Jaguar’s Mitch Evans has revealed his delight at scoring his unlikely victory in the Sao Paulo Formula E-Prix, confirming issues with his car almost prevented him from winning the race.

Evans’s prospects at Formula E’s season 11 opener looked bleak after disastrous qualifying saw him start last on the grid for Saturday’s race, the chances of points unrealistic at best.

Instead, he became the first driver in FE history to win a race from the back of the grid after a storming drive through the field, overtaking multiple cars in the first three laps.

Capitalising on two red flags in a chaotic race, Evans led after an incident involving team-mate Nick Cassidy and reigning champion Pascal Wehrlein led to the second Jaguar retiring.

Seeing off the Tag Heuer Porsche of Antonio Felix Da Costa in the tense final laps, Evans won the race by just three-tenths of a second to seal an unlikely and well-deserved victory.

When asked by Motorsport Week if he is proud to have become the first winner starting from last place after his nadir of qualifying, he confirmed his delight at the achievement while also revealing car issues.

“Massively”, Evans confirmed. “Look, the result was definitely unexpected, so that always is a nice feeling. We had a tough couple of days with reliability, once in practice, then again in qualifying, so definitely some things to work on with that. 

“But there was definitely some concerns going into the race, whether I would actually finish or not, off the back of those two kind of mishaps in qualifying and practice. And also just based off previous events, even though it’s kind of what we call a peloton-ish race, I’m not allowed to say that, but it’s kind of like one of those races at the front or on the top ten,” he joked.

A race to progress

Evans also explained he expected a challenging afternoon but said his lightning-fast progression through his rivals transformed his race, citing attack mode as his secret weapon:

“Traditionally, it’s not really been at the back. It’s been very hard to progress from kind of outside the top 12. So I was expecting a tough race. I mean, it was tough. But I guess, the attack mode stuff really opened up things massively, as we saw.. also really helped, I had a strong few laps opening the race. 

 I made up, I think, ten places within three laps or two laps, so that really changed the dynamic of my race. So obviously pretty amazing to come through from the back like that in a really strategic race, very hard to manage.

Evans acknowledged the stoppages that gave him opportunities to progress, taking advantage of the chaos around him the restarts to move up the order en route to his victory.

He credited his engineer for updating him on the attack mode deployment of his rivals, admitting he improvised as the chaos unfolded around him, while also defending from da Costa.

“Obviously, we had a few stoppages as well. So just trying to think on my feet a lot throughout the race with the attack modes and trying to learn as everyone was going through them and trying to get an understanding of the race.

“I had good comments from my engineer to kind of give me an understanding of where everyone was at in terms of energies and attack modes. So yeah, to get the victory was, one, unexpected, and two, pretty special considering the circumstance that we had throughout the weekend,” he concluded.

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Formula 1 driver salaries have been revealed this week, with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris enjoying spectacular financial rewards after their thrilling battle for the Drivers’ Championship.

F1 drivers demand a sizeable salary due to the dangerous nature of their profession, remuneration dramatically increasing the higher up the grid they progress, with wins and titles at stake.

Given their sensitive nature, almost no factual data exists on driver salaries, the below are estimates from Forbes and Formula Money, calculated to be a realistic representation of earnings.

Anyone who has played the modern or classic F1 Manager games will be familiar with how drivers earn their wages, a core salary with a bonus structure applied as an additional benefit.

Bonuses can be where the real money is, as a driver can earn additional income from pole positions, race wins, championship wins, and a share of the Constructors’ Championship payout.

The two 2024 title contenders are in a strong negotiating position to firm up their already healthy bank account, as they look set to capitalise on a strong season on and off the track.

1. Max Verstappen: $75m

Annual Salary: $60m, Bonuses: $15m

Unsurprisingly, Verstappen tops the list as F1’s most expensive driver, following his fourth successive world title this season, although he had to wait until Las Vegas to be crowned.

Without question, the best driver in F1 at present, the Dutchman more than justifies his hefty price tag, reportedly giving him a bonus that takes him within touching distance of earning $100m.

2024 was a more challenging year for Verstappen, battling a car that could prove uncompetitive at specific circuits while dominating others, but his salary keeps him at the top of another leaderboard.

Contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, he has maintained the stance that he will likely not sign beyond when this expires, potentially leaving the sport just after he turns 30.

With so much success on the track, the question does need to be asked of just how much Verstappen could earn before he leaves F1 and if he can cross the mythical $100m threshold.

2. Lewis Hamilton: $57m

Annual Salary: $55m, Bonuses: $2m

F1’s statistically most successful driver commands a handsome salary for his services yet receives minimal bonus payments, but look deeper and a bigger picture emerges.

Hamilton has business ventures away from the F1 circuit, which keeps his bank account healthy, including his production company and his own clothing line within Tommy Hilfiger.

Ferrari aims for the seven-time World Champion to bring this marketability to Maranello when he arrives next month in a sport where money talks in equal measure to on-track results.

The exact figures of his new salary at Ferrari are a closely guarded secret, but it is reported he could topple Verstappen off the top of the earnings leader board, with a generous pay package.

3. Lando Norris: $35m

Annual Salary: $12m, Bonuses: $23m

Norris’ success has resulted in his bonus payments earning him more than his standard salary, no doubt pleasing the young Briton as he reflects on his unsuccessful title bid this season.

Winning four races this season and contributing substantially to McLaren’s first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, he must iron out first-lap mistakes to launch a sustained bid to dethrone Verstappen.

But his strong performances have increased his stock, and the runner-up in the Drivers’ standings can demand yet more of a base salary next season as he and McLaren chase both titles.

Not as prolific off-track with his ventures as Hamilton, Norris runs Quadrant, a highly successful lifestyle and entertainment business appealing to Gen Z and millennials that continues to grow.

4. Fernando Alonso: $27.5m

Annual Salary: $24m, Bonuses: $3.5m

Aston Martin has seemingly limitless pockets under Lawrence Stroll, and as F1’s oldest driver, having debuted in 2001, Alonso can demand a salary that reflects his vast experience.

2024 was nothing short of a disaster for the two-time World Champion and Aston Martin, which saw the team’s dramatic decline in form from 2023 continue, cut adrift from the top teams.

But it is Alonso’s aggressive driving that can save the team’s blushes, as even the slightest hint of a strong result is enough for him to push beyond his car’s capabilities and salvage a result.

Opportunities for Alonso to shine are few and far between with the team’s current trajectory, but he and owner Stroll are banking on the services of Adrian Newey to win his first race since 2013.

5. Charles Leclerc: $27m

Annual Salary: $15m, Bonuses: $12m

Ferrari drivers earn big money, but with that comes the expectation and responsibility to represent the almost religious following enjoyed by the iconic brand in Italy and around the world.

Leclerc’s three race wins and three pole positions in 2024 have integrated him into the Ferrari hall of fame, his salary reflecting the prestige he continues to bring to the Scuderia as it pushes for title glory.

His performance in Abu Dhabi showcased how badly he wants to win the title with the team that has supported him since childhood, dejected after finishing third despite starting 19th.

While he drives with passion, Leclerc will continue to earn his high salary, but like Norris, he stands on the cusp of entering the big leagues, where he can demand a massive pay review for 2025.

Lower top salaries

George Russell and Oscar Piastri line up in sixth and seventh respectively, with combined incomes of $23m and $22m, Piastri will likely see a sizeable increase after taking two wins in 2024.

Sergio Perez comes in at the eighth spot, earning a combined $19.5m, a factor in his desire to cling to the Red Bull seat that looks more precarious with every passing day.

The Mexican finished in the lowest position to a World Champion team-mate since Jos Verstappen in 1994, when Max’s father finished an ironic eighth in the Drivers’ standings.

