Oct 31, 2025 | Formula 1
FIA responds to criticism after dangerous situation
The FIA has stated that Liam Lawson is not at fault after a near-miss with marshals during the Mexican Grand Prix. An internal investigation is still ongoing, but initial analysis does not point to faulty driving by Lawson.
What happened
Lawson had made a pit stop early in the race and was therefore loose from the pack. While recovering debris on the track, he had to dodge two marshals at Turn 1. In the car, he said he could have almost killed them. After the race, he called the situation unacceptable and asked for measures to be taken so that this does not happen again.
Criticism from Mexican motorsport federation
Mexican motorsport federation OMDAI later released a statement criticising Lawson. They argued that the marshals should have been clearly visible and that Lawson would not have adjusted his line. That statement consisted of 10 points and only received attention later. The FIA has not officially confirmed this statement.
FIA's own reaction and investigation
The FIA apologises to Lawson for the incident and says it is conducting a thorough internal investigation. In doing so, it is working with OMDAI and Lawson's team. The aim is clear: to improve the safety of the sport.
- What the FIA is collecting and investigating: telemetry, radio traffic in multiple languages, footage and on-site procedures.
What the telemetry shows
Initial telemetry analysis shows that Lawson slowed properly. He reacted to double yellow flags, braked earlier than in other laps and entered the corner much slower than at race pace. The FIA therefore concluded that he was not guilty of the incident.
Finally, the FIA expressed its appreciation to the marshals and volunteers. Without them, the sport cannot function safely. Full findings will follow when the investigation is complete.
Oct 31, 2025 | Formula 1
State of play
Red Bull has not yet made a final choice for the three remaining seats in 2026. Only Max Verstappen is fixed. The rest are subject to debate. There are clear preferences and counter-arguments. Key names include Isack Hadjar, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.
Arguments for Hadjar at Red Bull
Hadjar impressed as a rookie this year. He was consistently fast and showed good qualifying performances. That raised hopes that he could support Verstappen well in the long run. Many experts think he should now be given a chance in the main formation. The thinking is: give Hadjar a serious chance and build around him for two years.
Key points pro Hadjar
- Consistent speed as a rookie.
- Potential to grow alongside Verstappen.
- A promotion can bring calm to the staff if the plan is fixed for two years.
Why some want to keep Tsunoda or Lawson
Yuki Tsunoda has more F1 experience. That could be valuable in a season with new regulations. Some opinion leaders think Tsunoda should be given a complete preparation first. If his data is insufficient, that should show he is not fit. That would be a fair way to make a final judgement.
Liam Lawson was given few chances at the top level earlier this year. Supporters believe he deserves a re-match. They cite his potential and the fact that he has already had a difficult start to the season. A second chance could help him regain confidence.
The Lindblad dilemma
Arvid Lindblad shows a lot of speed and has impressed in free practice. Some experts think he has the mental and technical qualities to make a difference. A possible scenario is to put Lindblad in Racing Bulls to grow further there. If he does well, he could move on quickly.
Problems in Red Bull's approach
Many commentators point to structural flaws in Red Bull's talent management. The criticism revolves too much around short-term solutions. No experienced free agent was extracted. There were wrong contract decisions and a lack of oversight. As a result, the organisation now stands with fewer options than desired.
The recommendation is clear: fewer impulsive changes and a clear long-term plan. Red Bull needs to decide whether it can fill two full A teams from its own breeding. If that is not realistic, another strategy is needed. For example: one upstart from its own racing stable and one experienced driver from outside.
Three practice scenarios
Based on the different opinions, here are three viable options:
- Promoted Hadjar to Red Bull. Lindblad to Racing Bulls. Let Racing Bulls choose between Lawson and Tsunoda.
- Leave Hadjar at Racing Bulls for another year. Do give Lawson a second chance with the senior squad.
- Give Tsunoda a normal pre-season and reassess both (Tsunoda and Hadjar) mid-season.
Opinion and conclusion
The least risky choice seems: promote Hadjar and deploy Lindblad structurally in the junior formation. Let Racing Bulls decide who fits best there, Lawson or Tsunoda. At the same time, it is essential that Red Bull changes its approach. Less panic football and more long-term planning. That way, the formation can become stable again in the longer term and Verstappen will actually keep a supportive teammate.
Oct 31, 2025 | Formula 1
OMDAI escalates discussion on marshals on track
Mexican motorsport federation OMDAI has openly questioned Liam Lawson. At issue was the situation during the second round of the Mexican Grand Prix. Lawson was just coming out of the pit lane and passed marshals who were cleaning up on the track.
On team radio, Lawson reacted with shock. Immediately after the incident, he said he could have killed them. He later called the situation “unacceptable” in the media. The FIA subsequently apologised to Lawson, according to reports.
What does OMDAI say?
OMDAI subsequently published an extensive ten-point statement. That includes stills from Lawson's onboard camera. The federation defends the work of the marshals. OMDAI argues that they were needed on the track to ensure the safety of other drivers.
