A historic technology show took place in central London.
On Saturday in London an interesting event took place that attracted the attention not only of experts in the history of motor racing and automotive engineering in general, but also of the wider public.
Yesterday from morning until midday Pall Mall, one of the central streets of the British capital, was closed to traffic, as in front of the building housing the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) a wide variety of self‑propelled vehicles dating from the early 20th century to the present day were on display.
The exhibition, named after the central part of Westminster, St James’s Motoring Spectacle, is being held for the second year and precedes the car auction conducted by RM Sotheby’s, as well as the traditional run of historic vehicles from London to Brighton, which set off this morning.
On Saturday in London an interesting event took place that attracted the attention not only of experts in the history of motor racing and automotive engineering in general, but also of the wider public.
Yesterday from morning until midday Pall Mall, one of the central streets of the British capital, was closed to traffic, as in front of the building housing the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) a wide variety of self‑propelled vehicles dating from the early 20th century to the present day were on display.
The exhibition, named after the central part of Westminster, St James’s Motoring Spectacle, is being held for the second year and precedes the car auction conducted by RM Sotheby’s, as well as the traditional run of historic vehicles from London to Brighton, which set off this morning.
On Friday the traditional Friends and Family Day — a "day for friends and family" or open day held every year — took place at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking. The idea is that each team employee invites their loved ones to the event, and together they can feel that unique atmosphere of unity which, among other things, helps the team win. The team has already won the Constructors' Championship, for the second year in a row, and now Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are fighting for the title.
"Our most important resource that enables McLaren to succeed is our people," emphasized Andrea Stella, the team principal. "We need to create opportunities for team bonding so that we can share our vision with people and set the direction for development.
When we all celebrate our achievements together, when, as today, we invite our families and friends who support the team, those bonds are created. They help form the community that all McLaren employees — around 1,000 of them — belong to, and everyone knows exactly the direction we're moving in.
They share our vision, our approaches, and this allows them to fully unleash their talents. And such gatherings are very important because they help strengthen connections between people, which enables us to overcome any difficulties."
"It's very important to celebrate success with the team and the fans," continued Zak Brown, McLaren's CEO. "The army of fans can be considered a broader part of our family and our racing team — this army numbers millions of people, so the family is quite large. We love celebrating with them because it gives all of us a huge boost of energy.
Andrea and I are different in character, and, I think, that's exactly what makes us such a strong team. Unlike Andrea, who has the great talent of continuing to work as usual every day regardless of the situation, I am more prone to stress.
I would say that Andrea is motivated by the exhilaration that victories bring, and I by the fear of defeat. I believe that's a great combination, because we both always maintain a fighting spirit. McLaren began this season as the Constructors' Championship holder, and it took enormous effort to retain it, because, in effect, if you don't succeed, you're moving backwards. The fear of defeat brings stress, but it is a great motivator.
Our task this year is to win all the remaining races. We are fully focused on that and do not pay attention to outside noise.
Finally, I'd like to add this: if at the start of the season I were asked which races I would like to win, I would have named the Bahrain Grand Prix, because it's the home race of our main investors, Monaco — because it's Monaco, and also the rounds in Australia and Silverstone, because they are Oscar's and Lando's home races. And we won those races."
"And if that question were put to me, I would say that I would like to win the races in São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Therefore, from my point of view, we haven't achieved any of that yet," added Andrea Stella.
"Our most important resource that enables McLaren to succeed is our people," emphasized Andrea Stella, the team principal. "We need to create opportunities for team bonding so that we can share our vision with people and set the direction for development.
When we all celebrate our achievements together, when, as today, we invite our families and friends who support the team, those bonds are created. They help form the community that all McLaren employees — around 1,000 of them — belong to, and everyone knows exactly the direction we're moving in.
They share our vision, our approaches, and this allows them to fully unleash their talents. And such gatherings are very important because they help strengthen connections between people, which enables us to overcome any difficulties."
"It's very important to celebrate success with the team and the fans," continued Zak Brown, McLaren's CEO. "The army of fans can be considered a broader part of our family and our racing team — this army numbers millions of people, so the family is quite large. We love celebrating with them because it gives all of us a huge boost of energy.
