Jordan's Track Talk

Category: Formula One

  • Russell & Antonelli confirmed as Mercedes line-up

    George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will form Mercedes’ Formula 1 driver line-up for the 2026 season, the team have announced.

    The eight-time World Champions have opted to stick with Russell and Antonelli, who are both products of the team’s junior programme and have guided the Silver Arrows to P2 in the Teams’ Championship with three race weekends to go.

    Russell was promoted to the works team in 2022, after three years at Williams, and has since clinched five Grands Prix wins, the latest of which came at Singapore.

    Next year will be his eighth in F1 and 10th campaign for Mercedes, having joined their junior programme in 2017.

    Rookie Antonelli has had some big peaks this year, including Sprint pole in Miami, a podium in Canada, where he became the youngest podium finisher in F1 history and podium in Sao Paulo, but also endured a difficult run through the European leg of the season.

    Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if. We wanted to take our time, handle the negotiations properly and make sure everyone, on all sides, was happy. I’m pleased we have done that. George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we’re excited to continue our journey together. Our focus is now on the final six races of the year, as we fight for second in the Constructors’, and onwards to 2026 and a new era in F1.
    Wolff on the news.

    I am really proud to be continuing our journey together. Next year will mark my 10th since I signed with Mercedes back in 2017. It has been such a long and successful partnership with the team so far and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead, particularly as we embark on one of the largest regulation changes in the sport’s history next year. We are all incredibly focused on making that a success and, for me personally, building on what has been my strongest season in F1 to date.
    Russell on the news.

    I’m super excited to be continuing with the team. I’ve learnt so much in my first season in F1, both in the good moments and the more challenging ones. Those have all made me stronger, not only as a driver but as a team mate too. I want to say thank you to Toto and everyone at Brackley and Brixworth for their continued support and faith in me. Our focus now is to finish this year strongly and secure second in the Constructors’ Championship, before we then turn our full attention to 2026. There’s plenty for us still to achieve in these final six races and we will be giving it our all.
    Antonelli on the news.

  • R21 – Sao Paulo

    Lando Norris has further extended his championship lead after claiming victory in a gripping Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with the McLarn driver leading Mercdes’ Kimi Antonelli home while Max Verstappen put in a remarkable comeback to finish on the podium after starting from the pit lane.

    After making a good start from pole position, Norris continued to lead amid a hectic first few laps, with a Safety Car being deployed following a crash into the barriers for Kick Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto at the Brazilian’s home race.

    A Virtual Safety Car was then deployed after the restart due to another incident in which Oscar Piastri locked up and hit Antonelli, sending the Mercedes into Charles Leclerc who was forced to retire his damaged Ferrari from the race.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Norris, P2: Antonelli, P3: Verstappen, P4: Russell, P5: Piastri, P6: Bearman, P7: Lawson, P8: Hadjar, P9: Hulkenberg and P10: Gasly.

    What a dominant weekend for Norris, P1 across all the sessions this weekend, no-one came close to challenging him. If he wins this championship it will be down to this weekend, as he excelled, whereas the other contenders had a lot of work to do.
    A bit of a meh result for Piastri, P5 not a great result at all, especially when his teammate done so well.

    What a result for Antonelli, his stepped up this weekend and as a result got his career best finish! He will be happy with this weekend and so will the team in the battle for P2 in the Constructors!
    As for his teammate, Russell finished 4th, a great result again this weekend, lots of points grabbed.

    P3 for Verstappen, what a drive for the Dutchman, from starting in the pitlane to finishing on the podium, a big championship drive and it could make all the difference in where he finishes at the end of the season.

    P6 for Bearman, a lovely drive from the Haas driver, two really good weekends in a row for the Brit. Very good for Haas in the constructors, they are two points away from Aston Martin and 12 points away from Racing Bulls in 6th.

    Talking of Racing Bulls, a double points finish for them! A really good showing from the team after a couple of rough race weekends in a row.

    A weekend to forget for Ferrari… Leclerc DNF as he got the repercussions from the Antonelli/Piastri fumble at the restart. Hamilton was a DNF too as he had some damage from early on in the race and retired in the pitlane.

    Now we only have three races left of the 2025 season and our next stop is Las Vegas! On the 20th to 22nd November…

  • R21 – Sao Paulo Sprint Qualifying

    Lando Norris put in an impressive lap to take pole position during Sprint Qualifying at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the Brit beating Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and the other McLaren of Oscar Piastri to seal P1.

    After setting a benchmark with his banker lap during SQ3, Norris went even quicker with his final effort of 1m 09.243, a time that proved unbeatable to his rivals. Antonelli was the closest challenger, the Silver Arrows racer 0.097s behind as he took the other spot on the front row.

    Despite showing good pace during Friday, Piastri had to settle for third, while George Russell added to a decent day for Mercedes in fourth.
    The full top 10 are- Pole: Norris, P2: Antonelli, P3: Piastri, P4: Russell, P5: Alonso, P6: Verstappen, P7: Stroll, P8: Leclerc, P9: Hadjar and P10: Hulkenberg.

    A lovely result for Norris! Just what he would’ve wanted going into this weekend and the best place to start considering the ever changing weather at São Paulo. As for Piastri, a decent result in P3 still lots to play for!

    P2 for Antonelli!! Love to see it! The Mercedes is known for being good around this track so it’s not that surprising but a great result for the Italian! George Russell added to their great result with a P4! They will be looking to score big points and a few podiums this weekend.

    P5 for Alonso! I didn’t expect that going into this weekend, but with the past few cars I’ve mentioned, they’ve all got one thing in common… Mercedes Powertrains. So clearly they are doing very well, and have good performance at the minute.

    Not the best result for Verstappen but still in the fight, P6 for the Dutchman a little bit further back than his title contenders but anything can happen at São Paulo!

    Not the best day for the Ferrari’s, Leclerc P8 and Hamilton P11. It was said that they have set their car up differently to more focus on overall performance and not just one lap.

  • R21 – Tyre Selection

    A fortnight on from the previous round, Formula 1 returns to the American continent for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The Brazilian weekend features the penultimate Sprint, prior to the final one of the season in Qatar.

    The circuit named in honour of Brazilian racer Jose Carlos Pace is 4.309 kilometres long.
    The layout at Interlagos is interesting, with hints of an anti-clockwise oval circuit, which the drivers deal with 71 times in the race.

    It boasts 15 corners with relatively balanced lateral and longitudinal forces that do not put any undue strain on the tyres, as they are subjected to loads distributed equally between the front and rear axles.

    The combination of several straights and much twistier sections offers plenty of overtaking opportunities, although it also means there’s a higher risk of Safety Cars and incidents.

    At this time of the year, the weather and temperature can be very variable, with a risk of frequent rain and the inevitable use of wet weather tyres.

    This year’s compound selection for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix harks back to 2023, with the C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium), C4 (Soft), therefore one step harder than the trio used last year.

