with a P3 in the Sprint, while following it up with P6 in the race at Jeddah. That was enough for the Polish driver to clinch the F2 title ahead of Arvid Lindblad and Dayton Coulthard.

The Red Bull associate driver has clinched the F2 title, and will continue on with Red Bull as an affiliate next season.

F2 CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE

🇵🇱 Sztuka 248
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🇸🇪 Lindblad 205
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Coulthard 204
🇪🇪 Aron 155
🇫🇷 Pin 149
🇩🇪 Tramnitz 145
🇮🇹 Minì 141
🇯🇵 Miyata 140
🇧🇷 Câmara 119
🇳🇴 Hauger 91
🇺🇸 Crawford 80
🇧🇧 Maloney 76
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Barnard 72
🇸🇪 🇧🇦 Beganovic 50
🇲🇨 A. Leclerc 33
🇧🇷 E. Fittipaldi 28
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 O'Sullivan 23
🇳🇱 Verschoor 22
🇨🇿 Stanĕk 14
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Browning 10
🇮🇳 Maini 8
🇪🇸 Marti 3

[sterile breach]

I took a grid penalty when qualifying 1st, I didn't get the pole position bonus point and it was given to the inherited polesitter. Did you get the extra point?

[foggy locust]

Piastri got the extra point aye

[sterile breach]

So everyone else gets the pole position point despite grid penalties, I've been robbed!

[foggy locust]

Outrageous scenes mate

[foggy locust]

SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX 2028
WEEKEND PREVIEW

We head to the penultimate weekend of the 2028 Formula 1 season, and it's an old favourite of the F1 Calendar - it is time for Interlagos, and the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. After the chaos of Saudi Arabia, what will Brazil bring for the final Sprint of the season?

LAST TIME AROUND

Max Verstappen finally took his first race win in two years, ending a drought that went back as far as Qatar 2026, with a race win that saw him, Valtteri Bottas and George Russell on the podium. Lando Norris crashed out from the lead, while both Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri were caught out by badly timed Safety Cars that eliminated their chances of challenging at the front, with Leclerc ending up 7th and Piastri out of the points entirely. Kimi Antonelli took Fourth, just missing the podium, while eight of the teams on the grid scored points - Mercedes and Aston scored double points, while Haas, Audi and Andretti - neither of which finished - were the only ones not to score.

THE CIRCUIT

The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos, is a 4.309 km circuit that 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 first 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. 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. Charles Leclerc has won the World title here twice - his 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, while he clinched his third title here last year. He's already of course taken his fourth title back at Singapore this year.

STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND

THE FIGHT FOR THIRD: CAN MERCEDES HOLD OFF ASTON MARTIN AND SUBARU?

It was Subaru’s biggest weekend of their young team life so far in Saudi Arabia, as Max Verstappen clinched their very first win, and his first in two years. The team itself though sit fifth in the Constructors - an impressive feat for the young team, but they are still 54 points off Mercedes. However, the gap to Aston Martin remains at 25, and Aston Martin are 29 off the Silver Arrows. With a Sprint Weekend this weekend and double points on the line in Vegas in the finale in two weeks’ time, this still feels like anyone's ball game.

FERRARI LOOK FOR THE BOUNCEBACKABILITY

The Champions had their worst weekend of the season, as a badly timed pitstop and some poor strategy - a reputation they've mostly shaken in recently years, but still appears from time to time - saw them end up with Leclerc 7th and Piastri 12th. They won't worry too much - both titles are wrapped up by now - but a bounce back would be appreciated at Brazil, a track that has been strong for the Scuderia in recent years. How will they go this time? They'll likely be the favourites again, and a Ferrari with something to prove is always a dangerous proposition.

CAN McLAREN FINISH STRONG AS THEY LOOK TO WELCOME BACK NORRIS?

Lando Norris will return to McLaren after two years away from the team with Red Bull, a move that seems to suit all parties concerned. However, it is hard to get away from the fact that he's going from the second best team on the grid right now to a team down in sixth - a disappointing year for the Papaya, considering they were looking to compete with Ferrari for the Constructors title this season. McLaren have got a car that's suited to this circuit - can they take advantage of it and hold Williams off in what's been a disappointing year for them both? The reset next year will likely be good for both teams, after a tough season. But for now, a strong showing for the Papaya would help them as they prepare to welcome Norris back into the fold.

HOW WILL THE SPRINT, AND THE WEATHER, COME INTO PLAY?

And of course it is the final Sprint Weekend of the season, as we have our traditional Sprint here. Brazil has hosted a Sprint every season since they were introduced in 2021 - the only circuit on the calendar to do so. With rain likely coming on Friday and Sunday, it should make for a massively intriguing weekend - how will it affect the field going towards the finale in Vegas?

And so we head to Sao Paulo and to Brazil, one of the best weekends of the season. Interlagos is always a favourite and always serves up drama. One thing's for certain - you won't want to miss it.

FP1 Reserves: Grant (Norris), Araya (Herta), Wharton (Antonelli), Stanĕk (Russell), Boya (Albon), Fornaroli (Colapinto), Gademan (Bearman)

Pourchaire has a grid penalty for Sunday's race after the collision caused in Saudi Arabia.

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR

Araya sends Herta's Mercedes into the wall! He's out of the session. And Mercedes might have some work to do to hold onto third this weekend!

FP1: TSU PIA LEC

In the only practice session of the weekend that saw a lot of rain, Tsunoda went quickest ahead of Piastri and Leclerc. Verstappen P4 with Sainz P5, while Perez and Ocon followed. Hadjar, Fornaroli and Pourchaire complete the top ten.

It is time to go Qualifying for the Sprint in Sao Paulo, and it is a hugely intriguing session ahead of us with the rain starting to pour down here in Brazil. It's caused chaos before with this weekend, and delays, but we are all set to go on schedule today. Yuki Tsunoda beat out the challenge of the Ferraris in practice, who will take Sprint Pole this afternoon?

(LEC) "I can't believe it. Can't f---ing believe it. F---, f---!"

(BOZ) "Sorry Charles. P21. We go again tomorrow."

OUT IN SQ1: Pérez, Lawson, Bortoleto, Colapinto, Leclerc, Albon
Bubble: Ocon
Top Five: NOR, VER, SAI, PIA, BEA

Leclerc had a spin on the first corner that compromised his first lap, then traffic wrecked his second attempt and he had no time for a third, meaning the Champion is going to start the Sprint from the back row! Albon behind him, as Perez and Lawson both go out, as well as Bortoleto and Colapinto. Norris quickest from Verstappen and Sainz, with Piastri and Bearman following.

OUT IN SQ2: O'Ward, Gasly, Antonelli, Ricciardo, Hadjar, Ocon
Bubble: Bottas
Top Five: PIA, VER, SAI, POU, TSU

Both McLarens out in SQ2, alongside Antonelli, Ricciardo, Hadjar and Ocon. Piastri quickest from Verstappen, with Sainz, Pourchaire and Tsunoda following. Bottas just gets through by 0.071, Russell, Bearman, Norris and Herta also into SQ3.

SQ3: Verstappen, Piastri, Bearman, Norris, Bottas, Herta, Tsunoda, Pourchaire, Sainz, Russell

In the pouring rain, Max Verstappen went quickest and took Sprint Pole away from Oscar Piastri. Ollie Bearman will have his highest F1 start in third, while Norris begins fourth. Bottas and Herta on the third row, with Tsunoda and Pourchaire on the fourth and future Red Bull teammates Sainz and Russell on the fifth. But the story was Verstappen and the pace of the Subaru, going 1-3.

2028 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
SPRINT GRID

VER PIA

BEA NOR

BOT HER

TSU POU

SAI RUS

OWA GAS

ANT RIC

HAD OCO

PER LAW

BOR COL

LEC ALB

Okay going to sort out my lunch and have a screen break, back in a bit for Sprint and Qualifying.

Race will probably be After the Euros.

[foggy locust]

It is time to go Sprinting here at Interlagos, it's early Saturday afternoon here in Brazil, and 24 laps of this 4.309km circuit await us. It's the penultimate weekend of the season, while both titles are decided, plenty to play for in the midfield, and Subaru are in the perfect spot, but Piastri's Ferrari might be the wildcard in this scenario.

Alex Albon starts at the very back, World Champion Charles Leclerc saw both laps in Sprint Qualifying compromised and he's on the back row. Franco Colapinto starts P20 for his home continent's Sprint, beside Gabriel Bortoleto, who starts his home Sprint P19. The two Alpines on row nine with Pérez ahead of Lawson, then it's Esteban Ocon and Isack Hadjar on row eight, Daniel Ricciardo begins today 14th and Kimi Antonelli is 13th. The two McLarens start just outside the top ten with Pato O'Ward ahead of Pierre Gasly, future Red Bull teammates Carlos Sainz and George Russell are on row five. Eighth for Théo Pourchaire and Yuki Tsunoda begins Seventh, then Colton Herta P6 and Valtteri Bottas 5th. Lando Norris starts from fourth with compatriot Oliver Bearman having his highest F1 start in 3rd, Oscar Piastri starts on the front row and it is Sprint Pole for Max Verstappen.

Let's Sprint!

Formation lap done in the Sprint, one light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Piastri gets a better start than Verstappen, but Verstappen holds him off and Bearman is going for the overtake but Piastri holds him off!! Norris Fourth, then Bottas, Tsunoda, Herta and Sainz

(LEC) "Engine...engine's playing up here"

(BOZ) "Copy, we are looking into it"

(BOZ) "Box now, box. Retire the car, Charles. Sorry mate."

(LEC) "Ah, f---."

(BOZ) "Sorry. We'll go again for qualifying"

We're four laps in and the World Champion is out of the Sprint! Engine issues with the Ferrari, and Leclerc boxes to retire!

Piastri meanwhile is going for the lead of the Sprint, Piastri leads the Sprint!!

Norris with a lovely overtake on Bearman to take P3!

(PIA) "Lovely stuff"

(BON) "This is a good job Oscar, keep it up"

Bottas moves ahead of Bearman!

Lap 6: Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Bottas, Bearman, Tsunoda, Herta, Sainz, Pourchaire, Russell, O'Ward, Gasly, Hadjar, Ricciardo, Pérez, Lawson, Ocon, Colapinto, Antonelli, Bortoleto, Albon. Leclerc out of the race.

Bottas up to 3rd!

Bearman struggling and sinking down the order. Tsunoda and Herta have passed him in quick succession.

Norris takes third from Bottas, but Tsunoda is putting both under pressure, and a fantastic move from Tsunoda gets him position!

(BON) "Keep Verstappen behind you, all focus on defending"

(PIA) "Yep. Proving tricky"

Verstappen regains the lead going into lap 11, but Piastri has DRS and Piastri retakes position!

(BON) "Let us know what you think on the tyres"

(PIA) "they feel okay so far"

(BON) "Okay, pick up the pace a bit"

SAINZ

Sainz has fought his way up to Fourth! If there was a DOTD award today, he'd probably take it.

Make that third as he goes deep into the corner to overtake Norris! Norris didn't seem happy in the radio about that one!

To add to that, Tsunoda goes up to Fourth ahead of Norris!

Piastri holding Verstappen off, but Tsunoda and Sainz are now in the mix!

Tsunoda has DRS and he's up to 3rd!

Lap 16: Piastri, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Sainz, Norris, Herta, Pourchaire, Bottas, Bearman, O'Ward, Russell, Gasly, Hadjar, Lawson, Pérez, Ocon, Ricciardo, Colapinto, Antonelli, Albon, Bortoleto

Piastri holding Verstappen off, Verstappen attacking again, Tsunoda is very, very in this too!

PIASTRI GOES WIDE!!! He recovers it but he's dropped down to fifth!

(PIA) "I've completely f---ed it up here"

(BON) "Keep going, still some race to go"

TSUNODA GOES FOR THE LEAD, TSUNODA LEADS THE SPRINT!!

Pisstri up to Fourth and back ahead of Norris!

Sainz moves ahead of Verstappen!

Four cars wide, and Pourchaire grabs Fourth! Piastri fifth, Herta sixth, Norris Seventh!

SAINZ TAKES THE LEAD. Sainz has timed this brilliantly, and he goes off into the distance, leading the Sprint!

FINAL LAP

CARLOS SAINZ HAS HAD A PHENOMENAL DRIVE, TIMED HIS MOVE TO PERFECTION, CARLOS SAINZ WINS THE SAO PAULO SPRINT! HEARTBREAK FOR TSUNODA BUT HE STILL TAKES P2, VERSTAPPEN P3. PIASTRI FOURTH, POURCHAIRE FIFTH. Herta, Norris and Bottas take the remaining points.

(BON) "And P4, Oscar. P4. Good effort, tough one out there."

(PIA) "Yeah, thanks. Tyres went off at the end, we recovered it well at the end so we'll take it."

(BON) "Good lad. Onto Qualifying."

SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX 2028
SPRINT CLASSIFICATION

1. Carlos Sainz 00.28.58
2. Yuki Tsunoda +1.125
3. Max Verstappen +0.623
4. Oscar Piastri +1.945
5. Théo Pourchaire +0.047
6. Colton Herta +1.084
7. Lando Norris +0.150
8. Valtteri Bottas +0.412
9. Pato O'Ward +0.266
10. George Russell +0.345
11. Oliver Bearman +0.919
12. Isack Hadjar +0.245
13. Pierre Gasly +9.689
14. Liam Lawson +2.657
15. Daniel Ricciardo +0.256
16. Andrea Kimi Antonelli +0.456
17. Esteban Ocon +2.530
18. Sergio Pérez +0.210
19. Alexander Albon +0.129
20. Franco Colapinto +0.006
21. Gabriel Bortoleto +19.485
22. Charles Leclerc DNF

2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

🇲🇨 Leclerc 461
🇦🇺 Piastri 341
🇪🇸 Sainz 232
🇳🇱 Verstappen 192
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Norris 175
🇺🇸 Herta 141
🇯🇵 Tsunoda 122
🇮🇹 Antonelli 110
🇫🇮 Bottas 105
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Russell 75
🇲🇽 O'Ward 66
🇫🇷 Gasly 37
🇳🇿 Lawson 24
🇫🇷 Pourchaire 22
🇲🇽 Perez 19
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Bearman 8
🇦🇺 Ricciardo 2
🇹🇭 Albon 1
🇫🇷 Hadjar 0
🇫🇷 Ocon 0
🇧🇷 Bortoleto 0
🇦🇷 Colapinto 0

2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 803
Red Bull-Ford 407
Mercedes 248
Aston Martin-Honda 227
Subaru-Honda 200
McLaren-Mercedes 103
Williams-Ferrari 76
Alpine-Renault 43
Audi 22
Andretti-Ferrari 2
Haas-Ford 0

2028 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1230
Pirelli 575
Goodyear 329

After an exciting Sprint this early afternoon, it is time to refocus and go Qualifying here at Interlagos. Carlos Sainz snatched victory away from Yuki Tsunoda for the Sprint, but how will Qualifying pan out? Can Max Verstappen make it a double Pole this weekend? Or will Ferrari bounce back?

OUT IN Q1: Ricciardo, Lawson, Ocon, Colapinto, Bortoleto, Albon
Bubble: Bearman
Top Five: NOR, PIA, SAI, TSU, LEC

Ricciardo just misses Q2 as Bearman scraps through by 0.034. Bortoleto out in Q1 for his home GP, both Haas drivers, Albon and Lawson also exit. Norris quickest from Piastri, Sainz, Tsunoda and Leclerc. Verstappen P7, behind future teammate Pourchaire.

Charles has a grid penalty for a new engine it looks like. I'll keep an eye on that

OUT IN Q2: Russell, Antonelli, Bearman, Hadjar , Gasly, Pérez
Bubble: O'Ward
Top Five: PIA, LEC, VER, NOR, POU

Russell just misses Q3, while Antonelli and Bearman are also out. Hadjar, Gasly and Pérez all had late attempts to knock O'Ward out but none could do so. Piastri quickest from Leclerc, with Verstappen third, and Norris and Pourchaire following. Sainz, Tsunoda, Bottas and Herta also through.

Q3: Bottas, Piastri, Leclerc , Verstappen, Tsunoda, Sainz, Pourchaire , Herta, O'Ward, Norris

Valtteri Bottas shocks the F1 World and takes Pole at Sao Paulo! He beats out the challenge of Piastri, Leclerc and Verstappen, while his teammate Tsunoda ended up fifth. Sainz sixth with Pourchaire seventh, while Herta, O'Ward and Norris complete the top ten. Grid penalties for Leclerc and Pourchaire will push them down the grid, but Bottas is the story, taking a shock Pole for Aston Martin!

It was a gearbox Penalty. Five place drop for Charles

2028 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

BOT PIA

VER TSU

SAI HER

OWA LEC

NOR POU

RUS ANT

BEA GAS

RIC LAW

OCO COL

HAD BOR

PER ALB

Leclerc - Five Places, component penalty, QUAL P3

Pourchaire - Three Places, causing a collision in Saudi Arabia, QUAL P7

Hadjar - Five Places, component penalty, QUAL P14

Pérez - Five Places, component penalty, QUAL P16

Albon - Five Places, component penalty, QUAL P22

Race this evening, later on!

[foggy locust]

It is time to go racing in Sao Paulo, with the rain pouring down here in Brazil, should make for a massively intriguing race. The rain getting heavier and heavier already, so it'll be testing conditions on a testing track. Round 20 of the 2028 Formula 1 season, the penultimate weekend, 71 laps of this 4.309km circuit, 15 turns, forget about the 2 DRS Zones today, we won't be using those, or the Softs, Mediums or Hards, it's Ints and maybe even the Wets in play today.

Alexander Albon starts at the very back and he has Sergio Pérez, taking a penalty for company, Gabriel Bortoleto starts his home race from P20, while Isack Hadjar also takes a penalty and drops to the tenth row. The two Haas drivers of Esteban Ocon and Franco Colapinto on row nine, Liam Lawson starts alongside Daniel Ricciardo on the eighth row. Pierre Gasly starts fourteen, Ollie Bearman ten spots lower than he started the Sprint in 13th, then it's Kimi Antonelli and George Russell on row six. Théo Pourchaire takes a three place penalty for a race ending collision in Saudi and starts 10th alongside Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc has a component penalty so he starts eighth, with Pato O'Ward Seventh. It's sixth for Colton Herta and Carlos Sainz begins 5th, then Max Verstappen ahead of Yuki Tsunoda on row two. Oscar Piastri starts on the front row, and it is a shock Pole Position for Aston Martin and Valtteri Bottas. But can he, and they, convert that to a shock win?

🌧️ A lot of rain already here, and we're expecting a lot more. Testing conditions for the Drivers today. Expect the at some point - when could decide this race.

It has to be said, the arrival of Bridgestone and Goodyear back in the tyre game has forced Pirelli and all manufacturers to up their game on the tyres - no better example of that than the full Wets.

Let's race here in Brazil, as the Drivers are, quite slowly, making their way around, under the Safety Car for the formation lap. We are going to get a standing start, though.

Lights are on, one light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Bottas off and away well, as is Piastri, Verstappen then Tsunoda, Sainz and O'Ward, Leclerc ahead of Herta! Norris and Pourchaire completing the top ten for now

(BON) "Let us know on track conditions"

(PIA) "Yeah, it's a bit slippery"

Leclerc ahead of O'Ward and into P6! The Champion has really upped his game in the rain in recent years. And that's paying off here!

Leclerc down the inside of Sainz and up to 5th!

(BOZ) "We are expecting Class 2 rain in a few laps."

(LEC) "Copy. First sector doesn't seem too bad, for now"

VERSTAPPEN

Piastri goes for the overtake and Piastri now leads the Sao Paulo Grand Prix!

Sainz retakes position from Leclerc!

Sainz ahead of Tsunoda, as Leclerc now putting pressure on the Aston driver!

(LEC) "Visibility is s---, so s---"

(BOZ) "Copy, do what you can for now Charles."

(LEC) "It is getting very heavy very quickly"

Some issues with the Subaru of Max Verstappen! Looking ike some problems with the downshifts.

I say that, and Verstappen said as such on the radio, but he's immediately taken second from Bottas.

(BOZ) "Some LiCo for temps"

🌧️ It's very heavy rain out there, which is expected to last a few laps. Will any driver make the switch to full Wets now?

(BON) "So Oscar, lap 11, you are currently P1, Verstappen car behind, gap, 1.2."

(PIA) "Copy"

Piastri now up about three seconds on Verstappen. The rain getting more and more.

Lawson locks-up at turn 4, and goes through the gravel! The Circuit becoming more and more difficult to manoeuvre, so not really on Lawson for that one.

(LEC) "This is getting really dangerous out here"

Lap 15: Piastri, Verstappen, Bottas, Sainz, Tsunoda, Leclerc, Herta, O'Ward, Pourchaire, Norris, Russell, Gasly, Antonelli, Bearman, Ricciardo, Ocon, Bortoleto, Hadjar, Lawson, Pérez, Colapinto, Albon

Leclerc goes down the inside of Tsunoda and is up to P5!

PITSTOP: First pit stops of the day and Alpine are taking the gamble early! Pérez and Lawson switched to Wets!

It may have been a mistake though! The rain seems to be easing off for now! They're losing time!

Sainz moves up to P3 ahead of Bottas!

(LEC) "I am losing a lot of time on these tyres"

(BOZ) "Copy, drive in clean air if you can, as much as you can"

(LEC) "Understood, it is going to be tricky with Bottas right in front, but I will try. Rears starting to drop a little bit"

PITSTOPS: Pérez, then Lawson come in. They're admitting defeat on the Wets. A disaster for Alpine, who are now P21 and P22.

As it stands: nine points between Mercedes and Aston Martin. Subaru would be 38 behind the Silver Arrows. Double points in Vegas. Third is fascinating.

Leclerc having a lot of issues managing the tyres here, and he's dropped behind Tsunoda and Herta!

Verstappen's pushing and now Piastri has a Max Verstappen sized problem to deal with! He's closed the gap of 3 seconds very quickly!

(BOZ) "We expect Class 4 rain in the next three laps. Just need you to hold out on tyres until then"

(LEC) "Copy"

PITSTOP: Ricciardo makes the switch to full Wets! He might have gone a lap or two early though!

POURCHAIRE WITH A PUNCTURE! He was running very well until then, has that compromised his race? Luckily for him he was close to the pitlane!

PITSTOP: Pourchaire does indeed pit for the full wets!

Leclerc struggling a lot on the tyres, and Norris takes P7 from him!

PITSTOP: Norris comes in for the full Wets!

(BOZ) "Okay, box now, box now"

(LEC) "Finally!...copy box"

(BON) "So we'll box at the end of this lap"

(PIA) "Copy. Box"

PITSTOPS: Piastri in! A 2.190 stop, and a flurry of activity! Leclerc in, 2.007, lightning quick from Ferrari, he will gain position on Tsunoda there! Verstappen, Sainz, Herta, O'Ward, Russell, Gasly, Bearman, Colapinto stay out, everyone else pits!

PITSTOPS: Verstappen comes in, Sainz stays out! Herta in, O'Ward and Gasly in as McLaren double stack, Colapinto in, Perez in again!

Pérez had a delay on that stop. Nightmare day for Alpine.

PITSTOPS: Sainz and Russell both pit.

Tsunoda regains position from Leclerc!

Lap 40: Piastri, Verstappen, Sainz, Bottas, Herta, Norris, Tsunoda, Leclerc, O'Ward, Russell, Gasly, Antonelli, Bearman, Pourchaire, Ocon, Bortoleto, Hadjar, Colapinto, Albon, Lawson, Ricciardo, Pérez

(BON) "Let's just not cook the tyres"

(PIA) "Copy"

Bearman goes aquaplaning at turn 8! He's managed to recover the car, but lost a bit of time. Currently P14.

NORRIS SPINS! He nearly takes Tsunoda and Leclerc out in the process!

After that, Leclerc loses a place to O'Ward!

(LEC) "Nearly taken out by Norris, this is so dangerous. So dangerous"

Both Tsunoda and O'Ward get past Norris for position!

Leclerc regains 8th, where he started today, from Norris!

THERE'S SMOKE POURING OUT THE BACK OF VERSTAPPEN'S SUBARU!!! He pulls into the garage, and his race is over!!! That's an engine failure for Verstappen, and that likely ends Subaru's chances at third!

VERSTAPPEN RADIO "FOR F---'S SAKE, FOR F---'S SAKE MAN"

Lap 53: Piastri, Sainz, Bottas, Herta, Tsunoda, O'Ward, Leclerc, Russell. Norris, Gasly, Antonelli, Pourchaire, Ocon, Bearman, Hadjar, Bortoleto, Colapinto, Lawson, Albon, Perez, Ricciardo. Verstappen out of the race.

