8 December 2025 | Formula 1
Race overview and results
Lando Norris became world champion. It happened in the season finale. Max Verstappen won the race and recorded his eighth victory of the year. But Norris did exactly what was necessary. He finished sensibly in third place and maintained his lead in the championship.
How McLaren secured the title
McLaren made the difference with a split tactic at the start. Oscar Piastri started on hard tyres. Norris started on mediums and didn't have to push as hard. That choice gave McLaren a lot of strategic flexibility. Red Bull was surprised by that move. As a result, Verstappen had fewer options to respond differently.
First round and the plan
Piastri made a daring overtaking manoeuvre on lap one on the outside of turn 9. Norris did not defend aggressively. The plan became immediately clear. Piastri on the hard tyres could drive much longer. That forced Verstappen to put more strain on his medium tyres. Norris was able to save his tyres and thus reduce the risk of graining.
Why it worked
Piastri's longer stint disrupted McLaren's race. Verstappen had to set a fast pace early on to put pressure on Piastri. As a result, he was stuck with a different strategy. This made it difficult for Verstappen to push Norris back towards the midfield with varying tactics.
Problems and moments of tension
There were some hiccups in the plan, though. Charles Leclerc drove very strongly and stayed close to Norris. At full speed, Leclerc drove lap times comparable to those of Norris, who was saving his tyres.
On lap 14, George Russell attempted to undercut Leclerc. Ferrari and Norris had to react quickly. As a result, Norris had to pit earlier than planned. He ended up in traffic, which also included Yuki Tsunoda, who was clearly providing strategic support for Verstappen and driving on hard tyres.
Tsunoda attempted to block on the long straights. That move did not stop Norris. Norris did manage to get back into the top three and remained about six seconds behind Verstappen after he had already pitted.
Final stages and decisive stop
Piastri then remained in the lead for eighteen laps on hard tyres. He was about to pit, but had to wait a moment. Norris had to pit earlier to cover Leclerc after Ferrari had pitted for the second time. That pit stop meant Norris returned to the track behind Piastri.
By the end, Verstappen's tyres were already thirty laps old. The McLarens were driving more than a second per lap faster, but they were too far behind to really attack. Norris eventually cruised to the finish line and secured the title.
Results and notable performances
Leclerc drove a strong race and finished fourth. Russell later lost pace due to tyre problems and finished fifth. Fernando Alonso came in just behind him with a late overtaking manoeuvre. Esteban Ocon defended well and maintained his position against Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton had a disappointing weekend, but still sought out the champion immediately to congratulate him.
Important moments summarised
- McLaren split the starting strategy: Piastri on hard tyres, Norris on medium tyres.
- Piastri put pressure on Verstappen right from the start, forcing him to work harder.
- Russell's early undercut on Leclerc accelerated pit stops and temporarily put Norris in traffic.
- Tsunoda tried to block, but Norris still managed to pass him.
- In the end, the McLarens proved to be faster, but too far behind to still be able to win.
Conclusion
McLaren took a clever approach. The combination of Piastri's long stint and Norris's tyre management proved decisive. Norris secured the title for the team after 17 years. It was a strategic triumph of teamwork and a well-deserved result for the young driver.
6 December 2025 | Formula 1
Situation for the title race
The championship comes down to Abu Dhabi. Lando Norris has the best chance. He is 12 points ahead of Max Verstappen. According to reports, Oscar Piastri is four points further back.
Both McLaren drivers appeared together at a mandatory FIA press conference. That was their only media activity this Thursday in Abu Dhabi. However, that choice is fuelling all kinds of speculation.
Parliamentary uproar in Australia
In Australia, the story took a strange turn. A parliamentary committee cited Piastri and McLaren's alleged bias. This arose partly from the team's choice in Qatar. McLaren did not immediately bring its cars in under an early safety car. According to critics, this cost Piastri the victory.
The incident in Qatar limited Piastri's advance on Norris. It also made room for Verstappen to overtake Piastri in the standings. As a result, Piastri is now considered the biggest underdog of the three.
Piastri responded with surprise and delight that his name had even been mentioned in parliament. He described the support from Australia as extraordinary and said he would do his best to celebrate it at home.
Media claims versus facts
An Australian report stated that Piastri had been banned from his national media and that Norris had separate sessions. That is not correct.