Andrea and I are different in character, and, I think, that's exactly what makes us such a strong team. Unlike Andrea, who has the great talent of continuing to work as usual every day regardless of the situation, I am more prone to stress.
I would say that Andrea is motivated by the exhilaration that victories bring, and I by the fear of defeat. I believe that's a great combination, because we both always maintain a fighting spirit. McLaren began this season as the Constructors' Championship holder, and it took enormous effort to retain it, because, in effect, if you don't succeed, you're moving backwards. The fear of defeat brings stress, but it is a great motivator.
Our task this year is to win all the remaining races. We are fully focused on that and do not pay attention to outside noise.
Finally, I'd like to add this: if at the start of the season I were asked which races I would like to win, I would have named the Bahrain Grand Prix, because it's the home race of our main investors, Monaco — because it's Monaco, and also the rounds in Australia and Silverstone, because they are Oscar's and Lando's home races. And we won those races."
"And if that question were put to me, I would say that I would like to win the races in São Paulo, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Therefore, from my point of view, we haven't achieved any of that yet," added Andrea Stella.
Norris: As you gain experience, you try to adjust your approaches.
This week Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were working at McLaren's base in Woking, where they met the whole staff, and on Friday they also took part in an open day that was attended not only by team employees but also by their family members and friends.
Of course, they found time to speak with the team's press office and answer a couple of questions. In particular, they were asked whether they have to adapt in any special way to the tasks facing them this season, now that, for the first time, they have a real chance to fight for the title.
Oscar Piastri: "I'd say that, for the most part, it's still the same.
This week Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were working at McLaren's base in Woking, where they met the whole staff, and on Friday they also took part in an open day that was attended not only by team employees but also by their family members and friends.
Of course, they found time to speak with the team's press office and answer a couple of questions. In particular, they were asked whether they have to adapt in any special way to the tasks facing them this season, now that, for the first time, they have a real chance to fight for the title.
Oscar Piastri: "I'd say that, for the most part, it's still the same.
In November Sergio Pérez will return behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, but since the new Cadillac team is still preparing for its F1 debut, the Mexican driver will pilot a 2023-spec Ferrari SF-23 during the upcoming tests.
The tests are scheduled for November 13-14 and will take place in Imola — of course, this will be very useful for Sergio in terms of regaining his normal competitive form, as the last time he drove a Formula 1 car was almost a year ago.
Carlos Sainz is happy that Pérez is returning to the championship and has no doubt that his former rival deserves it. He has always had a great relationship with Sergio; they used to spend time together and flew to races together.
“You must agree, Sergio has already shown everyone his talent and other strong qualities — just remember how his Formula 1 career unfolded,” the Williams driver said in an interview with Heraldo de Mexico. “Now he is preparing for the second stage of his career, which will be different from the first, but I think that should motivate him a great deal.
He pins great hopes on his return to the championship. In any case, a second chance in Formula 1 is given to very few, and it is only those drivers who truly made an impression who get it — that was the case with Daniel Ricciardo, and now it’s Sergio’s turn. Nico Hülkenberg also received a second chance. All these drivers were able to attract special attention, and Sergio is among them.”
The tests are scheduled for November 13-14 and will take place in Imola — of course, this will be very useful for Sergio in terms of regaining his normal competitive form, as the last time he drove a Formula 1 car was almost a year ago.
Carlos Sainz is happy that Pérez is returning to the championship and has no doubt that his former rival deserves it. He has always had a great relationship with Sergio; they used to spend time together and flew to races together.
“You must agree, Sergio has already shown everyone his talent and other strong qualities — just remember how his Formula 1 career unfolded,” the Williams driver said in an interview with Heraldo de Mexico. “Now he is preparing for the second stage of his career, which will be different from the first, but I think that should motivate him a great deal.
He pins great hopes on his return to the championship. In any case, a second chance in Formula 1 is given to very few, and it is only those drivers who truly made an impression who get it — that was the case with Daniel Ricciardo, and now it’s Sergio’s turn. Nico Hülkenberg also received a second chance. All these drivers were able to attract special attention, and Sergio is among them.”
Colton Herta piloted an F2 car in tests at Monza.
Next season Colton Herta will not only serve as Cadillac F1’s reserve driver but also compete in Formula 2 for the British team Hitech. This is important both for obtaining a superlicense and for learning many of the tracks that host World Championship rounds. He is familiar with some of them, but far from all.
