Berman: I want to finish the season on a high note.
Oliver Berman scored points in five consecutive races and arrived in Qatar in good spirits…
Oliver Berman: "Since new parts were fitted to the car in Austin, I feel much more comfortable, although even before that we had a decent run. In Mexico we finished 4th, in Brazil 6th, in Las Vegas 12th — and we managed to move up to 10th.
The race in Vegas was a good indication that even on a bad weekend we can fight for points. Yes, we were lucky to score points, but the circuit did not suit our car, and in terms of strategy and my feeling for the car the race didn't go our way. But despite all that, we finished very close to the points, and ultimately scored them after rivals were disqualified. That makes me optimistic ahead of the two final rounds of this year.
Oliver Berman scored points in five consecutive races and arrived in Qatar in good spirits…
Oliver Berman: "Since new parts were fitted to the car in Austin, I feel much more comfortable, although even before that we had a decent run. In Mexico we finished 4th, in Brazil 6th, in Las Vegas 12th — and we managed to move up to 10th.
The race in Vegas was a good indication that even on a bad weekend we can fight for points. Yes, we were lucky to score points, but the circuit did not suit our car, and in terms of strategy and my feeling for the car the race didn't go our way. But despite all that, we finished very close to the points, and ultimately scored them after rivals were disqualified. That makes me optimistic ahead of the two final rounds of this year.
Charles Leclerc had said several times that he didn't like the 2026 cars, but in Qatar he changed his stance…
Charles Leclerc: "I like that next year we'll have to change our approach, think and act differently. After the first simulator session with the virtual model of the new car everyone at the team's base had questions, but the process of collectively thinking about how to smartly solve certain problems was quite interesting.
As a driver, I found that interesting too, because it largely concerns our feelings and what tools we'll use to fight opponents on track.
I don't know whether driving will give the same pleasure — that can only be judged behind the wheel of a real car. It's hard to get those sensations on a simulator. But, undoubtedly, during a race we'll have to think much more about how to optimally use the extra energy we'll get over a lap."
Charles Leclerc: "I like that next year we'll have to change our approach, think and act differently. After the first simulator session with the virtual model of the new car everyone at the team's base had questions, but the process of collectively thinking about how to smartly solve certain problems was quite interesting.
As a driver, I found that interesting too, because it largely concerns our feelings and what tools we'll use to fight opponents on track.
I don't know whether driving will give the same pleasure — that can only be judged behind the wheel of a real car. It's hard to get those sensations on a simulator. But, undoubtedly, during a race we'll have to think much more about how to optimally use the extra energy we'll get over a lap."
Nico Hülkenberg: The team is undergoing changes.
The Hinwil team is racing its final Grands Prix as Sauber. Next year it will become Audi’s works team, and in Qatar Nico Hülkenberg assessed how much progress has already been made this season.
Nico Hülkenberg: “Of course, we’ve had ups and downs, like any midfield team. At the start of the season we were playing catch-up, not in the best positions, but after Barcelona we managed to turn the tide and take control of the situation. We had a few strong performances, some big results. Overall, we’ve made good progress.
I can see changes happening behind the scenes, how the team is growing. We’ve really managed to come together and improve in many aspects. Of course there’s always more to improve and work on, but it was great, and I’m looking forward to the next twelve months.
The Hinwil team is racing its final Grands Prix as Sauber. Next year it will become Audi’s works team, and in Qatar Nico Hülkenberg assessed how much progress has already been made this season.
Nico Hülkenberg: “Of course, we’ve had ups and downs, like any midfield team. At the start of the season we were playing catch-up, not in the best positions, but after Barcelona we managed to turn the tide and take control of the situation. We had a few strong performances, some big results. Overall, we’ve made good progress.
I can see changes happening behind the scenes, how the team is growing. We’ve really managed to come together and improve in many aspects. Of course there’s always more to improve and work on, but it was great, and I’m looking forward to the next twelve months.
On Thursday in Qatar, Oscar Piastri said that McLaren would not use team orders this weekend in the fight for the title – and Max Verstappen backs that approach.
Max Verstappen: "Perfect! There's nothing better than letting them fight each other. If I were in Oscar's position, if someone told me I had to let Norris through, I wouldn't even listen.
I'd tell them to 'get lost.' If you're a real driver, you have to fight, even if you're behind. Otherwise what's the point of turning up? That way you could remain a 'number two driver' for life, and I don't think Oscar is ready to accept that status.
As for me, I know I have the same number of points as Oscar, and a lot would have to fall into place for success to go my way. But I think they should be free to fight each other in the race. I hope we give the fans a great end to the season!"