(BON) "Verstappen out of the race, engine failure. He's okay and out of the car. Sainz P2, 21 seconds behind. Lift and coast now, get the car to the end."

(LEC) "Some slight issues with the gearbox"

(BOZ) "Manage it best you can. 15 laps left, LiCo for temperatures."

(LEC) "Yep. Copy that."

RICCIARDO IN THE BARRIER!! He manages to keep the car going and continue on in the race, but he's got some damage on that Andretti!

PITSTOPS: Sainz, Bottas and Herta all now putting for Ints, as as Bearman and Lawson!

(BOZ) "Box now box for Inter"

(LEC) "Copy box"

(BON) "Box, box for inter. Should have plenty of room"

PITSTOP: Leclerc in! O'Ward, Russell, Antonelli and Gasly all stay out! 2.225 stop for Leclerc!

PITSTOP: Piastri in a lap later! He's onto Ints as well and emerges still in P1, ahead of Sainz, 2.195 stop!

PITSTOPS: Stops for O'Ward, Russell, Antonelli and Pourchaire, who are all the last ones to stop!

Bortoleto spins off! Having just been lapped, it has been a miserable home race for him!

Lap 65: Piastri, Sainz, Bottas, Herta, Tsunoda, O'Ward, Leclerc, Russell, Antonelli, Gasly, Norris, Pourchaire, Ocon, Pérez, Hadjar, Bearman, Colapinto, Bortoleto, Lawson, Albon, Ricciardo

Norris with a lock-up and he's lucky to avoid the barrier, but he drops behind Pourchaire!

LECLERC

🌦️ Looks like the rain has gone off.

Leclerc attacking O'Ward now for 6th!

PIASTRI

LECLERC

GASLY

Leclerc down the inside of O'Ward, and he's now up to Sixth! Can he catch Tsunoda with three laps left?

OCON

PIASTRI

(BON) "Fastest man on track. 2 laps remaining."

(PIA) "Copy"

PÉREZ

GASLY

FINAL LAP

It's been a cool, calm and composed drive from Oscar Piastri, who looks like he is going to take his fifth win of the season in comfort and style, never been in doubt since Verstappen retired from the race, Piastri rounds the final corner, OSCAR PIASTRI WINS THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX!!!

(BON) "And P1, get in there, Oscar!!"

(PIA) "Nice! That was a really good race, thank you. Great job today everyone. Was a, bit of a wet race but enjoyed that. Thanks guys."

(BON) "That was absolute perfection. Well done today."

Sainz P2, Bottas 3rd, Herta 4th, Tsunoda 5th

O'Ward gets Leclerc at the line for 6th!

(BOZ) "That's the flag, P7. Unlucky today Charles, tough weekend but we learn from it and move. Good effort."

(LEC) "Yeah, tough one this weekend. For some reason I really struggle to be consistent. Thank you for the effort today though. We've won the title so we cannot complain, but yeah. I need to do a better job."

(BOZ) "Head up, we go again next time."

(LEC) "Congratulations to Oscar, he did a good job today."

ANTONELLI

Antonelli 8th and bags an extra point for it, which could be crucial in the fight for P3 in the Constructors.

9th for Russell, 10th for Gasly.

2028 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Oscar Piastri 01.37.41
2. Carlos Sainz +18.069
3. Valtteri Bottas +10.925
4. Colton Herta +9.290
5. Yuki Tsunoda +4.175
6. Pato O'Ward +3.310
7. Charles Leclerc +0.123
8. Andrea Kimi Antonelli +3.887
9. George Russell +0.280
10. Pierre Gasly +3.129
11. Théo Pourchaire +8.610
12. Lando Norris +10.670
13. Esteban Ocon +0.210
14. Isack Hadjar +1 lap
15. Oliver Bearman +1 lap
16. Franco Colapinto +1 lap
17. Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
18. Liam Lawson +1 lap
19. Alexander Albon +1 lap
20. Sergio Perez +1 lap
21. Daniel Ricciardo +1 lap
22. Max Verstappen DNF

DRIVER OF THE DAY: OSCAR PIASTRI

It couldn't really have been anyone else today. A perfect drive in the rain from the Australian, who put down a marker for next season and a potential title challenge. Oscar Piastri, Driver of the Day!

Top Five: Piastri, Sainz, Antonelli, Gasly, Bottas

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Andrea Kimi Antonelli 1.13.308

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Carlos Sainz 2.022s

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION 2028

Red Bull 355
Ferrari 294
McLaren 257
Subaru 235
Aston Martin 175
Williams 167
Alpine 156
Andretti 151
Mercedes 134
Audi 85
Haas 11

[foggy locust]

2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

🇲🇨 Leclerc 467
🇦🇺 Piastri 367
🇪🇸 Sainz 250
🇳🇱 Verstappen 192
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Norris 175
🇺🇸 Herta 153
🇯🇵 Tsunoda 132
🇫🇮 Bottas 121
🇮🇹 Antonelli 115
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Russell 77
🇲🇽 O'Ward 74
🇫🇷 Gasly 38
🇳🇿 Lawson 24
🇫🇷 Pourchaire 22
🇲🇽 Perez 19
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Bearman 8
🇦🇺 Ricciardo 2
🇹🇭 Albon 1
🇫🇷 Hadjar 0
🇫🇷 Ocon 0
🇧🇷 Bortoleto 0
🇦🇷 Colapinto 0

2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 834
Red Bull-Ford 425
Mercedes 268
Aston Martin-Honda 253
Subaru-Honda 200
McLaren-Mercedes 112
Williams-Ferrari 78
Alpine-Renault 43
Audi 22
Andretti-Ferrari 2
Haas-Ford 0

2028 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1287
Pirelli 602
Goodyear 348

[foggy locust]

LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX 2028
WEEKEND PREVIEW

And so we head to Las Vegas for the final weekend of the season. While the titles have long since been decided, there's still plenty of play for - and double points on offer this weekend. It's anyone's game, but who will break the bank, and who will hit the jackpot?

LAST TIME AROUND

It was a rainy weekend in Brazil that saw Oscar Piastri take his fifth victory of the season in comfortable style. Carlos Sainz took a podium and victory in the Sprint, while Valtteri Bottas delivered a surprise Pole and a P3 for Aston Martin. The two Champions on the grid struggled - Charles Leclerc had a difficult weekend, retiring from the Sprint with an engine issue, taking a penalty for the race, and ending up P7, while Max Verstappen retired from the main race after his engine had issues.

THE CIRCUIT

The 6.201km circuit became the season finale in a new ten year deal last year. The Las Vegas Strip Circuit was introduced in the 2023 season, ans takes in all the sights and sounds of Vegas, including a 1.9km straight down the Vegas Strip, where Charles Leclerc hit a fantastic move with DRS to take P2 on the final corner in the inaugural race in 2023. Also featured around here is the Vegas Sphere, a new favourite sight on the F1 calendar. With the long straights, good straight-line speed is hugely important in Vegas, as well as good DRS and low-speed cornering.

STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND

WHO WILL TAKE THIRD - MERCEDES OR ASTON?

Although Subaru are still technically in the mix, they find themselves 53 off Aston Martin and 68 off Mercedes, with 89 available - meaning a 1-2 for Subaru would give them a shot at third, but anything else would make it incredibly difficult. Therefore it's essentially down to a fifteen point gap between Aston Martin and Mercedes - and with double points on offer, that gap's essentially seven and a half. It's on a knife-edge between the Silver Arrows and the British Racing Green - the cars of Valtteri Bottas, Yuki Tsunoda, Colton Herta and Andrea Kimi Antonelli may be the most important on the track this weekend. Who will take third?

PLENTY TO PLAY FOR IN THE DRIVERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP

On a related note, the top three in the Drivers’ Championship are locked in - Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz. However, below them it's fair game. There's a 17 point gap between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris for fourth, in Norris’ final race for Red Bull. Herta, Tsunoda, Bottas and Antonelli are close in the Drivers’ Championship, although their focus is on the Constructors, while Russell is only three points ahead of Pato O'Ward. Four drivers have yet to score points this season - both Haas drivers of Ocon and Colapinto, as well as Bortoleto and Hadjar. Can any of them get on the board on the final day?

HAAS LOOK TO AVOID ANOTHER BLANK

Haas have one race to avoid a second consecutive blank, third in five years, and fourth this decade. A team that have struggled in this era in particular, having sacrificed 2021 to get a good run up on the ground effect era, before firing two Team Principals. It has been a rough time for Haas and this year has been nothing short of a disaster. Can Haas salvage anything from this season in their second home race, and get anything on the board and avoid another blank?

DRIVERS BID FAREWELL TO TEAMS

This is of course the last race for several drivers with their current teams. Lando Norris returns to McLaren after two years with Red Bull, while Red Bull bound George Russell ends his second stint at Williams. It'll be Pato O'Ward's final race for McLaren before he joins Audi next season, and both Audi drivers head away from the team next year - Théo Pourchaire joins Subaru, while Isack Hadjar will drive for Williams next year. Andrea Kimi Antonelli's racing for Williams next season, ending his time with Mercedes in the process, while Oliver Bearman, who replaces him at Mercedes, has his final race for Subaru after two years at the team. And sadly, it's goodbye F1 for now for Alexander Albon, who will leave Williams, ending his second stint at the team.

And so we head to the Las Vegas Strip for one more race of this 2028 season. Who will take victory on the final day of the season, and who will put down a marker for next season? Will Mercedes or Aston get third in the Constructors? One thing's for sure. You won't want to miss it.

[foggy locust]

We are running Pin and Câmara in FP1

FP1 Reserves: Câmara (Leclerc), Pin (Piastri), Bennett (Gasly), Grant (Norris), Araya (Antonelli), Montoya (Bortoleto), Gademan (Verstappen)

FP2: LEC TSU OCO
PIA P18

Leclerc quickest with Tsunoda P2, Ocon third...are Haas fast here? Bottas ahead of Hadjar and Russell, while Verstappen, Sainz, Antonelli and Norris round off the top ten. Just P18 for Piastri.

FP3: LEC HER LAW
PIA P4

Leclerc quickest again in FP3, as Herta and Lawson follow, with Piastri fourth and Norris fifth. Bearman, Antonelli, Bottas, Sainz and Pérez complete the top ten.

It is time to go qualifying here in Las Vegas, and while Ferrari have been quickest in practice, there's been the focus on Mercedes, Subaru and Aston Martin, who are fighting for third in the Constructors. Subaru are the underdogs, it feels like a straight fight between Mercedes and Aston, but this will be vital. Haas have been fast, can they finally get points? And how will traffic come into play around here?

OUT IN Q1: Hadjar, Gasly, Colapinto, Russell, Lawson, Ricciardo
Bubble: Ocon
Top Five: BOT, VER, POU, PIA, LEC

Gasly and Russell both exit in Q1, as Russell's final Williams qualifying ends at the first hurdle. Hadjar also out in his last one for Audi, as well as Lawson, Ricciardo and Colapinto, of which the FP1 speed was a false dawn. Albon through to Q2 in his last F1 Qualifying for at least a year, Bottas quickest from Verstappen, Pourchaire, Piastri and Leclerc.

[sterile breach]

Be fast in practice to get knocked out in Q1.

"The Haasterplan"

[foggy locust]

Ye called it

OUT IN Q2: Pérez, Pourchaire, Norris, Bearman, Albon, Bortoleto
Bubble: Ocon
Top Five: PIA, LEC, SAI, HER, BOT

A shocker as Haas make Q3 with Ocon! Norris the biggest casualty of Q2, while Pérez and Pourchaire just miss out. Bearman, Albon and Bortoleto also exit in Q2. Piastri quickest from Leclerc and Sainz, then Herta and Bottas, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Antonelli and O'Ward, as well as Ocon, into Q3.

Or not for Ocon! He's in Q3!

Q3: Piastri, Herta, Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen, Bottas, O'Ward, Antonelli, Tsunoda, Ocon

Oscar Piastri takes Pole with a stunning lap at the end, beating out Colton Herta by 3 tenths, while Charles Leclerc had to settle for third.

Herta sets up Mercedes well for the battle for third against Aston and Subaru, with Antonelli down in 8th. Verstappen starts 5th for Subaru, while Bearman isn't in the top ten, and the Astons are 6th for Bottas and 9th for Tsunoda. (Nice)

Elsewhere, Sainz will start 4th while O'Ward marks his goodbye to McLaren in 7th, and Ocon starts 10th, his highest start since Zandvoort.

Qualifying H2Hs:

Ferrari: Leclerc 11-10 Piastri
Red Bull: Norris 6-15 Sainz
Mercedes: Herta 18-3 Antonelli
Aston Martin: Bottas 9-12 Tsunoda
Subaru: Verstappen 18-3 Bearman
McLaren: O'Ward 13-8 Gasly
Williams: Russell 19-2 Albon
Alpine: Pérez 11-10 Lawson
Audi: Pourchaire 16-5 Hadjar
Andretti: Bortoleto 12-9 Ricciardo
Haas: Ocon 15-6 Colapinto

And here we go. For one last time in 2028, we go racing, and we are under the lights in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. This race became the season finale last season and what a finale we have in store. A fight to the finish for third between Mercedes, Aston and Subaru, and drivers title places on the line. This 6.201km circuit will take us around the sights and sounds of this city 50 times, including the long straights down the Las Vegas Strip, the second of two DRS Zones. 17 turns, a landmark on almost every one of them.

Daniel Ricciardo starts at the very back alongside Liam Lawson, George Russell begins his final Williams race before moving to Red Bull from P20, Franco Colapinto starts P19. Pierre Gasly 18th and Isack Hadjar, who moves to Williams next year, is 17th. Gabriel Bortoleto starts 16th and it's goodbye for now to Alexander Albon who starts 15th. Ollie Bearman heads for Mercedes next season, he's 14th tonight, Lando Norris returns home to McLaren next year, he's starting 13th. Theo Pourchaire will be a Subaru driver next season and he's 12th, Sergio Perez lines up 11th.

Esteban Ocon could secure Haas' first points of the year and he starts in the points, big pressure on Yuki Tsunoda and Kimi Antonelli who are fighting for P3 in the Constructors, it's Antonelli's last race before joining Williams. Tsunoda P9, Antonelli P8. Pato O'Ward goes to Audi next season, his last McLaren race starts in 7th. Valtteri Bottas starts 6th, he's re-signed with Aston and wants that P3 in the Constructors, as does Max Verstappen in 5th but Subaru are a long shot. Carlos Sainz begins Fourth beside four-time World Champion Charles Leclerc who clinched back in Singapore, Colton Herta has the best starting position of those three teams, he's 2nd for Mercedes, it is Pole number seven of the year for Oscar Piastri. Can it be win number six?

Let's race in Vegas!

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

AND FOR ONE MORE TIME THIS SEASON, IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO

Piastri is away well, Leclerc has gotten off the line quicker than Herta, who's down to P3! It is a Ferrari 1-2! Sainz 4th, Bottas 5th ahead of Verstappen, O'Ward 7th, Tsunoda ahead of Antonelli! Pérez and Norris ahead of Ocon who's already out of the points!

Leclerc goes for the move down the Vegas Strip on Lap 1!! He has the lead, but it is brief as Piastri however retakes the lead at Turn 1 on the next lap!

Herta being attacked by Sainz, but Herta holds him off!

AS IT STANDS: 302 281 216

Leclerc back in front!

Albon locks up and goes off!!! A miserable moment in his last F1 race for now!

(BOZ) "Some slight LiCo for brakes"

(LEC) "Okay"

(BON) "Temps have peaked. You're free to race but keep it clean"

(PIA) "Alrighty"

Sainz on the attack and he's ahead of Herta and Piastri in quick order!!

AS IT STANDS: 296 281 216

BEARMAN HITS THE BARRIER!!! He seemed to be pushed wide by Hadjar, and he's still in the race, but with damage! I think you can count Subaru out of the fight for third now!

PITSTOP: Bearman comes in for a new front wing and new Softs. Think it's now between Mercedes and Aston.

Pérez ahead of Antonelli!!!

292 277 220

Piastri ahead of Sainz for P2!

Antonelli has fallen to P12, out of the points, so it is all on Herta. Tsunoda and Bottas currently running P7 and P8.

292 273 220

Up front, Sainz has come out of nowhere to take the lead of the race!

SAINZ

(BOZ) "Keep pushing, long way to go"

Ferrari going for the double pincer move on Sainz, Leclerc takes the lead but Piastri cannot get by the Red Bull!

Piastri gets ahead of Sainz! Game on between the front three here!

Tsunoda has powered up to Fourth ahead of Herta! With Bottas P8 and Antonelli P12, that's huge for the Constructors fight for third!

292 285 216

Tsunoda has powered up to Fourth ahead of Herta! With Bottas P8 and Antonelli P12, that's huge for the Constructors fight for third!

Herta then takes the place back! Bottas is up to 7th, though!

292 285 216

Tsunoda up to 4th!! That's a huge swing with Bottas in 7th! As it stands, Aston are up to third!

293 288 216

Bottas overtakes Verstappen for 6th and he's right on Herta! He's going for the move and he's up to 5th!!! It gers better for Aston!

297 284 216

PITSTOPS: The first non enforced pitstops of the day! Hadjar and Bortoleto in, Hadjar takes Softs, Bortoleto onto the Mediums!

Verstappen overtakes Herta, and it is all falling away quickly for Mercedes!

297 280 218

PITSTOP: Sainz is in! Looks like he's trying to undercut the two Ferraris!

Lap 16: Leclerc, Piastri, Tsunoda, Bottas, Verstappen, Herta, O'Ward, Pérez, Norris, Antonelli, Sainz, Colapinto, Ocon, Pourchaire, Gasly, Russell, Ricciardo, Hadjar, Lawson, Bearman, Bortoleto, Albon

Piastri and Leclerc trading off DRS at the moment. The Australian leads the race.

PITSTOPS: O'Ward and Norris in! Funnily enough, Russell in too. Russell will replace Norris at Red Bull, who will replace O'Ward at McLaren after this race. O'Ward goes to Audi.

(BOZ) "How are the tyres?"

(LEC) "Struggling. Rears are dropping off"

(BOZ) "Box this Lap, box, box"

(LEC) "Copy, box"

PITSTOPS: Leclerc in, Tsunoda in! A 2.341 stop for Leclerc, and he's down to 8th!

(BON) "Box Oscar, we will box at the end at this lap"

(PIA) "Yeah, box"

PITSTOPS: PIASTRI IN. VERSTAPPEN IN. A 2.415 stop for Piastri, and Sainz leads the race! That undercut seems to have worked! Piastri back out in P6.

AS IT STANDS: 306 275 200

PITSTOP: Antonelli stops, clearing a little bit of the traffic!

Leclerc clears O'Ward, but he's now got a 10 second gap to Sainz to catch up to. Piastri running 5th.

Bottas up to P3, with Tsunoda P10, Herta P6 and Antonelli out of the points after the stops, that's huge for Aston.

As it stands: 285 280 204

RUSSELL

Leclerc now about 5 seconds back from Sainz.

(LEC) "Keep me posted on Sainz's lap times please"

(BOZ) "Will do, Charles. Last lap Sainz 40.249, you 40.212. This lap, Sainz 39.982, you 39.872."

(BON) "Hold position in Charles' DRS for now"

(BOZ) "And we are giving Oscar DRS. Let's go get this 1-2."

(BOZ) "Swap the cars, Oscar has the better tyres"

(LEC) "Yep, understood"

Leclerc is struggling on the tyres and Bottas overtakes him! That again swings it Aston's way!

291 280 202

(LEC) "Can we box? I'm struggling on these tyres"

(BOZ) "Okay, Plan D is all we have if you want to box now"

(LEC) "I can push on those"

Leclerc has stayed out for now, was that a dummy call? Or indecision from the Champion?

PITSTOP: SAINZ IS IN. The race leader onto the Mediums, and Red Bull may have had the better strategy this evening!

(BOZ) "Box now. Plan B."

(LEC) "Yeah, box. Window is very small with Plan B though."

PITSTOPS: Leclerc comes in! He's taking the Softs - 2.425 stop, and 17 laps on the Softs IS a gamble. Bottas and Pérez also in. Leclerc only one taking Softs here.

(BON) "Box, Box Oscar."

(PIA) "Yep. Box."

Leclerc 7 seconds back from Sainz, with three cars to clear - but he does have the much fresher tyres for now.

PITSTOP: Piastri in! A 2.099 stop, Ferrari's best of the day - the second quickest of the day after McLaren and Gasly.

PITSTOP: Norris in for Softs, as it stands he's down in P10, just ahead of Antonelli.

Bottas and Herta fighting for P4 and P5, and this right now is VITAL for the fight for third.

290 289 230

(BOZ) "Ten laps to go, 3.8 to Sainz. Give it everything."

(LEC) "Copy that."

Leclerc up to P2, and chasing down Sainz for the lead. 3 second gap.

BOTTAS GETS VERSTAPPEN FOR P3. This is huge for P3 in the Constructors!

295 274 224

PITSTOP: One last throw of the dice for Mercedes and Herta. He pits for Softs with eight laps left. Tsunoda counteracts that by pitting himself.

What would Vegas be without a gamble or two?

283 280 230

ANTONELLI HAS A LOCK-UP!! He's on a long straight though so no harm done, but he did not do any favours to those tyres. The Mercs are P8 and P9. They need Verstappen to come through in 3rd.

DISASTER FOR ASTON MARTIN. BOTTAS LOCKS UP ON LAP 45, AND GOES OFF!!! HE DROPS TO P5!!! THAT IS HUGE FOR MERCEDES!!!

278 273 224

Piastri overtakes Verstappen for P2!!

OH MY GOD, SAFETY CAR CALLED

SCRATCH THAT. IT IS A RED FLAG. A RED FLAG WITH FOUR LAPS TO GO!!!

RICCIARDO IS IN THE WALL. HE SPUN OFF AND HITS THE BARRIER! HIS RACE IS OVER WITH FOUR LAPS LEFT!!!

RICCIARDO RADIO "Ooft. I'm okay."

Piastri had just gotten Verstappen for P3 as that happened - that will stand.

Restart order on Lap 48: Sainz, Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, Bottas, Norris, Pourchaire, Herta, O'Ward, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Pérez, Hadjar, Russell, Gasly, Bortoleto, Colapinto, Ocon, Bearman, Albon. Ricciardo out of the race.

We are about to go racing again!

AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO AGAIN. Half 11 here in Vegas, we have three racing laps left!!!

SAINZ LEADS, PIASTRI GETS LECLERC, THEN VERSTAPPEN, BOTTAS, POURCHAIRE, NORRIS, O'WARD, ANTONELLI AND HERTA. Tsunoda is out of the points!!

AS IT STANDS: 274 273 224

Two laps to go, Piastri INTO P1, BOTTAS IS FOURTH. WILL THAT BE ENOUGH. BOTTAS AHEAD OF LECLERC AND THAT CERTAINLY WILL BE!!!

[sterile breach]

F1 Movie Sequel happening here, restart with 2 or 3 laps left

[foggy locust]

284 274 220

Piastri holds Sainz off going into the last lap!!

PIASTRI

PIASTRI

LECLERC AHEAD OF BOTTAS. ASTON STILL AHEAD BY 3

277 274 216

Piastri defending so well here, he's gained on Sainz actually, Sainz has DRS BUT IT WON'T BE ENOUGH, OSCAR PIASTRI HOLDS HIM OFF, OSCAR PIASTRI WINS THE LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX!!! CARLOS SAINZ P2, CHARLES LECLERC P3, VALTTERI BOTTAS P4, VERSTAPPEN P5, POURCHAIRE P6, O'WARD 7TH, NORRIS 8TH. 9TH AND 10TH FOR ANTONELLI AND HERTA. ASTON BEAT MERCEDES BY 3 POINTS.

FINAL: 277 274 220

(BON) "AND P1, Oscar!!! That's the flag, you've won in Vegas!!! Such an awesome job, mate!"

(PIA) "Woooo! Wow wee. Thanks guys, mega job this weekend. Well done, it's a huge way to end the season. Let's go get the title next year"

(BON) "Amazing work over the course of the season. Well done Oscar."

(BOZ) "And that's P3 Charles! Excellent job this weekend, well deserved podium. Good way to finish the season."

(LEC) "Thank you, Bryan. Thanks guys, yeah it's been a wonderful season. Very, very happy to be Champion again. Amazing job over this year. We'll have to work hard to retain our titles next year, but yeah. We keep pushing for next year."

(BOZ) "Amazing work over the course of the year."

