Hannah Schmitz: For us, the pit stop was obvious.
The fate of the victory in Qatar was decided by a McLaren mistake: the team did not call their drivers in for a tyre change when the safety car came out, but everyone else did.
A feature of the race was Pirelli’s specified maximum stint length of 25 laps on one set of tyres. At the time the safety car came out there were exactly 50 laps remaining to the finish, which divided perfectly into two permitted stints.
Red Bull Racing’s chief strategist Hannah Schmitz became a co-author of Max Verstappen’s victory and climbed the podium, and afterwards commented on the situation on Viaplay.
Hannah Schmitz: “Before the race we decided that if a safety car came out on lap seven or later, a pit stop would be mandatory. At that moment the ‘window’ for both the full and virtual safety car was opening, and without hesitation we called the drivers into the pits.
The fate of the victory in Qatar was decided by a McLaren mistake: the team did not call their drivers in for a tyre change when the safety car came out, but everyone else did.
A feature of the race was Pirelli’s specified maximum stint length of 25 laps on one set of tyres. At the time the safety car came out there were exactly 50 laps remaining to the finish, which divided perfectly into two permitted stints.
Red Bull Racing’s chief strategist Hannah Schmitz became a co-author of Max Verstappen’s victory and climbed the podium, and afterwards commented on the situation on Viaplay.
Hannah Schmitz: “Before the race we decided that if a safety car came out on lap seven or later, a pit stop would be mandatory. At that moment the ‘window’ for both the full and virtual safety car was opening, and without hesitation we called the drivers into the pits.
Three of the four seats at Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls for the 2026 season have not yet been confirmed amid active speculation about who will fill each vacancy, but after the end of the Qatar Grand Prix team principal Laurent Mekies said that the decision has been made.
Laurent Mekies: "Actually, the decision has already been made. As planned, we will announce it on Tuesday. We are confident that it will not affect the overall mood in Abu Dhabi."
According to rumours, Isack Hadjar will become Max Verstappen's teammate for the 2026 season, and there are three candidates for the two vacancies at Racing Bulls — Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda and Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad.
Laurent Mekies: "Actually, the decision has already been made. As planned, we will announce it on Tuesday. We are confident that it will not affect the overall mood in Abu Dhabi."
According to rumours, Isack Hadjar will become Max Verstappen's teammate for the 2026 season, and there are three candidates for the two vacancies at Racing Bulls — Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda and Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad.
Brundle: Hamilton repeated Vettel's mistake
Lewis Hamilton's first season at Ferrari has been unsuccessful; he regularly trails his teammate and clearly feels much less comfortable than he did at Mercedes. Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes the problem lies in his entourage.
Martin Brundle: "Everything has turned out to be much more difficult for Lewis than he had expected. He wanted to move to Ferrari and become Michael Schumacher, but Michael didn't come alone — he came with Ross Brawn, Jean Todt, Stefano Domenicali and the whole brilliant Ferrari team of those years, and even then it took years. I think Lewis should have taken more of his people from Mercedes with him. You can't handle this on your own. He was so deeply integrated into the team that he wasn't even aware of the existence of many structures, hundreds of little things that used to help him.
Lewis Hamilton's first season at Ferrari has been unsuccessful; he regularly trails his teammate and clearly feels much less comfortable than he did at Mercedes. Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes the problem lies in his entourage.
Martin Brundle: "Everything has turned out to be much more difficult for Lewis than he had expected. He wanted to move to Ferrari and become Michael Schumacher, but Michael didn't come alone — he came with Ross Brawn, Jean Todt, Stefano Domenicali and the whole brilliant Ferrari team of those years, and even then it took years. I think Lewis should have taken more of his people from Mercedes with him. You can't handle this on your own. He was so deeply integrated into the team that he wasn't even aware of the existence of many structures, hundreds of little things that used to help him.
Statistics of past Grands Prix: Qualifying
Drivers' qualifying performance statistics, sorted by average position in the final classification and excluding subsequent penalties.
Driver
Team
Average
Best
Worst
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Record
L. Norris
McLaren
3
1
10
23
23
23
12 - 11
O. Piastri
McLaren
3.04
1
9
23
23
23
11 - 12
M. Verstappen
Red Bull
3.61
1
16
23
22
22
23 - 0
D. Russell
Mercedes
4.39
1
14
23
23
22
20 - 3
C. Leclerc
Ferrari
5.48
1
11
23
23
22
18 - 5
K. Antonelli
Mercedes
8.35
2
18
23
20
16
3 - 20
L. Hamilton
Ferrari
8.74
3
20
23
20
15
5 - 18
A. Hadjar
Racing Bulls
9.7
4
20
23
21
15
16 - 7
F. Alonso
Aston Martin
10.