Carlos Sainz was next in the ninth spot, coming at $19m, while Alpine’s top driver Pierre Gasly rounded off the top-10 on a still very respectable overall package of $12m.

READ MORE: Lando Norris: Any driver who labels 24-race F1 calendar tough is ‘lying’

The post Top F1 salaries revealed: Max Verstappen and Lando Norris pocket big bonuses after title wins appeared first on Motorsport Week.

In an action-packed race, McLaren sealed the Constructors’ Championship at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While many drivers excelled under the lights of Yas Marina, others floundered, while some prepared to say goodbye to the sport for good. Here are the winners and losers of the 2024 F1 Abu Dhabi GP.

Lando Norris: 10

Grid Position P1, Race Result P1

Much like Damon Hill after his title defeat to Michael Schumacher in 1995, Norris appeared reinvigorated in Abu Dhabi, knowing the championship was settled. But with the opportunity to seal McLaren’s first Constructors’ title in 26 years with victory in Yas Marina, the Briton needed a flawless drive. Given his apparent meltdown under pressure in Brazil, all eyes were on Norris to see if he could withstand the pressure of another title decider.

Nailing his start, he immediately began to control his pace and tyres, always having an answer to Carlos Sainz’s efforts to spook him. Creating a five-second cushion to the Spaniard, he was able to react a lap later than Ferrari throughout the race as a result. He only lost his lead during his pit stops, and never looked under pressure. He romped to the chequered flag almost six seconds ahead of the Ferrari, securing second place in the Drivers’ Championship as the icing on the cake.

Abu Dhabi showcased a calm, collected, and unfazed Norris. This is a stark contrast to the driver who threw away his slim title hopes in Sao Paulo and struggled to hold on to pole positions at race starts. If he replicates Yas Marina-like performances in 2025, rectifies his starts, and learns to deal with Verstappen’s aggression, a sustained title fight will be on the cards – a flawless and effortless drive.

Oscar Piastri: 7

Grid Position P2, Race Result P10

Piastri’s race effectively ended at the first corner after Max Verstappen’s somewhat ill-judged divebomb down the inside of the McLaren. Sent spinning to the back of the field, his evening spiralled after colliding with the Williams of Franco Colapinto and receiving a 10-second penalty.

Fitting the hard tyres, he struggled to pass the Aston Martins, but once clear of Lance Stroll, he managed to secure a solitary point in the closing laps—an unfortunate final race in what has been a strong sophomore year for Piastri. But recovering to 10th after that terrible start demonstrates there is more to come from Piastri next season. He also joins a very elite club, completing every racing lap in 2024. Only Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen can boast this achievement – not bad names to be associated with.

Carlos Sainz: 9.5

Grid Position P3, Race Result P2

Sainz likely could hardly believe his luck as two of his biggest rivals for the evening disappeared off-track in front of him. Now, with only Norris ahead, a charge would help seal the title. Neither he nor Ferrari had the pace to challenge Norris despite his heroic efforts. Pushing his SF-24 to the limit for the entirety of the race, Sainz eventually burned through his tyre performance and dropped back by the chequered flag.

It was a noble effort, hindered only by a mystery drop-off pace caused by a non-existent puncture. As he prepares to switch to Williams, the Abu Dhabi GP showcased Sainz’s skill and determination. Being forced out of a team to make way for Lewis Hamilton is tough, but the Spaniard can be proud of his final race in red.

Charles Leclerc: 9

Grid Position P19, Race Result P3

Storming through the field at a spectacular rate, Leclerc’s performance in the Abu Dhabi GP kept fans of McLaren and Ferrari on tenterhooks. Finding immense raw speed, the Monegasque carved his way through the pack to move into the top 10 in the opening lap. His overtakes were decisive, clean and of minimal risk, which is more than can be said for several of his rivals on Sunday evening.

Although he failed to catch his team-mate, Leclerc reaching third place on merit after starting on the back row of the grid is a spectacular achievement. Understandably devasted at the chequered flag, his driving in Yas Marina will give him confidence as he prepares to welcome Lewis Hamilton to Maranello in January. The only mark on his card for the weekend was a track limits breach in qualifying, which prevented his advancement to Q3.

Lewis Hamilton: 9

Grid Position P16, Race Result P4

In his last race for Mercedes, Hamilton’s race was nothing short of inspiring. Moving up to 12th after the first couple of laps, he had a similarly busy afternoon of overtaking at the restart. Carving his way through the field, his overtakes and strategic calls put him in a perfect position to pounce for a top-four finish at the end of the race. His legendary tyre and pace management closed down a gap of over 15 seconds to his team-mate in 27 laps.

His final lap overtake on George Russell at the same corner where he lost the title in 2021 will have likely proven highly satisfying. Emotional at the end of the race following his donuts on the grid, Hamilton hopes to rectify his qualifying woes before he heads to Bahrain for his debut in red next season. Although not to blame for his Q1 exit thanks to a loose bollard caught under his car and poor session management by his team, the Briton needs to rectify his qualifying woes.

George Russell: 7

Grid Position P6, Race Result P5

Russell’s race weekend was hindered by Mercedes’ choice to run experimental set-ups on his W15. While his teammate stormed through the field, Russell failed to make any meaningful progress. He proved unable to pass Pierre Gasly until the Frenchman pitted despite multiple attempts. Russell then ran comfortably ahead of Verstappen, but unable to catch Sainz, he emerged behind the Alpine after the pit stops.

Finally passing on Lap 27, his pace disappeared in the final phase of the race, allowing Hamilton to steam by. This is not the way he would have wanted to end the year and he will need to dig deep as he becomes the team leader at Brackley.

Max Verstappen: 5

Grid Position P4, Race Result P6

Verstappen’s lunge down the inside of Piastri at the first corner can be likened to a newly qualified driver switching lanes on the motorway without checking their mirrors. An entirely uncalled-for and misguided manoeuvre, it wrecked both his and Piastri’s evenings. The 10-second penalty for causing the collision was met with trademark petulance equivalent to a child throwing his toy out of his pram. Calling the stewards “stupid idiots” will go down with officials as well as a vegetable filling in an exquisite chocolate cake.

Recovering to sixth place at the chequered flag minimised the damage of a poor afternoon for the reigning World Champion, and his apology to Piastri post-race will have helped diffuse the situation. But stating he was fully alongside the McLaren into the corner was condemned by commentators and pundits alike, Verstappen clearly on a different plain of reality. Questions will once again be asked about his driving standards, which is far from ideal going into the off-season.

Sergio Perez: 3

Grid Position P10, Race Result DNF

It is impossible to rate Perez purely on his Sunday given his race was over halfway around the first lap, but 10th in qualifying isn’t what the doctor ordered. Spun around by the Sauber of Valtteri Bottas, the damage to his RB20 forced his retirement. On an evening when the Mexican needed a miracle performance, his immediate future in F1 looks set to come to a whimpering conclusion. The board meeting taking place in the immediate aftermath of Abu Dhabi will now decide his fate. But Perez must realise, despite his denials, that his F1 career is wrecked.

Pierre Gasly: 9.5

Grid Position P5, Race Result P7

Gasly executed a perfect race, placing his Alpine in precisely the right places to keep Russell behind him for 27 laps, even beating the Mercedes out of the pits and requiring to be overtaken. Only the top teams finished ahead of the Frenchman, in a dream result that secured Alpine sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship. After the nadir of the first few races, this is a just result for a driver and team that has transformed in the second half of the season. Gasly is also the only driver to not incur any crash damage in 2024, which is quite an achievement considering the competitive nature of F1’s midfield.

