Formula 1
F1 Revival in South East Asia: Racing Returns?
South East Asia: A Promising region for Formula 1 South East Asia has long been a hub for Formula 1, with notable events like the Indian Grand Prix (2011-2013) and the Malaysian Grand Prix, which has been a staple since 1999 up until 2017, drawing significant attention from motorsport enthusiasts. The Indian Grand Prix held at the Buddh International Circuit, showcased the region’s potential by attracting large crowds and significant international interest during its short tenure. Similarly, the Malaysian Grand Prix, held between 1999 and 2017 at the Sepang International Circuit, provided fans with some of the most memorable races in F1 history due to its challenging track layout and unpredictable weather conditions. The Sepang track still holds MotoGP races where legendary rider Valentino Rossi has taken victory seven times. The Sepang track is also the host of many endurance races, like the Asian Le Mans Series, The Sepang 1000 km, and the Intercontinental GT Challenge. Despite this interest, various challenges, such as logistical issues, financial constraints, and political factors, have prevented the region from becoming a permanent fixture on the F1 calendar. This has been a source of disappointment for local fans who crave the high-octane thrill of F1 cars racing through their cities and the economic boost such events typically bring. However, recent developments from Liberty Media, the owner of the Formula One Group, offer a glimmer of hope for fans in this region. Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, has hinted that a race in South East Asia is increasingly likely. This is particularly exciting news for F1 enthusiasts in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, all of which have shown a keen interest in hosting such an event. Maffei’s statements have reignited discussions among local motorsport authorities and business stakeholders about the feasibility and benefits of hosting F1 races.
Potential Venues for Races
Malaysia: Should Formula 1 make a return to Malaysia, the Sepang International Circuit is the favored venue. Known for its two long straights connected by a tight hairpin, Sepang has been the site of some of the most thrilling races in F1 history. The circuit, also known as the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, would be a perfect fit given that Petronas is a major sponsor of the Mercedes F1 team.
Sepang’s infrastructure is well-equipped to handle the logistics of an F1 race, with its modern facilities and history of hosting major international events. The track’s combination of high-speed sections and technical corners presents a significant challenge for drivers, adding to the excitement for spectators. Moreover, Malaysia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it an accessible destination for international fans. This is the venue for the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (2024), the Asian Le Mans Series, The Sepang 1000 kms, and the Intercontinental GT Challenge.
Indonesia: For an Indonesian Grand Prix, the Sentul International Circuit is the top candidate. This 3.9 km track features a sharp right-hand first turn and a total of 11 turns. Though it has never hosted a Formula 1 race, it has a history with GP2 events, with Bruno Senna holding the race lap record. Sentul shows great promise as a new F1 venue, with potential upgrades to meet F1 standards. Its location near Jakarta, a major urban center, could attract a large local and international audience. The Indonesian government’s support for motorsports and ongoing infrastructure development in the region further enhance Sentul’s viability as a host for an F1 race. The circuit’s unique layout, which blends fast straights with tight corners, promises to deliver an exciting spectacle for racing fans.
Indonesia has another option to hold a Formula 1 race, at the Mandalika Circuit, the host of the Indonesian MotoGP Grand Prix. Descriptions of Indonesia’s Mandalika MotoGP and World Superbike-hosting track as a ‘street circuit’ are somewhat misleading; rather, this is a purpose-built race track that incorporates some existing public roads and is then handed over for normal traffic usage when not used for racing. This 16-turn, 4.3 km long track gives some very interesting bike races and may even make for a good Formula 1 race track.
Thailand: The Chang International Circuit, also known as the Buriram International Circuit, is the obvious choice for a Thai Grand Prix. This 4.5 km track, with its 12 turns and wide straights, has hosted several MotoGP races, including the event where Marc Marquez secured his eighth world title. A Formula 1 race here would certainly be a spectacle, offering fans a mix of speed and technical challenges. The track’s long pit lane with a tricky entrance adds another layer of complexity, making it a suitable venue for F1. Additionally, Buriram’s robust tourism infrastructure and Thailand’s popularity as a tourist destination could boost attendance and international interest in the event. The circuit’s design, which emphasizes overtaking opportunities and high-speed action, is well-suited for the demands of F1 racing. It has recently hosted a race in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia.