Drivers' qualifying performance statistics, sorted by average position in the final classification and excluding subsequent penalties.
Driver
Team
Average
Best
Worst
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Record
L. Norris
McLaren
3
1
10
23
23
23
12 - 11
O. Piastri
McLaren
3.04
1
9
23
23
23
11 - 12
M. Verstappen
Red Bull
3.61
1
16
23
22
22
23 - 0
D. Russell
Mercedes
4.39
1
14
23
23
22
20 - 3
C. Leclerc
Ferrari
5.48
1
11
23
23
22
18 - 5
K. Antonelli
Mercedes
8.35
2
18
23
20
16
3 - 20
L. Hamilton
Ferrari
8.74
3
20
23
20
15
5 - 18
A. Hadjar
Racing Bulls
9.7
4
20
23
21
15
16 - 7
F. Alonso
Aston Martin
10.
Statistics of past Grands Prix: Races and drivers
Drivers' performance statistics in past Grands Prix are sorted by average finishing position in races in which the driver was classified. If a driver did not participate or retired, that race does not affect their average position.
Driver
Team
finishing position
leading
total distance
avg
best
laps
km
laps
time
km
%
O. Piastri
McLaren
2,8
1
435
2288,3
1335
33:24:58
6700,9
96,3%
M. Verstappen
Red Bull
3,1
1
413
2251,2
1316
33:36:50
6704,2
94,9%
L. Norris
McLaren
3,6
1
371
1680,0
1374
34:37:34
6955,4
99,1%
D. Russell
Mercedes
4,5
1
103
483,0
1384
35:04:59
7000,2
99,9%
S. Leclerc
Ferrari
5,1
2
48
223,9
1244
31:40:07
6332,1
89,8%
L.
Drivers' performance statistics in past Grands Prix are sorted by average finishing position in races in which the driver was classified. If a driver did not participate or retired, that race does not affect their average position.
Driver
Team
finishing position
leading
total distance
avg
best
laps
km
laps
time
km
%
O. Piastri
McLaren
2,8
1
435
2288,3
1335
33:24:58
6700,9
96,3%
M. Verstappen
Red Bull
3,1
1
413
2251,2
1316
33:36:50
6704,2
94,9%
L. Norris
McLaren
3,6
1
371
1680,0
1374
34:37:34
6955,4
99,1%
D. Russell
Mercedes
4,5
1
103
483,0
1384
35:04:59
7000,2
99,9%
S. Leclerc
Ferrari
5,1
2
48
223,9
1244
31:40:07
6332,1
89,8%
L.
McLaren will investigate the cause of the erroneous decision.
McLaren will carry out an internal audit of its decision‑making methodology to understand whether the decision not to pit under the safety car, which cost the team the victory, was a systemic error.
Andrea Stella, team principal: "We will conduct an internal investigation to understand the reasons for the decision that ultimately proved to be wrong. You could say that in the race we handed our rivals 25 seconds, gave them the opportunity to pit without losing time, and we didn't.
Obviously we had a reason to act that way — we didn't want to get stuck in traffic after pitting. But all the other teams made a different decision; they all pitted, which in the end made our decision to stay on track wrong.
McLaren will carry out an internal audit of its decision‑making methodology to understand whether the decision not to pit under the safety car, which cost the team the victory, was a systemic error.
Andrea Stella, team principal: "We will conduct an internal investigation to understand the reasons for the decision that ultimately proved to be wrong. You could say that in the race we handed our rivals 25 seconds, gave them the opportunity to pit without losing time, and we didn't.
Obviously we had a reason to act that way — we didn't want to get stuck in traffic after pitting. But all the other teams made a different decision; they all pitted, which in the end made our decision to stay on track wrong.
Minardi: Every mistake can affect the result.
In a column on his official website, former owner of his eponymous team Giancarlo Minardi summed up the Qatar Grand Prix…
Giancarlo Minardi: "Max Verstappen returned to the title fight, taking a convincing victory in Qatar and cutting the gap to Lando Norris to twelve points. We saw a tense weekend in which tyre strategy played a key role.