Jack Doohan: 4

Grid Position P17, Race Result P15

Doohan’s first Grand Prix was a baptism of fire, where he would either sink or swim. The result resembled frantically kicking above the water’s surface with armbands on. While not a stellar performance, the Australian needed to get acquainted with the ins and outs of F1 races. That said, the chasm in pace difference to Gasly across a full race weekend will be of concern to Alpine as it targets consistent points finishes in its final year as a works Renault team in 2025.

Nico Hulkenberg: 7

Grid Position P7, Race Result P8

After his somewhat disappointing outing in Qatar, Hulkenberg delivered one final solid performance for Haas. His misdemeanour in the pit lane tunnel cost him fourth place on the grid, hindering his efforts in Yas Marina. Unable to pass Gasly’s Alpine after the first corner melee, Haas’ battle for sixth place in the Constructors’ effectively ended on the first lap. Once passed by the likes of Leclerc, Hamilton and Verstappen, eighth place would always be the maximum result possible.

Kevin Magnussen: 5.5

Grid Position P14, Race Result P16

Magnussen’s race started with promise, and hopes of a double points finish for Haas. Moving up to seventh by the time the Virtual Safety Car was deployed on Lap 2, his race spectacularly unravelled. Dropping down the order after the restart, his race and F1 career ended on a disappointing note, becoming the second victim of Bottas’s mission to cause as much damage as a teenager playing Grand Theft Auto. It was an unfortunate exit for the Dane, whose aggression and straight-talking nature will be missed by the paddock as he begins a new chapter in sportscars with BMW.

Fernando Alonso: 9

Grid Position P8, Race Result P9

With the lack of competitiveness of the AMR24, a points finish would be a tall order for Alonso at the Abu Dhabi GP. He took full advantage of the first corner melee and embarked on a mission to keep Piastri’s McLaren behind him for the rest of the evening. Despite the vast pace difference between the Aston Martin and McLaren, Alonso managed his pace and finished just a second ahead of the Australian. Executing an almost perfect race, barring a few minor excursions off-track in the opening stages, his race is an indication of his prowess if given the right car.

Lance Stroll: 4

Grid Position P13, Race Result P14

Stroll had one job in Yas Marina: hold up Oscar Piastri for as long as possible to guarantee Alonso a points finish. Fulfilling his task perfectly, his pit stop relegated him to the lower order, where he would remain for the rest of the race, while his team-mate once again outraced him to finish in the points. Stroll called 2024 a challenging year; there have been fewer understatements across this season that match this observation – his place in F1 continues to be debated and will be while his performances are so poor.

Alex Albon: 6

Grid Position P18, Race Result P11

Albon’s final race of 2024 proved underwhelming at best. His struggles with Williams continued, and his lack of pace ensured he could not challenge for points on an afternoon where all but one of the team’s rivals managed to. Given almost no airtime during the race, he appeared when being passed by the likes of Piastri rather than when making any progress. Albon must raise his game now Sainz is arriving in the garage next door.

Franco Colapinto: 4

Grid Position P20, Race Result DNF

Starting from the back, Colapinto needed to keep out of trouble, and hope other drivers did the same as he aimed to end his Williams career on a high. Sadly for him, being rear-ended by Piastri in the opening laps severely damaged his car, leading to his retirement. What started out as a promising debut fizzled away for the young Argentine, but his name keeps cropping up in connection with an RB seat next season. For now, at least, an eventful F1 debut has ended.

Yuki Tsunoda: 5

Grid Position P11, Race Result P12

Tsunoda and RB were hopeful of points at the Abu Dhabi GP. However, this evaporated for the Japanese driver after he dropped positions at the start as his anti-stall system kicked in and needed to recover lost ground. But his lack of pace prevented this, and although a Herculean effort saw him get to the fringes of the points, he was never going to be able to challenge the likes of Piastri once the McLaren caught him in the closing stages.

Liam Lawson: 5

Grid Position P12, Race Result DNF

Sometimes the racing gods can decide to be cruel. Lawson fell victim to their whims in the season’s final race, first suffering a loose wheel after his pit stop, resulting in a 10-second stop-go penalty. Parking his car on the side of the track with smoke billowing from the rear only rubbed salt in the wound. Unfortunately, his pace in between his various malaises did not allow for a recovery drive through the field. Lawson will return to F1 next season, but whether in RB or Red Bull remains to be seen.

Zhou Guanyu: 6

Grid Position P15, Race Result P13

Making up two places at the start, Zhou’s run of good form look set to end his F1 career on a high. But a severe lack of pace saw him unable to push forward, and like Albon, rarely featured in the evening’s action. But finishing three seconds behind Tsunoda is an achievement and highlights the growth from him and Sauber in the second half of the year. He will not be on the grid next season, but Zhou did himself proud in Abu Dhabi.

Valtteri Bottas: 3

Grid Position P9, Race Result DNF

After qualifying in 9th, Sunday evening could and should have been a swansong for the Finn and a display of his vast experience. Instead, his race turned into a demolition derby. Spinning around Perez’s Red Bull put him on the backfoot, only then to finish his afternoon of destruction by clattering into Magnussen’s Haas. If Bottas does return to the grid in the years to come, he will have the ignominy of serving a five-place grid penalty.

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Fernando Alonso has criticised how Formula 1’s broadcaster, FOM, portrays him through the use of “grumpy” radio exchanges at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Alonso and Aston Martin endured a challenging start to the season finale weekend in Abu Dhabi, with the AMR24 proving to be significantly off the pace during practice.

After finishing 11th in the first session, he dropped to 17th in FP2, struggling for speed in qualifying and race simulations, leading to predictions of a tough weekend.

The situation failed to improve in the final session on Saturday morning, with Alonso angrily taking to the radio after the chequered flag to voice his displeasure at his team.

In scenes reminiscent of his infamous “GP engine” radio outburst aimed at Honda during his ill-fated McLaren spell in 2015, Alonso ruthlessly attacked the execution of his running plan.

The Spaniard radioed his team while returning to the pits, voicing his frustrations over Aston Martin’s spectacular decline that has left it a distant fifth in the Constructors’ Championship.

“Worst car ever, and worst traffic preparation ever. Next time I will do the out-lap myself,” he cuttingly stated.

Displeasure with FOM

After qualifying, Alonso explained the reasoning behind his outburst, stating that traffic caused him frustration, attacking FOM over his constant negative image.

The two-time World Champion accused F1’s broadcaster of having a “fix” at promoting negative comments, revealing his issue with how it has portrayed him for a number of years.

“It was a bad traffic”, Alonso said. “It was a frustration building.

“But yeah, as usual, you know, some comments are good, some comments are bad, but FOM has this fix with me, with bad comments – but I’m happy with that. It’s their job.

“Yesterday I had some positive things [to say] as well but as I said, FOM, they have to sell that I’m the grumpy guy. They tried for many years and they will not succeed.

“I didn’t have a good time [in practice] but I think all these conversations are very private with your engineer. You are trying sometimes different things.

“You speak about some out-lap preparations that maybe I don’t agree with the engineers.

“They want to try anyway, it doesn’t work. So you tell them, ‘Wow, you know this – we knew it beforehand’, or something like that.

“But when you don’t have all that context behind and you just put the radio message, it’s just wrong. But it is the way they do it,” he remarked.

Rescuing a potentially difficult qualifying

The Spaniard later praised Aston Martin for turning around its performance nadir at the start of the weekend after he reached Q3 and outqualifed the likes of Sergio Perez to line up eighth.

“We seemed to find the right window with the car in Qualifying and I am happy to start in eighth position tomorrow,” Alonso confirmed.

“The car has been quite disconnected this weekend, and so we made some setup changes overnight.

“The car felt much better tonight and I managed to put in some good laps to progress to Q3.

“We will try our best to enjoy the final race of the season tomorrow and hopefully score some more points.”

