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.
Aston Martin Lagonda is reportedly considering delisting from the London Stock Exchange, amidst rumors of privatization talks with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which the company denies. While denying private takeover discussions with PIF, Aston Martin did not deny the intent to delist, a move that could provide flexibility away from public scrutiny as the automaker faces significant financial challenges and macroeconomic headwinds.
F1 legend Alan Jones has vehemently dismissed claims of McLaren favoritism towards Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri as 'absolute crap.' Despite a recent points swing favoring Norris, Jones asserts that F1 teams ensure equal treatment for both drivers, labeling such theories as 'nonsense' often fueled by biased fan and media speculation rather than reality. He highlighted the significant investments teams make, making it illogical to intentionally hinder one car's performance.
Pierre Gasly has shed light on the hidden physical toll F1's current-generation cars are taking on drivers' backs, despite porpoising being less visible. He, along with Charles Leclerc and Lance Stroll, expressed concerns over the stiffness and weight of the cars, indicating that the physical demands are far greater than perceived by onlookers. This raises questions about long-term driver health under current regulations, as the sport prepares for new rules in 2026.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem is the only confirmed candidate for the FIA presidential election, a result of new rules requiring diverse regional vice president nominations. However, Swiss driver Laura Villars has launched a legal challenge against the election process, with a court hearing scheduled for December 3rd, potentially leading to the election's suspension and raising questions about the FIA's governance.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed immense pride in the team's commitment to increasing female representation in motorsport, announcing the signing of Ella Stevens and Ella Hakkinen, daughter of two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen, to their driver development program. This move, alongside Ella Lloyd's continued participation in F1 Academy, underscores McLaren's dedication to diversifying the sport and creating new opportunities for women.
Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner has emphatically declared Oliver Bearman as the ideal successor to Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, citing Bearman's exceptional rookie season with Haas. With Hamilton facing challenges in his debut year at Maranello, Steiner believes Bearman's strong performances and clear superiority over teammate Esteban Ocon make him the obvious choice for Ferrari's future, aligning with the team's history of promoting junior talent. The paddock buzz suggests this transition is a matter of 'when,' not 'if'.
Formula 1 will enforce a mandatory two-stop rule at the Qatar Grand Prix, limiting stints to 25 laps to address tire safety concerns. This proactive measure by the FIA and Pirelli follows extreme tire wear and punctures observed in the 2023 race, aiming to prevent structural fatigue and ensure driver safety. The hardest tire compounds will be provided, and teams must adapt their strategies for the 57-lap event, with Pirelli informing them of available laps per tire set before the race.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has openly criticized Red Bull's Christian Horner, suggesting that the fame from Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' has changed him for the worse, citing "money and glory" as corrupting influences. Brown also referenced Horner's past accusations against McLaren as attempts to disrupt their team, drawing a sharp distinction between healthy ego and detrimental arrogance in leadership.