“I may be older than many F2 drivers, but when it comes to speed these guys are second to none. Of course, I understand that I face a tough challenge, but I’m ready to take it on,” the official Formula 2 website quotes Colton, now a former IndyCar driver. “I’m here to learn, to pilot these cars and to show good pace — at least I hope so… Right now it’s the very early stage of preseason preparation; I just need to figure a lot out, to first feel on the simulator what an F2 car is like before I sit behind the wheel for the first time.
Next season Colton Herta will not only serve as Cadillac F1’s reserve driver but also compete in Formula 2 for the British team Hitech. This is important both for obtaining a superlicense and for learning many of the tracks that host World Championship rounds. He is familiar with some of them, but far from all.
“I may be older than many F2 drivers, but when it comes to speed these guys are second to none. Of course, I understand that I face a tough challenge, but I’m ready to take it on,” the official Formula 2 website quotes Colton, now a former IndyCar driver. “I’m here to learn, to pilot these cars and to show good pace — at least I hope so… Right now it’s the very early stage of preseason preparation; I just need to figure a lot out, to first feel on the simulator what an F2 car is like before I sit behind the wheel for the first time.
Bortoleto spoke about the wise advice he received from Alonso.
Gabriel Bortoleto has repeatedly said that Fernando Alonso often helped him, constantly supporting him since the junior categories and also providing advice that still helps the Brazilian driver now that he races in Formula 1.
In 2025 Gabriel is in his debut season with Sauber and has shown decent pace — in 11 of the 20 qualifying sessions held so far he outqualified Nico Hülkenberg, his experienced teammate. He has gradually adapted to the Swiss team's car, which is not particularly effective, and has scored points in five of the last ten races.
Bortoleto's career is managed by A14 Management, Alonso's company, and the 21-year-old told the story of a voice message he received from the two-time world champion in 2023.
Gabriel Bortoleto has repeatedly said that Fernando Alonso often helped him, constantly supporting him since the junior categories and also providing advice that still helps the Brazilian driver now that he races in Formula 1.
In 2025 Gabriel is in his debut season with Sauber and has shown decent pace — in 11 of the 20 qualifying sessions held so far he outqualified Nico Hülkenberg, his experienced teammate. He has gradually adapted to the Swiss team's car, which is not particularly effective, and has scored points in five of the last ten races.
Bortoleto's career is managed by A14 Management, Alonso's company, and the 21-year-old told the story of a voice message he received from the two-time world champion in 2023.
Charles Leclerc announced his engagement.
Charles Leclerc announced to the whole wide world his engagement to Alexandra Sen-Mlyo, whom he has been dating since 2023, and Formula 1 has already congratulated him on this important event — also via social media. The Ferrari driver shared several romantic photos, and, apparently, the couple are certain of their feelings and the next stage of this story is not far off. How else to interpret such a short caption to the series of shots: “Mr and Mrs Leclerc.” It was accompanied by several telling emojis — a diamond ring and red hearts.
The couple first appeared in public in the summer of 2023 at the Wimbledon tennis tournament, and we reported on it. Since then Alexandra has become a frequent guest in the paddock, attracting the attention of the public and, of course, photographers. She is 23 years old, she is from France, although her father is Swiss and her mother Italian.
Charles Leclerc announced to the whole wide world his engagement to Alexandra Sen-Mlyo, whom he has been dating since 2023, and Formula 1 has already congratulated him on this important event — also via social media. The Ferrari driver shared several romantic photos, and, apparently, the couple are certain of their feelings and the next stage of this story is not far off. How else to interpret such a short caption to the series of shots: “Mr and Mrs Leclerc.” It was accompanied by several telling emojis — a diamond ring and red hearts.
The couple first appeared in public in the summer of 2023 at the Wimbledon tennis tournament, and we reported on it. Since then Alexandra has become a frequent guest in the paddock, attracting the attention of the public and, of course, photographers. She is 23 years old, she is from France, although her father is Swiss and her mother Italian.
São Paulo Grand Prix: Betting Odds
Bookmakers have published the betting odds for victory in the upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix.