    Last year, the dry weather tyres were not required for the race, but when used on Friday and Saturday, they showed high levels of wear, as well as graining, especially on the rear axle.

    The circuit had been completely resurfaced, thus leaving a very smooth surface, less abrasive than in previous years, although still with plenty of bumps around the track.

    Last year, qualifying and the race both took place on Sunday, with bad weather forecast, the race director decided to run qualifying at 07.30 as well as bringing the Grand Prix start time forward to 12.30.
    Dry weather tyres were never used at any time during the day.

  • Dunne departs from McLaren’s Development Programme

    McLaren have announced that they have ended their contract with Driver Development Programme member Alex Dunne.

    Irish racer Dunne – who is currently competing in his debut Formula 2 campaign for Rodin Motorsport – joined McLaren’s programme in May 2024 and went on to participate in two Free Practice 1 sessions for the squad at this year’s Austrian and Italian Grand Prix.

    However, McLaren have now confirmed that the partnership has come to an end, with the Woking-based team realising a statement on the news.

    Dunne currently sits in fifth place of the Formula 2 Drivers’ Standings with two rounds of the championship remaining.

    The 19 year old claimed his debut win in the category with victory at the Sakhir Feature Race in April before following this up with a second triumph at Imola during Round 4.

    From today I’ve mutually decided to part ways with the McLaren Driver Development programme. I’d like to thank every individual at McLaren that has helped me develop and improve as a driver, To have my first opportunity to drive an F1 car followed by two FP1 sessions is something I’ll always hold very close to my heart, I wish them all the best for the future. Thank you Papaya family. Still two important rounds left to focus on this year, very excited for what’s to come.
    Dunne on the news.

  • R20 – Tyre Selection

    Formula 1’s America journey continues with a trip south for the Mexico City Grand Prix, one week on from the round in Austin.
    As usual, the atmosphere inside the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will be electrifying because of the exuberance of the fans who pack the grandstands in the spectacular Foro Solo stadium section.

    The race is run over 71 laps of the 4.304 kilometres of Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez which boasts 17 corners.
    Its main peculiarity is its altitude, which at over 2,200 metres above sea level means the air is very rarefield. Therefore the cars generate less downforce making car set-up and technical management particularly demanding for the teams.

    The main straight is over 1.2 kilometres long, on which the cars reach very high top speeds, partly down to the minimal downforce. The track surface is very smooth and at the start of the weekend does not provide much grip, as it does not get used much.

    As was the case in Austin last weekend, for the Mexican round there is again a jump in the compound selection between the hardest of the three and the medium.

    While the Medium and Soft are the C4 and C5 respectively, as in 2024, the Hard will now the C2. For the Mexico City track, this compound is an extremely conservative choice, with a considerable delta in terms of lap time compared to the other two, while also offering less grip.

    Last year, the soft only came into play in qualifying and then in the race, only in an attempt to secure the extra point for setting the fastest lap, but now the scenario could change considerably.

    In 2024, all drivers, except Sergio Perez, adopted a one-stop strategy last year. Most started on the medium compound, while six driver, all of whom went on to finish outside the top eleven, preferred the hard for the first stint.

  • Jak Crawford to make FP1 debut

    United States racer Jak Crawford will make his Formula 1 weekend debut at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix when he gets a rookie run-out for Aston Martin.

    Crawford will take over the AMR25 of Lance Stroll during Free Practice 1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, in one of the team’s four mandated rookie outings for 2025.

    Crawford is currently P2 in the Formula 2 standings – while the Houston, Texas born driver has a wealth of experience in F1 machinery, having racked up over 2,000km of testing in various Aston Martin F1 cars, as well as being a regular in the team’s simulator at their Silverstone headquarters.

    Crawford is not the only rookie taking part in the FP1 sessions, with nine different rookies taking part.

    I’m thrilled to drive the AMR25 next week in Mexico for my first official Formula One session. I’ve worked closely with the team all year, so to now take the next step and get track time on a Grand Prix weekend is really exciting. Announcing this in Texas, where I’m from, makes it even more special after a busy week with the team and Aramco in Houston.
    Crawford on the news.

    It’s fantastic to give Jak the opportunity to take part in FP1 in Mexico. He’s shown real maturity and provided strong technical feedback throughout the year, and these sessions are an important part of how we develop young talent. Jak has had a strong season in Formula 2 and has been a key contributor to the development of both the AMR25 and AMR26. This is a great chance for him to continue progressing while helping us gather valuable data.
    Andy Cowell, CEO and Team Principal of Aston Martin.

  • Luke Browning to make FP1 outing

    F2 title contender and Williams Racing Academy Driver, Luke Browning will take part in the first practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix.

    Browning will be taking over the wheel of Carlos Sainz’s FW47 for the opening 60 minute session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, fulfilling the third of four mandated rookie driver runs for Williams this year.

    It is set to mark his second outing in Williams’ 2025 challenger following an FP1 appearance in Bahrain earlier this year, which came after Browning’s F1 practice debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

    He has also driven the FW45 extensively in the squad’s TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme, while providing additional support through simulator development work.

    Browning is currently involved in a close fight for the F2 title, holding third in the standings on 161 points with two rounds to go – behind Aston Martin development driver Jak Crawford on 169 points and leader Leonardo Fornaroli on 188 points.

    I’m hugely grateful to be given another chance to drive in a free practice session with Williams and to experience the FW47 for a second time. I’ve been working hard to prepare for the session so I can make the most of this amazing opportunity and help the team plan for the race weekend ahead. I can’t wait to get back into an F1 car and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone in the Driver Academy and at Williams for their trust and support.
    Browning on the news.

    Luke has had a strong season in Formula 2 so far, consistently showing his pace across a range of circuits and racing conditions. He has continued to support the team through his simulator work and the TPC programme, preparing him well for his next free practice session. We look forward to seeing him take to the track in Mexico as he continues to build his experience as a Williams Racing Academy Driver.
    Sven Smeets, Williams’ Sporting Director.

  • R19 – United States

    Max Verstappen has claimed a dominant victory at the United States Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver converting pole position into a commanding win while Lando Norris beat Charles Leclerc to second place in a thrilling duel between the pair.

    It had been a strong start to the race for Verstappen, the Dutchman holding the lead from pole position while the rest of the field got through Turn 1 much more cleanly than during Saturday’s action-packed Sprint.

    Though questions remained in the early stages over strategy choices, all of the field opted for a one-stop plan – and this worked smoothly for Verstappen, who remained in P1 after his stop.
    And while he had to nurse his soft tyres home in the latter stages, the reining World Champion crossed the line with a margin of 7.959s to seal his fifth Grand Prix triumph of the season.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Verstappen, P2: Norris, P3: Leclerc, P4: Hamilton, P5: Piastri, P6: Russell, P7: Tsunoda, P8: Hulkenberg, P9: Bearman and P10: Alonso.

