Qatar GP Sprint Qualifying Report

Sainz was asked his opinion on the current interpretations of the driving standards guidelines.  He said that there should be no guidelines and recent drivers, like those providing analysis, should make the judgement.  That boy always makes sense.

Bortoleto went into SQ1 with a five place grid penalty hanging over him.   It was a fairly boring session until the last milliseconds when Antonelli knocked Hamilton out - thanks for the seat mate!  It looked like Aston Martin were going to be strong with Alonso hanging onto pole position but Stroll was out.  Verstappen took first place at the very end.  The five drivers leaving Sprint Qualifying were Stroll, Lawson, Hamilton, Gasly and Colapinto.  It was another dire session for Alpine.  Hamilton was as monosyllabic as former Ferrari driver, Kimi Raikkonen, in the press pit.

Antonelli only just scraped through into SQ3 as Hadjar had a lap time deleted.  This session was even more boring than the last.  The two McLarens were fastest with Norris ahead and then Verstappen.  The five drivers out were predictable too: Hadjar, Bearman, Bortoleto, Hulkenberg and Ocon.  Normal order seemed to have been restored.

Alonso was very angry with the number of drivers on track (precisely on the same spot) at the end of SQ2 and Verstappen was very angry with his car and how much it was porpoising at the start of SQ3.  This time the track improved as the time ticked down and Verstappen's hold on pole tumbled away, perhaps his team should have listened to him?  Even Tsunoda beat him and I had assumed he was already out or perhaps forgotten on the baggage carousel at the airport.  The top ten were Piastri, Russell, Norris, Alonso, Tsunoda, Verstappen, Antonelli, Sainz, LeClerc and Albon.  Piastri needed some kind of strong racing event.  Albon seems to be falling into Sainz's shadow.

Piastri will go all out to get in the Sprint to get as many points as he can, the championship is all but lost to him unless he does.   It should be a great Sprint.

Las Vegas GP Race Report

It was all showbusiness and glitz in Vegas for the race.  Mickey and Minnie Mouse waved the drivers onto the truck for the parade, as each was announced American style.  The trophy was a neon rainbow cascade of colour and the Disney marching band accompanied the Star Spangled Banner.

This circuit is easy for overtaking, so nothing was guaranteed for any driver, wherever they qualified.  Norris pulled out an aggressive start and went straight into Verstappen's path and then off over a corner; he dropped to third behind Russell.  Luckily, Piastri had also lost places off the start, having collided with Lawson.  Bearman made up four places and is firmly in contention for rookie of the year, or at least was at that point in proceedings.  Bortoleto won't be, having tried to make up too many places off the grid and tagging Stroll, who spun into others. Gasly also lost seven places from a great starting position.  Hamilton on the hard tyre was in 12th by the second lap, having started at the back.  There were bits of Lawson's wing all over the track so Virtual Safety Car conditions were called for to clear the track.  It was hard to keep up with everything that happened.

Antonelli and Albon were both noted for starting infringements; it was a late call as the stewards were busy investigating things up and down the pack.  Suddenly, LeClerc came to life and started to overtake one car after another.  Russell was less happy as he was encountering problems with his steering.  Albon went into the back of Hamilton; the VSC edict came again to clear up the debris.  

There were very traditional mid-race stops (a few folk went early), Norris and Sainz (running in 4th) led the way.  Piastri got Sainz straight away.  Verstappen took a free stop and there would be little that could happen to stop him winning the race.

It was Lap 34 when Norris finally made a good move and got past Russell for second.  It was incredibly disappointing that Sainz had dropped back to 7th after the pit stops.  After his initial mistake, it was a good recovery race for Norris but it will always be "what could have been".  LeClerc's promise mid-race didn't amount to much.  Antonelli's drive really stood out and could help him overtake Bearman for Rookie of the Year.

There were three non-finishers: Albon, Bortoleto and Stroll, all of whom disappeared quite quietly and presumably went to try their luck elsewhere on the Strip.

Terry Cruz drove the pink Lego Cadillac around the track to chauffeur the drivers to the podium.  All in all it was a great show and, of all the races on the calendar, is the one that I'm most drawn to attending.  There was an epilogue to the show though hours later, when both McLaren cars were disqualified.  I'm slightly annoyed that such a teeny-weeny margin could hand Verstappen yet another championship, although I suppose he will really have to battle now and not just wait and see what happens.  Another ding-dong between Norris and Verstappen could be interesting.  I'm also pleased that it bumps Sainz right up in the points.