They consider Lando Norris, the winner of the Mexico round, the favorite for the race at Interlagos. Max Verstappen's chances are rated at almost the same level, while Oscar Piastri's chances are assessed as two and a half times lower.
Among other drivers, bookmakers give preference to Charles Leclerc. His probability of victory is rated higher than that of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Bookmakers' odds: Victory in the São Paulo Grand Prix
Norris
2.40
Verstappen
2.60
Piastri
5.50
Leclerc
13.00
Russell
15.00
Hamilton
26.00
Antonelli
51.00
Berman
151.00
Sainz
201.00
Alonso, Tsunoda
251.00
Bortoleto, Hadjar, Hulkenberg, Albon
401.00
Lawson, Ocon, Stroll
501.00
Gasly
1501.00
Colapinto
2501.
Bookmakers have published the betting odds for victory in the upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix.
They consider Lando Norris, the winner of the Mexico round, the favorite for the race at Interlagos. Max Verstappen's chances are rated at almost the same level, while Oscar Piastri's chances are assessed as two and a half times lower.
Among other drivers, bookmakers give preference to Charles Leclerc. His probability of victory is rated higher than that of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Bookmakers' odds: Victory in the São Paulo Grand Prix
Norris
2.40
Verstappen
2.60
Piastri
5.50
Leclerc
13.00
Russell
15.00
Hamilton
26.00
Antonelli
51.00
Berman
151.00
Sainz
201.00
Alonso, Tsunoda
251.00
Bortoleto, Hadjar, Hulkenberg, Albon
401.00
Lawson, Ocon, Stroll
501.00
Gasly
1501.00
Colapinto
2501.
Predictions for the outcome of the São Paulo Grand Prix in our contest are still being accepted.
Following the race in Mexico City, the participant "Schum" scored the highest number of points — five correctly predicted positions, including the top three, and 171 points for the round.
We congratulate the winner of the previous round and wish the participants good luck in the upcoming Grand Prix!
Following the race in Mexico City, the participant "Schum" scored the highest number of points — five correctly predicted positions, including the top three, and 171 points for the round.
We congratulate the winner of the previous round and wish the participants good luck in the upcoming Grand Prix!
Discussions for a sequel to 'F1' are ongoing, with Hamilton revealing insights about his future plans.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that preliminary conversations have started regarding a potential sequel to F1, the motorsport drama featuring Brad Pitt, which has emerged as one of the year's top box office hits.
In an interview with Forbes, Bruckheimer mentioned that he and Lewis Hamilton, who co-produced and provided guidance on the film, have already begun brainstorming ideas for a continuation. "We met with Lewis Hamilton a few weeks ago and started discussing some concepts," Bruckheimer stated. "We’ve been showing the movie in London every night, and audiences are returning to see it multiple times.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that preliminary conversations have started regarding a potential sequel to F1, the motorsport drama featuring Brad Pitt, which has emerged as one of the year's top box office hits.
In an interview with Forbes, Bruckheimer mentioned that he and Lewis Hamilton, who co-produced and provided guidance on the film, have already begun brainstorming ideas for a continuation. "We met with Lewis Hamilton a few weeks ago and started discussing some concepts," Bruckheimer stated. "We’ve been showing the movie in London every night, and audiences are returning to see it multiple times.
Massa alleges that Ferrari kept him quiet regarding the crashgate incident.
"This claim was not well-received at the time."
Felipe Massa informed the London court that Ferrari tried to prevent him from publicly discussing the 2008 'crashgate' scandal, and that his then-future teammate, Fernando Alonso, was aware of the intentional crash from the beginning. "In October 2009, I told journalists that I believe Fernando Alonso knew the crash was intentional," Massa stated during his testimony as he pursues legal action against the FIA, F1, and former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone. "This claim was not well-received at the time." The Brazilian asserts that Ferrari’s contract management company, GSA, produced an official letter asking him to retract his comments. "The letter was signed by Henry Peter," Massa noted, referring to the Swiss attorney representing Ferrari.
"This claim was not well-received at the time."
