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In this GPFans Recap we take you through the most read Formula 1 news of today. Below you will find the most discussed topics from the premier class of motorsport bundled in one article. This way you will be fully informed of all developments within a few minutes.
George Russell can start the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas from pole position. That came unexpectedly for the Mercedes driver. Behind Carlos Sainz we saw another surprise, as Pierre Gasly qualified third in the Alpine. Max Verstappen will start the championship race from fifth place, just ahead of Lando Norris. Franco Colapinto wrote off his Williams in Q2 with an impact of no less than 50G. It has yet to be decided whether the Argentinian can participate in the match in the gambling city. Furthermore, Norris thinks that Verstappen could not have won the championship, if the Limburger had been in a McLaren, the Andretti-Cadillac F1 team is starting to take shape due to a new CEO and Helmut Marko sees something very strange at McLaren.
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Russell surprises himself with pole: ‘We have to find out why we are so fast this weekend’
George Russell took his fourth pole position of his career in Las Vegas. With a 1:32.312 he was the fastest, ahead of Carlos Sainz and the surprising number three: Pierre Gasly. When asked whether Russell expected pole position, the Mercedes driver is clear: “To be honest, absolutely not. We were fast all weekend. I knew when my last lap started that this had to be the lap. It didn’t matter what happened before.” Russell was also at the top after the first runs, but that round was not perfect. “I had a little moment during my first run, when we changed the front wing a bit. I thought for a moment that we wouldn’t make it to the flag, so I’m very happy.” Read the entire article about George Russell’s reaction after his pole position in Las Vegas here.
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Verstappen points to Red Bull’s rear wing after qualifying in Las Vegas: “Then it will be a difficult story”
Max Verstappen has qualified fifth for the Grand Prix of Las Vegas. The Dutchman’s Red Bull did not perform well on the streets of the gambling city, but he is ahead of title competitor Lando Norris. “There’s just not enough speed in the car,” says Verstappen Viaplay. “With that wing we lack speed on the straight, and then we don’t have any grip. Then it will of course be a difficult story. Especially compared to Mercedes, but in qualifying also compared to Ferrari and even an Alpine The most important thing for me is that we are in front of McLaren, I have to look at that. But yes, I tried to get everything out of it. There was no mistake on that lap, but we will see tomorrow .I have no idea what the long runs will be like hopefully the tires intact.” Read the entire article about Max Verstappen after qualifying in Las Vegas here.
Williams will decide tomorrow morning about participating in Colapinto: “Health is the most important”
Franco Colapinto was well on his way in Q2 of qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, when a small mistake had major consequences. The Williams driver turned in a little too early for turn sixteen, lost his left front wheel and then slid into the wall at high speed. It is the umpteenth Williams car that has been written off in a short period of time, but that is the last thing that team boss James Vowles is concerned about. Given the major impact of the crash, he is especially happy that his driver is doing well. “As everyone will know, Franco had a big crash in qualifying while he was doing a very good lap,” Vowles said in a Williams video. “The accident involved a 50G impact, which is serious. He went to the medical center and was released there, now he is back at the hotel to rest tonight.” Read the entire article about the uncertainty surrounding Franco Colapinto in Las Vegas here.
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Norris thinks Verstappen could not have won in McLaren: ‘Red Bull was much faster’
Lando Norris thinks that Max Verstappen could not have won the championship if the Dutchman had driven a McLaren. He said this in an interview during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas. The lead that Red Bull Racing had at the start of the season made it difficult for Norris to close the gap. “I’m trying to come up with a word that means good but not good enough,” Norris responded to the question The Telegraph how he would describe his season. “Something like not perfect, but okay.” After the downer he experienced in the São Paulo Grand Prix, he had a “quite shitty week” at home in Monaco. “It was impossible for me to sleep the first two days.” The Brit was very upset that a realistic chance of the world championship had suddenly gone up in smoke. Read the entire article about Lando Norris looking at the title battle with Max Verstappen here.