Despite clear superiority in qualifying, in the sprint and in race pace, the McLaren team missed an important result for themselves because of a mistake at the moment the safety car was deployed. This mistake was particularly obvious against the backdrop of Verstappen and Red Bull's confident and flawless performance.
In a championship where hundredths of a second decide everything, every mistake can significantly affect the outcome.
In a column on his official website, former owner of his eponymous team Giancarlo Minardi summed up the Qatar Grand Prix…
Giancarlo Minardi: "Max Verstappen returned to the title fight, taking a convincing victory in Qatar and cutting the gap to Lando Norris to twelve points. We saw a tense weekend in which tyre strategy played a key role.
Despite clear superiority in qualifying, in the sprint and in race pace, the McLaren team missed an important result for themselves because of a mistake at the moment the safety car was deployed. This mistake was particularly obvious against the backdrop of Verstappen and Red Bull's confident and flawless performance.
In a championship where hundredths of a second decide everything, every mistake can significantly affect the outcome.
Qatar Grand Prix: Order of tyre changes during the race
After the finish of the Qatar Grand Prix Pirelli published information on the order of tyre changes during the race:
Driver
Start
1st pit stop
2nd pit stop
3rd pit stop
M. Verstappen
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
O. Piastri
C2N
C2N(24)
C1N(42)
C. Sainz
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
L. Norris
C2N
C2N(25)
C1N(44)
K. Antonelli
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
G. Russell
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
F. Alonso
C2N
C2N(07)
C1U(32)
C. Leclerc
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
L. Lawson
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
Y. Tsunoda
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
A. Albon
C1N
C2N(07)
C2N(32)
L. Hamilton
C3N
C2N(07)
C2N(32)
G. Bortoleto
C2N
C2N(07)
C3N(32)
F. Colapinto
C1N
C2N(07)
C2N(32)
E.
After the finish of the Qatar Grand Prix Pirelli published information on the order of tyre changes during the race:
Driver
Start
1st pit stop
2nd pit stop
3rd pit stop
M. Verstappen
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
O. Piastri
C2N
C2N(24)
C1N(42)
C. Sainz
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
L. Norris
C2N
C2N(25)
C1N(44)
K. Antonelli
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
G. Russell
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
F. Alonso
C2N
C2N(07)
C1U(32)
C. Leclerc
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
L. Lawson
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
Y. Tsunoda
C2N
C2N(07)
C1N(32)
A. Albon
C1N
C2N(07)
C2N(32)
L. Hamilton
C3N
C2N(07)
C2N(32)
G. Bortoleto
C2N
C2N(07)
C3N(32)
F. Colapinto
C1N
C2N(07)
C2N(32)
E.
Qatar Grand Prix: Post-race comments
Pirelli
Mario Isola, Pirelli Motorsport Director: “All strategic decisions in today’s race were dictated by the safety car deployment. The Medium tyres proved a good compromise, providing sufficient grip and high speed across the whole stint.
Although almost all drivers used the Hard only on the final stint, the C1 compound also showed its effectiveness, at times allowing even higher speed than the C2.
Compared with previous days, graining was noticeably less, which reduced cases of heavy wear, though it did not eliminate them entirely. As a result, it has been proven that the 25‑lap limit is more than sufficient to avoid any problems.
The exciting intrigue of this race and the new lap records set throughout the weekend show that competition this season has been tougher than ever.
Pirelli
Mario Isola, Pirelli Motorsport Director: “All strategic decisions in today’s race were dictated by the safety car deployment. The Medium tyres proved a good compromise, providing sufficient grip and high speed across the whole stint.
Although almost all drivers used the Hard only on the final stint, the C1 compound also showed its effectiveness, at times allowing even higher speed than the C2.
Compared with previous days, graining was noticeably less, which reduced cases of heavy wear, though it did not eliminate them entirely. As a result, it has been proven that the 25‑lap limit is more than sufficient to avoid any problems.
The exciting intrigue of this race and the new lap records set throughout the weekend show that competition this season has been tougher than ever.
Ayo Komatsu: It was a very tough day.
Haas F1 scored no points in Qatar and dropped to eighth in the Constructors' Championship…
Ayo Komatsu, team principal: “We could have achieved a good result, the car was fast, the drivers were happy with the balance, but it turned out to be a very tough day.
