Formula 1
A third Red Bull 1-2 this season in just 4 rounds! DRC’s Formula 1 Japanese GP review.
Red Bulls domination, Ferrari’s strong pace and continued struggles for Mercedes. Here’s how the 2024 F1 Japanese GP went:
Formula 1 arrived at Suzuka for the 49th Japanese Grand Prix at an unconventional time, compared to recent years when Suzuka typically featured later in the calendar. Despite the unusual timing, the cherry blossoms everywhere were a treat for all.
A close battle was anticipated, given Sainz’s recent victory in Australia and Red Bull’s dismal performance in the same race. Unfortunately, the outcome didn’t align with the expectations as Red Bull regained their momentum and returned to their winning form, securing their third 1-2 finish of the season.
Qualifying Report
Max Verstappen continued his streak of pole positions after setting a pole lap time of 1:28.197s. His teammate, Perez, came very close after an insane lap but fell short by 0.066s. Norris was the closest to the Red Bulls as he qualified third, and the last race winner, Carlos Sainz, managed to place his car at P4.
The other Ferrari of Charles Leclerc only managed a meager P8 despite showing brilliant pace in the practice sessions.
“I’m not happy with our qualifying today. The feeling in the car was quite good, but the pace was just not there, so we will look at the data and assess what exactly this was down to.”
– Charles Leclerc ( post Quali )
Veteran Fernando Alonso continued his great run at Suzuka after grabbing the fifth spot on the grid. In contrast, his teammate Stroll was eliminated in Q1 itself leaving the Aston Martin team with many questions regarding their car’s performance.
The challenging times for the Alpines persisted despite the updates, with Ocon and Gasly commencing the race from the 15th and 17th positions, respectively. Surprisingly, Gasly has yet to qualify for Q2 this year.
The Silver Arrows had a decent pace, resulting in them qualifying P7 and P9 on the grid. Piastri continued his run of consistent performances as he qualified P6. On the other hand, his fellow countryman, Ricciardo, missed out on Q3 and qualified for P11 after being pushed to the elimination zone by his teammate and local boy, Tsunoda.
Race Report
Verstappen and Perez got off to a great start after keeping Norris at bay, who in turn was under pressure from the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz. But the action didn’t continue for long as Ricciardo and Albon crashed during the opening lap, causing a red flag and bringing the action to a standstill.
Ricciardo commented on the incident post-race,
“After yesterday, where we made some steps in the right direction, I was really excited to come racing today to have a good day. In Turn 2, the tyres settled a little bit, but I still felt like I was sliding and then saw an Aston on the outside of me. I was watching him but when I was preparing to enter Turn 3, without using all the track as it was the first lap, Albon got alongside me and had a better exit from Turn 2. I didn’t see him and we touched.”
The incident provided all the other drivers with an opportunity to grab a free pit stop.
Everybody in the Top 5 followed a similar tyre strategy by starting on the Medium compound. Alonso took a brave call by switching to Softs whereas the Mercedes drivers started on Hards.
Zhou retired a few laps later, citing a gearbox issue.
Norris was one of the earlier cars to pit in the race to undercut the Ferraris, but huge tyre degradation saw him falling behind. In the end, he managed to bring home P5 for the team. Meanwhile, his teammate wasn’t able to do anything significant as he spent the majority of the race behind the car of Alonso and ultimately got overtaken by Russell during the final laps of the race, resulting in an 8th-place finish for him.
Piastri reflected on the race and said,
“It was a difficult afternoon. Things didn’t quite click into place and we weren’t fighting for the positions we wanted to. However, it’s four points finishes on the bounce this year and there’s plenty to take away.”
The Ferraris were the second-best team on the race day. Although Leclerc started 8th on the grid, he managed his tires beautifully, having stopped only once after the red flag, and led an amazing drive to P4. Sainz also demonstrated an impressive pace, securing himself a spot on the final podium step.