Marko finds McLaren’s unproven trick strange: “Suddenly they are bothered by it”
If we are to believe the team that Max Verstappen plays for, Lando Norris’ tires are filled with a very small layer of water. This way the rubber is better cooled from the inside and it would work especially well for long runs, as the tires will last longer if they cannot overheat so quickly. The FIA and Pirelli have found no evidence of this, but Helmut Marko has noticed that the McLaren is having a harder time with tire wear since Red Bull complained about it. “How fast Lando Norris could drive, especially towards the end of the race, was unbelievable,” said Marko F1-Insider about the pace of the McLaren before the weekend in Brazil. “Our tires were completely destroyed at the finish. We didn’t stand a chance. In the Sprint in São Paulo we were suddenly faster than the McLaren and Ferrari in the closing stages, even though we didn’t change anything.” Read the entire article here about Helmut Marko, who sees a striking change at McLaren.
‘Alpine CEO leaves for Andretti-Cadillac F1 team as operational director’
Since this weekend in Las Vegas, reports have suddenly emerged that Andretti will still be admitted from 2026. The fact that Michael Andretti has taken a step back, making Gainbridge CEO Dan Towriss the major shareholder of Andretti Global, would have helped, but perhaps things also became too hot for Formula 1 due to the investigation by the Ministry of Justice and the FBI. Despite the fact that there has been uncertainty about the registration for more than a year, Andretti Global already has a factory in England where they are working hard on the car for 2026. There are still some positions to be filled in terms of personnel, but it is now generally possible reliable AutoRacer.it (previously Formu1a.uno) report that Rob White will play the role of Chief Operating Officer has taken upon himself. Read the entire article about Rob White joining Andretti-Cadillac here.
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Title: Las Vegas, Baby! George Russell Steals the Show, While Max Verstappen Looks for Speed… in a Magic Slot Machine?
Well, well, well! Buckle up, folks, because this weekend in Las Vegas is bringing us Formula 1 drama that even the Vegas Strip might envy! We’ve got surprises, crashes, and a dash of controversy all wrapped into today’s most sensational F1 storylines. Spoiler alert: there are no slot machines involved, but someone may want to take one for the team!
George Russell Shakes Things Up from the Pole
What a turn of events! George Russell has defied all expectations by claiming pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix with a scintillating 1:32.312! I mean, who wouldn’t want to dominate on a track made of—or at least surrounded by—glittering lights? Russell, with the self-awareness of a 5-year-old trying to explain where babies come from, admitted, “To be honest, absolutely not” when asked if he expected to sit on the hot seat. Let me translate that for you: “I thought my team was about as fast as a snail on tranquilizers.”
Looks like Mercedes has finally remembered where they left their speed! But with Carlos Sainz in hot pursuit, it’s clear the Ferraris aren’t just rolling dice—it’s a full-blown Texas Hold’em showdown!
Verstappen’s Qualifying Headaches: What’s Wrong with the Red Bull?
Now, if we shift gears to Max Verstappen, he’s not exactly rolling in the chips. Starting fifth, he’s scratching his head over the rear wing of his Red Bull, lamenting, “With that wing, we lack speed on the straight, and then we don’t have any grip.” That’s right, folks: when in doubt, blame the wing! It’s starting to sound like a family reunion where everyone’s pointing fingers after a game of charades.
Verstappen must feel like he’s driving a toaster on a racetrack. He keeps stressing, “We’ve got to keep McLaren behind.” I mean, if keeping those guys behind is your strategy, you might want to consider a good luck charm or a voodoo doll!
Colapinto Crashes into Controversy—Is it End Game for Williams?
Ah, the return of the “Will They, Won’t They” saga—this time featuring Williams and Franco Colapinto! During the qualifying rounds, Franco took a hard gamble and lost, crumpling his car in a 50G impact. Ouch! That’s the kind of turn you don’t want to see, unless you’re betting on a demolition derby.
Team boss James Vowles stated health is priority number one. No comment on how many spare parts they’re going through, but one must wonder—does Williams carry a replacement for every component, or are they running a “first come, first served” policy?
Norris: The McLaren-Red Bull Showdown—Can the Brit Handle the Truth?
And as if the drama wasn’t thick enough, enter Lando Norris! He weighed in on the championship race, firmly believing that Verstappen wouldn’t have clinched the title if he were still in a McLaren. Bold words from the man who looks like he’s just come out of a wind tunnel after every race!
