Verstappen’s pole not only showcased his exceptional talent but also injected fresh drama into the championship fight, positioning him perfectly to challenge Norris and Piastri, who currently lead the standings. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s bid to thrill his home crowd fell short, as the seven-time world champion could only manage fifth place on the grid, 0.203 seconds off Verstappen’s pace. Despite a promising practice performance and high hopes for a standout result at Silverstone, Hamilton couldn’t keep up with the leading pack, which also included Piastri, Norris, and George Russell ahead of him. As the stage is set for a thrilling race, Verstappen’s pole gives him a golden opportunity to disrupt the title race, while Hamilton faces a tough climb to meet the expectations of his passionate British fans. 

Max Verstappen somehow gets pole position at the British Grand Prix: Full recap

Max Verstappen stunned the Formula 1 world by securing pole position at the 2025 British Grand Prix, edging out the McLaren championship leaders Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a gripping qualifying session at Silverstone. The Red Bull driver delivered an extraordinary lap, clocking a time of 1:24.892, navigating the demanding circuit with remarkable precision and speed. Despite McLaren’s consistent pace throughout the weekend, Verstappen’s final run was a masterclass, beating Piastri by a mere 0.103 seconds and Norris by 0.118 seconds. This narrow victory underscored the intense competition at the front of the grid and highlighted Verstappen’s ability to push his car beyond expectations, especially after struggling to match McLaren’s form earlier in the season.

Standing in Ferrari’s way is Lando Norris, who has emerged as a formidable rival on home soil, buoyed by a partisan crowd and McLaren’s outright pace. Norris, fresh off a commanding win in Austria, topped FP2 and has consistently outperformed his teammate, championship leader Oscar Piastri, at Silverstone, where he has never been out qualified. His 1:25.816 in FP2 was a statement of intent, and McLaren’s edge in qualifying pace evidenced by Norris’ 0.367 second advantage over Verstappen in Spain—makes him the favorite for pole position. Despite Ferrari’s promising long-run pace, McLaren’s Zak Brown noted that the Ferraris are “very strong” in both qualifying and race conditions, setting the stage for a fierce battle. Norris’ confidence is palpable, with the Briton openly aiming to overtake Hamilton as the nation’s top driver and secure his first home Grand Prix victory, which he described as potentially the “crowning moment” of his career. Hamilton, yet to podium with Ferrari in 2025, faces pressure to deliver a historic 10th Silverstone win, but Norris’ raw speed and McLaren’s recent dominance evidenced by their 207 point lead in the Constructors’ Championship pose a significant challenge. With rain looming and Norris’ knack for capitalizing on high pressure moments, Ferrari will need to maximize their setup and strategy to outmaneuver the McLaren star and secure Hamilton’s landmark victory. 

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari look strong in Day 1 of practice. Can they win? 

The opening day of practice at the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone showcased a resurgent Ferrari team, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc delivering impressive performances that signal the Scuderia’s potential to challenge for victory. In Free Practice 1 (FP1), Hamilton, a nine time Silverstone winner, set the pace with a blistering 1:26.892, edging out McLaren’s Lando Norris by a mere 0.023 seconds, while Leclerc secured fourth, underlining Ferrari’s competitive single lap pace. The team’s upgraded floor, introduced in Austria, appeared to pay dividends, with Hamilton looking immediately comfortable on a track where he has historically dominated. In Free Practice 2 (FP2), however, McLaren’s Lando Norris struck back, posting the fastest time of 1:25.816, while Leclerc and Hamilton followed closely in second and third, 0.222 and 0.301 seconds off Norris’ pace, respectively. Notably, Ferrari showed strength in race simulations, with Leclerc averaging 1:31.898 over long runs, faster than championship contender Max Verstappen, suggesting the SF-25 could be a force in race trim. Despite Hamilton abandoning his first soft-tyre qualifying simulation, his second effort still placed him firmly in the mix, and his familiarity with Silverstone’s high speed corners like Maggots and Becketts gives him an edge. However, the changeable weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday, with rain expected, could shake up the order, and Hamilton’s ability to navigate wet conditions evident in his 2024 victory makes Ferrari a serious contender for the win.

Interviews reflected the tension and excitement. Verstappen dodged direct questions about Mercedes, focusing on Red Bull’s need to improve after McLaren’s dominance in Austria, where Oscar Piastri extended his championship lead. Russell reiterated his value to Mercedes, stating he had “no concerns” if he keeps delivering, though his future hinges on Verstappen’s decision. Wolff balanced diplomacy, praising both Russell and Antonelli while not ruling out Verstappen. Lando Norris, buoyed by McLaren’s resurgence, expressed sympathy for Russell’s uncertainty but predicted a fierce battle at Silverstone, a track suiting their car. Other drivers, like Lewis Hamilton, celebrating his final home race with Ferrari, and Ollie Bearman, Haas’ local talent, emphasized the emotional weight of Silverstone but were inevitably drawn into the Verstappen saga, with Hamilton jokingly urging Wolff to “sort it out.” The media day set the stage for a dramatic weekend, with transfer talks as gripping as the on-track action.

Media day wrap up for the 2025 British Grand prix

The 2025 British Grand Prix media day at Silverstone was electrified by speculation about Max Verstappen’s potential move to Mercedes, overshadowing the usual buzz around the iconic race. The four-time world champion, contracted to Red Bull until 2028, was at the heart of rumors fueled by George Russell’s comments in Austria, where he revealed that Mercedes’ pursuit of Verstappen was delaying his own contract extension, set to expire in 2025. Toto Wolff confirmed discussions with Verstappen’s camp but emphasized transparency and a decision timeline by the summer break. Sky Italy reported Verstappen had “said yes” to Mercedes, though the team’s board is hesitant, confident in their 2026 car’s potential. Red Bull’s struggles, with Verstappen third in the championship after a DNF in Austria, and the departure of key figures like Adrian Newey, amplified the narrative. Meanwhile, Russell remained defiant, asserting confidence in his performances, while Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes’ rising star, was a focal point as a likely 2026 driver.

However, the prospect of Verstappen joining Mercedes, where George Russell has emerged as a cornerstone of the team’s future, faces significant hurdles. Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, has tempered expectations, emphasizing his satisfaction with Russell, who has proven his mettle with multiple podiums and a reputation for extracting the maximum from the car, even in challenging seasons like 2023. Wolff also highlighted the promise of rookie Kimi Antonelli, though neither Russell nor Antonelli is contracted beyond 2025, leaving room for speculation about a blockbuster signing. Russell, known for his articulate media presence and strategic approach to racing, has expressed excitement about the 2026 regulations but stopped short of confirming any concrete developments regarding Verstappen. Meanwhile, Verstappen has remained noncommittal, focusing on Red Bull’s current challenges, while his father, Jos Verstappen, has firmly denied rumors of a signed Mercedes deal. Red Bull’s Christian Horner, confident in retaining Verstappen, dismissed the speculation as mere “noise,” but concerns linger about Red Bull’s untested Ford-powered engine for 2026. Russell’s own future at Mercedes seems secure, given his leadership in recent races and his role in mentoring Antonelli, but a potential Verstappen pairing could elevate the team to new heights or spark a fierce intra-team rivalry. With other teams like Aston Martin also in the mix for Verstappen, and the 2025 summer break looming as a critical period, the driver market promises to keep fans on edge. 

Max Verstappen rumored to leave Red Bull and join Mercedes for 2026

Rumors are electrifying the Formula 1 world as speculation intensifies that Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, might depart Red Bull to join Mercedes for the 2026 season, potentially teaming up with George Russell, Mercedes’ talented and ambitious driver. Despite Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull extending until 2028, reports indicate it includes a performance-based exit clause, which could allow him to leave if Red Bull’s competitive edge wanes, especially with the team’s recent struggles. The 2026 season will introduce sweeping regulation changes, including new power units and chassis designs, and sources suggest Mercedes’ advanced engine development could be a major draw for Verstappen. George Russell, who has solidified his reputation as a formidable talent with his consistent performances and a victory at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix, has added fuel to the fire by openly discussing his talks with Verstappen’s management. Russell’s comments, made during a press conference, hinted at Mercedes’ ambition to pair him with a driver of Verstappen’s caliber, though he also expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team. The speculation is further amplified by Red Bull’s recent performance dip, internal instability, and the high-profile exit of design guru Adrian Newey, making Mercedes an increasingly tempting prospect for Verstappen.

The race took a dramatic turn on the opening lap when Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli misjudged his braking into Turn 3, colliding with Max Verstappen and triggering a first-lap DNF for both drivers. Verstappen, who had qualified a disappointing seventh after being caught out by yellow flags, saw his championship hopes take a significant hit, now trailing Piastri by 61 points. The incident, which prompted a post-race investigation, highlighted Antonelli’s inexperience despite his earlier promise, such as a podium in Canada. Meanwhile, McLaren capitalized on the chaos, with Norris and Piastri pulling clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who finished third and fourth. This result, coupled with Red Bull’s struggles in hot conditions, has swung the title fight firmly in McLaren’s favor as the season heads to Silverstone.

Lando Norris and McLaren win again in Austria - Max has a DNF due to Kimi 

Lando Norris delivered a masterclass at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, securing a commanding victory and leading McLaren to a stunning 1-2 finish alongside teammate Oscar Piastri at the Red Bull Ring. Norris, starting from pole after a dominant qualifying session, fended off intense pressure from Piastri in a thrilling race-long battle, showcasing the MCL39’s pace and his own racecraft. The Briton’s third win of the season, by a margin of 2.6 seconds over Piastri, narrowed the championship gap to leader Piastri to just 15 points, injecting fresh momentum into Norris’s title campaign. McLaren’s flawless execution in Red Bull’s backyard underscored their dominance this season, with the team celebrating maximum points and a strengthened constructors’ lead.

Ferrari’s latest upgrade package, introduced at the Austrian Grand Prix, focuses on a revised floor and tweaks to the rear pullrod suspension, aimed at addressing the SF-25’s persistent issues with ride-height sensitivity and lift-and-coast strategies that have cost lap time. While Hamilton has expressed cautious optimism about the upgrades, noting the team’s hard work, he remains uncertain about their immediate impact, stating, “We don’t really know the actual effect it is going to have.” Early practice sessions suggest mixed results: Charles Leclerc managed a fifth-fastest time in FP2, but Hamilton lagged in 10th, nearly a second off Norris’s pace, with significant time lost in high-speed corners like Turn 1. Despite encouraging long-run simulations indicating stronger race pace, Ferrari’s qualifying struggles persist, and the upgrades have yet to deliver a transformative leap. With Hamilton emphasizing the need for flawless execution to maximize the car’s potential, Ferrari’s hopes of a podium rest on fine-tuning these upgrades and capitalizing on their race-day strengths at the Red Bull Ring.



Lewis Hamilton to fight for his first podium in Austria - McLaren look miles ahead for the win

The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix presents a critical opportunity for Lewis Hamilton to secure his first Grand Prix podium with Ferrari, a milestone that has eluded the seven-time world champion through the first 10 races of his debut season with the Scuderia. Hamilton, who joined Ferrari with high expectations of contending for an eighth title, has faced a challenging campaign, with his best results being a sprint win in China and a third-place sprint finish in Miami. However, his struggles in qualifying—marked by a best grid position of fifth in Spain—have consistently hampered his Sunday performances, leaving him seventh in the drivers’ championship. Meanwhile, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have dominated early practice sessions at the Red Bull Ring, with their MCL38 car showcasing superior pace, making them the clear favorites for the win. Ferrari, trailing Mercedes by 191 points in the Constructors’ Championship, is banking on recent upgrades to close the gap and give Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc a fighting chance for the podium.



Ferrari, meanwhile, arrived in Spielberg with high hopes pinned on a redesigned floor, their first major upgrade since Bahrain. However, their Friday performance was underwhelming. Leclerc’s fifth place in FP2 was respectable, but Hamilton’s 10th, coupled with early gearbox woes and Beganovic’s floor issues in FP1, raises doubts about the upgrades’ immediate impact. Hamilton has cautioned that the new floor may not deliver instant results, and with Ferrari yet to secure a podium for him in 2025, the pressure is mounting. Posts on X suggest Ferrari showed promise in earlier races like Spain, where Leclerc’s race pace was competitive despite McLaren’s qualifying edge, but their Austria struggles indicate they’re playing catch-up. McLaren’s consistent pace across both sessions, even with Dunne’s standout FP1, suggests Ferrari’s upgrades need fine-tuning to challenge the papaya squad. Red Bull’s new floor edge and Mercedes’ cooling tweaks further complicate Ferrari’s bid to close the gap.

Can McLaren be beaten this weekend? Their 1-2 in FP2, combined with the data gathered from Dunne’s FP1 run, positions them as the frontrunners. The Red Bull Ring’s short lap and overtaking opportunities amplify the importance of qualifying pace, where McLaren’s upgrades give them an edge. However, Verstappen’s track record here—four wins and a 2023 pole—makes him a formidable threat, especially if Red Bull’s soft-tyre pace, hinted at by Yuki Tsunoda’s FP2 time, translates to qualifying. Mercedes, with Russell’s FP1 pace and recent Canada success, could also disrupt McLaren’s rhythm, particularly if their cooling tweaks suit the warm 27-28°C conditions. Ferrari’s upgrades, while promising, seem unlikely to yield a winning package yet, leaving them battling for podium scraps. McLaren’s consistency and upgrades make them the team to beat, but the tight field—evident in FP1’s top four within 0.224s—means a perfect lap and strategy will be crucial. Qualifying and FP3 will reveal more, but McLaren’s Friday form sets a high bar.



Austrian GP Friday FP1 and FP2 results - Can McLaren be beat?

The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix kicked off at the Red Bull Ring with Friday’s Free Practice sessions, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive weekend. In FP1, Mercedes’ George Russell set the pace with a 1:05.542, closely followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (+0.065s) and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri (+0.155s). McLaren’s rookie Alex Dunne, subbing for Lando Norris, stole the show with an impressive fourth place (+0.224s), showcasing the team’s strength even with a stand-in driver. Ferrari struggled, with Lewis Hamilton in ninth (+0.557s) hampered by gearbox issues and rookie Dino Beganovic in 18th due to floor problems. FP2 saw McLaren assert dominance, with Norris returning to top the timesheets at 1:04.580, leading teammate Piastri by 0.157s for a McLaren 1-2. Verstappen trailed in third (+0.318s), followed by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (+0.610s), while Hamilton languished in 10th (+0.931s). McLaren’s performance, bolstered by new front suspension and rear geometry upgrades, suggests they’re the team to beat, but the tight margins and upgrades from rivals keep the door open for surprises. For Lando Norris, the Austrian Grand Prix is a critical juncture in his 2025 championship campaign. Trailing teammate Oscar Piastri by 22 points after a costly collision in Canada, Norris needs a strong, error-free weekend to close the gap. His FP2 performance, topping the times despite missing FP1, signals McLaren’s upgrades are working, particularly the new front suspension aimed at improving his feel for the car. Austria has been a turning point for Norris before—his 2020 podium and 2023’s upgrade-driven surge highlight the track’s significance. However, with Verstappen, a five-time winner here, lurking just 21 points behind, and Piastri showing consistent pace, Norris must capitalize on McLaren’s apparent edge. The team’s 175-point lead in the Constructors’ Championship underscores their dominance, but Norris’s recent mistakes in Japan, Miami, and Canada put pressure on him to deliver. Can McLaren be beaten? Their FP1 and FP2 results suggest not easily, but Verstappen’s home-track prowess and Mercedes’ recent form, led by Russell’s Canada win, keep the fight alive.





Ferrari, meanwhile, arrives in Spielberg with high stakes, rolling out significant upgrades to their SF-25 car in a bid to reverse their inconsistent 2025 season. The team is introducing a revised floor for Austria, followed by rear suspension changes at Silverstone, aiming to address the performance issues that have left Lewis Hamilton without a podium in his first 10 races with Ferrari—a career first since 2009. Charles Leclerc, who missed FP1 for rookie Dino Beganovic, will be eager to leverage these upgrades to challenge for a podium, especially after Ferrari’s struggles in Canada and Spain. However, Hamilton has tempered expectations, warning that the upgrades may not yield immediate results. With McLaren dominating the Constructors’ Championship and Mercedes showing recent strength, Ferrari’s upgrades are a “now or never” moment to regain competitiveness. A successful implementation could signal a resurgence, but failure to extract performance might see them slip further behind in the tight midfield battle.