India: While discussing Formula 1 in SE Asia, we cannot forget India. India is a country of 1.4 billion people, filled with adrenaline junkies and octane thrill-seeking fans. Just this weekend, Mumbai hosted a drag racing series at the Juhu Airport runway! This drag race was previously held since the 1970s, stopped for some reasons, and has now been finally renewed. The Hyderabad E-Prix, a wonderfully organized street race through Lumbini Park on the banks of Sagar Hussain Lake, not only fulfilled the dreams of Indians to see a street race in India but also boosted the local economy by a whopping $84 million. Another instance in which motorsport in India would be discussed is the age-old Madras Motor Racetrack. Work began in the 1980s and was finally inaugurated in 1990. This track served as the backbone of Indian motorsport. This FIA-certified Grade 2 track still holds regional races like the MRF championship. Unfortunately, this track cannot hold Formula 1 races as it is a Grade 2 track and only Grade 1 tracks are eligible to hold Formula 1 races. However, there is another track in India which can and has in the past held Formula 1 races. The Buddh International Circuit, located in Noida, hosted races between 2011 and 2013, all of them won by Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel, who celebrated winning his fourth title at this very track.
Due to political interference and bureaucracy, the races stopped. But, during the launch of Formula 1 and Fancode’s streaming partnership, Formula 1 released data showing there are 100 million fans in India of the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1. In the last four years, the sport has grown from 60 million to 100 million fans. Seeing this outburst of fans in India, the Formula One Group may even think about returning to the subcontinent. Currently, there are two under-construction race tracks being built: CoASTT High Performance in Coimbatore and Bren Raceway in Bengaluru. These are not Grade 1 circuits but are circuits of lower grade, helping to create a junior series of motorsport infrastructure in the country.
Vietnam: Vietnam has recently become a top choice for a tourist destination due to its cheap flight tickets, lower food and stay costs, making it a beautiful foreign destination for family trips with delicious food. Adding our favorite organic compound—octane—Vietnam was all set to host the Vietnam Grand Prix in 2020, sponsored by Vinfast at the Hanoi circuit, but 2020 was the year of the coronavirus, and the race was canceled. After that, it was indefinitely postponed. This 5.6 km track with 22 turns was all set to provide a banger weekend, but it wasn’t possible. This track contains one very long back straight, complemented by two medium-long straights. It is filled with high-speed bends and a very long hairpin. All these factors make this track a personal favorite among all these tracks. Until its formation, it hasn’t seen much track action, except a few regional bike and car championships. Weather Considerations The weather in Southeast Asia is notoriously unpredictable, which could add an extra layer of excitement to the races. The region’s climate can swiftly change from scorching sunshine to heavy rains, potentially affecting race strategies and outcomes. Teams would need to prepare for a wide range of conditions, making these races uniquely challenging and thrilling for both drivers and spectators. Rain, in particular, has historically added drama and unpredictability to F1 races, as seen in past events at Sepang, where sudden downpours have led to unexpected results and dramatic moments on track. The ability to adapt to rapidly changing weather conditions will be crucial for teams, adding an element of strategy and unpredictability that enhances the overall spectacle.
When can these races take place?
While the prospect of new F1 races in Southeast Asia is thrilling, these events are unlikely to materialize before 2026-27, as the 2025 calendar is already set. Organizers will face stiff competition from the expanding number of American GPs, which are increasingly popular. If these Southeast Asian races do come to fruition, they could be scheduled at the start of the season, following the East Asian rounds in China and Japan, to optimize logistics and fuel efficiency. This scheduling would make the races more affordable and accessible for fans, including those from neighboring countries like India, potentially drawing a larger crowd and increasing the region’s appeal to global motorsport audiences. Additionally, aligning the Southeast Asian races with the East Asian rounds could reduce transportation costs and logistical complexities for the teams, making it a more sustainable option for the sport. Stay tuned to Desiracingcompany for updates on whether these exciting developments will come to pass, bringing F1 action back to Southeast Asian tracks and fulfilling the dreams of many local F1 fans. The potential return of F1 to this vibrant and diverse region promises not only to reignite local interest in motorsports but also to showcase South East Asia’s capacity to host world-class events, further integrating it into the global F1 calendar.
Formula 1
DRC’s 2025 Singapore GP Review: Russell’s Epic Redemption, McLaren’s Stunning Double & the Battle of the Papayas
The Singapore GP was full of crowning moments, intense battles and iron clad defenses. Join us as DRC reviews a thrilling 2025 Singapore GP.
Formula One returned to the original night race as the Marina Bay street circuit played host to the 2025 Formula One Singapore GP. George Russell won in dominating fashion from pole as McLaren clinched the constructor’s championship for second year in a row, a feat they had not achieved since the tail-end of their dominating four-peat in 1991. Max Verstappen clawed back six valuable points into the title fight as seven different constructors gathered points for the first time at the Singapore GP. Join us as we recap a thrilling Singapore GP.