It’s a pity Esteban couldn’t control it — his car crept forward slightly on the grid and he was penalized for a jump start; we need to look into the reasons.
We made a couple of serious mistakes in the pit stops, but when there are 24 races in a season and we make so many pit stops, mistakes are inevitable. The important thing is that we stick together and support each other. We need to show team spirit and perform well in Abu Dhabi. We want to finish the season on a high note — that’s the goal!”
Esteban Ocon (15th): “I have no words to explain the penalty, I don’t know where it came from.
Haas F1 scored no points in Qatar and dropped to eighth in the Constructors' Championship…
Ayo Komatsu, team principal: “We could have achieved a good result, the car was fast, the drivers were happy with the balance, but it turned out to be a very tough day.
It’s a pity Esteban couldn’t control it — his car crept forward slightly on the grid and he was penalized for a jump start; we need to look into the reasons.
We made a couple of serious mistakes in the pit stops, but when there are 24 races in a season and we make so many pit stops, mistakes are inevitable. The important thing is that we stick together and support each other. We need to show team spirit and perform well in Abu Dhabi. We want to finish the season on a high note — that’s the goal!”
Esteban Ocon (15th): “I have no words to explain the penalty, I don’t know where it came from.
Qatar Grand Prix: Interesting statistics
A few interesting statistical takeaways from the Qatar Grand Prix…
Qualifying
By winning qualifying in Qatar, Oscar Piastri claimed his sixth pole of the season and his first in three months. It was McLaren’s 177th pole in history — by that measure the team trails only Ferrari (254 poles).
Lando Norris qualified second, for the fifth consecutive time and the 29th time in his career starting from the front row. McLaren drivers occupied the entire front row of the grid for the 71st time in the team’s history.
Max Verstappen qualified third for the fourth time this season.
For the fourth time in the last five Grands Prix, George Russell qualified fourth, and for the twentieth time this year he outqualified his teammate.
By qualifying fifth, Kimi Antonelli extended his team’s successful run, which has never started outside the top five in Qatar.
A few interesting statistical takeaways from the Qatar Grand Prix…
Qualifying
By winning qualifying in Qatar, Oscar Piastri claimed his sixth pole of the season and his first in three months. It was McLaren’s 177th pole in history — by that measure the team trails only Ferrari (254 poles).
Lando Norris qualified second, for the fifth consecutive time and the 29th time in his career starting from the front row. McLaren drivers occupied the entire front row of the grid for the 71st time in the team’s history.
Max Verstappen qualified third for the fourth time this season.
For the fourth time in the last five Grands Prix, George Russell qualified fourth, and for the twentieth time this year he outqualified his teammate.
By qualifying fifth, Kimi Antonelli extended his team’s successful run, which has never started outside the top five in Qatar.
James Vowles: I am proud of Carlos and the team
Last season Williams was ninth in the Constructors' Championship, and has now clinched fifth place early and a healthy payout…
James Vowles, team principal: "Excellent result. Carlos and the team performed superbly in Qatar, paying attention to every detail in a situation where every little thing mattered. A podium is a fair reward for the incredible work the whole team has done this year.
I was proud of Carlos and the team when we took our first podium in Baku, and the second podium was the stuff of dreams, but more importantly – it was achieved on a track that last year was almost our worst. We've come back, we've changed, and the result is clear for all to see.
As for Alex, we'll be back fighting in Abu Dhabi.
Last season Williams was ninth in the Constructors' Championship, and has now clinched fifth place early and a healthy payout…
James Vowles, team principal: "Excellent result. Carlos and the team performed superbly in Qatar, paying attention to every detail in a situation where every little thing mattered. A podium is a fair reward for the incredible work the whole team has done this year.
I was proud of Carlos and the team when we took our first podium in Baku, and the second podium was the stuff of dreams, but more importantly – it was achieved on a track that last year was almost our worst. We've come back, we've changed, and the result is clear for all to see.
As for Alex, we'll be back fighting in Abu Dhabi.
After the race in Qatar Helmut Marko said some harsh words about Kimi Antonelli, accusing him of deliberately letting Lando Norris pass. Toto Wolff immediately responded angrily to Marko's remark, and the next day Helmut changed his view as well.
Helmut Marko: "I've watched the footage very carefully again. The first time Antonelli could have fought back harder [when battling Oscar Piastri], and the second time [when battling Norris] he simply made a driving mistake, not deliberately letting him through.