The Austrian Grand Prix: What to expect

The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring marks a pivotal moment in the Formula 1 season, with McLaren’s Lando Norris facing a critical test in his championship campaign. After a costly collision with teammate Oscar Piastri at the Canadian Grand Prix, Norris trails the Australian by 22 points in the Drivers’ Championship, with Max Verstappen lurking just 21 points behind. Austria, a track where Norris claimed his maiden F1 podium in 2020, has historically been a turning point for him, as seen in 2023 when McLaren’s upgrades propelled them up the grid. However, his recent mistakes, including the Canada incident and earlier errors in Japan and Miami, have put him under pressure to deliver a clean, points-heavy weekend. With McLaren introducing new front suspension tweaks to improve Norris’s feel for the car, and rookie Alex Dunne replacing him in FP1, Norris must maximize his track time in FP2 and beyond to close the gap to Piastri and fend off Verstappen, who boasts five wins at this circuit. A strong performance here could reset Norris’s momentum, but another misstep risks further denting his title hopes



Toto Wolff could barely contain his delight, and who can blame him? This wasn’t just a win  it was a statement of intent from a team that’s weathered its share of storms this season. Wolff described the performance as “dominant,” praising Russell’s impeccable control and Antonelli’s composure under fire, a sentiment echoed across the paddock. The teamwork was the real hero here engineers, strategists, and drivers working in lockstep to maximize the W16’s potential, especially with the new rear suspension geometry that finally clicked in Montreal. Wolff’s joy was tempered with his trademark caution, noting that tracks like Austria will pose fresh challenges, but for now, he’s right to savor this moment. Mercedes’ 1-3 finish, their first win of 2025, and a leap to P2 in the Constructors’ Championship sent a clear message: the Silver Arrows are back, and they’re hungrier than ever.



Merdeces Dominates in Canada: George Wins and Kimi Gets First Podium

What a weekend for Mercedes at the Canadian Grand Prix, where George Russell and young Kimi Antonelli delivered a masterclass that had the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve buzzing with excitement. Russell, with that steely determination we’ve come to expect, converted his scintillating pole position his sixth in F1 and a lap he called one of the most exhilarating of his life into a commanding victory, fending off Max Verstappen with a maturity that belies his 27 years. Meanwhile, Antonelli, the 18 year old prodigy, showed nerves of steel to clinch his maiden F1 podium in third, holding off McLaren’s Oscar Piastri under immense pressure. The synergy between the two was palpable, with Russell’s leadership setting the tone and Antonelli feeding off that confidence to deliver a result that marks him as a future star. Mercedes’ strategic nous was spot on, with tyre management and pit stop timing executed flawlessly, proving that when the Silver Arrows get it right, they’re untouchable.



The question now is who’ll conquer the chaos of qualifying to claim pole. FP3 will be critical, as teams grapple with the evolving track and the tricky balance between the soft C6 and medium C5 Pirelli tyres Russell’s FP2 pace on the mediums suggests Mercedes might have an edge in race trim, but qualifying could be a different story. McLaren’s resurgence in FP2, with Norris and Piastri in the mix, points to their raw speed, but Red Bull’s one-lap pace is never to be underestimated, even after Verstappen’s FP2 wobble. Ferrari’s hopes hinge on Leclerc’s recovery, but they’re playing catch up. My money’s on George Russell for pole he’s got the bit between his teeth after Monaco, and Mercedes’ W16 looks planted here. Expect a tight fight, though, with Norris and Verstappen within a tenth, and don’t be shocked if Albon sneaks a top five grid slot for Williams. The grid’s wide open, and Montreal’s notorious walls are waiting to bite.



Qualifying Countdown for the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix

As the sun rises over Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the stage is set for a scintillating qualifying session at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, just hours away. Friday’s practice sessions gave us a tantalizing glimpse of the pecking order, with Max Verstappen storming to the top in FP1 with a blistering 1:13.193 on the C6 compound, fending off a surprisingly feisty Williams duo of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, split by just 0.082 seconds. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton showed Mercedes’ hand with a strong top-five showing, while Charles Leclerc’s early crash at Turn 4 triggered a red flag and left Ferrari on the back foot. FP2 saw Russell seize control with a 1:12.123, pipping Lando Norris by a mere 0.028s, as McLaren found their groove. Fernando Alonso and Alex Albon kept the midfield spicy, with Aston Martin and Williams nipping at the heels of the front-runners, while Verstappen slipped to P9, hinting at Red Bull’s setup struggles on this stop start circuit. With FP3 still to come, the teams will be burning the midnight oil, fine tuning setups to master Montreal’s low-grip surface and heavy braking zones



So, what should fans expect this weekend? McLaren’s form suggests they’re the ones to beat Piastri’s three wins in the last four races and Norris’s consistency have them leading the championship charge, with 186 and 176 points respectively. But Montreal’s unique demands, from the low-downforce setup to the ever-present threat of a safety car (or two), mean a surprise winner isn’t out of the question. Max Verstappen, sitting third in the standings with 137 points, is due a rebound after his controversial clash with George Russell in Spain, and Red Bull’s upgrades could give him the tools to challenge. Hamilton, too, knows this track like the back of his hand, and if Ferrari’s tweaks deliver, he could finally break through. Don’t sleep on the midfield either Haas’s Esteban Ocon has a knack for capitalizing on chaos, and with the team’s milestone motivation, they might sneak a big result. The weather forecast hints at a wet weekend, which could level the playing field and reward drivers with a deft touch, like Alonso or even Yuki Tsunoda, who’s hungry to prove himself at RedBull. While McLaren’s momentum makes them favorites, Montreal’s history of upsets think Robert Kubica in 2008 or Daniel Ricciardo in 2014 means no one’s counting out a dark horse. Expect a race where tire management, bold overtakes at the hairpin, and a bit of luck could crown an unexpected hero.



Race Week: The Canadian Grand Prix - Upgrades and what to expect

As the Formula 1 circus rolls into Montreal for the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is poised to deliver its usual cocktail of highspeed drama, unpredictable weather, and strategic chess games. The teams have arrived with a raft of upgrades, and the paddock is buzzing with anticipation. McLaren, riding a wave of dominance with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, have brought minor tweaks to their already formidable MCL39, focusing on refining their aerodynamic package to better suit the circuit’s long straights and tight chicanes. Red Bull, meanwhile, are introducing a performance-oriented upgrade to their RB21, targeting improved top-end speed to counter McLaren’s edge, alongside a reliability patch to avoid the gremlins that plagued them in Spain. Mercedes have rolled out a performance upgrade and a circuit specific tweak, hoping to unlock more pace from their W16, particularly for Lewis Hamilton, who’s chasing that elusive first Ferrari podium in front of a track where he’s won seven times. Ferrari themselves are playing catch up after a lackluster Barcelona, with no major upgrades listed but whispers of a revised floor to claw back downforce. The midfield is equally busy Haas, celebrating their 200th Grand Prix, have a circuit specific update and a special livery, while Aston Martin’s single performance upgrade aims to keep Fernando Alonso in the points, though Lance Stroll’s participation remains uncertain post surgery. This flurry of development signals a tight battle, but the track’s notorious walls and potential for rain could throw a spanner in the works, making strategy and adaptability as crucial as raw pace.



But let’s not get carried away. Franco’s 2025 stint with Alpine has been a proper wake up call, a reminder that F1 doesn’t care about your promise if you can’t deliver. Imola was a mess, a big qualifying crash that left him starting at the back and limping to 16th, miles off Pierre Gasly’s pace. The telemetry didn’t lie, showing half second deficits in fast corners, a sign he’s still wrestling with Alpine’s tricky car. Monaco was even tougher, qualifying dead last and running a cautious race just to stay out of the walls, no points in sight. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s hard nosed executive advisor, isn’t one for patience, and he’s already made it clear Franco needs to bring speed, points, and clean races, or else. With just five races to prove himself, the heat is on, and if Franco keeps struggling, Briatore’s glare will only get colder. Flavio’s not known for giving drivers endless chances, and every off pace lap or scrappy session will crank up the pressure, potentially pushing Franco toward the exit if he can’t find his rhythm. This is F1, after all, a brutal world where talent alone isn’t enough, and Franco’s got to dig deep to turn his spark into something lasting.



Franco Colapinto: The Argentine Prodigy Facing F1’s Unforgiving Fire

Franco Colapinto’s sudden arrival in Formula 1 has been nothing short of a revelation, a raw burst of talent that’s lit up the paddock with its sheer audacity. This young Argentine, barely 22, stormed onto the scene with Williams at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, replacing Logan Sargeant, and immediately showed he could mix it with the big boys. In Baku, his second race, he grabbed eighth place, outqualifying Alex Albon and scoring points with a drive that had grit and flair written all over it. Singapore was another masterclass, holding off Sergio Perez with a maturity that belied his inexperience. James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, couldn’t stop raving about Franco’s ability to soak up data and still deliver, a rare trait in a rookie. Three points finishes, including a gritty tenth in Austin, sealed his reputation as a driver with serious potential. Alpine, sensing a gem, snapped him up as a reserve for 2025, then threw him into the race seat mid season to replace Jack Doohan. That move alone tells you the faith they have in this lad, whose aggressive yet clever style reminds me of a young Lando Norris, all instinct and calculated risk.



This incident isn’t just a one-off; it’s a flare-up of a recurring critique about Verstappen’s driving style. For all his undeniable blistering pace, razor-sharp instincts, and an almost supernatural ability to extract the maximum from his car—there’s a stubborn streak of aggression that sometimes overshadows his brilliance. In Barcelona, with the championship fight tighter than ever, Verstappen’s decision to risk a collision rather than battle cleanly was a baffling misstep. He’s 25 points behind Piastri, who’s riding a wave of momentum with his fifth win of the season, and Red Bull’s car is struggling to keep up with McLaren’s pace under the new front-wing regulations. The smart play would’ve been to conserve the car, score points, and live to fight another day. Instead, Verstappen’s hot-headed move cost him a potential podium, dropping him to fifth place and leaving Red Bull scrambling to explain his actions. Former drivers like Nico Rosberg called it “unacceptable,” pointing out that Verstappen’s experience should’ve taught him to prioritize the long game over a fleeting moment of bravado.
What makes this collision so frustrating is the context. Verstappen is no rookie; he’s a veteran who’s navigated championship battles with surgical precision in the past. Yet, here he was, throwing caution to the wind in a way that felt more like a rookie mistake than a champion’s strategy. The Spanish Grand Prix exposed a vulnerability in Verstappen’s armor his inability to temper his aggression when the pressure’s on. With Piastri and McLaren looking untouchable, and Lando Norris breathing down his neck in the standings, Verstappen can’t afford these kinds of lapses. The penalty was a slap on the wrist compared to the bigger picture: he’s given his rivals a reason to believe he’s rattled. The whispers are growing louder can Verstappen keep his cool as the season heats up? If he wants to claw back those 25 points and stay in the hunt for a fourth title, he’ll need to channel his aggression into smarter, cleaner racing. Otherwise, moments like this could define his 2025 campaign not as a champion, but as a driver who let his temper get the better of him.



Max Verstappen Purposely Crashes into Russell in Heated Exchange

The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix was supposed to be a showcase of Max Verstappen’s championship pedigree, but instead, it became a stage for one of his most controversial moments yet. On lap 43, in the heat of a tense battle for position, Verstappen made a shocking decision to deliberately steer into Mercedes’ George Russell at Turn 4, sending both cars wobbling off the racing line. The contact was blatant, undeniable, and, as the stewards later ruled, entirely intentional. Verstappen’s Red Bull clipped Russell’s front wing, compromising both drivers’ races and leaving the door wide open for Oscar Piastri and McLaren to cruise to a dominant 1-2 finish. The 10-second penalty slapped on Verstappen was the least of his worries; the real damage was to his reputation. Fans in the grandstands and commentators in the paddock were left shaking their heads, wondering why a three-time world champion would resort to such a reckless, almost desperate maneuver. This wasn’t the calculated brilliance we’ve come to expect from Verstappen it was a moment of petulance that handed his rivals not just a race win, but a psychological upper hand.



This fifth win of the 2025 season is a landmark achievement for the 24-year-old Australian, who now leads the championship by a narrow three-point margin over Norris, with Verstappen 25 points behind. Piastri’s triumph in Spain, following his earlier victories in China, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Miami, underscores his consistency and growth, making him the first Australian to lead the championship since Mark Webber in 2010. The win not only highlights his ability to deliver under the intense scrutiny of a tight title race but also reinforces McLaren’s dominance, as they secured another 1-2 finish. With a front-row lockout in qualifying and a car that appears unaffected by the new front-wing regulations, Piastri’s performance signals that he is a serious title contender, blending youthful aggression with a veteran’s poise, as noted by commentators comparing his style to legends like Alain Prost. As the season progresses, this victory positions Piastri as a driver to watch, with the potential to etch his name further into Formula 1 history.



Oscar Piastri Gets His 5th Win of the Season in Spain

In a display of sheer dominance, Oscar Piastri stormed to victory at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, securing his fifth win of the season and further solidifying his status as a leading contender in the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship. Starting from pole position, the McLaren driver delivered a masterclass in composure and pace, leading from start to finish in Barcelona to clinch a commanding win over teammate Lando Norris, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounding out the podium. Piastri’s blistering lap times and strategic execution, particularly in managing tyre wear in the sweltering 30°C heat, showcased McLaren’s superiority and his own evolution as a driver who has overcome past challenges in qualifying and tyre management. This victory, marking the 50th win for an Australian driver in Formula 1, was a testament to Piastri’s calm under pressure and his ability to capitalize on the McLaren’s pace, leaving rivals like Max Verstappen, who faced a 10-second penalty for a collision with George Russell, struggling to keep up.



Will anyone take his place and get a chance to join the race ? Unfortunately, Aston Martin will not field a replacement driver for Stroll in the Spanish Grand Prix, as Formula 1 regulations stipulate that only drivers who participated in qualifying are eligible to race. Despite speculation on X suggesting that reserve driver Felipe Drugovich might step in, no official confirmation has been made by the team or Formula 1 authorities. As a result, Fernando Alonso will be the sole Aston Martin representative on the grid, leaving the team to navigate the race weekend with a single car. Stroll is expected to focus on rehabilitation in hopes of returning for the next race.



Lance Stroll Withdraws from Spanish Grand Prix, Was Set to Start P14

Aston Martin has announced that Lance Stroll will miss the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix due to ongoing pain in his hand and wrist, a lingering issue from a 2023 procedure. The Canadian driver, who has been a key contributor to the team’s championship points this season, was slated to start from 14th on the grid in Barcelona. After medical evaluations, Stroll has been advised to prioritize recovery and undergo further treatment, ruling him out of the race. This setback is a blow for Aston Martin, as Stroll’s consistent performances have been instrumental in securing all 14 of their points in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship to date.



As the Spanish Grand Prix looms, the stage is set for a thrilling chapter in the 2025 championship battle, with Piastri and Norris poised to extend McLaren’s dominance while navigating their intense intra-team rivalry. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a track renowned for rewarding well-balanced cars, has historically favored Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who trails Piastri by 25 points in the drivers’ standings and starts just behind Hamilton and Leclerc in fifth. Verstappen’s three consecutive wins at this circuit make him a formidable threat, but McLaren’s strategic prowess and the MCL39’s versatility give Piastri and Norris a strong chance to maintain their edge. Hamilton’s third-place start signals Mercedes’ growing momentum, potentially challenging McLaren’s supremacy, while Leclerc will aim to capitalize on Ferrari’s upgrades to close the gap. At the back, Tsunoda’s P20 starting position puts him in a tough spot, requiring a monumental recovery drive to score points for RB in a fiercely competitive midfield. McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown has reiterated that no team orders will be imposed, allowing Piastri’s metronomic precision and Norris’s relentless determination to shine in a fair fight. However, the team must balance this freedom with the risk of costly mistakes, especially as mid-season regulation tweaks test their adaptability. With the championship battle heating up, McLaren’s ability to manage their drivers’ rivalry while fending off threats from Verstappen, Hamilton, and Leclerc will be pivotal in their quest to secure a first drivers’ title since 2008, making tomorrow’s race a critical moment in their 2025 campaign.