2028 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Oscar Piastri 01.21.53
2. Carlos Sainz +0.167
3. Charles Leclerc +1.767
4. Valtteri Bottas +0.182
5. Max Verstappen +2.543
6. Théo Pourchaire +0.194
7. Pato O'Ward +0.341
8. Lando Norris +0.150
9. Andrea Kimi Antonelli +0.030
10. Colton Herta +0.112
11. Isack Hadjar +1.391
12. Yuki Tsunoda +0.198
13. Pierre Gasly +0.111
14. Sergio Pérez +1.081
15. George Russell +0.253
16. Gabriel Bortoleto +1.959
17. Franco Colapinto +0.198
18. Liam Lawson +0.147
19. Oliver Bearman +0.946
20. Esteban Ocon +2.466
21. Alexander Albon +0.206
22. Daniel Ricciardo DNF (+4 laps)

DRIVER OF THE DAY: OSCAR PIASTRI

He faced a fight to convert Pole for the win, but Piastri overcame a lot today to take his sixth win of the season, and lay down a marker for next season and a title challenge. Oscar Piastri is your Driver of the Day!

Top Five: Piastri, Bottas, Pourchaire, Norris, Albon

FASTEST LAP AWARD:
Oscar Piastri 1.35.072

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP AWARD:
Pierre Gasly 2.090s

2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

🇲🇨 Leclerc 497
🇦🇺 Piastri 421
🇪🇸 Sainz 286
🇳🇱 Verstappen 212
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Norris 183
🇺🇸 Herta 155
🇫🇮 Bottas 145
🇯🇵 Tsunoda 132
🇮🇹 Antonelli 119
🇲🇽 O'Ward 86
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Russell 77
🇫🇷 Gasly 38
🇫🇷 Pourchaire 38
🇳🇿 Lawson 24
🇲🇽 Perez 19
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Bearman 8
🇦🇺 Ricciardo 2
🇹🇭 Albon 1
🇫🇷 Hadjar 0
🇫🇷 Ocon 0
🇧🇷 Bortoleto 0
🇦🇷 Colapinto 0

2028 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 918
Red Bull-Ford 469
Aston Martin-Honda 277
Mercedes 274
Subaru-Honda 220
McLaren-Mercedes 124
Williams-Ferrari 78
Alpine-Renault 43
Audi 38
Andretti-Ferrari 2
Haas-Ford 0

2028 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 1415
Pirelli 674
Goodyear 354

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION 2028

Red Bull 365
Ferrari 312
McLaren 294
Subaru 236
Aston Martin 175
Williams 173
Alpine 171
Andretti 153
Mercedes 142
Audi 89
Haas 11

CHRISTIAN HORNER SACKED BY RED BULL

Breaking news immediately following the Las Vegas Grand Prix as Red Bull CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner has been relieved of duty with immediate effect.

Red Bull have been disappointed in Horner's performance as the team were once again comfortably beaten by Ferrari.

In addition to this, the team felt Horner was responsible for Max Verstappen leaving to join Subaru at the end of last year.

Horner will leave Red Bull immediately, and a new Team Principal is expected to be named in the coming days.

[viral wraith]

Will Red Bull be replaced by an other big sport brand?? 👀

[foggy locust]

Nah, not as of yet. The team will be remaining

Under new management 👀

[sterile breach]

Steiner returning to Red Bull would be 🔥

[foggy locust]

👀

[foggy locust]

FIA ANNOUNCE CALENDAR FOR 2029 - MINIMAL CHANGES

The FIA have announced the 2029 calendar, and the 21 races remain in the same order - but with some slight changes.

We now have two triple headers - Mexico, USA and Canada will all now take place back to back, along with the Japan, Singapore and Saudi triple header - while Australia and China will be a week later than last season.

Silverstone and the Red Bull Ring will now take place back to back as well.

Other than that, the same order as last year, beginning at Melbourne and ending at the Las Vegas Strip.

The United States Grand Prix location is under discussion however, with Austin organisers threatening to pull out of negotiations.

Negotiations with Barcelona and Miami to return to the calendar fell through before last night's midnight deadline to confirm the calendar.

The same five Sprints will remain in place - Canada, Silverstone, Belgium, Bahrain and Brazil.

And Las Vegas' double points rule remains in place.

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY ON STANDBY TO POTENTIALLY REPLACE AUSTIN

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway may be making a shock return to the F1 calendar.

The IMS last hosted a Grand Prix back in 2006, and with discussions between Circuit of the Americas and the FIA on a knife-edge, Indianapolis may be in play to return to the F1 calendar.

The IMS hosted the controversial 2005 United States Grand Prix where all but six cars pulled out, and most folks thought Formula 1 would never return here. But shockingly, we could be on for a return.

More as we get it.

[sterile breach]

Would be sick if it's to happen

[foggy locust]

RED BULL ANNOUNCE JAMES VOWLES AS NEW TEAM PRINCIPAL

In somewhat of a shock announcement, Red Bull Racing have announced the appointment of James Vowles as Team Principal.

Vowles, who has been the Williams Principal since 2023 and was seen as the long term successor for Toto Wolff, has been instead chosen as the immediate successor for Christian Horner.

Red Bull have been said to have interviewed Vowles, McLaren's Andrea Stella and Alpine's Guenther Steiner, as well as internal candidates Laurent Mekies and Alan Permane.

But Vowles' record at Williams, including a fourth place finish in 2026, has said to have impressed Williams.

Vowles has experience of working with George Russell, having been his Team Principal for several years, and also has been a long term admirer of Carlos Sainz. Now he will work with both of them.

Red Bull hope Vowles' appointment will allow them to challenge Ferrari in the coming season and beyond.

[foggy locust]

Considered him for Red Bull but I don't think he's done enough with Alpine as of yet

[foggy locust]

AYAO KOMATSU APPOINTED WILLIAMS TEAM PRINCIPAL

Ayao Komatsu is returning to the Formula 1 grid after a year away, signing a deal with Williams to become their new Team Principal.

Komatsu replaces the Red Bull bound James Vowles, and after a difficult time at Haas, Komatsu bounced back last Season with a successful run in Formula E

Komatsu led the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team last year, and they had a dominant season, winning both Championships in comfortable style.

Now Williams turn to Komatsu, hoping his second shot in Formula 1 proves more fruitful.

[brazen wren]

Saw that coming, his name's all over it

[foggy locust]

HANNAH SCHMITZ JOINS FERRARI AS HEAD OF RACE STRATEGY AND SPORTING DIRECTOR

Some breaking news as Hannah Schmitz will join Scuderia Ferrari next season.

Schmitz has been the Head of Race Strategy at Red Bull since 2021, and joined the team initially in November 2009. She recently combined her role with the role of Sporting Director after Will Courtenay moved to McLaren from Red Bull.

However she will now leave Red Bull to join Ferrari, taking on that dual role of Sporting Director and Head of Race Strategy, replacing Diego Ioverno in the process.

More on this breaking news as we get it.

[foggy locust]

ALEXANDER ALBON TO JOIN FERRARI AS RESERVE DRIVER

Some more news as former Williams Driver Alexander Albon will join Scuderia Ferrari as a Reserve and Test Driver for 2029.

Albon will share the role of reserve with Zhou Guanyu, who remains in the role for a second consecutive season, the two splitting Grand Prix weekends as the official Reserve.

Albon is hoping the year out will allow him to refocus and find his way back onto the grid for the 2030 season, after an incredibly difficult final season stint at Williams.

[foggy locust]

PRE-SEASON TESTING 2029

PRE-SEASON TESTING: FERRARI QUICKEST, RED BULL, MERCEDES, ASTON MARTIN COMPLETE THE CHASING PACK, AUDI AND HAAS IMPROVE, PROBLEMS FOR SUBARU, WILLIAMS AND McLAREN, ALPINE AND ANDRETTI ON BACK FOOT

Ferrari entered pre-season testing as the favourites, and leave as the favourites, but the chasing pack might not be all that far behind.

Ferrari topped most categories and showed up quickest in both Qualifying and Race trim. They were quickest in Top Speed, DRS and all three aspects of cornering, as well as having a seemingly significant advantage on tyrewear. The F2029 seems to be a far that is fast in all aspects of the track, quick over one lap and over a longer distance. Of all the teams on the grid, the Champions undoubtedly are probably the happiest coming out of Pre-Season Testing.

It was a strong test for Red Bull, who may well once again prove to be Ferrari's closest challengers. The Bulls impressed particularly in Acceleration, topping that stat, as well as coming in with the second best race trim and equal to Mercedes for second in qualifying trim. The car performed particularly well in Low Speed Cornering over Medium and High, but the differences were minimal, and the RB25 looks a solid and quick race car in both qualifying and the race, even if they'll start with a slight deficit to Ferrari.

Aston Martin were third in the Constructors last season and they look to match that again, but they may have an uphill battle against the likes of Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes. The AMR29 performed better in race trim than qualifying trim, but found themselves behind all three of those teams, particularly struggling in Low Speed Corners, although it performed better in High and particularly Medium Speed Cornering. Acceleration and DRS were strong which means overtaking may be a strong suit of this car, but tyrewear remains a worry. Aston may want to work on the suspension if they want to challenge for the top three once more.

Mercedes are right up there with Red Bull however, although their race trim wasn't quite as impressive as their qualifying one lap pace. The W20 had strong top speed, second best after Ferrari, while it was second quickest in Medium and High Speed Corners. They found themselves slightly further back on the Low Speed Cornering, but their engine reliability was the strongest on the grid - an unsurprising fact as engine building has always been a strong suit of Mercedes. Acceleration of the car is probably the weakest aspect of the W20, but overall, a lot to like for the Silver Arrows.

It wasn't the easiest three days for Subaru, and the CMR-03 might not have the initial power of its predecessor, the CMR-02. Subaru particularly struggled in the cornering, ranking in the bottom half of all three sections, and it proved to be a frustrating session for their drivers. In terms of strengths, so far it has been hard to find many - they seem to rank in the lower half of almost every category - and Qualifying and Race trim also saw them land firmly in the middle of the pack. It's not a car that is particularly bad, from pre-season testing, but nor is it particularly strong, and the team may have to rely on in-season development to get the car to where they want it to be this season.

McLaren have what may be the makings of a midfield car again this year. Around the middle of Top Speed and Acceleration, around about the middle of all three aspects of cornering, the tyrewear and engine cooling were both strong for the MCL43 which means reliability will be good, and that may explain their much better race trim over their one lap pace in qualifying trim. It's a long season but this looks like a car that may score solid points race after race, but might not be challenging for the podium or the win on many occasions. Work to do for the Papaya.

Williams meanwhile saw some success in their Top Speed and Acceleration, but particularly struggled in Low Speed Cornering, ranking second slowest, while their Medium and High Speed Cornering saw them somewhere in the middle. Qualifying trim was decent, but their tyrewear may well be a problem and the degradation may be an issue for them in their race trim. Williams did show promise in their DRS, and this seems to be a car that can put a lap together, but the worry may well be on whether it can put 50 to 70 together.

Although it may not be as bad for Williams as it could be for Alpine, who struggled throughout testing. Alpine found themselves fifth in Engine Cooling, eighth in Dirty Air, and not above ninth in any other category. In terms of cornering, they were the second slowest in Medium Speed Cornering, and third slowest in Low and High Speed Cornering. They were also second slowest in both qualifying and race trim, only finishing ahead of Andretti. A difficult start to the season could await Alpine, another team that will hope to improve through in-season development.

In terms of raw data, it was a successful three days of testing for Audi, who impressed in terms of cornering - they ranked third fastest in Low and High Speed Corners, and fifth fastest in Medium Speed Corners. It struggled more for top speed and Acceleration, but will do well in Dirty Air - is this a car “built for combat”? Qualifying and race trim seems to be a struggle however, so Audi still have something to find if they want to compete further up than they have been as of late.

Andretti however could be in real, real trouble. Having slowly gone backwards from their incredible 4th placed debut, Andretti now find themselves towards the back of the pack - 10th last year, and likely entering this year with the slowest car to begin with. The team were last in both race and qualifying trim, found themselves bottom of all three Cornering categories, and only found themselves off the bottom in DRS, Tyres, and Extra Weight - and in all three, their second bottom. An incredibly difficult season could await Andretti.

However, hope may have arrived for the other American team, Haas. Having finished bottom regularly over the last few years, Haas have turned up to pre-season testing and might have found something. A car that seems to be quite strong in both qualifying and race trim, and particularly strong in Low Speed Cornering, although they ranked around the midfield in Medium and High Speed Cornering, too. The car was also quite kind on its tyres - a rarity for Haas! Haas struggled in DRS and dirty air, so overtaking may not be a strong suit of the car, but reliability looks good. It's not a world-beater, but for a team that have struggled so much lately - it might feel like one. Haas might have something here.

Top Speed
Ferrari: 1.5
Mercedes: 4.5
Red Bull: 4.5
Aston Martin: 7.5
McLaren: 9.5
Williams: 11.5
Haas: 13.5
Subaru: 15.5
Audi: 17.5
Alpine: 19.5
Andretti: 21.5

Acceleration
Red Bull: 1.5
Ferrari: 3.5
Aston Martin: 5.5
Williams: 7.5
Haas: 9.5
McLaren: 11.5
Subaru: 13.5
Mercedes: 15.5
Audi: 17.5
Alpine: 19.5
Andretti: 21.5

DRS
Ferrari: 1.5
Aston Martin: 3.5
Mercedes: 5.5
Red Bull: 7.5
Williams: 9.5
Audi: 11.5
McLaren: 13.5
Subaru: 15
Alpine: 17.5
Andretti: 19.5
Haas: 21.5

Low Speed
Ferrari: 1.5
Red Bull: 4.5
Audi: 4.5
Mercedes: 7.5
Haas: 9.5
McLaren: 12.5
Aston Martin: 12.5
Subaru: 15.5
Alpine: 17.5
Williams: 19.5
Andretti: 21.5

Medium Speed
Ferrari: 1.5
Mercedes: 4.5
Red Bull: 5.5
Aston Martin: 6.5
Audi: 9.5
Williams: 11.5
McLaren: 13.5
Haas: 15.5
Subaru: 17.5
Alpine: 19.5
Andretti: 21.5

High Speed
Ferrari: 1.5
Mercedes: 3.5
Audi: 6 5
Red Bull: 7.5
Aston Martin: 8.5
McLaren: 12.5
Williams: 12.5
Haas: 15.5
Alpine: 17.5
Subaru: 19.5
Andretti: 21.5

Dirty Air
Ferrari: 1.5
Mercedes: 3.5
Red Bull: 7.5
Audi: 7.5
Aston Martin: 9.5
McLaren: 11.5
Subaru: 13.5
Alpine: 15.5
Haas: 17.5
Williams: 19.5
Andretti: 21.5

Tyres
Ferrari: 1.5
McLaren: 3.5
Red Bull: 5.5
Mercedes: 7.5
Haas: 9.5
Audi: 11.5
Subaru: 13.5
Aston Martin: 15.5
Williams: 17.5
Andretti: 19.5
Alpine: 21.5

Engine Cooling
Mercedes: 1.5
Ferrari: 3.5
McLaren: 6.5
Aston Martin: 6.5
Alpine: 9.5
Haas: 11.5
Audi: 13.5
Williams: 15.5
Red Bull: 17.5
Subaru: 19.5
Andretti: 21.5

Extra Weight
Red Bull: 2.5
Williams: 2.5
Aston Martin: 5.5
Audi: 7.5
Haas: 9.5
Mercedes: 11.5
Subaru: 13.5
Ferrari: 15.5
Alpine: 17.5
Andretti: 19.5
McLaren: 21.5

Qualifying Sims:

Ferrari: 1st, 3rd (2)
Red Bull: 2nd, 7th (4.5)
Mercedes: 4th, 5th (4.5)
Williams: 6th, 19th (12.5)
Haas: 8th, 22nd (15)
Aston Martin: 9th, 10th (9.5)
Subaru: 11th, 12th (11.5)
McLaren: 13th. 15th (14)
Audi: 14th, 18th (16)
Alpine: 16th, 17th (16.5)
Andretti: 20th, 21st (20.5)

Race Sims:

Ferrari: 1st, 2nd (1.5)
Red Bull: 3rd, 6th (3.5)
McLaren: 4th, 9th (6.5)
Aston Martin: 5th, 7th (6)
Mercedes: 8th, 11th (9.5)
Haas: 10th, 17th (13.5)
Subaru: 12th, 18th (15)
Williams: 13th, 16th (14.5)
Audi: 14th, 20th (17)
Alpine: 15th, 19th (16.5)
Andretti: 19th, 22nd (20)

[foggy locust]

Going to post the season preview periodically through today and tomorrow!

HAAS TOYOTA GAZOO RACING

Nationality: United States of America
Chassis: VF-29
Engine: Ferrari
Tyres: Goodyear
Team Principal: Mike Krack
Last Season: Constructors: 11th, 0 points; Drivers: Ocon, 19th, 0 points; Colapinto, 22nd, 0 points.

Esteban Ocon (31)
Franco Colapinto (46)

This time last year, we talked about the beginning of a new era for Haas. Well, it's not off to the best start. They've now finished bottom four of the last five years, and three of them without scoring a point. A disastrous start for Mike Krack at Haas, but the team has more hope for this season. With pressure on Colapinto in a contract year, and Ocon signed up for three more, can Haas finally lift themselves off the bottom of the table?

Last Season: Another season to forget for Haas, as they once again finished bottom without scoring a point. A difficult to drive VF-28 and the team switching focus early for 2029 didn't help the cause, but the team didn't score a point. Ocon was 11th twice - in Monaco and at Silverstone, but Colapinto's highest finish of the season was 13th in Saudi Arabia, and that was with several DNFs, including Ocon. On the upside, the team only had two DNFs themselves all season, both due to crashes - Colapinto in Singapore and that aforementioned Ocon crash in Saudi - so the car was reliable, at least. Just slow.

The Drivers: Esteban Ocon has signed up for the long-term, getting away from a “toxic environment" (in his own words) at Alpine and believing that Haas can rejuvenate his career. It was a tough go-around last time, but this is the season that Ocon signed up for, rather than last year, with hopes of a much better VF-29. The pressure is firmly on his teammate however, with Franco Colapinto yet to score a point for Haas in two seasons, and in his contract year - he needs to up his game and start scoring points regularly if he wants to remain on the F1 grid next season.

The Staff: Mike Krack remains in place as Team Principal for his second season, and this is the first where his influence on the Haas car will be felt - this is the first season he’ll be properly judged on. Matt Harman once again stays on as Technical Chief, Adam Kenyon takes over from Ian Greig as Head of Aerodynamics, as Greig moves to Andretti, while Hoturi Mori remains in place as Sporting Director for a second season. Both race engineers return - Stuart King will still work with Esteban Ocon, while Pierre Hamlin has his third season working with Franco Colapinto.

The Livery: Haas have opted for a white, red and black Livery this year, all mixed in together to create an interesting combination. The car is mostly white with a red stripe towards the back of the car, as well as black trim around the car and on the nose and front wing of the VF-29.

The Tech: Haas have switched back to Ferrari engines this year, moving away from Ford after just a single season, and going back to a partner they know well. They will stick with Goodyear's tyres once again, while Toyota continue to support Haas as a title sponsor and supporting the team with their wind tunnel and facilities in Cologne, to go with Ferrari's help in Maranello and their base in Kannapolis.

Pre-Season Testing: Hope may have finally arrived for Haas. Having finished bottom regularly over the last few years, Haas have turned up to pre-season testing and might have found something. A car that seems to be quite strong in both qualifying and race trim, and particularly strong in Low Speed Cornering, although they ranked around the midfield in Medium and High Speed Cornering, too. The car was also quite kind on its tyres - a rarity for Haas! Haas struggled in DRS and dirty air, so overtaking may not be a strong suit of the car, but reliability looks good. It's not a world-beater, but for a team that have struggled so much lately - it might feel like one. Haas might have something here.

Ceiling: Haas finally put together what looks like a solid midfield card, Ocon gets back to his best and Colapinto fulfills his potential, and the team returns back to the midfield.

Floor: Is there anything lower than another pointless season? Haas might as well fold if they don't score again this year.

Prediction: A somewhat surprising pick after last year, but Haas’ biggest Prediction - they don't finish bottom. Ocon is a solid midfield driver who may well have a midfield car to work with, and Colapinto still has something to find in his potential. Haas finally get some points on the board and get off the bottom. Progress. 9th.

[foggy locust]

LUCAS OIL ANDRETTI CADILLAC GLOBAL AUTOSPORT

Nationality: United States of America
Chassis: MA-04
Engine: Ford
Tyres: Goodyear
Team Principal: Graeme Lowden
Last Season: Constructors: 10th, 2 points; Drivers: Ricciardo, 17th, 2 points; Bortoleto, 21st, 0 points

Daniel Ricciardo (3)
Gabriel Bortoleto (5)

Andretti enter their fourth year in Formula 1 at a bit of a crossroads, with the team having gone massively backwards from their first season and finishing fourth, to ninth in 2027 and tenth last year. Can the team stop the decline with the new regulations and get the best out of Daniel Ricciardo and Gabriel Bortoleto, the latter of whom is in a contract season?

Last Season: A massive step backwards, as Andretti found the points just a single time last season. Daniel Ricciardo's 9th at Monza was Andretti's only points finish of the season, as the team struggled mightily and only Haas’ disaster class saved them from a bottom place finish. Bortoleto struggled with crashes and reliability issues, with six DNFs last year, while Ricciardo, having not crashed in the 17 races previously, crashed out three of the last four races, including the season finale in Vegas, which brought out the Red Flag. A massive step in the wrong direction compared to 2026's Fourth Place finish, and even a step down from 9th in 2027.

The Drivers: Daniel Ricciardo continues on at Andretti, where he's been a part of since their inception in Formula 1, taking a one year break from F1 in 2027 to race for their IndyCar team, before returning back for 2028. Ricciardo is signed until 2030, and has said that this is likely his last contract in Formula 1. Meanwhile his teammate Gabriel Bortoleto enters his third season in the sport and third with Andretti, and he enters his contract season, so the pressure is on to prove his place on the Formula 1 grid going forward.

The Staff: Graeme Lowdon remains in place as Andretti's Team Principal for his second season, but is under a lot of pressure already after a difficult first season. Jody Egginton will stay as the Technical Chief for a second season, while Ian Greig comes in from Haas and takes over for Adam Kenyon as Head of Aerodynamics, with Kenyon going the other way. Aurélien Pallier is once again the Sporting Director, and Laura Mueller will continue as Daniel Ricciardo's race engineer, however Jan Sumann comes in to replace Hugh Bird as race engineer for Gabriel Bortoleto.

The Livery: Andretti have stuck with the black and yellow for a second season - colours predominantly used with some of their IndyCar liveries, and with the partnership with Gainbridge, colours that they are trying to have identified with Andretti, like Ferrari's red or McLaren's Papaya Orange. Very reminiscent of the 2019 and 2020 Renaults, the Andretti is a real mix of black and yellow, with the yellow predominant in the middle and on the nose of the car.

The Tech: Andretti have a technical partnership with Cadillac, similar to Haas’ deal with Toyota, allowing them use of Cadillac's facilities and wind tunnel, but have made the switch from Ferrari engines to Ford's engines for this upcoming season. The team are staying with Goodyear tyres for another season.

Pre-Season Testing: Andretti could be in real, real trouble. Having slowly gone backwards from their incredible 4th placed debut, Andretti now find themselves towards the back of the pack - 10th last year, and likely entering this year with the slowest car to begin with. The team were last in both race and qualifying trim, found themselves bottom of all three Cornering categories, and only found themselves off the bottom in DRS, Tyres, and Extra Weight - and in all three, their second bottom. An incredibly difficult season could await Andretti.

Ceiling: Andretti develop the car well, Daniel Ricciardo finds his old ways and Gabriel Bortoleto comes through on his potential, and the team are solidly entrenched in the midfield.

Floor: They're this year's Haas. This is a team with a genuinely terrible looking car to begin with. Andretti could well go scoreless.

Prediction: I do not believe they go scoreless, but I think with the weakest team, an ageing Ricciardo and Bortoleto yet to get on the board, this is a tough year awaiting for the American side. 11th.

[foggy locust]

AUDI SPORT F1 TEAM

Nationality: Germany
Chassis: AUD-04
Engine: Audi
Tyres: Pirelli
Team Principal: Oliver Oakes
Last Season: Constructors: 9th, 38 points; Drivers: Pourchaire, 13th, 38 points; Hadjar, 20th, 0 points

Pato O'Ward (29)
Zane Maloney (72)

A new beginning and a new lineup for Oliver Oakes' Audi, as the Team Principal is finally able to put his own stamp on the team. Pato O'Ward enters the fray for Audi, moving over from McLaren in his third Formula 1 season, while Zane Maloney makes his Formula 1 debut, becoming the first F1 driver from Barbados in history, and the first rookie since the 2027 season. How will this new line-up, and Oakes’ full influence on the team, fare this year?

