30 November 2025 | Formula 1
Verstappen retains title challenge after clever strategy
Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix. The race took a different turn due to Pirelli's maximum stint rule. Teams were not allowed to drive more than 25 laps in a row. This determined the tactics of many teams.
Early in the race, there was an incident between Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly at turn 1. Gasly punctured a tyre. Hulkenberg had to retire immediately. The safety car came out on lap seven. This gave most teams the opportunity to pit immediately and split the race into two equal stints of 25 laps.
Almost the entire field made that choice. Only McLaren initially stayed out with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. As a result, McLaren lost a strategic advantage. Verstappen benefited from this.
What happened next?
At the restart, Verstappen easily passed Norris. The leading group then drove with a few seconds between them. Piastri and Norris tried to build up a lead. Piastri came in on lap 24. Norris followed a lap later. They closed in on the field at exactly the right moments.
However, a clear track was no guarantee. Verstappen kept pace. After his pit stop on lap 32, he even came back right behind Norris. Norris then had a scary moment at turn 14, which cost him speed. Piastri later had a similar moment, but kept pushing harder.
Piastri finished second, eight seconds behind Verstappen. On the team radio, he said he was speechless about the result. Norris ultimately finished fourth after falling back due to his final pit stop. A mistake by Kimi Antonelli on the penultimate lap helped Norris secure fourth place.
Rest of the field and dropouts
Carlos Sainz secured a podium finish for Williams. This marked his second podium finish of the season with the team. Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar seemed to be on his way to sixth place, but suffered a puncture late in the race. This allowed George Russell to move up to sixth position.
Fernando Alonso finished just behind Russell. Alonso spun at turn 10 but lost hardly any places. Charles Leclerc, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda completed the points finish.
Hadjar and Lance Stroll did not finish the race normally, but were still classified because they had completed enough laps. The real dropouts were Hulkenberg and Ollie Bearman. Bearman had a pit problem during the mass stops on lap 32. He briefly left with a loose wheel, lost a lot of time and then received a ten-second penalty for an unsafe release. Haas later decided to withdraw Bearman's car from the race.
Championship implications
The victory keeps Verstappen in the title race. He is now twelve points behind leader Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri is four points behind Verstappen. The title race will therefore go down to the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
- Max Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix thanks to clever pit strategy.
- The maximum stint rule (25 laps) was decisive.
- McLaren initially stayed out and lost the strategic advantage.
- Hulkenberg and Bearman were the only real dropouts.
The decision in Abu Dhabi is now even more exciting. Verstappen and McLaren both still have chances. Team tactics remain crucial.
29 November 2025 | DTM
Manthey limits entry: two 911 GT3 Rs in 2026
Manthey will no longer be competing in the DTM with three cars in 2026, as it did in 2025. During the WEC season finale in Bahrain, chief mechanic Patrick Arkenau made it clear that the team will be entering two 911 GT3 Rs with the new Evo package. This is a clear reduction in the programme.
Manthey remains a Porsche customer team. This means that the team can express preferences, but Porsche ultimately decides which drivers are assigned. Arkenau was positive about the calibre of the line-up: he expects the combination to be at least as strong as in previous years.
Who will be driving in 2026? Preining close, Feller a contender
Thomas Preining seems certain of his place at Manthey in 2026. The Austrian is considered one of the best DTM drivers and remains a fixture in the Porsche programme. Preining is also being mentioned for endurance races in IMSA, but for now, his DTM spot at Manthey seems likely.
Ricardo Feller is the most likely candidate to join Preining as a teammate. Feller, a 25-year-old Porsche driver, recently drove for Manthey during the Pirelli test at Le Castellet, with Preining as the other driver on Thursday. According to a Manthey spokesperson, both drivers were assigned by Porsche for that test, and the final DTM line-up for 2026 has not yet been officially confirmed.
- Manthey registers two 911 GT3 R Evo cars for 2026.
- Thomas Preining appears to be continuing to drive for Manthey.
- Ricardo Feller tested for Manthey and is mentioned as a possible teammate.
- The final driver line-up will be determined by Porsche.
Güven heading in other directions; Land team and the cost of the Evo
Champion Ayhancan Güven is absent from the Pirelli test in Le Castellet and has not yet confirmed whether he will defend his DTM title. According to information from racing circles, Porsche has other plans for Güven. He impressed during the Formula E rookie test and is already being mentioned as a candidate there. Porsche has also announced a second factory team for Formula E for 2026/2027, which will create opportunities for young talent.
For Güven, this could mean that the year following his DTM title will mainly be devoted to preparing for Formula E, especially since he has little experience in formula racing. That would explain why he was not present at Le Castellet.
In addition, there is uncertainty surrounding the Land team, which recently switched from Audi to Porsche. Team boss Christian Land says he is working hard on the programme for 2026, but the cost of the 911 GT3 R Evo is a major factor. The Evo is more expensive to purchase and operate than the Audi, which makes the financing of the project uncertain. Whether the team can continue after its debut year with Feller and the new car therefore depends mainly on the budget.