    What a result for Max Verstappen! A perfect weekend for the Dutchman, a dominant display which was needed in the fight for the Drivers’ Championship, if he keeps going the way his going, McLaren are going to be in BIG trouble…

    P2 for Norris, a good race for him, it made up for his disappoint Sprint Race. He had a nice little battle with Leclerc, but it does make you think if he didn’t loose that position at the beginning of the race, would he of battled for the win with Max?
    As for the Championship leader, a weekend to forget for him, Piastri finished fifth, but he just didn’t seem to have any pace at all.

    P3 and P4 for the Ferrari’s, Leclerc back on the podium! And a good showing for Hamilton in 4th. They both had a better race than the Sprint, they obviously set their car up for the race rather than the Sprint which they’ve done before.

    A bit of a setback for the Mercedes of George Russell, P6 for him, again it didn’t seem like he had any pace in the race but the Sprint he did. A disappointing race for Antonelli, he got tagged by Sainz early on in the race, and he had to battle his way up the field.

    Another points finish for Bearman, he has found something which just works at the minute and he is getting rewarded with points.

    Not a good race for Williams, a DNF for Sainz after he got tangled with Antonelli and then for Albon he got spun round and had to work his way up to finish 14th.

    Now we don’t have to wait too long for the next race weekend, as it’s Round 20 this weekend and we head to Mexico!

    It was an unbelievable weekend for us. I knew that the race was not going to be super forward. If you look at the whole race, the pace between myself and Lando was really close. Just in that first stint was where we made the difference and I could eke out a bit of a gap, which is basically what we kept to the end. It wasn’t easy to manage the tyres for most of the stints, but we kept it in the lead and I’m just incredibly proud of everyone to be able to deliver a weekend like this.
    Verstappen on the win.

  • R19 – United States Sprint

    Max Verstappen has taken victory in a dramatic Sprint at the United States Grand Prix that saw both McLaren drivers retired on the opening lap after being caught up in a Turn 1 drama.

    While Verstappen led cleanly away from pole position, the McLaren of Oscar Piastri was tagged by Nico Hulkenberg’s Kick Sauber into the first corner, which the sent the Australian into team mate Lando Norris.

    This put both of the papaya’s cars out of the running, while Hulkenberg dropped down the order after sustaining damage. But there was no such trouble for Verstappen, who handled a challenge from Mercedes’ George Russell and two Safety Car phases – to win the Sprint.

    The point scorers are- P1: Verstappen, P2: Russell, P3: Sainz, P4: Hamilton, P5: Leclerc, P6: Albon, P7: Tsunoda, P8: Antonelli.

    A lovely result for Verstappen, he has now closed in 8 points closer to the McLaren boys, as their double DNF went in the Dutchman’s favour.
    The Red Bull car definitely seemed to have improved especially in recent races, which is good for the team and Max as they now look to score as many points as possible for the Drivers’ Championship.

    A lovely result for George! He was close to Max at one point but after the lock-up from both drivers going off track too, his tyres were done. But still a good bunch of points for himself and the team.

    P3 for Mr Carlos Sainz, a lovely little result for the Williams driver, he kept out of trouble and kept his head down and was rewarded with a 3rd position.
    As for his teammate, Albon had a good Sprint, P6 for him. So overall very good for Williams.

    As for the Ferrari’s a good Sprint for them! P4 for Hamilton and P5 for Leclerc, they seem to be having some pace this weekend, they’ve started it off really well with a good amount of points to their names.

    A Sprint to forget for McLaren, unfortunate for Norris to get tagged by Piastri but it also wasn’t Piastri’s fault either. They will be looking to score some good points tomorrow.

    I mean, the start was good. Then, of course, there was the Safety Car because of the Turn 1 incident, and it took a few laps after the Safety Car to have decent pace, so we need to try to figure out what was going on there. Nevertheless, we won the Sprint, which is the most important thing. Looking for tomorrow, I do think we need to be a bit better in race trim to be able to fight the McLarens, because we haven’t seen anything from them.
    Verstappen on the news.

  • R18 – Singapore

    George Russell has claimed a dominant victory in the Singapore Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver converting pole position into a flawless win ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, while McLaren scored enough points to seal the 2025 Teams’ Championship.

    Russell had led cleanly away from P1 on the grid as the race got underway, while the battle behind saw Norris clip the rear of Verstappen’s Red Bull and bang wheels with team mate Oscar Piastri, the Briton subsequently getting past his teammate in a close scrap.

    While Piastri voiced his unhappiness at how the incident had played out, Russell continued to lead up ahead in a commanding performance, the Silver Arrows driver proving unchallenged as he stormed to his second win of the season and fifth career triumph.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Russell, P2: Verstappen, P3: Norris, P4: Piastri, P5: Antonelli, P6: Leclerc, P7: Alonso, P8: Hamilton, P9: Bearman and P10: Sainz.

    What a result for Russell! A very dominating drive by the Mercedes man, he will be hoping the result will gain him a contract extension with the Silver Arrows. As for his teammate, a good race for him too finishing P5 for the young Italian.

    P2 for Verstappen, a really good weekend for him, the car seems to have a bit of pace now, which is needed in his late charge of the title battle. He didn’t really do much wrong during the race, just Russell was zooming ahead.

    A great result for Norris P3 for the Championship contender, a bit of a controversial move on his teammate at the start of the race. And Piastri was not happy at all, but Norris kept his pace up and came home with that all important podium finish.
    Obviously, the team have now officially won the Constructors’ Championship! Now they can fully focus on getting a potential 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ Championship.

    An okay result for Ferrari, they seemed to have more pace before the race. Leclerc finished P6 and Hamilton P8 after an 5 second penalty was applied to Hamilton after the race for exceeding track limits.

    P7 for Alonso, a good result for him and Aston Martin. It’s been a few weekends since his been in the points but good for the team.

    Points for Bearman! A really good result for him in the Haas, again it’s been a few races since his been in the points so a really good showing from the young Brit.

    P10 for Sainz! What a drive from the Williams driver, from being disqualified from Qualifying to getting back in the points, which is a really good result.

    It feels amazing, especially after what happened a couple of years ago. That was a bit of a missed opportunity, but we more than made up for it today. I’m so grateful for the team, they did an amazing job this whole weekend. We don’t really know where this performance came from, but I’m really happy.
    Russell on the win.

  • F1 to race in Azerbaijan until 2030

    Formula 1 has announced that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will remain on the race calendar for a further four years, securing the future of the event until 2030 inclusive.

    Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the six-kilometre Baku City Circuit tests drivers with a combination of tight, technical corners and wide, sweeping straights.
    As the circuit winds through the Icheri Sheher old town, the castle section hosts on of the narrowest turns on the F1 Calendar, which tests the drivers’ nerve and skills to the limit.

    The circuit debuted on the Formula 1 calendar in 2016 as the European Grand Prix, before becoming a permanent fixture on the calendar in 2017 as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
    In 2024, the race weekend welcomed fans from over 70 countries and delivered strong viewership figures, with a global TV audience of more than 66 million.