McLaren decided not to schedule any additional voluntary media appointments in Abu Dhabi. This applied to all media outlets. Norris also did not hold a separate briefing with British newspapers. The decision was made by the team. Neither Norris nor Piastri requested any additional media appointments.
Why the rumour persists
The underlying unrest is not new. Fans and journalists have been pointing out cases for months where it seems that Norris was given preferential treatment. There were some notable race decisions that led to discussion. Piastri's poor performance in the US and Mexico also fuelled the doubt.
- In some races, Norris was given strategic choices that sharpened him in comparison to Piastri.
- In Italy, Piastri was asked to let Norris pass again after an unintentional undercut.
- Piastri experienced a dip in form in the US and Mexico, which may have been due to technical reasons.
- Piastri's strong comeback in Qatar made the situation even more sensitive.
What McLaren says
The team consistently emphasises that it does not favour any particular driver. McLaren provides technical explanations for the results. For example, some circuits require grip and a driving style that suits one driver more than another.
Nevertheless, the narrative persists. Minor errors or unfortunate team orders reinforce the perception of inequality. It is challenging to completely refute this.
About missing FP1
Some saw Piastri's absence in FP1 as evidence of a conspiracy. In reality, it has to do with mandatory rookie sessions. Abu Dhabi is one of the least relevant FP1s. It is a daytime race on a dirty circuit, so many teams use that session for young drivers.
Conclusion
The case revolves around reputation and perception as much as it does around facts. McLaren attempted to avoid additional distractions by not planning any voluntary media appearances. Nevertheless, old incidents and ambiguities continue to fuel the discussion.
Whether there really is favouritism has not been proven. The rumours will only die down if the team is consistently open and the results speak for themselves. For now, Abu Dhabi remains the arbiter of sporting judgement.
6 December 2025 | Formula 1
How Verstappen secured pole position
Max Verstappen was there again. He stuck to his simple credo: do your best and accept what you cannot control. That helped him today in Abu Dhabi.
After a difficult start in FP1, Red Bull fought back. On Saturday, they switched to a smaller rear wing. The balance of the car was readjusted. This gave Verstappen the opportunity to drive almost perfect laps at the right moment.
Both of Verstappen's Q3 laps would have been pole positions. The second lap was even faster and did not benefit from a tow from teammate Yuki Tsunoda on the earlier run. Nevertheless, Verstappen was 0.2 seconds faster than the McLarens. Lando Norris was second, Oscar Piastri third.
Strategy and tyre choice
The teams faced a difficult tyre choice. The track quickly gained more grip as the temperature dropped. No one wanted to take the risk of using two sets of soft tyres early on. As a result, many drivers had exactly two sets left for Q2 and Q3.
Red Bull solved this cleverly. Verstappen made only one attempt in Q2 and did so on used tyres. That one fast lap was crucial. He was faster than the times set by Norris and Piastri and was second in Q2, behind George Russell on new tyres.
McLaren went out again on new tyres in Q2, but did not need to complete the run as they were already safe. As a result, Norris and Piastri had to do one of their runs on partially used tyres later in Q3. Verstappen was able to go out twice on fresh tyres. That gave him extra confidence for Q3.
Wing, speed and turns
The smaller rear wing gave Verstappen higher top speeds: approximately 5 km/h more on the back straight and 3 km/h on the pit lane straight. But the most important thing was the balance in slow corners. Verstappen braked later in the chicane (corners 6-7) and in corner 12. He maintained his speed better through those sections.
The McLarens lacked that balance in slow corners. They had slightly more understeer and lost momentum as a result. The sector where McLaren previously had an advantage (sector 3 with slow to medium-speed corners) was suddenly no longer a strong point.
Comments and voting
Oscar Piastri acknowledged that there was little time left to gain. Lando Norris was disappointed. He missed out on a starting position that could have decided the championship. McLaren cited the cooler track and more grip as the reasons for the slight understeer they experienced.
Uncertainties before the race
Whether the qualifying picture will translate into the race remains unclear. The strategic choice — one or two pit stops — remains the big question. Both options are close together.
There is another important difference in tyre stocks. McLaren has two new sets of hard tyres. Verstappen has two new sets of medium tyres. There is insufficient comparative driving to know which choice is better for a longer stint. That makes the title race extra exciting, especially now that the three title contenders are in the top three places.
Other notes on the grid
George Russell set a strong time and will start fourth. He was only 0.1 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc. Leclerc said he almost wanted to abort his Q2 lap five times because the car was so difficult to drive. Lewis Hamilton failed to get past Q1 for the fourth race in a row and was clearly disappointed.