Last Season: A slow burner but one that clicked, at least for Théo Pourchaire. He bagged their first points at Imola and then scored again in Monaco with a superb 6th placed finish, and then went on to score in four of the last eight races, as well as the Sao Paulo Sprint. The shock Pole at Spa however was the biggest highlight of the season, and this level of form earned him a move to Subaru to become Max Verstappen's new teammate. Isack Hadjar found the car tougher to manage and didn't manage to score a single point last Season, but did finish 11th in Azerbaijan, Singapore and Vegas as his form picked up towards the end of the year, and he opted for a switch to Williams for next season.

The Drivers: Pato O'Ward takes on his third Formula 1 season by moving over from McLaren, and this is the first time he hasn't driven for a McLaren team in either IndyCar or Formula 1 since his part-time drive for Carlin in IndyCar during the 2019 season. O'Ward is a proven front-runner, with several podiums to his name. Zane Maloney becomes the newest name on the Formula 1 grid, the first Barbadian driver in Formula 1 history, making the move up from Formula 2. Maloney has been part of the Sauber Academy for many years, although he also spent time testing for Williams, and makes the move up to the Audi team for his F1 debut.

The Staff: It's the second second in charge for Oliver Oakes at Audi, and he's been directly quoted as the reason that Pato O'Ward made the switch to the team to work with him. James Key replaces James Fry as the Technical Chief, and Dirk de Beer stays on as Head of Aerodynamics. Jeremy Cotterill continues his run as Sporting Director. Both race engineers stay on for another season, but will be working with new drivers - Xavier Marcos Padros will be alongside Zane Maloney, while James Urwin will work with Pato O'Ward.

The Livery: Audi have moved away from the fully black livery this year and opted for a white livery with a black and red Tricolour. An interesting and bold selection for Audi this year, and one that's seemed to pay off. The Silver Audi logo sits on the engine cover, at the top of the red and black stripes, with the rest of the livery being completely white.

The Tech: Audi are a factory team and have developed their own engines since 2026, continuing this into the new season and new regulations, the second change of regulations for this engine. They have also opted to use Pirelli's tyres once again for this season.

Pre-Season Testing: In terms of raw data, it was a successful three days of testing for Audi, who impressed in terms of cornering - they ranked third fastest in Low and High Speed Corners, and fifth fastest in Medium Speed Corners. It struggled more for top speed and Acceleration, but will do well in Dirty Air - is this a car “built for combat”? Qualifying and race trim seems to be a struggle however, so Audi still have something to find if they want to compete further up than they have been as of late.

Ceiling: Everything clicks for Pato O'Ward with the Audi and he finds himself competing for podiums. Maloney takes to Formula 1 like a duck to water, and pushes towards the points on a regular basis. This is a team that could well find themselves at the top of the midfield as a result.

Floor: O'Ward struggles to adapt to the Audi like he did with the McLaren, and Maloney takes to Formula 1 like a duck to concrete. If it doesn't click for Audi, it could be another season towards the bottom.

Prediction: Best of the rest. They don't have a Verstappen esque X-Factor or the strength of the team behind them like Mercedes or Aston, but this is a team that could push well with an exciting young line-up, and could bloody the noses of the top teams from time to time. 7th.

[foggy locust]

BWT ALPINE RENAULT F1 TEAM

Nationality: France
Chassis: A529
Engine: Mercedes
Tyres: Pirelli
Team Principal: Guenther Steiner
Last Season: Constructors: 43 points; Drivers: Lawson, 14th, 24 points; Pérez, 15th, 19 points

It's the second year of the Guenther Steiner era at Alpine and the second year of a Sergio Pérez and Liam Lawson line-up. It could be the last year of the latter, as Lawson enters his contract season, and we await to see how Renault's team fare. In an interesting move, Renault have abandoned their engine program and become Alpine-Mercedes this season, hoping for better reliability from Mercedes’ engines than their own.

Sergio Perez (11)
Liam Lawson (30)

Last Season: Alpine were one of the most intriguing teams coming into last season with the mix of Guenther Steiner and Flavio Briatore running the team, as well as the fiery lineup of Sergio Pérez and Liam Lawson. Pérez and Lawson clashed on more than one occasion last season, including the infamous Silverstone incident where Lawson flipped Pérez off during an overtake, a race where Alpine scored double points, by the way. It was one of two occasions where Alpine got double points last year - the other being Mexico City, Pérez's home race - while the highlights were Lawson's fifth in that Silverstone Sprint, Sixth at Silverstone and Perez's sixth at Suzuka. Reliability was somewhat better - only one engine failure, Pérez at Saudi - and only 2 DNFs for both drivers. Somewhat progress in Guenther's first year, albeit finishing in the same spot as 2027 - 8th. Alpine did get 23 more points than 2027, so steps in the right direction?

The Drivers: Sergio Perez returned to Formula 1 after three years in IndyCar last season, and remains locked into a long-term deal with Alpine. A six time race winner in Formula 1, five of those coming with Red Bull Racing as Max Verstappen's teammate between 2021 and 2024, and his first win coming on a famous night in Bahrain in 2020. Liam Lawson enters his contract season with Alpine in his third year with the team, after one year with Red Bull previously. Lawson hopes to use this time to boost himself up the F1 grid once again and prove what he has, but he may also be fighting for his spot on the grid.

The Staff: It's season two for Guenther Steiner at Alpine, and if nothing else, the partnership with Flavio Briatore and the dynamic of the Lawson/Pérez partnership made for great television on Drive to Survive. That being said, Steiner seemed to be comfortable in the role last year. David Sanchez stays on as Technical Chief, and Guru Johl signed a new deal as Head of Aerodynamics, so he's back too, as is Randeep Singh as Sporting Director. Mattia Spini stays on as Race Engineer for Sergio Pérez, but Carlos Cristofori, in his first F1 race engineer role, replaces Pau Rivera.

The Livery: Alpine stick with the pink and light blue ala traditional 2005-06 Renault, but with the light blue at the top and the rest of the car in pink. It's very Miami Vice and it may be one of the standout liveries of this cycle. A lot to like here about the way the 2029 Alpine looks.

The Tech: Alpine have made the decision to move away from their own Renault engines and switch to Mercedes going forward, becoming a customer team and forgoing the works operation, a move long speculated about and confirmed at the end of last season. The team will also once again take on Pirelli's tyres for this coming year.

Pre-Season Testing: Alpine struggled throughout testing. Alpine found themselves fifth in Engine Cooling, eighth in Dirty Air, and not above ninth in any other category. In terms of cornering, they were the second slowest in Medium Speed Cornering, and third slowest in Low and High Speed Cornering. They were also second slowest in both qualifying and race trim, only finishing ahead of Andretti. A difficult start to the season could await Alpine, another team that will hope to improve through in-season development.

Ceiling: Pérez and Lawson get along well and work well as a team, the team find something in the car through the development, and they're regularly pushing the front of the midfield.

Floor: Pérez and Lawson completely implode as a team and Guenther can't manage them correctly, the car struggles throughout the year, Briatore gets impatient and we see wholesale changes at the Renault team. Again.

Prediction: Unfortunately the latter seems more likely than the former, as Flavio Briatore is famously not a patient man. Alpine don't seem to have a very good car right now, and can they afford to wait for upgrades? Will Briatore wait for them? They might not be bottom, as a silver lining…but they might not be far off it. 10th.

[foggy locust]

ATLASSIAN WILLIAMS RACING

Nationality: England
Chassis: FW51
Engine: Ferrari
Tyres: Goodyear
Team Principal: Ayao Komatsu
Last Season: Constructors: 7th, 78 points; Drivers: Russell, 11th, 77 points; Albon, 18th, 1 point

It’s all change at the Grove team. The James Vowles era has ended at Williams, as the former Team Principal was poached by Red Bull to replace Christian Horner. Ayao Komatsu will replace him as Team Principal, returning to F1 after a year as Porsche Team Principal in Formula E, a year where he won the Championship. Both George Russell and Alexander Albon have left, with Russell joining Vowles at Red Bull, and Albon being dropped, with him taking on the reserve role at Ferrari. In comes Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes, quite a coup for the team, while Isack Hadjar moves over from Audi to join him as his teammate. How will Williams fare with their new Team Principal and new line-up?

Andrea Kimi Antonelli (12)
Isack Hadjar (6)

Last Season: A massive step back for Williams in Vowles’ final season in charge, as a team that hoped to push on and challenge the top two fell back into the midfield. The FW50 could not live up to their predecessor, and in particular the poor form of Alexander Albon, who scored a single point all season - in Japan - and failed to finish four times, with his qualifying form being a major issue - just 2 appearances in Q3, and 9 appearances in Q2. George Russell did what he could, and the highlight was a Podium in Saudi Arabia, but for a team who were fighting for third in 2027, this was a major step-back, and they lost Russell to Red Bull at the end of the season.

The Drivers: Williams pulled off a major signing by convincing Andrea Kimi Antonelli to swap Brackley for Grove, as he joins from Mercedes. Antonelli has yet to outscore or outqualify a teammate over the course of a season, but his potential convinced then Team Principal James Vowles to make the move. Antonelli has only signed a one year deal however and is clearly betting on himself to make an impact across the grid. He's alongside Isack Hadjar, who has signed a longer term deal and the security might allow him to finally reach his potential in Formula 1. Hadjar struggled in his second season at Audi, and hopes the move to Williams will revitalise his career and give him the opportunity to succeed.

The Staff: Ayao Komatsu is back in Formula 1 as Williams Team Principal after a successful Championship winning run in Formula E with Porsche last year. He is charged with replacing James Vowles, who has taken the main job at Red Bull. Neil Houldey comes back into Formula 1 after a year out after being let go by McLaren to take the Technical Chief job, with Pierre Wache moving on away from Formula 1 for now, and heading to the WEC. Alessandro Cinelli stays in place as Head of Aerodynamics, and Ron Meadows also remains as Sporting Director. Both Race Engineers stay on, but with new drivers - Matthew Ogle will work with Isack Hadjar, while Mark Slade will be alongside Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The Livery: Williams have gone for a royal blue effort with red and white trim, harkening back to the title winning days of Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve, but with a modern twist. The famous Duracell engine cover, which has been on every Williams car since 2023, remains in place. The front and rear wings have a white trim on the sides, as well as the lower sidepod.

The Tech: Williams are into the second year of a three year deal with Ferrari to supply their engines, and the fourth year in total of this partnership, after they moved over from Mercedes engines after the 2025 season. Williams will continue with Goodyear tyres, the last tyres they have won a Championship on, for the 2029 season.

Pre-Season Testing: Williams meanwhile saw some success in their Top Speed and Acceleration, but particularly struggled in Low Speed Cornering, ranking second slowest, while their Medium and High Speed Cornering saw them somewhere in the middle. Qualifying trim was decent, but their tyrewear may well be a problem and the degradation may be an issue for them in their race trim. Williams did show promise in their DRS, and this seems to be a car that can put a lap together, but the worry may well be on whether it can put 50 to 70 together.

Ceiling: The Komatsu era gets off to a brilliant start, Williams push back towards the top four, and Antonelli starts challenging for podiums and race wins. The change does Hadjar a lot of good and he gets into the points regularly.

Floor: Komatsu encounters the same issues that he had at Haas, and the young line-up struggles as a result. The car isn't there, and Williams start to fall back towards the back of the pack.

Prediction: Likely outcome is somewhere in the middle. Williams will likely pick up some points but there'll be tracks where they perform well and some weekends where they'll really struggle. Getting on top of that tyre degradation will be key. For now, lower midfield might beckon for them. 8th.

[foggy locust]

McLAREN FORMULA 1 TEAM

Nationality: England
Chassis: MCL43
Engine: Mercedes
Tyres: Pirelli
Team Principal: Andrea Stella
Last Season: Constructors: 6th, 124 points; Drivers: O'Ward, 10th, 86 points; Gasly, 12th, 38 points

Lando Norris (4)
Pierre Gasly (10)

McLaren welcome back the prodigal son, as Lando Norris returns to the Papaya team two years after leaving for Red Bull. He joins Pierre Gasly at a team that suffered a bit of a step back last Season, but McLaren look to retool and push towards the podium, and maybe even challenge the top two once again. This is a team that haven't won a Constructors in 31 years. Is this the year for McLaren?

Last Season: Like Williams, a major step-back for McLaren, and like McLaren, one driver struggled more than the other last season, with Pierre Gasly struggling to get to grips with the MCL42. Pato O'Ward took home a home podium in Mexico City, the highlight of McLaren's season, but the team, and particularly Gasly, found themselves struggling a lot in qualifying - Gasly made Q3 just six times, compared to O'Ward's 14 appearances, and was knocked out seven times in Q3. Gasly's best performance was a 4th placed finish in Monaco, while O'Ward regularly found himself in the points. O'Ward was one of two drivers to finish every single race session, including Sprints. The other one, ironically enough, was Lando Norris. O'Ward opted to move to Audi for 2029 during the summer break, which gave Gasly a reprieve with the team for 2029.

The Drivers: After two years at Red Bull, Lando Norris returns home to McLaren. It's not all sentimentality behind the move, however - Norris holds ambitions to win the World Championship and having never really found the environment comfortable at Red Bull, he hopes a more familiar situation at McLaren will allow him to take that step forward. With Pato O'Ward deciding to move to Audi, Pierre Gasly, who struggled last Season compared to O'Ward and was seen to be under pressure for his race seat, gained a reprieve. But with Gasly now in a contract season and McLaren's junior program bringing in more and more talent, could Gasly have to make way for one of them, or someone else on the grid? The pressure to perform for the French driver this year is huge.

The Staff: It's still Andrea Stella as Team Principal in charge of McLaren, even if CEO Zak Brown continues to hog the limelight as per usual. Pat Fry continues as Technical Chief for his second season with the team, and Peter Prodromou is in the midst of a long term deal as Head of Aerodynamics - he's not going anywhere anytime soon. Will Courtenay continues on as Sporting Director having switched over from Red Bull at the start of last year. Tom Stallard will still be working with Pierre Gasly, having switched over from Pato O'Ward at the start of last year, while Lando Norris returns to McLaren with a new race engineer - Marcus Dudley, who was here last year with O'Ward.

The Livery: For a second consecutive season, McLaren have leaned in on the Silver, after using it as a tribute to their 1998 double title win and 2008 Drivers title - they return to the Silver look, with the Papaya Orange mixed in. A similar look to the MP4-16, but with McLaren's Papaya substituting in for the white, as well as a similar design to the 2025 British Grand Prix special edition.

The Tech: McLaren signed a new deal with familiar partner Mercedes last year, that will last until the end of 2030 at the very minimum, with the option to extend the deal, an option that seems very likely to be taken up. McLaren are one of two teams to change their tyres for the 2029 season, switching from Pirelli to Bridgestone for this coming year, the first time they have moved away from Pirelli since the renewal of the tyre wars.

Pre-Season Testing: McLaren have what may be the makings of a midfield car again this year. Around the middle of Top Speed and Acceleration, around about the middle of all three aspects of cornering, the tyrewear and engine cooling were both strong for the MCL43 which means reliability will be good, and that may explain their much better race trim over their one lap pace in qualifying trim. It's a long season but this looks like a car that may score solid points race after race, but might not be challenging for the podium or the win on many occasions. Work to do for the Papaya.

Ceiling: 2023 all over again. McLaren find something magical midway through the year, and find themselves fighting for both Championships, giving Lando Norris the opportunity to challenge for the WDC. Pierre Gasly finds his mojo again and pushes towards the points on a regular basis.

Floor: 2015 all over again. The team don't find anything and find themselves going backwards, and find themselves completely in the midfield. Gasly in particular continues to struggle in qualifying, and Norris also cannot adapt to a difficult car, and the team find themselves once again in no man’s land.

Prediction: McLaren have a solid race car but it might be a case of trying to work their way back towards the front every single weekend, as the car may well struggle in qualifying. This was their issue last year, it may well be again. Can they overcome their qualifying issues? That might be key. 5th.

[foggy locust]

SUBARU IMPREZA FORMULA 1 TEAM

Nationality: Japan
Chassis: CMR-03
Engine: Honda
Tyres: Bridgestone
Team Principal: Cyril Abiteboul
Last Season: Constructors: 5th, 220 points; Drivers: Verstappen, 4th, 212 points, Bearman, 16th, 8 points

Max Verstappen (33)
Théo Pourchaire (98)

Year three of Subaru in Formula 1, and year two of a Max Verstappen led Subaru. This one is the litmus test - can a Honda backed Subaru team become one of the challengers in Formula 1, and can they lead Max Verstappen back to the World Championship? How will Théo Pourchaire fare away from the Audi/Sauber program he's always been in? This is Subaru's biggest test in the sport yet. Can they rise to it?

Last Season: A massively successful 2028 season for Subaru, as Max Verstappen's first year at the team saw him end his two year win drought in Saudi Arabia, giving Subaru their first ever win in Formula 1. Verstappen was a constant, unsurprisingly, for the team, bringing home seven podiums including that race win. He worked well with Oliver Bearman, who couldn't match his ability at the front but scored points on four occasions and seemed to find his footing with the car in the second half of the season. Mercedes clearly saw something in Bearman's potential, as they poached him to join the Silver Arrows for next season. Subaru were in contention for third up until the last race, which was a long-shot effort, but ended up fifth. Still, a very strong second season for the Japanese team.

The Drivers: Max Verstappen enters his second season at Subaru and his second away from the Red Bull group in Formula 1. The three time World Champion finally broke his two year winning duck last season, and now looks to return back to challenging for the World Championship this year - this is what he moved to Subaru to do. Meanwhile, Théo Pourchaire has continued to improve as he enters his fifth season in Formula 1, and his first outside of Sauber/Audi in the sport, as he earned this move to Subaru. How will Pourchaire match up to Verstappen - something his teammates have always struggled to do since Daniel Ricciardo left Red Bull back in 2018? This will be Pourchaire's biggest test of his young career so far.

The Staff: Cyril Abiteboul is in his third year as Subaru's Team Principal, a role that proved very successful last year, and one he continues on. Dan Fallows will stay on for his third season at Subaru, while Jarrod Murphy stays on as Head of Aerodynamics and Jonathan Wheatley is back as Sporting Director, so a lot of consistency with Subaru's Staff this season. Ben Mitchell remains as Max Verstappen's race engineer for a second season, while John Howard stays on to work with Subaru's new signing, Théo Pourchaire.

The Livery: Subaru have stuck to the same Blue and Yellow Livery scheme that adorned their famous World Rally Championship cars back in the day, and have been on all three of their F1 cars so far. Inspired by the famous 555 Livery that also once, infamously, adorned half of the British American Racing car in 1999, with a yellow stripe adorning the side of the predominantly Royal Blue car.

The Tech: Subaru have extended their deal with Honda's engines for the long term, staying with their current partner and compatriot. Subaru will also stick with Japanese tyre company Bridgestone for the 2029 season.

Pre-Season Testing: It wasn't the easiest test for Subaru, and the CMR-03 might not have the initial power of its predecessor, the CMR-02. Subaru particularly struggled in the cornering, ranking in the bottom half of all three sections, and it proved to be a frustrating session for their drivers. In terms of strengths, so far it has been hard to find many - they seem to rank in the lower half of almost every category - and Qualifying and Race trim also saw them land firmly in the middle of the pack. It's not a car that is particularly bad, from pre-season testing, but nor is it particularly strong, and the team may have to rely on in-season development to get the car to where they want it to be this season.

Ceiling: Max's fourth. If Verstappen can get a car he can work with, he can work miracles on a weekly basis, and the team can push him towards a challenge for the WDC once again. Théo Pourchaire also finds himself towards the front on a regular basis.

Floor: The car becomes a struggle that not even Verstappen can overcome, and the team have their worst season yet. Pourchaire doesn't adapt well to the switch from Audi, and it is a complete nothing burger of a season for the Japanese team.

Prediction: The Max factor cannot be underestimated, even with what looks like a difficult car to begin with. If they can develop it well, he could be pushing for wins and podiums again on a regular basis. This might not be the car he wants to challenge for the title, however. 6th.

[sterile breach]

"Seemed to find his footing with the car in the second half of the season".

I don't buy that if he only scored 8 points

[foggy locust]

Hahahah I had to justify the move to Merc 🤣

[sterile breach]

Fair

[foggy locust]

Speaking of Merc...

MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM:

Nationality: Germany
Chassis: F1 W20
Engine: Mercedes
Tyres: Goodyear
Team Principal: Toto Wolff
Last Season: Constructors: 4th, 274 points; Drivers: Herta, 6th, 155 points; Antonelli, 9th, 119 points

Colton Herta (26)
Oliver Bearman (87)

It's been eight years since Mercedes lifted the Constructors Championship and nine since they lifted the Drivers Championship. A young, hungry lineup, with Oliver Bearman coming in from Subaru to join Colton Herta, who enters his second season with Mercedes, and a team that are determined to return to the front. Can the Silver Arrows challenge for glory and bring back the success of the 2010s?

Last Season: A huge move in the right direction for a team who finished ninth just two years previously, as Mercedes found themselves in a three-team fight for third in the Constructors, and found themselves in position for it going into the final day, but lost out to Aston Martin after Valtteri Bottas, a former Mercedes driver, took Fourth. Colton Herta took two podiums, at Silverstone and Zandvoort, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli had one race podium at Spa, while also taking a Sprint podium at Spa as well as at Montreal. Just one failure each to finish in any race session for Herta and Antonelli, Antonelli failing to finish at Monaco, Herta at Spielberg, and the team scored points in every single race. Despite just missing out on third, a good season for Mercedes.

The Drivers: Colton Herta enters his second season at Mercedes, and after signing a one year extension last year, it is a contract season for the American driver, who seemed to take well to the switch to the Silver Arrows, but will be under pressure this season in order to retain his seat at Mercedes beyond 2029. Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman comes in from Subaru, and the English driver has left the Ferrari programme to join Mercedes, having been on loan at Subaru for the last two seasons. Bearman has signed a long-term deal with Mercedes and committed his immediate future to the German team. How will he fare in his first “top team” seat?

The Staff: Toto Wolff remains at Mercedes as CEO and Team Principal in a dual role, and the job is honestly his as long as he wants it, so it might be a while yet. Enrico Cardille enters his second season as Technical Chief for Mercedes, as does Davide Paganelli as Head of Aerodynamics. It's a brand new Sporting Director in the form of Julian Rouse, who has previous experience in this role at Alpine, but wasn't in the sport last year - he was working with Ayao Komatsu at Porsche's Formula E team last Season. Chris Cronin and William Joseph remain in place as Race Engineers - Cronin stays on with Colton Herta, Joseph will this year work with Oliver Bearman.

The Livery: Mercedes remain back in Black for a second consecutive season, going back to a fully black livery with teal trim, in a nod to the 2020 and 2021 title winning cars. Mercedes have deliberately chosen this as a way to try and end this decade the way they started it - as Champions.

The Tech: As a works team, unsurprisingly Mercedes retain their own Mercedes engines, and that's unlikely to change any time soon. Mercedes also supply said engines to McLaren, and as of this year, Alpine. Mercedes are sticking with Goodyear's tyres for a second season.

Pre-Season Testing: Mercedes are right up there with Red Bull, although their race trim wasn't quite as impressive as their qualifying one lap pace. The W20 had strong top speed, second best after Ferrari, while it was second quickest in Medium and High Speed Corners. They found themselves slightly further back on the Low Speed Cornering, but their engine reliability was the strongest on the grid - an unsurprising fact as engine building has always been a strong suit of Mercedes. Acceleration of the car is probably the weakest aspect of the W20, but overall, a lot to like for the Silver Arrows.

Ceiling: Mercedes get themselves back up to the front of the pack and one of Herta or Bearman, or both, become bonafide World Drivers Championship challengers. The team as a whole push for a Constructors Championship challenge.

Floor: A repeat of 2026, where the concept of the car simply doesn't work and Mercedes find themselves falling backwards and very quickly. Herta struggles under pressure in a contract season, and Bearman doesn't adapt to the Mercedes.

Prediction: While presented as a boom or bust year, it might not be exactly that. Mercedes have a strong car, arguably the second fastest alongside Red Bull, but they find themselves behind Ferrari. They're likely fighting with the Bulls for second, and the experience wins out. Still, a return to the top three isn't to be sniffed at. 3rd.

[foggy locust]

ASTON MARTIN HONDA F1 TEAM

Nationality: England
Chassis: AMR29
Engine: Honda
Tyres: Bridgestone
Team Principal: Andy Cowell
Last Season: Constructors: 3rd, 277 points; Drivers: Bottas, 7th, 145 points; Tsunoda, 8th, 132 points

Valtteri Bottas (77)
Yuki Tsunoda (22)

Aston Martin finally broke into the top three for the first time after years of pushing for it, and have retained the lineup of Valtteri Bottas and Yuki Tsunoda. Consistency combined with Adrian Newey's continuing technical marvels is the hope that Aston can finally launch themselves into a challenge for both Championships. Can they take the fight to Ferrari and Red Bull this season?