    With seven different winners across eight editions, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has become one of the most open contests on the calendar.

    There’s an incredible energy to the city of Baku and since our first Grand Prix here in 2016 Formula 1 has consistently received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the people of Azerbaijan. The circuit is unique, with technical sections and long straights that run through the stunning shoreline and historic old town, delivering an eventful and entertaining race every year. This renewal reflects the strong trust and commitment between Formula 1, the Azerbaijani Government, and the promoter, and paves the way for an exciting future in the country. I would like to thank President Ilham Aliyev and Minister Gayibov for their continued investment and commitment to evolving the event; Anar Alakbarov and the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation for championing Formula 1 in the country; and the team at Baku City Circuit for their year-round efforts in delivering an exceptional experience for our fans, drivers, and teams.
    Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.

    The extension of our partnership with Formula 1 reflects the vision and direction of Azerbaijan’s leadership, ensuring that our country continues to stand as a global hub for major sporting events while leaving a lasting legacy of inspiration for future generations through the power of sport. Over the years, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has grown into one of the most anticipated races on the F1 calendar, showcasing not only thrilling on-track action but also the beauty, energy, and hospitality of our capital. This extension reaffirms our commitment to hosting world-class events and further strengthens Azerbaijan’s position on the international stage. Together, we will continue to present Baku as a vibrant, world-class sporting destination, welcoming fans from across the globe to experience both the excitement of Formula 1 and the unique spirit of our city and country.
    Dr Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

  • F1 announce 2026 Sprint Calendar

    Formula 1 and the FIA have announced the six venues that will host F1 Sprint events during the 2026 season, including three new sprint locations.

    The 2026 season will introduce a new era of regulations to the sport and host its sixth year of the Sprint format.
    The first F1 Sprint of 2026 will take place in Shanghai, followed by Miami, with both Grands Prix hosting a Sprint weekend for the third consecutive year.

    Silverstone returns to the Sprint Calendar for the first time since the format’s inaugural event in 2021 and Montreal, Zandvoort and Singapore are all set to host their first ever Sprint weekend.

    Sprint qualifying takes place on Friday following FP1, with the Sprint and Grand Prix Qualifying on Saturday, before the weekend culminates with the Grand Prix on Sunday.

    The format has continued to prove popular among fans across the world, leading to strong attendance and viewership figures across broadcast, digital and social platforms.

    The F1 Sprint has continued to grow in positive impact and popularity since it was introduced in 2021. With four competitive sessions rather than two during a conventional Grand Prix weekend, F1 Sprint events offer more action each day for our fans, broadcast partners, and for the promoters – driving increased attendance and viewership. We’re also proud to have welcomed Gatorade as an Official Partner of F1 Sprint, demonstrating the huge interest in the event from an iconic global brand. The 2026 season will usher in a new era of regulations, so having three new Sprint venues will only add to the drama on track. I want to thank the FIA, all the promoters, our partners, marshals, volunteers, and local sporting clubs for continuing to make the Sprint a big success and we all look forward to giving our fans more incredible racing and excitement in the 2026 season.
    Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

    The Sprint format has become an increasingly exciting part of the FIA Formula One World Championship, delivering high-intensity racing and added entertainment for fans around the world. As we look ahead to a landmark 2026 season featuring a new generation of cars and regulations, I’m pleased to see the Sprint evolving alongside our broader ambitions for the sport. The inclusion of new venues alongside returning favourites reflects the continued enthusiasm from promoters, teams and fans alike. We will continue to work closely with FOM, the teams, our officials, and the drivers to ensure the Sprint format enhances the championship.
    Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA.

  • R17 – Azerbaijan

    Max Verstappen claimed a lights-to-flag victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Lando Norris closed the gap to title rival Oscar Piastri to 25 points after the Drivers’ Championship leader crashed out on the opening lap.

    Verstappen was never headed on the streets of Baku, leading all 51 laps and winning by over 14 seconds from Mercedes’ George Russell and Carlos Sainz who claimed his first podium for Williams having just lost out on pole position.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Verstappen, P2: Russell, P3: Sainz, P4: Antonelli, P5: Lawson, P6: Tsunoda, P7: Norris, P8: Hamilton, P9: Leclerc and P10: Hadjar.

    What a result for Max Verstappen, he done no wrong this weekend and his reward from that is he is starting to come into this title fight with Piastri and Norris. A few more races like that for the Dutchman and McLaren will start thinking they are in trouble (if they are not doing that already).
    As for Tsunoda, he finished 6th! A good result for the Japanese driver, he had a good weekend overall, he needs to start putting in performances like this to make sure he has a seat next year.

    P2 for Russell! A great result for the Mercedes man, they had the pace this weekend which was good, they also got to capitalise on McLaren and Ferrari not being in the top five. This has benefited the team massively in the Constructors’ Championship as they move up a spot.
    A good result for Antonelli, P4, a shame for him to miss out on the podium but still a really good result.

    P3 for Mr Carlos Sainz! What a result for Sainz and Williams, this just shows how much work they have put into the past couple of years and with Sainz you could see the result coming but he just had to work for it.
    This helps the team massively in the constructors putting them in fifth on 101 points, with a 29 point gap to Racing Bulls.

    Talking of Racing Bulls, P5 for Liam Lawson. A good result from him, it’s a shame he couldn’t hold onto a podium position but still a really good showing from him.

    A weekend to forget for McLaren, especially Piastri, hitting the wall in Qualifying and then crashing out on Lap 1 and ending his race there. As for Norris he had a bad race, not many moves being made.

    Not a very good weekend for Ferrari either, P8 for Hamilton and P9 for Leclerc, they will be looking forward to Singapore as normally the Ferrari’s do well there.

    I think this weekend has been incredible for us. Of course, last weekend was already great, but for us to win here again is just fantastic. I think also in the race, the car was working really well on both of the compounds. We had clean air all of the time and then you could look after your tyres, and it was pretty straightforward. Of course, it’s not easy around here. It was very windy today, so the car was always moving around a lot, but of course, I’m incredibly happy with this performance.
    Verstappen on the win.

  • Gasly signs new contract extension with Alpine

    Pierre Gasly has committed his long-term future to Alpine by signing a contract extension that will see him race for the French manufacturer until at least the end of the 2028 campaign.

    The 29 year old joined Alpine ahead of the 2023 season and has since scored two podiums while also playing a key role in helping the team secure sixth place in the Teams’ Championship last season.

    Gasly’s previous contract wasn’t due to expire until the end of next season but both sides were keen to extend that deal by a further two years and so put pen to paper before the Italian Grand Prix.

    Alpine are having a challenging season as they are last in the F1 Constructors’ Championship, but Gasly had largely been the lead driver above Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto, scoring the team’s only points in Bahrain, Spain, Great Britain and Belgium.