Las Vegas GP Qualifying Report

It was "chucking it down" (Ted Sky F1) in Vegas for Qualifying.  There were so many white lines on the street circuit that it would be tricky going on track.  Bearman had said that it was dangerous in these conditions.  There had been problems with manhole covers again this year in practice; with one problem solved the drivers were facing another.

Everyone chose to start on the Intermediate tyres apart from Aston Martin, who went on Wets.  Piastri switched before he even left the pit lane and others followed suit.  The green team were right.  Drivers were spinning off left, right and centre.  Then lap times started being deleted, which left some drivers in a perilous position.  I was surprised but delighted that they didn't stop the session for the wet conditions.  Drivers had to just keep going; anything could upset your lap; towards the end, Norris set two purple sectors but then had to lift for Yellow Flags and set the third fastest time on that attempt.

Bearman was the first driver to make a proper boo boo, going into the barrier but fortunately off track ish, Yellow Flags were waved which meant other laps would not be completed at top speed.  It was a bad session for Williams: Sainz would be visiting the stewards after the session for reentering the track unsafely and Albon crashed at the end (especially annoying when there was no need for him to push on that lap).  Last year's winner, Russell, was fastest followed by Verstappen and Alonso.  Out went Albon, Antonelli, Bortoleto, Tsunoda and Hamilton in last.  Interesting that all of the teams battling in the Constructors' Championship behind McLaren each had a driver out.

Everyone had learnt by the time the second session started and went out on Wet tyres to start with.  The rain had stopped coming down but it would take a long time for the track to dry out.  Stroll was the first driver to go to the Intermediate tyres, Aston Martin leading the way again.  It didn't pay off, he couldn't better his 12th place set on Wets.  Russell was fastest again, this time with Hadjar and Sainz, showing it was all about timing on track.  Out went Hulkenberg, Stroll, Ocon, Bearman (a good job by his mechanics to get the car back out after his Q1 crash) and Colapinto, who had a very wibbly lap.

It was Intermediate tyres for Q3.  The drivers went out and just went round and round.  Russell seemed to have lost it, sliding around as he went.  There were no dodgy moments, so the best ten drivers of the day had definitely been whittled down for this final session (apart from maybe LeClerc).  As the chequered flag was waved, Sainz went fastest but pole was quickly taken off him by Verstappen.  Norris was putting in purple sectors again and this time made it count and took pole to end things, with his face looming large over the track on the Sphere.  The finishing order of the top ten was Norris, Verstappen, Sainz, Russell, Piastri, Lawson, Alonso, Hadjar, LeClerc and Gasly.  It was an outstanding performance by Sainz and he was cleared of reentering the track unsafely, so he held on to the place.  Russell couldn't maintain his stellar run through the sessions, which was a shame.  Piastri doesn't need to be starting four places behind his team mate and the man he is chasing for the Drivers' Championship.  It was an excellent showing for the Racing Bulls.  Gasly deserved to be higher up the grid too, certainly above the Wurlitzer of the Ferrari.

We will have to see how much Qualifying means on Race day, it being only the third visit to the circuit.  Piastri really has nothing to lose now and can go for it.  Norris will need to be much more careful.

Brazil GP Race Report

The drivers raced dune buggies around the track for the drivers parade which looked a lot of fun.  I will look forward to seeing it on TikTok.  They did it through a light drizzle.  The cameras had their waterproof covers on and the teams had their gazebos up on the grid.  There may have been more rain to come.

Verstappen started from the pit line, behind Ocon, who declared he would be doing that first which put the Red Bull at the back.  On the grid, all the grippy rubber had been washed away.  There was a mix of tyre compounds, particularly between medium and soft, with four drivers choosing the hard type.

When the lights went off, everyone got away cleanly.  Alonso had a little off later.  The Racing Bulls did well with Lawson overtaking Russell.  Bortoleto was off again and the Safety Car was brought out.    He claimed that Stroll pushed him off but it looked more like he lost control of the rear.  Hamilton ran straight into Sainz (the pair had a first corner incident just before) and lost his front wing (which was replaced under the Safety Car) but also really damaged the floor and would be in for a horrible afternoon.

The rolling start was a disaster.  Piastri was too headstrong and aggressive and went into Antonelli who went straight into LeClerc, who lost a wheel.  LeClerc's suspension was broken and he was stopped at the side.  It seemed they might clear it under Yellow Flags but then the Virtual Safety Car.  The Racing Bulls also went for it at the restart, with Hadjar just holding off Lawson.  Piastri had second place which seems very unfair.  