READ MORE: Nico Hulkenberg handed three-place grid penalty for F1 Abu Dhabi GP

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Charles Leclerc is demanding a perfect weekend from Ferrari in order to beat McLaren to the Constructors’ Championship at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Ferrari could take its first Constructors’ title since 2008, but it has to overhaul a 21-point deficit to McLaren under the lights in Yas Marina to end the 16-year drought.

The scale of the task is not lost on the Scuderia, with Carlos Sainz stating on Thursday that only a perfectly executed weekend by the team can take Ferrari ahead of McLaren.

However, with Leclerc just eight points behind Lando Norris, he has an opportunity to match his best championship position since his failed title bid in 2022.

But in a blow to his weekend, a battery problem kept Leclerc in the garage for much of the first practice session on Friday, resulting in a 10-place grid penalty.

Speaking to media including Motorsport Week on Thursday, Leclerc agreed with his team-mate on the need for perfection, but admitted securing a 1-2 and the title is “a stretch”.

“Yeah, I do agree. I think on our side, we need to do everything perfect, that’s for sure and by doing everything perfect, I really mean it,” he said.

“I think we need to do first and second this weekend.

“We need things to not go exactly the way they want in McLaren because on paper, they will be strong on this track as well.

“It’s also true that we’ve never won here, I think, in Abu Dhabi since a very, very long time.

“So, there’s quite a lot of work. It’s not impossible.

“I think we’ve had the right approach in the last few races and we’ve taken some points even on the weekend where we did not expect to do so.

“On this weekend, we are a bit more neutral and we think that it’s going to be a positive weekend for us.

So, I really hope that is the case and that we can take that opportunity in order to win the championship. But it’s a stretch, for sure.”

Perfect way to end the season?

Despite the title being attainable, Leclerc said winning the title would not equate to a perfect 2024, despite highlighting what he called a “high level” of execution in races.

“A perfect season? No,” he retorted.

“Because I would only rate a perfect season if we win and even when we win the Drivers’ and the Constructors’, probably there’s always something we can do better.

“So, not a perfect season. However, a very good season in terms of execution-wise. I think we executed always at a very, very high level.

“This is why today we are still in the fight for the Constructors’ because if you look at the performance in itself, at the beginning of the season, I don’t think we would have believed anybody that would have said that we would be in the fight for the Constructors’ at the last race.

“The performance was not good enough. However, we worked extremely well.

“We had a really massive improvement throughout the year and in the difficult weekends, we didn’t demotivate ourselves. We maximized all the points possible.”

READ MORE: Ferrari F1 title hopes dashed by Charles Leclerc 10-place grid drop in Abu Dhabi

The post Charles Leclerc: Ferrari has to target perfection in Abu Dhabi to win F1 title appeared first on Motorsport Week.

Fernando Alonso has jumped to the defence of George Russell as the relationship between the Mercedes driver and Max Verstappen continued to deteriorate ahead of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Russell and Verstappen have been engaged in a vicious war of words since Verstappen lost pole position in Qatar, accusing the British driver of having different personas depending on if he is around officials or media.

The situation has deteriorated further heading into Abu Dhabi this weekend, with Verstappen doubling down on his criticism, stating he had “no regrets at all” over his remarks that he has lost respect for his rival.

Russell, however, has hit back this week with the shocking claim that Verstappen told him after meeting him in the stewards’ room that would “put me on my f***ing head in the wall’” in the race in Lusail.

In an attempt to calm the growing tensions, F1 veteran Alonso said the issue can be traced back to decision-making by the stewards, calling out the inconsistency of the penalties awarded during race weekends.

Speaking to media on Thursday, including Motorsport Week, Alonso, when reacting to Verstappen’s initial comments about Russell’s “double face” personas, did not agree with Verstappen’s statement.

“No, I don’t think so. I think George is a great driver, great person,” Alonso said. ” I’m a good friend of George as well.

“I don’t think that he’s showing different faces here and there.

” I think it’s more about what Max probably agrees with me that I said many times, that some of the penalties are a little bit not consistent in terms of, you know, if you have that one episode in Qatar and then you go to the next event and you replicate exactly the same episode, which you can replicate by yourself.

“You can induce that episode driving, then you don’t get the same result in terms of penalties,” he remarked.

Time needed to implement change

Alonso explained the lack of consistency could lead to frustration amongst the drivers but said with the new F1 Race Director Rui Marques implementing change; he was hopeful of more consistency.

“So, that’s the frustration that we sometimes have,” Alonso admitted.

“But recently we changed the race director, we changed also some of the people in the stewards’ room.

“So, hopefully all those changes are for good and to improve this consistency that we are asking.

“So we need to give them a little bit of time as well. And hopefully, here and next year, we have a more consistent and better outcomes”, he concluded.

READ MORE: Lando Norris ‘enjoys’ watching Max Verstappen, George Russell confrontation

The post Fernando Alonso defends George Russell amid escalating Max Verstappen feud appeared first on Motorsport Week.

Formula 1 is preparing to wrap up an intriguing and unpredictable season, with the Constructors’ Championship battle just the tip of the iceberg of the stakes to be decided at the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Yas Marina Circuit has a chequered history of providing action despite its long-standing slot as the season finale but has settled numerous championships since its first F1 race in 2009.

Yet another will be decided in 2024, and with the unpredictability of competitiveness across the top teams, extracting the maximum performance from the car will be critical to gain even the slightest advantage.

Multiple teams and drivers have high-stakes deciders in Abu Dhabi, with millions of dollars available to be won or lost in an instant, and perfect performances are needed from all to secure the best result.

McLaren vs Ferrari: The decider

Not since 2008 have the two former titans of F1 headed into the season finale battling for the Constructors’ Championship. Massive prize money and prestige are on offer and now within agonising reach.

Ferrari held an eight-point advantage that year going into the final round but must make up a 21-point deficit to its rival in 2024, requiring absolute perfection to seal its first title since 2008. McLaren’s drought goes back further. Not since 1998 has the Constructors’ Championship trophy resided in Woking, a statistic that has hurt long-time McLaren team members who still remember the glory days.

The question of who will emerge victorious is exceptionally tricky to predict. Both teams have been equally matched in the final few races, demonstrated by Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc in Qatar. Ferrari ultimately won the duel as McLaren threw away precious points.

Ferrari and McLaren have a history of strong performances at Yas Marina, although Ferrari has had a better record in recent years. Charles Leclerc finished second last season, a feat he will want to repeat, while McLaren has struggled to reach the top five but won back in 2012 with Jenson Button.

Ferrari’s 21-point gap to McLaren requires Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to dig deep for the Scuderia to deliver. Piastri and Norris must ensure they finish ahead of both red cars while avoiding any avoidable entanglements on track.

Watching these two powerhouses of F1 duel once again for ultimate glory will be fascinating. The tension is likely to be felt from the media day on Thursday. Only perfection will deliver the title. No matter who wins, the celebrations at dethroning Red Bull will go long into the night.

FIA and Race Control under scrutiny

The increasing backlash after Race Control failed to deploy a Virtual Safety Car following Alex Albon’s mirror detaching from his Williams shows no sign of abating. Instead, it threatens to continue in Abu Dhabi as scrutiny over decision-making once again comes under the microscope.

The stewards were correct in all of their decisions in Qatar, but these took far too long. Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz had their races ruined when they ran over the debris and punctured their tyres, forcing race control to act – far too late.

In Abu Dhabi, however, a title decider is on the line. This is not a race where the farce of Qatar can happen again, a factor that will not be lost on the FIA, particularly after a somewhat controversial race at the last finale title decider in 2021. A smooth and competent race is needed from the FIA in this race for a multitude of reasons.