    Next year sees a new set of car regulations, and Alpine have decided to not use their own Renault engines, instead taking Mercedes’ power units.

    I’m thrilled to commit my long-term future to Alpine. As a Frenchman, especially, driving for a French car company, it makes me feel very proud. Since I joined in 2023, I have always felt that this team is the right place to be for the future. Flavio’s support and belief in me, Francois’ commitment to the Formula 1 project, as well as the people we have in Enstone made this a natural decision and I want to be here in years to come and deliver on our joint objective: to win races and World Championships. We’re all in this together and I look forward to continuing this special story.
    Gasly on the news.

    Since I returned to the team, I have always stated how important it is to build and grow the competitiveness of BWT Alpine Formula One Team. We’re well prepared for the new era of Formula 1, beginning in 2026, and now we have our lead driver confirmed to bring us well into the future. Pierre has been an immense asset for the team during this challenging period. I have been very impressed with his attitude, dedication and talent and we look forward to continuing this project together for a long time.
    Briatore on the news.

  • F1 to race in Monaco through 2035

    F1 has announced an extension of the Monaco Grand Prix until 2035 inclusive, building on the existing agreement with the Automobile Club of Monaco that runs through the 2031 season.

    One of the sport’s most enduring races, having featured on the World Championship calendar in F1’s inaugural year in 1950, the Monaco Grand Prix has played host to plenty of memorable moments over the years.

    Monte Carlo’s tight, twisty streets mean the Grand Prix demands maximum skill and concentration from the drivers, while its glamour and unique setting make it one of the most famous sporting events in the world.

    In 2024, hometown hero Charles Leclerc created history when he became the first Monegasque in F1 history to win the Grand Prix, and this year Lando Norris secured his first-ever win in the Principality.

    From the rest of the current F1 grid, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have all won multiple times on the streets of Monaco. They join legends including Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, Sir Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill, who have all triumphed around the 3.3 kilometre circuit.

    The streets of Monaco have been echoing with the sound of Formula 1 since the earliest days of the sport, so I’m delighted to announce the extension of this fantastic event to 2035. It is an iconic race that is loved by all drivers and fans, with a unique vibe thanks to its location on the world’s most glamorous Principality. I would like to say a special thank you to His Royal Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Michel Boeri, President of the Automobile Club of Monaco and everyone involved in securing the long-term future of this historic partnership.
    F1 President & CEO, Stefano Domenicali.

    I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco for his unwavering support, as well as to Stefano Domenicali for his continued trust. The Automobile Club de Monaco is delighted with this four-year extension, which reflects the strong and enduring relationship between Formula 1 and the Principality of Monaco. This agreement reaffirms, more than ever, our commitment to delivering an exceptional, unmatched, and world-renowned race weekend to the passionate fans who travel from all over the globe to attend the Monaco Grand Prix, first held in 1929. I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding work of the F1 community and all the volunteers, as well as that of the Monegasque institutions, whose involvement is essential to the success of this extraordinary event.
    Michel Boeri, President of the Automobile Club of Monaco.

  • Colton Herta signs as Cadillac Test Driver

    Hot on the heels of the announcement of their driver line-up of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for 2026, Cadillac have revealed that IndyCar racer Colton Herta will fulfil the role of test driver at the team.

    American driver Herta, whose name had been spoken of in relation to a seat at Cadillac before the Bottas/Perez line-up announcement came on August 26th, was the youngest ever IndyCar winner back in 2019, and has nice victories and 16 pole positions to his name from his 116 career starts in the series.

    Herta has previous F1 experience, having tested a 2021 spec McLaren MCL35M at Portimao back in 2022.

    Meanwhile, the move will mark a return to European racing for Herta, who competed on the continent from 2015 – 16, including time as Lando Norris’ team mate in the 2015 MSA Formula Championship, before returning stateside.

    This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time. To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something I couldn’t pass up. My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a huge step towards that goal. For now, my focus is on giving everything I can to Cadillac F1, helping build a competitive team.
    Herta on the news.

    Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft, and maturity well beyond his years. His experience in top-level American motorsport as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him an ideal fit for this role, and he will bring valuable and fresh insight, perspective, and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future. Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a hugely significant moment, not only for our team, but for American motorsport as a whole. Colton represents the passion, ambition, and competitive spirit that define the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and we are proud to have him carry the American flag with us on the world stage.
    Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s Team Principal.

  • R16 – Italy

    Red Bull driver, Max Verstappen converted pole position into victory during Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix, leading home McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri after a dramatic start and end to proceedings at Monza.

    Verstappen and Norris went wheel to wheel almost immediately when the lights went out, getting close to each other down the start/finish straight before the Dutchman skipped the first chicane to keep the lead.

    Although Verstappen gave up the position to Norris at the start of the second lap to avoid a potential penalty, he was soon back on his rival’s tail and took only a couple more tours to reclaim P1 and surge clear.

    From there, Verstappen appeared to have everything under control, managing the gap back to both McLarens across their opening stints, pitting earlier than Norris and Piastri to strengthen that advantage and then cruising to the chequered flag.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Verstappen, P2: Norris, P3: Piastri, P4: Leclerc, P5: Russell, P6: Hamilton, P7: Albon, P8: Bortoleto, P9: Antonelli and P10: Hadjar.

    What a result for Max Verstappen, a lovely weekend for the Dutchman, pole and the race win plus the Red Bull had some pace this weekend, which makes up for a disappointing home race.

    Good result for McLaren, P2 for Norris and P3 for Piastri, unfortunate that they didn’t have the pace to battle Max, but also, the battle between themselves over the radio, I believe tensions are high now between the two drivers, which is not good at all.

    P4 for Leclerc and P6 for Hamilton, a decent day for the Ferrari team on home soil, a shame they couldn’t get on the podium, but a good result for Hamilton, as he managed to get higher up than what he started.

    P5 for Russell, nothing major from the Brit, but still a good amount of points in the bag, which is good as the team currently sits third in the Teams’ standings, and only 20 points away from Ferrari.

    A good result from Albon, he started P14 and finished P7, a great day for him as his weekend wasn’t the best but he made up for it.

    An unfortunate day for Nico Hulkenberg, he did not start, as he pilled into the pitlane on the formation lap as his car had a suspected hydraulic leak, big shame for him, he will be looking towards Baku.

    Now we have a little break before the next round, which is Azerbaijan on the 19th to 21st September!

  • R16 – Tyre Selection

    The Monza event is always special but this year, it is even more so. It will be the 75th time that the Autodromo has hosted a Formula 1 World Championship race, more than any other circuit in the history of motor racing’s blue riband category.

    The Monza track holds the record for the highest average race speed, courtesy of Michael Schumacher in a Ferrari with a figure of 247.586 km/h in 2003, as well as the fastest average speed of 264.362 km/h for a qualifying lap, set by Lewis Hamilton at the wheel of a Mercedes in 2020.