Table of Contents
Russell and Mercedes dominate the Singapore GP
Mercedes grabbed up a 2-4 finish in Baku with Russell finishing on the rostrum, but crossing the finish line about 15 seconds off Verstappen surely left a bitter taste in their mouth. Come the Singapore GP, the situation looked even worse.
George Russell was the lead Mercedes in the first practice session, an entire second off the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso, ultimately finishing 11th. Kimi Antonelli was a further quarter of a second behind him, as he finished 14th.
The second practice session, which acts more like a qualifying simulation, pushed the dagger deeper. George Russell crashed out of FP2, only managing to complete six laps in total, finishing dead last. Kimi Antonelli finished 18th, two seconds off the fastest lap set by Oscar Piastri.
Calling it a “very challenging day for a multitude of reasons”, George Russell also quipped that “Singapore GP has not been the kindest to me (in the past), but that is my own doing majority of the time.”
Saturday is when Mercedes hit the ground running. After seeing the McLarens, Verstappen and Fernando Alonso show impressive pace, Mercedes turned up with some of their own. Finishing 3rd and 4th in the third practice sessions, Mercedes announced their arrival onto the scene.
The momentum though, looked to be swinging between the McLarens and the Red Bull of Verstappen. But, it was the Mercedes of George Russell who peaked at the right time, topping Q2, and then setting two blistering laps in Q3. Each lap was not only good enough for pole, but he also broke the previous Marina Bay track record with a 1m29.158s in his final attempt, securing pole for sunday’s Singapore GP.
He beat Verstappen to the premier grid slot by nearly two tenths, while Kimi Antonelli out-qualified Lando Norris’ McLaren to finish 4th.
Starting from pole, Russell never looked back, as her dominated the race and went on to win by 5.4 seconds. This is quite an emotional result for Russell. He famously crashed out from victory contention at turn 10 on the last lap here in 2023, and very nearly caused major damage as he crashed out at turn 16 in FP2. The win was redemption as Russell himself admitted the win felt “amazing, especially considering what happened here a couple of years ago.”
McLaren clinch the constructor’s crown as the Papaya war rages on
McLaren looked in the hunt for pole for the longest time. Even other teams, who were quick in their own right, expected a McLaren resurgence after their meltdown in Azerbaijan. Piastri topped the qualifying simulations in FP2, while he finished second in the third practice session.
But as the track evolved on Saturday, conditions made way for the Mercedes of Russell and the Red Bull of Verstappen as they locked out the front row. Piastri was the lead McLaren in third, while Norris slotted in exactly behind him in fifth for the Singapore GP.
The race start, was absolutely chaotic for the papayas. Both Norris and Piastri came together in the opening lap, with Norris forcing his way past Piastri to claim third spot after going deep into turn three.
Tensions boiled over, as Piastri asked that he be handed the place back, much like what he did for Norris after they made contact in Monza two races ago. McLaren, however decided against this, and left Piastri Frustrated. Although the Stewards decided not to intervene in the incident, Zak Brown admitted that “(the incident) was a nailbiter, but they race hard and they race clean”, adding that “this is something that we will have to review internally.”
Although the P3 – P4 finish was sub – standard for team Papaya, it guaranteed them their tenth world constructor’s championship. This is also their second consecutive title and their first back-back since they won four in a row in 1991. McLaren also clinched the championship with six grand prix to go, matching Red Bull’s record as the team to win the title earliest in the season, who also won it at the Singapore GP in 2023.
The Prancing Horse struggles in the city of the Lion
The Scuderia were not looking strong for the get go. Charles Leclerc finished second in the first practice, although that looked more like a flash of fortune rather than that of brilliance. The Ferraris qualified 6th and 7th, with Hamilton out-qualifying Leclerc by a tenth. The scarlet red Ferraris did manage to make the race interesting, with Lewis Hamilton putting on the soft tire to the end, trying to charge towards a potential p4 and stop McLaren from another crown.
This rhythm was cut short, as Hamilton suffered braking issues towards the end of the race while hunting down Piastri for fourth, ultimately crossing the line in seventh but fell down to eighth after failing brakes caused him to violate track limits multiple times over the allowed upper bound. Singapore has developed quite a reputation for brake failure, with multiple instances being observed primarily due to the hot and humid conditions.
Hamilton now takes on a rather infamous Ferrari record, having gone 18 races without a Sunday podium for the Scuderia, which is their longest podium drought for a single driver ever. Leclerc finished 6th, meaning that he has gone for five races without a trip to the rostrum.