McLaren still in top form as Oscar and Lando Start 1-2 in Spain

McLaren’s remarkable resurgence in the 2025 Formula 1 season reached new heights at the Spanish Grand Prix qualifying, where Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris delivered a commanding performance to secure yet another front-row lockout for the Woking-based team. Piastri, the championship leader, claimed his fourth pole position of the year with a blistering lap at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, outpacing his teammate Norris by a razor-thin margin of less than a tenth of a second. This marks McLaren’s third 1-2 qualifying result of the season, underscoring the MCL39’s exceptional adaptability across diverse circuits and its superior tire management, which has been a key factor in their dominance. Piastri, who leads Norris by a mere three points in the drivers’ standings after eight races, has clinched four victories this season, while Norris has secured two, contributing to McLaren’s commanding 152-point lead over Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship. Despite a new technical directive aimed at curbing front-wing flexibility, McLaren’s performance remained unscathed, with Piastri setting the benchmark in Friday practice and both drivers showcasing near-identical pace in qualifying. Behind them, Lewis Hamilton’s resurgence with Mercedes saw him qualify an impressive third, ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who struggled to match the pace and settled for fourth. Meanwhile, RB’s Yuki Tsunoda faced a disastrous qualifying, starting from a dismal P20 after a lackluster session, highlighting the midfield’s tight competition and the challenges some teams face on this demanding track.



Speculation was rife that the technical directive might tilt the balance toward teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, or Mercedes, who were thought to rely less on flexible wing designs and could capitalize on any McLaren adjustments. Yet, the practice data suggests otherwise, with McLaren’s superior tyre management and race pace continuing to set them apart, as evidenced by their ability to string together consistent long-run stints in FP2. Ferrari showed flashes of competitiveness, with Carlos Sainz splitting the McLaren duo in FP1, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was within three-tenths in FP2, hinting at a tight field behind the leaders. Mercedes, meanwhile, appeared to struggle with balance, suggesting they may need more time to optimize under the new regulations. However, practice sessions can be deceptive, as teams often run different fuel loads and engine modes, masking their true potential. Qualifying will be the critical moment to assess whether McLaren’s advantage is as commanding as it seems or if the directive has subtly shifted the competitive landscape, forcing teams to recalibrate their setups for outright pace. Only then can we definitively conclude if the pecking order remains unchanged or if surprises await in the fight for pole position.



Formula 1's New Technical Directive: McLaren Still Leads, but Qualifying Will Tell All

The FIA's recent technical directive, designed to curb the use of flexible front wings, was expected to potentially disrupt the Formula 1 competitive hierarchy, with particular scrutiny on teams like McLaren, who have been rumored to exploit aeroelasticity for aerodynamic gains. However, the opening practice sessions at the Spanish Grand Prix have painted a familiar picture, with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri setting the pace in FP1 and FP2, respectively, suggesting that the new regulations have not dented their supremacy. McLaren’s MCL39 continues to demonstrate remarkable speed and stability, posting consistent lap times in the low 1:32s during practice, a performance reminiscent of their dominant outings earlier in the season. Team principal Andrea Stella revealed that McLaren had proactively tested a compliant front wing as early as the Imola race, indicating their engineering team anticipated the directive and adapted seamlessly. While these sessions hint that McLaren’s edge remains intact, the true test lies in qualifying, where single-lap pace under maximum performance conditions will confirm whether the pecking order has genuinely held firm or if rivals have closed the gap.



For Fernando Alonso, the two time world champion and now the proud ambassador of this very circuit, the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix is more than a race; it’s a homecoming, a chance to etch another chapter in his storied career. This will be his 19th home Grand Prix, and yet the elusive points of 2025 remain out of reach after a season of heartbreak, none more galling than Monaco’s ERS failure that stole a likely seventh place. The tifosi of Alonso, vocal as ever, dream of their matador breaking through, and who can blame them? The man’s a warrior, his racecraft as sharp as ever at 43. But Aston Martin’s midfield reality, coupled with Alonso’s own candid pre season admission that the car wasn’t quite there, tempers the optimism. Still, there’s hope. Adrian Newey’s fingerprints are starting to show on this Aston Martin, and if the upgrades click, Barcelona’s mix of long straights and technical corners could suit them. Alpine and Williams loom as threats, their cars occasionally punching above their weight, but Alonso’s experience, his ability to wring every ounce of performance from a machine, makes him a dark horse. A top ten finish, perhaps even a cheeky eighth, would feel like a victory, a love letter to the fans who’ve roared his name since 2001. If Fernando can pull it off, it’ll be a moment to savor, a reminder that legends don’t fade they just reload.



Race Week: The Spanish Grand Prix is here - what to expect

The Spanish Grand Prix, unfolding from May 30 to June 1, 2025, at the glorious Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, feels like a poignant farewell to a track that has defined Formula 1’s soul for decades, as this will be its final run under the Spanish GP banner before the race shifts to Madrid in 2026. Expect a weekend brimming with drama and intensity, the kind of racing that makes your pulse quicken. Lando Norris, fresh off a masterful triumph in Monaco, will arrive with McLaren’s wind at his back, his car a scalpel through Barcelona’s sweeping curves. But Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s prince, will be no pushover, his hunger for redemption palpable after being outmaneuvered in Monte Carlo. Then there’s Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s relentless strategist, who played the alternate tire game in Monaco with the precision of a grandmaster. The new mandatory two stop rule, which turned Monaco into a tactical chessboard, will again force teams to rethink their approach on a Barcelona track notorious for chewing tires with its abrasive surface and high speed demands. Aston Martin, showing flickers of promise with recent upgrades, could find the harder compounds here a sweet spot, their car finally waking up to the challenge. The Spanish crowd, passionate and unyielding, will transform the grandstands into a cauldron of noise, urging their hero, Fernando Alonso, toward something special.



However, the races lack of spectacle belied its critical importance to Norris’s 2025 championship campaign, as this victory could prove to be a defining moment in his quest for the drivers title. Coming off a season where inconsistency in qualifying and occasional errors under pressure had cost him valuable points, Norris’s flawless performance in Monaco demonstrated a newfound maturity and focus. The win not only added a hefty 25 points to his tally, narrowing the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri and keeping Red Bulls Max Verstappen within striking distance, but it also silenced doubters who questioned his ability to deliver on high stakes stages. Monacos unique prestige, coupled with the psychological boost of conquering its demanding layout, could serve as a catalyst for Norris and McLaren as they navigate the second half of a fiercely competitive season. With the championship battle heating up, this seemingly dull victory might just be remembered as the cornerstone of Norris’s push for the ultimate prize, proving that even a boring race can carry monumental weight in the grand scheme of a title fight.



Lando Norris Wins Snoozefest in Monte Carlo: What this means for the WDC

Lando Norris etched his name into Formula 1 history with a commanding victory at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, a race that saw him convert pole position into a wire to wire triumph, marking McLarens first win at the storied circuit since Lewis Hamiltons 2008 masterclass. Starting from the front, Norris showcased impeccable pace and composure, managing tire wear and fending off challenges from Ferraris Charles Leclerc and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri with surgical precision on the narrow, unforgiving streets of Monte Carlo. Despite the introduction of a new two stop rule designed to inject strategy and excitement into the race, the Monaco circuit remained a procession, with overtaking opportunities virtually nonexistent. Fans expecting the usual dose of F1 chaos, collisions, or daring moves were left wanting, as the field settled into a predictable rhythm, following Norris in a parade like order under the glittering Mediterranean sun. The lack of on track battles or unexpected twists turned the event into a monotonous affair, with many spectators and viewers at home labeling it a snoozefest that failed to capture the thrill typically associated with the sports crown jewel event.



Ferrari’s operational blunder and Hamilton’s subsequent penalty highlight deeper issues within the team’s communication and situational awareness, costing them dearly on a track where overtaking is notoriously difficult. The penalty dashed Hamilton’s realistic shot at a podium, given Ferrari’s pace shown by Charles Leclerc’s dominance in practice, and eliminated the prospect of a double podium that could have bolstered their constructors’ championship fight against McLaren. Hamilton’s frustration was palpable, as he noted the confusion caused by conflicting radio messages, while Verstappen, though critical of the “massive impeding,” refrained from directly blaming Hamilton, pointing instead to Ferrari’s poor coordination. This incident underscores the need for Ferrari to sharpen their race-day operations, as such errors in high-stakes environments like Monaco can turn potential glory into bitter disappointment, leaving fans and the team ruing what might have been.



Lewis Hamilton is handed a 3 grid place penalty: Chances at first podium crushed

The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session was marred by a critical error from Ferrari that led to a three-place grid penalty for Lewis Hamilton, crushing his hopes of a podium and Ferrari’s chance at a double podium on the iconic Monte Carlo streets. The incident occurred in Q1 when Hamilton, misled by inaccurate radio communication from his Ferrari race engineer Riccardo Adami, impeded Max Verstappen at the Massenet corner. Adami initially warned Hamilton that Verstappen was slowing, prompting Hamilton to accelerate back toward the racing line, unaware that Verstappen was actually on a flying lap. This miscommunication forced Verstappen to steer clear, compromising his lap time. The FIA stewards, unmoved by Ferrari’s explanation of radio confusion, deemed the impeding unnecessary, handing Hamilton a three-place grid drop from fourth to seventh. This ruling not only disrupted Hamilton’s strong qualifying performance but also handed Verstappen a promotion to fourth, amplifying the sting for Ferrari fans hoping for a home triumph.



For Norris, securing pole in Monaco was a defining moment, showcasing not only his raw talent but also McLaren’s remarkable resurgence as a force at the front of the grid. His record breaking lap was a masterpiece of precision, particularly in the demanding final sector, where he threaded the needle through the Swimming Pool chicane and carried blistering speed into Rascasse. Leclerc, despite the sting of missing out on pole in front of his home fans, remained composed, praising Norris’s exceptional performance while vowing to fight for the win on race day. The session also highlighted the strength of McLaren’s lineup, with Oscar Piastri securing third, just a fraction behind Leclerc, setting the stage for a thrilling battle among the top teams. As the sun sets over Monte Carlo, anticipation builds for what promises to be an electrifying race, with Leclerc determined to leverage his front row start to chase a long awaited home victory and Norris aiming to convert his hard earned pole into McLaren’s first Monaco triumph since 2008. The duel between these two young stars, separated by mere hundredths of a second, has set the tone for a Grand Prix that will be decided by nerve, strategy, and sheer brilliance on one of motorsport’s most iconic stages.



Lando Norris Trumps Leclerc for pole position in Monaco

The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying session unfolded as a breathtaking display of skill and precision, with the narrow, unforgiving streets of Monte Carlo serving as the ultimate test for Formula 1’s finest drivers. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, the local favorite and a master of his home circuit, entered the session with high expectations after dominating all three practice sessions, his scarlet Ferrari dancing effortlessly through the principality’s tight corners and sweeping elevations. Leclerc’s early laps in Q3 were nothing short of spectacular, as he posted a blistering time of 1:10.063, briefly claiming provisional pole and igniting the passionate Monaco crowd into a roar of anticipation. The Monegasque driver’s connection to the track was evident in every perfectly judged apex, but McLaren’s Lando Norris had other plans. In a heart stopping final run, Norris delivered a flawless lap of 1:09.954, shaving just 0.109 seconds off Leclerc’s time to snatch pole position. Leclerc pushed desperately to respond, his final attempt tantalizingly close but ultimately falling short, leaving him in second place and the crowd in stunned silence. The razor thin margin between the two drivers underscored the relentless intensity of Monaco qualifying, where every millisecond counts and the smallest mistake can cost everything.



Despite the disheartening qualifying result, Mercedes’ engineering team is already in overdrive, analyzing data and addressing the technical gremlins to ensure the cars are race-ready. Monaco’s tight, winding layout demands perfection, and with limited opportunities to overtake, the team will likely pin their hopes on a well-executed strategy, possibly leveraging pit stops or safety car periods to gain positions. The Silver Arrows’ storied history in Formula 1, coupled with their resilience under pressure, suggests they won’t go down without a fight. However, the Monaco Grand Prix is as much a mental chess game as it is a test of speed, and Mercedes will need to navigate the race with precision to recover from this rare misstep. Fans are watching closely, eager to see if the team can turn their fortunes around and deliver a performance worthy of their championship pedigree on the glamorous yet unforgiving streets of Monte Carlo.



Mercedes out of Qualifying early in Monaco: Drivers start 14th and 15th

The Monaco Grand Prix, renowned for its prestige and unforgiving street circuit, delivered a surprising blow to Mercedes during qualifying, with their drivers relegated to 14th and 15th on the grid due to persistent technical issues. The team, typically a frontrunner, encountered a perfect storm of setbacks that derailed their performance on one of the most critical qualifying days of the Formula 1 season. Initial reports point to a combination of suboptimal car setup and unexpected mechanical glitches, potentially related to the power unit or aerodynamic balance, which robbed the W16 of its usual pace. On a track where overtaking is notoriously difficult, starting so far back places Mercedes in a precarious position, forcing them to rethink their approach for race day. The drivers, visibly frustrated but professional, acknowledged the uphill battle ahead, emphasizing the need for a clean start and strategic brilliance to salvage any chance of a competitive finish in Monte Carlo.



However, the road to victory is fraught with challenges, and Ferrari must execute flawlessly to convert their practice dominance into race-day success. Leclerc’s history in Monaco is a tale of brilliance and heartbreak—pole positions in 2021 and 2022 were squandered by mechanical issues and strategic missteps, respectively. This year, the new mandatory two-pit-stop rule adds a strategic twist, potentially disrupting the traditional Monaco procession and requiring Ferrari to adapt their game plan. Leclerc’s teammate, Lewis Hamilton, also showed promise in practice, slotting into P3 in FP2, which hints at Ferrari’s overall competitiveness. Yet, Leclerc’s concerns about the SF-25’s underlying performance issues linger, as he noted the car’s struggles on similar tracks in 2025. Red Bull’s Verstappen, despite trailing in practice and grappling with a nervous car on Monaco’s kerbs, remains a formidable threat, and McLaren’s consistent pace could capitalize on any Ferrari slip-up. If Leclerc can secure pole in Saturday’s crucial qualifying and Ferrari nails their strategy, the dream of a Monegasque hero hoisting the trophy on Sunday is tantalizingly within reach, promising an emotional repeat of his 2024 triumph.



Ferrari and Leclerc look to win the Monaco GP Once Again

The streets of Monte Carlo are alive with anticipation as Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc showcased his mastery in both free practice sessions for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, setting the stage for a potential hometown triumph. Leclerc, the Monegasque star, topped the timesheets in FP1 with a 1:11.355, fending off McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, despite an early incident with Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll that briefly halted the session. His blistering pace continued in FP2, where he posted a 1:11.414, maintaining a commanding gap of nearly half a second over Norris. Ferrari’s SF-25, though struggling with pace on other tracks this season, seems to have found its sweet spot on Monaco’s low-speed, twisty layout, which Leclerc believes mitigates the car’s weaknesses. With qualifying being the critical battleground in Monaco due to limited overtaking opportunities, Leclerc’s precision and confidence on his home circuit—where he famously ended his “Monaco curse” with a 2024 victory—position him as the favorite for pole. The team’s data from Friday’s sessions suggests a stable setup, giving Leclerc a strong foundation to chase his second Monaco win and delight the Tifosi.



Monaco’s narrow, bumpy circuit demands perfection, and the 2025 upgrades show teams balancing innovation with strategy to conquer it. McLaren’s MCL39, dominant with five wins in seven races, leverages its high-load wing and revised rear components to maintain its edge in low-speed corners, though Andrea Stella warns of lingering rear instability. Ferrari’s high-downforce tweaks and Leclerc’s home-race motivation make them a threat, but their Imola qualifying struggles suggest race pace will be key. Red Bull’s subtle wing and suspension tweaks aim to keep Max Verstappen competitive, yet Helmut Marko’s concerns about Monaco’s low-speed layout could see them challenged by McLaren’s pace. Mercedes’ new front wing and high-drag setup target better balance for Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, but hot conditions may hinder them. In the midfield, Williams’ front suspension tweaks and Alpine’s bold halo fairing revisions aim to capitalize on Monaco’s demands, while Sauber’s single-pylon rear wing signals a fresh approach. The two-stop rule, paired with the C6 tire’s rapid wear, will test tire strategies, potentially opening doors for surprises from teams like Haas or Alpine. As Monaco’s walls loom large, these upgrades and strategic shifts will decide who masters the jewel of F1’s crown. Stay tuned for more insights, and don’t miss the action from this iconic race weekend!



