Hamilton: I am eager for the conclusion.
Could 2026 Signal the Conclusion of Hamilton’s Career?
Ferrari is under increasing scrutiny after yet another disappointing weekend and increasingly pessimistic remarks from Lewis Hamilton, following reports that the company has halted development on the anticipated F44 sports car. This situation adds to the turbulent atmosphere at Maranello, especially after chairman John Elkann publicly chastised Hamilton for needing to "talk less."
Hamilton had a rough qualifying session, finishing last in Las Vegas, and despite recovering to finish tenth on track—eighth after McLaren's disqualifications—he expressed that the outcome was far from reassuring. "It’s a terrible result, and there’s nothing positive I can take from it," he stated to reporters. "I’ll be glad when it’s over; I’m looking forward to the end. And I’m not excited about what comes next.
Could 2026 Signal the Conclusion of Hamilton’s Career?
Ferrari is under increasing scrutiny after yet another disappointing weekend and increasingly pessimistic remarks from Lewis Hamilton, following reports that the company has halted development on the anticipated F44 sports car. This situation adds to the turbulent atmosphere at Maranello, especially after chairman John Elkann publicly chastised Hamilton for needing to "talk less."
Hamilton had a rough qualifying session, finishing last in Las Vegas, and despite recovering to finish tenth on track—eighth after McLaren's disqualifications—he expressed that the outcome was far from reassuring. "It’s a terrible result, and there’s nothing positive I can take from it," he stated to reporters. "I’ll be glad when it’s over; I’m looking forward to the end. And I’m not excited about what comes next.
Red Bull will announce its 2026 lineup following the Qatar race, rather than at Abu Dhabi.
"Just one more week of patience"
Red Bull’s eagerly anticipated driver announcement will come sooner than expected, as Laurent Mekies has disclosed that the team will reveal its 2026 lineup right after this weekend's Qatar GP. Dr. Helmut Marko had previously suggested the decision would be made only after the Abu Dhabi race, but Mekies informed reporters in Las Vegas: "We will announce our lineup immediately after Qatar. Just one more week of patience," he said with a smile.
This news has increased tension within the garage, especially for Yuki Tsunoda, whose future remains uncertain. The Japanese driver confessed to feeling "nervous" about his situation, with the possibility of ending up without a race seat, perhaps relegated to an Aston Martin reserve role at best.
"Just one more week of patience"
Red Bull’s eagerly anticipated driver announcement will come sooner than expected, as Laurent Mekies has disclosed that the team will reveal its 2026 lineup right after this weekend's Qatar GP. Dr. Helmut Marko had previously suggested the decision would be made only after the Abu Dhabi race, but Mekies informed reporters in Las Vegas: "We will announce our lineup immediately after Qatar. Just one more week of patience," he said with a smile.
This news has increased tension within the garage, especially for Yuki Tsunoda, whose future remains uncertain. The Japanese driver confessed to feeling "nervous" about his situation, with the possibility of ending up without a race seat, perhaps relegated to an Aston Martin reserve role at best.
Norris penalized for F-bomb after Vegas GP race.
No community service for him
Championship leader Lando Norris has been fined for swearing during his immediate post-race interview following the Las Vegas GP. After losing the lead to Max Verstappen at Turn 1—an incident that ultimately determined the race—Norris told David Coulthard and Australian actor Sam Worthington that he had "let Max win," before acknowledging that the error was on him.
"I let him go," the McLaren driver said with a smile. "Let him have a nice race. No, I just braked too late. It was my mistake. I wanted to put on a show, right? So that’s why we’re in Vegas, I guess."
When Coulthard tried to clarify his statement, Norris interjected: "I said I f***ed it up." Coulthard replied, "Well, you can’t say that. Sorry, ladies and gentlemen.
No community service for him
Championship leader Lando Norris has been fined for swearing during his immediate post-race interview following the Las Vegas GP. After losing the lead to Max Verstappen at Turn 1—an incident that ultimately determined the race—Norris told David Coulthard and Australian actor Sam Worthington that he had "let Max win," before acknowledging that the error was on him.
"I let him go," the McLaren driver said with a smile. "Let him have a nice race. No, I just braked too late. It was my mistake. I wanted to put on a show, right? So that’s why we’re in Vegas, I guess."
When Coulthard tried to clarify his statement, Norris interjected: "I said I f***ed it up." Coulthard replied, "Well, you can’t say that. Sorry, ladies and gentlemen.