Felipe Massa informed the London court that Ferrari tried to prevent him from publicly discussing the 2008 'crashgate' scandal, and that his then-future teammate, Fernando Alonso, was aware of the intentional crash from the beginning. "In October 2009, I told journalists that I believe Fernando Alonso knew the crash was intentional," Massa stated during his testimony as he pursues legal action against the FIA, F1, and former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone. "This claim was not well-received at the time." The Brazilian asserts that Ferrari’s contract management company, GSA, produced an official letter asking him to retract his comments. "The letter was signed by Henry Peter," Massa noted, referring to the Swiss attorney representing Ferrari.
Rumors regarding Horner circulate as Alpine's stake is discreetly put up for sale.
Early discussions regarding a possible divestment
New speculation has surfaced connecting Christian Horner to a potential consortium that is planning a significant investment in Formula 1, following reports that Alpine’s minority shareholder, Otro Capital, is considering selling its 24 percent stake.
As reported by Sports Business Journal, the private equity firm has engaged in initial talks about a possible divestiture, with the stake having been valued at around $900 million when it was acquired in mid-2023.
This development arrives as valuations for F1 teams continue to rise, with Aston Martin and Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, recently reported to be valued at over $2 billion.
Early discussions regarding a possible divestment
New speculation has surfaced connecting Christian Horner to a potential consortium that is planning a significant investment in Formula 1, following reports that Alpine’s minority shareholder, Otro Capital, is considering selling its 24 percent stake.
As reported by Sports Business Journal, the private equity firm has engaged in initial talks about a possible divestiture, with the stake having been valued at around $900 million when it was acquired in mid-2023.
This development arrives as valuations for F1 teams continue to rise, with Aston Martin and Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, recently reported to be valued at over $2 billion.
Ferrari at a pivotal moment amidst speculation regarding Bearman and Russell.
"Generation Z is set to challenge the existing hierarchy."
Ferrari's potential driver lineup is once again under examination following a tumultuous season, leading to increased speculation about George Russell's long-term goals, alongside the impressive rise of Oliver Bearman. Charles Leclerc, who recently became engaged and whose management has become more open about his frustrations, has faced yet another year filled with missed chances.
Corriere della Sera reports that Ferrari's management is interested in Mercedes' Russell, whose connection with Toto Wolff is believed to have diminished somewhat in light of the team’s ongoing search for Max Verstappen. "Toto still cares about my career," Russell said after signing a one-year extension with Mercedes for 2026, which includes additional options.
"Generation Z is set to challenge the existing hierarchy."
Ferrari's potential driver lineup is once again under examination following a tumultuous season, leading to increased speculation about George Russell's long-term goals, alongside the impressive rise of Oliver Bearman. Charles Leclerc, who recently became engaged and whose management has become more open about his frustrations, has faced yet another year filled with missed chances.
Corriere della Sera reports that Ferrari's management is interested in Mercedes' Russell, whose connection with Toto Wolff is believed to have diminished somewhat in light of the team’s ongoing search for Max Verstappen. "Toto still cares about my career," Russell said after signing a one-year extension with Mercedes for 2026, which includes additional options.
McLaren sells an unraced 2026 F1 car at auction for $12 million.
The authentic MCL40A is scheduled for delivery in early 2028.
In an unprecedented action, McLaren is auctioning a Formula 1 car that has yet to be built or raced. RM Sotheby’s has presented the 2026 McLaren MCL40A, which will be piloted by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the upcoming season, with an estimated price of US $10-12 million. The auction is set to occur in Abu Dhabi on December 5.
Sotheby’s states that this sale offers "a world-first opportunity to acquire a future Formula 1 car prior to its unveiling," with the winning bidder to receive either Norris’ or Piastri’s chassis—delivered well after the 2026 season ends. The buyer will not take immediate possession of the car.
The authentic MCL40A is scheduled for delivery in early 2028.
In an unprecedented action, McLaren is auctioning a Formula 1 car that has yet to be built or raced. RM Sotheby’s has presented the 2026 McLaren MCL40A, which will be piloted by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the upcoming season, with an estimated price of US $10-12 million. The auction is set to occur in Abu Dhabi on December 5.
Sotheby’s states that this sale offers "a world-first opportunity to acquire a future Formula 1 car prior to its unveiling," with the winning bidder to receive either Norris’ or Piastri’s chassis—delivered well after the 2026 season ends. The buyer will not take immediate possession of the car.