In addition, OMDAI emphasises the rules around double waved yellow. According to those rules, a driver must clearly reduce his speed, not overtake and be ready to change direction or stop. OMDAI states that Racing Bulls had informed Lawson about the double waved yellow flags.
The federation also writes in capital letters that the marshals should have been clearly visible. OMDAI further reports that Lawson did not break his line while marshals were present on the track. This could be taken as an implicit accusation of not following the rules.
Image and assessment of the incident
Available onboard material shows that Lawson did reduce his speed. The footage also indicates that he was ready to stop. He did not deviate much from his racing line, but drove at low speed and never got close enough to the marshals to make contact.
No official punishment or investigation was launched against Lawson by the race stewards. The stewards, including Mexican representative Fernando Alfonso Oros Trigueros of FEMADAC, seemed to see no reason for follow-up action. The fact that FIA officials apologised reinforced that view.
What does OMDAI's statement mean?
OMDAI's statement suggests a different reading of events. This puts additional pressure on the FIA. The international federation is still investigating the incident and has not yet made its conclusions public.
- OMDAI defends the presence of marshals on the track.
- The federation points out the meaning of double waved yellow: reduce speed and be ready to stop.
- OMDAI argues that Lawson did not interrupt his line and that the marshals should have been visible.
- Onboard footage shows Lawson slowed down and did not get in dangerous proximity to the marshals.
- The FIA is investigating the incident and should now clarify.
The matter is not over with this. OMDAI's move is a clear escalation. The FIA faces the task of presenting the facts clearly and removing any ambiguities.
Oct 30, 2025 | Formula 1
Bearman shows speed, but still lacks consistency
Ollie Bearman impressed in Mexico. He competed smoothly with experienced F1 drivers and performed strongly. That reinforces the idea that he could one day drive for Ferrari. But that is not yet certain.
Ferrari has high demands. The Scuderia is not looking for just any young driver. It wants someone with the potential to become a world champion. So Bearman is not compared to middle-of-the-range drivers, but to leaders like Charles Leclerc.
Where things are going well
Bearman has a lot of speed. He is often faster than teammate Esteban Ocon. He is comfortable in fast, unstable situations. He dares to brake late and steer sharply. That suits today's ground-effect cars well.
There are several strong races. In Saudi Arabia last year, he drove in place of an absent Ferrari driver to an excellent seventh place without Friday practice. That showed Ferrari has a lot of confidence in him. In China, Japan and Singapore, he also showed good performances. In Mexico, he had a particularly strong weekend.
Improving trend
Since the summer break, his form has increased. In the six races after August, he scored points in four races. With that, he forces himself up as a serious contender for the title of best rookie.
Where he has yet to learn
The biggest sticking point is consistency. Bearman often peaks, but may lack the uniformity that top teams expect. This season, he made several mistakes and sometimes got embroiled in incidents he could have potentially avoided.
- Ten races without points, despite some sprint races with points.
- Ten places grid penalty in Britain after collision at pit entry under red flag.
- Crashes in Australia during FP1 and FP3.
- Penalty in Monaco for overtaking shortly after a red flag.
- Fractures and damage caused by too-wide turns in Hungary.
- Collisions with Yuki Tsunoda in Austin and Carlos Sainz in Monza.
- Track limits penalty during sprint in the US.
- Dazzling speed but bad luck in Belgium due to engine problems.
- Fast at Imola, but hit by bad luck in qualifying and an incorrectly attached wheel during the race.
- Crash in Q2 in Azerbaijan while he was fast.
There were also races like Bahrain, Miami, Canada and Austria in which he did not always make the most of them at the right moments. In Spain, he got a penalty for taking advantage by going off track.
What Ferrari is looking for
Ferrari doesn't just want speed. They also look at technical understanding, hard work ethic and the ability to improve a weekend along the way. What is important is that a driver is fast without constantly exceeding the limit. On that front, Bearman still needs to make strides.
The timing and the path to Maranello
A free spot at Ferrari will not become available soon. The earliest opportunity is not until 2027, and that depends on major changes at other top drivers. So Bearman has time. He now drives at Haas, a team where he can show his development without the immediate pressure of Ferrari.
The next few seasons are crucial. If he limits his mistakes and maintains his positive line, he will be high on the list at Ferrari as soon as a spot becomes available. Haas offers him the ideal stage for that.
Conclusion: promising, but no certainty yet
Bearman has laid the groundwork. He is fast and shows mental toughness. Yet he has yet to prove he can perform at top level on a weekly basis. That is exactly what Ferrari demands.
He is not ready yet, but he is building a convincing record. If he improves his consistency, he could become the best candidate within one to two years when Ferrari has to make a choice.
Oct 30, 2025 | Formula 1
Summary
The FIA has explained two notable moments during the Mexico City Grand Prix. Both situations caused much discussion. One involved a dangerous situation with marshal(s) early in the race. The other was about a late deployment of the virtual safety car (VSC) just before the end.