Last Season: An absolute dream season for Aston Martin, who finally broke into the top three after years of trying, and on the final day of the season in Las Vegas, with Valtteri Bottas’ fourth being the clincher for Aston. A historic Pole for Bottas at Sao Paulo, as well as four podiums at Spielberg, Baku, Jeddah and Interlagos marked an incredible season for the Finn. Meanwhile Yuki Tsunoda took a Sprint Podium in Sao Paulo and only got better as the year went on, challenging for race wins on more than one occasion. The final day clincher in Vegas rounded off an incredible year for the British Racing Green.

The Drivers: Aston Martin retain their lineup of Valtteri Bottas and Yuki Tsunoda for another season, as Bottas signed a new long term deal to stay with the British Racing Green, and it's likely that the Finn will conclude his illustrious career with Aston Martin at this point. As for his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, the good sign for 2028 turned into a good season for the Japanese driver who finally got settled into the team and looks to kick on in what is his contract year. A big year for Tsunoda, and if he has another season like last year, he may well be in demand and Aston Martin may face a fight to keep Tsunoda. Finishing third again, or higher, would help their cause.

The Staff: It's year five for Andy Cowell in what has been a successful run as Team Principal - yielding Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and last year, Third. Cowell was responsible bringing in Bottas, who has chosen to remain with the team, and has worked well with him and Tsunoda. Andrea De Zordo takes on his second season as Technical Chief, and Formula 1 legend Adrian Newey continues on at Aston as Head of Aerodynamics. Tim Goss remains as Sporting Director, and it is another year for Josh Peckett as Valtteri Bottas’ Race Engineer, as well as Gary Gannon staying on as Yuki Tsunoda's Race Engineer.

The Livery: The British Racing Green unsurprisingly stick with the green, but with slightly more yellow this time around. The sidepods are yellow, as is the top of the engine cover and the top of the front wing. This was designed a nod to this team's beginnings as Jordan Grand Prix, something Aston Martin's Team have recently reclaimed the history of, with a special Jordan esque livery planned for Belgium this year, 31 years after the team's famous 1-2 at Spa.

The Tech: Aston Martin enter a contract season with Honda, and we wait to see if that contract is renewed beyond 2029, with Honda potentially talking about an exclusive works deal with Subaru. In the meantime, Aston will use Honda engines for this season. Aston Martin do switch their tyres this year, one of two teams to do so, changing from Bridgestone back to Pirelli.

Pre-Season Testing: The AMR29 performed better in race trim than qualifying trim, but found themselves behind all three of those teams, particularly struggling in Low Speed Corners, although it performed better in High and particularly Medium Speed Cornering. Acceleration and DRS were strong which means overtaking may be a strong suit of this car, but tyrewear remains a worry. Aston may want to work on the suspension if they want to challenge for the top three once more.

Ceiling: World Championship challengers. Whether Bottas or Tsunoda sustain a WDC challenge remains to be seen, but the team works fantastically well as a unit and they give the top two a real run for their money for the Constructors this season.

Floor: Something they've improved on is in-season development, but Aston fall back to their old ways, struggle to develop the AMR29, and fall right back towards the midfield again.

Prediction: Aston Martin were third in the Constructors last season and they look to better that and put up a Championship challenge, but they may have an uphill battle against the likes of Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes. How would Bottas or Tsunoda fare in a WDC fight? That may be key as well. For now, until proven otherwise, they just miss out on a repeat top three. 4th.

[foggy locust]

ORACLE FORD RED BULL RACING

Nationality: Austria
Chassis: RB25
Engine: Ford
Tyres: Pirelli
Team Principal: James Vowles
Last Season: Constructors: 2nd, 469 points; Sainz, 3rd, 286 points; Norris, 5th, 183 points

George Russell (63)
Carlos Sainz (55)

After 20 odd years, Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull at the end of the season, and thus begins the James Vowles era at Red Bull. George Russell also makes the move over from Williams to Red Bull, joining Carlos Sainz at the team. Will the change in direction at Team Principal finally catapult Red Bull ahead of Ferrari in the fight for the Championship?

Last Season: Second, but a distant second once again. Carlos Sainz took a win at Spa and a Sprint win at Montreal, and outscored Lando Norris, who didn't seem comfortable both in and out of the car at Red Bull, by 97 points. Sainz on the other hand looked rejuvenated in his first season at the Bulls, finishing third in the Drivers Championship. Twelve team podiums - seven for Sainz, five for Norris - but it wasn't enough to save the job of Horner, as Red Bull finished 449 points behind Ferrari. In fact, Red Bull haven't truly challenged Ferrari for the Constructors since 2024.

The Drivers: The reunion of CarLando at Red Bull lasted just one season, as Lando Norris opted to return to McLaren. Carlos Sainz however remains at Red Bull on a long term deal and has never looked better, with a career best P3 in the Drivers’ Championship, something he didn't even manage at Ferrari at any point. He's joined by George Russell, who makes the move over from Williams, having ended his second stint there last season. Russell fell back a bit down the order last year, finishing 11th, just in the top half, after taking 6th in 2027, and he looks to do what Sainz did in his move to Red Bull - rejuvenate his career and challenge for race wins and podiums on a regular basis.

The Staff: The shock news in the paddock at the end of last year was the sacking of the only Team Principal Red Bull had ever had in Christian Horner. After scandals off the track and being unable to catch Ferrari on it, Horner leaves Formula 1. James Vowles comes in as Red Bull's second ever Team Principal, having had success in his time at Williams. He'll have familiarity in old Mercedes friend and colleague James Allison as Technical Chief, while Enrico Balbo stays on as Head of Aerodynamics. Diego Ioverno comes in from Ferrari as Sporting Director, and he replaces Hannah Schmitz, who has gone the other way to the Scuderia. Gianpiero “GP” Lambiase stays on at Red Bull for now, joining up with George Russell, and it is another year together for Ricciardo Adami and Carlos Sainz.

The Livery: An interesting choice for Red Bull's livery, as they've gone for a mix of their traditional dark blue and white across their usual livery - kind of a mash-up between the Red Bull and former Racing Bulls liveries, as well as a tribute to the cans of their eponymous energy drink brand. The front half is the traditional blue Livery, while the back half is the white and red, with red trim on the rear wing. A very bold choice by the Bulls this season.

The Tech: Red Bull handed off their engine department, Red Bull Powertrains, at the start of last season, and they handed it over to Ford to allow themselves to focus on their cars, becoming the official Ford works team. This continues for another year, as Ford also supply Andretti as a customer team. Red Bull are sticking with Pirelli tyres for this season.

Pre-Season Testing: It was a strong test for Red Bull, who may well once again prove to be Ferrari's closest challengers. The Bulls impressed particularly in Acceleration, topping that stat, as well as coming in with the second best race trim and equal to Mercedes for second in qualifying trim. The car performed particularly well in Low Speed Cornering over Medium and High, but the differences were minimal, and the RB25 looks a solid and quick race car in both qualifying and the race, even if they'll start with a slight deficit to Ferrari.

Ceiling: The James Vowles data-driven approach works perfectly for Red Bull, Russell and Sainz gel well as a partnership, they take the fight to Ferrari, and clinch their first Constructors Championship since 2023. Either Sainz, Russell, or both find themselves in a WDC fight, and we have the first non Ferrari WDC, also since 2023.

Floor: The James Vowles data-driven approach struggles to connect with Red Bull, Russell and Sainz don't gel well as a partnership and they fall behind Mercedes and Aston Martin, and fail to match Ferrari again.

Prediction: Red Bull give somewhat of a chase that Ferrari haven't had since 2024, but in the end, they fall short of a full on title challenge, and once again settle for second place, battling with Mercedes for that position, and winning that particular battle, even if they don't quite topple the Scuderia. 2nd.

[foggy locust]

SCUDERIA FERRARI

Nationality: Italy
Chassis: F2029
Engine: Ferrari
Tyres: Bridgestone
Team Principal: Frédéric Vasseur
Last Season: Constructors: Champions, 918 points; Drivers: Leclerc, Champion, 497 points; Piastri, 2nd, 421 points

Charles Leclerc (1)
Oscar Piastri (81)

The Champions were utterly dominant once again last season, as they wrapped up a 21st Constructors Championship, while Charles Leclerc took his fourth Drivers Championship of the World. Ferrari once again start the season as the team to beat, and the title challenge may actually once again come from within. Can Oscar Piastri push his teammate closer for the World Drivers Championship, or potentially even win his first title this season? The internal War of the Rosso could be the most fascinating thing about this season.

Last Season: Dominant, again. 13 1-2s and 19 race wins - Charles Leclerc won 13 races last year, Oscar Piastri 6. 18 Pole Positions - 11 for Leclerc, 7 for Piastri. The team clinched the Constructors Championship in Bahrain, with a full six rounds of the season to go, while Charles Leclerc wrapped up his fourth Drivers’ title in Singapore - with three rounds to go. Belgium and Saudi Arabia were the only races where we didn't hear the Italian national anthem, and three of the five Sprint races were won by a Ferrari driver. An absolute domination of a season for the Scuderia, something that's been a real trend in the late 2020s.

The Drivers: It's four titles in five years for Charles Leclerc, and the defending Champion was absolutely sensational last season, with thirteen wins, clinching his fourth title with three rounds remaining. Leclerc has been at the peak of the mountain top since 2024, narrowly missing the title in 2026 when Lewis Hamilton beat him and Max Verstappen on the final day, but beat Hamilton to the title in 2025, and held off Oscar Piastri in 2027 and 2028. Speaking of Piastri, it is Oscar Piastri's seventh season in Formula 1 and third with Ferrari, and the Australian seems to be heading towards the start of his own peak. Six wins last year and seemingly in better form towards the end of the season than his World Champion teammate, can Oscar Piastri take the fight to Charles Leclerc for the World Championship this season?

The Staff: Frédéric Vasseur enters Year Six as Ferrari's Team Principal, and in that time he's won the last five Constructors Championships in a row, as well as the last five Drivers titled, with Charles Leclerc winning four and Lewis Hamilton his Eighth World Title in his final season back in 2026. Loic Serra remains on as Technical Chief and has just signed a new long-term deal, while Diego Tondl has been the Head of Aerodynamics since 2024 and also seen five titles in that time. Hannah Schmitz is the new signing for Ferrari this year, coming in for a dual role of Head of Strategy and Sporting Director, while both Bryan Bozzi and Peter “Bono” Bonnington remain as Race Engineers. Bozzi will work with Charles Leclerc once more for the fifth time, while Bonnington will embark on his second season with Oscar Piastri.

The Livery: “The car will be red.” Unsurprisingly, Ferrari have once again opted for a red car. The F2029 however is a 25 year tribute to the F2004, the car that saw Michael Schumacher's final Championship in Formula 1, with the white Marlboro esque patch over the engine cover. The “Ferrari” rear wing returns once again, a real favourite of the Tifosi.

The Tech: Ferrari have been a works team in Formula 1 since the very beginning of Formula 1, and that won't change anytime soon. They provide their engines to themselves of course, but also Williams and now Haas, who replace Andretti as a Ferrari customer return and return to the Maranello fold. Ferrari stick with their close relationship with Bridgestone, picking their tyres for the 2029 season.

Pre-Season Testing: Ferrari topped most categories and showed up quickest in both Qualifying and Race trim. They were quickest in Top Speed, DRS and all three aspects of cornering, as well as having a seemingly significant advantage on tyrewear. The F2029 seems to be a far that is fast in all aspects of the track, quick over one lap and over a longer distance. Of all the teams on the grid, the Champions undoubtedly are probably the happiest coming out of Pre-Season Testing.

Ceiling: Perfect Season. 21 wins. 21 1-2s. 5 Sprint 1-2s. Is the F2029 dominant enough to do that? Maybe. Leclerc and Piastri run away with the Constructors once again, and battle for the Drivers title amongst themselves once again.

Floor: The F2029 doesn't measure up to the SF-28 or SF-27, and after five years, the Scuderia finally get toppled from the top, as one of the challengers beats them out to both titles.

Prediction: Still the team to beat. It might not be a dominant season such as 2028, but Ferrari are still comfortable favourites for both Championships. The most intriguing question might be amongst their own unit. Can Oscar Piastri challenge Charles Leclerc for the Drivers’ Championship of the World this season? A full on Drivers’ title fight between teammates would be incredibly fun to watch. Here's hoping. In the meantime, they should take both titles once more. Champions.

Prediction for the Drivers Championship:

Piastri
Leclerc
Sainz
Russell
Herta
Tsunoda
Norris
Verstappen
Bearman
Bottas
Gasly
O'Ward
Antonelli
Pourchaire
Ocon
Maloney
Hadjar
Pérez
Colapinto
Lawson
Ricciardo
Bortoleto

Prediction for the Constructors Championship:

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

[foggy locust]

2029 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
WEEKEND PREVIEW

So. Where were we?

2028 ended with the spectacular Las Vegas Grand Prix, as Oscar Piastri took victory ahead of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. And so, one long winter break later, we are ready to go again.

From Melbourne to Vegas, around the world in about 9 and a half months, might not be as catchy as 80 days, but the on track action may be even more thrilling.

And so we begin in Melbourne. The Australian Grand Prix has settled back into the position of the traditional season opener, ending the decade as it should've started it - as the opening race. What will this weekend bring?

LAST TIME AROUND

It was victory for Oscar Piastri to close out the season in Las Vegas last December, ahead of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. The drama was involving Aston Martin, Subaru and Mercedes, as Bottas fourth place was enough to send Aston Martin above his former team Mercedes, who had to settle for ninth and tenth, and an early crash for Oliver Bearman ended any slim shot that Subaru had at fifth.

THE CIRCUIT

Between mid March and early December, before the preparation for the race weekend starts up, 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. The 5.278km circuit has 14 turns and a grand total of four DRS Zones, meaning DRS Effectiveness is massively crucial here, and overtaking happens on a regular basis. 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, 2027 and indeed last year, as he looks for four in a row. Verstappen meanwhile won the 2023 and 2025 renewals of this race.

STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND

THE FIRST TRUE TEST OF PACE

Since Vegas, we've had three months, eleven car launches, and pre-season testing, but this is the first true understanding of where the eleven teams on the grid truly stand. Ferrari look like the early favourites, but Red Bull and Mercedes are pushing them closely. There's hope for the likes of Audi and Haas, while Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams all look to challenge towards the front. Alpine, Andretti and Subaru will look to put difficult tests behind them and hope for better from the first race weekend.

HOME HOPES FOR PIASTRI AND RICCIARDO

Oscar Piastri has been the first Australian driver in the history of Formula 1 to be classified on the podium, having taken P2 in 2026, 2027 AND 2028 here. But he's still yet to take victory on home soil, and this could well be the year for him to do so. Piastri exited the 2028 season in better form than World Champion teammate Charles Leclerc, and will enter this weekend's opener on home soil with all the hopes that he can finally break the Australian duck in their home race. Ferrari are the favourites, perhaps this is the year Piastri takes home the Winner’s trophy from his home race. As for Daniel Ricciardo, he hopes to kick off his season with a strong performance and bringing home some points for Andretti.

MALONEY'S DEBUT

For Zane Maloney, Sunday's race is a momentous day as he makes his Formula 1 race debut for Audi, and becomes the first Barbadian driver to ever start a race in Formula 1. So how will the young Audi driver get on this weekend? There's some promise in that car, and a lot of hope that Audi could potentially get away from the midfield. With new teammate Pato O'Ward alongside him, if Maloney can get off to a good start this weekend, there's real hopes of a potential push from the German team to score some points on debut, and maybe even see double points for their team.

SEVEN DRIVERS START LIFE WITH A NEW TEAM, ONE WITH A FAMILIAR TEAM

Alongside debutant Maloney and O'Ward, five other drivers will be racing for a new team this season, and how will they get on? George Russell is hoping his move to Red Bull from Williams might finally catapult him into Championship contention, while Oliver Bearman takes on life at one of the top teams for the first time as a full-time race driver when he makes his Mercedes debut. Théo Pourchaire replaces him at Subaru, and how will he fare in his first race as Max Verstappen's new teammate? It's also a completely new lineup for Williams as Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar race for the Grove team for the first time, while one familiar move back is Lando Norris, who begins his second stint with McLaren this weekend.

With some light rain on Sunday, we wait to see how that comes into play. But how will the season begin at Melbourne? One thing's for sure - you won't want to miss it.

F2 and F3 also begin this weekend, with fourteen rounds for F2 and ten for F3. Here's your 2029 F2 and F3 lineups before we head out to Melbourne

KACPER SZTUKA TO DEFEND F2 TITLE

In an unprecedented first, Kacper Sztuka is being allowed to defend his Formula 2 Championship this year.

With no seats available for him in F1, and not wanting another F2 Champion to have to wait it out, the FIA made the decision to allow Sztuka the chance to compete in Formula 2 again this year, and potentially make history as the two time Champion.

FORMULA 2 2029

PREMA RACING
🇵🇱 Kacper Sztuka (1)
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🇸🇪 Arvid Lindblad (2)

INVICTA RACING
🇺🇸 Jak Crawford (3)
🇪🇪 Paul Aron (4)

RODIN MOTORSPORT
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Zak O'Sullivan (5)
🇸🇪 🇧🇦 Dino Beganovic (6)

HITECH PULSE EIGHT
🇨🇿 Roman Staněk (7)
🇮🇹 Gabriele Minì (8)

ART GRAND PRIX
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Luke Browning (9)
🇦🇷 Héctor Araya (10)

MP MOTORSPORT
🇯🇵 Ritomo Miyata (11)
🇧🇷 Rafael Câmara (12)

AIX RACING
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Chloe Grant (14)
🇧🇷 Enzo Fittipaldi (15)

DAMS LUCAS OIL
🇳🇱 Richard Verschoor (16)
🇩🇪 Tim Tramnitz (17)

CAMPOS RACING
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Taylor Barnard (18)
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇧🇪 Dayton Coulthard (19)

VAN AMERSFOORT RACING
🇫🇷 Doriane Pin (20)
🇮🇳 Kush Maini (21)

TRIDENT
🇳🇴 Dennis Hauger (22)
🇪🇸 Pepe Martí (23)

DENNIS HAUGER SIGNS ONE-YEAR AFFLILATE DEAL WITH FERRARI

Dennis Hauger has signed a one-year affiliate deal with Ferrari, with the aim of getting on the Formula 1 grid for the 2030 season.

Hauger will compete for Trident this year, and the current Constructors Champions will back the Norwegian driver for this season, as he aims for the Formula 1 grid next season.

[foggy locust]

FORMULA 3 2029

PREMA RACING
🇺🇸 Maxwell Esterson (1)
🇪🇸 Mari Boya (2)
🇷🇺 🇮🇹 Nikita Bedrin (3)

TRIDENT
🇩🇪 Oliver Goethe (4)
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 John Bennett (5)
🇲🇽 Rafael Villagomez (6)

ART GRAND PRIX
🇳🇱 Udo Arnold (7)
🇳🇱 Martinius Stenshorne (8)
🇨🇴 🇺🇸 Sebastian Montoya (9)

HITECH PULSE EIGHT
🇧🇬 Nikola Tsolov (10)
🇮🇪 Alexander Dunne (11)
🇧🇭 Lulwa Abadi (12)

VAN AMERSFOORT RACING
🇳🇱 Laurens van Hoepen (14)
🇫🇷 Alessandro Giusti (15)
🇵🇾 Joshua Dürksen (16)

MP MOTORSPORT
🇦🇺 Christian Mansell (17)
🇳🇱 Nina Gademan (18)
🇮🇹 Leonardo Fornaroli (19)

CAMPOS RACING
🇵🇹 Daiane Afonso (20)
🇦🇷 Jordi Alvarado (21)
🇫🇷 Sami Meguetounif (22)

RODIN MOTORSPORT
🇮🇹 Vincenzo Testa (23)
🇦🇪 Hamda Al Qubaisi (24)
🇦🇺 Charlie Wurz (25)

JENZER MORORSPORT
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Joseph Loake (26)
🇲🇽 Noel León (27)
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Callum Voisin (28)

AIX RACING
🇿🇦 Carl Brunt (29)
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Abbi Pulling (30)
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 James Wharton (31)

FP1 Reserves: Bennett (Norris), Afonso (Gasly), Araya (Herta), Miní (Lawson), Martins (Antonelli), Browning (Hadjar), Vesti (Ricciardo)

The McLaren return of Norris and Williams debuts of Antonelli and Hadjar will have to wait until FP2. Portuguese F3 driver Daiane Afonso gets her first FP1 session, Victor Martins and Frederik Vesti try to stake early claims for an F1 drive next season.

FP1: PIA LEC OWA

Ferrari begin where they left off, on the front foot, with Piastri quickest from Leclerc. O'Ward in third, with Verstappen and Tsunoda following. Colapinto sitting sixth ahead of Russell and Bottas, Bearman and Miní, then the two McLarens. Hard to know what to take from that FP1.

FP2: LEC PIA OCO

Leclerc goes quickest in FP2, three tenths up on Piastri - but yes, that is the Haas of Esteban Ocon in third place! Lawson 4th ahead of Tsunoda, with Russell 6th, then Bottas, Hadjar, Herta and Antonelli following.

FP3: PIA LEC TSU

Piastri quickest in FP3, but just 0.052 ahead of Leclerc, and the fight for Pole should be fascinating. Tsunoda 3rd ahead of the McLarens of Gasly and Norris, while O'Ward and Sainz follow. Colapinto 8th, ahead of Bearman and Herta.

Practice summary: Ferrari look quickest, comfortably, but it feels like anyone's game behind them. Three different teams finished up third - Audi, Haas and Aston. McLaren finally showing some pace in FP3, Mercedes might have something, Red Bull and Subaru have generally struggled. Qualifying later this afternoon should be very, very fun.

Well, here we go. All the talk, all the questioning, all the sandbagging and all the trying to work out who's quick and who's not, ends now. It's time to show your true pace, qualifying begins for the first time this season here in Australia. Oscar Piastri has been very quick in practice to the delight of the home fans, Charles Leclerc is right with him though, and behind Ferrari, it feels like anyone's game. Let's begin, shall we?

[foggy locust]

OUT IN Q1: Hadjar, Ricciardo, Antonelli, Bortoleto, Norris, Pourchaire
Bubble: Pérez
Top Five: LEC, PIA, BEA, RUS, HER

Both Williams and both Andrettis out in Q1, which is a bad start to the year for both teams, as Ricciardo will start his home GP from 18th, but the big talking point is Lando Norris out in Q1 on his return to McLaren! He's on the back row beside Théo Pourchaire, Pérez just makes it through and just 15th for Verstappen! Leclerc 0.098 ahead of Piastri at the top, Bearman and Tsunoda needed late laps to make Q2 but ended up 3rd and 7th, while Colapinto may be the surprise so far in 8th.

OUT IN Q2: O'Ward, Gasly, Lawson, Pérez, Colapinto, Verstappen
Bubble: Maloney
Top Five: PIA, LEC, SAI, BOT, HER

Zane Maloney into Q3 on his F1 debut, knocking teammate Pato O'Ward out of qualifying in the process! Gasly exits in P12 as well as the two Alpines and Colapinto, and the big shock is Verstappen just 16th! Piastri quickest by 0.045 over Leclerc, but Sainz only a tenth back and in contention. Bottas and Herta 4th and 5th, with Ocon making Q3 for Haas! Bearman, Tsunoda and Russell also into Q3.

Q3: Sainz, Piastri, Leclerc, Bearman, Tsunoda, Bottas, Herta, Ocon, Russell, Maloney

A slight surprise as Carlos Sainz claims the first Pole of the season! He beats out the challenge of both Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc to claim Pole at Melbourne! Bearman takes 4th ahead of the Astons of Tsunoda and Bottas, with Herta 7th and Ocon 8th. Russell and Maloney round off the top ten.

2029 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

SAI PIA

LEC BEA

TSU BOT

HER OCO

RUS MAL

OWA GAS

LAW PER

COL VER

HAD RIC

ANT BOR

NOR POU

Well, here we go again. Round 1 of 21. Around the world in 9 and a half months, from Australia to Vegas, 21 circuits, 19 countries, and it all begins here. 58 laps of the 2029 Australian Grand Prix awaits us, 5.278km, 4 DRS Zones so there will be plenty of overtaking, but some rain clouds in the air could change everything. The three tyre suppliers have provided the softest available tyres, tyrewear could very much come into play around here.