In summary: Manthey is scaling back its DTM programme and has already tested potential drivers, but Porsche remains in control. The final driver line-up and the full field of participants for 2026 will only be announced once Porsche has made its choices.
29 November 2025 | Formula E
What the series shows
The second series of the documentary about Formula E will be released this Friday. The makers followed teams and drivers throughout the season. They had intensive access behind the scenes. The series focuses on Oliver Rowland, Pascal Wehrlein, Antonio Félix da Costa, Taylor Barnard and Dan Ticktum. Experts from the sport provide additional analysis.
Porsche inboard engines: the split between Wehrlein and da Costa
The documentary reveals how deep the resentment between the two Porsche drivers ran. Exactly what was said in the run-up to the opening race in São Paulo remains unclear. However, there is footage of the tense atmosphere at the parade.
The dispute then escalated on the track. In Shanghai, they almost collided with each other. Later in Berlin, a misunderstanding in free practice led to da Costa crashing into the wall. The relationship was then beyond repair.
Da Costa shows that he had mixed feelings. Sometimes he wanted to keep quiet and continue driving for the brand, but at the same time he wondered why he couldn't just be happy. He even considered other options outside Porsche. Nevertheless, he continued driving and later delivered a crucial victory that helped the team win titles.
It shows how professional success and personal tension can coexist. By the end of the series, there was little warmth left between Wehrlein and da Costa. When Wehrlein is asked if they ever have a beer together, he replies with an uninterested ‘maybe’.
Ticktum vs Barnard: a British rivalry
A less expected storyline is the battle between Dan Ticktum and Taylor Barnard. Both Britons collide several times on the track. The biggest anger arose in Shanghai. Barnard defended his position more marginally than Ticktum would have liked.
Barnard responds calmly. He says he doesn't race for friendships, but to win. Ticktum is more emotional and often adds fuel to the fire. After their confrontations, he sometimes speaks harshly about Barnard, which only serves to increase the rivalry.
Dan Ticktum: showman with depth
Ticktum remains a striking personality. The series shows both his crazy antics and his serious side. There are comical scenes, such as driving an extravagant Cadillac through London and taking a trophy home after a victory.
But the camera also follows his sporting recovery. After a difficult weekend in Monaco, he later achieves pole position, a podium finish and even a victory. His mental coach plays a major role in this. That coach emphasises that you cannot completely change people's characters. People have vulnerabilities and make mistakes.
At the end of the season, Ticktum briefly appears as a possible candidate for Porsche. He reacts sulkily when the brand chooses another driver, and lets it be known in a slightly mocking way that he considers himself better.
Oliver Rowland: the personal battle behind the title
Rowland's title year receives a lot of attention. The documentary first explains why that title meant so much to him. His story is one of years of uncertainty. His father died early. Rowland had to adjust his F1 dream and fight hard for paid seats. He had difficult periods at Mahindra before turning the tide at Nissan.
One of the most moving moments is his visit to his home in Penistone. His mother keeps all the trophies from his childhood. That image shows the sacrifices his parents made. Rowland says that he was sometimes afraid that all that effort would be in vain.
In Berlin, he seemed to lose control for a moment after a collision with Stoffel Vandoorne. The pressure was palpable. Ultimately, he held his ground. His reaction to winning the title was pure and emotional. He said that his father would have been proud. Then he added, matter-of-factly and with a smile, that his father might not have been a fan of electric cars.
Important scenes and points of interest
- The moments of conflict in São Paulo and the aftermath within Porsche.
- The near-collision and subsequent contact between Wehrlein and da Costa in Shanghai and Berlin.
- Dan Ticktum's publicity stunts and personal antics, alongside his sporting recovery.
- The structure of Rowland's story: from difficult years to world championship.
- Crucial races such as Jakarta and the penultimate race in London determined the team result.
Where and when to see it
All four episodes of the series will be available on Prime Video from Friday 28 November. The series can be viewed at no extra cost to members of that service.
29 November 2025 | DTM
Who conducted the testing and why?
A two-day Pirelli test took place in Le Castellet on Wednesday and Thursday. Manufacturers were invited to send one car and a maximum of two drivers. The aim was to evaluate early versions of the exclusive DTM tyre for 2026.
Almost all brands in the DTM participated, with the exception of Ford and Audi. Ford indicated that the Evo package for the Mustang is not yet available and that the learning curve would be limited. Audi is not expected to be active in the DTM anymore due to the brand switch to Porsche.
Which drivers were there?
Some teams kept their choice secret. Mercedes-AMG and Comtoyou did not want to reveal too much. Mercedes customer sports boss Stefan Wendl made it clear that it concerns two drivers from this season, without necessarily saying anything about 2026.