Near collision with marshals
Early in the race, Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson almost ran into two marshals. That happened on the third lap, between turns 1 and 2. Lawson had just left the pits and was taken totally by surprise at that moment. He reacted very strongly and called the situation unacceptable.
According to the FIA, marshals were on hand to remove broken parts from the track after an incident at Turn 1. After it became clear that Lawson had pitched, instructions to enter the track were withdrawn. A double yellow flag was then displayed at that spot.
The FIA says it is still investigating why two marshals were on the track anyway. At the same time, it expressed appreciation for the efforts of local, volunteer marshals. The FIA calls their work professional and indispensable for safe races.
The late VSC for Carlos Sainz
On the penultimate lap, Carlos Sainz went off the track in the stadium section. He tried to drive his Williams out of the way and stopped at an opening in the crash barriers. At first glance, he appeared to be out of the danger zone.
Still, the FIA sounded the alarm. Sainz's car started smoking and reports of fire came in to racecontrol. As a result, marshal intervention was needed to salvage the car. This is standard procedure. From a safety point of view, the race was therefore normalised with a virtual safety car until the car was in a protected position behind the barriers.
The VSC ended immediately after the car was safely moved. The race finished under a green flag. The decision resulted in Max Verstappen not getting a last chance to pass Charles Leclerc on the straight. Verstappen reacted soberly to it, saying such decisions are part of racing.
Key points in a row
- Marshals stood by to remove debris; instruction later withdrawn.
- FIA investigating why two marshals appeared on the track anyway.
- Sainz's car became damaged and started smoking; reports of possible fire followed.
- VSC was deployed until the car was behind the barriers and the situation was safe.
- The FIA praised the professionalism and commitment of volunteer marshals.
Concluding remark
Both incidents highlight the tension between speed and safety in F1. The FIA is sticking to protocols. At the same time, an investigation into what exactly went wrong in the marshal action is ongoing. The outcome may have implications for future proceedings.
Oct 29, 2025 | Formula 1
Emergency hearing after complaint over electoral rules
Laura Villars has won emergency proceedings at the Paris Court. The judge allowed her to take the FIA to an emergency court. The hearing is scheduled for 10 November at 9.30 am in Paris. Both parties have been invited.
What is it about?
Villars was one of the three candidates seeking to run against the incumbent president. Election rules require each candidate to put together a ‘presidential list’ of 10 people from different regions. That requirement proved decisive.
It follows from the rules that there is only one suitable representative for South America. However, she has already announced her support for the incumbent president. As a result, the other candidates could not complete their lists before the 24 October deadline.
Implications for the election
That situation threatens to leave only one valid candidate standing in December. One of the opposing candidates, Tim Mayer, previously acknowledged that his chances were lost. He openly criticised the process and chose to file official complaints within the FIA but not to go to court.
Why Villars went to court
Villars says she first tried to have a constructive conversation with the FIA. She feels she did not get satisfactory, concrete answers. Therefore, she now wants the matter legally reviewed. She stresses that her concern is the protection of the organisation and the importance of internal democracy and transparency.
Her lawyer said the authorisation for the emergency injunction shows that the court is taking the alleged deficiencies seriously. According to him, multiple violations of statutes and rules are at issue.
FIA response
The FIA informs that it cannot comment on the substance of the legal action due to the nature of the procedure. The organisation did publish a statement on the election process. It states that the rules and deadlines are set out in the statutes and internal regulations and that this information has been made publicly available to members since 13 June 2025.
The FIA stresses that the requirements for regional representation and selection from the World Council are not new and also applied to previous elections.
Key facts at a glance
- Emergency session in Paris: 10 November, 9.30am.
- Deadline presidential lists: 24 October.
- Problem: only one suitable candidate from South America, supporting the incumbent president.
- Result: only the incumbent president seems to remain as a valid candidate in December.
Now what?
The case goes to court on 10 November. Villars says she faces the hearing with calmness, openness and determination. She hopes for a sincere conversation that leads to fairer and more modern rules and more connection with members.
The presidential list of the only remaining authorised candidate is expected to be made public soon.
Oct 29, 2025 | Formula 1
What happened to Piastri?
Oscar Piastri saw his comfortable lead turn to a deficit in a few races. In the first 16 races of 2025, he achieved 14 podiums. This was followed by four races without a top-3. A 34-point lead after the Dutch GP disappeared in five races.
The crash in Azerbaijan did not help. But in Austin and Mexico, Piastri was simply too slow. It happened suddenly and sharply. This created a lot of question marks.
Is McLaren biased towards Norris?
Accusations quickly circulated on social media that McLaren would favour Norris. That theory is unlikely. McLaren has no interest in deliberately disadvantaging a driving championship contender.
If the team wants to help one driver above the rest, that choice should also benefit from the points battle with Verstappen. Putting Piastri so far back that he even falls behind Verstappen has no logic there.
The real cause: driving style and conditions
McLaren and Piastri himself point to something else. The combination of lots of sliding and little grip in Austin and Mexico requires a different way of driving than at many other tracks this season.