Max Verstappen: "Perfect! There's nothing better than letting them fight each other. If I were in Oscar's position, if someone told me I had to let Norris through, I wouldn't even listen.
I'd tell them to 'get lost.' If you're a real driver, you have to fight, even if you're behind. Otherwise what's the point of turning up? That way you could remain a 'number two driver' for life, and I don't think Oscar is ready to accept that status.
As for me, I know I have the same number of points as Oscar, and a lot would have to fall into place for success to go my way. But I think they should be free to fight each other in the race. I hope we give the fans a great end to the season!"
Last year the round in Qatar turned out to be one of the most difficult of the season for Racing Bulls. Liam Lawson hopes the team will show a higher level this weekend.
Liam Lawson: "We had a lot of races where we expected to be quick, but in reality it turned out to be the opposite. There were also cases the other way around. Last year the round in Qatar proved to be one of the toughest for us. I hope that means that for some reason we'll perform well this year. But it's hard to make predictions.
The Qatar track is very different from the Vegas circuit, but right now our car is in much better shape than last year, and we understand it better ourselves.
Of course, because it's a sprint round it will be tougher, but I hope we have a good weekend."
Liam Lawson: "We had a lot of races where we expected to be quick, but in reality it turned out to be the opposite. There were also cases the other way around. Last year the round in Qatar proved to be one of the toughest for us. I hope that means that for some reason we'll perform well this year. But it's hard to make predictions.
The Qatar track is very different from the Vegas circuit, but right now our car is in much better shape than last year, and we understand it better ourselves.
Of course, because it's a sprint round it will be tougher, but I hope we have a good weekend."
Russell won't miss the rocking cars.
On Thursday in Qatar George Russell recalled the first Mercedes built to the regulations in force – the 2022 W13 without sidepods, which suffered most from porpoising.
The drivers really took a beating from it back then – in Baku Lewis Hamilton could barely get out of the cockpit, and Russell offered to have the senior engineer sit behind the wheel, but health and safety forbade it...
George Russell: "We have a 'lap replay' mode on the simulator; Lewis and I wanted to put one of our engineers in the cockpit so they could understand what we feel behind the wheel on the Baku track. But a health and safety officer said it was too dangerous.
But it was about one lap, and we race for an hour and a half, we're shaken all over — back, body, eyes.
On Thursday in Qatar George Russell recalled the first Mercedes built to the regulations in force – the 2022 W13 without sidepods, which suffered most from porpoising.
The drivers really took a beating from it back then – in Baku Lewis Hamilton could barely get out of the cockpit, and Russell offered to have the senior engineer sit behind the wheel, but health and safety forbade it...
George Russell: "We have a 'lap replay' mode on the simulator; Lewis and I wanted to put one of our engineers in the cockpit so they could understand what we feel behind the wheel on the Baku track. But a health and safety officer said it was too dangerous.
But it was about one lap, and we race for an hour and a half, we're shaken all over — back, body, eyes.
The Development of F1 Cars: The Impact of Technology on Racing
Author:
27 November 2025 - 21:42
For many years, Formula 1 has represented the pinnacle of motorsport, merging driver expertise with engineering creativity. Over the years, F1 cars have evolved from simple, open-wheeled models to advanced hybrid machines, highlighting how technology can transform performance and safety on the track. Fans can now enjoy races via digital platforms as well as on-site events, where casino apps like First.com often accompany F1 content for engagement and entertainment. This blend of racing and digital interaction illustrates how technology influences both the sport and the viewing experience.
**Early F1 Cars: The Foundations of Speed**
In comparison to modern vehicles, the early Formula One cars of the 1950s were quite basic.
Author:
27 November 2025 - 21:42
For many years, Formula 1 has represented the pinnacle of motorsport, merging driver expertise with engineering creativity. Over the years, F1 cars have evolved from simple, open-wheeled models to advanced hybrid machines, highlighting how technology can transform performance and safety on the track. Fans can now enjoy races via digital platforms as well as on-site events, where casino apps like First.com often accompany F1 content for engagement and entertainment. This blend of racing and digital interaction illustrates how technology influences both the sport and the viewing experience.
**Early F1 Cars: The Foundations of Speed**
In comparison to modern vehicles, the early Formula One cars of the 1950s were quite basic.
At the beginning of the year Yuki Tsunoda pinned great hopes on a move to Red Bull Racing, but with two races left in the season the Japanese driver sits seventeenth in the drivers' standings and does not know whether his contract will be extended.
In Qatar Tsunoda was asked if he was upset that he still doesn't know what awaits him in the future. To that Yuki replied: "Upset? No, because I knew it would be like this from the moment this story began. So I'm not really upset.