According to reliable information, the following combinations were present:
- Mercedes-AMG: Jules Gounon and Lucas Auer
- Comtoyou Aston Martin: Nicki Thiim (day 1) and Nicolas Baert (day 2)
- Manthey Porsche: Ricardo Feller and Thomas Preining
- BMW Schubert: Marco Wittmann (both days)
- Emil-Frey Ferrari: Thierry Vermeulen (day 1), Matteo Cairoli (day 2)
- Dörr McLaren: Timo Glock and Ben Dörr
- Lamborghini: Marco Mapelli (day 1) and Mirko Bortolotti (day 2) with a Huracan GT3 Evo2
Cairoli's appearance at Emil Frey is seen as a strong indication that he could replace Jack Aitken for 2026. At Lamborghini, Mapelli and Bortolotti tested a Huracan GT3 Evo2 because the new Temerario GT3 prototype is still racing in the US.
What technical insights did the test provide?
ADAC commissioned SRO to draw up a special Balance of Performance (BoP) for the test. In addition to the current PZero DHG, Pirelli also supplied two softer test compounds, designated “Option 1” and “Option 2”. The drivers had to complete qualifying and race simulations with fixed lap counts and then provide detailed feedback.
Key findings:
- The test tyres were approximately one second faster per lap than the PZero DHG in qualifying.
- The new compounds showed much more degradation and, in particular, massive graining in various vehicle concepts.
- One of the two new compounds lost a significant amount of performance after less than ten laps.
Due to graining and low temperatures (asphalt temperature below 20 °C), the outer tyre was severely damaged in the 180-degree Beausset curve. As a result, the circuit was modified for Thursday: turn eleven was no longer driven.
Impact on performance and BoP
The new tyres seemed to change the balance of power. In the McLaren, Timo Glock was about half a second faster than his competitors on Wednesday, which even led to a BoP adjustment during the test. On Thursday, Ben Dörr was again almost a second ahead, reinforcing the impression of McLaren dominance.
Pirelli will now thoroughly analyse the test data and determine how the further development of the DTM tyre will proceed. Whether there will be additional tests is still unclear but certainly possible.
Key points
- Test location: Le Castellet, two days of testing with early prototype tyres.
- Participants: virtually all DTM manufacturers, except Ford and Audi.
- Noteworthy: strong graining, layout change at Beausset and clear differences between test mixtures.
- Signal: new tyres could significantly shake up the performance field.
29 November 2025 | Formula 1
Piastri back on pole; Verstappen struggles
Oscar Piastri took pole position for the sprint in Qatar. It is an important boost for his title aspirations. Lando Norris only managed third place. Max Verstappen will start in sixth position.
Piastri was competitive all day. His form had been lacking since Baku, but he regained his confidence in Qatar. It is his first pole position since Zandvoort, eight races ago.
George Russell was close behind Piastri. Mercedes built up his pace and briefly topped the timesheets in SQ3. Piastri responded with a fast lap, despite a precarious moment at Turn 4.
Norris was unlucky with his track position. On his final flying lap, he was stuck behind Alex Albon. Albon was last in SQ3 and clearly hindered Norris.
Verstappen with problems
Yuki Tsunoda beat Verstappen for the first time this season and finished fifth. Verstappen lost his first flying lap due to a track limits violation at Turn 4. He hit the gravel and may have sustained floor damage. On the final run, he struggled with porpoising and called his car “idiotic”.
That result is unlikely to change much in terms of Tsunoda's chances for next year, but it is certainly a positive day for him.
Hadjar and Hulkenberg affected by track limits
Isack Hadjar looked set to progress to SQ3. His fastest time was deleted due to track limits. There was a lot of swearing on the radio after the penalty was confirmed. He had been sixth in SQ1.
Nico Hulkenberg also lost a fast lap time due to track limits. He created a cloud of dust at the final corner and saw his position disappear as a result.
Hamilton out early again
Lewis Hamilton was once again eliminated in Q1. According to reports, he had opted for a higher downforce wing than his teammate Charles Leclerc. This partly explains why his lap time was much slower. It was a setback for Hamilton, while Leclerc managed to advance.
Also noteworthy: Lance Stroll qualified in sixteenth place, while his teammate Fernando Alonso was already in second place in Q1. Things remained difficult for Alpine, with Pierre Gasly still two tenths faster than Franco Colapinto.
Key points
- Piastri takes sprint pole in 1m20.055s.
- Russell and Norris follow close behind.
- Verstappen struggles with track limits, possible floor damage and porpoising.
- Hadjar and Hulkenberg lose time due to track limit violations.
- Hamilton crashes out early in Q1 again.
Complete results
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 1m20.055s
- George Russell (Mercedes) +0.032 seconds
- Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.230s
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +0.395 seconds
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) +0.464 seconds
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.473 seconds
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.477 seconds
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) +0.487 seconds
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.567 seconds
- Alex Albon (Williams) +0.733 seconds
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) 1m21.433s
- Ollie Bearman (Haas) 1m21.494s
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) 1m21.567s
- Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) 1m21.631s
- Esteban Ocon (Haas) 1m21.666s
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 1m21.807s
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) 1m21.851s
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 1m22.043s
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 1m22.112s
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine) 1m22.364s
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