The Silver Arrows scored a handful of points as George and Lewis finished P7 and P9, respectively. They seemed to be looking for a one-stopper in the race, but neither car had the race pace to match the rest of the grid which eventually caused them to switch to a two-stop strategy. Interestingly, Lewis conceded his track position to Russell in the race claiming that George was much faster and had a better shot at chasing the guys ahead.
Fernando Alonso continued to impress the fans with his consistent performances for the British team. Starting at P5, he managed to keep the pursuing Mclaren of Oscar Piastri at bay for most of the race. During the final moments, George Russell was closing in on Alonso and Piastri, but Alonso strategically kept Piastri in the DRS zone to defend against the oncoming Mercedes. In the end, he managed to finish P6.
Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin battled with the mid-field pack; he nearly cracked the top 10 but fell short, settling for P12 after being overtaken by Haas of Nico Hulkenberg.
The local Japanese, Yuki Tsunoda, kept his starting position in the race result and also won a solitary point after finishing 10th at his home Grand Prix.
Ecstatic after the race, he commented,
“A big thank you to everyone at Honda, Red Bull, and Visa Cash App RB who have been involved and supported me throughout my journey. I don’t feel like I scored P10 today but P1 – it’s a great feeling.”
Verstappen and Red Bull returned to their original winning ways. He established a solid lead on both occasions with a strong start, distancing himself from the rest of the field. Although Perez had to grind a bit after being undercut by Norris for P2, once he did reclaim his position he continued to drift away from the rest and gained a comfortable lead.
Team Standings – After the Japanese GP
Teams will go racing again in Shanghai in two weeks as the Chinese Grand Prix returns to the Formula 1 calendar after a break of five years and 104 races.
Australian GP: The 2026 season of Formula One begins this weekend at the iconic Albert Park Circuit, marking the start of one of the most significant regulation resets in modern F1 history. New technical rules, revised power units, and a reshuffled competitive landscape mean teams arrive in Melbourne with more questions than answers.
With reigning champion Lando Norris beginning his title defence and several teams hoping the regulation overhaul will reset the competitive order, the opening round could provide the first real indication of who has best interpreted the new era.
A New Technical Era for Formula 1
The 2026 season introduces sweeping changes aimed at making cars lighter, more energy-efficient, and more competitive on track.
One of the most notable shifts is in the power unit regulations. The long-standing MGU-H component has been removed, simplifying the hybrid system and shifting a much larger share of performance toward electrical energy deployment. Teams must now balance internal combustion power with significantly increased electric output, making energy management a key strategic factor during races.
Aerodynamically, the cars also undergo major changes. The new designs focus on improved efficiency and reduced drag, with revised aerodynamic concepts that change how airflow is managed across the car. The goal is to make following another car easier while maintaining high performance levels.
Another change affecting racing dynamics is the introduction of a new overtake system to replace the traditional drag-reduction approach used in previous seasons. Rather than relying solely on rear-wing adjustments, drivers can now access additional electrical power to aid overtaking, adding another strategic element to racecraft.
Together, these changes represent one of the largest technical resets in Formula 1 since previous landmark regulation shifts that reshaped the competitive order.
Season Storylines Heading Into Melbourne
With a completely new rulebook in place, the 2026 opener is unusually unpredictable. Pre-season expectations suggest that the traditional frontrunners could remain competitive, but regulation resets historically create opportunities for teams to close performance gaps.
Several personal storylines also shape the narrative heading into the opening race.
Australian driver Oscar Piastri arrives at his home race carrying the expectations of a local crowd eager to see a home winner in Melbourne. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc begins the season following a major milestone in his personal life, adding a unique storyline to Ferrari’s campaign.
Elsewhere, the new season brings fresh pressure on several established stars as teams adapt to the new technical landscape.
The Albert Park Circuit is a 5.278 km semi-street circuit with 14 turns and hosts the season-opening round of Formula One. The race runs for 58 laps, covering 306.124 km.
Built using public roads around Albert Park Lake, the circuit is typically slippery and bumpy early in the weekend, with grip improving as rubber builds up on the racing line. Despite its street-track nature, Albert Park is one of the faster circuits on the calendar, with average speeds exceeding 250 km/h.