Nothing has changed for me, but there is a small difference, namely that Max is now contending for the title. And I definitely want to be part of that and help Max.
To do that I need to be at the front of the pack, which would also be good for me. I think that would lead to positive changes in my future."
In Qatar Tsunoda was asked if he was upset that he still doesn't know what awaits him in the future. To that Yuki replied: "Upset? No, because I knew it would be like this from the moment this story began. So I'm not really upset.
Nothing has changed for me, but there is a small difference, namely that Max is now contending for the title. And I definitely want to be part of that and help Max.
To do that I need to be at the front of the pack, which would also be good for me. I think that would lead to positive changes in my future."
The FIA held its traditional meeting with the drivers.
On 27 November in Qatar, the FIA held its traditional annual meeting between the stewards and the drivers, where driving standards and the application of penalties were discussed to ensure clear and consistent decision-making.
The discussion mainly focused on the "Driving Standards Guidelines" (DSG), introduced in 2022 at the drivers' request to clarify what is and is not permitted when overtaking or defending on track. The DSG are intended as a dynamic document, have been updated twice since their introduction, and are publicly available to increase transparency and improve fans' understanding of stewards' decisions.
After 22 races and five sprints this season, during which dozens of incidents occurred, the discussion centered on a small number of examples. These included:
- Piastri–Antonelli (Interlagos): overtaking on the inside line.
On 27 November in Qatar, the FIA held its traditional annual meeting between the stewards and the drivers, where driving standards and the application of penalties were discussed to ensure clear and consistent decision-making.
The discussion mainly focused on the "Driving Standards Guidelines" (DSG), introduced in 2022 at the drivers' request to clarify what is and is not permitted when overtaking or defending on track. The DSG are intended as a dynamic document, have been updated twice since their introduction, and are publicly available to increase transparency and improve fans' understanding of stewards' decisions.
After 22 races and five sprints this season, during which dozens of incidents occurred, the discussion centered on a small number of examples. These included:
- Piastri–Antonelli (Interlagos): overtaking on the inside line.
Red Bull in a strong 'psychological' state
"Oscar Piastri has indicated that McLaren quietly inquired whether he would consider assisting Lando Norris in his quest for the 2025 world championship, but he quickly dismissed the proposition.
“We had a very short discussion, and my answer is no,” Piastri confirmed in Qatar. “I’m currently tied on points with Max and still have a solid chance of winning if circumstances favor me. That’s how we approach it.”
Piastri and Max Verstappen arrive in Lusail both tied for second place, trailing Norris by 24 points, with two Grands Prix and a sprint remaining.
This news pleased Verstappen. “It is perfect,” he grinned, knowing that a McLaren two-car shield around Norris would have significantly weakened his own chances. “If that had been suggested to me, I wouldn’t have participated - I would have told them to go away.
"Oscar Piastri has indicated that McLaren quietly inquired whether he would consider assisting Lando Norris in his quest for the 2025 world championship, but he quickly dismissed the proposition.
“We had a very short discussion, and my answer is no,” Piastri confirmed in Qatar. “I’m currently tied on points with Max and still have a solid chance of winning if circumstances favor me. That’s how we approach it.”
Piastri and Max Verstappen arrive in Lusail both tied for second place, trailing Norris by 24 points, with two Grands Prix and a sprint remaining.
This news pleased Verstappen. “It is perfect,” he grinned, knowing that a McLaren two-car shield around Norris would have significantly weakened his own chances. “If that had been suggested to me, I wouldn’t have participated - I would have told them to go away.
Wolff 'astonished' by skyrocketing Mercedes valuation
"The cost cap has significantly transformed our business model."
Toto Wolff expressed his astonishment at the dramatic increase in Mercedes' value but clarified that selling a portion of his stake does not indicate he is stepping back from his role. The Mercedes CEO and team principal recently divested 15 percent of his shares to CrowdStrike founder George Kurtz, reducing his ownership from 33 to 28 percent. However, Wolff assured reporters of his continued dedication. "I have no plans to sell the team or step down," he stated. "I’m in a great position, enjoying it. As long as I feel I'm making a contribution—and others feel the same—there's no reason to consider that option."
Wolff noted that this sale was merely a strategic collaboration. "What I did was sell part of my investment to George.
"The cost cap has significantly transformed our business model."