Théo Pourchaire starts at the very back in his Subaru debut, alongside Lando Norris who starts his second stint for McLaren on the back row. Gabriel Bortoleto alongside Kimi Antonelli making his Williams debut on row nine, Daniel Ricciardo starts his home race 18th and Isack Hadjar makes his Williams debut from 17th. Max Verstappen just 16th today and he's beside Franco Colapinto, the two Alpines on row seven, Liam Lawson ahead of Sergio Perez. Pierre Gasly starts 12th beside former teammate Pato O'Ward in his first outing for Audi, Zane Maloney's Formula 1 debut sees him start 10th beside George Russell, for the first time in a Red Bull. Esteban Ocon starts 8th and it's 7th for Colton Herta, the two Astons of Yuki Tsunoda and Valtteri Bottas are on the third row, it's Oliver Bearman fourth in his Mercedes debut and Charles Leclerc starts his fourth World Championship defence from 3rd. Oscar Piastri on the front row for his home race, Carlos Sainz begins the season on Pole Position for Red Bull.

(PIA) "And radio check?"

(BON) "Radio check okay, Oscar. Starting 2nd, home race, you know what to do. Get a good launch off the line, and we'll go from there. Expecting Class 1 rain in about 10 laps time."

(PIA) "Gotcha."

(LEC) "Radio check, Bryan?"

(BOZ) "Radio check okay, Charles. P3 start, I know it's not what you wanted but we're in a good spot, get a good start off the line and we are expecting Class 1 rain early, around lap 10. Lot to work with, you have this."

(LEC) "Yeah, copy."

As the cars settle in for the formation lap, those rain clouds are gathering. The cars settle into grid position...

One light, two, three, four, five...AND IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO, THE 2029 SEASON IS UNDERWAY!

Sainz is away well, Piastri holds Leclerc odd at the start, Bearman, Bottas, Tsunoda, Herta and Russell are up into 7th and 8th, O'Ward, Ocon, MALONEY LOCKS UP AND GOES OFF!!! A NIGHTMARE START IN F1 FOR THE ROOKIE!

Piastri going for the lead and goes down the inside of Sainz!!! Oscar Piastri leads the Australian Grand Prix! Charles Leclerc going for position and he's into 2nd!!

That pure pace advantage is already showing for Piastri and Leclerc, as they have gained massively on Sainz already!

Oliver Bearman with a lovely overtake on Sainz and he's up to 3rd!

🌧️ We are already seeing the first drops of rain here in Melbourne! How will this affect the race?

Leclerc down the inside of Piastri and the Champion leads this race!

Sainz back into third, but Bearman is keeping the pressure on!

PIASTRI TAKES THE LEAD! THE AUSTRALIAN FANS LOVED THAT ONE!

Lawson up into 10th ahead of Ocon for that final point!

Bottas goes up to 4th, ahead of Bearman!

Ocon back into the points! Would be huge for Haas if they can score points on the first weekend, having not scored at all last season!

In fact, Haas have not scored points since a 9th place finish for Zhou Guanyu in Azerbaijan...back in 2026. A long time to wait.

PITSTOP: Verstappen coming in on Lap 7! Do Subaru know something the rest don't? He's onto the Intermediates already!

The rest of the field will be keeping their eyes on the pace of Max Verstappen over the next few laps.

PITSTOPS: Bearman, Bottas, Sainz, Lawson and Pourchaire are all in for inters!

(BON) "Box at the end of this lap. New inter."

(PIA) "Yeah, box"

PITSTOPS: Piastri coming in for the inters, Leclerc staying out however another lap! Piastri is the front of the two, so he's getting the call first! A 2.182 stop for the Australian! Herta, O'Ward, Gasly, Ocon, Hadjar, Pérez, Antonelli, Colapinto, both Andrettis and Maloney also in! McLaren and Gasly have a delay as the rear left is too loose!

(BOZ) "Box Charles, Box for new inter"

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

Antonelli with a spin coming put the pitlane!!! He avoids the barrier but continues to drop down the order!

ANTONELLI RADIO "Mate, I f---ed up!"

PITSTOPS: Leclerc in from the lead! Russell and Tsunoda also coming in, a 2.509 stop for Leclerc! LECLERC HOLDS THE LEAD FROM PIASTRI!!

Piastri however, on the warmer tyres, goes round Leclerc and retakes the lead of the race!!!

Leclerc has warmed his tyres up, and retakes the lead from Piastri!

Ocon overtakes Verstappen! Verstappen really struggling for pace in that Subaru!

Piastri really wants this one, goes down the inside and takes the lead back from Leclerc! This is some superb racing!

(BOZ) "You're free to race but keep it clean here"

(LEC) "Yep."

Leclerc goes back on the attack and Leclerc is back into the lead!

Russell has closed the gap to about 3.5 down in 3rd!

Verstappen back into 10th ahead of Ocon!

Piastri and Leclerc just casually trading the lead right now. Piastri back in front!

TRACK CONDITIONS HAVE CHANGED TO DAMP

Leclerc back into the lead of this race!

Tsunoda overtakes Bearman for 7th! Bearman was running 3rd until the pitstops!

(PIA) "Almost...almost had him there"

(BOZ) "Keep it at Oscar."

Piastri continuing to go on the attack here against Leclerc, but can't quite get the move done yet.

Russell holding off Herta for 3rd!

Sainz with a lovely move to get 5th from Bottas!

Piastri tries going down the inside of Leclerc, Leclerc blocks the first move, Piastri goes for it again, Leclerc blocks again!

Colton Herta is up to P3! However he now has both Red Bulls AND Bottas to defend against!

PIASTRI DOWN THE INSIDE AND HE TAKES THE LEAD BACK!!

Leclerc going for it again, Piastri closes the door, and Leclerc runs slightly wide and concedes the attempt!

Russell up ahead of Herta for P3 again!

🌦️ Looks like the rain is going off already!

(LEC) "It's drying up quickly. Slicks is close."

PITSTOP: Antonelli the first onto new tyres, he's opted for the Mediums but Williams had a delay in that stop!

(BON) "So box box, Oscar"

(PIA) "Yeah, happy to box"

PITSTOPS: Flurry of activity as Lawson, Gasly, Maloney, Pourchaire, Colapinto and Ricciardo all pit!

PITSTOPS: Piastri in, Leclerc continuing for another lap! 2.333 for Piastri who's selected the Mediums. RED BULL DOUBLE STACK AND IT IS A HUGE DELAY FOR SAINZ!!!

(BOZ) "Box Charles, box now!"

(LEC) "Copy, box"

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED AND WHAT A BREAK FOR THE CHAMPION!!!

GEORGE RUSSELL LOCKS UP, HE IS IN THE WALL!!! Russell ends his first race for Red Bull, where he looked on for a podium, out of the race!!!

RUSSELL RADIO "I'm okay. Sorry guys. Sorry."

PITSTOP: Leclerc in! He takes advantage of that VSC, and has a 1.5 advantage over Piastri now for the lead! A 2.469s stop, not the fastest, but still enough for the lead!

Lap 29, under VSC: Leclerc, Piastri, Herta, Bottas, Sainz, Tsunoda, O'Ward, Bearman, Verstappen, Ocon, Norris, Lawson, Pourchaire, Gasly, Hadjar, Maloney, Pérez, Colapinto, Antonelli, Bortoleto, Ricciardo. Russell out of the race.

We are racing again on Lap 29!

DRS ENABLED

Piastri has put himself right back in range of Leclerc with the DRS...HE'S GOING FOR IT WITH A DIVEBOMB AND HE TAKES P1 BACK!!!

HADJAR

Bottas overtakes Herta for P3!

BOTTAS

Leclerc back in front, and I sense there may be a lot of DRS to and fro here!

Norris up ahead of Lawson for 11th. Been a disappointing weekend for him, but he's chasing Ocon for points here.

Piastri retakes the lead from Leclerc, Leclerc going on the attack and Piastri holds him off!

Herta back to P3 ahead of Bottas!

Leclerc back in front! Piastri slides slightly wide in his attempt to retake position, and concedes the lead for now!

SAINZ

Sainz and Bottas both overtake Herta in quick succession! Sainz is back into P3, Bottas 4th, Herta 5th!

One Australian laps another on Lap 38, as Leclerc and Piastri both go past Ricciardo, who is now a lap down.

Piastri retakes the lead on Lap 39!

PITSTOPS: Hadjar is in and has taken on Hards to the end of the race! Sainz also comes in for Hards with 19 laps to go!

PITSTOPS: O'Ward, Antonelli and Bearman all in, as is Lawson! Bearman and Lawson onto Mediums, O'Ward takes the Hards!

PITSTOPS: Bottas and Herta in for Mediums!

Worth noting that Verstappen is currently running 5th.

(BON) "Box Oscar, box"

(PIA) "Oscar pitlane"

PITSTOP: A quick dive into the pits for Piastri who takes on Softs! He's now 16 seconds behind Leclerc!

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

(LEC) "Copy, box"

PITSTOP: Leclerc in and onto the Softs! He re-emerges in P3, about 1.2 behind Piastri!

PITSTOP: Tsunoda in, and onto the Hards, a surprising choice with 11 laps left!

Bearman locks up! He's able to avoid the barrier but he's lost some time there!

Leclerc is back in Piastri's DRS so it's as you were until the finish line now!

Leclerc going for the lead again and Leclerc leads with 9 laps remaining!!

PIASTRI

Piastri takes fastest lap, he has DRS, HE HAS THE LEAD BACK. WOW.

PITSTOP: Verstappen in for Mediums with nine laps left, that's...a choice from Subaru. He's back in play in P10.

DRS is enough for Leclerc to lead again on Lap 52! This is a thrilling race that should go all the way to the line!

Piastri with a lovely move to retake the lead! He wants this so badly on home soil, as both drivers lap Antonelli!

Lap 55 and Leclerc retakes the lead!!

Verstappen up ahead of Bearman and into P9!!

Verstappen overtakes Norris, who looks on for a surprising points finish, for P8!

LECLERC STILL HOLDING PIASTRI OFF AS WE GO INTO THE FINAL LAP, PIASTRI GOING FOR THE LEAD GOING INTO LAP 58 BUT LECLERC CLOSES THE DOOR!

NOW OR NEVER FOR OSCAR PIASTRI, HE'S RIGHT ON THE REAR WING OF LECLERC, BUT LECLERC HOLDS HIM OFF, CHARLES LECLERC WINS THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX!!! HEARTBREAK FOR PIASTRI, BUT HE PUSHED HIM ALL OF THE WAY. THIS COULD BE A SENSATIONAL SEASON, WHAT A STATT TO IT!!

(BOZ) "AND P1!!! AMAZING, AMAZING JOB. Well done Charles, that's a fantastic win!!!"

(LEC) "YESSSS! Let's goooooo, come on!!!! That's exactly how we should start the season! Let's go!"

(BOZ) "Fantastic job, Charles. Perfect start to the year."

(LEC) "All credit to Oscar. He pushed me all the way today."

(BON) "And P2, Oscar, P2. Unlucky, you nearly had that. You pushed all the way, great effort. Good start to the season!"

(PIA) "Ahhhh. I really wanted that one, yeah. P2 is a good start, but yeah. Really wanted it today."

(BON) "We'll win this one one day. For now, good start to the year, fastest lap as well. Good job mate."

Sainz takes the podium place, Bottas fourth, fifth for Herta, Tsunoda 6th, Verstappen 7th, O'Ward 8th, Norris 9th, Bearman 10th. Seven different teams have scored points today!

[sterile breach]

The Aussie home race curse continues on

[foggy locust]

2029 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX CLASSIFICATION

1. Charles Leclerc 1.23.42
2. Oscar Piastri +0.139
3. Carlos Sainz +17.411
4. Valtteri Bottas +24.831
5. Colton Herta +28.855
6. Yuki Tsunoda +34.168
7. Max Verstappen +40.688
8. Pato O'Ward +42.380
9. Lando Norris +50.507
10. Oliver Bearman +53.584
11. Esteban Ocon +54.417
12. Théo Pourchaire +60.369
13. Liam Lawson +79.922
14. Isack Hadjar +80.317
15. Pierre Gasly +80.425
16. Zane Maloney +84.381
17. Andrea Kimi Antonelli +1 lap
18. Franco Colapinto +1 lap
19. Sergio Pérez +1 lap
20. Gabriel Bortoleto +1 lap
21. Daniel Ricciardo +1 lap
22. George Russell DNF

Oscar Piastri 1.19.779
Pierre Gasly 2.139s
Lando Norris

DRIVER OF THE DAY: LANDO NORRIS

On a weekend where he struggled in qualifying, on his return to McLaren, Lando Norris put in a superb race performance with an excellent strategy to stay out on Hards after the rain and pick up 9th from a 21st place start. From the back row to the points, Lando Norris is your Driver of the Day!

Top Five: Norris, Leclerc, Piastri, Verstappen, O'Ward

[foggy locust]

Genuinely thought he was gonna win it

2029 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

🇲🇨 Leclerc 25
🇦🇺 Piastri 19
🇪🇸 Sainz 16
🇫🇮 Bottas 12
🇺🇸 Herta 10
🇯🇵 Tsunoda 8
🇳🇱 Verstappen 6
🇲🇽 O'Ward 4
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Norris 2
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Bearman 1
🇫🇷 Ocon 0
🇫🇷 Pourchaire 0
🇳🇿 Lawson 0
🇫🇷 Hadjar 0
🇫🇷 Gasly 0
🇧🇧 Maloney 0
🇮🇹 Antonelli 0
🇦🇷 Colapinto 0
🇲🇽 Pérez 0
🇧🇷 Bortoleto 0
🇦🇺 Ricciardo 0
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Russell 0

2029 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 44
Aston Martin-Honda 20
Red Bull-Ford 16
Mercedes 11
Subaru-Honda 6
Audi 4
McLaren-Mercedes 2
Haas-Ferrari 0
Alpine-Mercedes 0
Williams-Ferrari 0
Andretti-Ford 0

2029 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 52
Pirelli 40
Goodyear 11

F2 AUSTRALIA

SPRINT RACE

1. Dennis Hauger
2. Taylor Barnard
3. Arvid Lindblad
4. Kacper Sztuka
5. Ritomo Miyata
6. Paul Aron
7. Gabriele Miní
8. Doriane Pin
9. Jak Crawford
10. Pepe Marti

FEATURE RACE
Pole Position: Dennis Hauger

1. Dennis Hauger
2. Rafael Câmara
3. Taylor Barnard
4. Doriane Pin
5. Pepe Marti
6. Ritomo Miyata
7. Kacper Sztuka
8. Arvid Lindblad
9. Paul Aron
10. Jak Crawford

F3 AUSTRALIA

SPRINT RACE

1. Jordi Alvarado
2. James Wharton
3. Udo Arnold
4. Alexander Dunne
5. Christian Mansell
6. Laurens van Hoepen
7. Sami Meguetounif
8. Nikola Tsolov
9. Rafael Villagomez
10. Joshua Dürksen

FEATURE RACE
Pole Position: Hamda Al Qubaisi

1. Alexander Dunne
2. Christian Mansell
3. Sebastian Montoya
4. Joshua Dürksen
5. James Wharton
6. Hamda Al Qubaisi
7. Laurens van Hoepen
8. Rafael Villagomez
9. Jordi Alvarado
10. Udo Arnold

F2 CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE

Hauger 39
Barnard 23
Câmara 18
Pin 13
Miyata 12
Sztuka 11
Martin 10
Lindblad 10
Aron 5
Miní 2
Crawford 1

F3 CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE

Dunne 32
Mansell 24
Wharton 19
Montoya 15
Dürksen 15
Alvarado 12
van Hoepen 11
Al Qubaisi 10
Arnold 9
Villagomez 6
Meguetounif 4
Tsolov 3

Bit of a wait for F2 and F3 as F2 next goes at Montreal (Round 5) and F3 is next at Imola (Round 6)

Also I have an Underfloor, Front Wing and Sidepods in the works. Held off on major upgrades in first ATR, just updated the suspension

CIRCUIT OF AMERICAS RACE TO GO AHEAD - AT LEAST FOR 2029

A reprieve has been reached between the Circuit of the Americas and the FIA, and Formula 1 WILL race there - at least in 2029.

A disagreement over terms had been in play between Austin and the FIA, but an agreement has been made to hold next month's United States Grand Prix as planned - but discussions will be held about the future of the race afterwards.

Indianapolis had been on standby for a return to the calendar, and remains in play for a potential return in 2030.

[sterile breach]

Modern cars going around the banking would be so sick, hope it's on for 30'

[foggy locust]

CHINESE GRAND PRIX 2029
WEEKEND PREVIEW

After a thrilling opening race in Australia, we head to China and the Shanghai International Circuit for the second round of this 2029 Formula 1 season.

After Charles Leclerc narrowly pipped Oscar Piastri to what would've been a momentous home win, how does Piastri bounce back? Can Carlos Sainz get himself involved in a title fight? And will anyone else step up to the front?

What will the Shanghai International Circuit bring us this season?

LAST TIME AROUND

At Melbourne, Carlos Sainz took the first Pole Position of the season on the Saturday, ahead of Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc. But on the Sunday, the Ferrari's pure pace left the pack behind, and it came down to a one on one battle for the win, which Leclerc narrowly took from Piastri. Sainz was a distant third, but behind the front three, seven different teams bagged points on the opening day. Only Ferrari, Aston Martin and Mercedes saw both drivers score points - Red Bull, Subaru, McLaren and Audi also got onto the board.

THE CIRCUIT

The Shanghai Audi International Circuit is situated in the Jiading District of Shanghai, China, and was home to the Chinese Grand Prix between 2004 and 2019, then returned to the calendar after four years away and two cancellations in 2024. Featuring the 270 degree right hand turn into Turn 1 and 2, which is one of the trickiest of the season, the 16 turn, 5.451km Circuit features a mix of low and medium speed corners. Ferrari have won every single race here since it returned to the calendar in 2024 - Lewis Hamilton has won this race seven times, Charles Leclerc has four wins around here, while Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg have both won this race twice.

STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND

LECLERC VERSUS PIASTRI, ROUND 2

Ferrari enter the second weekend as heavy favourites once again, and Oscar Piastri challenged Charles Leclerc all the way this past weekend. We were in a similar spot last year where Piastri pushed Leclerc at Melbourne, but then Leclerc won Shanghai comfortably and went on to win his fourth World Championship. So while it's too early to call this “must-win” for Oscar Piastri for a title challenge, beating out his teammate this weekend would go a long way to setting down a marker for a full on title battle. Leclerc meanwhile looks for two of two wins to begin the season, and set down the marker for another title defence. Who will lay down the marker?

CAN RED BULL TAKE THE FIGHT TO FERRARI?

Carlos Sainz was the closest challenger to both Ferraris last weekend, while George Russell crashed out while chasing Leclerc and Piastri. However, while it was a distant third for Sainz, Red Bull did have some pace over the weekend, particularly in qualifying, evidenced by Sainz's surprise Pole Position. Sainz and Russell, and Red Bull as a whole, will hope that Shanghai suits them more than Melbourne, and they can push the Champions for a race win this weekend. Another qualifying like Australia would help, but can they do it on Sunday this time around? And how does Russell bounce back from his crash in the opener?

CAN HAAS MAKE THE POINTS AT LONG LAST?

Haas haven't scored a point since Baku 2026, and for a while it looked like they would finally break that long held duck in the opening race, with both Ocon and Colapinto running well over the weekend, however Strategy, tyrewear, and the rain caught them out, and they were left to rue what could've been. However, on the plus side, Haas do seem to have a good car this year, and it seems like they could break that duck sooner rather than later. Ocon in particular was quick at Melbourne, and Colapinto looked the best he has in a Haas so far. Can Haas get themselves into the points this weekend?

CAN VERSTAPPEN OVERCOME THE SUBARU'S LIMITATIONS?

2029 isn't off to the best of starts for Subaru, with a car that looked difficult for Max Verstappen and Théo Pourchaire to drive in Australia. Pourchaire qualified last, while Verstappen was a low Q2 exit, finishing 16th in qualifying. On race day, Verstappen did turn it around to P7, with Pourchaire P12, but the CMR-03 was a struggle for both drivers over the course of the weekend. The team are promising quick upgrades, but for now, you've gotta work with what you've got and this is not a car that can deliver a Championship from the looks of things. So how does Verstappen overcome these limitations? You expect he'll pick up points like he did in Melbourne, but can Subaru course correct and get him challenging at the front of the pack sooner rather than later?

And so, round 2 of the 2029 Formula 1 season brings us to Shanghai, and to the Chinese Grand Prix. What will it bring? One thing's for sure - you won't want to miss it.

ZHOU TO RUN FP1 IN CHINA

For the second year in a row, Zhou Guanyu will run FP1 in his home country of China.

This is expected to be Zhou's last year with Ferrari as he aims to get back on the F1 grid for 2030, and this FP1 session is designed with that in mind.

Zhou will take Oscar Piastri's car for the first session this weekend.

FP1 Reserves: Zhou (Piastri), O'Sullivan (O'Ward), Abadi (Bottas), Barnard (Tsunoda), Shwartzman (Pourchaire)

FP1: SAI LEC RUS
ZHO P4

Just 0.008 between Sainz and Leclerc at the top, and 0.017 between Sainz and Russell in P3. Zhou 4 tenths back in P4, with Norris and Antonelli following. Bearman, Herta, Barnard and Verstappen complete the top ten. Red Bull and Ferrari look very close after one session, let's see what happens when Piastri enters the fray in FP2.

FP2: PIA LEC SAI

Piastri quickest through FP2, just 0.066 ahead of Leclerc. Sainz in third, with Bottas fourth and O'Ward fifth. Bearman, Norris, Verstappen, Pérez and Antonelli all in the top ten.

FP3: LEC PIA SAI

Leclerc quickest by 0.024 over Piastri, with Sainz 0.184 back! Norris P4 ahead of Russell, the two Haas of Colapinto and Ocon 6th and 7th, then Pourchaire, Bearman and Verstappen.

Practice summary: Ferrari and Red Bull are closer than it may seem at the front, while McLaren, at least in the form of Norris, may be next. Subaru showing some pace as are Mercedes and Aston, while Haas seem to have hidden their pace to FP3. Williams have also found some joy on the Friday, will that translate to qualifying?

Well, here we go. Qualifying Saturday in the city of Shanghai, and we go again. Could be a very intriguing battle for Pole between Ferrari and Red Bull, McLaren, Subaru, Williams and Haas have all shown pace over the weekend, so this could be some fight for Pole, and for the top ten. Here we go.

OUT IN Q1: Pourchaire, Hadjar, Bortoleto, Lawson, Pérez, Ricciardo
Bubble: Colapinto
Top Five: SAI, PIA, LEC, BOT, RUS

Disaster for Alpine and another poor one for Andretti, as both teams exit in Q1. It's oh and two for making Q2 for Théo Pourchaire as Verstappen's teammate, while Hadjar also exits. Sainz quickest ahead of Piastri and Leclerc, then Bottas and Russell. Both Haas drivers lucky to make Q2.

OUT IN Q2: Norris, Herta, O'Ward, Gasly, Maloney, Colapinto
Bubble: Ocon
Top Five: LEC, SAI, PIA, VER, RUS

Norris exits in Q2 as Verstappen needed a late lap to get through, Herta also drops out, alongside Gasly, O'Ward, Maloney and Colapinto. Leclerc quickest from Sainz and Piastri, Russell down in P5, Bottas, Bearman, Antonelli, Tsunoda and Ocon all into Q3.

Q3: Leclerc, Bottas, Piastri, Sainz, Russell, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Bearman, Ocon, Antonelli

The first Pole of the season for Charles Leclerc. The defending Champion went a tenth quicker than Valtteri Bottas to take Pole, with Oscar Piastri settling for third. Sainz fourth and Russell fifth, while Verstappen took sixth. Tsunoda and Bearman on row four, Ocon and Antonelli on row five.

2029 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

LEC BOT

PIA SAI

RUS VER

TSU BEA

OCO ANT

NOR HER

OWA GAS

MAL COL

POU HAD

BOR LAW

PER RIC

Going to do the race later on tonight, after the football!

[foggy locust]

Thinking I'm gonna push race day back to tomorrow! More tired than I thought and with the football going to extra time, think it's going to be an afternoon tomorrow race!

[foggy locust]

Forgot I have social plans this evening! Tomorrow it is

[foggy locust]

Well here we go then. After a bit of a delay it's time to go racing here in Shanghai, Round 2 of the 2029 Formula 1 season brings us here for the Chinese Grand Prix, and after Charles Leclerc narrowly pipped Oscar Piastri to victory in Australia, it's Leclerc first and Piastri third to begin today, with Bottas inbetween. 56 laps of this 5.451km Circuit, it can be a one stop but it's probably a two stop, 15 turns, 2 DRS Zones, an elevation of 7.30 metres. It's a race that's been dominated by Ferrari since 2024, will that change today?