Under the 2026 rules, the track features five Straight Mode zones across the lap, while the new Overtake Mode detection point sits just after Turn 13, giving drivers a chance to attack on the run to the final corner.
Australia first joined the F1 calendar in 1985 at Adelaide, before moving to Melbourne in 1996. The circuit has since become one of the most popular venues on the calendar, with Michael Schumacher holding the record for the most wins here and Scuderia Ferrari the most victories among teams.
Where the Teams Stand
McLaren
McLaren enters the new season in a strong position following its recent success and Lando Norris’s championship victory. The team has built momentum over the past seasons and will be hoping its interpretation of the new regulations allows it to remain a front-runner.
However, with teammate Oscar Piastri racing in front of a home crowd, internal competition could add an extra dynamic to McLaren’s opening weekend.
Red Bull
Red Bull Racing begins the season with expectations of remaining among the leading contenders. Despite the regulatory reset, the team’s strong engineering foundation and the presence of four-time world champion Max Verstappen ensure they remain one of the most closely watched teams heading into the season opener.
How well Red Bull adapts to the revised power unit balance and aerodynamic philosophy will be a key storyline in Melbourne.
Ferrari
Scuderia Ferrari arrives at the new season looking to convert potential into consistent championship contention. Charles Leclerc leads the team into another campaign, with Ferrari hoping the regulation reset will help close the gap to its rivals.
The Italian team has historically performed strongly when new technical rules are introduced, making it a potential contender if its concept proves competitive.
Mercedes
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team enters the new era, aiming to return to championship-winning form. With George Russell leading the charge, Mercedes will be hoping that the revised power unit regulations play to their traditional strengths in hybrid engine development.
The team’s ability to adapt quickly to the new aerodynamic philosophy could determine whether they can challenge for victories early in the season.
What to Expect From the Season Opener
Season-opening races often produce surprises, and the 2026 Australian Grand Prix could be particularly unpredictable due to the scale of the regulation changes. Teams arrive with limited real-world data, meaning practice sessions and qualifying will provide the first meaningful indications of performance.
With new technology, evolving strategies, and several championship contenders in the mix, Melbourne is set to launch a new era of Formula 1 in dramatic fashion.
Weekend Schedule
Weather Forecast
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Formula 1
Indian GP To Return Soon? How Realistic Are the Chances
Speculation around the return of the Indian GP is gaining momentum once again, with government interest, circuit discussions, and growing Formula 1 popularity in India fueling optimism. But how realistic is an F1 comeback?
Indian GP to return soon? The chatter around the revival of the Indian Grand Prix and bringing Formula 1 back to India has started once again, but will it finally materialise this time, or will it remain another wave of optimism that slowly fades away?
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Over the past decade, discussions about Formula 1’s return to India have surfaced multiple times, often driven by growing fan interest and expanding digital viewership. The previous stint of the Indian Grand Prix, held between 2011 and 2013, ended not due to a lack of audience enthusiasm but because of financial, taxation, and logistical complications that made the event unsustainable.
A New Wave of Optimism?
On Tuesday, February 2, 2026, India Today reported that the Government of India is keen to bring Formula 1 back to the country after more than a decade. The report also stated that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is working toward easing the tax burdens and bureaucratic hurdles that previously contributed to the discontinuation of the Indian GP.
According to sources within the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has already visited the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida and held discussions with officials regarding the potential revival of the event.
“The sports minister visited the Buddh International Circuit last week and discussed timelines for restarting the event. He has instructed the owners to identify an event management company to oversee operations for the next two to three years. Once the process gains momentum, tax-related issues are also expected to be addressed,” the sources said.
Interest from Formula One Management (FOM)?
In February 2024, reports from Formula 1 journalist Joe Saward indicated that Formula One Management (FOM) was open to returning to India in the near future, provided the necessary commercial, logistical, and regulatory conditions were met.
Reported Government-Level Support?
