Can't help but think that this is somehow an engineered outcome - all hanging on the last race when it should have been done and dusted months, if not, races ago.
Going to need a bit more info on how this has been engineered. Was is Norris' engine blowing? The skid blocks thing being a fix? Norris dominating in Brazil? I'm intrigued
My maths says Max 1st Oscar 2nd, Lando needs 3rd, Oscar 1st Max 2nd, Lando needs 5th.
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-2025-abu-dhabi-how-norris-verstappen-piastri-can-win-title/
Do papaya rules allow Oscar to have an incident with Max?
Yes, but only if Lando has a similar one with Yuki.
I know he doesn't need to but I really hope Lando wins the race to take the WDC, if not there will be loads of "he doesn't deserve it as Max/Oscar have won more races...."
Oscar certainly isn't going to help him though so its every man for himself.
Going to need a bit more info on how this has been engineered. Was is Norris' engine blowing? The skid blocks thing being a fix? Norris dominating in Brazil? I'm intrigued
No idea. I know it's not rational and it's proper conspiracy theory bllx but it just feels too contrived for McLaren to have such a massive advantage and for them to **** it up so royally.
In the middle of this, I’m really happy for Williams! Great to see ,them back being competitive at the pointy end
In the middle of this, I’m really happy for Williams!
and Carlos!
(Two podiums more than he would have got at Ferrari!)
In the middle of this, I’m really happy for Williams! Great to see ,them back being competitive at the pointy end
Me too. I know it's extra-shiny for social media etc, but seems like a really good team atmosphere too compared to some others.
it just feels too contrived for McLaren to have such a massive advantage and for them to **** it up so royally.
Guessing you weren't watching in 2007 then? Raikkonen won by a point despite being back in 4th for most of the season and being over 2 race wins behind in the points (old scoring system, 10-8-6...)
Hamilton and Alonso were ahead but their relationship fell apart mid season (if not before) and the team were chucked out of the wcc because of the Ferrari photocopies.
In the middle of this, I’m really happy for Williams!
Me too.
and Carlos!
(Two podiums more than he would have got at Ferrari!)
Yes, delighted for Carlos too, I rate him very highly, especially how he can "coach" the team whilst racing. Though about those podiums - Charles has 7. Both Ferrari drivers have more points than the Williams pair (yes even Lewis). Alex (currently) has more points than Carlos despite not having any podiums. Both have had their ups and downs this year and I'm hoping for more consistent results next season.
What did Hadjar do to deserve that?
What did Hadjar do to deserve that?
Scored more points than Yuki and in the "junior" team?
I meant that in the other sense. He seems to not deserved career blight by MV.
Ah. Good point.
Also confirmed (or at least leaked by Ted Kravitz, not sure it's official yet) that it's Lawson and Lindblad at RB so Yuki is seamless. Doesn't seem to to have hurt Gasly and Albon but I can't see another team taking him? Aston would be aiming higher if they do replace Stroll surely?
Tsunoda will be reserve driver for both Red Bull teams. I would like him to go to Indycars to see how he compares with top drivers in spec cars. I think he's better than his critics say, but no other F1 team will want him.
What did Hadjar do to deserve that?
I agree. It’s probably the worst seat on the grid. A complete loose / loose situation. Short of coming a close second to max, he will never be allowed to beat him, is the best he can hope for
Short of coming a close second to max, he will never be allowed to beat him, is the best he can hope for
I don't think Red Bull works like that. Max is treated as number 1 because he's the fastest driver they have. Ricciardo showed he could beat Vettel and ended up as the new number 1. If Hadjar can outqualify and outrace Max, I'm pretty sure Red Bull will be thrilled.
If Hadjar can outqualify and outrace Max, I'm pretty sure Red Bull will be thrilled.
I'll bet you a whole pound that we never see the day when a new spec front wing is taken off Max's car to be fitted to Hadjar's. Anyhow (and straying into the F1 2026 thread's territory) I think they'll both be doing a fair bit of development work for Ford's new PU next year rather than fighting over poles and wins.
I'll bet you a whole pound that we never see the day when a new spec front wing is taken off Max's car to be fitted to Hadjar's.
Max will start the year with priority because he's earned it. If Hadjar can outqualify and outrace Max and is in contention for the title and Max isn't, Hadjar will get priority.
But he never will be able to with priority given to max.
If you are fast you get the team on side.
Just as Max did when he arrived at Red Bull and muscled Ricciardo out of the door.
Pretty sure Red Bull will happy with a second driver that can reliably finish in the top ten each race, something they've not had for a while now! Maybe Hadjar should just ask them to repaint his RB car in Redbull colours, rather than get whatever they've set up for Max 😂
Toyota slowly tip-toeing back to a full F1 return!...
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/bigger-toyota-deal-prompts-haas-rebrand-for-f1-2026/
Toyota slowly tip-toeing back to a full F1 return!...
If you mean putting Toyota stickers on a car built by someone else, powered by an engine made by another manufacturer, then sure. If you mean owning their own team and building their own engine like Merc, Audi, and Ferrari, then very unlikely. If they start an engine program, I'll change my mind but I can't see that happening anytime soon.
...hence 'tip-toeing' comment! 🤷♂️
I can't see them back for this engine regs cycle - but I can see a return if F1 returns to less complicated V10s. Someone at Toyota really likes motorsport (and fast cars).
I know they have to run the young drivers in some of the free practice sessions, but awful timing for Oscar to give up his seat in FP1.
There was some mention of this in the Weekend Warmup - statistically drivers who don’t participate in FP1 are quicker come qualifying this season, slightly odd!
There was some mention of this in the Weekend Warmup - statistically drivers who don’t participate in FP1 are quicker come qualifying this season, slightly odd!
Generally FP2 is more representative of Quali because it’s at a similar time of day, so I guess there’s less chance of getting a bum steer from FP1 conditions, where—at some races more than others—conditions can be quite different.
I think I would be more worried about them breaking the car and your mechanics having to pull an all nighter to fix it for you