Norris, sporting a defeatist attitude, tried to find the right words for his season, landing on “not perfect, but okay.” Perhaps he could have opted for “like a rollercoaster ride—mostly fun, with occasional stomach-churning moments,” but it doesn’t quite fit on a bumper sticker!
Marko’s McLaren Mystique: Are They Hiding Something?
Helmut Marko is not one to shy away from stirring the pot! He raises eyebrows over McLaren’s alleged “secret water-filled tires.” I mean, if you’re looking for cooling solutions, perhaps consider an ice bath or, you know, actual engineers.
Marko is flexing pecs over the tire performance, claiming they suddenly surged while Red Bull floundered. It’s as if there’s an F1 version of *The Twilight Zone* happening, and Marko’s convinced McLaren is in on the channel change!
Andretti-Cadillac: The Next Big Gamble on the Grid?
Lastly, in a plot twist right out of a scripted F1 drama, we have Andretti-Cadillac making moves. With reports surfacing that they’re shaping up to join the grid by 2026, it looks like that multitasking in the paddock is finally paying off. Michael Andretti has stepped back, potentially to cut some heat off his back—have the DoJ and FBI been just a tad too nosy?
They’ve got their factory already set up in England! Meanwhile, Rob White’s taking the operational reins. Will they smash it, or are they just shuffling deck chairs on a sinking ship? Only time—and several races—will tell!
So there you have it, folks! Whether you’re rooting for Russell, praying for Verstappen, or just trying to gamble on the next big team switch, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is sure to keep us on the edge of our seats. Buckle up, and may the odds be ever in your favor—unless you’re in a Williams, then, well… good luck with that!
In this GPFans Recap, we take you through the most read Formula 1 news of today. Below you will find the most discussed topics from the premier class of motorsport bundled in one article. This way you will be fully informed of all developments within a few minutes.
George Russell will start the highly anticipated F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas from pole position, a development that took many by surprise, including himself. Showcasing a stellar performance, the Mercedes driver secured the top spot with a blistering time of 1:32.312. Behind him, Carlos Sainz claimed the second place, while Pierre Gasly, driving for Alpine, shocked everyone with a remarkable third-place qualifying finish. In contrast, reigning champion Max Verstappen will be launching from fifth position, just ahead of Lando Norris. Unfortunately, Franco Colapinto faced a severe setback; he crashed his Williams during Q2, enduring a significant 50G impact, raising questions about his ability to compete in the race. Adding to the intrigue, Norris expressed skepticism over Verstappen’s championship potential if he had been behind the wheel of a McLaren. Also, the Andretti-Cadillac F1 team is beginning to take shape with the appointment of a new CEO, while Helmut Marko has voiced his observations about unusual developments at McLaren.
Russell surprises himself with pole: ‘We have to find out why we are so fast this weekend’
George Russell achieved a career milestone with his fourth pole position in Las Vegas. Acknowledging the unexpected nature of his success, he reflected, “To be honest, absolutely not. We were fast all weekend.” He noted that he understood the importance of his final lap, which ultimately secured him the pole. Although Russell started strong in earlier laps, he admitted that his initial run wasn’t perfect. “I had a little moment during my first run when we changed the front wing a bit. I thought for a moment that we wouldn’t make it to the flag, so I’m very happy,” he concluded. Read the entire article about George Russell’s reaction after his pole position in Las Vegas here.
Verstappen points to Red Bull’s rear wing after qualifying in Las Vegas: “Then it will be a difficult story”
Max Verstappen’s performance during qualifying was less than ideal as he finished fifth for the Grand Prix of Las Vegas. He expressed his disappointment, citing that his Red Bull lacked speed on the tricky street circuit. “With that wing we lack speed on the straight, and then we don’t have any grip. Then it will of course be a difficult story,” Verstappen lamented. He specifically noted the challenges he faced in comparison to competitors like Mercedes and Ferrari. “The most important thing for me is that we are in front of McLaren, I have to look at that. But yes, I tried to get everything out of it,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to maximizing his performance despite the obstacles. Read the entire article about Max Verstappen after qualifying in Las Vegas here.