In April 2024, journalist Joe Saward wrote in his newsletter that the Indian Grand Prix had backing from the highest levels of the Indian government. However, he also noted that several issues affecting the previous edition of the race were still concerns, including fears about equipment seizures related to tax disputes. According to Saward, such uncertainties have historically made Formula 1 cautious about returning unless regulatory clarity and administrative processes improve. He added that, if conditions were to align in the future, a potential venue could be considered in the home state of the current Indian Prime Minister.
GIFT City Racetrack Plans Face a Roadblock
In January 2024, the Government of Gujarat issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) titled “Appointment of an agency for undertaking a feasibility study and preparation of a master plan for an F1 circuit at GIFT City.” The proposal outlined a preliminary target of hosting a potential first event around 2028, subject to the study outcomes and subsequent approvals.
However, just over six months after the Request for Proposal was issued, plans to build a Formula 1 circuit at Gujarat’s GIFT City reportedly came to a halt. Reports suggested that the existing urban layout of GIFT City could make it challenging to design a track that meets Formula 1 standards due to structural and planning constraints. In addition, the project was expected to require significant financial investment, with cost estimates for constructing a compliant circuit ranging from Rs. 5,000 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore, raising further feasibility concerns.
Renewed F1 Talks Following MotoGP’s 2023 Debut
After hosting India’s first MotoGP race in 2023, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) stated that discussions with Formula 1 organisers were likely to take place in the near future.
However, no further public updates followed this announcement, suggesting that the talks did not progress into any confirmed developments, and the momentum gradually subsided. The future of MotoGP in India also became uncertain, as the event did not return to the country after its inaugural 2023 season.
Is the Return of Formula 1 to India Realistic?
From today’s news and updates, it appears momentum is gradually building toward bringing the pinnacle of motorsport back to India. However, even if plans move forward smoothly, Formula One Management (FOM) would still face the complex task of finding space on an already crowded calendar.
With the current regulations allowing a maximum of 24 races per season, adding a new Grand Prix would likely require replacing an existing event or waiting for contract cycles to end. Several circuits are already tied to long-term agreements that extend into the 2030s, with some deals reportedly running through 2041. As a result, securing a realistic slot for the Indian Grand Prix in the near term could prove challenging, making a return more plausible toward the latter part of the decade rather than immediately.
However, it is still wise to approach these developments with cautious optimism. Conversations about the revival of the Indian Grand Prix are not new, and in the past, similar waves of reports and discussions have surfaced without materialising into a confirmed race.
The Curious Case of Formula 1 in India
If you’d like a deeper look into the story behind Formula 1’s rise and sudden exit from India, we’ve covered the entire journey in a dedicated video titled “The Curious Case of F1 in India.” It explores the key events, challenges, and decisions that shaped the sport’s presence in the country.
Watch it here to understand what really happened:
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
Formula 1
INTERVIEW: Everything you need to know about watching Formula 1 on FanCode in 2026
FanCode and Formula 1 have extended their streaming rights deal until at least 2028. As Formula 1’s future in India enters a new phase, the key question for fans is how F1 TV fits into this new setup under FanCode’s exclusive partnership.
On 16 December 2025, FanCode and Formula 1 announced a multi year contract extension that grants the Indian streaming platform exclusive rights to live stream Formula 1 in India. Following the announcement, we spoke to Yannick Colaco, co founder of FanCode, to discuss the journey of the partnership so far, what the new deal means for the future of Formula 1 on the platform, the features fans can expect going forward, and to address some of the key questions from Indian viewers.
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The future of F1TV in India
The official Formula 1 press release stated that “F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium will be sold directly via FanCode,” a line that raised several questions among Indian Formula 1 fans. Addressing the confusion, Yannick Colaco clarified that F1 TV will continue to function exactly as it did this year, with the only change being the purchase flow. Subscriptions will now be routed through FanCode, a move aimed at streamlining the experience by bringing everything under a single platform.
“The biggest question is whether anything will change in terms of what users get from F1 TV and FanCode. The answer is yes, but it will be better.”