Verstappen facing the 'least pressure' in title clash.
Formula 1 approaches its final two grands prix, including a sprint race in Qatar this weekend, with the championship now unexpectedly wide open and tensions escalating at McLaren following Max Verstappen's victory in Las Vegas and the team's costly double disqualification.
George Russell of Mercedes cautioned that the Losail circuit is likely to favor Red Bull, potentially shifting the momentum further in Verstappen’s direction. "It’s a Red Bull track," he remarked. "Fast corners suit them well, as they've already demonstrated at Suzuka and Silverstone."
Nevertheless, McLaren is confident that the outcome will shift back in their favor during the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Team principal Andrea Stella asserted, "The Abu Dhabi circuit plays to our strengths once again.
Formula 1 approaches its final two grands prix, including a sprint race in Qatar this weekend, with the championship now unexpectedly wide open and tensions escalating at McLaren following Max Verstappen's victory in Las Vegas and the team's costly double disqualification.
George Russell of Mercedes cautioned that the Losail circuit is likely to favor Red Bull, potentially shifting the momentum further in Verstappen’s direction. "It’s a Red Bull track," he remarked. "Fast corners suit them well, as they've already demonstrated at Suzuka and Silverstone."
Nevertheless, McLaren is confident that the outcome will shift back in their favor during the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Team principal Andrea Stella asserted, "The Abu Dhabi circuit plays to our strengths once again.
Schumacher welcomes IndyCar participation despite worries from his family.
Mick Schumacher expressed he is "really happy" to be returning to single-seater racing following the confirmation of his 2026 IndyCar switch, which was announced a day earlier than planned after his new team unintentionally published the press release before retracting it. "That was a bit exciting," Schumacher said with a smile while addressing the media.
This transition represents a significant milestone in the 26-year-old's career, occurring despite persistent concerns voiced by his uncle Ralf, who reiterated his worries about the dangers of oval racing. "I still view IndyCar as very dangerous," Ralf told Sky Deutschland following the announcement. "But I understand his perspective—he’s young and eager to prove himself. I’m hopeful and wish for his safety.
Mick Schumacher expressed he is "really happy" to be returning to single-seater racing following the confirmation of his 2026 IndyCar switch, which was announced a day earlier than planned after his new team unintentionally published the press release before retracting it. "That was a bit exciting," Schumacher said with a smile while addressing the media.
This transition represents a significant milestone in the 26-year-old's career, occurring despite persistent concerns voiced by his uncle Ralf, who reiterated his worries about the dangers of oval racing. "I still view IndyCar as very dangerous," Ralf told Sky Deutschland following the announcement. "But I understand his perspective—he’s young and eager to prove himself. I’m hopeful and wish for his safety.
Mick Schumacher believes he can return to Formula 1.
Next season Mick Schumacher will make his debut in the IndyCar series – the German driver has signed a contract with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. At today’s press conference Mick expressed confidence that taking part in the American racing series will not close the door to Formula 1 for him, and that a return to the world championship is still possible.
“Formula 1 is, in any case, a very specific and special world, but it’s still single-seater race cars,” Mick Schumacher replied when asked about his chances of returning to Formula 1. “So I don’t see any reason why a move to IndyCar could close the door to Formula 1 for me.
Why IndyCar? I wanted to get back into formula racing and settle into this category. So in this case IndyCar turned out to be the best option.
Next season Mick Schumacher will make his debut in the IndyCar series – the German driver has signed a contract with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. At today’s press conference Mick expressed confidence that taking part in the American racing series will not close the door to Formula 1 for him, and that a return to the world championship is still possible.
“Formula 1 is, in any case, a very specific and special world, but it’s still single-seater race cars,” Mick Schumacher replied when asked about his chances of returning to Formula 1. “So I don’t see any reason why a move to IndyCar could close the door to Formula 1 for me.
Why IndyCar? I wanted to get back into formula racing and settle into this category. So in this case IndyCar turned out to be the best option.
Pierre Gasly: We need to get everything right by Friday.
The Alpine team sits last in the Constructors' Championship and will remain there until the end of the season, trailing Sauber by 46 points, but is still aiming to fight in Qatar…
Pierre Gasly: "We left Vegas with mixed feelings; we had decent pace in both dry and wet conditions, but through no fault of our own we couldn't capitalise on that in the race. The incident at turn one caused significant damage that pretty much immediately took me out of contention. It's encouraging that we were among the leaders during qualifying and were able to start in the top 10 again.