Fernando Alonso and Sauber talent Gabriel Bortoleto were close together on the grid: sixth and seventh, separated by two thousandths. Funnily enough, Andrea Stella — who assisted Alonso at Ferrari in 2010 — is now in a position where he has to make difficult decisions as team boss.
- Top three on the grid: Verstappen, Norris, Piastri
- Important strategic choice: one stop or two stops
- Tyre difference: McLaren two new hards, Verstappen two new mediums
What does this mean for the race?
On paper, Norris only needs to finish third to clinch the title. In practice, however, it remains exciting. Strategy, tyre choice and wheel-to-wheel battles could also change the outcome. And drivers such as Russell or Leclerc could further complicate matters.
In short: Verstappen has pole position and a good starting position. But the race promises to be a tactical chess game. The title could be secured or derailed by the many unknown factors.
1 December 2025 | Formula 1
2026 will be a major reset
The rule change for 2026 is radical. Both the chassis and the power source will change at the same time. That makes this transition particularly significant. Fans and teams are eagerly awaiting the first revelations.
What has already been confirmed
Some teams have already announced their plans. The announcements mainly concern dates and presentations. Details about the actual car designs are still scarce.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls — 15 January (colour scheme only)
Red Bull and sister team Racing Bulls were the first to announce a launch date. Their race colour schemes will be unveiled on 15 January. The unveiling will take place in Detroit during an event with Ford Racing. Ford will be a partner of Red Bull Powertrains from 2026 onwards.
Important: this only concerns the new colour schemes. The teams have not said that they will also be revealing the new car designs on that day.
Aston Martin — 9 February
Aston Martin announced the date for its new car on 1 December. The AMR26 will be unveiled on 9 February. It is Adrian Newey's first car for the team. The car will be powered by a Honda engine.
This announcement comes ten days after the first closed circuit test for 2026 cars. That test will take place in Barcelona from 26 to 30 January.
Important dates at a glance
- 15 January — Red Bull and Racing Bulls: unveiling of colour schemes in Detroit
- 26–30 January — Closed test in Barcelona for 2026 cars
- 9 February — Aston Martin unveils the AMR26
What remains unclear
Many teams have not yet shared their full launch plans. For Red Bull and Racing Bulls, it is particularly unclear when their complete car designs will be revealed. Other teams are likely to follow in the weeks around the tests and the first races.
1 December 2025 | Formula 1
At a glance
The penultimate race of 2025 brought an unexpected twist in the title race. The result is now a three-way battle in Abu Dhabi. The Qatar Grand Prix saw little spectacle on the track. Strategic errors and bad luck determined the outcome.
A safe choice for almost everyone
Teams anticipated precisely what would occur. Pirelli imposed tyre stints of up to 25 laps in a 57-lap race. As a result, all simulations focused on a potential safety car early in the race. A pit stop on lap seven would require almost everyone to drive two 25-lap stints to the finish. And that is precisely what happened.
Almost every other team had already planned that pit stop as standard. Only McLaren decided otherwise. That difference made the podium varied and disrupted the McLaren drivers in particular.
Piastri back in his element
Oscar Piastri was suddenly fast again at Lusail. The circuit suits his driving style better than, for example, Las Vegas or Brazil. That explains his resurgence more than conspiracy theories about team orders. McLaren and Piastri had been saying for weeks that a sudden recovery was possible. Qatar confirmed that.
Unfortunately for Piastri, the strategic choice cost him a deserved victory. Not only did he lose the win, but also extra points towards the championship.
Norris was doomed by the safety car
Lando Norris was in a difficult position. Whether McLaren brought both cars in or kept them out, he was losing ground. With most teams taking the cheap pit stop and then driving two 25-lap stints, there was little for Norris to gain. He ultimately lost positions, partly due to the situation and not because of his own mistakes.
Lusail remains poor for following and overtaking
Lusail once again proved difficult for real duels. The fast corners at the back are difficult to follow. The DRS zone on the straight was too short to activate for effective overtaking manoeuvres. In addition, the extended pit lane slowed down tyre changes. And the mandatory 25-lap stints forced almost everyone into the same rhythm. Together, this led to little action on the track.
A simple modification, such as narrowing the first bend to a hairpin, would create a genuine braking zone and could facilitate overtaking.