Monaco Grand Prix 2025: Team Upgrades and Tech to Watch  

The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix is poised to be a thrilling clash of cutting-edge tech and driver precision on Monte Carlo’s legendary streets, with every F1 team unveiling upgrades tailored for the circuit’s tight corners and high-downforce demands. McLaren, riding high as constructors’ champions, debuts a high-load rear wing optimized for maximum downforce, fine-tuned after Imola testing to tackle Monaco’s 19 corners, paired with a stunning “Riviera-inspired” M7A tribute livery. Ferrari, chasing a repeat of Charles Leclerc’s 2024 home win, introduces a flatter rear wing plane and refined brake ducts to boost stability, addressing their season-long rear-end grip issues. Red Bull’s RB21, an evolution of last year’s car, sports tweaked rear and beam wings for extra downforce, with front suspension adjustments to navigate the Fairmont hairpin’s extreme steering demands. Mercedes counters with a bold new front wing and high-downforce rear setup to fix balance woes, though warm weather could expose their W15’s weaknesses. The mandatory two-stop rule, introduced after 2024’s lackluster race, adds a strategic layer, forcing teams to rethink tire management with Pirelli’s grippy but fragile C6 compound. This rule could favor teams like Williams, whose recent P5 finishes highlight their midfield strength, and Haas, with new cooling options for Monaco’s unique layout. With every team pushing aerodynamic and mechanical boundaries, the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix promises a spectacle where precision engineering meets the Principality’s unforgiving streets.



The Monaco circuit’s mystique amplified the emotions on Media Day, as drivers and teams grappled with the balance of aggression and precision required to conquer the principality. McLaren’s dominance in qualifying, with Piastri and Norris securing poles in five of seven races this season, makes them the favorites, but the two-stop rule introduces a strategic wildcard. Piastri, the championship leader, is under pressure to maintain his edge, his smooth driving style well-suited to Monaco’s rhythm. Norris, hungry for his first 2025 win, believes his car’s one-lap pace can secure pole, but he cautioned that tire management will be critical given the rule change. Verstappen’s Red Bull, optimized for race pace, could capitalize if McLaren falters, with the Dutchman’s confidence bolstered by his 2023 Monaco win. Ferrari’s Leclerc, despite the team’s struggles, remains a sentimental and statistical favorite at home, his precision through corners like the Swimming Pool section unmatched. Hamilton, though less consistent this season, brings experience and a knack for Monaco magic, having won here three times. Russell’s Mercedes, while not a frontrunner, has shown flashes of pace, and his hunger to break into the top tier was evident. Antonelli, despite his inexperience, impressed with his composure, hinting at a potential surprise. Alpine’s Gasly and Aston Martin’s Alonso, both former Monaco podium finishers, are dark horses, with their teams’ recent upgrades offering hope. Williams’ Albon and RB’s Tsunoda, both in strong form, see Monaco as a chance to disrupt the established order, especially if rain shakes up qualifying. The two-stop rule, forcing teams to rethink tire strategies, has sparked intense debate, with Red Bull and McLaren’s engineers hinting at divergent approaches. The forecast of light rain for Saturday’s qualifying adds further intrigue, potentially leveling the playing field for midfield teams like Haas or Sauber, though their drivers, Kevin Magnussen and Zhou Guanyu, respectively, admitted to focusing on avoiding trouble rather than chasing podiums. The drivers’ press conferences revealed a mix of excitement and caution, with the top three—Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen—standing out for their consistency and adaptability. Their ability to navigate Monaco’s mental and technical demands, from the claustrophobic Fairmont Hairpin to the blistering run through Casino Square, positions them as the weekend’s strongest contenders. As the teams retreated to analyze data and refine strategies, the paddock’s energy underscored Monaco’s unique place in F1: a race where heroes are made. With the championship battle tightening, the stage is set for a classic showdown under Monte Carlo’s glamorous spotlight.

Monaco Media Day Recap: Team and Driver sentiments

Media Day today May 22, 2025, set the stage for a riveting weekend in Monte Carlo, where the glittering streets and unforgiving barriers promise a spectacle of precision and nerve. Following a dramatic Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen’s victory narrowed the championship gap, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation and tension. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, holding a 13-point lead over teammate Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings, exuded a quiet confidence during press conferences but was candid about the challenges ahead. After McLaren’s vulnerabilities were exposed at Imola, where their race pace lagged behind their stellar qualifying form, Piastri emphasized the need for flawless execution on Monaco’s tight circuit. Lando Norris, fresh off a strong but winless Imola, was equally focused, acknowledging that the new mandatory two-stop rule could disrupt their strategy but also offer opportunities to outsmart rivals. Verstappen, now just nine points behind Norris, appeared buoyant, with Red Bull’s strategic acumen and car upgrades tailored for Monaco’s low-speed corners giving him an edge. The Dutchman’s recent form, including three wins in the last four races, positions him as a formidable force, and his calm demeanor suggested he’s ready to pounce on any McLaren misstep. Ferrari, despite their 2025 struggles, carried a glimmer of hope, particularly for Charles Leclerc, whose 2024 Monaco win remains a career highlight. Leclerc admitted the SF-25’s qualifying deficits could hamper their chances, but the Monegasque’s intimate knowledge of the circuit fuels his determination. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s other star, spoke of unlocking the car’s potential, though he tempered expectations given their inconsistent season. Mercedes’ George Russell, stuck in a midfield battle, expressed frustration but saw Monaco’s unique demands as a chance to shine, while teammate Kimi Antonelli, the rookie sensation, radiated excitement for his first Monaco outing. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, both with points to prove, highlighted their teams’ recent upgrades as potential game-changers. Williams, buoyed by Alex Albon’s midfield heroics at Imola, and RB’s Yuki Tsunoda, consistently punching above his weight, were vocal about using the two-stop rule to leapfrog competitors. The paddock buzzed with talk of a possible rain-affected qualifying, adding a layer of unpredictability that could favor bold strategists. As teams fine-tuned their setups, the drivers’ focus was palpable, with each aware that a single mistake could end their weekend. Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen stand out as the strongest contenders, their recent performances and adaptability making them the ones to watch in this high-stakes chess game.

Among the drivers soaking in the cinematic spectacle was Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old Italian prodigy who’s already etched his name in F1 history as one of its youngest competitors. Known for his meteoric rise through the ranks, Antonelli shared a refreshingly candid take on the movie, describing it as “pretty good” but admitting it felt “a bit long” for his taste. His comment, delivered with the unfiltered honesty of a driver accustomed to the raw adrenaline of real-world racing, sparked lively chatter among fans and added a layer of authenticity to the film’s early reception. Antonelli’s perspective, shaped by his daily immersion in the high-pressure world of F1, underscores the challenge of translating the sport’s visceral thrills to the big screen. With Rotten Tomatoes scores still pending until closer to the release date, his remarks fuel curiosity about whether the film will strike the right balance between Hollywood drama and the gritty realism of Formula 1. As Monaco’s lights dimmed and the credits rolled, the screening left attendees buzzing, setting the stage for a movie that could either soar as a definitive portrait of the sport or spark debate among purists for its creative liberties.



Monaco’s Star-Studded F1 Movie Premiere: First Reviews

Last night, the shimmering streets of Monaco transformed into a cinematic stage as Formula 1 drivers, team principals, and a select group of VIPs gathered for an exclusive screening of the eagerly awaited F1 movie, just days before the legendary Monaco Grand Prix. The event, set against the opulent backdrop of Monte Carlo, pulsed with glamour and anticipation, as stars of the sport arrived in jaw-dropping style. Mercedes’ George Russell rolled up in his sleek AMG ONE hypercar, its futuristic design turning heads, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton made a bold statement in a Ferrari Purosangue, a nod to his upcoming move to the Italian team. The screening, held in a lavish venue befitting Monaco’s reputation, offered a thrilling first look at the Brad Pitt-led film, directed by Joseph Kosinski of Top Gun: Maverick fame. Slated for a global theatrical release on June 25, the movie promises to plunge audiences into the high-stakes world of Formula 1, blending heart-pounding race sequences with a fictionalized narrative centered on the fictional APXGP team. While Rotten Tomatoes has yet to release critic or audience scores, as the film remains in its pre-release phase, the early buzz from attendees suggests it could be a landmark moment for motorsport cinema, capturing the sport’s relentless intensity and global allure.

Ferrari’s not out of the fight, and Monaco’s unique demands play to their strengths. Leclerc’s confidence on these streets is unmatched, his 2024 pole lap a masterclass in precision. Hamilton, with three Monaco wins, brings a cool head and strategic nous, his Imola surge proof he’s still a force. Ferrari’s Imola upgrades showed promise in slow corners, and Monaco’s stop start layout could let them shine. The team’s engineers are working overtime, and Hamilton’s setup ideas might unlock the pace needed to challenge McLaren’s momentum. Red Bull’s car struggles in low speed sections, and Verstappen’s unease in Monaco could open the door. A wet race, with rain in the forecast, would tilt things further, as Leclerc and Hamilton thrive in chaos. Strategy will be critical, with safety cars almost certain and pitstops a potential trap. Ferrari’s crew needs to be flawless, and an early pit call could outfox rivals. The Tifosi are hungry for glory, and a win here would be a massive statement. Leclerc carries the weight of expectation, while Hamilton hunts one last Monaco moment. McLaren’s the team to beat, but if Ferrari locks in qualifying and plays the strategy game right, they could turn doubt into delirium and give fans a victory to savor.



Race Week: The historic Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix, set for May 23 to 25, 2025, is the talk of the F1 world after a bruising Imola GP. Charles Leclerc, Monaco’s hometown hero, is under pressure to repeat his emotional 2024 win, but Ferrari’s lackluster Imola showing has fans on edge. Max Verstappen dominated at Imola, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris hot on his heels, their upgraded car looking lethal. Ferrari, meanwhile, flopped in qualifying, with Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton starting 11th and 12th. Leclerc fought back to sixth, but Hamilton’s charge to fourth stole the spotlight, hinting at untapped potential. Imola exposed Ferrari’s struggles with rear stability, a worry for Monaco’s tight, twisty streets where precision is everything. Qualifying is king here, and Leclerc’s track record, with poles in 2021 and 2023, keeps hope alive. Yet, the odds favor McLaren, with Piasti and Norris at plus 180 and Verstappen at plus 400, while Leclerc lags at plus 600. Ferrari’s Imola upgrades, meant to boost low speed grip, underperformed, and social media is buzzing with doubt. Some fans on X swear by Leclerc’s Monaco magic, but others fear another setup misstep could sink their chances. The team has days to tweak the car, and whispers of a new rear wing for Monaco could be a game changer. If Ferrari nails the setup and Leclerc delivers a blistering lap, they could defy the skeptics and set the stage for a fairy tale win.



While Verstappen’s dominance stole the headlines, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc delivered performances that electrified the Tifosi and kept fans on the edge of their seats. Hamilton, piloting his Mercedes with the poise of a seven-time champion, fought his way to a hard-earned podium, capitalizing on a bold strategy that saw him extend his first stint to gain track position. His late-race battle with Norris showcased the Briton’s enduring skill, as he deftly defended his position while managing tire degradation on Imola’s abrasive surface. Meanwhile, Leclerc, Ferrari’s hometown hero, thrilled the scarlet-clad fans with a gritty drive to fourth, narrowly missing the podium but proving his mettle against a fiercely competitive field. The Monegasque driver’s aggressive overtakes and consistent lap times kept Ferrari in contention, igniting hopes of a home win that ultimately fell just out of reach. Both drivers’ performances added drama to an already pulsating race, with Hamilton’s podium and Leclerc’s valiant effort signaling their intent to challenge Verstappen’s reign as the 2025 season unfolds. Imola, as always, provided a fitting stage for such high-stakes racing, and Verstappen’s fourth victory only amplified the spectacle.



Max Verstappen wins at Imola for the 4th time

Max Verstappen etched his name deeper into Formula 1 history with a commanding victory at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, securing his fourth win at the iconic Imola circuit. Starting from pole, the Dutch maestro displayed his signature blend of precision, aggression, and strategic brilliance, leading the race from lights out to the checkered flag. Despite a spirited challenge from McLaren’s Lando Norris, who kept the pressure on in the closing laps, Verstappen’s masterful tire management and relentless pace ensured he maintained a comfortable lead. Red Bull’s flawless strategy allowed him to navigate Imola’s demanding layout, with its mix of high-speed straights and technical corners, without a single misstep. This triumph, his ninth of the 2025 season, not only underscores his iron grip on the drivers’ championship but also ties him with the record for most wins at this storied track. The Imola crowd, buzzing with anticipation, witnessed Verstappen at his peak, reinforcing his status as the man to beat as the season barrels toward its next stop in Monaco.



Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri stole the show with a jaw-dropping performance, pushing his McLaren to the limit and nearly snatching pole from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The young Australian was on fire, stringing together flawless sectors with a confidence that belied his age, and finishing just a whisker off P1. His duel with teammate Lando Norris, who secured P2, underlined McLaren’s strength and Piastri’s growing status as a star. On the flip side, Yuki Tsunoda’s session ended in disaster when he lost control at Turn 5, slamming his Red Bull into the barriers in a heart-stopping crash. The impact trashed his RB20, leaving him to start from the back and Red Bull scrambling to rebuild. Thankfully, Tsunoda walked away unharmed, but he admitted the car had been a handful all weekend. The crash triggered a red flag that shuffled the session, with Alonso among those frustrated by the timing. Piastri’s brilliance, Alonso’s grit, and Tsunoda’s misfortune made for a qualifying session that had it all, setting up a thrilling Grand Prix where strategy and nerve will decide who conquers Monza’s Temple of Speed.



Italian GP Qualifying recap: Fernando comes p5 Yuki has big crash

The Italian Grand Prix qualifying at Monza was a rollercoaster of brilliance and chaos, with Fernando Alonso nailing a superb P5 for Aston Martin, Oscar Piastri delivering a masterclass to challenge for pole, and Yuki Tsunoda surviving a massive crash that shook the session. Alonso, the seasoned Spaniard, worked his magic around Monza’s iconic layout, weaving his Aston Martin through the sweeping straights and tight chicanes with trademark precision. His P5 was a standout result for the team, reflecting recent car upgrades and his relentless drive at 43. He outpaced heavyweights like Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Mercedes’ George Russell, though he later grumbled about the FIA’s red flag call, sparked by Tsunoda’s wreck, which he felt robbed him of a shot at a higher grid slot. For Aston Martin, Alonso’s starting position sets up an exciting Sunday, where his racecraft could see him mixing it with the frontrunners and battling for big points in front of the roaring Tifosi. The team’s progress is clear, and Alonso’s performance was a reminder of why he’s still a fan favorite, even if he couldn’t quite match the blistering pace set at the very top.



The battle between Piastri and Norris is shaping up to be the weekend’s most intriguing storyline. Piastri, the championship leader, has been a revelation this season, with three consecutive wins and improved tyre management that has him matching or even surpassing Norris in race trim. His composed overtake on Verstappen in Miami showcased his growing mastery, making him the slight favorite. However, Norris, known for his blistering one-lap pace, could steal pole position if he nails qualifying, as some fans believe he’s the quicker driver over a single lap. McLaren’s “free to race” policy means neither driver will yield easily, but with the team’s constructors’ lead secure, they can afford an internal duel. While Piastri’s consistency gives him the edge, Norris’s hunger for a statement win could make this a photo finish. Expect a McLaren victory, but the driver’s crown is anyone’s guess.



McLaren’s Dominance at Imola: Who Will Take the Crown?

As the Formula 1 circus rolls into Imola for the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, McLaren has firmly established itself as the team to beat. Fresh off a commanding 1-2 finish in Miami, with Oscar Piastri leading Lando Norris, the papaya squad continued their scintillating form in Friday’s practice sessions, securing another 1-2 with Piastri edging out Norris in FP2. The MCL39’s superior tyre management and cornering prowess have left rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari scrambling, with Max Verstappen and the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton struggling to match their pace. Posts on X echo the sentiment, with fans already predicting a McLaren lockout unless the team stumbles. With upgrades expected and a track that suits their car’s strengths, McLaren appears poised to dominate, but the question remains: which of their talented drivers will stand on the top step?



The Qualifying session, which sets the grid for Sunday’s 63-lap race, takes place on Saturday, May 17, at 4:00 PM CEST, corresponding to 10:00 AM EST, 7:00 AM PST, 3:00 PM BST, 12:00 AM AEST (Sunday), and 11:00 PM JST. Qualifying is pivotal at Imola due to the circuit’s tight, flowing layout with only one DRS zone, making pole position highly valuable. The Grand Prix itself starts on Sunday, May 18, at 3:00 PM CEST, or 9:00 AM EST, 6:00 AM PST, 2:00 PM BST, 11:00 PM AEST, and 10:00 PM JST. The race, expected to last around 90 minutes unless extended by red flags, could see close battles given McLaren’s recent form and upgrades from teams like Ferrari and Red Bull. Weather forecasts suggest dry conditions for Friday and Saturday with temperatures around 21-27°C, but Sunday may bring showers, potentially shaking up strategies. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports F1 in the UK, ESPN in the US, or F1 TV in select regions, with support races like Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Supercup adding to the weekend’s excitement.