Ahead is another night race, but in completely different, much warmer conditions. The unique Qatar circuit is almost entirely made up of high-speed corners — it'll be interesting to see how our car looks there.
Ahead is the final round of the season with a Saturday sprint.
The Alpine team sits last in the Constructors' Championship and will remain there until the end of the season, trailing Sauber by 46 points, but is still aiming to fight in Qatar…
Pierre Gasly: "We left Vegas with mixed feelings; we had decent pace in both dry and wet conditions, but through no fault of our own we couldn't capitalise on that in the race. The incident at turn one caused significant damage that pretty much immediately took me out of contention. It's encouraging that we were among the leaders during qualifying and were able to start in the top 10 again.
Ahead is another night race, but in completely different, much warmer conditions. The unique Qatar circuit is almost entirely made up of high-speed corners — it'll be interesting to see how our car looks there.
Ahead is the final round of the season with a Saturday sprint.
Piastri calls for adjustments to the existing rules.
Oscar Piastri is calling for a review of the directives that define drivers' behaviour during on-track battles, because these rules are applied inconsistently. Furthermore, the Australian racing for McLaren believes that in some cases rivals even try to exploit them to gain an advantage.
In Las Vegas there was contact between Piastri's McLaren and Liam Lawson's car at the first corner after the start of the race, but the Racing Bulls driver was not penalized because the stewards decided he had been forced to move to avoid a collision with George Russell's Mercedes, which, occupying the inside line, locked up under braking.
The stewards left the incident without consequence, whereas at the Brazil round Oscar received a 10-second penalty for overtaking Kimi Antonelli on the inside and ultimately finished fifth, although he could have finished second.
Oscar Piastri is calling for a review of the directives that define drivers' behaviour during on-track battles, because these rules are applied inconsistently. Furthermore, the Australian racing for McLaren believes that in some cases rivals even try to exploit them to gain an advantage.
In Las Vegas there was contact between Piastri's McLaren and Liam Lawson's car at the first corner after the start of the race, but the Racing Bulls driver was not penalized because the stewards decided he had been forced to move to avoid a collision with George Russell's Mercedes, which, occupying the inside line, locked up under braking.
The stewards left the incident without consequence, whereas at the Brazil round Oscar received a 10-second penalty for overtaking Kimi Antonelli on the inside and ultimately finished fifth, although he could have finished second.
In Madrid they were quick to deny the rumours.
The Spanish press reacted to recent reports that construction of the MadRing racetrack is significantly behind schedule, and serious doubts have already emerged that the circuit will be ready to host the national round of the world championship, scheduled for the second weekend of September 2026.
The popular sports tabloid Marca, published in Madrid, quotes officials from the city hall of the Spanish capital, who were quick to deny all the rumours.
In particular, it quotes Miguel García, an adviser to the Madrid government, who assured that work at the site is proceeding according to schedule without any significant delays, and that each successive stage of the project is being completed on time.
The Spanish press reacted to recent reports that construction of the MadRing racetrack is significantly behind schedule, and serious doubts have already emerged that the circuit will be ready to host the national round of the world championship, scheduled for the second weekend of September 2026.
The popular sports tabloid Marca, published in Madrid, quotes officials from the city hall of the Spanish capital, who were quick to deny all the rumours.
In particular, it quotes Miguel García, an adviser to the Madrid government, who assured that work at the site is proceeding according to schedule without any significant delays, and that each successive stage of the project is being completed on time.
Toto Wolff: Rivals will be fast in Qatar.
In Las Vegas Mercedes extended its lead over Red Bull Racing and Ferrari in the fight for second place in the Constructors' Championship. Team principal Toto Wolff expects more difficulties in Qatar, as the track's characteristics do not suit the W16 car.
Toto Wolff: "There are two rounds left in the season. Heading into Qatar we have a solid advantage in the fight for second place in the Constructors' Championship, but nothing is guaranteed. In Las Vegas we clawed back points on our nearest rivals, but the weekend showed how quickly the situation can change. Our team performed well, and we intend to repeat that in Doha and Abu Dhabi.
The sprint format this weekend will add difficulties, as will the restrictions on tyre usage. We need to start the first practice confidently and lay the foundation for further work — that will be key.
We expect our rivals to be quick.