As Ferrari continue to struggle, this result is a setback. The SF 25 is car that is suited to slow to medium paced corners, which means heavy downforce races like Monaco, Hungary and the Singapore GP. Finishing fifth and eighth is one thing, you may have bad days, but being completely outclassed and outpaced by your competitors is a surely a sign of worry for the Scuderia.
Verstappen outscores McLaren as Alonso, Bearman impress
After completing a perfect weekend in Baku, which saw him earn a sixth career grand slam, Max Verstappen looked quick right from the get go on the Marina. He was the only driver to manage a top – 3 finish in all three practice sessions, ending FP3 at the top of the timesheets.
Qualifying was a different matter though. After trading places with George Russell and eventually falling to him in Q2, Verstappen could not even manage to get within a touching distance of either of Russell’s flying laps, both of which were good enough for a new lap record around Singapore. After qualifying P2, Verstappen looked to be set up for a perfect attack off the rip at Russell, to claim a Singapore GP win, and win on every circuit on this year’s calendar.
Coming raceday, Verstappen himself admitted that all hopes for the win ended after turn 1, and that “P2 finish was the best case scenario after the lengthy battle with Lando Norris.” Verstappen went on to say that “… it was more difficult than I had hoped…”, and that he was “… struggling with the upshifts and downshifts of the car”, admitting that the car was behaving in a way that is not considered ideal for street circuits.
Over on to the other end of the pitlane, the Aston Martin Fernando Alonso was impressive pace wise at the start of the weekend. Having topped FP1, the Spaniard lined up in the tenth grid box, managing to reach Q3 against quicker cars of Lawson and Tsunoda. His pace on race day was spot on as well, as he climbed up another three places to clinch a seventh place, and bring home six important points. This is an important points finish for Aston Martin, as they battle with Racing Bulls for sixth in the Constructors, trailing them with four points currently.
Another driver who impressed all over the weekend was Oliver Bearman, who qualified and finished ninth, gaining two crucial points for Haas in his fifth points finish this season. This gives Haas an opportunity to catch up to Sauber in the constructors championship for eighth in their battle.
Drivers and Constructors Championships
This is how the Drivers Championship is shaping up after the Singapore GP.
This is how the Constructors Championship looks like after the Singapore GP.
Onto Austin
Next up, we have the United States Grand Prix coming up from October 17-19.
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
Azerbaijan Ascendancy: Victory for Verstappen, Redemption for Williams on the Caspian Streets
Baku never disappoints — and the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix was no exception. On the twisting streets along the Caspian Sea, drama unfolded at every turn, with crashes, safety cars, and strategy gambles keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Verstappen launched cleanly from the front, but the chasing pack wasted no time in piling on the pressure. A first-lap incident, Oscar Piastri crashing into the wall, immediately brought out the safety car, setting the tone for a race that would be dictated as much by chaos as by speed.
Behind him, heartbreak struck: a bold Ferrari challenge ended with a nasty strategies , while McLaren’s podium dreams dissolved in the pits. Max opting for a medium – downforce package, striking a balance between the long straight speed and tight middle sectors. This gave him a strong top-end speed without compromising too much of the grip he received. His first stint on the softs paved him way as he managed effectively extending their life. Second stint on hards, won him the race. McLaren tried to undercut by pitting early, failed to do so due to the traffic and a slow stop (4 seconds) stationed them behind the Ferraris and Yuki in his Redbull. Verstappen tamed his rivals once again.
His teammate, Yuki scored P6 fighting a Williams, McLaren and a Ferrari. Proving consistency is key.
The Underdog Roars: Williams Shocks Baku
Williams arrived in Baku with a bold philosophy “strip the car for straight-line speed”.While others opted for stability in the tight castle track,Williams gambled on a low-drag system that made them the fastest car through the speed traps. Carlos Sainz secured his first podium of this year, making it a Willaims’s podium after 4 years.
Setup changes were a huge plus to Carlos Sainz’s driving style, qualifying on the front row with Max. While Alex Albon struggled to make it into Q2, Carlos Sainz put up an extraordinary lap all together. As carnage erupted in the midfield on lap 1, the drivers kept their noses clean, climbing places without having to give away some of the risky moves. Due to the safety car neutralising the race, they extended their first stint on softs. Due to the pitstop, he received an undercut from Russel as he stole the spot with one of the cleanest pitstop from Mercedes.
The joy among the fans all over were humongous. The defensive driving was flawless,calm, calculated, and uncompromising. When the checkered flag fell, Williams had secured a P3 “their best team result in recent memory”.
A Weekend to forget for the McLarens
McLaren left Azerbaijan with a lingering sense of “what could have been.” Fast on the straights, brave in wheel-to-wheel combat, but ultimately undone by strategy, brakes and tire struggles, McLaren’s 2025 Baku campaign was a case study in how fine margins define success and failure in Formula 1.