2025 Imola Grand Prix: Full Schedule with Global Start Times

The 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy, kicks off the European leg of the Formula 1 season from May 16-18, marking the seventh race of the championship. The weekend follows the traditional F1 format with three practice sessions, qualifying, and the race, offering teams and drivers ample track time to fine-tune setups on this historic 4.909-kilometer circuit known for its technical demands and limited overtaking opportunities. On Friday, May 16, Free Practice 1 (FP1) starts at 1:30 PM local time (CEST, UTC+2), which translates to 7:30 AM EST, 4:30 AM PST, 12:30 PM BST, 9:30 PM AEST, and 8:30 PM JST. Free Practice 2 (FP2) follows at 5:00 PM CEST, or 11:00 AM EST, 8:00 AM PST, 4:00 PM BST, 1:00 AM AEST (Saturday), and 12:00 AM JST (Saturday). On Saturday, May 17, Free Practice 3 (FP3) begins at 12:30 PM CEST, equating to 6:30 AM EST, 3:30 AM PST, 11:30 AM BST, 8:30 PM AEST, and 7:30 PM JST. These sessions are critical for teams to optimize car performance, especially with Pirelli introducing softer tire compounds (C4, C5, C6) for 2025, potentially affecting strategy due to the track’s low tire degradation.



While Racing Bulls grabs the spotlight, other teams are simmering with potential for drama, keeping fans glued to the driver market. Haas, with its bold new lineup of Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, is a sleeper candidate for the next swap. Bearman, the British sensation who turned heads in substitute stints for Ferrari and Haas, is a rookie facing the grind of a full F1 season. If he struggles to match Ocon’s pace or navigate the chaotic midfield, Haas might look to reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi, a familiar face with prior team experience, or even tempt Kevin Magnussen back for his steady hand. Ocon, fresh from a rocky Alpine tenure marked by clashes with Pierre Gasly, needs a strong start to silence doubters, and any misstep could put him on notice with team boss Ayao Komatsu desperate for points. Sauber, gearing up for its 2026 Audi transformation, is another team under the microscope, with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto partnering veteran Nico Hülkenberg. If Bortoleto’s transition from Formula 2 falters, Sauber might turn to Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas, a former team driver, to stabilize their campaign. Williams, with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz locked in, appears solid, but Colapinto’s rising star at Alpine keeps them in the conversation, especially if an injury or off track issue opens the door for his return. Heavyweights like Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, and Aston Martin, boasting stars like Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and Fernando Alonso, seem untouchable, but F1’s unpredictability means surprises are never far off. From Tsunoda eyeing Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll’s seat to whispers of Horner’s own future at Red Bull, though these remain speculative. As the 2025 season charges forward, performance gaps, team ambitions, and reserve driver talent will dictate the next move. With the grid more competitive than ever and teams racing against time to prepare for 2026, the driver market is a ticking time bomb, and the next swap could ignite with one poor qualifying or race result.



With Redbull and Alpine both making driver swaps who is next ?

The 2025 Formula 1 season has exploded into action with driver swaps that have fans buzzing and teams on edge, proving that no seat is secure when results falter. Red Bull set the tone early, replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after only two races, a ruthless move driven by Lawson’s struggle to match the blistering pace of three time world champion Max Verstappen. Lawson, now back at Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team, is a stark reminder of the team’s brutal history, from Pierre Gasly’s 2019 demotion to Alex Albon’s 2020 exit. Alpine, meanwhile, shook things up by swapping Jack Doohan for reserve driver Franco Colapinto after six races, frustrated by Doohan’s inability to score points in a cutthroat midfield. Colapinto, who dazzled with Williams in 2024, now has a chance to shine, while Doohan’s F1 hopes hang in the balance. These bold changes, unfolding before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, signal a season of high stakes and zero patience, with teams poised to act fast as the 2026 regulation overhaul looms. So, who’s next for the chopping block? Racing Bulls is the hot favorite, given Red Bull’s track record of swift reshuffles and the intense scrutiny on rookie Isack Hadjar, a young talent from France and Algeria fresh from Formula 2. Hadjar faces a steep challenge racing alongside Lawson, who’s hungry to prove himself after his Red Bull setback. If Hadjar fails to deliver, perhaps missing points in early races, or if Tsunoda crumbles under the pressure of partnering Verstappen, Red Bull could pivot quickly. A swap might see Hadjar replaced by a Red Bull junior like Pepe Marti or Ayumu Iwasa, both eager for an F1 shot, or Tsunoda returning to Racing Bulls if his Red Bull stint fizzles. Fan chatter on platforms like X fuels the speculation, with some predicting Red Bull’s Christian Horner might orchestrate another shock move to keep the team dominant. Racing Bulls’ role as a proving ground for Red Bull’s future stars makes it a powder keg for change, and with the team’s history of midseason swaps, the next shakeup feels just one bad race away.



Midfield Battles and FIA Regulations Shape Imola Upgrades
Aston Martin (#) joins the midfield fray with a new sidepod geometry to balance cooling and aerodynamics, complemented by a low-drag rear wing to seize overtaking chances at Rivazza, as Fernando Alonso pushes for consistency post his 2026 contract extension. Haas (#), under new leadership with Ayao Komatsu, is refining its floor and diffuser to improve rear-end grip, crucial for Imola’s abrasive surface and corners like Acque Minerali. RB (#) focuses on a revised front wing chord and enhanced DRS efficiency to maximize speed on straights while maintaining stability in technical sections. Sauber (#), struggling in 2025, brings a Monza-inspired low-drag package to Imola, hoping to climb the order with better tire management. Meanwhile, Mercedes (#), quietly consistent, introduces subtle floor tweaks and cooling enhancements to stay competitive, banking on the FIA’s stricter flexi-wing regulations—particularly new front wing tests from Spain—to curb rivals’ advantages. With Imola’s 4.9km layout demanding a fine balance of downforce and drag, and the FIA’s clampdown on flexible aero elements like McLaren’s “mini-DRS,” teams are innovating within tight constraints, setting up a thrilling battle for the Tifosi on May 16-18, 2025.



Race Week: Team upgrades coming to the Italian Grand Prix

 Ferrari Leads Technical Charge at Imola for 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix As the 2025 Formula 1 season hits the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, teams are unveiling critical upgrades to tackle Imola’s demanding mix of high-speed straights and technical corners like Tamburello and Acque Mineral Ferrari (#) is spearheading the charge at their home race, introducing a redesigned sidepod geometry and a new floor to boost aerodynamic efficiency and rear stability, aiming to turn around their lackluster 2025 season with only one podium so far. Red Bull (#), chasing pacesetters McLaren, is rolling out a revised sidepod profile, vertical flow diverters, and a low-drag rear wing on the RB21 to enhance straight-line speed and grip through Imola’s flowing corners like Piratella. McLaren (#), dominant in early 2025, is fine-tuning their MCL39 with cooling upgrades and a circuit-specific beam wing to minimize drag on Imola’s main straight, though FIA scrutiny on their flexible rear wing may force adjustments. In the midfield, Alpine (#) introduces a streamlined floor to reduce turbulence and improve diffuser airflow, paired with a driver shake-up featuring Franco Colapinto. Williams (#), buoyed by Alex Albon’s long-term commitment, debuts a circuit-specific front wing to optimize balance in Imola’s heavy braking zones like Variante Alta, eyeing points after a strong Miami showing.

The mechanics of Doohan’s replacement unfolded swiftly amid internal turmoil at Alpine, highlighted by the resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes on May 6, 2025, just hours before Colapinto’s promotion was confirmed. The Miami Grand Prix proved pivotal, with Doohan’s first-lap crash serving as the final straw; he was informed of the team’s decision before leaving the circuit. Oakes, who had supported Doohan and shared ties through his Hitech GP operation, clashed with Briatore’s vision, leading to his abrupt exit after only 10 months. Briatore assumed dual roles as executive advisor and team principal, fast-tracking Colapinto’s integration through simulator work and private testing, including a session in an older Alpine car at Monza. Colapinto’s five-race stint, covering Imola, Monaco, Barcelona, Canada, and Austria, was framed as a “rotation” to assess his potential alongside Gasly, with a review planned before the British Grand Prix. Doohan was demoted to reserve driver, leaving his F1 future uncertain, though Alpine’s retention of him suggests a slim chance of a return. The move, while calculated to boost performance and finances, reflects Alpine’s broader instability, marked by leadership turnover, the closure of Renault’s engine program, and a ninth-place standing with just seven points. As Colapinto prepares for Imola, Alpine’s gamble risks further alienating talent, echoing past missteps like losing Oscar Piastri, while the team hopes this shake-up will pave the way for a stronger 2026.



Jack Doohan inevitably replaced by Franco Colapinto at Alpine 

Alpine’s decision to replace rookie Jack Doohan with reserve driver Franco Colapinto after just six races in the 2025 Formula 1 season, announced on May 7, 2025, was driven by a combination of performance issues, strategic planning, and commercial incentives. Doohan, a 22-year-old Australian and Alpine Academy graduate, struggled to adapt to F1’s competitive midfield, failing to score points with a best finish of 13th in China. His season was marred by costly mistakes, including a first-lap crash in Australia, a heavy practice shunt in Japan due to a DRS error, and a race-ending collision with Liam Lawson in Miami. These incidents, coupled with an average finishing position of 16.3, contrasted sharply with teammate Pierre Gasly’s seven points, exposing Doohan’s inexperience at a time when Alpine’s improved car demanded consistency to climb the constructors’ standings. Meanwhile, Colapinto, a 21-year-old Argentine who scored points during a 2024 stint with Williams, offered raw speed and significant sponsorship backing from Latin American firms like Mercado Libre and YPF, which promised financial benefits for the cash-strapped team. Executive advisor Flavio Briatore, known for his ruthless decision-making, saw Colapinto as a marketable talent with potential to outperform Doohan, while also aligning with Alpine’s goal of evaluating drivers for the 2026 regulation changes and switch to Mercedes engines. Briatore’s lack of full support for Doohan, reminiscent of past driver tensions under his leadership, further sealed the Australian’s fate, despite his occasional flashes of pace, such as outqualifying Gasly in Miami.



The resurgence of Williams under Vowles is not merely a tale of technical upgrades but a testament to his ability to navigate the complex ecosystem of modern Formula 1. Recognizing the constraints of the cost-cap era, Vowles made shrewd financial decisions, securing key sponsorships and optimizing resource allocation to maximize on-track performance. His bold driver lineup choices, including the retention of Alex Albon and the signing of promising talents like Franco Colapinto, injected vitality into the team’s race-day execution. Albon’s standout performances, including multiple top-10 finishes in 2024, underscored the car’s newfound competitiveness, while Vowles’ mentorship ensured young drivers thrived under pressure. Furthermore, Vowles’ long-term vision—centered on infrastructure investments like a state-of-the-art simulator and wind tunnel upgrades—has positioned Williams for sustained success. By 2025, the team’s upward trajectory was undeniable, with whispers of podium potential no longer dismissed as fantasy. Vowles’ blend of strategic foresight, operational rigor, and unrelenting passion has not only restored Williams’ prestige but also reestablished it as a force to be reckoned with, ready to write new chapters in its illustrious history.



 How James Vowles is Restoring Williams Racing to Glory.

In the annals of Formula 1, few teams boast a legacy as storied as Williams Racing, a name synonymous with engineering excellence and championship glory. However, by the late 2010s, the team had fallen into a disheartening slump, languishing at the back of the grid with dwindling resources and a lack of competitive pace. Enter James Vowles, the former Mercedes strategist who took the helm as Team Principal in 2023, bringing with him a vision of revival rooted in pragmatism and ambition. Vowles’ impact was immediate and transformative, leveraging his deep understanding of modern F1 dynamics to overhaul the team’s operations. He prioritized strategic recruitment, bringing in top-tier talent to bolster the technical department, and forged a closer partnership with Mercedes for power unit and gearbox supply, ensuring reliability and performance. His leadership instilled a renewed sense of purpose, evident in the team’s climb from perennial backmarkers to consistent points-scorers by 2024. Vowles’ data-driven approach to car development, coupled with his knack for inspiring a demoralized workforce, turned the FW46 into a car capable of challenging for midfield supremacy. Off the track, his transparent communication with fans and media rekindled the Williams faithful’s hope, reminding them of the days when their team dominated circuits like Silverstone and Monaco.



This 1-2 finish in Miami is more than a race result; it’s the culmination of McLaren’s relentless pursuit of excellence and a beacon of their championship ambitions. The team’s journey from the midfield struggles of 2023 to topping both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in 2025 is a saga of grit, innovation, and belief. Lando Norris, who claimed his maiden F1 win at this very circuit in 2024, spoke of the emotional weight of returning as champions, while Team Principal Andrea Stella hailed the collective effort of every department, from the factory to the trackside crew. The Miami International Autodrome, with its vibrant backdrop and demanding layout, has become a symbolic stage for McLaren’s revival, and the fans in the McLaren Grandstand roared their approval as papaya flags waved high. Yet, the road ahead remains fierce—Max Verstappen, trailing Piastri by just 12 points, looms as a formidable rival, and Red Bull’s upgrades showed promise despite their Miami struggles. For now, though, McLaren basks in the glow of a perfect weekend, their 1-2 finish a bold declaration that they’re not just chasing titles—they’re building a legacy.



Mclaren gets another 1-2 in miami: Oscar leaps ahead

The Miami Grand Prix of 2025 will be etched in McLaren’s storied history as a defining moment, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris delivering a commanding 1-2 finish that sent the papaya-clad fans into a frenzy. Under the blazing Florida sun, Piastri showcased his championship pedigree, seizing the lead with a daring overtake on Max Verstappen and never relinquishing it, crossing the line to claim his third victory of the season. Norris, ever the tenacious teammate, fought valiantly to secure second, fending off a charging George Russell and ensuring McLaren’s dominance was undisputed. This triumph wasn’t just about raw pace—though the MCL39’s blistering speed was undeniable—it was a testament to the team’s strategic brilliance and flawless execution. From pit stops timed to perfection to tire management on a scorching track notorious for thermal degradation, McLaren operated like a well-oiled machine. The victory marked their 50th 1-2 finish in Formula 1, a milestone that harkens back to their glory days and underscores their resurgence as title contenders. For a team that, just two years prior, was lapped twice in Miami, this result was a powerful statement: McLaren is not just back—they’re here to dominate



We predict Max Verstappen will dominate the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, leveraging his past wins here in 2022 and 2023 and Red Bull’s pace to secure the top step. McLaren’s Lando Norris, the 2024 Miami winner, is tipped for second, riding the team’s momentum and recent upgrades that suit the circuit’s high-speed sectors. Oscar Piastri, the current championship leader, is expected to round out the podium in third, showcasing his consistency and McLaren’s strength. While Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli could stir the mix, the Verstappen-Norris-Piastri trio feels poised to shine. Below are the race start times worldwide: United Kingdom: 9:00 PM BST; Central European Time: 10:00 PM CEST; United States (Pacific): 1:00 PM PDT; Mexico: 2:00 PM CST; South Africa: 10:00 PM SAST; Gulf Standard Time: 12:00 AM (May 5); India: 1:30 AM IST (May 5); Indonesia: 3:00 AM WIB (May 5); China/Singapore: 4:00 AM CST (May 5); Japan: 5:00 AM JST (May 5); Australia: 6:00 AM AEST (May 5); New Zealand: 8:00 AM NZST (May 5).



Miami Race day schedule and predictions

The 2025 Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 4, 2025, promises high-octane action at the Miami International Autodrome, a 5.412 km street circuit weaving around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Known for its 19 turns, three DRS zones, and a vibrant atmosphere, the race draws massive crowds—over 275,000 fans attended last year’s event. The Grand Prix, the sixth round of the F1 season, kicks off at 4:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time), covering 57 laps under potentially warm and humid conditions that could challenge tire strategies and driver stamina. As a sprint weekend, the schedule includes practice and sprint qualifying on Friday, May 2, a sprint race and main qualifying on Saturday, May 3, and the main race on Sunday. Fans worldwide can tune in via platforms like ESPN, Sky Sports, or F1 TV Pro, with global start times listed below to catch every moment of the action.



Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton delivered their own compelling performances in the sprint, adding to the drama in Miami. Piastri, Norris’ teammate, showcased his growing maturity with a composed drive to secure a strong points finish, reinforcing McLaren’s double-threat potential. His ability to keep pace with the leaders highlights his rapid development and bodes well for the team’s constructors’ championship hopes. On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton, piloting for Mercedes, fought valiantly in a tightly contested midfield battle, displaying flashes of his trademark brilliance despite a challenging car setup. While Hamilton didn’t reach the podium, his tenacity kept fans on edge, hinting at a potential resurgence in the main race as Mercedes continues to fine-tune their package.



