Khadzhar: The track is in better condition than last year.
Racing Bulls drivers Isaac Hadjar and Liam Lawson finished in the top ten in the second free practice session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The team are pleased with the car's pace but are not sure whether the practice results reflect the true order of strength.
Isaac Hadjar (5th): "We started the weekend in Vegas fairly well. It turned out to be not as difficult as we expected, and the track is in better condition than last year. Grip on the asphalt was higher than I anticipated, so in the first practice I was able to find the rhythm quite quickly.
Today we couldn't do a long run, but the speed on the quick laps was pretty good, which is great considering tomorrow's qualifying.
We know it will be tough, but that's the usual story during any weekend. The goal for tomorrow is to reach the qualifying final.
Racing Bulls drivers Isaac Hadjar and Liam Lawson finished in the top ten in the second free practice session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The team are pleased with the car's pace but are not sure whether the practice results reflect the true order of strength.
Isaac Hadjar (5th): "We started the weekend in Vegas fairly well. It turned out to be not as difficult as we expected, and the track is in better condition than last year. Grip on the asphalt was higher than I anticipated, so in the first practice I was able to find the rhythm quite quickly.
Today we couldn't do a long run, but the speed on the quick laps was pretty good, which is great considering tomorrow's qualifying.
We know it will be tough, but that's the usual story during any weekend. The goal for tomorrow is to reach the qualifying final.
Leclerc: I know which direction to take with the car
Charles Leclerc topped the times in the first practice in Las Vegas and set the 3rd-best time in the second session, but Lewis Hamilton, his teammate at Ferrari, also said he was happy with the car, although he finished the day 10th.
Charles Leclerc (3rd): "To be honest, I think we are in a pretty good position, although we shouldn't rush to conclusions and need to see how things develop. The Mercedes drivers look very strong, and McLaren and Red Bull are also contenders for the top spots, so the fight promises to be intense.
I just hope we can build on what we achieved today and try to fight for pole on Saturday. But I consider Friday's outcome quite positive, because we are capable of a good pace.
Charles Leclerc topped the times in the first practice in Las Vegas and set the 3rd-best time in the second session, but Lewis Hamilton, his teammate at Ferrari, also said he was happy with the car, although he finished the day 10th.
Charles Leclerc (3rd): "To be honest, I think we are in a pretty good position, although we shouldn't rush to conclusions and need to see how things develop. The Mercedes drivers look very strong, and McLaren and Red Bull are also contenders for the top spots, so the fight promises to be intense.
I just hope we can build on what we achieved today and try to fight for pole on Saturday. But I consider Friday's outcome quite positive, because we are capable of a good pace.
Charles Leclerc avoided penalties.
In the closing minutes of the second free practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc stopped off the track due to gearbox problems.
After the session it emerged that the Ferrari driver's actions were under investigation by the stewards, as he had allegedly breached paragraph 26.5 of the Sporting Regulations, which states that, when leaving the car, a driver must return the steering wheel to its place and turn off the ERS.
After speaking with the driver and examining all the circumstances of the incident, the stewards concluded that Charles Leclerc had not committed any breaches and did not impose any penalties.
In the published decision the stewards explained how events unfolded after Leclerc stopped off the track: “The driver explained that before leaving the car he had tried to select neutral but could not. After that he turned off the engine and exited the cockpit.
In the closing minutes of the second free practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc stopped off the track due to gearbox problems.
After the session it emerged that the Ferrari driver's actions were under investigation by the stewards, as he had allegedly breached paragraph 26.5 of the Sporting Regulations, which states that, when leaving the car, a driver must return the steering wheel to its place and turn off the ERS.
After speaking with the driver and examining all the circumstances of the incident, the stewards concluded that Charles Leclerc had not committed any breaches and did not impose any penalties.
In the published decision the stewards explained how events unfolded after Leclerc stopped off the track: “The driver explained that before leaving the car he had tried to select neutral but could not. After that he turned off the engine and exited the cockpit.
Isola: The condition of the track was rapidly improving.
Pirelli are happy with the performance of the tyres in Las Vegas. After the session was moved two hours earlier, it wasn’t as cold, and the track surface improved quickly…
Mario Isola, Pirelli’s motorsport director: “As expected, the track improved quickly. It was closed to road traffic only a few hours before first practice, so at first it was very dirty, but with every lap it became covered in rubber and got quicker.