According to the team, that way of driving suits Lando Norris more naturally. He steers with a lot of feeling. He combines steering movements and throttle very precisely. This allows him to dance through a corner with small glides and load the car at the front.
Piastri drives differently. He brakes later and turns the wheel earlier. This works very well at high grip and high speed. But at low grip or when the car starts to slide in a certain way, he loses confidence. His effort on corner entry becomes more cautious. That was visible in qualifying in Mexico.
How Piastri tried to solve it
In Mexico, Piastri said he “had to change some things quite a bit in how I drive”. He did not describe it as a totally different driving style. He talked about adding extra tools to his arsenal.
He experimented during the race. Some of that went well. But many of the losses were small and spread over each sector. Added up, those small differences added up quickly. As a result, even his usual strengths were less.
Key factors
- Track type: lots of sliding and low grip in Austin and Mexico.
- Driving styles: Norris benefits from sensitive steering/gas points; Piastri is stronger with lots of grip.
- Superficial adjustments: Piastri tried to change, but found it difficult to make this work quickly.
- Incidents: the crash in Azerbaijan undermined his condition and rhythm.
What does this mean for the championship?
Piastri shows willingness to learn. That is positive. He acknowledges that the last few weekends required a different approach. He does not want to change rigidly for normal circumstances.
If Brazil and other tracks better suit his natural style again, he should soon return to the level of most of his races this year. If the dip continues, his title fight will fall apart completely. That will then raise new questions about the cause.
For now, the explanation seems technical and stylistic rather than deliberate sabotage. Piastri has work to do. But he also has the right attitude to take advantage of it.
Oct 29, 2025 | Formula 1
Brief overview
Colton Herta is expanding his 2026 programme. He is leaving IndyCar and focusing on the road to Formula 1. In addition to his role as Cadillac test driver, he will drive in Formula 2 for Hitech. That will now be joined by three major IMSA endurance races.
Which races is Herta racing?
Cadillac announced that Herta will compete with Wayne Taylor Racing in a V-Series.R in the three main IMSA events. They are the following races in 2026:
- Daytona 24 Hours - 24-25 January
- Sebring 12 Hours - 21 March
- Petit Le Mans (Road Atlanta) - October 3
Herta joins teammates Jordan Taylor and Louis Delétraz. With them, he already achieved success in 2024: a win at Sebring and a third-place finish at Daytona.
How does this fit into his F2 programme?
The F2 calendar starts in March and runs through December. Herta expects to drive in Melbourne in early March and then has a round in Bahrain in April. Between those weekends, the Sebring endurance fits. There is also a longer break later in the season, followed by Petit Le Mans in October. The IMSA races do not disrupt that schedule dramatically.
Why does this mix make sense?
The combination makes a lot of sense athletically. Endurance races keep Herta race fit in the long intervals. He gets extra testing days, such as the ‘Roar before the 24’ before Daytona and other tests. Moreover, he gathers more experience in different cars and sessions.
Experience and expectations
Herta already has a lot of experience in endurance racing. He started several times in Daytona. In 2019 he won in GTLM and in 2022 he did not lose - then he took an LMP2 victory. That experience makes him a valuable asset for Wayne Taylor Racing.
Comparisons and trend
The dual role of test driver and endurance driver is no exception. Many F1 test and reserve drivers combine it with WEC or IMSA. Names of recent examples show that teams are increasingly using young talent broadly. This keeps young drivers getting valuable mileage outside sprint calendars.
Important consequence
Herta is making a clear move towards Formula 1. His role at Cadillac and the extra races help him stay sharp and gain experience. At the same time, he is accumulating the superlicence points needed to start in F1.
Oct 28, 2025 | Formula 1
What happened
Mercedes lost valuable places in Mexico due to a controversial team order midway through the race. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli were driving around places five to seven at that point. An early collision between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton immediately changed the order. Russell had to run wide and dropped back to spot seven. Antonelli took advantage and became the leading Mercedes.
Key moments in a row
- Lap opening stage: Verstappen and Hamilton caused chaos, causing Russell to lose positions.
- Lap 22: Antonelli pitted first.
- Lap 25: Russell followed and by lap 30 they were riding close together again.
- Lap 41: Mercedes instructed a reversal of positions (swap).
- Final situation: Both cars crossed the line sixth and seventh.
Radio and voltages in the car
On the board radio, the frustrations sounded clear. Russell reported several times that he had more pace and wanted to attack. The team warned him about high brake and tyre temperatures. Russell replied that he had a faster car right behind him and that standing still was destroying his tyres. Eventually, the team instructed him to switch positions. Antonelli reacted with surprise and asked why. The engineer said it was a team decision and mentioned Turn 4 as the place to do the change.
Why the switch failed
The timing of the changeover proved fatal. Russell said he already had worn out brakes, tyres and engine, and therefore could not pass Bearman. While they were changing, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen also passed. As a result, Mercedes drivers finished lower than they hoped: P6 and P7 instead of possibly P4 and P5.