Daniel Ricciardo starts at the very back alongside Sergio Pérez, then Liam Lawson and Gabriel Bortoleto are just ahead of their teammates. 18th for Isack Hadjar and 17th for Théo Pourchaire, both of whom are yet to get out of Q1 this season. Franco Colapinto starts 16th, his highest ever start here with Zane Maloney 15th in his second race. Pierre Gasly starts 14th alongside former teammate Pato O'Ward on row seven, Colton Herta down in 12th and just 11th for Lando Norris. Kimi Antonelli begins from 10th with Esteban Ocon 9th, then it's Oliver Bearman and Yuki Tsunoda on row four. Max Verstappen starts 6th with George Russell 5th, Carlos Sainz up in 4th with Oscar Piastri 3rd, Valtteri Bottas is on the front row for the first time since Pole in Sao Paulo, Charles Leclerc starts with his first Pole of the season.

[sterile breach]

Let's just say the grass caught fire a few times and delayed the start

[foggy locust]

(LEC) "Radio check?"

(BOZ) "Radio check okay. P1 start, no rain expected so should be a standard race here, let's get a good run off the line and go from there."

(LEC) "Copy"

[foggy locust]

Works for me haha

(PIA) "Radio check, radio check?"

(BON) "All good on this end, Oscar. P3, no rain but a slight breeze, shouldn't affect us at all weather wise so just do what you can off the line and we'll go from there."

(PIA) "Alrighty."

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

Leclerc is away well, so is Piastri and Piastri gets ahead of Bottas, perfect start for the two Ferraris, then Sainz, Verstappen is ahead of Russell, Tsunoda 7th, Ocon ahead of Bearman and Antonelli is holding Norris off so far! Maloney and Colapinto are up ahead of Gasly too!

Bottas goes for the overtake on Piastri, and Bottas gets Piastri for P2!!!

Leclerc is using the opportunity to extend his advantage at the front!

Russell back into fifth ahead of Verstappen!

Herta has pushed his way into the points ahead of Norris and Antonelli!

Ricciardo going for a risky overtake on Lawson, LAWSON CLOSES THE DOOR AND THERE'S CONTACT!!! Both cars go off the circuit!!

(BOZ) "Okay Charles, gap is 2.2, let's get into a rhythm now"

(LEC) "I think this is the rhythm"

Piastri retakes P2 from Bottas!!

Bortoleto with a lock-up! A rough start to today for the Andrettis!

CAR 30 (LAWSON) - CAUSING A COLLISION WITH CAR 3 (RICCIARDO)

Liam Lawson has a five second penalty for that incident with Ricciardo.

He's only ahead of Ricciardo, but the Andretti is struggling.

Bortoleto has a spin! He blocks Lawson, who's understandably furious about the situation.

Sainz takes P3 from Bottas, but can he put pressure on the Ferraris ahead?

Maybe not as Bottas regains position!

Tsunoda moves ahead of Verstappen for 6th!

Ocon ahead of Norris!

Ocon is pushing for Haas' first points since Baku 2026. This could be a momentous day for Haas - he's attacking Herta for P9. Long way to go, though.

Bearman overtakes his old teammate Verstappen, and he's up to 7th!

Piastri was a tenth quicker than Leclerc in that last lap, but Leclerc is maintaining a 2.4 advantage.

Norris now up to 9th, ahead of Ocon and Herta. Ocon remains in the points, Herta down to 11th.

Hadjar locks up going into turn 9! He drops to 19th, behind Pérez and Maloney!

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED!!!

Bortoleto loses the car, spins off and is in the wall!!! A horrible moment for a driver who's under a lot of pressure this season!

BORTOLETO RADIO "I'm okay. Mate, I crashed"

Lap 10, under VSC: Leclerc, Piastri, Bottas, Sainz, Russell, Tsunoda, Verstappen, Bearman, Norris, Ocon, Herta, O'Ward, Antonelli, Gasly, Colapinto, Pourchaire, Maloney, Pérez, Lawson, Hadjar, Ricciardo. Bortoleto out of the race.

PITSTOP: Ricciardo the first driver to stop, and the only one to do so under the VSC. It's not a huge gain in time under the VSC - just two seconds - so almost everyone has stayed out. He's onto the Hards.

We are racing again on Lap 12!

(BOZ) "Thoughts on Tyres?"

(LEC) "Think they are okay, think I can extend and go longer if needs be"

(BOZ) "We can go Plan C if you like"

PITSTOPS: Herta and Perez are both in! Alpine are double stacking with Lawson but there's enough of a gap. All three onto Mediums. Lawson takes his penalty and gets his front wing replaced as well.

To sum up how bad Lawson's day has been so far, there's a red car in his wing mirrors - that of race leader Charles Leclerc, who is preparing to lap Lawson on Lap 16.

PITSTOPS: Ocon and Bearman are both in, as is Maloney. Bearman onto the Hards, Ocon the Mediums, and both exit after Herta, who has already pitted.

(LEC) "What is Lawson doing? Every time I lap this guy. Every time. Always issues."

(BOZ) "Let's focus on our own race, he's not an issue to us"

(LEC) "He is if he crashes into me, but, yeah."

PITSTOPS: Bottas is into the pitlane! He's onto the Hards, as further down the order, Norris comes in for his first stop, and takes the Mediums. Another double stack, this time McLaren who bring Gasly in on the same lap.

(BON) "Box, box"

(PIA) "Box."

PITSTOPS: Piastri in for Ferrari! Sainz also coming in, and a 2.259 stop for Piastri!

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

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

PITSTOP: Leclerc in from the lead! Russell and Verstappen both come in, 2.129s, Leclerc re-enters just ahead of Piastri!

(BON) "You are free to race. Close up best you can now."

(PIA) "Yeah. Thank you"

Tsunoda, who leads, is almost certainly trying for a one stop strategy here, while Leclerc and Piastri are almost certainly on a two stopper.

PITSTOPS: Tsunoda is in! He's onto the Hards and chances are that's him going to the end! O'Ward also in, he's onto the Softs - that's a two stopper.

Leclerc about 2.1 up on Piastri right now. The Champion showing phenomenal pace at the moment.

PITSTOP: Antonelli in, the last to make his stop, he's also onto the Hards so that's also likely a one stopper.

SAINZ

Sainz grabs 3rd from Bottas! A lovely move there!

Lap 28: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Bottas, Russell, Norris, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Herta, Bearman, Ocon, Gasly, O'Ward, Colapinto, Pourchaire, Pérez, Maloney, Antonelli, Hadjar, Lawson, Ricciardo

Pérez locks up and goes off! He loses position to Maloney!

(BON) "Tyre update when you can, Oscar?"

(PIA) "Struggling a bit, struggling to keep pace here"

(BON) "Understood, do what you can for now"

PITSTOP: Pérez in for the second time! He's the first driver to make a second stop, and he's onto the Hards! Pérez exits the pitlane, AND NEARLY COLLIDES WITH PIASTRI!!

(PIA) "F---ing hell. I'm not sure what he was doing on the exit, f---."

(BOZ) "Yeah, we saw it. We're on it."

(PIA) "Even all these years later, Alpine are still trying to f--- me over"

NORRIS

PITSTOPS: Ocon and Gasly both in! Ocon takes the Hards, Gasly onto the Mediums. Both gambling for a chance at the lower part of the points here.

PITSTOP: SAINZ IN. He switches to the Mediums to finish the race!

(BON) "So box box"

(PIA) "Copy. Box"

PITSTOPS: Piastri in from 2nd! The Australian gambling and going for the Hard tyres, a 2.305 stop and he's back out there in 3rd. Crucially, he's ahead of Sainz. Bottas also pits, for Mediums and he had a slight delay there!

(LEC) "Rears are starting to drop off a bit"

LECLERC

Leclerc has just been on the radio to complain about tyres, and immediately put up a fastest lap.

Piastri with a lovely move to take 2nd off Russell!!

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR CALLED!!!!

[sterile breach]

'The Hamilton Experience'

[foggy locust]

Hadjar has lost the car in much the same fashion as Bortoleto did earlier, and finds himself in the barrier!!! His race is over!!

HADJAR RADIO "I'm OK. F---'s sake."

(BOZ) "VSC. Hadjar in the wall. He's okay, thankfully."

(LEC) "Glad to hear he is okay. Box?"

(BOZ) "Box this lap."

PITSTOPS: Leclerc in under the VSC. It's a minimal gain, but it's still an advantage for the Champion. He's back onto the Softs, a 2.487 stop and he retains the lead - 13.5 ahead of Piastri!! A bigger gain than we thought. Norris in as well, as is Bearman, that will give both a real shot at good points. Russell, Verstappen and Tsunoda all opting to stay out for now.

Lap 40, under VSC: Leclerc, Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Verstappen, Bottas, Sainz, Norris, O'Ward, Herta, Bearman, Pourchaire, Ocon, Antonelli, Gasly, Colapinto, Maloney, Pérez, Ricciardo, Lawson. Hadjar and Bortoleto out of the race.

PITSTOPS: Russell and Verstappen in, but the VSC is ending! O'Ward doing the same! The Green Flag is waving! Russell onto Mediums, Verstappen onto Softs, O'Ward onto Softs!

The race is back underway on Lap 41!

SAINZ

ANTONELLI AND POURCHAIRE MAKE CONTACT!!! BOTH GO SLIDING OFF INTO THE GRAVEL! Looked like a bad overtaking move by Pourchaire!!

CAR 98 (POURCHAIRE) - CAUSING A COLLISION WITH CAR 12 (ANTONELLI)

The stewards didn't take long to make up their mind about that one. Pourchaire lands a penalty.

PITSTOP: He's come in immediately to take said penalty, and a new set of Softs. Points seems a long way away, though.

(BON) "So head down, let's push here Oscar"

(PIA) "Copy"

Sainz takes P3 off Tsunoda, and it looks like the gamble on the one stop hasn't worked for a podium for the Japanese driver and Aston Martin!

A MASSIVE COLLISION BETWEEN POURCHAIRE AND PEREZ!!! IT IS GOING TO BE A FULL SAFETY CAR WITH NINE LAPS LEFT!!!

(BOZ) "Safety Car, Safety Car. Pérez and Pourchaire collided. Both OK. Box."

(LEC) "Oh for f---'s sake! I'm glad both are ok, but f---!...yeah, box."

(BON) "Massive incident between Pérez and Pourchaire. Both out, both okay. Box for Softs immediately."

(PIA) "Yeah, Box."

Worth noting that Leclerc doesn't have a fresh set of Softs left - while Piastri does.

CAR 98 (POURCHAIRE) - CAUSING A COLLISION WITH CAR 11 (PÉREZ)

Pourchaire will now take a grid penalty in Mexico City for that incident with Pérez.

PITSTOPS: Leclerc, Piastri, Antonelli and Lawson all pitting for free. 2.325s for Leclerc, 2.315 for Piastri - crucially for Piastri, he retains P2. Tsunoda also pits for free down in P8.

Lap 50, under SC: Leclerc, Piastri, Sainz, Bottas, Russell, Norris, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Bearman, O'Ward, Ocon, Herta, Gasly, Colapinto, Antonelli, Maloney, Lawson, Ricciardo. Pérez, Pourchaire, Hadjar and Bortoleto out of the race.

WE GO GREEN ON LAP 52, FIVE LAPS OF RACING AWAIT US!!

Leclerc and Piastri already pulling away, but a race that looked almost certain now in doubt between the top two in the Championship!

PIASTRI GOING FOR POSITION AND LECLERC HOLDS FIRM AND HOLDS HIM OFF!!!

LECLERC

PIASTRI HAS DRS, PIASTRI GOING DOWN THE MAIN STRAIGHT AND HE LEADS THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX!!!

Piastri trying to extend the gap and seems to have the massive advantage with the tyres now, he's extended the lead to 1.311 and climbing!

Aston give the order for Bottas to allow Tsunoda through, which he does! Tsunoda has a shot at the podium with those fresh Softs, but just two laps to get the job done and pass both Red Bulls!

LAST LAP

It looked almost certain for two wins from two for the Champion, but a Hard Tyre gamble and a late Safety Car has paid off in droves for his teammate!

TSUNODA GETS RUSSELL AND GETS SAINZ! TSUNODA IS ON THE PODIUM!!

An incredible motor race in the end, as OSCAR PIASTRI HAS COME BACK TO WIN THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX!!! CHARLES LECLERC SETTLES FOR P2, YUKI TSUNODA IN P3!!

(BON) "That's the flag! P1, Oscar, get in there mate!"

(PIA) "Very very nicely done! Ah, that was very nice, mega job guys. Great shout on the Hards, that won us the race today!"

(BON) "Kudos to you mate. Incredible job today."

(BOZ) "And P2 Charles, P2. Great job, hard luck with the Safety Car but still a great drive."

(LEC) "Ahhh! We got unlucky with the Safety Car. We've been, uh, extremely strong this weekend, it's how it goes, but yeah, it's like this. Congrats to Oscar, he drove a great race, especially at the end."

(BOZ) "Head up Charles, long season to go."

Russell takes fourth off Sainz, who settels for fifth, Bottas sixth, Norris seventh, then Bearman, Verstappen and Herta in the points. Ocon just misses again in P11.

[foggy locust]

2029 CHINESE GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Oscar Piastri 1.37.07
2. Charles Leclerc +2.272
3. Yuki Tsunoda +10.873
4. George Russell +12.922
5. Carlos Sainz +13.834
6. Valtteri Bottas +17.853
7. Lando Norris +19.804
8. Oliver Bearman +20.057
9. Max Verstappen +21.064
10. Colton Herta +21.320
11. Esteban Ocon +25.216
12. Pato O'Ward +26.244
13. Pierre Gasly +27.718
14. Andrea Kimi Antonelli +28.007
15. Franco Colapinto +31.672
16. Zane Maloney +40.647
17. Liam Lawson +52.785
18. Daniel Ricciardo +87.475
19. Sergio Pérez DNF
20. Théo Pourchaire DNF
21. Isack Hadjar DNF
22. Gabriel Bortoleto DNF

Charles Leclerc 1.32.228
George Russell 2.065
Yuki Tsunoda

DRIVER OF THE DAY: YUKI TSUNODA

A superb gamble to go on the one stop paid off in the end thanks to a late Safety Car for Yuki Tsunoda, who was able to pit for fresh Softs and take a fantastic podium from a P7 start. Yuki Tsunoda is fourth in the Championship, and your Driver of the Day!

Top Five: Tsunoda, Norris, Piastri, Leclerc, Russell

2029 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

🇲🇨 Leclerc 45
🇦🇺 Piastri 44
🇪🇸 Sainz 26
🇯🇵 Tsunoda 23
🇫🇮 Bottas 20
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Russell 12
🇺🇸 Herta 11
🇳🇱 Verstappen 8
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Norris 8
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Bearman 5
🇲🇽 O'Ward 4
🇫🇷 Ocon 0
🇫🇷 Pourchaire 0
🇫🇷 Gasly 0
🇳🇿 Lawson 0
🇮🇹 Antonelli 0
🇫🇷 Hadjar 0
🇦🇷 Colapinto 0
🇧🇧 Maloney 0
🇦🇺 Ricciardo 0
🇲🇽 Pérez 0
🇧🇷 Bortoleto 0

2029 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 89
Aston Martin-Honda 43
Red Bull-Ford 38
Mercedes 16
Subaru-Honda 8
McLaren-Mercedes 8
Audi 4
Haas-Ferrari 0
Alpine-Mercedes 0
Williams-Ferrari 0
Andretti-Ford 0

2029 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 105
Pirelli 85
Goodyear 16

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION 2029

Red Bull 44
McLaren 41
Ferrari 34
Williams 22
Audi 21
Aston Martin 18
Andretti 11
Alpine 6
Subaru 3
Mercedes 2
Haas 0

[foggy locust]

MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX 2029
WEEKEND PREVIEW

After a late Safety Car changed the course of the weekend in China, the top two in the Drivers’ Championship are separated by a single point as we head to Mexico City. It’s early days - Round 3 - but a fascinating Championship could be awaiting us this season.

LAST TIME AROUND

In China, it looked like Charles Leclerc was coasting to a second win of the season, but a late collision between Théo Pourchaire and Sergio Pérez brought out a Safety Car, and with Oscar Piastri having an extra set of Softs, he overtook Leclerc on the restart to take his 14th career win, and put himself just a point behind Leclerc in the title race. Yuki Tsunoda also benefitted from the late Safety Car as he overtook the two Red Bulls to secure Aston Martin's first podium of the season. Bottas was sixth ahead of Norris, with both Mercedes scoring points in eighth and tenth, while Verstappen split the Mercs.

THE CIRCUIT

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, named for Ricardo and Pedro Rodriguez is a 4.304km circuit in Mexico City. The Circuit is located in the public park - a former Olympic Park, used for Mexico's 1968 Summer Olympics - the Magdalena Mixhuca Sports City, in South East Mexico City. The track is most known for its high altitude levels, with an elevation of 2.238m, meaning some very thin air that can cause difficulties for both the Drivers and the Cars, making this circuit a unique challenge on the F1 Calendar. Having traditionally taken place later in the season, it moved to April and the third tace of the season in 2027. The long straights and three DRS Zones makes DRS crucial, and there should be plenty of overtaking as a result, while a mix of low and high speed corners will be a test for all 22 drivers on the grid.

STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND

LECLERC VERSUS PIASTRI, ROUND THREE

So far this season, two races, two Ferrari 1-2s. However, it's one all in the wins column for Leclerc and Piastri, one all in qualifying - and the driver who qualified behind the other has won both races so far this season. So, a fascinating fight could be on for the Championship - although it is far, far too early to call it a one on one for the title - however Ferrari will be favourites again for the race win. If Leclerc and Piastri qualify next to, or close to, each other, it could be an incredible battle between the two, especially with the overtaking record around this circuit, however Leclerc was coasting in China before the Safety Car, as Piastri struggled to initially overtake Valtteri Bottas. But it's how you finish, and Piastri finished ahead in China, like Leclerc did in a close fight in Australia. Who will finish ahead in Round 3?

THE CHASING PACK - CAN RED BULL, MERCEDES OR ASTON TAKE IT TO FERRARI?

When considering those chasing Ferrari, those most likely at the moment to challenge them consists of Red Bull, Aston Martin and Mercedes. However this is a track that suits the former two a lot more than the latter, so it may be the Energy Drink side or the British Racing Green rather than the Silver Arrows most likely to have the shot at catching the Scuderia. Both Aston and Red Bull have podiums so far this season as best of the rest behind the Ferrari two, can either of these teams challenge for victory at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez this weekend? And could Mercedes go against the grain and be the fourth team to take to the podium this season?

HOW WILL O'WARD AND PÉREZ DO ON HOME SOIL?

Sergio Pérez was long the darling of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, however during his long four year absence from Formula 1, a new hero emerged in Pato O'Ward. O'Ward quickly captured the hearts of the fans in Mexico City and across the country, placing fifth here in his third race in Formula 1, and taking a podium here last season. Pérez meanwhile finished 6th in 2024 around here, and was 10th here 12 months ago to pick up his first point of the season. So, how will O’Ward and Pérez do this year? Well, a result like last year might be tricky. O’Ward took 8th in Australia but hasn't adapted to the Audi as quickly as he did the McLaren, a car that showed promise coming into the season but has fallen away quickly, while Pérez has struggled in a difficult Alpine and had his race ended by Théo Pourchaire in a collision last time out - Pourchaire will have a grid penalty on Sunday as a result. Points would be a good result for either, or both…can they delight the Mexican fans again?

PRESSURE ON THE CONTRACT YEARS ALREADY

There are seven drivers out of contract this season - Yuki Tsunoda, Colton Herta, Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortoleto. Of those seven, Tsunoda and Herta have scored points in the first two races. Tsunoda is flying and sits fourth in the Championship, while Herta has found the points in the first two races, the other five have yet to score - Colapinto and Bortoleto haven't scored since coming onto the grid full-time. The pressure is very much on Pierre Gasly too, as he's struggled compared to McLaren teammates, and may feel his place on the grid may be in trouble - this time last year, he was under pressure due to qualifying struggles, now, that pressure is amped up due to his contract year. Kimi Antonelli bet on himself with a one year deal at Williams, so far though, that bet’s yet to pay off, but it is early days. It's still early in the season - a lot can change - but the pressure for points and securing a long term place on the grid is still very much in play here in Mexico.

And so we head to Mexico City with no rain this time around, it should be a dry race, and already a lot to play for on weekend three of this 2029 Formula 1 season. One thing's for sure - you won't want to miss it.

DAYTON COULTHARD TO RUN FP1 IN MEXICO

Ferrari Academy and F2 Driver Dayton Coulthard will get a run in FP1 in Charles Leclerc's car for Ferrari.

Coulthard, son of former Williams, McLaren and Red Bull Driver David Coulthard, is in his second season in Formula 2, and has been with Ferrari since the 2027 season.

The Scottish-Belgian Driver gets a run in FP1 after Zhou Guanyu was in Oscar Piastri's car for FP1 in China.

FP1 Reserves: Coulthard (Leclerc), Araya (Herta), Miní (Pérez), Vesti (Ricciardo), Drugovich (Bortoleto), Shwartzman (Verstappen)

No Leclerc or Verstappen for FP1 today, as Coulthard and Shwartzman take their spots for this session and not a popular one for Alpine, leaving Pérez out of FP1 on home soil for Mini. Andretti are assessing Drugovich and Vesti for a potential sear next year, a few teams might be watching them and Shwartzman in particular. Coulthard, Miní and Araya gaining experience for the future.

FP1: PIA OCO NOR
COU P5

Piastri fastest, unsurprisingly, but Ocon a shock P2 as Haas continue to do very well in practice, with Norris 3rd. Bottas took 4th while Coulthard was 5th ahead of Russell and Sainz, and the top ten were completed by Tsunoda, Pourchaire and O'Ward. Shwartzman was 17th ahead of Vesti in 20th and Drugovich in 22nd, BTW.

FP2: PIA SAI BOT
LEC P4

Piastri fastest with his last lap on the Friday, ahead of Sainz and Bottas. Leclerc fourth with O'Ward fifth and Tsunoda sixth, while Herta and Bearman followed in 7th and 8th. Russell and Antonelli complete the top ten.

FP3: LEC VER PIA

Leclerc quickest in FP3 ahead of Verstappen and Piastri. Tsunoda 4th with Sainz 5th, and Bearman 6th. Norris takes 7th ahead of Bottas, Herta and Antonelli.

Welcome to Mexico City and to Round 3 of the 2029 Formula 1 season, and it is Qualifying Saturday here at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez! Ferrari looked quickest in practice but Subaru, Haas and Aston also impressed. Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren may also be in the mix for the top ten. Let's see how we get on.

Practice Summary: Ferrari went quickest, lot of long runs so hard to judge who's quicker between Leclerc and Piastri. Haas had some pace alongside McLaren, Verstappen found his early on the Saturday. Hard to see either Pérez or O'Ward making Q3 based on Alpine and Audi's pace, but you never know.

OUT IN Q1: Pérez, Lawson, Maloney, Bortoleto, Ricciardo, Hadjar
Bubble: O'Ward
Top Five: LEC, RUS, PIA, VER, TSU

Not an ideal start for the home fans here as Pérez is out in Q1, and O'Ward just sneaks through. Both Alpines are out, as well as both Andrettis, rookie Maloney, and Hadjar. Leclerc quickest from Russell and Piastri, with Verstappen fourth ahead of the Astons of Tsunoda and Bottas.

(LEC) "Are we safe?"

(BOZ) "So P13, we are out"

(LEC) "F---! Ah, f--'ing traffic, COME ON! Ahhh, I did a s--- lap. A s--- lap."

OUT IN Q2: Antonelli, Herta, Leclerc, Gasly, Bottas, Colapinto
Bubble: Ocon
Top Five: SAI, VER, PIA, TSU, RUS

A bit of a shocker as Leclerc drops out in Q2, just 13th, behind Antonelli and Herta! Bottas also a surprise Q2 exit, with Gasly and Colapinto out. Sainz quickest from Verstappen and Piastri, then Tsunoda and Russell. O'Ward is through to Q3 on home soil! Ocon on the bubble, Bearman, Norris and Pourchaire, who carries a penalty, also through.

(BOZ) "And that is P1, lovely job Oscar!"

(PIA) "Very, very nice! Great start to the weekend guys, still a race to go for but that's the perfect start to the weekend!"

Q3: Piastri, Russell, Tsunoda, Norris, Verstappen, Ocon, Sainz, Pourchaire , O'Ward, Bearman

A sensational qualifying that sees six different teams on the first three rows, and eight teams starting in the top ten, but Oscar Piastri went quickest by a tenth and a half over George Russell to claim his first Pole of the season. Tsunoda 3rd with Norris fourth, Verstappen 5th and Ocon 6th and in a great position to finally get points for Haas. Sainz 7th while Pourchaire drops out of the top ten due to his penalty, O'Ward and Bearman move up one.