    Last year pole went to Lando Norris with an average speed of 263 km/h. Easy to understand therefore why the venue is universally known as the Temple of Speed.

    The 5.793 kilometre track has 11 corners and drivers spend 80% of the lap at full throttle, the cars running the lowest aero downforce level of the season with the aim of reducing drag to a minimum.
    In this context, stability under braking and traction out of the corners is key, especially at the chicanes such as the Prima Variante and the Variante Ascari, where the drivers need to scrub off speed very rapidly.
    Lateral forces come into play at the fastest corners, such as Biassono and the legendary Parabolica, now renamed in honour of Michele Alboreto.

    After the track was completely resurfaced in 2024, this year Monza has concentrated on improvements to the public areas.

    There is no change in compounds compared to last year, when the track had just been resurfaced for the Italian Grand Pri at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza.
    The C3 (Hard), C4 (Medium) and C5 (Soft).

    Twelve months on, inevitably the surface will have aged, but it is unlikely to have any significant effect on the range of possible strategies at this circuit, where cars run in the lowest aerodynamic downforce configuration of the season.

    It is likely that the most popular choices for the race itself will be the Hard and Medium. One can assume that the level of graining will be lower than last year as the track will now be bedded in.

    It is difficult to overtake at Monza, primarily because of the reduced effectiveness of the DRS, with the cars running minimum aero downforce levels. This too tends to swing the balance in favour of a one-stop strategy.

  • Alex Dunne to take part in FP1

    Ireland’s Alex Dunne will return to drive for McLaren in first practice at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on Friday.

    Dunne, 19, starred in his debut practice outing earlier this year in Austria when he was fourth in the session and within one tenth of Oscar Piastri in equal machinery.

    The teenager was the first Irish driver to compete in an F1 weekend in 22 years and will also continue his Formula 2 campaign in Monza, where he is fifth in the standings.

    All 10 Formula 1 teams must run a rookie in at least four practice sessions this season.
    McLaren have already announced IndyCar star Pato O’Ward will get an outing at his home event in Mexico City in October and are likely to complete the rookie requirements in Abu Dhabi with a driver yet to be confirmed.

  • Ferrari reveal livery for Monza

    Ferrari have revealed the special livery that Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s SF-25s will wear at this year’s Italian Grand Prix – the first race at Monza for the seven-time World Champion Hamilton since joining the Scuderia.

    Featuring a more prominent white on the engine covers, alongside retro numbers and wheel covers, the car pays homage to the colourway of the Ferrari 312T that Niki Lauda took to the 1975 Drivers’ Championship, and which earned the team the Constructors’ title in the same year.

    At the time, a third place finish had been enough for the 26 year old Austrian to be crowned with one grand prix remaining, such was his advantage over McLaren’s Emerson Fittipaldi and Brabham’s Carlos Reutemann.
    Ferrari team-mate Clay Regazzoni gave the tifosi another reason to celebrate with victory on their turf.

    Ferrari head to Monza off the back of a tough outing at the Dutch Grand Prix, with both Hamilton and Leclerc retiring after crashes – although the drivers had been buoyed by the improved pace of their car as the weekend progressed.

  • Cadillac pick 2026 drivers

    Cadillac have signed Grand Prix winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas to be their drivers when the team joins the Formula 1 grid for the first time in 2026.

    The American team, who are backed by General Motors and will be led by former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon, will become the sport’s 11th team next season.

    Cadillac have opted for experience with their line-up, signing Checo Perez and Mercedes reserve Bottas – who boast 527 Grand Prix starts and 16 Grand Prix wins between them – on multi year deals.

    It marks a remarkable return for the veteran duo, both 35, after they lost their respective F1 race seats at the end of last season.

    Perez took some time out consider his future goals and spend time with his family after leaving Red Bull, while Bottas stayed in the paddock as reserve for Mercedes following his Sauber exit.

    Mexican Perez brings immense F1 experience, having competed for Sauber, McLaren and Force Indian/Racing Point before moving to Red Bull, where he helped the team win the Teams’ Championship in 2022 and 2023.

    Finland’s Bottas enjoyed incredible success at Mercedes, playing a key role in the Silver Arrows winning the Teams’ Championship every year from 2017 to 2021.

    Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent. They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts and of course their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life. A big thank you to the team at Mercedes for their co-operation and understanding.
    Lowdon on the news.

    Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honor to be part of building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on. I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I’m really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas. We’re counting on support from across the continent – and we want to make everyone proud.
    Perez on the news.

    From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded. This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision. It’s not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid. I’ve had the honor of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here. This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me. I’m looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world. I’d also like to thank Mercedes for their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step.
    Bottas on the news.

    Bottas and Checo bring the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive. They’re not just accomplished racers, they’re builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for. This moment marks more than just a line-up announcement. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.
    CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team & TWG Motorsport, Dam Towriss.

  • R15 – Zandvoort

    Oscar Piastri has taken a victory in a hugely dramatic Dutch Grand Prix that saw McLaren teammate Lando Norris retire from the race due to a mechanical failure in the closing stages, marking a potentially seismic moment in the championship battle.

    Piastri had made a good start from pole when the race got underway, the Australian going on to build a lead from Max Verstappen after the Red Bull had overtaken Norris early on in Lap 1. Norris, however, went on to retake the position and the pair settled into a 1-2 formation.

    The race then faced a potential turn when the Safety Car was deployed after Lewis Hamilton hit the barriers on Lap 23, leading to a flurry of action in the pits. McLaren double-stacked their drivers and despite a slight delay for Norris, both cars maintained position.

    Norris continued his chase of his team mate from there and – despite a second Safety Car after a collision between Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli that put the Ferrari out of the race – the fight looked to still be open as the race entered into its final stages.

    However, everything changed when smoke started to emerge from Norris’ McLaren with just a few laps to go, forcing him to retire at the side of the track.
    A Safety Car phase played out which saw Piastri hold onto P1 from Verstappen in P2, and rounding out the top three is a first time podium sitter, Isack Hadjar!

    The full top 10 are- P1: Piastri, P2: Verstappen, P3: Hadjar, P4: Russell, P5: Albon, P6: Bearman, P7: Stroll, P8: Alonso, P9: Tsunoda and P10: Ocon.

    What a result for Piastri! His first grand slam aswell and he done it in a mighty fashion! This is exactly how he would want his second half of the season to start!
    As for Norris, very gutting as he was edging closer to catching Piastri, he will be wanting to move onto the next race weekend.

    A good result for Verstappen! P2 at his home Grand Prix, I think that was the best he was going to get, but he will be happy with that result.
    As for Tsunoda, he managed to get in the points in P9, so a semi decent result.

    Now the star of the show, Isack Hadjar, he started P4 and finished P3, the Frenchmans very first podium in his rookie season! Thoroughly deserved, if I do say so myself. He should be very proud of how far his come this season already.