Drivers' reactions
Kimi Antonelli said after the race that the instruction surprised him. He wanted to look back with the team. Antonelli felt he was close to Russell and needed to push more. That made his race vulnerable to Piastri. He said if they had held positions, they could have possibly undercut Ollie Bearman and finished higher.
Russell put the frustration on rivals who he said took advantage by cutting a corner on the opening lap. He said that if he had come third out of turn one, they could also have finished third. He also called the team's decision-making awkward: either you perform a change immediately or you don't. According to him, the decision came too late.
What the team said
Team boss Toto Wolff was not physically present in Mexico but followed from a distance. A team representative said Wolff wants the pit wall to make decisions and not direct from above. The team said it is difficult to say whether an earlier instruction would have changed the result. They pointed out that it was difficult to overtake that day due to dirty air and long DRS trains. Final analysis was yet to take place.
Consequences and next steps
Mercedes lost valuable points in Mexico in the battle for constructor position. Both drivers want a thorough evaluation of race decisions. The team faces the choice of making clearer rules for team orders. Otherwise, it risks seeing more frequent friction within the team.
In a nutshell
- Team order caused dissatisfaction among both drivers.
- Timing of the swap proved wrong.
- Mercedes loses points in the constructors' classification.
- There will be a team review before the race in Brazil.
Oct 28, 2025 | Formula 1
FIA investigation and conclusion
The FIA has published the outcome of its investigation into the 2024 cost cap reports. The investigation lasted seven months. Most teams and engine manufacturers were given full confidence.
Only Aston Martin on offense
Aston Martin itself already acknowledged a procedural error. The team had to enter into a so-called “Accepted Breach Agreement”. According to the FIA, this was a very minor breach. Aston Martin had submitted unsigned versions of the reports before the deadline on 31 March. The required signature of the independent auditor was not obtained until 15 April.
The FIA called the circumstances exceptional and unforeseen. Exact details have not been made public. As Aston Martin gained no benefit from the error, the Cost Cap Administration (CCA) deemed that additional sanctions were not necessary. The team will, however, pay the costs of dealing with the violation.
Other teams and engine manufacturers acquitted
The remaining nine teams have not been charged with any offence. So were the five relevant engine manufacturers. The CCA gave them the green light after assessment.
- Mercedes
- Ferrari
- Honda
- Red Bull-Ford
- Audi
Why the investigation took a long time
The FIA explains that the investigation took a long time. The financial rules are complex. Technical aspects and the associated cost treatment also had to be carefully examined. As a result, the publication ran later than in previous years.
The FIA's verdict ends speculation in the paddock about more serious overruns. Only Aston Martin received an official finding of a very limited, procedural error.
Oct 28, 2025 | Formula 1
Chaos at the start: cross-border racing
The race in Mexico started chaotically. At the first corner, several drivers went over the grass. That resulted in position gains for some. Others felt it was unjustified.
Hamilton said he was penalised for staying within the limits. Fernando Alonso said he lost several places while opponents seemed to win several rows over the grass. The opening sequence at the circuit has been a source of problems for years. As a result, the stewards face tough decisions.
The near miss with marshals
There was also a dangerous situation with marshal personnel at the exit of Turn 1. A driver passed it just in time as marshals walked across the tarmac to remove debris. The organisers later apologised.
Fortunately, it ended well. But the incident leaves obvious safety questions. Better communication is needed so that something like this cannot happen again.
Piastri struggles, Norris benefits
Oscar Piastri is currently going through a difficult period. His lead in the championship was lost. In Mexico, he was clearly slower than teammate Lando Norris. The difference was not tied to one corner, but sat throughout the lap time.
McLaren thinks the low grip and specific conditions in Austin and Mexico don't suit Piastri. If that is true, the problem may disappear at other circuits. But if the weakness remains, his title ambition is seriously threatened.
Norris has the perfect weekend
Lando Norris, on the other hand, had a complete weekend. He was fast in all sessions, showing how well he can handle the low-grip conditions. An extensive debrief after previous races helped him regain his touch.
That form gives Norris momentum in the title race and strengthens his position within McLaren.
Red Bull praises Tsunoda, result says otherwise
Red Bull praised Yuki Tsunoda for his strong pace in qualifying and early race stages. Technically, he was close to Max Verstappen. Yet he ended up 11th. Team tactics played a role: Tsunoda stayed out longer to support Verstappen's strategy.
In addition, Tsunoda suffered a very slow pit stop, causing him to miss out on points. The team speaks of progress, but his place is not yet secure. The priority remains Verstappen's title fight.
Haas tackles it well
Haas showed in Mexico that it can do the right thing when it counts. The updated VF-25 was strong in race trim. Ollie Bearman drove a flawless race and finished as the best result ever for him and the team.
Haas opted for two pit stops and temporarily lost positions. That was a calculated choice. The risk of losing performance with worn tyres would have been too great. Fourth place also brings important points in the battle for sixth place in the constructors' championship.
Aston Martin and Alpine lag behind
Aston Martin has been struggling in Mexico for years. The circuit does not suit the balance and efficiency of their car. This season yielded no points again. Stroll spun on the opening lap and Alonso had to retire due to overheated brakes.
Alpine had an even worse weekend. Both cars were slow and mostly had to make room for the leaders. The team chose not to intervene with risky team orders. Expectations for Brazil are low, even though that circuit was the model for success last year.
Bortoleto fights back and earns point
Gabriel Bortoleto started low due to problems in qualifying. In the race, he showed fighting spirit. From 16th place, he worked his way to the front and secured a point for Sauber.
His race was tactical and aggressive. A bold overtaking move on an opponent earned him tenth place. That point is valuable in the battle for sixth position among constructors.
Summary: What does this weekend take us through?
- The opening chaos in Mexico highlights the need for better enforcement of track limits and starting behaviour.
- Safety around the track is improvement point number one after the incident with marshals.
- Piastri needs to regain his form soon; otherwise he may lose his title chances.
- Norris shows top form and relies on good communication with his team.
- Red Bull sees progress with Tsunoda, but results remain important.
- Haas made wise choices and is now reaping the benefits.
Mexico was a race with many political and sporting implications. The results change the proportions in the championship. The coming races will determine whether this shift is permanent.
Oct 27, 2025 | Formula 1
Main outcome
The stewards have explained why Lewis Hamilton received a time penalty in the Mexican Grand Prix. Max Verstappen received no penalty for the collision at Turn 1. The stewards investigated several moments in the battle between the two drivers.
The collision at Turn 1
It started with an overtaking attempt in Turn 1 on lap six. Verstappen dived in on the inside. Coming out of the corner, the two touched briefly. As a result, Hamilton slid slightly to the outside.
The stewards ruled that Verstappen's car was clearly in front of Hamilton's mirror at the inside point. That meant Verstappen was entitled to the ideal line. The collision remained light. Neither car sustained any damage. Therefore, the stewards qualified it as a racing incident and imposed no penalty.
Turn 2 and Turn 3
After the collision, the cars drove side by side for a short time. Verstappen hit the grass at Turn 2 and returned after Turn 3. In doing so, he did not lose a penalty, according to the stewards.
Turn 4: two investigations
Shortly afterwards, discussion arose on Turn 4 about rejoining the track. Hamilton came to the corner at high speed and stalled. He went into the run-off lane, cutting across the grass to get back in front of Verstappen.
This resulted in two investigations. The first was about not using the prescribed asphalt exit lane. The stewards felt the car had too much speed to safely use that asphalt lane. Therefore, they saw a just cause for it.
The second investigation dealt with whether Hamilton had gained a permanent advantage by leaving the track. The stewards decided that this was the case. Hamilton had gained a position and did not give it back. He was therefore given a 10-second time penalty.
Stewards' viewpoint
Their main arguments were brief: Verstappen had enough of the front for Hamilton on entering Turn 1 to lay claim to the line. The wheels touched lightly, leading to no sporting consequence. By Turn 4, on the other hand, Hamilton had gained a lasting advantage by using the grass.
Response from Hamilton
Hamilton reacted critically after the race. He called the incident in Turn 1 simply racing. He said he found it hard to understand why he was the only one to get a 10-second penalty.
Brief overview
- Turn 1: minor collision, assessed as racing incident, no penalty.
- Turn 2/3: Verstappen temporarily on the grass, no penalty.
- Turn 4: Hamilton cut across the grass and gained a lasting advantage.
- Consequence: Hamilton received a 10-second time penalty.
The stewards also referred to previous similar cases where no further action was taken. But in this case, track abandonment on Turn 4 did result in a penalty.
Oct 27, 2025 | Formula 1
Decision remains postponed for now
Red Bull is waiting longer to choose its line-ups for 2026. The team initially wanted to provide clarity after the Mexican Grand Prix. That schedule has now been changed.
Favourites and uncertainties
Isack Hadjar still seems to be the leading candidate for promotion to the senior team. This would give Max Verstappen his fourth teammate in just over 12 months. Still, it is not certain that Yuki Tsunoda will be replaced.
Uncertainty in second team
For the second team, Racing Bulls, the situation is unclear. Tsunoda could possibly return there alongside Liam Lawson. Another option is for one of them to be paired with rookie Arvid Lindblad. Red Bull is keeping all options open.
Why Red Bull is taking more time
Team advisor Helmut Marko had previously indicated that the choice could fall after Mexico. That deadline has now been pushed back. Laurent Mekies, team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, said Tsunoda is “taking steps forward”. That is one of the reasons for waiting.
Tsunoda's weekend in Mexico
Tsunoda suffered bad luck at his pit stop in Mexico. As a result, he missed out on an apparent top-10 finish. However, he was close to Verstappen in qualifying and his first stint in the race was strong. Mekies stressed that Tsunoda was only a few tenths behind Verstappen in qualifying.