In the second session Lando Norris beat the best time from second practice last year, set by Hamilton, by just over two tenths, which is already close to the time set a year ago in qualifying.
In the first session the low track temperature led to graining of the Medium and Soft tyres, but to a lesser extent than last year. This did not affect wear, but caused a small amount of understeer.
Pirelli are happy with the performance of the tyres in Las Vegas. After the session was moved two hours earlier, it wasn’t as cold, and the track surface improved quickly…
Mario Isola, Pirelli’s motorsport director: “As expected, the track improved quickly. It was closed to road traffic only a few hours before first practice, so at first it was very dirty, but with every lap it became covered in rubber and got quicker.
In the second session Lando Norris beat the best time from second practice last year, set by Hamilton, by just over two tenths, which is already close to the time set a year ago in qualifying.
In the first session the low track temperature led to graining of the Medium and Soft tyres, but to a lesser extent than last year. This did not affect wear, but caused a small amount of understeer.
The FIA explained the situation with the hatch during the second practice.
The second free practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix was stopped twice with red flags because of a manhole cover in front of Turn 17. The FIA released a statement explaining the situation.
"After a marshal reported a possibly loose manhole cover in front of Turn 17, race control was unable to confirm this information from the available camera recordings," the FIA said. "As a precaution, the session was suspended with red flags and race control personnel went to the scene to assess the situation.
After the session resumed, some race control staff remained on site. They reported that the manhole cover continued to shift as cars went over it. As a result the session was stopped again with red flags. Further checks are being carried out.
The second free practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix was stopped twice with red flags because of a manhole cover in front of Turn 17. The FIA released a statement explaining the situation.
"After a marshal reported a possibly loose manhole cover in front of Turn 17, race control was unable to confirm this information from the available camera recordings," the FIA said. "As a precaution, the session was suspended with red flags and race control personnel went to the scene to assess the situation.
After the session resumed, some race control staff remained on site. They reported that the manhole cover continued to shift as cars went over it. As a result the session was stopped again with red flags. Further checks are being carried out.
Lando Norris topped the timesheets in the second free practice session in Las Vegas. Norris’s advantage over Max Verstappen was half a second, and such a speed difference raised questions for Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko.
“For starters, we need to analyze who was revving the engine harder and how much fuel was in the tanks,” Helmut Marko said after the second practice. “Oscar Piastri turned out to be much slower than Norris. I think only tomorrow will we see the true pecking order. Norris’s time surprised me. But, as I already said, we need to analyze everything to understand what engine settings were used and how much fuel everyone had in their tanks.”
“For starters, we need to analyze who was revving the engine harder and how much fuel was in the tanks,” Helmut Marko said after the second practice. “Oscar Piastri turned out to be much slower than Norris. I think only tomorrow will we see the true pecking order. Norris’s time surprised me. But, as I already said, we need to analyze everything to understand what engine settings were used and how much fuel everyone had in their tanks.”
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon will make a film about Newey.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have been named executive producers of the new documentary Turbulence: The Greatest Mind in F1, which is dedicated to Adrian Newey. The Whisper Group and Mark Stewart Productions will directly produce the film.
Turbulence will tell the story of the career of an outstanding engineer whose cars have won fourteen Constructors' Championships and delivered twelve drivers' titles. The filmmakers will be given exclusive access to Aston Martin's facility and will show in detail his work on the design of a Formula 1 car.
The account of contemporary realities will be interwoven with stories revealing moments of triumph and tragedy across Adrian Newey's remarkable career. The filmmakers promise that Turbulence will go beyond motorsport and explore themes such as ambition, self-sacrifice, tragedy, and redemption.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have been named executive producers of the new documentary Turbulence: The Greatest Mind in F1, which is dedicated to Adrian Newey. The Whisper Group and Mark Stewart Productions will directly produce the film.
Turbulence will tell the story of the career of an outstanding engineer whose cars have won fourteen Constructors' Championships and delivered twelve drivers' titles. The filmmakers will be given exclusive access to Aston Martin's facility and will show in detail his work on the design of a Formula 1 car.
The account of contemporary realities will be interwoven with stories revealing moments of triumph and tragedy across Adrian Newey's remarkable career. The filmmakers promise that Turbulence will go beyond motorsport and explore themes such as ambition, self-sacrifice, tragedy, and redemption.
