Oscar Piastri topped the only practice session in Qatar, while Red Bull failed to extract performance from the soft tyres. Max Verstappen placed sixth and Yuki Tsunoda fell to thirteenth after traffic and poor sector one execution.
Yuki Tsunoda heads into the Qatar Grand Prix with his future at Red Bull still uncertain, admitting he has “no plan B” and hinting that “most people probably know” where things stand. With Red Bull expected to finalise its 2026 line-up after the weekend, Qatar may be Tsunoda’s final chance to secure his seat.
Helmut Marko says Lando Norris was the major talent Red Bull failed to sign and explains why many young drivers fail to progress in the Red Bull system. Marko emphasises that “talent alone is not enough,” highlighting the mental demands and pressure that define Red Bull’s driver philosophy.
McLaren’s double disqualification in Las Vegas has reset the 2025 title fight. Norris’ lead has shrunk to 24 points, leaving Verstappen and Piastri back in contention with 58 points left. Verstappen can still win the championship, but Norris only needs consistent podiums to stay ahead.
Max Verstappen targets another emotional victory at Interlagos while Yuki Tsunoda enters the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with confidence in his race pace and a chance to strengthen his future with Red Bull. With rain expected and a sprint format in play, both drivers see opportunity in the chaos.
George Russell’s new Mercedes contract flips the F1 power dynamic. With a performance-based clause that lets him automatically extend into 2027, Russell has effectively taken control of his own future — even if Max Verstappen joins Mercedes.
Lando Norris delivered a masterclass in control at the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix, leading from start to finish to claim victory and the championship lead. McLaren’s flawless strategy and Norris’s precision left Ferrari and Red Bull battling for scraps in a race that saw Yuki Tsunoda lose out after a slow pit stop.
Red Bull’s rookie Arvid Limblad and the team received official warnings for “potentially dangerous interference” during FP1 at the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix after a GPS data failure caused confusion on track.