Ferrari struggles with development and tyres
Ferrari had perhaps its worst weekend of the season in Qatar. The car was not competitive, and according to both drivers, it was impossible to drive a single fast lap. The team stopped upgrading the 2025 car in April. While competitors continued to develop, Ferrari fell behind.
In addition, the high tyre pressures that were mandatory in Qatar seem to have further hampered the SF-25. The Ferrari is sensitive to deviations in ride height and has a narrow operating range. Outside that range, performance drops significantly.
Alpine drops to the bottom
Alpine finished last in the Constructors' Championship. With 22 points, it is 46 points behind Sauber. For the first time in history, the team finished at the bottom of the standings since Renault's identity was never so low. It is a disappointing end to a poor season.
Williams’ choice pays off
Williams stopped developing the FW47 in April and focused on 2026. That decision paid off. Carlos Sainz achieved another podium finish, this time in Qatar. His result was partly due to smart pit stops during the safety car and partly due to good preparation for similar track layouts.
This weekend, Williams also officially secured fifth place in the Constructors' Championship. That is a boost for the future.
Racing Bulls experiences déjà vu with front wing failure
Isack Hadjar lost sixth place due to a sudden front wing failure. The team initially thought the part would hold, but a few laps later the deflector failed. Four years ago, something similar happened on the same track during the AlphaTauri period. The cause appears to be heavy stress from high kerbs at high speed.
Hadjar's retirement cost the team points, but it still gained points thanks to the retirement of competitors and clever driving performances.
Haas fails again in execution
Haas once again dropped points due to mistakes during the race. Ollie Bearman left the pits before the left rear wheel was secured, costing him a finish in the points. Esteban Ocon received a penalty for a jump start. While serving that penalty, a mechanic touched the car too early, forcing him to serve the penalty again. Ocon finished outside the points.
These execution errors caused Haas to lose ground in the battle for sixth place in the constructors' championship. It is now under pressure from Sauber.
Key lessons from Qatar
- A safety car early in the race can change everything. Teams prepare for this.
- Strategic choices sometimes determine more than speed or driving ability.
- Some jobs require structural changes in order to truly catch up.
Preview of Abu Dhabi
The title race is now wide open and exciting. Max Verstappen has moved ahead of Piastri in the standings. Abu Dhabi will be decisive. Teams now have one last chance to fine-tune their cars and strategies. The race there will be decisive.
30 November 2025 | Formula 1
What happened in Qatar
Oscar Piastri led the Qatar Grand Prix from the start. Max Verstappen and teammate Lando Norris followed closely behind. On lap seven, the safety car came out due to Nico Hülkenberg's Sauber coming to a standstill. That was also the first moment when teams with the 25-lap rule could still manage one pit stop until the end.
Most drivers pitted immediately. However, McLaren left Piastri and Norris out on the track. Only Esteban Ocon of Haas stayed out briefly and pitted on the next lap. McLaren's decision proved decisive. It allowed Verstappen to take the lead and ultimately win. Piastri dropped back to second place, despite a dominant weekend.
Why McLaren made that decision
Team boss Andrea Stella later admitted that the pit wall made the wrong decision. McLaren deliberately chose not to pit. The team did not expect almost everyone to come in at the same time.
An important consideration was the risk of a double pit stop. McLaren did not want Norris to lose time by bringing both cars in shortly after each other. The team also thought that Piastri's pace would be enough to create a gap. Ultimately, tyre degradation proved to be less than expected. As a result, McLaren was unable to fully exploit that speed.
Piastri responds
Piastri called the outcome painful. He said the loss hit hard, possibly even more than the disqualification in Las Vegas. The team acknowledged that the decision did not produce the desired result.
Championship implications
Verstappen's victory means the title battle will go down to the final race. After Qatar, Verstappen heads to Abu Dhabi trailing Norris by twelve points. Piastri follows four points behind Norris. McLaren says it will not introduce team orders to protect Norris. Both drivers will be given the freedom to fight for the title. The team pointed out that there are examples in the past where the number three became champion at the last minute, for example in 2007 and 2010.
- Main cause: McLaren did not expect everyone to pit.
- Technical factor: less tyre degradation than predicted.
- Sporting impact: Verstappen remains in the championship and the title question remains open.
McLaren must recover quickly. The decisions in Abu Dhabi will determine who takes the title.
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 | 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
29 November 2025 | Formula 1
Brief summary
The sprint qualification in Qatar changed the picture for this race weekend. The starting grid for the sprint has been determined. The results may still influence the championship. The big points will only be awarded in the main race.