Felipe Massa is pleased with the court's decision.
Following the preliminary hearings, Judge Robert Jay dismissed Felipe Massa’s lawsuit against the FIA but left in place the claim against Bernie Ecclestone seeking £60 million in compensation. The decision pleased the former Ferrari driver, he said in a statement posted on social media. Felipe wrote that he is now "more confident than ever" about the successful outcome of the case.
"This is a huge victory and a great day for me, for justice and for everyone who loves Formula 1," Felipe Massa wrote. "The court recognized the strength of my position and did not allow the defendants to silence the truth about the 2008 season. They did everything they could to stop this case, but we are fighting for justice, and today we won.
The truth will prevail in court. We will leave no stone unturned. I am determined and confident as never before.
Justice will prevail.
Following the preliminary hearings, Judge Robert Jay dismissed Felipe Massa’s lawsuit against the FIA but left in place the claim against Bernie Ecclestone seeking £60 million in compensation. The decision pleased the former Ferrari driver, he said in a statement posted on social media. Felipe wrote that he is now "more confident than ever" about the successful outcome of the case.
"This is a huge victory and a great day for me, for justice and for everyone who loves Formula 1," Felipe Massa wrote. "The court recognized the strength of my position and did not allow the defendants to silence the truth about the 2008 season. They did everything they could to stop this case, but we are fighting for justice, and today we won.
The truth will prevail in court. We will leave no stone unturned. I am determined and confident as never before.
Justice will prevail.
F1 resolves legal disputes with Las Vegas businesses.
Court documents characterize the agreements as "no-prejudice."
Several businesses in Las Vegas that had initiated lawsuits against Formula 1 for losses stemming from the first two editions of the Grand Prix have now come to confidential settlements with the organizers. As reported by Le Journal de Montreal, local restaurateur and bar owner Randy Markin, who was one of the most outspoken critics claiming a 50% decrease in attendance and "several hundred thousand dollars" in losses, has agreed to terminate his case. His neighbor, gas station owner Wade Bohn, as well as the owners of Ferraro’s Ristorante, have also reached settlements.
The court documents indicate that the agreements are "no-prejudice" and do not involve any disclosed payments.
Court documents characterize the agreements as "no-prejudice."
Several businesses in Las Vegas that had initiated lawsuits against Formula 1 for losses stemming from the first two editions of the Grand Prix have now come to confidential settlements with the organizers. As reported by Le Journal de Montreal, local restaurateur and bar owner Randy Markin, who was one of the most outspoken critics claiming a 50% decrease in attendance and "several hundred thousand dollars" in losses, has agreed to terminate his case. His neighbor, gas station owner Wade Bohn, as well as the owners of Ferraro’s Ristorante, have also reached settlements.
The court documents indicate that the agreements are "no-prejudice" and do not involve any disclosed payments.
Leclerc downplays Elkann controversy amidst Aston speculation.
Charles Leclerc has sought to alleviate concerns regarding his future with Ferrari, following team president John Elkann's recent comments urging the team to "talk less," which ignited considerable media speculation and rekindled rumors linking the Monegasque driver to Aston Martin for 2027. During a conversation in Las Vegas, Leclerc dismissed the surrounding drama, asserting that Elkann's remarks had been misinterpreted.
"People's interpretations are out of my control, and I'm not interested in wasting my time on them," he stated. "John reaches out to me after every Grand Prix, and we discussed various topics, including what he intended to convey. His aim was to be constructive and motivate the team to enhance performance."
Leclerc emphasized that the comments were not directed specifically at him.
Charles Leclerc has sought to alleviate concerns regarding his future with Ferrari, following team president John Elkann's recent comments urging the team to "talk less," which ignited considerable media speculation and rekindled rumors linking the Monegasque driver to Aston Martin for 2027. During a conversation in Las Vegas, Leclerc dismissed the surrounding drama, asserting that Elkann's remarks had been misinterpreted.
"People's interpretations are out of my control, and I'm not interested in wasting my time on them," he stated. "John reaches out to me after every Grand Prix, and we discussed various topics, including what he intended to convey. His aim was to be constructive and motivate the team to enhance performance."
Leclerc emphasized that the comments were not directed specifically at him.