Verstappen also got a puncture, presumably from all the bits and he had to pit and give up all the places he had made up from the back.  When the VSC stopped Bearman immediately overtook Gasly.  It wasn't long before Russell got past Hadjar for fourth and Bearman got past Lawson for sixth.  Verstappen and Hamilton were battling at the back.

Tsunoda got a ten second penalty for a collision which we didn't see.  We were given a replay and it involved Stroll.  One were at least the Canadian can say wasn't his fault.  Piastri was given a ten second penalty as well.  McLaren could have played a team game and asked Norris to move over to allow Piastri to build a ten second gap but with Papaya Rules, they won't.  At least, they should tell Piastri not to fight Norris with the penalty in play, it would be too risky to put both drivers out.  When will Brown and Stella intervene?

The first round of pit stops came around and Sainz had a five second one, which was a shame as both Williams were running in the points.  Once those had played out Verstappen was sixth.

Halfway through the race, it was clear how far McLaren have improved their car when Norris sailed past Verstappen down the straight.  

There were penalties everywhere.   Hamilton also got one for colliding into Sainz (I think) and Tsunoda got another for not serving his first one correctly.  Piastri served his and we thought it was going to be a one-stop for him with it but no, same tyres on again.

Hamilton finally got his wish and was allowed by Ferrari to box and retire his car.

There was a second round of late stops for many of the drivers, which left a clear run to the end for battling.  With eight laps to go, Verstappen overtook Russell for fourth place; the crowd went wild, which surprised me.  Why boo Norris and cheer Verstappen, Hamilton's great rival (or one of them)?   The grand finale of the race was Verstappen trying to get past Antonelli for second.  Piastri was disappointed not to be higher than fifth and I think his race engineer was very measured in not explaining exactly why he was not higher.

Norris was supreme all weekend and calmly said so on the radio, wishing it was a greater gap to the driver behind.  Verstappen took Driver of the Day, which was probably deserved as he started from the pit lane and finished third.  Everyone was pleased with Antonelli's second place.  It was a great race, even without the promised weather.  With three races and a sprint to go, including a return to Vegas baby, Sao Paulo left me excited for the rest of the season.

Brazil GP Qualifying Result

The news from the Sprint was that Bearman will receive a 5 second penalty for his incident during the not-race but this will be kept for the next Sprint.  So not really news.

The track temperature had increased since the morning and it was a reset for the teams and drivers.  Bortoleto didn't make it out though after his huge crash at the very end of the Sprint.   Red Bull could not find any grip in their cars, Verstappen slid and we didn't see Tsunoda at all.  Verstappen Senior left the garage in a huff before his son had even made it back.  Verstappen was out in 16th followed by Ocon, Colapinto, Tsunoda and Bortoleto.

In the second session, everyone was sliding about and/or complaining.  Lots of drivers were struggling, Bearman was not.  Williams didn't seem to be putting any effort in at all.  The shock exit of the session was one of the Ferraris.  Out went Alonso, Albon, Hamilton, Stroll and Sainz.  Fastest were Norris, Bearman and Antonelli; all three were having a great weekend.

There was strong competition as the drivers put in their first quick laps in the final session.  Pole was Norris's to lose at this point but he locked up on his first attempt.  Antonelli made a similar mistake, having done so well so far.   After round one, Piastri was fastest followed by LeClerc, Bearman and Antonelli.

Off they went for their final laps: Bearman was first out and couldn't beat his own time.  LeClerc and Norris flew and laid down the markers for the front row times.  Piastri also couldn't do better than his first time.  The Racing Bulls were going well.  Antonelli continued his amazing run in Brazil (the next Mercedes driver to be made an honorary Brazilian?) and took second place, where LeClerc was already parked in parc ferme.  The top ten were: Norris, Antonelli, LeClerc, Piastri, Hadjar, Russell, Lawson, Bearman, Gasly and Hulkenberg,  Norris is really reigning supreme in Sao Paulo.  LeClerc is still showing that he is better settled in Ferrari than Hamilton, even as we approach the end of the season.  It was a shame for Bearman that his last laps fell behind others.  It was a good showing for Alpine with Gasly and Hulkenberg gave Sauber something to be happy about.

It all seems pleasantly shaken up for the race although there are no murmurings about interesting weather.