Key findings
- Oscar Piastri starts on pole for the sprint.
- Lando Norris is third and maintains a lead in the championship.
- Max Verstappen qualified disappointingly in sixth place.
- Fernando Alonso and Yuki Tsunoda finish fourth and fifth respectively.
- Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q1 and will start in eighteenth place.
Oscar Piastri — 1st
Piastri seems to be back on track after a bad spell. He qualified strongly and set the fastest time in the decisive lap. He was lucky that his teammate Norris was stuck in traffic. Piastri also made a big correction at Turn 4. That move probably cost him two tenths, but he had just enough speed left.
Max Verstappen — 6th
Verstappen faced a disappointing starting position. Sixth on the sprint grid is not the end of his title fight, but it is a missed opportunity. The race will have to show whether he can regain the lost ground. His weekend got off to an early bump when the car may have sustained damage after a trip off the track.
Fernando Alonso — 4th
Alonso achieved Aston Martin's best starting position of the season. He was at the front in SQ1 and SQ2. In SQ2, he encountered traffic, but he recovered in SQ3. The fact that he is ahead of the Red Bulls is surprising and a big plus for the team.
Lando Norris — 3rd
Norris made a mistake when it mattered and lost time. Despite this, he still leads the championship. However, his lead has narrowed. This increases the pressure on him and could have consequences on Sunday.
Yuki Tsunoda — 5th
Tsunoda finally finished ahead of Verstappen on the timesheet. For Red Bull, that is a remarkable result. It comes too late to change much this season, but it is a personal success for Tsunoda.
Lewis Hamilton — 18th
Hamilton did not make it through Q1. His recent form continued in Qatar. Afterwards, he said that there was no extra pace in the car, despite a different wing setting. That does not look good for Mercedes this weekend.
Alpine — 19th and 20th
Alpine fell back and finished with both cars at the rear. Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto were the slowest in qualifying. Colapinto in particular struggled and missed the cutoff by a wide margin. After the recent points in Brazil and Las Vegas, this is a disappointing Sunday afternoon.
Lance Stroll — 16th
Stroll did not make it past Q1, while his teammate Alonso is in fourth place. He seemed to stop his final fast attempt early and was eliminated. This is particularly painful given the points battle in the constructors' championship.
Gabriel Bortoleto — 13th
Bortoleto achieved a useful qualifying result. The result is small, but important for his confidence. He is starting to better compete with teammate Nico Hülkenberg again. The difference was minimal, but it works in his favour.
Liam Lawson — 17th
Lawson did not have a good weekend. He started in the wrong tyre for the ideal window and was unable to make enough progress. For him, the sprint will mainly be a learning experience for Sunday.
What does this mean for Sunday?
The sprint changes the cards, but the real points have not yet been distributed. Expect pressure on those in the top ten and recovery work for drivers starting low. The championship remains exciting, especially with the small margins between teammates.
Key points
- Piastri back in the lead — momentum for McLaren.
- Verstappen loses pace — challenge for Red Bull.
- Norris remains in the lead, but his advantage is shrinking.
- Alpine and some drivers must respond before the main race.
29 November 2025 | Formula 1
Increased surveillance following discovery of cuts
Pirelli introduced additional checks after the first day at Lusail. During Friday's practice sessions, deep cuts were found in several tyres. Inspections showed that the damage occurred on tyres on all four corners. There were no immediate tyre failures, but the supplier is on alert.
New gravel strips appear to be the cause
This problem is related to new and extended gravel strips on the circuit. Strips have been added at turns 6, 10 and 16. The strip at turn 14 has been extended and now starts earlier. Cars that drift wide drag loose gravel onto the asphalt. That gravel ends up on the track and on the kerbstones.
Gravel is sharp and penetrates more easily.
Pirelli's chief engineer Simone Berra says that the gravel is relatively sharp. It is not rounded off. As a result, it tends to cut into the rubber. Some sets were damaged down to the tyre structure, but the cords remained intact. If the structure is continuously exposed, a puncture may occur.
Consequences for sprint and race
Pirelli and the FIA are monitoring the situation closely. If further damage occurs, they can intervene immediately. Possible measures include deploying a safety car or even a red flag to remove the gravel. For now, there is no immediate cause for panic, but the warning remains in place.