Key facts at a glance
- Hadjar is still seen as favourite for promotion.
- Tsunoda showed improvements in Mexico, but a pit stop cost him results.
- Racing Bulls line-up (Tsunoda, Lawson or Lindblad) undecided.
- Red Bull wants to make the decision before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Tsunoda's minor qualifying deficits versus Verstappen (2025)
- 0.163s - Hungary
- 0.211s - Mexico
- 0.263s - Austria
- 0.381s - Belgium
- 0.464s - Canada
Timing and strategic considerations
Red Bull does not want a decision that distracts teams at the decisive stage of the championship. Verstappen's remaining chances for the drivers' championship come into play. The constructors' battle for both teams is also a factor. A public announcement could disrupt the team focus.
Mekies indicated that the team has the freedom to choose quietly. Still, Red Bull does not want to wait until mid-December like last year. The aim remains to clarify before Abu Dhabi, both internally and possibly publicly.
What lies ahead?
The decision depends on several elements. Form and performance weigh in. Team goals in the final phase of the season are also important. Red Bull considers those parameters before announcing the news.
Oct 27, 2025 | Formula 1
Mexican GP puts title fight on edge
Lando Norris won convincingly in Mexico. He drove from pole to win by a wide margin. As a result, he now tops the championship. It is a clear message: Norris should be competing for the title.
Norris dominated, Piastri lost ground
Norris had a top weekend. Everything fell together well for him. Oscar Piastri, on the other hand, had a difficult race weekend. He lost places at the start and hit back problems around the first pit stops. In the end, Piastri crossed the line in fifth place. He finished well behind his teammate. This is worrying for Piastri, as we saw this pattern earlier this season.
Verstappen fights back to podium
Max Verstappen did not come out of qualifying looking pretty. Yet he still dragged out a podium in the race. That shows resilience. Without the virtual safety car, he might even have finished second. His result keeps the tension in the title race.
What does this mean for the championship?
The title fight is now a real triangle between Norris, Piastri and Verstappen. Nothing has been decided. There are still four grands prix and two sprint races to go. A total of 116 points are still on the table. Small mistakes or technical problems could prove very expensive later on.
Key points to remember:
- Norris has the lead, but only by one point.
- Verstappen is still behind, but is back in contention thanks to his podium.
- Piastri needs to stop his recent dip in form to avoid slipping in the championship.
Why this is good for sport
This kind of change makes the title race exciting. The upcoming circuits differ greatly from each other. That could change the proportions again. Also, McLaren and Red Bull each have their strengths and weaknesses. In the end, the title cannot be decided only on the best days. Instead, it may depend on who does the least wrong on the bad days.
Conclusion
Mexico brought the top three closer together. Norris proved he is in contention for the title. Verstappen showed character with his recovery to the podium. Piastri is under pressure and needs to respond. The denouement promises to be another exciting stage.
Oct 27, 2025 | Formula 1
Overview of a volatile race
The 2025 Mexican Grand Prix delivered plenty of action and unexpected shifts in the standings. Some teams grabbed plenty of returns. Others lost chances or points. Below I cover the main winners and losers of the weekend.
Main winners
Ollie Bearman (4th)
Bearman had shown good race pace during the simulations. Haas and he now cashed in on that opportunity. He took advantage of an incident between Hamilton, Verstappen and Russell. After that, he drove smart and kept faster cars behind him. It was his best F1 hour to date. Esteban Ocon also scored points, taking Haas to eighth place among constructors. That is important in the battle for spot six in the championship.
Lando Norris (1st)
Norris dominated the weekend from start to finish. He is now top of the championship. The win was convincing and well-timed. McLaren showed strong speed on dry tracks, like last year in Brazil. If the weather cooperates, McLaren can put up a weekend like this more often.
Max Verstappen (3rd)
Verstappen made the most of a tough Sunday. His stint on the softs was very strong. As a result, he closed a big gap and returned to the podium. On a day like this, it shows how important it is to limit damage. This podium finish keeps his title fight alive.
Charles Leclerc (2nd)
Leclerc pulled in a solid second place. Ferrari seemed a little short against Verstappen at times, but Leclerc took advantage early in the race. Thanks to his performance, a Ferrari stayed in front. Two podiums in a row are a welcome boost. Ferrari is now one point ahead of Mercedes in the battle for second place among constructors.
Gabriel Bortoleto (10th)
Bortoleto grabbed the last point with a clever strategy. Sauber chose medium to soft and that proved just a little quicker in the midfield. He took advantage of a slow pit stop by Tsunoda and overtook Hadjar briskly at Turn 1. For Sauber, this was a nice salvation after a difficult weekend.
Main losers
Yuki Tsunoda (11th)
Tsunoda showed moments of speed and kept Piastri behind him for a while. But he also had long stretches where his pace dropped away. A slow pit stop cost him valuable places. As a result, he lost points that might have been attainable. His expectation of a top-six place was therefore too optimistic.