Brazil GP Sprint Report

Overnight it had rained in Sao Paulo but it was dry and the torrential downpour predicted was nowhere to be seen for the Sprint.  There were plumes of water off the track as they set off.  Norris got off pole cleanly and Antonelli shot straight across the track in a punchy move that saw him secure second.  Verstappen got past Alonso by the first couple of corners.  Towards the back, Lawson tapped Bearman who spun.

Tsunoda and Sainz started from the pit lane having had awful Sprint Qualifying sessions.  For six laps everyone went about their business, trying to keep within DRS of the cars in front of them.  Then, out of nowhere, Piastri hit a wet curb, dragging water onto the track, went into a spin, into the barrier and out of the race.  Right behind him, Colapinto and Hulkenberg did the same thing.  There were two cars right at the side of the track, the medical car was triggered and a Safety Car brought out before they stopped the race with a Red Flag.  Antonelli told his team that it was Norris who had splashed water onto the track.  Hulkenberg got his car back to the pit lane where it could be worked on.

Verstappen and his engineer, JP, had another married couple tiff about how Turn 1 could be bettered on the radio, to entertain the crowd during the halt.  There would be a lot of work for Alpine to do for Colapinto's car to be ready for Qualifying.

It was a rolling start and behind Norris, who left them behind, there were plenty of battles.  Alonso pushed hard at Verstappen and Russell went for Antonelli, neither were successful.  Albon did get ahead to tenth.  Then everyone held their places until, with three laps to go, Antonelli finally caught up with Norris.  It seemed he couldn't quite do enough though.

On the last lap, the commentators could see a huge crash for Bortoleto but it wasn't shown until everyone knew he was okay.  Unusually, the race kept going under waved Yellow Flags.  We also weren't shown LeClerc getting past Alonso.  When we did see the crash, we saw that he was full throttle down the straight and it was very high speed, high impact collision.  Hadjar was sprayed with debris and Albon scooped up the big bits under his car.  None of them were near the points though.  The mechanics would be working very hard for a couple of hours.  Colapinto and Bortoleto, who were the only home town heroes in Brazil, would be catching up in the medical centre.  The Brazilian was later seen running back to the pit lane.

The top eight were Norris, Antonelli, Russell, Verstappen, LeClerc, Alonso, Hamilton and Gasly.  These were great points for Alpine and Mercedes and Ferrari all need points for the Constructor's Championship.

Brazil GP Sprint Qualifying Report

The rain that had been forecast for this event had not arrived on the Friday.  Brazil, a traditional circuit feels like a mad choice to host a Sprint.

The first session was bog-standard.  Norris, Verstappen and Alonso (nice) were fastest.  Disappointingly, Sainz was last, not putting in a final quick lap.  He said it was the worst execution ever.  I don't really know what that means...his fault?  The teams fault?  The four ahead of him but still out of the competition were Colapinto in 16th, Lawson, Tsunoda and Ocon.  Colapinto has signed a new contract for next year, I wonder if Tsunoda will get the same, this kind of performance...

There was a little more drama in SQ2, in the dying seconds LeClerc spun on the track and came to a complete halt before getting going again.  This brought out waved yellow flags which meant cars needed to slow down.  His team mate, Hamilton was the first victim to this.  Out went Hamilton, Albon, Gasly, Bortoleto and Bearman.  Alonso was quickest, followed by Norris and Russell.  Norris seemed to have the upper hand on his team mate and main championship rival, Piastri.  Verstappen was heavily criticising his car.

At the end, there was a final push from all ten drivers in the last couple of minutes.  Norris held pole at the time, followed by Antontelli.  Piastri finished first and couldn't do better than third.  Norris did not better his time but did keep pole, as Antonelli also couldn't do better but neither could anyone else.  Verstappen went purple for the best time in the first sector and then did personal bests in the second two sectors and it appeared that he would take pole for this but actually finished seventh.  There's a real shake up in the line up; I wonder if some teams are playing it safer with engines and parts for the Sprint and others are really going for some cheap points?  The top ten are Norris, Antonelli, Piastri, Russell, Alonso, Verstappen, Stroll, LeClerc, Hadjar and Hulkenberg.

Aston Martin have found something in Brazil and it can't be put down to Alonso's talent as Stroll made the top ten too.  There was a lot of booing for Norris and I don't understand why.  I hope it'll be a great wee Sprint but it might not be short, there is the danger there will be more sitting in the pits than racing.  Fingers crossed.