Additional complication: limit on tyre usage
Tyre life is already limited in this race. Pirelli is applying a maximum of 25 laps per set of tyres this weekend. That makes strategies sensitive. Teams now have to take into account both wear and tear and the risk of cuts from gravel.
Key points
- Deep cuts in tyres discovered after Friday practice sessions at Lusail.
- Cuts occurred on tyres at all four corners.
- New/extended gravel strips at turns 6, 10, 14 and 16.
- Gravel is sharp and not rounded, making it easier to cut.
- Pirelli and FIA keep traffic and track clear; measures possible (safety car/red flag).
- A maximum of 25 laps per set of tyres this weekend increases the pressure on teams.
In summary: Pirelli is increasing vigilance. Teams must adjust their strategies. The FIA may actively intervene if the gravel continues to cause problems. For the time being, there are no immediate tyre failures, but the risk remains during sprints and races.
27 November 2025 | Formula 1
New roles within the team
Adrian Newey will become team principal at Aston Martin from the start of 2026. He joined the team earlier this season as managing technical partner. His responsibilities will be expanded from next year.
Andy Cowell will take on the new role of chief strategy officer. In this role, he will focus on collaboration with the new engine partner Honda and fuel supplier Aramco.
Background and reasons
Cowell joined the company as CEO just over a year ago. Last winter, he also took on the role of team principal. This was part of a restructuring process aimed at making progress and preparing the team for Newey.
Nevertheless, there have been signs of disagreement between Newey and Cowell over the direction of the team in recent months. Newey was quick to point out where he saw room for improvement. Among other things, he mentioned that the simulation facilities at the team's infrastructure were not up to the desired standard.
When Newey delved deeper into the processes, he requested further changes. This led to the departure of seven senior members of the aerodynamics department, including aerodynamics director Eric Blandin. The lack of consensus on the direction to take ultimately proved to be the reason for the new approach.
Other candidates and decision-making
Other names were also mentioned for the role of team principal. Christian Horner and Andreas Seidl, among others, were in the running. The team ultimately decided to give Newey the position. Owner Lawrence Stroll says that everyone involved agrees with the change.
What does this mean for 2026?
Newey said he has seen a lot of individual talent in the team. He wants to put the team in the best position to compete in 2026. Aston Martin will then become a works team, which, combined with the new regulations, will be a considerable challenge.
As chief strategy officer, Cowell will focus on maximising the collaboration between the team, Honda and Aramco. Stroll praised Cowell for his leadership and said that Newey's creative and technical expertise will give him more scope to contribute.
- Newey to become team principal from 2026
- Cowell becomes chief strategy officer
- Focus on collaboration with Honda and Aramco
- Departure of several senior aeronautical staff members
- Objective: to compete under new rules in 2026
The new management must ensure a clear course of action and better results on the track.
27 November 2025 | Formula 1
What happened in Las Vegas
McLaren issued a statement after the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Both of the team's cars were disqualified. The floor panel had too much wear and tear. As a result, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were not included in the results.
On paper, Norris finished second and Piastri was in fourth place. Due to the disqualification, Norris lost the six points he could have gained on Piastri. This allowed Max Verstappen to draw level with Piastri in the battle for second place. Norris's lead over Verstappen shrunk from 42 to 24 points.
Main cause: porpoising and a faulty sensor
McLaren says that aerodynamic oscillations, or porpoising, caused premature wear on the board. These vertical fluctuations were greater than expected. The teams had little dry practice time in Vegas. As a result, McLaren did not anticipate this degree of porpoising.
In addition, McLaren lost a sensor on Piastri's car. That sensor measures how close the car gets to the asphalt. Without that data, the team was unable to properly track the movements of Piastri's car. Norris's telemetry was still working, which made monitoring easier.
Actions during the race
The team noticed that this was becoming a problem in the opening laps. Later in the race, Norris slowed down considerably and coasted. He tried to avoid scraping the kerb. This measure worked sometimes, but not everywhere.
McLaren states that braking down speed in some corners helped, but in other places it actually hindered progress. The combination of the car's operating range and the characteristics of the circuit rendered many actions ineffective.
What McLaren had already done and what remains unclear
McLaren claims that it did not take any excessive risks with the ride height. For qualifying and the race, the team even added extra margin compared to the settings used in free practice. However, that margin was negated by unexpected, large vertical oscillations.
It is not yet entirely clear why McLaren encountered so many problems in Vegas. Street circuits are inherently bumpier, which makes them more susceptible to plank wear. However, other teams did not receive any penalties during inspections, not even cars from the top ten. McLaren is continuing to investigate what exactly triggered the issue.