    A good result for Russell, P4 for him, not a bad result, shame he couldn’t get on the podium, but still a very good result. As for Antonelli it was a race to forget after he tangled with Leclerc and his race was basically over from there as he finished 16th.

    P5 for Albon! A great result for Williams, a good chunk of points for the team which was needed as the mid-field battle is heating up!

    Double points for Haas! P6 for Bearman which is his career best finish and Ocon finished in P10, a great result for the team.

    Double points for Aston Martin too! P7 for Stroll, and P8 for Alonso, quite a good weekend for the team, they’ve had some good pace this weekend will be interesting to see if they can carry it on.

    A weekend to forget for Ferrari, a double DNF which is unfortunate as they looked like they had pace this weekend too, they will be looking forward to the weekend as its their home Grand Prix.

  • R15 – Tyre Selection

    This weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix marks a milestone in Pirelli’s time in Formula 1, as this race will be the five hundredth world championship round of motorsport’s blue riband category in which the Italian marque has had an official presence.

    A lap of Zandvoort track is 4.259 kilometres in length, running through the dunes on the North Sea coast, just under 40 kilometres from the capital of the Netherlands.

    It boasts 14 low to medium speed corners – four to the left and ten to the right – of which the third and last are banked at angles of 19 and 18 degrees respectively, must steeper than the turns at Indianapolis.
    These corners generate very high vertical and lateral loads on the tyres, which requires the teams to pay close attention to set-up and management of the car-tyre package.

    The aerodynamic downforce level required is very high, similar to that seen in Budapest. The track usually offers low levels of grip and this can be greatly exacerbated by sand blown onto the surface by the coastal winds.

    For the race in the Netherlands, Pirelli has gone a step softer in terms of compounds than last year. The teams will have a choice of the C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium), C4 (Soft).

    The decision, taken in conjunction with the FIA, has the aim of increasing the likelihood of a strategy based on two stops, rather than just the one-stop, which has been the predominant choice since this race returned to the calendar in 2022.

    In 2024, 16 drivers lined up on the gird on the Medium tyre, while three drivers went for the Soft tyre, with one driver starting from the pit lane on the Hard tyre.
    Three quarter of the field made just one stop during the race, taking on the Hard tyre as the second set.

  • Ferrari give Vasseur new multi-year contract

    Ferrari have handed their Team Principal Fred Vasseur a multi-year contract, which the team say “reflects Ferrari’s determination to build on the foundation laid so far”.

    Vasseur joined the Italian team ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season and under his watch, the team challenged McLaren for the 2024 Teams’ Championship until the last race before finishing just 14 points behind the champions.

    While they trail the McLaren by a mammoth 299 points as we are in the summer break, Ferrari have managed to hold on to P2 in the Teams’ Championship, fending off rivals Mercedes and Red Bull.

    One of Vasseur’s key strengths is his ability to shield and protect his team from external factors.
    Despite the uncertainty and speculation, he’s managed to do just that with the team keeping their heads down.

    The new deal will kelp restore a greater sense of calm among the team and allow them to focus on trying to take advantage of sweeping new chassis and power unit regulations for 2026.
    But now that Vasseur’s immediate future has been secured, Ferrari senior management will expect him to lead the team to respond well to those rule changes and challenge for both championships next year.

  • Who could Cadillac pick for 2026?

    With having Cadillac joining the grid next year, there are two new spots which need to be filled but who is going to fill them?

    As you’d expect the American squad have been inundated with calls from drivers and managers enquiring about a job and that led to the team compiling a long-list that ran to 15 names at one point.

    That list, has slimmed down to just a handful, and while the team aren’t in a rush to confirm their line-up, they are starting to zero in on what they want, so whose in the running?

    Valtteri Bottas

    Bottas is a driver who could bring a wealth of experience to the Graeme Lowdon-led team from 2026 onwards.
    The Finnish driver made his F1 debut in 2013 with Williams after serving as the test and reserve driver for the Grove outfit since 2010.

    He moved to Mercedes in 2017 for a successful five-year stint with the Brackley squad, driving alongside seven-time champion, Lewis Hamilton.
    2021 saw Bottas join Alfa Romeo / Sauber where he stayed for three seasons.

    He currently serves as Mercedes reserve driver, with Team Principal Toto Wolff sharing his support for Bottas to return to a full-time racing seat.

    Sergio Perez

    The Mexican driver was replaced at Red Bull at the end of 2024 by Liam Lawson, who stepped into the RB21 seat alongside Max Verstappen for 2025 but was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after two race weekends.

    In addition to his four-year stint with Milton Keynes team, Perez has previously driven for Sauber, McLaren and Force India after making his debut in 2011.

    The 35 year old has been keen to return to the championship after his Red Bull exit, albeit only “for the right project”. Over his 14 year career in F1, he collected six grand prix wins, three pole positions, 39 podium finishes and 12 fastest laps.

    Mich Schumacher

    Schumacher has also been linked to the Cadillac team. The German driver previously drove for Haas in 2021 and 2022 before moving to Mercedes to serve as the reserve driver in 2023 and 2024.
    He now races in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.

    Alex Dunne

    Most recently, Dunne has been linked to one of the Cadillac seats too. With the McLaren junior taking part in FP1 back in Austria where he ended up fourth fastest and within a tenth of Piastri.

    He is quickly becoming one of the brightest talents outside of F1 currently, and with both Piastri and Norris locked in for long-term contracts, McLaren must be looking else where for the junior.

    The Irish driver is currently competing in Formula 2 where he is 5th in the championship with 4 rounds left and 30 points between him and the championship leader…
    Dunne has also took part in Formula E as he has been McLaren’s reserve driver since January 2025 and taking part in the rookie practice at the Jeddah E-Prix and then the Berlin Rookie Test in July.

    Jak Crawford

    If Cadillac want to sign an American driver, it would be 20 year old Jak Crawford, who is enjoying his best Formula 2 campaign where he currently sits second in the championship!

    Hopefully it won’t be too long until we have at least one driver announced for the new team.

  • Horner exits Red Bull with immediate effect

    Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Christian Horner is to exit the squad with immediate effect, with Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies taking over.

    Horner has held the role for some 20 years – the Briton leading Red Bull through their first F1 season back in 2005 and playing a key role in turning them from points scorers into World Champions.

    Christian has overseen two periods of dominance by Red Bull, with Sebastian Vettel and the team winning four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ championships from 2010 – 2013 and then with Max Verstappen winning the last four drivers’ championships from 2021 – 2024. With Red Bull being constructors’ champions in 2022 and 2023.

    Horner’s last race in charge was Sunday’s British GP at Silverstone where Verstappen started on pole position but finished fifth after a spin in the wet.

    Red Bull are currently fourth in the constructors’ standings, 365 points away from leaders McLaren, with Ferrari and Mercedes also ahead of them in the standings.