2029 MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX
STARTING GRID

PIA RUS

TSU NOR

VER OCO

SAI OWA

BEA ANT

POU HER

LEC GAS

BOT COL

PER LAW

MAL BOR

RIC HAD

Quick 15 min break, race at 10pm!

Well, here we go. Part 1 of our North American triple header brings us to Mexico City, and the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. After a frantic qualifying, NINE different teams are in the top ten, the World Champion starts 13th, and his early title rival, and teammate, is on Pole. 71 laps of this 4.304km circuit, one of the shorter laps of the season, we are 2229m above sea level, the air is thin and it is a very unique challenge. It might be a bit of an overtaking fest here, 2 long DRS Zones.

Isack Hadjar starts at the very back alongside Daniel Ricciardo, Gabriel Bortoleto in 20th and Zane Maloney starts his third F1 race from 19th. It's Liam Lawson 18th and a 17th place start on home soil for Sergio Pérez, Franco Colapinto starts 16th and Valtteri Bottas has his lowest start since Singapore last year. Pierre Gasly 14th and the defending World Champion Charles Leclerc just 13th, his lowest start since Saudi, Colton Herta lines up 12th and Théo Pourchaire got out of Q1 for the first time this year, made Q3 but takes a penalty and drops to 8th. Kimi Antonelli alongside Ollie Bearman on row five, Pato O'Ward starts his home race 8th, which is where he started here 12 months ago, and he got a podium that day. Carlos Sainz 7th, then it's Esteban Ocon in 6th with a real chance at points, Max Verstappen 5th. Lando Norris and Yuki Tsunoda on the second row, George Russell on the front row for the first time since Monza 2027, and the first Pole of the season for Oscar Piastri.

(PIA) "Radio check, Bono?"

(BON) "Radio check okay. P1 today, no rain expected, let's get a good launch and get into the rhythm early."

(PIA) "Copy."

(LEC) "Radio check, Radio check?"

(BOZ) "All good Charles. Not where we wanted to start but we've come back from further than P13, get a good start and we go from there."

(LEC) "Yeah, understood."

As the cars slot into place after the formation lap, we're ready to race in Mexico!

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

Piastri is away well, Tsunoda and Sainz get ahead of Russell, then Verstappen, Norris ahead of Ocon, O'Ward up to 8th! Pourchaire ahead of Bearman, Leclerc has gained two places already! Perez up to 16th too!

THERE'S CONTACT BETWEEN THE TWO RED BULLS!!! SAINZ AND RUSSELL MAKE CONTACT!! Russell went to try and take position back from Sainz and clips him as he does so, and Sainz is furious on the radio!!!

Lap 1 and Leclerc has already fought his way into the points, overtaking Bearman!

PIASTRI

No further investigation between Russell and Sainz. Guessing James Vowles may have to deal with that internally later, but no punishment on the track.

Leclerc already finding his way through the pack as he gets ahead of Pourchaire! He's up to 9th!

Russell overtakes Tsunoda and is back to P2!

Sainz struggling with some damage from that incident with his teammate, he's behind Verstappen!

Leclerc ahead of Ocon and into 8th!

(LEC) "Woo hoo!"

(BOZ) "This is lovely stuff Charles, keep it up"

Verstappen up to 3rd ahead of Tsunoda!

Leclerc overtakes O'Ward for P7! He's having to defend into Turn 1, but he does so.

Norris now ahead of Tsunoda!

Leclerc has gone from 13th to 6th within about 5 laps. He overtakes Tsunoda for position!

RUSSELL

(BOZ) "Next up, Norris P6, 1.1...make that 0.6."

(LEC) "Copy"

Sainz fights back and overtakes Verstappen for third and is chasing Russell!

Leclerc down the outside of Norris into Turn 3, and that's P5 for Charles Leclerc!

Sainz is back into 2nd! That had to feel good after earlier!

LECLERC

Verstappen ahead of Russell now and into 3rd!

(BON) "So head down, let's build that gap up to Verstappen."

(PIA) "What is the gap just now?"

(BON) "3.2. Last lap time, you, 22.067, Verstappen, 21.916."

(PIA) "That Subaru's surprisingly quick"

Sainz however doesn't agree and retakes position from Verstappen!

Lap 11: Piastri, Sainz, Verstappen, Russell, Leclerc, Norris, Pourchaire, Tsunoda, Ocon, Herta, O'Ward, Antonelli, Bearman, Pérez, Bottas, Maloney, Colapinto, Gasly, Lawson, Hadjar, Ricciardo, Bortoleto

Russell goes ahead of Verstappeb! Both Red Bulls on the podium right now!

(LEC) "I'm struggling a lot in the main straight, we are losing a lot of time there"

(BOZ) "Copy, do what you can in the corners"

Russell going for the overtake on Sainz, Russell gets it done!!! Sainz going for the overtake in return going into the next corner...SAINZ LOCKS UP!!! SAINZ GOES PLOWING INTO RUSSELL!!!! BOTH RED BULLS ARE IN THE WALL!!! IT IS A SAFETY CAR, AND BOTH RED BULLS ARE OUT OF THIS RACE!!!

SAFETY CAR CALLED

Well, if James Vowles didn't have a job to do internally before, he certainly does now. Russell and Sainz both out of this race as the Red Bulls collide. Russell is, understandably upset, Sainz not happy either!

(BON) "Safety Car, Safety Car. The two Red Bulls in the wall. Both okay."

(PIA) "F---ing hell, wasn't expecting that. Can we box?"

(BON) "Yeah, box this lap"

(BOZ) "And Safety Car, Safety Car. Sainz and Russell out of the race."

(LEC) "Yeah I saw that happen, f---. Are they okay?"

(BOZ) "They're both okay. We will be boxing this lap."

(LEC) "Good. Copy, box"

PITSTOPS: Every single car left on the circuit is in! Piastri gets a 2.440 stop, Ferrari's double stack works perfectly, LECLERC AHEAD OF VERSTAPPEN IN THE PITS AFTER A 2.140. Norris out of the pitlane fourth, Then Tsunoda, Ocon, PÉREZ IS SEVENTH AND O'WARD EIGHTH! COLAPINTO NINTH! ALL CHANGE HERE!

Lap 13, under SC: Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Tsunoda, Ocon, Pérez, O'Ward, Colapinto, Bottas, Herta, Pourchaire, Antonelli, Bearman, Gasly, Hadjar, Lawson, Maloney, Ricciardo, Bortoleto. Russell and Sainz out of the race.

CAR 55 (SAINZ) - CAUSING A COLLISION WITH CAR 63 (RUSSELL)

If it wasn't bad enough for Red Bull, Sainz will now have a penalty next weekend in Austin.

WE GO RACING AGAIN ON LAP 15

Tsunoda and Gasly on the Mediums.

Everyone else on the Hards.

CHARLES LECLERC GOES FOR THE OVERTAKE AND CHARLES LECLERC, WHO STARTED P13, LEADS THIS RACE!!!

VERSTAPPEN GOES FOR THE OVERTAKE AND PUSHES PIASTRI WIDE!!! PIASTRI GOES OFF THE SIDE, AVOIDS THE BARRIER, BUT REJOINS P5!

(PIA) "Yep, move of a World Champion, that one"

MALONEY LOCKS UP AND TAKES HIMSELF, AND ISACK HADJAR, INTO THE BARRIER!!! THEIR RACES ARE OVER, SAFETY CAR CALLED!!!

SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED

Just a rookie error from Maloney. Misjudged that corner, and it cost him, and Hadjar, the rest of this race. Thankfully both are okay.

CAR 72 (MALONEY) - CAUSING A COLLISION WITH CAR 6 (HADJAR)

No shock there. Grid Penalty for Maloney in Austin as well.

Lap 17, under SC: Leclerc, Verstappen, Norris, Pérez, Piastri, Tsunoda, Colapinto, Ocon, Bottas, O'Ward, Pourchaire, Herta, Antonelli, Gasly, Bearman, Lawson, Ricciardo, Bortoleto. Hadjar, Maloney, Russell and Sainz out of the race.

A short delay as we go racing again on Lap 18!

Leclerc away well here, Verstappen next, Norris challenging his former teammate, Pérez holding off Piastri, then Tsunoda, Colapinto and Ocon have a hell of a chance now, Bottas 9th, O'Ward 10th!

The roles have reversed for Leclerc and Piastri now today, Leclerc running ahead, Piastri making his way through the pack. Piastri now up to 4th!

(BON) "P3 now! So drop temp on the rears if you can. Such an awesome job, mate!"

Piastri ahead of Norris, and now pushing Verstappen for P2!

Leclerc about 4.6 ahead now.

TSUNODA

Tsunoda overtakes Norris for 4th!

Tsunoda finding some pace and he's up to 3rd ahead of Piastri!!

Tsunoda overtakes Verstappen for 2nd! Verstappen has been caught napping here as Piastri also goes down the inside of him for 3rd!

(BOZ) "Tsunoda 2.9 behind. He's P2. You're managing the tyres well, keep it up."

Looks like Leclerc and Piastri are managing the tyres right now. Ferrari only have Softs left remaining to them, meaning these Hards have to last another 25-30 laps to not have to pit twice.

Bottas fighting his way through the pack, he's up to seventh.

Neither Pérez nor O'Ward in the points right now. Pérez 11th, O'Ward 13th.

Bottas overtakes Norris for 6th! What an opportunity Aston have today - with Red Bull guaranteed to score nothing, they could make a huge gain on them already.

Piastri on the attack on Tsunoda, and he has DRS...PIASTRI THROUGH AND INTO P2!

(BON) "Very well executed. Charles in front, gap is now 3.1."

Bottas ahead of Ocon for P5! With Tsunoda now down to 3rd, they needed that!

Lap 31: Leclerc, Piastri, Tsunoda, Verstappen, Bottas, Ocon, Pourchaire, Norris, Gasly, Colapinto, O'Ward, Pérez, Herta, Bearman, Lawson, Antonelli, Ricciardo, Bortoleto.

HERTA SPINS OFF AT THE FIRST CORNER!!! He's lost three positions there, he's down to 16th behind Bearman, Lawson and Antonelli!

Mercedes have looked incredibly off the pace today. That won't help.

A big cheer from the home fans as O'Ward gets past Colapinto and into the points!

Pourchaire ahead of Bottas and Ocon! Subaru have looked really quick today!

Tsunoda pushing Piastri again and Tsunoda regains second!!

PITSTOP: First of the second stops happening AND GASLY HAS A MASSIVE DELAY!!! THEY CANNOT GET THE FRONT RIGHT OFF, AND THAT MIGHT HAVE WRECKED HIS RACE!!! He has taken Softs, that was OVER TEN SECONDS. WOW. He's down to 18th, and on Softs - he'll probably have to pit again. Completely compromised his afternoon.

Piastri regains position on Tsunoda! A lovely move down the inside, job done. He's back to P2!

Bortoleto runs wide!!

PITSTOP: Tsunoda makes his second stop and he's also going onto the Softs! This has to be a three stop strategy!

Now 2.7 between Leclerc and Piastri.

Tsunoda running 8th, he's likely going to have to stop a third time today though with 30 laps remaining now.

TSUNODA

Tsunoda is quickly making his way up the order here. A lot of runners starting to struggle on the Hards, particularly his teammate, Bottas. Wouldn't surprise me if team orders come into play here...and they do. Bottas moves out the way, Tsunoda up to 4th.

PITSTOPS: Bottas in for Hards, Bearman in for Mediums on Lap 45. They should both make it to the end.

PITSTOP: Pourchaire in, he also takes a medium and that wasn't a particularly quick stop by Subaru!

Tsunoda ahead of Verstappen and into third!

PITSTOP: O'Ward is in and onto the Mediums! He takes the Mediums and comes out in P14.

TSUNODA INTO P2! He overtakes Piastri, who is struggling a lot on the old Hards!

TSUNODA IS PUSHING LECLERC! TSUNODA GOES FOR THE LEAD, YUKI TSUNODA LEADS THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX!!!

PITSTOP: Norris in and onto the Softs! Lap 48 seems to be the earliest switch to Softs...how will they hold up?

(BOZ) "Box Charles, box this lap"

(LEC) "Copy, box"

PITSTOPS: LECLERC IN ON LAP 49. He's taking fresh Softs, a 2.339 stop, and he will rejoin in 4th! Verstappen and Ocon both in too for Softs, as is Antonelli!

(BON) "And we will box this lap, Oscar. Box this lap."

(PIA) "Yeah, box."

PITSTOP: Piastri in! He's onto the Softs and that's a 2.309 stop!

As it stands - Aston Martin are running a 1-2. Incredible scenes.

If Aston pit Tsunoda, he'd come out about 6 seconds behind Leclerc and 2 behind Piastri - but have the tyre advantage going into the last few laps. They cannot afford too wait too long here. This is an incredible chance for them.

The 1-2 is no more though! Leclerc overtakes Bottas and is back into 2nd.

PITSTOP: And Aston Martin do exactly that! Tsunoda is in on Lap 52 and onto the Softs...it wasn't the quickest time however! He re-enters in 4th, 9 seconds behind Leclerc!

Ocon up ahead of Herta and into 9th! For all we were saying about Merc - they're running P8 and P10 right now, although Herta is struggling on his tyres.

Baku 2026 was Haas' last points finish. That long, long wait looks like it might come to an end, at last, today.

Piastri chasing down Bottas, he goes for the overtake, Ferrari have their 1-2 back!

PITSTOPS: Herta into the pitlane with 15 laps to go for Softs. Good pitstop, but will it be enough time for a recovery? Pérez also in for a new set of Softs. Herta P13, Pérez P16.

PIASTRI

(BOZ) "How's the tyres?"

(LEC) "Yeah, they're OK. Should make it to the line"

We could have one final twist here- Piastri has closed the gap to 1.6 to Leclerc! After all this, could we have a race for the win?

Lap 63: Leclerc, Piastri, Bottas, Tsunoda, Verstappen, Norris, Pourchaire, Ocon, Bearman, O'Ward, Gasly, Herta, Antonelli, Colapinto, Lawson, Pérez, Ricciardo, Bortoleto

Gasly going for P10 and he takes position from O'Ward! The home fans did not like that one, but this could be a much needed points for Gasly!

Ocon up to seventh! He overtakes Pourchaire!

Leclerc still 2.1 ahead of Piastri.

Tsunoda hasn't really gained time since changing onto the new set of Softs, he remains in P4, behind Bottas.

VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR

With four laps remaining, Bortoleto, a lap down, spins off and hits the barrier! He's okay, but that's the second race in a row he will not finish! Because he was midway through lap 67, and 95% of 71 is 67.45, he will just be classified, five laps down. Just.

WE ARE RACING AGAIN WITH TWO LAPS LEFT.

LAST LAP

A chaotic, entertaining, absolute mess of a race is coming to its conclusion, and it is going to be career win number 63 for Charles Leclerc. An incredible effort, a wonderful race, from P13 to P1, CHARLES LECLERC WINS THE MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX!!! IT IS P2 FOR OSCAR PIASTRI, VALTTERI BOTTAS TAKES P3! Tsunoda fourth, Verstappen fifth, then Norris sixth, GASLY UP TO SEVENTH ON THE LAST LAP, OCON TAKES HAAS' FIRST POINTS SINCE AZERBAIJAN 2026!!! Bearman P9, Pourchaire P10!

(BOZ) "P13 to P1, incredible, incredible! What a drive Charles, what a drive!"

(LEC) "Yesssss! Let's f---ing goooooo! COME ON!!!! Ahhh...that, that was an interesting race, that was a great race for us. Strategy was perfect. Thank you guys. Thank you."

(BOZ) "Incredible work today."

(BON) "And P2, Oscar. Really good drive today, unlucky not to win that, but great points and another podium."

(PIA) "Yeah, that was fun! Really good job, even not getting the win, but yeah. Still happy."

(BON) "Long way to go and we're well in this."

2029 MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX
RACE CLASSIFICATION

1. Charles Leclerc 1.40.34
2. Oscar Piastri +2.541
3. Valtteri Bottas +5.742
4. Yuki Tsunoda +7.933
5. Max Verstappen +16.975
6. Lando Norris +28.603
7. Pierre Gasly +40.645
8. Esteban Ocon +41.459
9. Oliver Bearman +44.041
10. Théo Pourchaire +47.120
11. Pato O'Ward +50.757
12. Colton Herta +52.392
13. Andrea Kimi Antonelli +69.367
14. Franco Colapinto +69.985
15. Liam Lawson +70.705
16. Sergio Pérez +1 lap
17. Daniel Ricciardo +1 lap
18. Gabriel Bortoleto DNF (+5 laps)
19. Isack Hadjar DNF
20. Zane Maloney DNF
21. George Russell DNF
22. Carlos Sainz DNF

Oscar Piaatri 1.17.816
Oliver Bearman 2.102
Charles Leclerc

DRIVER OF THE DAY: CHARLES LECLERC

An astonishing drive from the World Champion to take his second win of the season, going from P13 on the grid to the top step of the podium, battling his teammate and both Aston Martins in the process. A superb race, Charles Leclerc is your Driver of the Day!

Top Five: Leclerc, Bottas, Ocon, Gasly, Tsunoda

2029 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

🇲🇨 Leclerc 70
🇦🇺 Piastri 64
🇯🇵 Tsunoda 35
🇫🇮 Bottas 35
🇪🇸 Sainz 26
🇳🇱 Verstappen 18
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Norris 16
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Russell 12
🇺🇸 Herta 11
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Bearman 7
🇫🇷 Gasly 6
🇫🇷 Ocon 4
🇲🇽 O'Ward 4
🇫🇷 Pourchaire 1
🇮🇹 Antonelli 0
🇳🇿 Lawson 0
🇦🇷 Colapinto 0
🇫🇷 Hadjar 0
🇧🇧 Maloney 0
🇲🇽 Pérez 0
🇦🇺 Ricciardo 0
🇧🇷 Bortoleto 0

2029 FIA FORMULA 1 WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Ferrari 134
Aston Martin-Honda 70
Red Bull-Ford 38
McLaren-Mercedes 22
Subaru-Honda 19
Mercedes 18
Haas-Ferrari 4
Audi 4
Williams-Ferrari 0
Alpine-Mercedes 0
Andretti-Ford 0

2029 WORLD TYRES CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgestone 175
Pirelli 112
Goodyear 22

DHL FASTEST PITSTOP COMPETITION 2029

Ferrari 46
Red Bull 44
McLaren 43
Aston Martin 36
Mercedes 27
Alpine 24
Audi 22
Subaru 22
Williams 22
Andretti 17
Haas 0

FIA ANNOUNCE MINOR TECHNICAL CHANGES FOR 2030

Some slight technical changes will be added for the 2030 season, with new limits on wing size to be introduced for next year.

This will predominantly affect the DRS as well as Cornering, with a 30% reduction on high speed, 20% on medium speed, and 10% on high speed. DRS Delta will also be reduced 10%.

Changes to airflow were voted down by the team, as well as Low to High being 30% to 10%.

High Speed: Ferrari, Red Bull, Alpine, Williams, Andretti, Audi, Aston Martin
Low Speed: McLaren, Mercedes, Haas, Subaru

[foggy locust]

UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2029
WEEKEND PREVIEW

Well, after three absolutely thrilling races to start the 2029 Formula 1 season, we head to Austin, Texas, for the United States Grand Prix - a race that was nearly axed from the calendar, but saved at the last minute. What will Round 4 bring us?

LAST TIME AROUND

Pure chaos in Mexico City, as Charles Leclerc went from 13th to 1st, the Red Bulls collided and brought out a Safety Car, Isack Hadjar and Zane Maloney collided and immediately brought out another one, Aston Martin were running 1-2 for a little bit and took massive advantage of Red Bull’s crash to finish 3-4, McLaren took double points, Subaru took double points, and Haas finally score points for the first time in two and a half years. A race for the ages in Mexico City, and one that leaves the Championship finely poised.

THE CIRCUIT

It very nearly didn't happen, and for a while we were looking at no US Grand Prix - aside from the season ending Vegas - this year, before Indianapolis was put on standby, but a one year deal that is still to be reviewed after this season saved the US Grand Prix at COTA for this season. The Circuit of the Americas is located upon 1,500 acres just outside downtown Austin, Texas, and has hosted the United States Grand Prix since it returned to the calendar in 2012 - with an absence in the shortened 2020 season, ironically replacing Indianapolis, which nearly replaced it for this year. The 5.513km Circuit is known for being tough on tyrewear, however for the second year in a row, we are expecting rain on race day in Austin. COTA 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. Featuring 20 turns and 2 DRS Zones, the lap is one of the longer of the season, and those two DRS Zones are prime overtaking spots, although may not be factored in this Sunday.

STORYLINES WE ARE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND

HOW WILL AMERICA'S DRIVER DO THIS WEEKEND

Colton Herta has had an interesting few seasons at the Circuit of the Americas. It was a track that he was familiar with from his days in IndyCar, and he tended to perform well here in that discipline, but his debut here in 2027 saw a nightmare performance with Andretti that saw him spin out on the first few laps, and struggle to a P20 finish. Last year in his first race around here for Mercedes, he righted that wrong and took himself to a P6 finish. Now he arrives here with expectations, as Mercedes are bringing upgrades in order to challenge at the very top this coming weekend. Herta had two podiums last season, at Silverstone and Zandvoort, but can he become the first American driver to stand on the podium in the US since Eddie Cheever took third for Arrows in 1989?

CONTRASTING FORTUNES FOR AMERICA'S TEAMS GOING INTO THEIR FIRST HOME RACE OF THE YEAR

Haas and Andretti both had absolutely shocking seasons last year, with both finishing last and second last respectively, Haas failing to score a point for the second season in a row, Andretti only taking two points total, a single points finish for Daniel Ricciardo, P9 at Monza. However to start the year the two teams have had very contrasting fortunes. Haas have started this season strong, and after two close calls finishing P11, finally secured their first points since Azerbaijan 2026, and have looked very solid in qualifying, with Esteban Ocon having three Q3s in three races. The pressure is on Franco Colapinto to help out on the points front though as he goes through his contract season. As for Andretti, 2029 has been a real struggle so far, with Daniel Ricciardo finishing last in every race so far, and Gabriel Bortoleto crashing out of two of the three - and finishing second last in Melbourne. Andretti look like the slowest car on the grid and it may be a tough weekend them - it may be up to Haas to bring home some home points.

LECLERC UP TWO-ONE: IS THE TITLE FIGHT EXCLUSIVELY FERRARI'S AGAIN?

Defending Constructors Champions Ferrari entered this season as comfortable favourites, and although Aston Martin ran them closer than expected in China, it still ended in the third 1-2 of the season for the Scuderia. It wasn't as easy as all that, with that aforementioned Aston Martin challenge, as well as Charles Leclerc starting P13 and going on to win the race, Oscar Piastri taking second from a Pole start - no driver has won from Pole so far this season. Leclerc is six points up on Piastri in the Championship fight after three races, while Yuki Tsunoda is third with 35 points - half of Leclerc's 70 points. Is the title fight exclusive to the two Ferrari drivers this year, or can one of the Aston, Red Bull, Mercedes or even McLaren drivers, or Max Verstappen for that matter at Subaru, put in a challenge to Leclerc and Piastri in the title fight? And how will it go between Leclerc and Piastri this weekend?

And so we head to the Circuit of the Americas for Round 4 of the 2029 Formula 1 season. After three thrilling races already, rain expected on the Sunday, and some real drama up and down the grid, one thing’s for certain - you won't want to miss it.

FP1 Reserves: Bennett (Norris), Afonso (Gasly), Grant (Sainz), Miní (Pérez), Martins (Hadjar)

It is mostly young drivers getting FP1 experience today at COTA for the reserves, but Martins is in play at Williams and is being assessed as an option if Antonelli doesn't stay at the team. Kimi of course has bet on himself with a one year deal at the Grove aide.

FP1: LEC PIA TSU

Leclerc quickest in FP1 ahead of Piastri vy just 0.079. Bottas 0.171 back, with Tsunoda four tenths back in fourth. Ocon fifth and Russell sixth, with Verstappen and Pourchaire P7 and P8. Maloney and Bennett complete the top ten.

FP2: VER PIA LEC

Verstappen quickest in the second of Friday's sessions, with Piastri less than a tenth ahead of Leclerc. Herta 4th and Ocon 5th, while Pourchaire took sixth. Bearman and Bottas 7th and 8th, Hadjar and Norris 9th and 10th.

FP3: PIA NOR VER
LEC P4

Piastri quickest from Norris and Verstappen in the final practice before qualifying. Leclerc in at P4, 2 tenths down on Piastri, with Pourchaire 5th. Bottas, Russell and O'Ward follow, Tsunoda and Sainz complete the top ten.

Practice summary: Ferrari are probably quickest so far, but Subaru have shown some real pace. Aston Martin, Red Bull and McLaren having some moments as well. Could be some qualifying.