- Sensor on Piastri's car failed, resulting in incomplete telemetry.
- Porpoising caused high plank wear.
- Norris attempted to reduce speed to minimise damage.
- Other teams were not disqualified.
Consequences for the championship and team policy
The double disqualification has direct consequences for the championship. Verstappen benefited and is now closer to Norris. Piastri also lost out in practical terms because both cars were set back.
Questions are being raised as to whether McLaren will have to choose which driver to protect if both remain in contention for the title. Team principal Andrea Stella said there is no reason to do so as long as the numbers do not require it. According to the team, the drivers will be free to race in Qatar.
Looking ahead: Qatar and lessons for Woking
The race in Qatar at Lusail is a completely different circuit to Vegas. McLaren therefore does not expect a repeat of the same problem. Nevertheless, the situation provided useful information about the car's working range and porpoising behaviour.
Stella praised the technical team in Woking for their quick response and investigation. McLaren intends to use the new insights to prevent similar surprises in the future.
In summary: a sensor malfunction on Piastri's car prevented proper monitoring. Large vertical oscillations caused unforeseen plank wear. This led to two disqualifications and changed the championship standings.
27 November 2025 | Formula 1
Active aero and the plank wear problem
In 2026, Formula 1 cars will be equipped with fully active aerodynamics. The wings will switch between two positions: more downforce in corners and less drag on the straights. Drivers will switch manually in special activation zones designated by the FIA.
The rules allow for the straight-line stabiliser to be switched off in unsafe conditions. This applies, for example, when there is heavy rain. With too little downforce on wet road surfaces, a car can become unstable and dangerous.
Unexpected risk: plank wear
Teams discovered an unintended problem. When cars with high downforce drive on straights, the forces press the car harder onto the road surface. This increases the risk of wear or damage to the wooden plank (skid block). Plank wear results in penalty points and even disqualification. This was recently demonstrated by the double disqualification of a team.
The combination of higher fuel and energy costs due to drag is already a point of concern. However, wear and tear on the wing is a much bigger problem. Teams and the FIA discussed the subject at length in technical and sporting committees.
How the FIA intends to resolve the issue
FIFA officials (FIA) and teams are working on practical adjustments. One solution that is now taking shape is to shorten activation zones in unsafe conditions, such as rain.
In dry conditions, an activation zone can be the entire length of a straight. When it rains, that zone becomes much shorter or disappears altogether. Less time in the straight means that the car is subjected to the greatest vertical forces for a shorter period of time. This reduces the risk of the plank buckling.
- Shorter activation zones in wet conditions.
- Ability to completely eliminate upright position in dangerous situations.
- Option to switch only the front wing element in the rain, to reduce the pressure on the front section.
Practical and ongoing consultation
The FIA has indicated that several options have been discussed. The details are still being finalised before the rules are officially adopted. Teams and technical management want a solution that is both safe and technically feasible.
The issue has become even more urgent because there have already been several cases of excessive paddle wear this season. In addition to the most recent disqualification, there were earlier incidents involving other teams during the Chinese and Bahrain Grand Prix respectively.
Ultimately, the sport seeks to strike a balance between safety, fair competition and technical innovation. The proposed shorter activation zones should make this possible without undermining the core of the new 2026 rules.
23 November 2025 | Formula 1
What happened
McLaren were surprisingly disqualified after the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Both cars were disqualified due to excessive wear on the floor panel. The disqualification came as a shock. At the end of the race, only Lando Norris seemed to be at risk. His teammates and spectators initially thought it was a fuel management issue.
Why it went wrong
In the final sessions, Norris repeatedly eased off the throttle and coasted. This appeared to be fuel saving. Radio messages from the team suggested that the fuel seemed “okay” later on. However, this turned out to be a misleading clue.
McLaren used coded instructions. The aim was not so much to save fuel. The aim was to prevent damage to the plank. By applying less throttle at the end of the straights, the rear of the car was less likely to scrape against the asphalt. This meant that the underside of the car would scrape less hard against the asphalt.
Why Piastri should not have done the same
Oscar Piastri did not receive similar instructions. This suggests that his car did not have the same problem. Piastri may have appeared to be at less risk because he often drove in DRS. This meant that his wing was under less stress. During the race, McLaren realised that Norris’ car was indeed at risk. Their assessment of how narrow that margin was turned out to be incorrect.
