Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri secured a stunning front-row lockout for McLaren in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying, putting them in a commanding position to win the Constructors’ Championship. Ferrari’s hopes were significantly hampered by Charles Leclerc’s penalty and elimination in Q2.
Jack Doohan will make his Formula 1 race debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, replacing Esteban Ocon who is moving to Haas earlier than expected. This surprising move comes despite Alpine’s close battle in the Constructors’ Championship and follows Ocon’s retirement in Qatar.
Lando Norris defied team orders in the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint, strategically slowing down to allow teammate Oscar Piastri to win, fulfilling a pre-arranged agreement from the Brazilian Grand Prix. This strategic move bolstered McLaren’s lead in the Constructors’ Championship.
Lewis Hamilton expresses frustration after qualifying 10th for the Las Vegas Grand Prix despite Mercedes’ impressive pace in practice and Q2. Team mate George Russell secured pole position, highlighting the mixed fortunes for the team.
George Russell topped the final practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Mercedes showcasing impressive speed. Max Verstappen, aiming for his fourth consecutive title, improved his pace to finish fifth, setting up an exciting qualifying session and race.
Lewis Hamilton, set to join Ferrari in 2025, has been impressed by the Italian team’s resurgence and Red Bull’s recent struggles, hinting at a potential title challenge next year. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari comes as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admits he was relieved to avoid having to potentially replace the seven-time world champion, highlighting the pressure of maintaining a top-performing team.
Gabriel Bortoleto, a young Brazilian driver supported by Fernando Alonso’s driver management company, has been making waves in the motorsport world. After a dominating karting career and a rapid rise through the junior formulas, Bortoleto is set to join Sauber in F1 for 2025. He’s a rising star with the potential to make a big impact in the pinnacle of motorsport.
American Express has expanded its partnership with Formula 1 from the Americas to a global level, aiming to enhance fan experiences and tap into the growing popularity of the motorsport among Millennials and Gen Z. This comes alongside American Express becoming the sole owner of Swisscard and reporting mixed third-quarter results.
Formula One has decided not to hold a sprint race for rookie drivers in Abu Dhabi, despite initial support for the concept. The FIA cites timing and organizational challenges as the reason for the postponement, but discussions are ongoing for a potential implementation in 2025.
Daniel Ricciardo has left Visa Cash App RB, ending his second Formula One stint. He is replaced by Liam Lawson for the remainder of the 2024 season. Ricciardo’s career highlights include eight race wins, three pole positions, and 17 fastest laps. Lawson, a Red Bull reserve driver, takes over from the US Grand Prix onward.
