Juan Pablo Montoya asserts that Aston Martin is 'guaranteed' an F1 world champion within the next three years, potentially as early as 2026. This prediction hinges on Adrian Newey's ability to exploit new regulations and Aston Martin's upcoming partnership with Honda. Montoya even suggests Fernando Alonso could be the driver to achieve this, underscoring the high hopes for the team's future competitiveness.
Pirelli has implemented a strict 25-lap maximum for all tyre sets at the Qatar Grand Prix, forcing teams into a mandatory two-stop strategy for the 57-lap race. This decision, driven by concerns over excessive tyre wear and structural fatigue observed in previous events on the demanding Lusail circuit, aims to enhance safety and prevent teams from pushing tyre limits too far. The new rule will significantly impact race strategies, promising an intriguing and strategically complex weekend.
Sergio Perez has revealed the immense struggles he endured during his final months with Red Bull, admitting to a period of demotivation that led to a significant dip in performance. After stepping away from F1, he has rediscovered his passion for the sport and is now preparing for Cadillac's 2026 entry, determined to end his career on a high note.
Despite a 49-point deficit to Lando Norris after the Sao Paulo GP, Max Verstappen still has a chance to win the 2025 F1 Drivers' title, according to Jenson Button. Button believes that if Verstappen can overcome this significant gap, it would be the most impressive championship victory in Formula 1 history, showcasing his exceptional talent and Red Bull's resilience.
Formula 1 has announced a new partnership with Epic Games, bringing all ten F1 teams into Fortnite with a special cosmetic set launching on November 20th. This strategic move aims to engage millions of gamers worldwide, introducing them to F1 through in-game outfits, gliders, and emotes, further expanding the sport's global reach and fan base.
Formula 1 has forged a significant partnership with the popular video game Fortnite, enabling F1 team race suits and emotes to be available in-game starting November 20th. This strategic collaboration aims to broaden F1's global audience by engaging with Fortnite's massive player base, further integrating the sport into broader entertainment platforms and securing its relevance among new generations of fans. This initiative builds on F1's successful ventures into media like Netflix's 'Drive to Survive'.
Toto Wolff has tempered expectations for Mercedes at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite their dominant one-two finish last season. He stressed that the W16 is different from its predecessor, the W15, and replicating previous success won't be easy. Wolff's cautious outlook underlines the unpredictable nature of F1 and the team's commitment to analytical preparation rather than relying on past results.
Ferrari executive John Elkann's recent comments publicly criticizing his F1 drivers have been slammed by former team owner Gian Carlo Minardi, who insists criticism should always be kept internal. Minardi emphasized a "family man" management approach, while other F1 figures have defended drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, pointing to the car's performance as the primary issue.
Lando Norris, leading the F1 championship by 49 points, is surprisingly pessimistic about his chances at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. Citing McLaren's struggles in last year's cold conditions on the Strip, Norris fears a repeat of tire graining and pace issues, despite his team's significant improvements this season. His caution suggests the championship battle might extend beyond Las Vegas, even if he could clinch the title there under certain conditions.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has issued a public 'challenge' to Esteban Ocon to improve his qualifying pace and consistency, after a tough run of races for the French driver, including a Q1 exit and a mid-race puncture in Brazil. With Haas fighting for a crucial Constructors' Championship position, Komatsu stressed the importance of both drivers performing strongly to secure vital prize money, particularly highlighting the need for Ocon to match teammate Oliver Bearman's recent form.
Formula 1 has imposed a 25-lap limit on tire usage per set for the Qatar Grand Prix main race due to extreme wear on the demanding Lusail circuit. This safety measure will drastically alter race strategies, requiring at least two to three pit stops, making tire management and pit stop efficiency critical for teams vying for victory.
Kimi Antonelli secured a career-best P2 at the Brazilian Grand Prix by fending off a charging Max Verstappen, maintaining his composure despite the intense pressure. This contrasts with Oliver Bearman's more candid reaction to a similar battle, highlighting Antonelli's impressive mental fortitude under extreme race conditions, a significant asset for his burgeoning F1 career.