Massa and FIA both proclaim victory in the 'crashgate' incident.
" The court recognized the validity of my case."
Confusion and conflicting assertions of victory arose following the High Court in London’s decision regarding Felipe Massa’s lawsuit concerning the 2008 ’Crashgate’ incident. The former Ferrari driver hailed it as "a significant day for justice," stating that the court denied attempts by Formula One Management, Bernie Ecclestone, and the FIA to dismiss his case. "This is an incredible victory," Massa expressed in a statement written in all caps. "The court recognized the validity of my case. They tried everything to halt this case, but our battle is for fairness, and today we have prevailed." He further indicated that he feels "more determined and confident than ever" with a full trial scheduled for next year.
" The court recognized the validity of my case."
Confusion and conflicting assertions of victory arose following the High Court in London’s decision regarding Felipe Massa’s lawsuit concerning the 2008 ’Crashgate’ incident. The former Ferrari driver hailed it as "a significant day for justice," stating that the court denied attempts by Formula One Management, Bernie Ecclestone, and the FIA to dismiss his case. "This is an incredible victory," Massa expressed in a statement written in all caps. "The court recognized the validity of my case. They tried everything to halt this case, but our battle is for fairness, and today we have prevailed." He further indicated that he feels "more determined and confident than ever" with a full trial scheduled for next year.
Gasly and Verstappen are confused by Piastri's decline.
"I cannot explain that."
Two Formula 1 drivers have remarked that Oscar Piastri’s abrupt drop in performance is "odd" - even as the Australian feels he is now recovering from the downturn that hindered his championship campaign. Pierre Gasly expressed to AFP that he finds the situation difficult to comprehend. "It’s inexplicable," stated the Alpine driver. "One might feel dissatisfied with their team, but you don't forget how to drive overnight. He was less than a tenth behind his teammate all season, and now suddenly he’s six tenths behind. I find that peculiar." Title contender Max Verstappen concurred. "Honestly, I have no explanation for that. It strikes me as very strange," he noted. "I didn’t anticipate it turning out this way, but it’s not really my concern." Verstappen acknowledged he was taken aback by how composed Piastri remained.
"I cannot explain that."
Two Formula 1 drivers have remarked that Oscar Piastri’s abrupt drop in performance is "odd" - even as the Australian feels he is now recovering from the downturn that hindered his championship campaign. Pierre Gasly expressed to AFP that he finds the situation difficult to comprehend. "It’s inexplicable," stated the Alpine driver. "One might feel dissatisfied with their team, but you don't forget how to drive overnight. He was less than a tenth behind his teammate all season, and now suddenly he’s six tenths behind. I find that peculiar." Title contender Max Verstappen concurred. "Honestly, I have no explanation for that. It strikes me as very strange," he noted. "I didn’t anticipate it turning out this way, but it’s not really my concern." Verstappen acknowledged he was taken aback by how composed Piastri remained.
Ocon is feeling the pressure as Bearman spearheads Haas' efforts.
"It's a challenge to have both drivers perform well."
Esteban Ocon is facing significant pressure at Haas, as the team is engaged in a lucrative battle for sixth place in the constructors’ standings, with rookie Oliver Bearman contributing nearly all the points. In the last four grand prix, Haas has outperformed their direct competitors and enters the final three races with genuine momentum after a successful major upgrade in Austin. The financial difference between sixth and ninth in the championship is estimated to be around $27 million. However, the points are primarily coming from just one car.
Of the last 24 points earned by Haas, Bearman has accounted for 22. The 29-year-old Frenchman has not finished ahead of the 20-year-old Briton since the Silverstone race in July.
"It's a challenge to have both drivers perform well."
Esteban Ocon is facing significant pressure at Haas, as the team is engaged in a lucrative battle for sixth place in the constructors’ standings, with rookie Oliver Bearman contributing nearly all the points. In the last four grand prix, Haas has outperformed their direct competitors and enters the final three races with genuine momentum after a successful major upgrade in Austin. The financial difference between sixth and ninth in the championship is estimated to be around $27 million. However, the points are primarily coming from just one car.
Of the last 24 points earned by Haas, Bearman has accounted for 22. The 29-year-old Frenchman has not finished ahead of the 20-year-old Briton since the Silverstone race in July.