Williams will decide tomorrow morning about participating in Colapinto: “Health is the most important”
Franco Colapinto was on track for a promising lap during Q2 when disaster struck as he misjudged turn sixteen, resulting in a high-speed collision with the wall. Team principal James Vowles acknowledged the gravity of the situation, revealing the staggering 50G impact involved in the crash. “As everyone will know, Franco had a big crash in qualifying while he was doing a very good lap,” Vowles explained. He emphasized the priority of his driver’s health over the car’s condition, stating, “the accident involved a 50G impact, which is serious. He went to the medical center and was released there; now he is back at the hotel to rest tonight.” Read the entire article about the uncertainty surrounding Franco Colapinto in Las Vegas here.
Norris thinks Verstappen could not have won in McLaren: ‘Red Bull was much faster’
Lando Norris offered a candid reflection during an interview at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, suggesting that Max Verstappen’s success this season would have been unlikely had he been driving a McLaren. Speaking about the early dominance of Red Bull Racing, he remarked, “I’m trying to come up with a word that means good but not good enough.” He characterized his season as “not perfect, but okay,” highlighting the frustration of recent race outcomes. Following his disappointing experience in the São Paulo Grand Prix, Norris disclosed that he endured a “quite shitty week” back home, facing sleepless nights filled with disappointment over his lost championship hopes. Read the entire article about Lando Norris looking at the title battle with Max Verstappen here.
Marko finds McLaren’s unproven trick strange: “Suddenly they are bothered by it”
Helmut Marko, of Red Bull Racing, expressed skepticism regarding a rumored trick alleged to be employed by McLaren, which purportedly involves filling the tires with a thin layer of water to improve cooling. This strategy, if true, would particularly enhance tire performance during long runs. Despite investigations by the FIA and Pirelli yielding no evidence of wrongdoing, Marko observed a notable change in McLaren’s tire wear patterns since Red Bull raised concerns about their grip levels. “How fast Lando Norris could drive, especially towards the end of the race, was unbelievable,” Marko explained, pointing out the stark contrast between their performances in São Paulo. Read the entire article here about Helmut Marko, who sees a striking change at McLaren.
‘Alpine CEO leaves for Andretti-Cadillac F1 team as operational director’
Recent reports have surfaced from Las Vegas indicating a potential breakthrough for the Andretti team as they push for a spot on the Formula 1 grid in 2026. Michael Andretti’s decision to step back, alongside Gainbridge CEO Dan Towriss becoming the major shareholder, appears to have strengthened their case. Despite prior uncertainties, Andretti Global has been proactive, establishing a factory in England dedicated to their upcoming car. To solidify their management structure, the announcement of Rob White stepping into the Chief Operating Officer role has sparked intrigue within F1 circles. Read the entire article about Rob White joining Andretti-Cadillac here.
How did Lando Norris’ remarks about Max Verstappen reflect his views on McLaren’s competitiveness in Formula 1?
The entire article about Lando Norris’ comments on Verstappen and his own season struggles here.
Marko raises eyebrows over McLaren’s tire performance and secret designs
Helmut Marko has added fuel to the fire with his bold claims about McLaren’s potential secret advantages. He suggested that McLaren may have devised a secret tire technology that incorporates water, a claim that raised more than a few eyebrows and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. “I’m not saying they’ve got magic tires, but something is going on there. Their performance surged while we stumbled,” Marko stated, casting a shadow of doubt over the validity of McLaren’s recent successes. It’s like he’s suggesting a mysterious conspiracy in the world of racing, where tire performance can mysteriously defy the laws of physics! Read the entire article about Marko’s controversial comments on McLaren here.
Andretti-Cadillac’s ambitions continue to evolve ahead of 2026
The potential arrival of the Andretti-Cadillac team is shaping up to be one of the major stories of the upcoming seasons. With a factory base already established in England and operations under the leadership of Rob White, the team’s careful planning is apparent. However, the pressing question remains whether they can make a significant impact on the grid or if they will merely be another footnote in the annals of F1 history. Michael Andretti’s strategic retreat from the limelight suggests he might be keeping his cards close to his chest, perhaps in hopes of avoiding unwanted scrutiny. Will they ultimately succeed, or are they just marking time until the next big opportunity? Read the entire article about Andretti-Cadillac’s ambitions for F1 here.
As we gear up for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the tension and excitement continue to build in the paddock! Whether cheers or chaos await, one thing’s for sure—we’ll be keeping our eyes glued to the track. Enjoy the race, everyone!