I'm sorry that Antonelli has been subjected to such criticism online. I want to make my position clear once again – he did not let Norris through intentionally."
Helmut Marko: "I've watched the footage very carefully again. The first time Antonelli could have fought back harder [when battling Oscar Piastri], and the second time [when battling Norris] he simply made a driving mistake, not deliberately letting him through.
I'm sorry that Antonelli has been subjected to such criticism online. I want to make my position clear once again – he did not let Norris through intentionally."
An emotional statement by Max Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, and then by Helmut Marko, who after the finish said that Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli had deliberately let Lando Norris through, sparked a wave of attacks against the young Italian and even death threats. Antonelli even had to close his social media accounts.
Today Marko has changed his position, and Red Bull published an official statement.
“The comments made before the end of the Qatar Grand Prix and immediately afterwards suggesting that Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli deliberately allowed Lando Norris to pass are unequivocally false.
The footage shows that Antonelli briefly lost control of the car, allowing Norris to overtake him. We deeply regret that this led to insults directed at Kimi online,” Red Bull said.
Today Marko has changed his position, and Red Bull published an official statement.
“The comments made before the end of the Qatar Grand Prix and immediately afterwards suggesting that Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli deliberately allowed Lando Norris to pass are unequivocally false.
The footage shows that Antonelli briefly lost control of the car, allowing Norris to overtake him. We deeply regret that this led to insults directed at Kimi online,” Red Bull said.
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The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense
Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the essential stories directly to you every weekday.
We have an entire page dedicated to Black Friday/Cyber Monday featuring our selections of tools, toys, and technology for your car and garage. However, since this is the final sales push of the season, I will compile all the top deals here and will update the post throughout the day.
2025 Lexus TX 500h Review: Opt for the Grand Highlander Instead
Caleb Jacobs
The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense.
Our free daily newsletter delivers the stories that truly matter straight to you, every weekday.
Currently, there is an overwhelming selection of three-row crossovers and SUVs available. You can use any online tool that appeals to you to establish your priorities, and soon enough, you'll have anywhere from five to 15 options in front of you. Some choices are budget-friendly, like the Mitsubishi Outlander, while others can be pricier than a luxury sports car. Take a look at the price of a new Escalade, and you’ll understand.
The 2025 Lexus TX 500h is not the budget option and it’s also not the most luxurious one—and in a different context, it might seem like the ideal choice.
Caleb Jacobs
The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense.
Our free daily newsletter delivers the stories that truly matter straight to you, every weekday.
Currently, there is an overwhelming selection of three-row crossovers and SUVs available. You can use any online tool that appeals to you to establish your priorities, and soon enough, you'll have anywhere from five to 15 options in front of you. Some choices are budget-friendly, like the Mitsubishi Outlander, while others can be pricier than a luxury sports car. Take a look at the price of a new Escalade, and you’ll understand.
The 2025 Lexus TX 500h is not the budget option and it’s also not the most luxurious one—and in a different context, it might seem like the ideal choice.
McLaren preparing for 'largest loss in F1 history' - reports
The 2025 world championship is set for a dramatic finish after McLaren squandered a potential 1-2 finish in Qatar, leading rivals to label it one of the most perplexing strategy blunders in recent years. The 'Papaya'-colored team was the only one that did not pit during the early safety car period, a decision that ruined Oscar Piastri’s strong performance and provided Max Verstappen and Red Bull with a crucial opportunity.
Sky Italia’s Carlo Vanzini did not hold back, stating, "If McLaren loses the world championship, it would be the greatest defeat in F1 history." Even Dr. Helmut Marko ridiculed the team’s much-discussed "Papaya Rules" regarding equal treatment, stating, "I’m not very familiar with all these papaya rules," while smiling. "We certainly would have brought in at least one of our drivers."
Ralf Schumacher was even more critical.
The 2025 world championship is set for a dramatic finish after McLaren squandered a potential 1-2 finish in Qatar, leading rivals to label it one of the most perplexing strategy blunders in recent years. The 'Papaya'-colored team was the only one that did not pit during the early safety car period, a decision that ruined Oscar Piastri’s strong performance and provided Max Verstappen and Red Bull with a crucial opportunity.