If McLaren and Ferrari find themselves on the wrong side of the stewards or Race Control, the decision needs to be made quickly and efficiently so no debate breaks out. Although rules on contacting Race Control have tightened up in recent years, both teams will not hesitate to radio if they feel wronged.

The FIA will want to avoid the Constructors’ Championship being decided in the steward’s office at all costs. Not only does this detract from the racing, but it will add to the heat surrounding decision-making by officials.

Lando vs Charles: The battle for second in the championship

Just eight points separates Norris and Leclerc ahead of the season finale, setting up an enthralling race under the lights. Both drivers are tied on three wins apiece in 2024, and either could realistically take victory in Yas Marina.

Norris has the better qualifying record in recent races but struggles to hold the lead into the first corner, or indeed, at the end of the first lap. Concerns continue to circulate over Norris’ ability to sustain pressure or race in heated combat, and with the runner-up spot in the standings available for the taking, the British driver will aim to silence his critics.

He has the potential to be unbeatable on his day, and his imperious performance in Zandvoort proves that. But again, he had to retake the lead, having lost the lead to Verstappen at the start of the race. Singapore, although similarly dominant, masked multiple near misses with the barrier.

Leclerc has proven his consistency in the second half of the season, pulling off spectacular overtakes, but still missing the finesse that can transform him into a World Champion. Crashes were his Achilles heel a few years ago, but these have been ironed out for the most part, barring his Baku practice crash.

2024 has been a vast improvement on his dire 2022 championship bid, with fewer mistakes. His form in recent races has been stellar, but his temper can sometimes get the better of him in races. His fiery radio exchanges in multiple races, including in Las Vegas, will not help him this weekend.

Abu Dhabi will test Leclerc and Norris’s skills and mental strength as they seek to be runner-up to Max Verstappen in the standings and win the Constructors’ Championship for their team.

Farewells, goodbyes and a new face

The Abu Dhabi GP sees several drivers racing for the final time for their current teams or preparing to leave the grid altogether. These drivers will want to go out on a high and give something back to the mechanics who have worked tirelessly for them over a number of years.

Esteban Ocon is not in this group following his sacking by Alpine in the wake of a disastrous Qatar GP. Instead, he will be eagerly awaiting the test post-race, while his replacement, Jack Doohan, will be introduced to the grid and will seek to use the grand prix as a learning experience for 2025.

For others, the weekend will have a different feel. Lewis Hamilton will aim for a better result in Yas Marina, following a concerning dip in form, as he prepares to switch to Ferrari from Mercedes. Having almost parked the car in Qatar, the seven-time World Champion will want a competitive outing to see out his highly successful ten seasons at the Silver Arrows. Nico Hulkenberg will also want a good performance before he leaves for Sauber.

At the other end of the grid, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, and Kevin Magnussen are bidding a final goodbye to the grid, all having lost their race seats for 2025. The former two potentially may have new roles lined up in a testing capacity, but Magnussen looks set to bid farewell to the grid entirely. All will want to go out in style, and Magnussen’s trademark aggression should make for interesting viewing.

Franco Colapinto will be out to prove a point after a challenging run of form. He is rumoured to have a place on the grid next season if he can showcase the credentials from earlier in the second half of the year.

The battle for sixth in the championship

The battle for Constructors’ Championship glory in Abu Dhabi is not isolated to the front of the grid. Three teams have a chance of securing sixth in the standings when the chequered flag falls, with tens of millions of dollars at stake.

Alpine currently hold the position, five points ahead of Haas. The Enstone-based team has transformed since its US GP upgrade, fielding a far more competitive car, particularly in the hands of Pierre Gasly. But with a new driver making their debut, they have the most to lose this weekend.

Haas has enjoyed a vastly improved season following its finish at the bottom of last year’s standings. A solid midfield team, the outfit has struggled to get both Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg into the points simultaneously. One driver has scored a significant haul on the occasional weekend, but rarely together. Both drivers will need to score to have any chance of overhauling Alpine.

RB are the outlier in the battle, with a disastrous Qatar GP increasing the gap to 13 points. While mathematically possible, it is a tall order for the team to catch Alpine. The VCARB 01’s pace has fallen away in the last few races, and Liam Lawson’s performances have left much to be desired in recent rounds. While Yuki Tsunoda’s performances continue to impress as he targets the Red Bull seat, he will need a miracle to move the team out of seventh in the standings.

Sergio Perez – A final race in all but name

It is almost an open secret that Red Bull will drop Sergio Perez after this weekend. Paddock whisperers, fans and pundits have all concluded the Mexican’s days in F1 are numbered. But Perez himself maintains he will race for the team next season.

Such has been the dire nature of his year; taking Perez’s points out of the equation, with Red Bull only running Verstappen’s car, the team would still lie third in the standings going into the weekend. He has cost Red Bull the championship this year, including the tens of millions of extra dollars in prize money.

Denial is powerful, but pride is the only thing keeping him from announcing his retirement. Christian Horner has stated in the media that Perez should know his situation in the team by now, and a board meeting after the race will ultimately decide his fate.

But his future has already been decided, and the writing is very much on the wall. Unless, by some miracle, he wins the Abu Dhabi GP, his seat cannot be saved. If and when the announcement comes, it will bring to an end a career that started back in 2011 for Sauber.

If Perez accepts his career with Red Bull is over and acknowledges this publicly, he can leave the sport with dignity. However, much like his season, any chance to save the situation has long since passed.

The post Six key talking points ahead of the F1 Abu Dhabi GP appeared first on Motorsport Week.

The Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix will be remembered for its action-packed and controversial moments. Behind Max Verstappen, drivers either excelled or buckled under the pressure as the end-of-season stakes ramped up. Here are the winners and losers of the chaotic 2024 Qatar GP.

Max Verstappen: 10

Grid Position P2, Race Result P1

Verstappen took to the grid in Qatar, wanting revenge for what he saw as a deliberate attempt to disadvantage him in qualifying. Delivering on his promise, he took the lead into the first corner and never relinquished it. His victory was flawless, and his trademark aggression returned as he got his elbows defending from an eager Lando Norris. His moves were hard but fair, turning the page on his Mexico misdemeanours.

All great World Champions can ride out a challenging race, and the Dutchman navigated the malaise others suffered with complete ease, having the foresight to notice that Norris had not slowed under double-waved yellow flags on Lap 31. A mature race from Verstappen, this is the kind of race the newly crowned four-time World Champion is known for.

The difference in driveability between the sprint and Grand Prix showcased how quickly fortunes can turn around in F1, his RB20 looking a different car on Sunday compared to Saturday. With one round left, Verstappen has the car to sign off another successful year in considerable style next weekend.

Sergio Perez: 3

Grid Position P9, Race Result DNF

Perez sunk to new lows in Qatar. His Sprint Race start faux pas should have been the bottom of the barrel, but his retirement behind the Safety Car on Lap 40 rounded off the weekend that may have finally killed his career.

Before his mysterious retirement, Perez enjoyed a competitive race by his below-par standards in 2024, running in the top six and looked set for his best result since the start of the year. However, his forlorn radio message indicates he dropped the car himself before losing drive. Whether self-induced or a mechanical failure, Perez will be praying for a better overall weekend in what looks set to be his final race for Red Bull after a torrid year.

Pressure is mounting on Perez to announce his retirement without forcing Red Bull’s hand, but this is as likely as the Mexican taking part in a performance of The Nutcracker at the Royal Albert Hall.

Charles Leclerc: 9

Grid Position P5, Race Result P2

With his inspired drive in Qatar, Leclerc’s performance has kept Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championship aspirations alive. Moving past the McLaren of Oscar Piastri on the first lap, he battled with the Australian for much of the opening stages.