Lando Norris wins again in the Miami sprint race

two paragraphs can you write about oscar and lewis as well

Lando Norris etched his name in the Formula 1 history books by securing his first-ever victory at the Miami Sprint, a breakthrough moment for the young McLaren star. Displaying remarkable composure and pace around the Miami International Autodrome, Norris outmaneuvered reigning champion Max Verstappen to claim the top step, igniting celebrations among McLaren supporters. The team’s recent upgrades proved their worth, with Norris capitalizing on the car’s improved performance to fend off intense pressure. This landmark win not only boosts Norris’ confidence but also signals McLaren’s intent to challenge the frontrunners in the 2025 season, setting high expectations for the main race.



This pole is more than a personal triumph for Antonelli—it’s a statement for Italian motorsport and Mercedes’ faith in youth. The Bologna native, the first Italian to take pole since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2009, has reignited hope for the Tifosi longing for a homegrown hero. Despite early-season challenges, including a controversial three-stop strategy in Bahrain, Antonelli’s raw pace and fearless overtaking have shone through. In Miami, he not only set the fastest lap ever recorded at the International Autodrome but did so by a mere 0.045 seconds over Piastri, showcasing F1’s razor-thin margins. As he prepares for the sprint race, Antonelli’s trajectory suggests this is just the beginning of a career that could redefine Mercedes’ future and captivate fans worldwide.



Kimi Antonelli upsets the field and gets pole in Miami.

At just 18 years old, Andrea Kimi Antonelli has etched his name into Formula 1 history by securing his first-ever pole position for the sprint race at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. The Mercedes prodigy, in only his sixth F1 weekend, delivered a stunning lap of 1:26.482, outpacing McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to become the youngest pole-sitter in any F1 format, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s record. Antonelli’s meteoric rise, from skipping Formula 3 to dominating Formula 2 with Prema, has been nothing short of remarkable. His composure under pressure, especially on a track he’d never driven before outside a simulator, signals the arrival of a generational talent. The Italian’s jubilant radio exchange with his team, calling the lap “mega,” echoed the excitement of a Mercedes garage buzzing with pride for their young star.



For Piastri to win again and widen his 10-point lead over Norris, he’ll need to leverage McLaren’s strategic edge and his own precision in Miami’s tricky layout. The sprint race on Saturday offers a chance to fine-tune setups and score points, but Sunday’s 57-lap main event will be crucial. Piastri’s ability to manage tyre wear in Miami’s heat—expected to near 90°F—and capitalize on the track’s overtaking opportunities, especially in the DRS zones, could see him outpace rivals like Norris and Max Verstappen. A strong qualifying on Saturday evening will be key to starting upfront, avoiding early chaos, and controlling the race. With the championship race heating up, a Miami victory would not only boost Piastri’s points but also send a bold message to his competitors as the season heads to Europe.



Miami GP Race Week: Piastri’s Path to Championship Dominance

Race week is here, and the 2025 Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix is set to ignite the Miami International Autodrome from May 2-4, promising a spectacle of speed, glamour, and high-stakes competition. With the Hard Rock Stadium at its core, the 5.41km track’s 19 corners and three DRS zones will test drivers’ skill and strategy, while Miami’s vibrant atmosphere—complete with performances by Pitbull, Kygo, and Tiësto—amps up the excitement. Oscar Piastri, the current championship leader with 99 points after three wins this season, enters as a favorite following his commanding performance in Saudi Arabia. His McLaren’s superior tyre management and pace on tracks with rough surfaces like Miami’s make him a prime contender to repeat Lando Norris’s 2024 victory here, further solidifying his title campaign.

However, Doohan has received a temporary reprieve, with Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes backing the Australian rookie until at least the mid-season mark. Despite his struggles, Doohan showed glimpses of promise in Bahrain, narrowly missing Q3 and running in the points before a safety car derailed his race. This has bought him some breathing room, but the pressure remains intense. Briatore’s preference for Colapinto, coupled with the Argentine’s simulator work and growing fan support, keeps the spotlight on Doohan’s every move. If Doohan fails to deliver consistent results soon, Briatore’s shift toward Colapinto could see the young Australian sidelined, marking a dramatic shake-up for Alpine’s 2025 campaign.



Franco Colapinto's future looks bright as Jack struggles

The Formula 1 paddock is buzzing with speculation about Jack Doohan’s precarious position at Alpine, with reserve driver Franco Colapinto emerging as a strong contender to replace him. Doohan’s rookie season in 2025 has been marred by lackluster performances, including a dismal 18th-place finish in Saudi Arabia and costly incidents that have racked up an estimated $1.5 million in repair bills for the team. Flavio Briatore, Alpine’s executive advisor, is known for his ruthless decision-making and has been a vocal supporter of Colapinto, who impressed during a nine-race stint with Williams in 2024. Briatore’s influence, combined with Colapinto’s South American sponsorship backing and proven potential—such as scoring points in his second F1 race—has fueled rumors that Doohan’s seat is on borrowed time, with some reports suggesting a decision could loom by the summer break



This victory underscores Piastri’s growing dominance and shifts the dynamic within McLaren, where he has now overtaken teammate Lando Norris in the championship. Despite Norris’s valiant recovery from a P10 start to finish fourth, Piastri’s flawless drive—capped by the fastest middle sector on his final lap—highlighted his mental fortitude and adaptability. McLaren’s commanding performance, with both drivers in the top four, further cemented their lead in the constructors’ championship with 151 points, far ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull. Piastri’s post-race reflection, “It’s been a big three weeks,” hints at the momentum he carries forward, setting the stage for a thrilling title fight. As fireworks lit up the Jeddah sky, Piastri’s triumph signaled not just a race win, but a potential changing of the guard in F1’s fiercely competitive landscape.



Oscar Piastri fights back and wins in Saudi Arabia

In a stunning display of skill and composure, Oscar Piastri claimed victory at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, solidifying his position as a rising star in Formula 1. The McLaren driver, starting from second on the grid, battled fiercely with pole-sitter Max Verstappen, overcoming an early challenge when Verstappen received a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage off-track. Piastri’s relentless pace and strategic brilliance shone through as he maintained a lead of over four seconds by the race’s closing stages, fending off Verstappen’s late charge. His third win of the season, and second consecutive triumph after Bahrain, propelled him to the top of the drivers’ championship, marking him as the first Australian to lead the standings since Mark Webber in 2010. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known for its high-speed demands and unforgiving walls, played to Piastri’s strengths, with his calm precision earning praise as he outmaneuvered a competitive field under the floodlights.



The fallout from Norris’s crash highlighted McLaren’s missed opportunity and raised questions about their strategy in the worsening conditions. Norris, who had been confident after topping practice sessions, admitted the car felt “hooked up” until the fateful Q3 moment when he pushed too hard in the rain-soaked Eau Rouge-like section of Suzuka. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, also struggled to match Verstappen’s pace, finishing third, 0.044 seconds off pole. The incident echoed Norris’s 2021 Belgian GP crash in similar conditions, underscoring the fine line between bravery and error on a track as demanding as Suzuka. For Verstappen, the pole was a “special one,” as he noted the unexpected triumph given Red Bull’s struggles earlier in the season. As McLaren heads into the race, they’ll need to regroup and leverage their superior race pace to challenge Verstappen, who now holds the psychological edge from the front of the grid.



Max Verstappen snags pole position in Saudi Arabia

In a heart-stopping qualifying session at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen snatched pole position from McLaren in a dramatic twist, capitalizing on a rare misstep from Lando Norris. The Suzuka circuit, known for its unforgiving nature, saw Norris pushing the limits in Q3 when he aquaplaned in the wet conditions, dipping a wheel off the track and crashing out. This brought out a red flag, halting the session and robbing McLaren of a final chance to challenge Verstappen’s blistering lap. Verstappen, with a low-downforce setup that gave him a crucial edge in top speed, delivered a near-perfect lap to edge out Norris by just 0.012 seconds before the crash, showcasing his ability to wring every ounce of performance from a tricky Red Bull RB21. The pole, his first of the 2025 season, was a testament to his precision and nerve under pressure, leaving McLaren stunned despite their dominant form throughout the weekend.



Team principal Fred Vasseur has defended Hamilton's adaptation, emphasizing that the SF-25 is a new car still reaching its full potential. While Ferrari is currently fourth in the Constructors' Championship, trailing McLaren by a significant margin, Vasseur likened the team's situation to cooking, stating that they have "the ingredients" but need to "get cooking" to unlock their full potential . Hamilton's experience is seen as an asset in guiding the team's evolution, and even a single win would mark significant progress for both him and Ferrari. We'll see where Lewis is able to Qualify in a few hours for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He mentioned he was "just trying to get in the top 10". More to come from Lewis and the Scuderia.

Lewis Hamilton opens up about recent struggles at Ferrari

​Lewis Hamilton has recently opened up about the challenges he’s faced since joining Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Transitioning from Mercedes after 12 years, Hamilton described the process as a "huge challenge" and acknowledged that he had "massively underestimated" the emotional toll of leaving a team where he secured six of his seven world championships . Adapting to Ferrari's SF-25 has been difficult; he noted that the car "doesn't feel natural" and that he's still adjusting to new technical elements like Brembo brakes and engine braking . Despite these hurdles, Hamilton remains optimistic, citing his fifth-place finish in Bahrain as a sign of progress and expressing confidence in the team's potential .​

As the session unfolded under Jeddah’s sunny skies, with temperatures hovering around 31°C, the track’s challenging layout tested driver precision and car setups. Lando Norris, despite his P2 finish, trailed closely behind Gasly, while championship contenders Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton lurked further down the order, suggesting Red Bull and Mercedes may still be fine-tuning their pace. The session wasn’t without drama—Norris was noted for his aggressive lines, and the circuit’s tight margins kept drivers on edge, with barriers posing a constant threat. With FP2 looming just hours away, teams will be analyzing data to optimize for the cooler evening conditions, which better mimic qualifying and race scenarios. The early pace from Alpine and McLaren, combined with the unpredictable nature of Jeddah’s 27 corners, sets the tone for a thrilling Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend.



Saudi Arabia FP1 Recap: Gasly tops the timing board

The first free practice session (FP1) for the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit set the stage for an intense weekend, with Pierre Gasly of Alpine stealing the spotlight by posting the fastest lap time of 1m29.239s, edging out McLaren’s Lando Norris by a mere seven-thousandths of a second. The session showcased a fiercely competitive field, with George Russell’s Mercedes and the Ferrari duo of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc rounding out the top five, all within a tight margin. The Jeddah street circuit, known for its high-speed corners and unforgiving walls, lived up to its reputation as drivers like Gasly pushed the limits, while others, including Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, faced setbacks, stuck in the garage due to missing rear wings. McLaren’s strong showing, fresh off Oscar Piastri’s dominant Bahrain win, reinforced their status as favorites, but the close times hinted at a potential shake-up as softer Pirelli tire compounds promise more strategic variety this weekend.



For international viewers, here’s what that looks like: in UTC time, sessions begin at 13:30 (FP1), 17:30 (FP2), 14:30 (FP3), 18:30 (Qualifying), and the race at 17:00. UK fans using British Summer Time (BST) can tune in at 14:30, 18:30, 15:30, 19:30, and 18:00 respectively. In Central Europe (CET), sessions run at 15:30, 19:30, 16:30, 20:30, and 19:00. Over in the U.S., Eastern Time viewers can catch the action at 09:30, 13:30, 10:30, 14:30, and the race at 13:00, while Pacific Time followers will need to set early alarms for 06:30, 10:30, 07:30, 11:30, and 10:00 for the race. Indian fans (IST) can tune in at 19:00, 23:00, 20:00, midnight, and 22:30, while Australian viewers in AEST will catch sessions in the early morning hours of the next day: 00:30, 04:30, 01:30, 05:30, and 04:00. Whether you're catching every session live or just watching the race, use this timezone breakdown to stay in sync with the action as Formula 1 lights up the streets of Jeddah.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Start Times Globally

The Formula 1 2025 season heads to the high-speed streets of Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, one of the most visually striking night races on the calendar. For fans around the world, keeping track of session times across time zones can be tricky — so we’ve done the conversions for you. In local Arabia Standard Time (AST), Free Practice 1 kicks off on Friday, April 18 at 16:30, followed by FP2 at 20:30. Saturday features FP3 at 17:30 and Qualifying at 21:30. The main event — the Grand Prix itself — takes place Sunday, April 20 at 20:00 AST.

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The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix’s Jeddah Corniche Circuit, illuminated under floodlights, not only delivers heart-pounding racing but also amplifies the stakes in the 2025 championship as teams adapt lessons from Bahrain’s season opener. With McLaren’s confidence soaring after their 1-2 finish, their ability to optimize tire strategy on Jeddah’s low-wear asphalt could be key, especially after Norris’s masterful tire management in Bahrain. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s hinted-at Red Bull upgrades, teased in X posts from team insiders, might close the gap, though the track’s narrow margins leave little room for error—evident in past incidents like the 2021 Hamilton-Verstappen clash. Ferrari and Mercedes, both showing flashes of pace in Bahrain, will look to exploit any chaos, while the unpredictable midfield battle, led by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, could see points snatched in the tight corners. Off-track, Jeddah’s glitzy atmosphere and packed fan zones contrast with ongoing debates about safety and the sport’s regional presence, making this race a pivotal moment both for the championship and Formula 1’s global narrative.



This week in Jeddah: The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Following a dramatic Bahrain Grand Prix where McLaren’s Oscar Piastri snatched victory and Lando Norris held off Max Verstappen’s late charge, the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, set for April 20 at Jeddah Corniche Circuit, promises another fierce battle. The 50-lap night race on the 6.174-kilometer street track, with its high-speed straights and 27 corners, challenges drivers after Bahrain exposed Red Bull’s setup struggles, as Verstappen noted Minor tweaks away at his post-race press conference. McLaren’s momentum, with Piastri and Norris leading the championship, contrasts with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who’s looking to rebound from a costly Bahrain mistake, and Mercedes’ George Russell, aiming to capitalize on their improved pace. Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez, last year’s Jeddah winner, hopes to regain form, while the tight midfield—Alpine, Haas, and RB—could shake things up if they master the track’s demands. Jeddah’s unforgiving walls and high average speed of 252 km/h will test precision, with all eyes on whether McLaren can maintain their edge or if Red Bull claws back ground



The significance of McLaren’s Bahrain success reverberates beyond the track, as it tightens the drivers’ championship battle and strengthens their constructors’ lead. Piastri’s second win of the season brings him within three points of Norris, setting the stage for an intense intra-team rivalry as the season progresses. For a team that has historically struggled at this circuit, this breakthrough victory is a testament to the MCL39’s versatility and the squad’s relentless development. With momentum firmly on their side, McLaren heads to the next race in Saudi Arabia as the team to beat, proving they can dominate even on tracks that once haunted them.



McLaren's Historic Triumph: Piastri and Norris Conquer Bahrain

Just hours ago, McLaren celebrated a historic triumph at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, marking their first-ever victory at the Sakhir circuit. Oscar Piastri delivered a masterclass performance, converting pole position into a commanding win, leading from start to finish with a 14-second gap over the competition. His teammate, Lando Norris, fought valiantly despite a five-second penalty for a false start, clawing his way back to secure third place and a double podium for the team. This result not only showcased McLaren’s blistering pace but also their strategic brilliance, with Piastri’s flawless drive and Norris’s recovery highlighting the team’s depth and determination in the championship fight.



Oscar Piastri led FP2 with McLaren’s one-lap pace looking sharp, but the Aussie stayed grounded. “The car felt good,” he said, “but others will likely find more tomorrow.”

Piastri highlighted the importance of race pace in Bahrain’s high-degradation conditions, adding: “It’s nice to have the gap now, but we need a strong race car too. Qualifying isn’t everything here.”

Norris plays down McLaren’s practice pace as he claims rivals ‘didn’t turn up’ on first day in Bahrain

Despite McLaren topping both practice sessions in Bahrain, Lando Norris called the day “horrendous,” pointing to high tyre degradation and tricky conditions. “Everything feels dreadful,” he said, “but our pace was still reasonable.”

Norris stressed that pre-season data was “basically useless” due to the heat and wind. While McLaren looked strong, he expects Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari to step up in qualifying: “I just don’t think they turned up today.”

Verstappen noted the lack of pace was especially evident during long runs, joking, “It was not a lot of fun… a bit of drift practice at the end there.”

Having skipped FP1 to allow rookie Ayumu Iwasa a run, Verstappen focused on soft tyre performance in FP2. He acknowledged the team's different approach to Friday’s program may have influenced the gap to McLaren, but stressed, “It’s big.”

Teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who finished P18, also faced a messy session as Red Bull continue experimenting with setups. “It’s a bit of learning,” he said, pointing to differences between the cars and an overall disrupted day.

‘We’re just too slow’ – Verstappen not happy as he reflects on ‘massive’ gap to McLaren in Bahrain FP2

Max Verstappen admitted Red Bull were “too slow basically every lap” after a tough opening day at the Bahrain Grand Prix, as McLaren topped both practice sessions. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris led the way, while Verstappen trailed in seventh, eight-tenths off the pace.

“It was just difficult,” Verstappen said after FP2. “The gap was quite massive. I was struggling with grip and the general feeling. The balance wasn’t terrible, but we were off.”

Leclerc believes Ferrari is close to Mercedes but still trailing Red Bull, especially with Max Verstappen holding tyre advantage during FP2. Despite the gap, he confirmed Ferrari’s upgraded floor is performing as expected.

Lewis Hamilton echoed the positive signs for Ferrari, calling the day “fun” but acknowledging the challenges of consistency across different corner speeds. “The upgrades are definitely working,” he said, thanking the factory team for their efforts and expressing hope for more gains overnight.

Leclerc ponders ‘annoying’ deficit to McLaren in Bahrain despite Ferrari updates that are ‘definitely working’

Leclerc Admits McLaren Are "On Another Planet" After Strong Bahrain Practice

Charles Leclerc has labelled McLaren’s pace during Bahrain Grand Prix practice as “annoying,” admitting the team is “on another planet for now” after Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris dominated FP2.

The McLaren duo finished over half a second clear of their closest rivals, leaving Leclerc and Ferrari playing catch-up. “We’re just not fast enough,” Leclerc said. “They are incredibly fast. It’s annoying, but it motivates me to try and close that gap.”

He noted the session was tricky due to the significantly warmer conditions compared to pre-season testing, requiring overnight adjustments to the car setup.

On December 29, 2013, however, Schumacher’s life changed forever in a devastating accident that shocked the world. While skiing off-piste in the French Alps with his son Mick, the 44-year-old lost control and crashed, striking his head on a rock despite wearing a helmet. The impact caused a severe traumatic brain injury, plunging him into a coma and necessitating emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. After months in a medically induced coma, he was brought home in 2014 to continue his recovery under the care of medical professionals, but details about his health have since been closely guarded by his family, who prioritize his privacy. Occasional updates from close friends hint at a long, challenging rehabilitation process, yet the full extent of his condition remains undisclosed. For a man who once seemed invincible, conquering tracks at breakneck speeds, this tragic turn of events serves as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability, leaving admirers worldwide to honor his monumental achievements while holding onto hope for his well-being.



Michael Schumacher: The Champion Beyond the Track

Michael Schumacher, widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time, left an indelible mark on the sport through his extraordinary talent and unrelenting determination. Born in Germany in 1969, he debuted in F1 in 1991 and quickly rose to prominence, securing his first World Championship in 1994 with Benetton, followed by another in 1995. His most iconic years came with Ferrari, where he clinched five consecutive titles from 2000 to 2004, a feat that solidified his status as a racing legend. With 91 Grand Prix wins, countless lap records, and a reputation for pushing both himself and his machinery to the limit, Schumacher’s career, which concluded with his second retirement in 2012, remains a benchmark for excellence in motorsport. After stepping away from the track, he embraced a more private life, spending time with his wife Corinna and their children, while his legacy continued to inspire generations of drivers and fans alike.



For Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in 2025 with hopes of clinching an elusive eighth world title, Vasseur’s observation could spell trouble. Historically, the British driver has been a master of race-day execution, renowned for his tire management, strategic acumen, and ability to carve through the field when starting out of position—skills honed over years of battling less-than-perfect machinery at McLaren and capitalizing on Mercedes’ dominance. However, if the season indeed pivots toward qualifying prowess, Hamilton might find himself at a disadvantage against younger rivals like Max Verstappen or Charles Leclerc, who have consistently showcased blistering one-lap pace in recent years. At 40, Hamilton’s raw speed remains formidable, but his qualifying record has occasionally been less dominant than his racecraft, as seen in his final Mercedes seasons where teammate George Russell often edged him out on Saturdays. If tracks like Suzuka, Monaco, or Singapore—where overtaking is a rarity—dominate the calendar’s outcomes, a single off-day in qualifying could leave Hamilton with little room to recover, no matter how brilliantly he drives on Sunday. For a driver whose legacy includes some of the most memorable comebacks in F1 history, this qualifying-centric season could stifle his strengths, forcing him to adapt to a game that increasingly favors the stopwatch over the long haul.



Fred Vasseur says Qualy sessions will dictate the 2025 season.

In early April 2025, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur sparked a wave of discussion in the Formula 1 community when he remarked that the 2025 season might effectively become a “qualifying world championship,” with starting positions proving decisive in the fight for the title. Speaking after the Japanese Grand Prix—where the circuit’s notorious difficulty for overtaking saw the podium mirror the qualifying order—Vasseur emphasized how the shrinking performance gaps between teams, combined with the aerodynamic challenges of following closely behind another car, have elevated the importance of a strong Saturday performance. With the first three races of the season all won by the pole-sitter, his comments suggest that the final year of the current regulations could see race-day strategy and wheel-to-wheel combat take a backseat to securing the best grid slot. This shift, while a testament to the sport’s competitive balance, raises intriguing questions about its impact on the championship narrative—and for drivers like Lewis Hamilton, it could prove to be a double-edged sword.



Bahrain’s night race has a history of delivering drama—think Hamilton and Nico Rosberg’s 2014 duel or Verstappen’s 2024 romp—and while it’s no longer the curtain-raiser, its timing as the first night event of the year still sets a tone for the season’s rhythm. Verstappen’s Suzuka masterclass left him one point shy of Norris, and in Sakhir, he’ll aim to capitalize on Red Bull’s upgrades, though McLaren’s MCL39 looks tailor-made for Bahrain’s DRS-friendly straights, promising a fierce scrap at the front. Ferrari, meanwhile, stumbled in Japan (Leclerc P4, Hamilton P7), and whispers of a car tweak could make or break their weekend, especially with Hamilton hungry to prove his move was no midlife crisis. Further back, Haas’s Esteban Ocon and rookie Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes are finding their feet, but Bahrain’s mix of high-speed flow and technical corners will test their progress against a midfield tighter than ever—just 15 points separate Haas and Aston Martin after three rounds. With stable weather (low 30s day, high 20s night) and no rain to shake things up, this race will hinge on execution, not chaos, making it a crystal ball for how the 2025 pecking order might solidify as the season marches toward its next triple-header.



Lights Out in Sakhir: Why the Bahrain Grand Prix Will Set the Tone for 2025

The 2025 Formula 1 season is already three races deep as the paddock rolls into Sakhir for the Bahrain Grand Prix on April 11-13, and with the floodlights primed to illuminate the desert night, this fourth round feels like a pivotal moment in an unfolding championship saga. Coming off Max Verstappen’s nail-biting win in Japan—where he fended off Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to slash Norris’s title lead to a single point—Bahrain offers a familiar battleground that’s less about shaking off pre-season rust and more about cementing early momentum. The Bahrain International Circuit, with its long straights, heavy braking zones, and abrasive surface, has a knack for exposing car strengths and driver mettle, as seen in pre-season testing weeks earlier; now, it’s a proving ground for upgrades and strategies after a triple-header kickoff. Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari switch has tongues wagging—his P7 in Suzuka hinted at pace but not yet podiums—while McLaren’s blistering form (wins in Australia and China) faces a Red Bull resurgence, making this race a critical gauge of who’s adapting fastest in 2025’s tight field.



RECAP: Max is able to win the Japanese Grand Prix

Max Verstappen’s triumph at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix on April 6 was a showcase of his extraordinary talent, as he clinched his fourth consecutive victory at Suzuka with a performance that blended audacious qualifying brilliance with metronomic race-day precision, yet the event itself unfolded as a tedious procession that left fans yawning and drivers visibly frustrated; starting from a pole position secured with a track-record-shattering lap—just 0.012 seconds ahead of Lando Norris—Verstappen seized control from the outset, fending off an early nudge from the McLaren pair of Norris and Oscar Piastri into Turn 1, quickly building a two-second cushion to neutralize DRS threats, and then expertly managing his pace despite a Red Bull car that, by many accounts, lacked the outright speed of McLaren’s MCL39, with the race’s only flicker of excitement erupting during the Lap 21 pit stops when a slightly tardy Red Bull crew allowed Norris to draw level at the pit exit, sparking a brief side-by-side tussle that ended with Norris bouncing onto the grass after Verstappen’s resolute defense—deemed fair by the stewards—before the Dutchman reasserted his lead and cruised to a 1.4-second win over Norris, with Piastri a further second back in third, a tight finish undermined by a race-long dearth of overtaking, as Suzuka’s narrow, high-speed layout stifled action despite a grid tightened by 2025’s competitive parity (less than a second from fastest to 16th in qualifying), compounded by a newly resurfaced track that slashed tire degradation to near-zero, locking all teams into identical one-stop strategies and erasing strategic intrigue, while McLaren’s conservative refusal to swap Norris and a faster-closing Piastri in the final laps—opting for a safe double podium over a bold stab at victory—further dulled the spectacle, leaving drivers like Nico Hülkenberg (“Long, dull, not much happening”) and Carlos Sainz (comparing it to Monaco’s notorious processions) to lament a Sunday that saw just 15 overtakes after Lap 1 (down from 48 in 2024), with 11 of 20 drivers finishing where they started, a stark contrast to the weekend’s earlier promise of chaos from grass fires and an 80% rain forecast that never materialized, rendering Verstappen’s cool-headed mastery—lauded by Christian Horner as one of his finest weekends—a solitary highlight in a race that felt more like a time trial than a battle, as the top six mirrored their grid slots and fans on X dubbed it a “bore-fest,” proving that even a driver of Verstappen’s caliber, who turned a mid-pack car into a winner through sheer skill and a pivotal pit-lane stand, couldn’t salvage the day from the monotony of modern F1’s aerodynamic shackles and Suzuka’s unforgiving design.



The significance of Verstappen’s pole reverberated beyond just the stopwatch, highlighting both his individual brilliance and Red Bull’s resilience in the face of adversity. Suzuka, with its high-speed corners and unforgiving layout, has long been a track that rewards precision and bravery—qualities Verstappen has in spades. His lap not only secured his fourth consecutive pole at this iconic venue but also silenced doubters who had begun to question Red Bull’s place among the elite in 2025. McLaren’s duo of Norris and Piastri, who locked out the second and third spots on the grid, had been expected to dominate, yet Verstappen’s razor-thin margin over them underscored his ability to elevate a car that, by Horner’s own admission, had been “turned upside down” to find this level of performance. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed fourth, while Lewis Hamilton, now with Ferrari, could only muster eighth, further emphasizing how Verstappen defied the odds against teams with seemingly stronger packages. As the paddock buzzed with praise for what some called a “GOAT-like” performance, this pole position injected a much-needed boost into Red Bull’s campaign, setting the stage for a thrilling race where Verstappen’s mastery could once again prove the difference against the sport’s top contenders.



Max Verstappen brings Red Bull's struggling car to pole in Japan

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Max Verstappen delivered a jaw-dropping pole position for Red Bull at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, defying expectations and outpacing the top teams that have dominated the season so far. Heading into the Suzuka weekend, McLaren had been the team to beat, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri consistently showcasing their car's superior pace, while Ferrari and Mercedes also appeared to hold an edge over a Red Bull squad that had struggled to find its rhythm in the early races of the year. Yet, Verstappen turned the narrative on its head with a blistering lap in qualifying on April 5, 2025, edging out Norris by a mere 0.012 seconds to claim his first pole of the season. This unexpected triumph was a testament to Verstappen’s unrivaled talent, as he extracted every ounce of performance from a car that many had written off as uncompetitive against the frontrunners. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner couldn’t hide his disbelief, calling it an “outstanding lap” and admitting the team hadn’t anticipated such a result, especially after a season where their form had seemed to wane. For Verstappen, this was more than just a pole—it was a statement that the four-time world champion and his team could still rise to the occasion on one of Formula 1’s most demanding circuits.



Tsunoda’s former boss hails ‘360 degree’ improvement from Japanese driver as he reveals the quality that will help him succeed at Red Bull

Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies has praised Yuki Tsunoda for his "incredible step" over the past year, which led to his promotion to Red Bull. After being overlooked in the winter, Tsunoda impressed with strong performances, especially as Liam Lawson struggled with the RB21. Mekies highlighted Tsunoda's growth, saying: “We’ve seen him make steps 360 degrees,” from improving his maturity and calmness to providing valuable technical feedback, all translating into increased speed.

Mekies also noted Tsunoda’s ability to execute faultless weekends, under pressure, like his impressive P5 Qualifying in Melbourne and P6 finish in the Sprint Race in China. His rapid improvement has made him a "team leader" at Racing Bulls.

The big news at Suzuka was Red Bull's decision to swap drivers, bringing in local hero Yuki Tsunoda to replace Liam Lawson after just two races. Despite Tsunoda matching Verstappen’s pace in Free Practice 1, Verstappen declined to discuss the driver switch further, stating: “I’ve discussed everything with the team, so the team knows what I think about everything, and I think that is enough, to be honest.”

‘A lot of things are not clicking’ – Red Bull’s Verstappen admits he’s lacking ‘confidence and commitment’ around Suzuka after tricky Friday

Max Verstappen shared insights into Red Bull's struggles at Suzuka, revealing that the team is testing "a lot of different things" to fix underlying issues with the RB21. After finishing Friday’s FP2 session 0.556s off the pace, Verstappen expressed his frustration with the car’s performance, stating: “It’s quite difficult just to put the lap down. We still have a bit of work to do.”

Verstappen mentioned the challenge of lacking confidence and commitment, particularly with the car feeling “super-weird” in FP1 due to excessive flexing. Despite ongoing efforts to resolve the issue, Verstappen acknowledged it’s still a work in progress.

Running came to a brief halt when a third red flag was thrown owing to a small fire at the side of the track, before the session got underway again with around seven minutes to go – and it was Piastri who edged out team mate Norris to end the session on top, the Australian’s effort of 1m 28.114s putting him 0.049s clear of the other McLaren as another red flag fell in the closing moments following a second small fire.

Hadjar held onto third, ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari and Racing Bulls’ returnee Liam Lawson. Russell followed in sixth as Mercedes look for another strong weekend, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Verstappen, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Sainz completed a slightly mixed-up top 10.

The other Williams of Alex Albon slotted into 11th, ahead of the Kick Sauber duo of Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto and Haas pairing Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman respectively.

Kimi Antonelli claimed P16 for Mercedes – with the Italian and his team mate both having abandoned their soft tyre runs, leaving them without representative times on the board – while Alonso, Tsunoda, Stroll and Doohan rounded out the order, with Alonso and Doohan both having been unable to return to action after their incidents.

With Friday’s running now complete, the drivers and teams will look over their data before returning to the Suzuka Circuit for the third and final practice session on Saturday at 1130 local time, ahead of Qualifying later in the afternoon.

FP2: Piastri sets the pace as Doohan crashes amid disrupted second practice in Japan

Oscar Piastri ended Friday on top at the Japanese Grand Prix by going fastest during a Free Practice 2 that was disrupted by several red flags, with the first stoppage coming after a heavy crash for Alpine’s Jack Doohan.

After Lando Norris set the pace during FP1 earlier in the day – in a session that also saw home favourite Yuki Tsunoda make his debut for Red Bull – the drivers returned to action for the second hour of practice at 1500 local time amid dry and sunny conditions at the Suzuka Circuit.

Doohan was amongst the first to hit the track – having handed his Alpine over to Ryo Hirakawa during the opening practice session – while there were early concerns for Carlos Sainz, the Williams driver reporting something “wrong” with his FW47 before returning to the pits.

But there was worse to come for Doohan, the Australian suffering a high-speed crash at Turn 1 less than 10 minutes into FP2 to bring out the red flags. While he fortunately reported that he was okay, the incident left behind significant debris as well as damage to the barriers, leading to a lengthy recovery operation by the marshals.

Elsewhere, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is embracing the cherry blossom season with a sakura-inspired livery for their VF-25, a nod to Japan’s springtime beauty, while also chasing continued momentum after a strong showing in China. Kick Sauber, too, is bringing a revised sidepod design to the table and a fresh steak livery teased on socials (pictured above), with technical director James Key crediting driver Nico Hulkenberg’s insights for shaping this development. With the Suzuka track freshly resurfaced in key sections like the Esses, teams are adapting to potentially faster lap times and shifting strategies. As the first triple-header of the season kicks off, these upgrades signal an intense battle to master the circuit’s unique challenges and set the tone for the races ahead.