Sky Italia’s Carlo Vanzini did not hold back, stating, "If McLaren loses the world championship, it would be the greatest defeat in F1 history." Even Dr. Helmut Marko ridiculed the team’s much-discussed "Papaya Rules" regarding equal treatment, stating, "I’m not very familiar with all these papaya rules," while smiling. "We certainly would have brought in at least one of our drivers."
Ralf Schumacher was even more critical.
Hadjar suggests that Red Bull will announce their lineup on Tuesday.
"I'm not saying anything, but you shouldn't expect to see me smiling!"
Red Bull is set to unveil its much-anticipated 2026 driver lineup on Tuesday, as confirmed by team principal Laurent Mekies. "What I can share is that we will adhere to our plan and reveal the Red Bull driver lineup on Tuesday," he stated following the Qatar GP on Sunday. "We believe this announcement will not distract the team from performing at its best this weekend."
The timing is significant, with Max Verstappen currently in the hunt for the world championship, and Yuki Tsunoda potentially serving as support on Sunday. However, all indications suggest that Tsunoda will be replaced, as Isack Hadjar couldn't conceal his reaction when asked about the upcoming announcement.
"I'm not saying anything, but you shouldn't expect to see me smiling!"
Red Bull is set to unveil its much-anticipated 2026 driver lineup on Tuesday, as confirmed by team principal Laurent Mekies. "What I can share is that we will adhere to our plan and reveal the Red Bull driver lineup on Tuesday," he stated following the Qatar GP on Sunday. "We believe this announcement will not distract the team from performing at its best this weekend."
The timing is significant, with Max Verstappen currently in the hunt for the world championship, and Yuki Tsunoda potentially serving as support on Sunday. However, all indications suggest that Tsunoda will be replaced, as Isack Hadjar couldn't conceal his reaction when asked about the upcoming announcement.
Ferrari acknowledges its accountability for the transition in early development.
Ferrari's late-season downfall has resulted in one of the team's most difficult weekends in recent history, with both Italian media and rival teams criticizing them as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc faced nearly backmarker performance. Team principal Frederic Vasseur maintained that the main issue was an unforeseen increase in tyre pressure mandated by Pirelli. "All teams faced a tyre-pressure issue," he stated. "We were operating the cars at six points more pressure than in previous races, which was the crucial factor. In Abu Dhabi, we will return to standard conditions, so we can hope for a better outcome."
However, many view this explanation as a significant understatement.
Ferrari's late-season downfall has resulted in one of the team's most difficult weekends in recent history, with both Italian media and rival teams criticizing them as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc faced nearly backmarker performance. Team principal Frederic Vasseur maintained that the main issue was an unforeseen increase in tyre pressure mandated by Pirelli. "All teams faced a tyre-pressure issue," he stated. "We were operating the cars at six points more pressure than in previous races, which was the crucial factor. In Abu Dhabi, we will return to standard conditions, so we can hope for a better outcome."
However, many view this explanation as a significant understatement.
Aston dismisses Honda delay speculation as Newey takes action.
"He was an additional engineer assisting our team."
Aston Martin has discreetly refuted a rumor circulating in the paddock regarding Honda's preparedness for the initial pre-season tests of 2026. This theory, brought up in Qatar by former Alpine chief Marcin Budkowski, who is now with Eleven Sports, suggested that Aston would publicly attribute any delay to Adrian Newey needing more time on the car, while privately attributing the problem to Honda. The team denied this assertion and did not provide any further comments.
Newey’s unexpected promotion to team principal for 2026 surprised many in the paddock, and his presence in Qatar—only his second appearance at a 2025 race—aligned with a notably strong performance by Fernando Alonso, who finished seventh.
"He hasn’t officially started yet," Alonso remarked to AS.
"He was an additional engineer assisting our team."
Aston Martin has discreetly refuted a rumor circulating in the paddock regarding Honda's preparedness for the initial pre-season tests of 2026. This theory, brought up in Qatar by former Alpine chief Marcin Budkowski, who is now with Eleven Sports, suggested that Aston would publicly attribute any delay to Adrian Newey needing more time on the car, while privately attributing the problem to Honda. The team denied this assertion and did not provide any further comments.
Newey’s unexpected promotion to team principal for 2026 surprised many in the paddock, and his presence in Qatar—only his second appearance at a 2025 race—aligned with a notably strong performance by Fernando Alonso, who finished seventh.
"He hasn’t officially started yet," Alonso remarked to AS.