Passing the McLaren in the pits on Lap 36 under the Safety Car, he saw off a challenge from the McLaren at the restart and now primed to take advantage of any issues for the leading pair of Verstappen and Norris.

When Norris seemingly forgot where his brake pedal was, Leclerc stormed into second place at the chequered flag when the McLaren pitted for his penalty. Leclerc extracted the maximum from his car as he chases down the runner-up spot in the Drivers’ Championship.

Carlos Sainz: 6.5

Grid Position P7, Race Result P6

Sainz’s main achievement in Qatar was running over the mirror of Alex Albon. Mostly absent from the afternoon’s action, the Spaniard failed to make any real impression on the race while his team-mate shined under the lights.

Whilst bad luck contributed to the puncture that followed the contact with the detached mirror, his pace afterwards completely fell away, leading to the embarrassing loss of position to Pierre Gasly in the latter stages of the race, which he never recovered.

On a day where the gap to McLaren could have been reduced significantly, Sainz’s average performance will not have gone down well with the Scuderia. Hauling in the 21 points to McLaren in one race is a big ask, and needs both drivers to achieve this. While Sainz did indeed turn up in Qatar, the Spaniard appeared to miss the team memo about fighting at the front.

Oscar Piastri: 8.5

Grid Position P4, Race Result P3

While not at the same pace as team-mate Norris, Piastri’s performance in Qatar was strong. McLaren and Ferrari were closely matched in the race, and the epic battle between the Australian and Leclerc showcased the stakes in the championship. Although losing out to the Monegasque thanks to being on the wrong end of a Safety Car deployment, his consistent speed and drama-free race secured the final spot on the podium and played a significant part in keeping the gap to Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship above 20 points.

Lando Norris: 5

Grid Position P3 Race Result P9

Norris threw away his best chance at victory in several races in Qatar. Initially, he looked set for a strong result to put to bed whispers that he lacked the behaviours to challenge Max. Pulling off a bold move at the start on George Russell, he almost took the lead but backed out, opting to avoid a potential collision.

Caution was the name of the game for Norris, as he got dicey with Verstappen several times but never found a way past the Red Bull. Suffering from tunnel vision, his sole focus on passing Verstappen led to a lapse in concentration and forgetting how his brake pedal worked as he failed to slow down under yellow flags. The stewards’ punishment of a 10-second stop-and-go penalty destroyed his afternoon and will have hit his confidence.

He recovered to get back into the points but ultimately, Qatar became another example of Norris failing to maximise results in a strong car.

George Russell: 6.5

Grid Position P1 Race Result P4

Russell’s performance at Lusail was underwhelming at best and poor at its worst. Focused entirely on his increasingly volatile rivalry with Verstappen, Russell lost the lead at the first corner, with Norris steaming by to rub salt in the wound. Unable to keep up with the top two, he fell behind at a spectacular rate; his trademark complaints of grip once again shone as brightly as the lack of speed in his W15.

His team shares the blame for a below-par Sunday after bodging his pit stop, relegating him behind Piastri’s McLaren, with no hope of moving forward afterwards. Finishing just two seconds ahead of Gasly’s Alpine, the victory of Las Vegas will now be a distant memory.

Lewis Hamilton: 3

Grid Position P6 Race Result P12

Hamilton’s Mercedes career is ending in just one race’s time, with the motivation of the seven-time world champion called into question as his results continue to underwhelm. Admitting he fears his speed is terminally disappearing, his performance in Qatar will do nothing to quell those voicing concerns. His W15 spent the race going backwards without speed, downforce, and balance.

Combined with picking up a puncture after running over the debris caused by Albon’s mirror, a five-second penalty for a false start, and a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pit lane, it is easy to see why Hamilton had to be supposedly convinced to complete the race. Lack of motivation and a competitive car are leading to terrible performances for Hamilton, and he must improve before his switch to Ferrari.

Pierre Gasly: 9.5

Grid Position P11 Race Result P5

On an afternoon where a driver’s ability to keep their head could lead to a substantial points haul, Gasly’s performance was near flawless. Initially not able to move up the order, the Frenchman spent the first phase of the race on the fringes of the points. But as the pit stops approached, he found himself in eighth after stunning overtakes and in a position where he could capitalise on the chaos caused by Albon’s detached mirror. Battling hard with Sainz’s Ferrari, he forced an error from the Spaniard, leading to well-deserved fifth place at the finish.

Gasly looks rejuvenated as Alpine’s upgrades begin to pay dividends, and the potential of his alliance with the French team is at last showing its full potential.

Esteban Ocon: N/A

Grid Position P20 Race Result DNF

Ocon was an innocent victim in the first-corner clash between himself, Franco Colapinto and Nico Hulkenberg in what turned out to be his last race for Alpine. His subsequent release by the team with one race still left on his contract speaks volumes about the situation at Enstone and Ocon’s attitude. While team-mate Gasly enjoyed a strong weekend and a brilliant top-five finish, Ocon made life exceptionally difficult for himself by starting in 20th, with a challenging race the best he could hope for. His mindset will have fully switched to his Haas debut after Abu Dhabi.

Fernando Alonso: 8

Grid Position P8 Race Result P7

The Qatar GP showcased Alonso’s experience and raw speed once again as he wrestled his draggy AMR24 to a points finish. Although dropping down the order in the opening laps, he too took advantage of the chaos induced by race control’s failure to deploy a Virtual Safety car to deal with Albon’s mirror. Using all his experience and dogged determination, seventh place at the chequered flag was a good result for a car that has rapidly fallen down the competitive order.

Lance Stroll: 2

Grid Position P15 Race Result DNF

Stroll’s race was nothing short of an embarrassment. Albon was left far from impressed as the Canadian understeered into him on the first lap. Zhou Guanyu, watching the action from behind, also appeared unimpressed by Stroll’s antics. Unlike in previous races, Stroll survived the incident but was awarded a 10-second stop/go penalty for the collision. However, this hardly mattered in the long run as he retired on lap 10. This is yet another race with only one Aston Martin scoring points and driving at an acceptable level for F1.

Zhou Guanyu: 10

Grid Position P12 Race Result P8

Zhou is a driver reborn in recent races, with the Qatar GP, demonstrating the driver hidden inside the nadir of Sauber’s 2024 season. Aggressive from the start, the Chinese driver battled hard to move up the order, rewarded with a thoroughly deserved four points at the chequered flag. His spectacular move on Yuki Tsuonda on lap 15 underlined his credentials. When the chaos started later in the race, he kept his cool and his position on merit, finishing comfortably ahead of Kevin Magnussen’s Haas. He may have finished lower down the order, but Zhou put in a flawless drive.

Valtteri Bottas: 6.5

Grid Position P13 Race Result P11

That Bottas finished 15 seconds away from the points masks the struggles the Finn endured during the race. Hit by Liam Lawson’s RB early on, Bottas raced with a damaged floor, which cost him precious performance. That he was able to overtake the likes of Tsunoda and, en route to 11th at the chequered flag, shows the consistency and dependability that has defined his career.

Kevin Magnussen: 8

Grid Position P10 Race Result P9

Magnussen’s performance has kept Haas in the running for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship. Pulling off thrilling overtakes on Tsunoda and the wounded Albon, he, too, took advantage of Norris’s penalty. Although ultimately losing out to Zhou, Magnussen showed that he can still cut it with the best on his day. If he replicates this pace next weekend, he will leave Haas on a high.

Nico Hulkenberg: 3

Grid Position P18 Race Result DNF

Hulkenberg did not feature in the Qatar GP after his first-lap clash with Colapinto and Ocon. Although he continued, the German trundled around in the lower part of the order until an embarrassing spin on lap 40 ahead of the final Safety Car restart resulted in him beaching his Haas in the gravel. With such high stakes for the team at the finale, Hulkenberg must avoid a repeat performance in Abu Dhabi.