Team upgrades coming to the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix

As the Formula 1 circus rolls into Suzuka for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled for April 4-6, several teams are gearing up with significant upgrades to tackle the iconic figure-of-eight circuit. Oracle Red Bull Racing is set to debut a striking all-white livery as a tribute to their outgoing power unit partner, Honda, marking their final home race together. This aesthetic change accompanies whispers of performance tweaks, with the team aiming to rebound from a rocky start to the season. Meanwhile, Aston Martin, after a disappointing opening, is introducing its first set of solutions to the AMR25, leveraging data from earlier races and a two-week break to enhance performance. These upgrades are critical as the team integrates recent structural changes, including the arrival of Adrian Newey, hoping to turn their season around on a track known for its high-speed demands.



Lawson’s run at Red Bull is the shortest in the team’s history, one Grand Prix fewer than Robert Doornbos at the tail-end of 2006, and two fewer than Liuzzi, who raced for the Milton Keynes-based operation during their debut 2005 campaign.

As the swap takes place, Liuzzi shared some first-hand insight into what is likely to be going through Lawson’s head, and tipped him to follow in the footsteps of Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, who both recovered from their own Red Bull episodes.

“It’s definitely not an easy time for a driver like him, especially with not so much experience,” Liuzzi told F1.com. “He needs to put his head back together and show that he has the skill to stay in F1.

“It’s about keeping that experience at Red Bull like a little nightmare, because it was basically a few months, and then rebuilding his position as an F1 driver, which he can do at Racing Bulls.

Lawson backed to put ‘little nightmare’ behind him by former Red Bull driver Liuzzi following seat swap

Ex-Red Bull racer Vitantonio Liuzzi believes there is a “good possibility” of Liam Lawson rebuilding his F1 career with Racing Bulls, despite the disappointment and frustration he will feel about being dropped by the senior team.

Lawson has lost his spot in Red Bull Racing’s line-up after just two race weekends – the 23-year-old New Zealander struggling to get up to speed while reigning four-time World Champion team mate Max Verstappen fought at the front of the field.

Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda will take over the seat alongside Verstappen from the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, with Lawson – who has contested 13 Grands Prix in the top echelon – going back to the sister outfit he previously represented.

Tsunoda expected 'a lot more trickiness' from Red Bull's RB21 on simulator ahead of Japanese GP

Yuki Tsunoda believes adapting to Red Bull’s RB21 for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix will “be very challenging” despite “expecting a lot more trickiness” from the car during pre-event simulator sessions.

The 24-year-old will make his Red Bull debut this weekend for his home race at the Suzuka Circuit, having been promoted from sister team Racing Bulls in place of Liam Lawson.

Lawson lasted just two events alongside reigning World Champion Max Verstappen at the Red Bull squad, having failed to finish inside the points in either Australia or China after disappointing qualifying performances.

While Tsunoda also failed to finish in the points for both Grands Prix, the Japanese driver impressed, having qualified fifth and ninth respectively as well as claiming sixth in China’s Sprint.

As the pressure mounted, Red Bull and Perez ultimately agreed to go their separate ways at the end of the season, with the news announced after the season-closer in Abu Dhabi.

“Everything happened really late in the season,” said Perez, who also drove for Sauber, McLaren and Force India/Racing Point across a 14-year stint in F1. “I wasn’t really expecting it to happen. It only became clearer once we were in Qatar, and we started to discuss and negotiate my exit of the team. It all happened very quickly.”

Perez has since spent most of his time back home in Mexico with his wife and four children in what is his first significant break from extensive travel since his karting days, more than two decades ago.

“It's been great to have this amount of time to step back a bit, see the sport from the outside and be able to realise the journey that I’ve had so far in many areas,” said the six-time Grand Prix winner, who also scored 39 podiums.

“I feel like I’m in a privileged position with my career, knowing that I’ve always maximised all my opportunities and that to me as an athlete is very important.”

With time to unwind and step back from the sport that had long consumed him, Perez feels he’s not done with Formula 1 just yet – but he’d only return if he can find the right project.

“If I find a project that motivates me fully to come back, where the team believe in me and where they appreciate my career, my experience and everything I can bring to a team, it would be very attractive to consider it,” he said.

"That’s why I’ve given myself at least six months to get all my options on the table and make a decision on what I do next with my career.

“There are a few very interesting projects out there. I’ve been approached by a few teams since Abu Dhabi. Right now, the season has started so a few things will open up in the coming months.

“We are talking to a few parties out there. Once I know all my options, I will make a decision. What is very clear to me is that I’m only coming back if the project makes sense, and it’s something I can enjoy.

“I’ve spent a long time in F1 already, I’ve done most of it. Once you step back, you realise how much you give up in life to be in the sport. So, to be in F1 fully committed, I need the motivation.”

Speaking of the interest in him, Perez added: “It’s good to be in this position knowing that people are keen on you as a drive. People have short memories in F1.

“Within a couple of races, they forget what you have done. People realise that my position was not the easiest one in F1 – and I’ve done extremely well overall.”

Sources say Cadillac – who are entering Formula 1 as an 11th team next season – are one of the few teams that Perez is talking to.

The American squad, led by Team Principal Graeme Lowdon who was formerly Marussia’s Sporting Director and more recently Chinese racer Zhou Guanyu’s manager, have the Mexican high on their list of potential drivers.

‘We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam’ – Horner opens up on decision to replace Lawson at Red Bull.

Perez was disappointed with the way he left the sport – and how his time at Red Bull, where he enjoyed the best results of his career, came to an end.

The last stint was tough with Perez scoring just nine points across eight Grand Prix weekends as he struggled to get the most out of a very difficult car – while his team mate Max Verstappen went on to win a fourth successive title.

His replacement Liam Lawson found it tough, too. The New Zealander qualified last for both the Sprint and Grand Prix last time out in China (the first time a Red Bull has qualified last in any format in F1) and has since been demoted to Racing Bulls after two races ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, with Yuki Tsunoda stepping up to replace him.

“Especially last year, I didn’t get to show what I’m able to do as a driver,” Perez said. “Now, all of a sudden, people realise how difficult the car is to drive.

“When I joined Red Bull, there had been great drivers who had struggled – Alex [Albon], Pierre [Gasly], they are fantastic drivers and they struggled.

JACQUES: Tsunoda’s Red Bull promotion is a deserved reward – but Lawson needs to take inspiration from Gasly and Albon

“I spent so long in Red Bull that everyone forgot how difficult the car is to drive, so that was tricky.

“I feel like that if there is a project that makes sense to me – and also with the regulations changing for 2026 – I feel like taking a year out won’t have any impact if I were to come back.”

Perez hopes Red Bull’s fortunes improve after a challenging start to the year and he has also backed Tsunoda to deliver alongside Verstappen.

“I really want the team to do well, as I have a lot of friends at the team,” said Perez. “I spent four years with them and I want to see them doing well. It’s just a very hard thing to talk about.

“Right now, I’m on the outside, I’ve been in touch with some team members there – but when you’re not there internally, it’s hard to know [what’s happening].

“For me, it was very simple, the car is just quite difficult to get 100% out of it, to get the confidence out of it – and the things I struggled with, even Adrian [Newey, the team’s former design chief] talked about them.

“But I want to wish them the best. Woody, who is a great friend of mine, is engineering Yuki now so I really hope they do well.

“Yuki has the talent, has the speed and, more than that, you need the mentality to cope with it. I think he has the right mentality and the right attitude to cope with it. I hope they will succeed.”

EXCLUSIVE: Perez reveals talks with ‘a few’ teams as he hints at possible F1 return

Sergio Perez says he is talking to “a few” teams about a potential return to the Formula 1 grid in 2026 – however the Mexican insists he’ll only return if the project makes sense.

Speaking exclusively to F1.com via video call from his home in Mexico, Perez cut a relaxed figure as he discussed life away from F1 for the first time in more than a decade, his interest in returning to the sport that had become his life – and his thoughts on former team Red Bull.

Last December, Red Bull and Perez announced they had reached an agreement to part ways with immediate effect after four seasons together, despite the 35-year-old having two years left on his contract.

Perez played a key role in helping Red Bull win the Teams’ Championship in 2022 and 2023 – and finished a career-best second in the Drivers’ standings in the latter season – but endured a painful 2024 campaign as he struggled to get to grips with a tricky RB20.

TECH WEEKLY: Why Kick Sauber are performing much better than their pre-season testing form suggested

Sauber’s performance in the opening two races of the 2025 season was significantly better than pre-season testing had suggested, when the new C45 had looked the slowest car. Nico Hulkenberg took seventh place points in Melbourne and qualified 12th for the Chinese Grand Prix, while Gabriel Bortoleto made Q2 in Melbourne and SQ2 in China Sprint Qualifying.

The Sauber is evidently better than Bahrain testing had made it look. The reason for the underwhelming competitiveness there became clear in Melbourne as the team showed up with a new front wing and sidepod. Suddenly the car was behaving in a much more predictable way.

The return of the white livery echoes Red Bull’s popular 2021 Turkish Grand Prix design, originally intended for Japan but postponed due to the pandemic. Fans have already taken to social media to express their excitement, with many praising the clean, striking look that honors Honda’s contribution to Red Bull’s recent dominance—powering Max Verstappen to four consecutive Drivers’ Championships and the team to two Constructors’ titles. As Honda prepares to shift their focus to Aston Martin in 2026, this livery serves as a fitting farewell, celebrating a partnership that redefined Red Bull’s success in the hybrid era. With Yuki Tsunoda making his Red Bull debut alongside Verstappen at this race, the stage is set for an emotional and visually spectacular weekend in Suzuka.



Red Bull Racing finally shows new livery for Japan

Red Bull Racing has once again turned heads with the unveiling of their stunning new all-white and candy red livery for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. This special one-off design pays tribute to their long-standing partnership with Honda, marking the final home race for the Japanese manufacturer before their collaboration ends later this year. The RB21 is draped in a sleek, predominantly white coat—a nod to Honda’s iconic “Championship White” and the legendary RA272 car that secured their first F1 victory in 1965. Accented with a vibrant candy red Red Bull logo on the engine cover and subtle blue hints at the front and rear, this livery blends heritage with a bold, modern flair that’s sure to stand out on the track.



This move not only marks a significant moment for Tsunoda, who has been promoted from the junior Racing Bulls team, but also underscores Red Bull’s strategic shift after a challenging start to the 2025 season. The decision to bring back an iconic Honda-inspired design—previously seen in 2021—highlights the team’s intent to celebrate their engine partner’s final home race before Honda shifts focus to Aston Martin in 2026. Tsunoda, backed heavily by Honda throughout his career, has expressed both excitement and pressure heading into this debut, even setting an ambitious target of a podium finish. As Red Bull aims to turn around their fortunes with the RB21, this livery reveal and driver swap signal a bold statement of intent, blending heritage, ambition, and a touch of homegrown pride for the Japanese star.



Red Bull officially teases new livery for Japan and Yuki's debut

Red Bull Racing has officially teased a stunning new livery for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, set to coincide with Yuki Tsunoda’s highly anticipated debut with the team. The announcement, made on March 31, 2025, has sent waves of excitement through the Formula 1 community, as the Milton Keynes-based squad prepares to unveil a special design to honor their long-standing partnership with Honda. With Tsunoda stepping into the RB21 alongside Max Verstappen, replacing Liam Lawson after just two races, the timing couldn’t be more poetic—his first race with Red Bull will take place at his home Grand Prix in Suzuka. The teased livery, rumored to feature a striking white base as a nod to Honda’s legacy, promises to make this a visually and emotionally charged weekend for fans and the team alike.



Looking ahead to race day on Sunday, April 6, the forecast remains fluid, but there’s cautious optimism for clearer skies. Some weather models indicate that any rain pulses earlier in the week might taper off, leaving a partly cloudy day with a slight breeze and a low chance of precipitation—perhaps around 10-20%. This would be a relief after past years, like the rain-soaked 2022 event that shortened the race to just 29 laps. However, the shifting wind directions Suzuka is known for could still challenge drivers, especially through the circuit’s high-speed corners. Whether it’s a dry race showcasing pure speed or a wet one testing adaptability, the weather next week promises to add an extra layer of excitement to an already iconic Grand Prix. Stay tuned as forecasts refine closer to the date!



Weather forecast for the Japanese Grand Prix

As we gear up for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit next week, from April 4-6, 2025, the weather forecast is shaping up to be a key talking point. Early indications suggest a dynamic weather pattern, with a mix of conditions that could keep teams and drivers on their toes. While it’s still a bit early for pinpoint accuracy, current long-range forecasts hint at cooler temperatures hovering around 15-18°C (59-64°F), typical for early April in Japan’s Mie Prefecture. There’s also a chance of rain, with some models suggesting intermittent showers could hit the region, potentially impacting practice sessions on Friday and qualifying on Saturday. Fans attending the race might want to pack both sunscreen and rain gear, as Suzuka’s notorious variability—combined with the cherry blossom season—could make for a picturesque yet unpredictable weekend.



The potential for a turnaround isn’t entirely out of reach, but it hinges on several factors aligning for Alonso and Aston Martin. In 2023, Alonso notched eight podiums, including a near-win in Monaco, thanks to a car that started the year as the second-best on the grid—a feat fueled by smart development and his own relentless drive. The team’s recent investments, including a new wind tunnel, simulator, and the arrival of design legend Adrian Newey in March 2025, signal ambition, though Newey’s full impact may not materialize until 2026 when Honda engines replace Mercedes units. For now, the AMR25 has shown flashes of promise—Alonso was second in Q1 in China before fading—but it’s plagued by instability and tire wear issues that undermine race pace. If Aston Martin can refine the car’s setup and resolve reliability woes, Alonso’s skill could still shine through on the right weekend, much like his late-2023 podiums in Zandvoort and São Paulo. With 22 races left, there’s time to claw back, but the gap to the top teams is daunting, and Alonso, at 43, knows his window for a 33rd career win is narrowing. Optimism lingers, tempered by realism: a podium in 2025 isn’t impossible, but it’ll take a Herculean effort from both driver and team to recapture their past glory.

Fernando Alonso's rough start in 2025

Fernando Alonso’s 2025 Formula 1 season has kicked off with a disheartening thud, a stark contrast to the podium-laden highs of his 2023 campaign with Aston Martin. The Spanish two-time world champion, now in his third year with the team, has endured a brutal opening: a crash in Australia and a brake failure in China have left him pointless after two races, languishing in 20th place in the drivers’ standings. Aston Martin, meanwhile, sits seventh in the constructors’ championship with a meager 10 points, all courtesy of Lance Stroll, as the AMR25 struggles to match the pace of frontrunners like McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull. Alonso himself has sounded a pessimistic note, labeling his team as the “7th or 8th fastest” on the grid and warning of “many zero-point races” ahead if reliability issues persist. This rough start is a bitter pill for a driver who, just two seasons ago, was regularly challenging for silverware, leveraging his vast experience and racecraft to extract every ounce of performance from a then-competitive Aston Martin package. The question now looms: can Alonso and Aston Martin rediscover that podium-contending form, or is this the beginning of a prolonged slump?

This isn’t new territory for Alpine, a team with a history of highs (like Ocon’s 2021 Hungary win and 2024 Brazil podiums) and lows tied to leadership turmoil and strategic missteps. The shift to a customer engine for 2026, ongoing car weight issues, and a driver lineup still finding its rhythm have left them lagging in a fiercely competitive midfield. While there’s time to recover—perhaps at the upcoming China sprint race on April 20—their “100-race plan” to reach the front feels distant. For now, Alpine’s pointless streak is a bitter pill for a team with Renault’s backing and celebrity investors like Ryan Reynolds, raising questions about whether this is a blip or a sign of deeper struggles ahead.



Alpine F1 team struggles for points while others triumph

As of March 27, 2025, Alpine stands alone as the only Formula 1 team yet to score a point this season, a stark contrast to the rest of the grid where even the smallest outfits have found success. Three races in, Pierre Gasly and rookie Jack Doohan have struggled with an underpowered and unreliable A525 car, finishing just outside the points in Australia (P11 and P16). Fans on X have voiced frustration and amusement, some linking the team’s woes to past decisions like Esteban Ocon’s exit to Haas or Flavio Briatore’s controversial return as an advisor. With every other team—Red Bull to Sauber—claiming at least a point, Alpine’s isolation highlights a troubling start to their 2025 campaign, marred by technical deficits and operational hiccups.



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