    Verstappen has scored 187 of Red Bull’s 194 points this season.
    Rookie Liam Lawson was dropped as the Dutchman’s team-mate after just two races while Yuki Tsunoda has also struggled in the second Red Bull car.

    Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (Wednesday 9 July 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments thanked Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years.
    A Red Bull spokesperson.

    We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years. With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1. Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history.
    Added Mintzlaff.

    As part of the managerial reshuffle, current Racing Bulls Racing Director Alan Permane will be promoted to Team Principal at the sister outfit.

    The last year and a half has been an absolute privilege to lead the team with Peter [Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO]. It has been an amazing adventure to contribute to the birth of Racing Bulls together with all our talented people. The spirit of the whole team is incredible, and I strongly believe that this is just the beginning. Alan is the perfect man to take over now and continue our path. He knows the team inside out and has always been an important pillar of our early successes.
    Mekies on the news.

    I feel very honoured to take on the role as Team Principal and would like to thank Oliver and Helmut [Marko, Red Bull advisor] for the trust they have shown in me. I am looking forward to working with Peter to continue the good work that both him and Laurent have done in taking this team forward. This is a new challenge for me, but I know that I can count on the support of everyone within them.
    Permane on the news.

  • R14 – Hungary

    Lando Norris won the Hungarian Grand Prix after holding off a thrilling late-race challenge for the lead from McLaren team mate Oscar Piastri, the Briton having made an alternative strategy work in his favour to take the victory.

    Polesitter Charles Leclerc had made a strong start to hold P1 when the race got underway, allowing the Ferrari driver to build up a steady lead over Piastri in P2 during the opening stages of the race – a position he maintained amid the first round of pit stops, despite Piastri’s attempt to undercut his rival.

    However, the picture started to evolve as different strategies played out amongst the frontrunners, with Leclerc and Piastri – both on two-stop plans – finding themselves behind the one-stopping Norris in the final phase of the race.

    While Leclerc’s pace fell away in the latter stages, a fast Piastri set about chasing down Norris for the lead – leading to a gripping conclusion as the Australian was hot on the tail of his team mate in the final laps.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Norris, P2: Piastri, P3: Russell, P4: Leclerc, P5: Alonso, P6: Bortoleto, P7: Stroll, P8: Lawson, P9: Verstappen and P10: Antonelli.

    What a result for Norris, he would’ve set out to achieve this, but him taking a charge of his strategy with the one-stop effectively won him the race which resulted in a lovely race for the Brit.
    A good result for Piastri, I think he was annoyed a bit by Norris’ strategy as it worked out perfectly for the Brit. The gap between teammates is now down to 9 points as we head into the summer break.

    A lovely result for Russell, P3 for the Mercedes driver, a good result for him, after a few bad weekends they had a good result and back on the podium since Canada.

    A decent result for Leclerc, unfortunate he didn’t get a podium but Ferrari sometime’s doesn’t have the best strategy in the races… However, still a really positive weekend for Leclerc.
    A weekend to forget for Lewis Hamilton, out in Q2 for Qualifying and then finished 12th in the race. Hopefully the summer break will give him some to recover and get back to the Lewis we know!

    A lovely result for Alonso, P5 for the Spanish driver, a really good weekend for Aston Martin overall as Lance Stroll finished P7. A good points haul for the team, they will be wanting to continue on this form back from the summer break.

    P6 for Bortoleto, another good result for the Brazilian, his been lapping up the good results lately and he gets rewarded with decent points.

    A race to forget for Verstappen too, he finished P9. Definitely not the result he would’ve wanted at all.

    Now we are into the summer break officially, the next race is Round 15 and it is the Dutch Grand Prix on the 29th – 31st August!

  • R14 – Tyre Selection

    The Hugaroring provides the backdrop to the last few days of Formula 1 track action prior to the summer break.

    This weekend’s race will be the fortieth anniversary of the Hungarian Grand Prix and the Hungaroring track will also be in use on the Tuesday and Wednesday 5th and 6th of August, when Pirelli is running a 2026 tyre development test.

    The Hungaroring facility is currently undergoing a major transformation. Firstly, the paddock area was refurbished and this year, the main changes relate to the pit lane and the main straight, as well the pit complex and the main grandstand.

    Usually, track evolution over the weekend is very high here, especially during the first two days. Graining could put in an appearance during Friday free practice, before gradually decreasing the more the track gets rubbered-in.

    The trio of slick tyre compounds is the same as last year: C3 (Hard), C4 (Medium) and C5 (Soft).

    Up until last year, these would have been the softest tyres of all, but this year, the C6 was introduced.
    However, the new compound would be too extreme a choice for a track that exerts this level of energy density on the tyres for every lap.

    The most popular strategy was the two-stop last year, running various combinations of the C3 and C4. The Medium performed best and 13 drivers chose it for the start.
    Of the remaining seven, four went with the Soft and three with the Hard.

  • R13 – Belgium

    Oscar Piastri claimed victory in the Belgian Grand Prix, holding off McLaren team mate and title rival Lando Norris in a wet-dry affair at Spa-Francorchamps to extend his Drivers’ Championship lead to 16 points.

    Heavy rain ahead of the 44 lap race delayed proceedings by almost 80 minutes but once racing got underway on Lap 5, the crucial moment came immediately as Piastri got a better run on his team mate and polesitter through Eau Rouge.

    The Australian’s run was so great he completed the pass along the Kemmel Straight well before the braking zone of Les Combes and thereafter managed a margin of roughly one second in the early running.

    With the circuit having substantially dried and with track position, Piastri pitted on Lap 12 for the medium tyres with Norris forced to compete another lap, and after making his own stop the following tour for hard rubber, the Briton found himself nine seconds adrift.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Piastri, P2: Norris, P3: Leclerc, P4: Verstappen, P5: Russell, P6: Albon, P7: Hamilton, P8: Lawson, P9: Bortoleto and P10: Gasly.

    What a result for Oscar Piastri, he set his sights on the win and grabbed with both hands and didn’t look back, was a superb race from him.
    As for Norris, P2 for the Brit, a good result but I think he would be gutted not to get the win, however his teammate had the pace.

    P3 for Leclerc, a lovely result from the Ferrari driver, felt like that podium was well deserved, he did have a bit of pressure from Verstappen but he kept him at bay.
    As for Lewis Hamilton, what a drive! Pitlane to P7 wow, he was on a mission, it was great to see and he got rewarded with some points.

    As for Verstappen P4 for the Dutchman, a decent result, a shame he couldn’t get on the podium, but still a decent points haul.

    P5 for Russell, nothing amazing from the Mercedes driver, apart from a little fight with Alex Albon over the position.
    As for Antonelli, a weekend to forget for him, P16 unfortunately, he seemed like he had no pace at all really which is a shame.

    Points for Bortoleto! P9 for the Brazilian driver, he done well this weekend as Spa is a tricky circuit, especially more so in the rain.

    Now not too long to wait until the next round as we have been treated to a double header, so this weekend we head to the Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix!