Charles Leclerc led the first practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Alex Albon surprisingly second and Yuki Tsunoda ahead of Max Verstappen in third and fourth. Championship leader Lando Norris endured a challenging session with multiple offs but still managed P6 as the dusty track evolved.
Felipe Massa's legal challenge regarding the 2008 F1 championship has been partially approved for trial by the British High Court, a move he celebrates as a "tremendous victory." The lawsuit targets the FIA, FOM, and Bernie Ecclestone over the controversial Singapore Grand Prix, with Massa seeking substantial compensation and justice, despite the court clarifying that the 2008 title outcome itself cannot be overturned. This legal battle could expose historical F1 decisions and reshape narratives.
Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda will auction his special 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix helmet to support the Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation. The 'Kintsugi'-themed helmet is expected to raise a five-figure sum, combining his passion for F1 with a significant charitable contribution to spinal injury research. This initiative comes as Tsunoda faces an uncertain future in Formula 1.
Toto Wolff has sold a portion of his Mercedes F1 team stake to George Kurtz, CEO of CrowdStrike, valuing the team at £4.6 billion. Kurtz, a Le Mans winner, becomes Technology Advisor, focusing on integrating advanced tech, data analytics, and innovation to boost Mercedes' competitive edge and expand its presence in global tech sectors, particularly in the U.S. This strategic move highlights F1's increasing reliance on technology.
Lando Norris leads the championship by 24 points over Oscar Piastri as F1 heads to the Las Vegas Grand Prix. McLaren anticipates a tough weekend due to cool temperatures and a low-grip track, which may not suit their MCL39. Mercedes, Ferrari, and Max Verstappen are expected to be strong contenders in what promises to be a challenging and unpredictable race weekend.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend kicks off with a threat of rain during Thursday and Friday's practice sessions, potentially complicating initial car setups and strategies on the new street circuit. However, weather forecasts indicate a clear and dry outlook for both qualifying and the main race on Saturday, setting the stage for an unobstructed, high-speed spectacle under the Las Vegas lights. Teams will need to quickly adapt to any changing conditions in the early stages before focusing on optimal dry performance.
Key F1 news includes a High Court ruling potentially ending Felipe Massa's 2008 title hopes, Max Verstappen's dismissal of a "weird" Christian Horner question, and Natalie Pinkham's teased return to Sky F1. Additionally, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri requested fewer joint McLaren social media clips, and Verstappen eyes Daniel Ricciardo's No. 3 for 2026.
CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz has acquired a 15% stake in Toto Wolff's Mercedes F1 holding company, becoming a co-owner and the team's new Technology Advisor. This strategic investment, valuing the team at an estimated $6 billion, strengthens Mercedes' focus on technology and expands its market reach, particularly in the US, while Toto Wolff maintains his leadership roles.
CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz has acquired a 5% ownership stake in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, purchasing a portion of Toto Wolff's shares. This move solidifies the long-standing partnership between the cybersecurity firm and the F1 team. Kurtz, an accomplished racer and tech entrepreneur, will join Mercedes' strategic committee to help drive advancements in data analytics, AI, and simulation, highlighting the sport's growing reliance on cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights.
Cadillac boss Graeme Lowdon detailed key insights from their first F1 test with Sergio Perez, using a 2023 Ferrari. The session at Imola focused on refining operational procedures, simulating FIA protocols, practicing mechanic tasks, and handling ERS emergencies. This crucial 'race-ready' preparation is designed to ensure a smooth and competitive entry for the new team when they join the grid in 2026.
Liam Lawson shared details about Isack Hadjar's apology after their final-lap contact at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Lawson held off Hadjar to secure P7, earning crucial points for Racing Bulls. He highlighted the team's trust in their drivers and the high stakes involved in securing a Formula 1 seat, emphasizing that such intense battles, while risky, are part of proving oneself in the sport.
RacingNews365 has been named both the 'most popular sports website' and 'best sports website' of 2025 at The Netherlands' 'Website of the Year' awards. This achievement highlights the platform's extensive global coverage of F1 and motorsport, its dedicated audience, and ongoing investment in content and platform development. CEO Ruud Dimmers confirmed plans for further growth and development, with fan giveaways to celebrate this significant dual victory.