In Las Vegas Mercedes extended its lead over Red Bull Racing and Ferrari in the fight for second place in the Constructors' Championship. Team principal Toto Wolff expects more difficulties in Qatar, as the track's characteristics do not suit the W16 car.
Toto Wolff: "There are two rounds left in the season. Heading into Qatar we have a solid advantage in the fight for second place in the Constructors' Championship, but nothing is guaranteed. In Las Vegas we clawed back points on our nearest rivals, but the weekend showed how quickly the situation can change. Our team performed well, and we intend to repeat that in Doha and Abu Dhabi.
The sprint format this weekend will add difficulties, as will the restrictions on tyre usage. We need to start the first practice confidently and lay the foundation for further work — that will be key.
We expect our rivals to be quick.
Madrid authorities reject speculation that the 2026 debut is in jeopardy.
Authorities in Madrid have swiftly refuted Italian claims that the new 'Madring' Formula 1 circuit in the Spanish capital might not be completed in time for its planned debut in 2026, with Imola suggested as a potential alternative.
The rumors arose from RMC Motori, whose reporters observed the construction site and reported "idle excavators," extensive undeveloped areas, and minimal visible advancement, alleging that sources from Liberty Media had expressed concerns about delays. One staff member reportedly responded with "what track?" when questioned at the IFEMA Madrid entrance.
However, officials in Spain maintain that the project is not only on track but also ahead in certain phases. Circuit organizers told Soy Motor: "The work is entirely on schedule.
Authorities in Madrid have swiftly refuted Italian claims that the new 'Madring' Formula 1 circuit in the Spanish capital might not be completed in time for its planned debut in 2026, with Imola suggested as a potential alternative.
The rumors arose from RMC Motori, whose reporters observed the construction site and reported "idle excavators," extensive undeveloped areas, and minimal visible advancement, alleging that sources from Liberty Media had expressed concerns about delays. One staff member reportedly responded with "what track?" when questioned at the IFEMA Madrid entrance.
However, officials in Spain maintain that the project is not only on track but also ahead in certain phases. Circuit organizers told Soy Motor: "The work is entirely on schedule.
Vettel revealed what advice he had given Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton was excited about the move to Ferrari; however the results were below expectations, and after the finish of the Las Vegas Grand Prix the seven-time world champion even called the season the worst. Sebastian Vettel, who has many years of experience racing for the Scuderia, revealed what advice he gave Hamilton when he moved to Ferrari.
Sebastian Vettel: "Moving to Ferrari is different from moving to any other team. The heart and culture of the team are Italian, and the language of communication is English. He understands everyone on the team, but at Ferrari there are also staff members he doesn't understand because they don't speak English or don't speak it very well. But if you don't understand the language, how can you communicate with people and understand their culture?
Looking back, I can admit that I made one critical mistake.
Lewis Hamilton was excited about the move to Ferrari; however the results were below expectations, and after the finish of the Las Vegas Grand Prix the seven-time world champion even called the season the worst. Sebastian Vettel, who has many years of experience racing for the Scuderia, revealed what advice he gave Hamilton when he moved to Ferrari.
Sebastian Vettel: "Moving to Ferrari is different from moving to any other team. The heart and culture of the team are Italian, and the language of communication is English. He understands everyone on the team, but at Ferrari there are also staff members he doesn't understand because they don't speak English or don't speak it very well. But if you don't understand the language, how can you communicate with people and understand their culture?
Looking back, I can admit that I made one critical mistake.
Lawson: Mandatory pit stops will make the race more interesting.
The Racing Bulls team continues its fight for sixth place in the Constructors' Championship. The high-speed circuit in Qatar should suit the Italian team's car, so Aizek Hadjar and Liam Lawson are confidently looking forward to the upcoming weekend.
Aizek Hadjar: "We had a very good weekend in Las Vegas, scoring important points for the team in the Constructors' Championship and showing pace in different conditions.
It's great that we're returning to the track this week in Qatar for the penultimate round of the season. I really like the circuit, and its medium-speed and fast corners should suit our car. So I'm confidently looking forward to the start of the weekend."
Liam Lawson: "It's simply incredible to finish the season with night races, which I love so much. I'm eagerly looking forward to arriving at the fast circuit in Qatar.
The Racing Bulls team continues its fight for sixth place in the Constructors' Championship. The high-speed circuit in Qatar should suit the Italian team's car, so Aizek Hadjar and Liam Lawson are confidently looking forward to the upcoming weekend.