Driver on board cameras and multiple commentary options on FanCode
On driver on board cameras and commentary options, FanCode’s focus is on offering choice rather than duplicating features. As Yannick Colaco put it, “we don’t want to replicate stuff, we want to give the user the option to choose.” He explained that FanCode does not plan to recreate F1 TV features on its own platform, especially since those tools already exist for fans who choose an F1 TV package through FanCode.
Colaco also spoke about commentary preferences, acknowledging that fan opinions are divided. He noted that research done before FanCode’s 2024 launch showed that many regular users were already critical of the F1 TV commentary. “When we launched Formula 1 on FanCode, we wanted to give fans something different, and Sky Sports was the best coverage available,” he said. At the same time, FanCode will continue listening to viewers and expand its options.
Looking ahead, FanCode is also exploring the addition of more regional language feeds, further widening access to Formula 1 for fans across India.
4K Streams on Fancode? Maybe not in the short term
FanCode has made it clear that 4K streaming is unlikely in the short term. Yannick Colaco explained that access to live 4K remains extremely limited, saying, “the reality is, there is less than 1% or may be lower percentages of end consumers who can access live 4K right now.” He added that owning a 4K TV does not automatically mean viewers are actually receiving a true 4K stream.
Colaco also pointed out that the bigger challenge lies in the last mile viewing experience and the infrastructure available to users. “It about how do you improve the last mile viewing experience of the consumer in the infrastructure that the consumer has,” he said. FanCode’s focus, he explained, is not just on delivering the best possible stream, but on doing so efficiently, adding, “it’s not just the question of giving you access to multiple stream quality options, the focus is on giving you the best quality of stream which most efficiently uses the infrastructure each fan has available to access it.”
The new Packages and Pricing
FanCode is currently finalising its pricing tiers and subscription plans for the upcoming season. While the full details are still being worked out, users will be able to choose from multiple plans, including a dedicated option to access F1 TV in India. FanCode’s popular race by race pass is also set to continue, giving fans flexible ways to follow the championship. Pricing information is expected to be announced sometime in mid January.
Speaking on the approach, Yannick Colaco explained that FanCode will become the single entry point for watching Formula 1 in India, while still offering choice in how fans consume the sport. Regional feeds, weekend passes, monthly packages, and F1 TV subscriptions will all be available through FanCode. He added that fans who opt for an F1 TV package will continue to use the F1 TV app as they do currently, with FanCode handling the access and purchase experience.
What about using third-party apps like Multiview?
Popular third party apps such as Multiviewer for F1 require users to log in using their F1 TV account credentials. Under the FanCode setup, subscribers who opt for a supported plan will continue to receive F1 TV account credentials, allowing them to access content directly through the official F1 TV app. As a result, third party tools like Multiviewer for F1 will remain usable, just as they have been until now.
The Pre-roll and picture-in-picture ads
On pre roll and picture in picture advertising, FanCode maintains that ads are a necessary part of keeping Formula 1 accessible in India, while still trying to minimise disruption for viewers. Yannick Colaco explained the balancing act involved, saying, “I think it is balanced. We need to do advertising because it is an important part of how we can afford to pay for all of this, its part of our business model but we to figure out how to do it with the least intrusive ways to fans.” He added that split screen ads were introduced with that intent, noting that “we do a maximum of 2 per race,” and that the team tries to place them at moments that do not interrupt the action. At the same time, he admitted that the execution still needs improvement, saying, “I will be honest we haven’t been successful enough, we need to do a much better job on it.”
Colaco also revealed that FanCode is open to offering an ad free option at a premium price. He pointed out that a similar experiment was tried during cricket coverage a few years ago, where a completely ad free stream was offered for an extra charge. However, despite complaints about ads, most users were unwilling to pay the higher price.
When asked whether advertising helps keep prices low for consumers, Colaco was clear. “Yes, absolutely,” he said, adding that the current pricing is almost unheard of globally. “I don’t think anywhere in the world, someone can watch a Formula 1 race for Rs.69, around 60 cents a race. It’s just unheard of, like I think even the Formula 1 people think we are mad. We have to figure out a way to balance and provide the cheap prices.”
Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.
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