Toto Wolff expressed his astonishment at the dramatic increase in Mercedes' value but clarified that selling a portion of his stake does not indicate he is stepping back from his role. The Mercedes CEO and team principal recently divested 15 percent of his shares to CrowdStrike founder George Kurtz, reducing his ownership from 33 to 28 percent. However, Wolff assured reporters of his continued dedication. "I have no plans to sell the team or step down," he stated. "I’m in a great position, enjoying it. As long as I feel I'm making a contribution—and others feel the same—there's no reason to consider that option."
Wolff noted that this sale was merely a strategic collaboration. "What I did was sell part of my investment to George.
Bearman dismisses speculation amid difficulties at Ferrari.
"I'm in F1 and you have to have confidence in yourself."
Oliver Bearman states he is "confident in himself" amidst swirling rumors following a turbulent week for Ferrari—speculation about Lewis Hamilton's potential early departure, Charles Leclerc's connection to Aston Martin, and suggestions that the Haas rookie could be rapidly brought into the Ferrari fold.
When asked in Qatar if he would be "prepared" should Ferrari suddenly require him, Bearman was composed yet assertive. "Well, you know, I’m in F1 and you have to believe in yourself," he remarked. "So yes, I think I’m prepared, but I need to keep proving that. It’s not just about having five or six good races and expecting everything to change.
"I'm in F1 and you have to have confidence in yourself."
Oliver Bearman states he is "confident in himself" amidst swirling rumors following a turbulent week for Ferrari—speculation about Lewis Hamilton's potential early departure, Charles Leclerc's connection to Aston Martin, and suggestions that the Haas rookie could be rapidly brought into the Ferrari fold.
When asked in Qatar if he would be "prepared" should Ferrari suddenly require him, Bearman was composed yet assertive. "Well, you know, I’m in F1 and you have to believe in yourself," he remarked. "So yes, I think I’m prepared, but I need to keep proving that. It’s not just about having five or six good races and expecting everything to change.
Drivers advocate for transformation; TV commentators described as 'perfect.'
"My ideal vision for the future is a lack of guidelines."
The much-awaited GPDA-FIA meeting for Formula 1 was held in Qatar, where drivers reiterated their call for the elimination of the contentious "driving guidelines" in favor of a system with permanent, expert stewards. This follows a period of dissatisfaction regarding inconsistent penalties and unpopular interpretations, leading many drivers to openly question whether the current panel of stewards is equipped to handle real racing scenarios.
GPDA director Carlos Sainz expressed his perspective when asked in Qatar whether F1 really needs the existing driving guidelines. "I’m speaking as Carlos Sainz, not in my GPDA role," he remarked. "Recently, after races, I've observed analyses by Karun Chandhok, Jolyon Palmer, and Anthony Davidson.
"My ideal vision for the future is a lack of guidelines."
The much-awaited GPDA-FIA meeting for Formula 1 was held in Qatar, where drivers reiterated their call for the elimination of the contentious "driving guidelines" in favor of a system with permanent, expert stewards. This follows a period of dissatisfaction regarding inconsistent penalties and unpopular interpretations, leading many drivers to openly question whether the current panel of stewards is equipped to handle real racing scenarios.
GPDA director Carlos Sainz expressed his perspective when asked in Qatar whether F1 really needs the existing driving guidelines. "I’m speaking as Carlos Sainz, not in my GPDA role," he remarked. "Recently, after races, I've observed analyses by Karun Chandhok, Jolyon Palmer, and Anthony Davidson.
Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko is surprised that next year Adrian Newey will become the team principal of Aston Martin… Helmut Marko: “I was genuinely surprised to hear that. We'll see how it plays out in practice. Managing a team is not his strong suit. Newey is very good at car design, development, engineering and manufacturing. I was very surprised to learn that he will now be running the team himself.”
In the FIA’s customary release about the technical updates prepared for the round in Qatar, dashes appear against all teams — the season is drawing to a close, cars are no longer being developed. Only Racing Bulls announced their new item, which had already been used in the current season but had a slightly different shape.
A Gurney flap has appeared on the front wing of the Racing Bulls cars, increasing downforce at a certain angle of attack. This was done to provide greater aerodynamic stability for the car given the characteristics of the circuit.
A Gurney flap has appeared on the front wing of the Racing Bulls cars, increasing downforce at a certain angle of attack. This was done to provide greater aerodynamic stability for the car given the characteristics of the circuit.
Qatar Grand Prix: Power Unit Components
Over the course of the season, teams may use up to four internal combustion engines, turbos, MGU-Hs and MGU-Ks, and up to two energy stores and two control electronics units without incurring penalties.
Fitting the first power unit element that exceeds these limits is penalised by a 10-place grid drop. Fitting the second and subsequent elements incurs a five-place grid drop. If the size of the penalty is more than 15 positions, the driver starts from the back of the grid. If several drivers receive such penalties, their starting positions are determined by their qualifying results.