Aizek Hadjar: "We had a very good weekend in Las Vegas, scoring important points for the team in the Constructors' Championship and showing pace in different conditions.
It's great that we're returning to the track this week in Qatar for the penultimate round of the season. I really like the circuit, and its medium-speed and fast corners should suit our car. So I'm confidently looking forward to the start of the weekend."
Liam Lawson: "It's simply incredible to finish the season with night races, which I love so much. I'm eagerly looking forward to arriving at the fast circuit in Qatar.
Thailand unveiled a highway project.
Thailand's sporting authorities have unveiled preliminary plans to build an urban circuit in Bangkok to host a Formula 1 round. The country has been in talks for some time about holding a national round in 2028, and the government has allocated US$1.23 billion to stage a Grand Prix in Bangkok. Today the circuit design was revealed: a 5,732-meter racing loop with 18 turns running clockwise. The main straight will be 1.2 kilometers long, and the grandstand capacity will be 108,200. By lap length the circuit would become the eighth-longest among Formula 1 venues, sitting between Monza and COTA in Austin.
The contract is expected to be signed for five years, from 2028 to 2032, and the round would take a slot in the calendar in March or September.
Thailand's sporting authorities have unveiled preliminary plans to build an urban circuit in Bangkok to host a Formula 1 round. The country has been in talks for some time about holding a national round in 2028, and the government has allocated US$1.23 billion to stage a Grand Prix in Bangkok. Today the circuit design was revealed: a 5,732-meter racing loop with 18 turns running clockwise. The main straight will be 1.2 kilometers long, and the grandstand capacity will be 108,200. By lap length the circuit would become the eighth-longest among Formula 1 venues, sitting between Monza and COTA in Austin.
The contract is expected to be signed for five years, from 2028 to 2032, and the round would take a slot in the calendar in March or September.
Desperate F1 Fans Discovered a Legal Method to Stream the Vegas GP for Free
Nevada DOT, ThatOneFormula on YouTube
The latest car news and reviews, no nonsense
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If you’re familiar with Formula 1’s presence in Las Vegas so far, you’re likely aware that attending the race isn’t exactly affordable. While we could spend all day criticizing F1 for capitalizing on its newfound American audience by making it costly for them, that conversation has been had many times already. Instead, let’s highlight a humorous workaround that fans found to watch the event for free. Of course, it’s not what you’d call a high-definition broadcast.
Thanks to reader Kevin, who pointed out that the race action could be seen through Las Vegas’ CCTV cameras, accessible to anyone.
Nevada DOT, ThatOneFormula on YouTube
The latest car news and reviews, no nonsense
Our free daily newsletter delivers the most important stories directly to you, every weekday.
If you’re familiar with Formula 1’s presence in Las Vegas so far, you’re likely aware that attending the race isn’t exactly affordable. While we could spend all day criticizing F1 for capitalizing on its newfound American audience by making it costly for them, that conversation has been had many times already. Instead, let’s highlight a humorous workaround that fans found to watch the event for free. Of course, it’s not what you’d call a high-definition broadcast.
Thanks to reader Kevin, who pointed out that the race action could be seen through Las Vegas’ CCTV cameras, accessible to anyone.
Vasseur: In Qatar, equipment and personnel undergo strict checks.
For the second year in a row the penultimate round of the season takes place in Qatar at the Lusail International Circuit, and this track is characterized by sequences of several fast corners, which makes overtaking difficult. In fact, overtaking is possible only at two points — when braking into Turn 1 at the end of the start-finish straight, and also before Turn 6.
Moreover, this round is the last one to include a Saturday sprint. According to the head of the Scuderia, the team lacks no motivation, and everyone is determined, at least to some extent, to make up ground toward the end of a season that has been rather unfortunate for Ferrari.
Frédéric Vasseur, team principal of Ferrari: “After a difficult weekend in Las Vegas we arrive in Qatar in a state of maximum focus and readiness to get to work on the track.
For the second year in a row the penultimate round of the season takes place in Qatar at the Lusail International Circuit, and this track is characterized by sequences of several fast corners, which makes overtaking difficult. In fact, overtaking is possible only at two points — when braking into Turn 1 at the end of the start-finish straight, and also before Turn 6.
Moreover, this round is the last one to include a Saturday sprint. According to the head of the Scuderia, the team lacks no motivation, and everyone is determined, at least to some extent, to make up ground toward the end of a season that has been rather unfortunate for Ferrari.