Herta tests F2 car at Monza as his F1 journey commences.
"It’s a significant step in the direction I want my career to take."
Colton Herta’s long-awaited journey to Formula 1 is now in full swing, with reports indicating that the American driver has discreetly completed a private session in an older Formula 2 car at Monza. Sources reveal that the test was arranged by track-day operator Katayama. While neither Cadillac nor F2 have confirmed the session, observers at the circuit noted that Herta’s Gainbridge-sponsored helmet was indeed in the car.
This follows the announcement that Herta will race with Hitech in F2 starting in 2026 while also serving as Cadillac’s F1 test driver. Although he lacks the necessary FIA Super Licence points to make his Formula 1 debut, the 25-year-old views his European campaign as a vital step toward achieving his ultimate aspiration.
"It’s a significant step in the direction I want my career to take."
Colton Herta’s long-awaited journey to Formula 1 is now in full swing, with reports indicating that the American driver has discreetly completed a private session in an older Formula 2 car at Monza. Sources reveal that the test was arranged by track-day operator Katayama. While neither Cadillac nor F2 have confirmed the session, observers at the circuit noted that Herta’s Gainbridge-sponsored helmet was indeed in the car.
This follows the announcement that Herta will race with Hitech in F2 starting in 2026 while also serving as Cadillac’s F1 test driver. Although he lacks the necessary FIA Super Licence points to make his Formula 1 debut, the 25-year-old views his European campaign as a vital step toward achieving his ultimate aspiration.
The preliminary forecast for the São Paulo Grand Prix promises warm but rainy weather during the race weekend.
Rain, turning into thunderstorms, is expected throughout all three days in São Paulo. It will be warm — on Friday and Saturday temperatures will rise to +26°C, and on Sunday to +24°C.
Last year the São Paulo Grand Prix qualifying and race were held in the rain; all other sessions were on a dry track.
Rain, turning into thunderstorms, is expected throughout all three days in São Paulo. It will be warm — on Friday and Saturday temperatures will rise to +26°C, and on Sunday to +24°C.
Last year the São Paulo Grand Prix qualifying and race were held in the rain; all other sessions were on a dry track.
Monaghan: We can implement a couple more small new features.
Paul Monaghan, chief engineer of Red Bull Racing, believes the team has recently been able to make gains primarily thanks to the right approach to upgrading the car as a whole, and this should not be directly linked to any particular technical novelties that appeared on the RB21 during the season.
The team has taken a comprehensive approach aimed at making the chassis more balanced, which allowed Max Verstappen to take several wins in the autumn races starting with the Italian Grand Prix. Among other things, for the Monza round Red Bull prepared an upgraded floor, the effectiveness of which was immediately confirmed on track.
Paul Monaghan: "I think a lot of factors came together. A lot of work has been done; it began at the very first races of the season because we were trying to make the car better.
Paul Monaghan, chief engineer of Red Bull Racing, believes the team has recently been able to make gains primarily thanks to the right approach to upgrading the car as a whole, and this should not be directly linked to any particular technical novelties that appeared on the RB21 during the season.
The team has taken a comprehensive approach aimed at making the chassis more balanced, which allowed Max Verstappen to take several wins in the autumn races starting with the Italian Grand Prix. Among other things, for the Monza round Red Bull prepared an upgraded floor, the effectiveness of which was immediately confirmed on track.
Paul Monaghan: "I think a lot of factors came together. A lot of work has been done; it began at the very first races of the season because we were trying to make the car better.
Carlos Sainz has proposed radically changing the format of those race weekends that include a sprint, hoping to liven up Saturday races that do not always follow an exciting script.
Partly this is because, at the start of the sprint, drivers fit Medium compound tyres to the cars, and, in effect, the short race becomes similar to the first stint of a Grand Prix, when not much happens on track.
The Spanish Williams driver believes the use of soft tyres in sprints should be legalized and that we should not be afraid to experiment — he also made clear he would not be opposed to a reversed grid.
"If it rains in Canada or Singapore, such a sprint could become the best in history," Carlos said, quoted by RacingNews365. "I’m talking primarily about changing the format of that race, and I think that is what needs to be done for the sprint. I think Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, would be willing to go for it.