Replacement of exhaust systems (EX) is also limited — they may be used only eight times per season; subsequent replacements are punished with a similar penalty.
Over the course of the season, teams may use up to four internal combustion engines, turbos, MGU-Hs and MGU-Ks, and up to two energy stores and two control electronics units without incurring penalties.
Fitting the first power unit element that exceeds these limits is penalised by a 10-place grid drop. Fitting the second and subsequent elements incurs a five-place grid drop. If the size of the penalty is more than 15 positions, the driver starts from the back of the grid. If several drivers receive such penalties, their starting positions are determined by their qualifying results.
Replacement of exhaust systems (EX) is also limited — they may be used only eight times per season; subsequent replacements are punished with a similar penalty.
Only nine people can now visit Michael Schumacher.
We have already reported that an appeals trial has begun in Wuppertal, Germany, in connection with the blackmail case involving Michael Schumacher’s family. More than a year ago the German public prosecutor brought charges against three men who, it is alleged, took part in a conspiracy to demand €15 million and threatened to publish private photo and video material on the darknet.
At least in some of the footage the former Formula 1 driver is shown chained to his bed after the severe traumatic brain injury he suffered on a ski slope in the French Alps in December 2013.
Michael’s wife, Corinna Schumacher, has learned from this unpleasant episode and has limited the number of people allowed to visit the seven-time world champion.
We have already reported that an appeals trial has begun in Wuppertal, Germany, in connection with the blackmail case involving Michael Schumacher’s family. More than a year ago the German public prosecutor brought charges against three men who, it is alleged, took part in a conspiracy to demand €15 million and threatened to publish private photo and video material on the darknet.
At least in some of the footage the former Formula 1 driver is shown chained to his bed after the severe traumatic brain injury he suffered on a ski slope in the French Alps in December 2013.
Michael’s wife, Corinna Schumacher, has learned from this unpleasant episode and has limited the number of people allowed to visit the seven-time world champion.
By the end of the year, Cadillac will increase its workforce to 525 employees.
On Friday in Qatar Cadillac team principal Graham Loudon spoke about the difficulties of recruiting staff…
Graham Loudon: “We currently have 500 permanent employees, we’re aiming for 525 by the end of the year, and with those who work with us on individual contracts there will be even more.
When our application to compete in Formula 1 was approved in March, we had just over 300 employees. We wrote to everyone then. I signed more than 300 letters over two days and I will never forget that.
People sometimes underestimate how much effort is required to hire staff. It only seems simple when you say you’re hiring a few hundred people. But each vacancy means hundreds of applications, interviews with every candidate.
On Friday in Qatar Cadillac team principal Graham Loudon spoke about the difficulties of recruiting staff…
Graham Loudon: “We currently have 500 permanent employees, we’re aiming for 525 by the end of the year, and with those who work with us on individual contracts there will be even more.
When our application to compete in Formula 1 was approved in March, we had just over 300 employees. We wrote to everyone then. I signed more than 300 letters over two days and I will never forget that.
People sometimes underestimate how much effort is required to hire staff. It only seems simple when you say you’re hiring a few hundred people. But each vacancy means hundreds of applications, interviews with every candidate.
Verstappen is ready to leave if he doesn't like the regulations.
Max Verstappen's contract with Red Bull Racing runs until the end of 2028. However, the four-time world champion's future remains uncertain. Ahead of the Qatar round, Max said he would end his career if he doesn't like the cars built under the new regulations that come into effect next season.
Max Verstappen: "My contract runs until 2028, but my future beyond that depends on the new 2026 rules and how interesting they turn out to be. If driving the new cars isn't interesting, then I don't see myself racing.
I don't have a goal of winning seven titles. Under my current contract I have three more years, so that outcome is possible, but I definitely won't be aiming to become a seven-time champion before I leave the sport. I could easily retire tomorrow.
Max Verstappen's contract with Red Bull Racing runs until the end of 2028. However, the four-time world champion's future remains uncertain. Ahead of the Qatar round, Max said he would end his career if he doesn't like the cars built under the new regulations that come into effect next season.
Max Verstappen: "My contract runs until 2028, but my future beyond that depends on the new 2026 rules and how interesting they turn out to be. If driving the new cars isn't interesting, then I don't see myself racing.
I don't have a goal of winning seven titles. Under my current contract I have three more years, so that outcome is possible, but I definitely won't be aiming to become a seven-time champion before I leave the sport. I could easily retire tomorrow.