Oscar Piastri (5th)
Piastri rode sensibly and fought his way back after a mediocre qualifying session. Fifth place was a neat recovery. Still, the result is painful in the title race. He lost too many points in a weekend where he could have scored.
George Russell (6th)
Russell was forcefully leading his points on the radio, trying to force progress. Yet his race did not go as expected. He had to deal with actions from other drivers and lost ground. In the end, he finished outside the podium. It was a disappointing day given the expectations.
Lewis Hamilton (8th)
Hamilton seemed well away at the start, but an incident at Turn 4 cost him a lot of time. He received a penalty for not giving back position or time gained. The 10-second time penalty after the pit stop threw away his podium opportunity. It was an expensive mistake in a race where he could have scored.
Carlos Sainz (DNF)
Sainz had a bad start and got involved in a collision. That collision caused vibrations that damaged the pit-lane limiter. The problems caused him two penalties, including a drive-through. In the end, he had to abandon the car. For him, it was a weekend to quickly forget.
Alpine (15th and 16th)
Alpine experienced probably the worst weekend of their season. Both cars were far from the field. It became a long and lonely afternoon for both drivers. This result shows how big the gap is sometimes.
Racing Bulls (13th and DNF)
Racing Bulls again remained without points. That is now three races in a row without a score. Sainz's starting crash hit Lawson and Hadjar was fouled early in Turn 6. As a result, the team dropped far back. With several teams close together, this negative pace could become costly.
Summary conclusions
- Bearman and Haas took full advantage and recorded a game-changing result.
- Norris grabs the lead and confirms McLaren's dry-weather speed.
- Verstappen keeps title fight alive by limiting damage.
- Sainz, Alpine and Racing Bulls lost the most this weekend.
The outcome in Mexico changes the season. Some teams gained new energy. Others face remedial work. Next races will be crucial in the title and constructors' battle.
Oct 27, 2025 | Formula 1
Summary
Lando Norris dominated the Mexican Grand Prix. His start was flawless. He then kept up the pace and made McLaren's advantage final. Meanwhile, brief chaos ensued behind him. That led to damage, a penalty and strategic choices that further determined the outcome.
The crucial start
Norris started excellently. He braked slightly back to neutralise the slipstream effect of trailing cars and blocked the inside line. This kept Lewis Hamilton behind him and allowed him to gain speed immediately. In this way, he immediately converted his big qualifying advantage into control in the race.
Friction between top teams
The start created a tight situation between Ferrari and Red Bull. Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen touched briefly when one of the Red Bulls was on the kerb. The damage was limited, but the position quickly changed. Verstappen and Leclerc gave each other space moments later so Norris retained the lead.
The Hamilton-Verstappen incident
Soon after, things escalated between Hamilton and Verstappen. There were several duels on the lap after. Verstappen put in a late brake action, the wheels hit each other and Hamilton drove a bit through the exit lane. According to the rules, Hamilton had to give back the position. As another driver took advantage at the same time, Hamilton refused to give back two spots. Race control gave him a 10-second penalty time at his pit stop. That penalty ended up costing him many places in the pack.
Strategy and links
Tyre choice and stints determined the course of the middle group. Many teams started on the soft tyre. Verstappen had chosen medium and therefore struggled with less grip in the first stint. He had to drive long so his second stint on soft tyres would not be too long.
Norris was given his soft tyres for 35 laps. That was well longer than many competitors. This allowed McLaren to control the race and drive freely. Red Bull dared Verstappen to come in late, allowing him to attack and overtake with fresh soft tyres in the closing stages.
Notable achievements
One of the surprises was Ollie Bearman in the Haas. He started from far up front and was in an excellent position in the early stages. He managed to pass several fast drivers and rode along in the front group for a long time. Oscar Piastri also stayed in character behind his strong teammate Norris and lost a lot of time due to traffic and the wrong moments to attack.
Key moments in a nutshell
- Norris makes a perfect start and quickly builds a lead.
- Ferrari and Red Bull hit each other briefly in the opening stages.
- Hamilton and Verstappen have a slide, Hamilton gets 10s penalty.
- Bearman drives a strong race and settles into the top five.
- Strategies with soft versus medium tyres decide the positions between them.
- Two laps before the end, a stopped car causes a VSC and inhibits overtaking.
The closing stages and the VSC
In the closing stages, Verstappen advanced strongly towards Leclerc. Piastri also fought his way to the front. But two laps before the end, Carlos Sainz had to put his car alongside the track. That triggered a Virtual Safety Car. That situation reduced the space and speed of the attackers. As a result, the hunt for podium places stagnated.
Results and consequences
Norris won with almost half a minute's lead. He cleverly controlled the race and kept his tyre management in good order. With this victory, he takes the lead in the world championship. For Hamilton, the race had a bitter aftertaste due to the penalty and lost places. Verstappen and Leclerc fought until the end, but could not threaten Norris.
The race in Mexico showed how important starts, tyre management and team strategy are. A perfect start and consistent pace can completely define a race.
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