"At the moment I’m not a big fan of sprints, because such a race shows how the first stint of the Grand Prix will play out. Personally, I have other ideas about the sprint so these races are less like the Sunday race. The simplest idea could be that everyone starts the sprint on soft tyres, because they suffer heavy degradation.
"Usually we choose the soft tyre for the first stint of the main race at only a few tracks, and there are very few of those. This approach could be a very simple temporary solution also because we have to throw away up to five sets of tyres. At every round we do one lap on softs in qualifying, then we return them, and I don’t know where Pirelli stores them afterwards. But we think those tyres are only good for one fast lap. In short, that would be the simplest way out.
"Although maybe other measures will be needed to sharpen the on-track fight, and the sprint gives good opportunities to experiment with different formats. So we should be bolder, and if something works — great; if not — then you change the format again. That’s what we’ve done in the past.
"I’m not a fan of a reversed grid, but I wouldn’t categorically oppose trying something completely different; for example, you could run the sprint qualifying final as a superpole. We need to keep experimenting, not be afraid of that, and to abandon approaches that don’t work and be able to admit it."
Partly this is because, at the start of the sprint, drivers fit Medium compound tyres to the cars, and, in effect, the short race becomes similar to the first stint of a Grand Prix, when not much happens on track.
The Spanish Williams driver believes the use of soft tyres in sprints should be legalized and that we should not be afraid to experiment — he also made clear he would not be opposed to a reversed grid.
"If it rains in Canada or Singapore, such a sprint could become the best in history," Carlos said, quoted by RacingNews365. "I’m talking primarily about changing the format of that race, and I think that is what needs to be done for the sprint. I think Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, would be willing to go for it.
"At the moment I’m not a big fan of sprints, because such a race shows how the first stint of the Grand Prix will play out. Personally, I have other ideas about the sprint so these races are less like the Sunday race. The simplest idea could be that everyone starts the sprint on soft tyres, because they suffer heavy degradation.
"Usually we choose the soft tyre for the first stint of the main race at only a few tracks, and there are very few of those. This approach could be a very simple temporary solution also because we have to throw away up to five sets of tyres. At every round we do one lap on softs in qualifying, then we return them, and I don’t know where Pirelli stores them afterwards. But we think those tyres are only good for one fast lap. In short, that would be the simplest way out.
"Although maybe other measures will be needed to sharpen the on-track fight, and the sprint gives good opportunities to experiment with different formats. So we should be bolder, and if something works — great; if not — then you change the format again. That’s what we’ve done in the past.
"I’m not a fan of a reversed grid, but I wouldn’t categorically oppose trying something completely different; for example, you could run the sprint qualifying final as a superpole. We need to keep experimenting, not be afraid of that, and to abandon approaches that don’t work and be able to admit it."
Johnny Herbert: Norris has absolutely the right attitude.
Johnny Herbert believes that Lando Norris’s calm, relaxed mindset is helping him a lot in his fight with his teammate for the championship. And this is aided by the fact that the British McLaren driver, having won the Mexico Grand Prix, has moved into the lead of the drivers’ standings. Not so long ago, after retiring at Zandvoort due to a technical problem, Lando trailed Oscar Piastri by 34 points.
But since then Norris has performed better than his teammate at every round this season, and Oscar had an extremely poor Azerbaijan Grand Prix: he committed a false start and then crashed on the very first lap of the race.
“Strangely enough, in the Netherlands Lando was let down by the car. But after that difficult weekend he bounced back brilliantly,” the former Formula 1 driver said while taking part in the Stay on Track podcast.
Johnny Herbert believes that Lando Norris’s calm, relaxed mindset is helping him a lot in his fight with his teammate for the championship. And this is aided by the fact that the British McLaren driver, having won the Mexico Grand Prix, has moved into the lead of the drivers’ standings. Not so long ago, after retiring at Zandvoort due to a technical problem, Lando trailed Oscar Piastri by 34 points.
But since then Norris has performed better than his teammate at every round this season, and Oscar had an extremely poor Azerbaijan Grand Prix: he committed a false start and then crashed on the very first lap of the race.
“Strangely enough, in the Netherlands Lando was let down by the car. But after that difficult weekend he bounced back brilliantly,” the former Formula 1 driver said while taking part in the Stay on Track podcast.