Yuki Tsunoda: 5

Grid Position P14 Race Result P13

Tsunoda had no pace in Lusail, his car unable to challenge for points after losing multiple positions at the start. Even fitting the soft tyres at the final Safety Car failed to help the Japanese driver move forward. That said, he used the machinery at his disposal to the best of his abilities, extracting the absolute maximum from his car. The same cannot be said of his team-mate or the driver he aims to replace at Red Bull next season.

Liam Lawson: 2.5

Grid Position P14 Race Result P14

Lawson’s chances of securing the 2025 seat took a severe hit in Qatar. Hitting Bottas and spinning off at the first restart, he spent the evening consigned to the back of the pack, unable to move forward, spending the majority of his race needing incidents to bring him back into contention. With no pace, poor overtaking execution, and underperformance, Lawson’s stock has taken a nosedive matched only by the most extreme near-vertical rollercoaster. Sadly, Lawson cannot get off his ride of terror and needs to stabilise his position if he is to move to Milton Keynes in 2025.

Alex Albon: 2

Grid Position P16 Race Result P15

Very much in the wars from the first lap, Albon’s race was nothing short of a disaster. Hit by Stroll on the first lap, losing his mirror at the halfway stage, and receiving a 10 second time penalty in the final few laps, Albon is unrecognisable compared to the start of the season. Gone is the consistent driver of old, replaced by one so cautious that it almost equates to inaction. The end of the season will act as a much-needed reset, as Sainz will test him every second of every weekend when he arrives at Williams, and right now, he is already floundering.

Franco Colapinto: N/A

Grid Position P19 Race Result DNF

While Albon can be accused of inaction, Colapinto was just a bystander in his short race in Qatar. Williams’s sixteenth crash of 2024 had the team in justifiable agony as another potential result slipped away. Rumours continue to persist Colapinto will be in an RB next season; the young Argentinian will be hoping his poor run of form in recent races has not impacted the possibility.

Race Control: 4

After the chaos caused by the inability to deploy a Safety Car for four laps, Race Control needs to be mentioned on this list. Two drivers had their races ruined due to inaction over a piece of debris, with the competency of the officials called into question once again.

Deploying a Virtual Safety Car at the very least so a marshal could retrieve Albon’s mirror would have efficiently removed the situation’s danger, with commentators, fans, and teams baffled at the delay in taking action. The situation resembled a boat heading for a cliff but only changing course after colliding with the rocks. An entirely avoidable episode, the FIA’s responses to incidents will be scrutinised in Abu Dhabi.

However, it must be said that as delayed as other decisions were, all were correct in terms of penalties awarded.

The post Motorsport Week’s F1 2024 Qatar GP Driver Ratings appeared first on Motorsport Week.

George Russell was untouchable at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. In a race full of intrigue, Max Verstappen secured the Drivers’ Championship, while others endured heartbreak under the lights on The Strip. Here are the winners and losers of the action-packed 2024 Las Vegas GP.

George Russell: 9.5

Grid Position P1, Race Result P1

Russell’s mission to dominate the Las Vegas GP began when he first took to the track in practice. Nailing his start and immediately opening up a lead, Russell disappeared into the distance and never looked back.

In a dominant display reminiscent of Verstappen’s performances early in the year, Russell controlled the race from the first lap, leading every lap even through his pit stops. He enjoyed a drama-free race, showcasing a level of driving that will undoubtedly excite Mercedes as he and the team prepare for his tenure as team leader from 2025.

A late charge from team-mate Lewis Hamilton looked like it could deny the lead Mercedes victory, but Russell took advantage of newer tyres in the final stint to manage the gap, securing his second win of the season. Although denied a grand slam, make no mistake, if Russell replicates this level of driving at a consistent level next season, he will be a championship contender. However, questions remain about whether he can do this.

Lewis Hamilton: 9.5

Grid Position P10, Race Result P2

Hamilton’s aggressive race showcased why he is a seven-time World Champion. Transforming from the desolated driver who threatened to walk away after the nadir from Brazil into an invigorated driver, his race was nothing short of astounding.

Displaying mental fortitude and awareness that has been lacking in 2024, his tyre management and execution of overtaking propelled him up the order from a lowly 10th through well-executed overtakes.

From there, he executed a near-perfect race to move into second, although his late challenge to steal the win from Russell ultimately failed. It does beg the question of what could have happened had he not spectacularly ruined his qualifying.

Carlos Sainz: 8.5

Grid Position P2, Race Result P3

Sainz demonstrated his skill and guile once again in Las Vegas. Losing track position at the start of the race to team-mate Charles Leclerc, Sainz initially fell back from the leading duo, choosing patience rather than taking precious performance out of his tyres.

Just three laps later, he was passed Leclerc but was forced to swap positions with Leclerc on Lap 28, just as the Mercedes of Hamilton closed in on the pair. He then suffered one of the more bizarre incidents of the race, crossing pit entry and rejoining the track, but did not receive a penalty. The reason for this faux pas was that Ferrari was not ready for him.

His aggressive move on Verstappen on Lap 42 secured his podium, but Sainz cut a frustrated figure after the race, calling the race poorly executed. He did all he could to secure a good result. Ferrari did not.

Charles Leclerc: 6.5

Grid Position P4, Race Result P4

Las Vegas proved disappointing for Leclerc, as Sainz comfortably had the measure of him in the race. A rush of blood to the head saw him throw caution to the wind and attack Russell in an ill-advised move. With his tyre life gone, pitting was inevitable, putting him at a disadvantage for the rest of the race.

Although he, too, passed Verstappen in the final few laps to secure the same position he started in, the race did not live up to the usual standards Leclerc sets. His vocal displeasure at his team-mate disobeying a direct team order not to overtake him earlier in the race only compounded his frustration—a poor race by the Monegasque’s standards.

Max Verstappen: 8.5

Grid Position P5, Race Result P5

Racing a car with a bodged rear wing should disadvantage any driver. The team quite literally cut apart the RB20 to make up for a performance deficit. Knowing he could win the title under the lights in Las Vegas, fans did not get to see Verstappen’s trademark aggression during the race.

Opting not to take risks, the likes of Hamilton breezed past with relative ease, but he knew finishing ahead of Lando Norris would be all that was needed to secure his fourth consecutive title. Achieving this at the start, he won the championship at the first corner—another flawless drive, showing a level of intelligence missing in his early career.

Sergio Perez: 3

Grid Position P15, Race Result P10

A poor start, including losing positions, once again set Perez on a path to self-destruction in Las Vegas. Commentators praised his early move on Alex Albon, but in competitive terms, it should have been like taking candy from a baby. Granted, the RB20 had a performance deficit to the front runners, but Perez’s efforts to keep his drive were as convincing as the watertight doors on the Titanic.

A brief reprieve came on Lap 38 with a stunning pass on three cars into one corner, the only reason his rating is uplifted from 2. But with a board meeting set to decide his future, all the Mexican can do now is try to enjoy the remaining two races.

Lando Norris: 6

Grid Position P6, Race Result P6

McLaren and Norris knew this race could be an issue after the FIA prevented the team from running its custom rear wing, and the fears became entirely justified. Norris had the fourth fastest car of the top teams in qualifying, but crucially, Verstappen’s Red Bull was ahead regarding speed and tyre management. Once Verstappen disappeared from view after the first lap, his slim title chances evaporated. Norris and McLaren have much to learn from their 2024 season, maximising results being the biggest lesson to action—an average race from Norris in a distinctly average car.