Team response and aftermath
The team provided little explanation after the result. The planned media briefing by team boss Andrea Stella was postponed and later cancelled. McLaren apologised and announced an internal investigation. Norris said that the final management of the race was affected by problems with their car. The federation ultimately disqualified both McLarens.
Championship implications
The impact is significant. Due to the disqualification, neither driver scored any points. Norris’ lead has shrunk to 24 points over both Piastri and Max Verstappen. With two rounds remaining — Qatar with a sprint and Abu Dhabi — there are still 58 points up for grabs. That makes the championship a lot more exciting.
Key points
- Cause: excessive wear on the shelf under the car.
- Instructions to Norris were coded and intended to minimise plank wear, not to save fuel.
- Piastri did not receive similar instructions, probably because his car was at less risk.
- McLaren underestimated how tight the margin was. That miscalculation cost both cars the result.
- Sporting: Norris’ lead is now much smaller and the championship is wide open again.
Conclusion
It was a costly mistake by McLaren. The decision to have Norris shift down and coast was intended to save material. However, the assessment of the wing wear proved to be incorrect. The consequences are significant for both the race and the title battle. McLaren is now investigating exactly what went wrong.
23 November 2025 | Formula 1
Aston Martin considers leadership change
Aston Martin is considering a change at the top. Christian Horner is seen as a possible successor. Andreas Seidl and Mattia Binotto are also on the list. Owner Lawrence Stroll will make the final decision.
Candidates
The names mentioned are specific:
- Christian Horner — former team principal of Red Bull.
- Andreas Seidl — former McLaren boss.
- Mattia Binotto — current Chief Operating Officer at Audi.
The role of Andy Cowell
Andy Cowell is set to leave his role as team principal. He will take on a different position within Aston Martin, focusing more on power unit and engine development. Aston Martin is embarking on a new partnership with Honda for the powertrain. Cowell joined the team at the end of last year. Previously, he headed up Mercedes' engine department in Brixworth, where he contributed to several world championships.
Reasons for the change
Designer Adrian Newey changed the way the team worked. According to sources, this led to differences of opinion with Cowell. These differences played a role in the decision to move Cowell. The team wants to focus more on design and engine development.
What happens next?
Lawrence Stroll is now assessing who best fits the new setup. No final decision has been made yet. The outcome will determine the direction of Aston Martin's future in Formula 1.
23 November 2025 | Formula 1
Hamilton deeply disappointed after Vegas race
Lewis Hamilton calls this season «the worst ever». He said this after a tough race in Las Vegas. He managed to climb up to tenth place, but he didn't feel anything about it. He was visibly upset.
What happened on the track
Hamilton gained many places on the first lap. According to him, it was fairly straightforward. He stayed out of trouble and overtook two Haas cars.
After that, things slowed down. He spent a long time chasing Nico Hülkenberg. Hülkenberg eventually finished ninth. Hamilton was unable to keep up with Hülkenberg's pace in the final stint. He was also almost overtaken by Ocon's Haas. In addition, he said that there was a shift in balance after contact with Alex Albon.
No satisfaction despite recovery
The recovery to tenth place did not give him any positive feelings. He said that the performance was not at all satisfying. According to Hamilton, the team has already tried everything with the 2025 car. It is not working as expected. He added that, given his own form, Ferrari has no real chance of finishing second in the constructors' championship.
Team response and context
Team boss Fred Vasseur responded calmly. He pointed out that starting from P19/P20 already makes the race difficult. Vasseur thought Hamilton had a great first part of the race. In the second stint, there were problems with the medium tyres. He called for everyone to stay calm and discuss everything in the debrief.
Leclerc: personally good, result frustrating
Charles Leclerc finished the weekend in sixth place, 0.2 seconds off the top five. Leclerc said it was his best race of the season in terms of personal performance. He felt that every lap was like a qualifying lap. There were few mistakes. Still, P6 is frustrating for him.
- Hamilton: calls this season the worst of his career.
- He recovered to P10, but felt no satisfaction.
- Problems: balance issues after contact with Albon and tyre problems in the second stint.
- Vasseur: starting far back made it difficult; debrief needed.
- Leclerc: strong personal performance, yet disappointed with P6.
The atmosphere in the media corner was sombre. Hamilton even had to deny that he wanted to leave F1. The team and drivers will now continue to discuss behind the scenes what needs to change.
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