Frédéric Vasseur, team principal of Ferrari: “After a difficult weekend in Las Vegas we arrive in Qatar in a state of maximum focus and readiness to get to work on the track.
The FIA announced the lineup of participants for the official press conferences of the Qatar Grand Prix. On Thursday the circuit’s press center will be visited by six drivers, split into two groups of three. In the first group Oliver Bearman (Haas), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) and Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) will answer questions. In the second – Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber) and Carlos Sainz (Williams). On Friday journalists will question senior representatives: Steve Nielsen (Alpine), Frédéric Vasseur (Ferrari) and Mario Isola (Pirelli). On Saturday and Sunday the top three of the day will answer questions.
Sainz: I hope we will address our weaknesses in Qatar.
Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon said that the characteristics of the Qatar circuit do not suit their car. Nevertheless, the team hopes to fight for points this weekend.
Carlos Sainz: “It’s great to leave Las Vegas with a lot of points from fifth place. In Qatar we’ll try to maintain the momentum we’ve built.
Since we have a sprint round, we need to get to work straight away, but given that a circuit of this type doesn’t really suit the car, it won’t be easy for us. Nevertheless, we learned some new things at the previous rounds, and by applying that information I hope we can mitigate our weak points.
We’ll try to make the most of any opportunity to keep performing strongly during this packed run of races!”
Alex Albon: “The weekend in Las Vegas was difficult because of the retirement and the fact that my radio stopped working during the race.
Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon said that the characteristics of the Qatar circuit do not suit their car. Nevertheless, the team hopes to fight for points this weekend.
Carlos Sainz: “It’s great to leave Las Vegas with a lot of points from fifth place. In Qatar we’ll try to maintain the momentum we’ve built.
Since we have a sprint round, we need to get to work straight away, but given that a circuit of this type doesn’t really suit the car, it won’t be easy for us. Nevertheless, we learned some new things at the previous rounds, and by applying that information I hope we can mitigate our weak points.
We’ll try to make the most of any opportunity to keep performing strongly during this packed run of races!”
Alex Albon: “The weekend in Las Vegas was difficult because of the retirement and the fact that my radio stopped working during the race.
Three questions for the Ferrari team's strategist
Cameron Roberts, Ferrari’s 28-year-old strategist, explained what kinds of tasks the team will have to address at the Qatar round…
Question: This weekend a restriction introduced by Pirelli will be in force: no more than 25 laps may be done on each set of tyres. How will this affect strategic choices? Cameron Roberts: The 25-lap limit on each set of tyres means drivers will have to make at least two pit stops, and the situation is comparable to what we saw in Qatar in 2023, when there was an 18-lap limit and that required three stops in the pits.
Teams will have to choose between options with early pit stops, which entail losing positions, and trying to gain an advantage by maximising the length of the first stint in the hope that a safety car appears, which could allow them to move forward.
Cameron Roberts, Ferrari’s 28-year-old strategist, explained what kinds of tasks the team will have to address at the Qatar round…
Question: This weekend a restriction introduced by Pirelli will be in force: no more than 25 laps may be done on each set of tyres. How will this affect strategic choices? Cameron Roberts: The 25-lap limit on each set of tyres means drivers will have to make at least two pit stops, and the situation is comparable to what we saw in Qatar in 2023, when there was an 18-lap limit and that required three stops in the pits.
Teams will have to choose between options with early pit stops, which entail losing positions, and trying to gain an advantage by maximising the length of the first stint in the hope that a safety car appears, which could allow them to move forward.
On the eve of the Qatar Grand Prix, the FIA outlined changes to the Losail circuit and confirmed the location of the only DRS zone.
Compared with last year, new gravel strips have been added – on the exit of turn six, on the right-hand side at turn ten and on the exit of turn sixteen. The gravel strip on the exit of turn fourteen now starts earlier.
Qatar retains a single DRS zone. The detection point that measures the gap between cars is located 40 metres after turn 15, and the activation point is 305 metres after turn 16.
Compared with last year, new gravel strips have been added – on the exit of turn six, on the right-hand side at turn ten and on the exit of turn sixteen. The gravel strip on the exit of turn fourteen now starts earlier.
Qatar retains a single DRS zone. The detection point that measures the gap between cars is located 40 metres after turn 15, and the activation point is 305 metres after turn 16.