Kurtz is not positioning himself to be Wolff's successor.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has sold a portion of his one-third stake in the team to George Kurtz, the founder of CrowdStrike, in a deal that sets a new record valuation for the former world champions. Billionaire Kurtz has purchased 15 percent of Wolff’s 33 percent holding, which translates to about 5 percent of the entire team. Forbes reports that the transaction values Mercedes at an astonishing $6 billion. BBC estimates the cost of the stake at approximately $300 million.
The team's governance structure remains the same, with Wolff, Mercedes-Benz, and INEOS each retaining one-third ownership, and the leadership "remains unaffected" by the sale. Kurtz, a long-time partner with Mercedes through CrowdStrike, will join the team’s strategic steering committee alongside Wolff, Mercedes chairman Ola Kallenius, and INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has sold a portion of his one-third stake in the team to George Kurtz, the founder of CrowdStrike, in a deal that sets a new record valuation for the former world champions. Billionaire Kurtz has purchased 15 percent of Wolff’s 33 percent holding, which translates to about 5 percent of the entire team. Forbes reports that the transaction values Mercedes at an astonishing $6 billion. BBC estimates the cost of the stake at approximately $300 million.
The team's governance structure remains the same, with Wolff, Mercedes-Benz, and INEOS each retaining one-third ownership, and the leadership "remains unaffected" by the sale. Kurtz, a long-time partner with Mercedes through CrowdStrike, will join the team’s strategic steering committee alongside Wolff, Mercedes chairman Ola Kallenius, and INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Berger supports Mick Schumacher's transition to IndyCar.
"IndyCar is not as perilous as it used to be during my time."
Gerhard Berger believes that transitioning to IndyCar would be a "positive option" for Mick Schumacher. Recently, Alpine’s WEC program announced the multi-year signing of Antonio Felix da Costa, confirming Schumacher's departure from the French team. "I’m very thankful for these past two years," he shared on Instagram. Alpine responded with, "Wishing you all the best for what’s next!" This development adds to the growing speculation that Michael Schumacher's son is set to move to the U.S. for the 2026 season.
While Schumacher’s uncle Ralf and others have voiced concerns regarding safety in IndyCar, Berger expressed to RTL that such worries are outdated. "I believe IndyCar isn’t as dangerous as it once was in my day," Berger remarked.
"IndyCar is not as perilous as it used to be during my time."
Gerhard Berger believes that transitioning to IndyCar would be a "positive option" for Mick Schumacher. Recently, Alpine’s WEC program announced the multi-year signing of Antonio Felix da Costa, confirming Schumacher's departure from the French team. "I’m very thankful for these past two years," he shared on Instagram. Alpine responded with, "Wishing you all the best for what’s next!" This development adds to the growing speculation that Michael Schumacher's son is set to move to the U.S. for the 2026 season.
While Schumacher’s uncle Ralf and others have voiced concerns regarding safety in IndyCar, Berger expressed to RTL that such worries are outdated. "I believe IndyCar isn’t as dangerous as it once was in my day," Berger remarked.
Simone Resta: In 2026, everything will be different.
In Las Vegas Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta spoke about working on the 2026 car…
Question: There are only ten weeks until the winter tests, you have an opportunity to better understand the new rules. What are the biggest challenges in creating the new car?
Simone Resta: Thanks for the reminder about the ten weeks, it again shows the pace at which the teams are working right now. There are many technical challenges, both with the chassis and the power unit.
It’s a completely new power unit using environmentally friendly fuel. A completely new chassis. New aerodynamics, new tyres, fairly complex weight restrictions that must be met, new safety requirements. And none of this can be taken from the past. Overall, the task is very large in scale.
Racing in 2026 will be completely different, especially the races rather than qualifying.
In Las Vegas Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta spoke about working on the 2026 car…
Question: There are only ten weeks until the winter tests, you have an opportunity to better understand the new rules. What are the biggest challenges in creating the new car?
Simone Resta: Thanks for the reminder about the ten weeks, it again shows the pace at which the teams are working right now. There are many technical challenges, both with the chassis and the power unit.
It’s a completely new power unit using environmentally friendly fuel. A completely new chassis. New aerodynamics, new tyres, fairly complex weight restrictions that must be met, new safety requirements. And none of this can be taken from the past. Overall, the task is very large in scale.
Racing in 2026 will be completely different, especially the races rather than qualifying.
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