The 2025 Formula 1 season heads to Qatar for its final Sprint weekend, featuring a single Free Practice session before Sprint Qualifying. The championship battle is at a fever pitch, with Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris all in contention for the title. With 33 points up for grabs, Lando Norris has a mathematical chance to secure the championship this weekend if he outscores his rivals by two points, setting the stage for a dramatic race at the Lusail International Circuit.
George Russell is calling for permanent, paid FIA Formula 1 stewards to resolve long-standing issues with inconsistent penalty decisions. Backing Carlos Sainz's praise for expert analysts like Karun Chandhok and Anthony Davidson, Russell argues that F1's scale demands professional, experienced adjudicators over rotating volunteers. This push aims to ensure fairer, more consistent rulings based on deep racing knowledge rather than rigid guidelines, a move supported by many drivers.
Liam Lawson is hopeful Racing Bulls can achieve a significant turnaround in Qatar, a track he called his "hardest" last season. With a better understanding of their car and aiming to solidify sixth in the constructors' championship, Lawson believes a points finish is possible despite the challenges of a Sprint weekend. Their performance in Qatar will be a key test of their progress.
Carlos Sainz has proposed a radical shake-up of FIA incident reviews, suggesting that former F1 drivers and TV pundits like Karun Chandhok, Jolyon Palmer, and Anthony Davidson should analyze incidents instead of relying on current guidelines. Sainz, a GDPA director, believes their accurate, experienced-based judgments would provide a more consistent and respected system for F1, aligning closer with drivers' perceptions and potentially eliminating the need for strict regulations.
Max Verstappen lightheartedly told McLaren to 'f-off' during an F1 driver meeting, showcasing the intense rivalry as McLaren currently leads the championships. This humorous yet pointed remark underscores the competitive atmosphere in Formula 1, with McLaren's strong performance putting pressure on Red Bull and Verstappen, setting the stage for an exciting end to the season.
Lewis Hamilton has dramatically shifted his outlook, moving past the disappointment of the Las Vegas Grand Prix to express renewed optimism for his future with Ferrari and the 2026 season. Despite a challenging start with his new team, he firmly states he has "no regrets" about his decision, emphasizing a revitalized belief in his path forward and his team's potential. This mindset reset signals a fresh chapter for the seven-time world champion.
Mercedes driver George Russell is eagerly awaiting the end of Formula 1's ground-effect era in 2025, labeling the current cars as 'brutal' and physically taxing. He highlighted severe porpoising that impacted driver visibility and safety, expressing relief that upcoming 2026 regulations will bring a significant shift, prioritizing driver comfort and a smoother experience after years of relentless bouncing.
F1 drivers are largely dissatisfied with current racing rules, but a consensus on solutions remains elusive. While Carlos Sainz advocates for scrapping guidelines entirely and relying on ex-drivers as judges, George Russell argues for permanent stewards to ensure consistency. Charles Leclerc emphasizes common sense over rigid rule adherence, underscoring the complexities of governing dynamic on-track incidents.
George Russell revealed that Mercedes' health and safety officer banned an experiment where he and Lewis Hamilton wanted a chief designer to experience the severe porpoising of the 2022 W13 in a simulator. The bouncing was so extreme it caused physical discomfort and impaired vision for drivers, highlighting the brutal nature of the cars and the serious safety concerns that emerged from the design flaws.
Lando Norris views his championship rivals, teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, as equally skilled and competitive, despite recent shifts in momentum. Following McLaren's disqualification in Las Vegas, which brought Verstappen significantly closer in points, Norris emphasizes treating both drivers with the same intensity as the title fight heads into its final two races. He anticipates a strong battle against two "incredible drivers."
Charles Leclerc has shifted his stance on Formula 1's 2026 cars, moving from skepticism to intrigue after recent simulator sessions. The Ferrari driver initially voiced concerns about the radical aerodynamic and hybrid changes but now embraces the strategic challenges. His evolving perspective highlights the complex development work underway and the anticipated emphasis on energy management and driver adaptability in the next generation of F1 racing.
Max Verstappen has lauded McLaren's 'perfect' decision to let Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri race without team orders, echoing his own stance against such directives. With the F1 title fight heating up, Verstappen is now just 24 points behind Norris, making McLaren's commitment to free racing a high-stakes move as the season nears its climax.