Oscar Piastri: 6

Grid Position P8, Race Result P7

Like Norris, Piastri had a fairly invisible race in his McLaren. Comfortably faster than the midfield pack behind but unable to challenge those in front, it was a question of damage limitation for the Australian. No real overtakes of note, he had a lonely race, finishing seven seconds behind his team-mate and the same distance ahead of Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas. He needs to demonstrate more speed in Qatar, the location of his first sprint win a year ago.

Nico Hulkenberg: 9

Grid Position P9, Race Result P8

Hulkenberg executed a perfect race under the lights in Las Vegas. Wisely choosing not to race Hamilton as he recovered from the lost ground, Hulkenberg secured his points finish after his second stop. Passing Yuki Tsunoda on lap 48 to move into eighth, his four points elevated Haas ahead of Alpine in the Constructors’ Championship with only two races remaining. Haas will miss him when he leaves at the end of the season.

Kevin Magnussen: 5.5

Grid Position P12, Race Result P12

Magnussen suffered yet another comprehensive defeat to his team-mate at the Las Vegas GP. While Hulkenberg could attack and move up the order, Magnussen drowned in the midfield after dramatically losing places at the start. On a recovery drive at the end of the first lap, he finished where he started 49 laps earlier. This race showcased the gulf between Magnussen and Hulkenberg, now the size of the Grand Canyon.

Yuki Tsuonda: 7.5

Grid Position P7, Race Result P9

Tsunoda maximised his car’s potential to secure a points finish, but it could and should have been eighth place rather than ninth. Losing position in the closing stages to Hulkenberg did not undo the excellent work from the rest of the race but did dampen spirits. His collision with a pit board showed how much he pushed, and he comfortably outclassed Liam Lawson. As far as his ongoing audition for Red Bull goes, the Las Vegas GP was another solid performance.

Liam Lawson: 4

Grid Position P14, Race Result P16

Lawson’s first visit to Las Vegas was nothing short of a complete disaster. Lacking confidence on his first visit to The Strip, he never seemed at one with his car. Unable to challenge those ahead of him, he battled with Sergio Perez again, finding his car surrounded on both sides. This became his only real screen time in a race where he was once again missing in action. He needs to bounce back in Qatar to keep himself in the frame for the Red Bull seat in 2025.

Fernando Alonso: 7

Grid Position P14, Race Result P11

Despite driving the equivalent of a mobile chicane, Alonso’s trademark aggressive driving dragged his AMR24 to the fringes of the points. Aston Martin’s downfall in the second half of the season has been spectacular, and the Spaniard is battling his car at every race to salvage any kind of result. To finish just six seconds behind Perez in 10th showcases there’s life in the old dog yet.

Lance Stroll: 2.5

Grid Position P18, Race Result P15

The Las Vegas GP was yet another monumental failure for Lance Stroll to convince his growing number of critics that he deserves his F1 seat. With no radio throughout the entire race, the Canadian was left to fend for himself and floundered on The Strip. Whether this leads to behavioural change at race weekends remains to be seen. With no pace, limited overtakes or signs of growth, it was a case of the status quo for F1’s most under-fire driver.

Zhou Guanyu: 8

Grid Position P13, Race Result P13

To call the Sauber C44 a dog of a car is not too harsh a comment, given it has destroyed Zhou’s confidence this season. Las Vegas demonstrated the credentials that secured the Chinese driver his F1 seat two years ago as he wrestled his car towards the points. It looked like he might secure Sauber’s first points finish at one stage, but his second pit stop took that chance away. But to finish 13th and have the speed to run inside the top 10 while his team-mate struggled will give Zhou much-needed confidence as he prepares to say goodbye to a full-time seat next season.

Valtteri Bottas: 2.5

Grid Position P19, Race Result P18

While his team-mate excelled around the fabled streets of Las Vegas, Bottas did something well known in Sin City: he disappeared for the night, only to reappear once the action had ended. His race was spent at the back, where he trundled around before coming home last of the classified finishers. Like his team-mate, he too is preparing to say goodbye to driving full-time in F1 next season. Based on this race, this decision is more than justified.

Franco Colapinto: 5

Grid Position P20, Race Result P14

Colapinto started his race on the back foot after his 50g crash in qualifying. He raced hard, a characteristic he is becoming known for, but failed to match the pace of team-mate Alex Albon prior to his retirement. Choosing the correct option of not writing off yet another chassis on race day, Colapinto will need to bounce back in Qatar with a clean race that avoids any kind of barrier. His team will thank him for it.

Alex Albon: N/A

Grid Position P17, Race Result DNF

Alex Albon’s early retirement sealed another truly awful weekend for the Grove outfit. A power unit issue robbed Albon of challenging for points, however unlikely this may have been at the time. Prior to this, he ran ahead of Colapinto and was dicing with Sergio Perez’s Red Bull. He will be hoping for better luck in the final two races as he prepares for the imminent arrival of Carlos Sainz.

Esteban Ocon: 3.5

Grid Position P11, Race Result P17

Ocon failed to stay above water in Las Vegas, as his team ended his only chance of scoring points by spectacularly messing up his pit stop, causing him to need to stop again. But his reaction of seemingly checking out of the race will not have gone down well with his team. He may have finished a lap down, but the question has to be asked how much of this was due to poor performance.

Pierre Gasly: N/A

Grid Position P3, Race Result DNF

Gasly’s race came crashing down when his Renault power unit blew in the opening laps. On a night when he could have secured yet another big points haul for Alpine, he and the watching world sighed incredulously when his team’s reaction to his engine failure was to calmly state everything was fine. It was a faux pas equivalent to leaving an exquisite ice sculpture in the blazing summer heat. The chances of enjoying a competitive car in the final two races look slim.

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Carlos Sainz has asserted that Ferrari can’t be reliant on beating McLaren and has to target the race win in Las Vegas to bolster its Formula 1 championship hopes.

Ferrari’s tight battle with McLaren resumed in Las Vegas, with 36 points separating the two in the Constructors’ standings as the season enters its final three races.

The Italian marque’s substantial performance gains saw it take successive wins in Austin and Mexico to displace Red Bull as McLaren’s main challenger for the title.

This trend continued again in qualifying in Las Vegas, as Sainz put in a stunning lap to take provisional pole position, only for Russell to steal it away at the death.

Sainz has acknowledged wins are crucial if Ferrari is to take the title, highlighting the need to take advantage of the SF-24’s race pace around the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

“I honestly think we need wins also to beat McLaren,” the Spaniard explained.

“It’s not like we can afford to just be in front of them because they have a big gap in the championship.”

“And then we’re going to Qatar. That is not going to be a good track for us and we’re going to be struggling there.

“So, yeah, I think we need to win. So it’s not like it changes much my approach.”

No threat from behind?

Sainz denied suggestions of threats from behind him, with Russell and Mercedes firmly in his crosshairs, but believes the Alpine‘s Pierre Gasly could be a dark horse.

“No, I think we are genuinely fighting for the win with Mercedes tomorrow,” said Sainz.

“They went through a run of winning, I think, three consecutive races in mid-season and whenever they get it together, they are very, very fast and the fastest, like they’ve shown today.

“So I think we’re definitely going to fight George. I think Pierre, if he keeps these lap times [P3 on the grid], why not?

“And of course, Charles [Leclerc] behind in P4 and who is P5? Max [Verstappen]. Maybe with his higher downforce car can take better care of the tyres and the graining and then suddenly he can get in the mix also.

“So I think we’re fighting many cars and I think that is the beauty of Formula 1 nowadays, it’s that we went into this qualifying with four teams being capable of taking pole position, four teams capable of winning tomorrow if you put everything together and that’s a great thing for everyone, I think,” he concluded.

READ MORE – Carlos Sainz reveals how Ferrari fixed ‘undriveable’ 2024 F1 car

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