Oscar Piastri’s Baku Grand Prix ended in sorrow, a brutal crash into the barriers. A false start and misjudgment of gap level landed him to P20. Malfunctioning of MCL38, put him straight into the castle at turn 5. As the championship battle intensifies, they’ll hope Piastri’s mistake becomes a lesson and not a recurring incident.
Norris with a low-drag package struggled to make to the top 5. Qualifying was a equally disaster for both due to package and set up differences. The decision paid dividends in qualifying, with their cars consistently among the fastest through the speed traps. However, that came at a cost: A DNF and P7 finish by the end of the race.
“Oscar was pushing right where he needed to. In Baku, you take risks — sometimes it pays off, sometimes the walls win.” – Andrea Stella(Team Principal) (post race)
Mercedes Surprise Surge
After months of chasing the frontrunners, the Silver Arrows finally returned to the podium, proving that persistence, strategy, and precision still run deep. George Russel pulled his W16 to P2 in the almighty turns of Baku while the McLarens pushed aggressively and paid the price in the long run.
The defining moment came when Mercedes timed their stop perfectly under the Virtual Safety Car. While Ferrari and McLaren hesitated, Mercedes seized the opportunity, saving precious seconds. Emerging in clean air, they were able to undercut one Williams of Carlos Sainz, leapfrogging into podium contention.
Kimi Antonelli successfully scored P4 position unable to overtake Carlos with a few laps of time. Mercedes team together proved that this race result was a statement that they are still present in the constructor’s title.
Baku Bravery: Racing Bulls Take the Fight to the Midfield
Redbull’s sister team secured a splendid result with Liam Lawson with a P5, his best career finish and Issack Hadjar in P10, earning 11 valuable points. Racing bulls opted for a medium downforce setup adjusting to the curves of Baku. This team is proving it can better than its sister team and with time, its proving true.
Ferrari Truma continues.
Both the Ferrari drivers failed to keep with the mid field. They were asked to swap but didn’t make a mark. Yuki survived Lewis Hamilton losing large amount of time. Charles on the other hand, had a splendid first stint but lost pace due to the McLarens.
Ferrari arrived in Azerbaijan with confidence, running a high-downforce setup aimed at maximising grip through the tight castle section. While they were quick in the technical sector, the lack of straight-line speed left them vulnerable. A weakness that would haunt them on race day. The opening laps showed Ferrari’s fragility. Though they managed to hold track position early on, McLaren and Williams repeatedly threatened on the 2km main straight.Ferrari facing another hard time raised questions among fans, F1 enthusiasts, etc.
Race Result
Constructor Standings
On to Singapore!
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix of 2025 delivered everything Baku is known for chaos, heartbreak, and breathtaking drama. From Verstappen’s relentless charge to Mercedes’ podium redemption, Williams’ resurgence, and McLaren’s costly misfortune, the race was a rollercoaster of shifting fortunes.
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.
The 2025 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the legendary “Temple of Speed,” delivered one of the most historic races in modern F1 history. Max Verstappen stormed to pole position with a record-breaking lap — the fastest qualifying effort ever recorded in Formula 1 — before converting it into a dominant race victory.Verstappen not only secured his third career win at Monza but also etched his name into the sport’s record books as the victor of the fastest F1 race ever run.
Temple of Speed Falls to Verstappen’s Relentless Charge
From the moment qualifying began, history was in the making. Max Verstappen, relentless as ever, delivered a lap of breathtaking precision to seize pole position with a new track record and in doing so, set the fastest average-speed lap in Formula 1 history.
Under the blazing Italian sun, Verstappen launched from pole with clinical composure, controlling the race with his trademark efficiency.That performance alone would have cemented Monza 2025 as unforgettable, but what followed on race day elevated it into legend. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri gave spirited chase, forcing Red Bull to push to the absolute limit, but neither could match the Dutchman’s rhythm.
Team Orders, Tension, and Triumph
Norris hounded Verstappen in the opening laps, keeping the reigning champion within striking distance, while Piastri played the perfect supporting role in third. Yet, as the stints unfolded, Verstappen’s relentless pace proved just out of reach.
McLaren strategists called for calm, instructing Norris and Piastri to swap position rather than risk everything in a wheel-to-wheel scrap. It was a pragmatic move that secured the team a valuable double podium — P2 for Norris and P3 for Piastri. The team faced heavy backlashing from fans over the papaya team orders.
“If it was the other way around, we would have done the exact same way.” – Lando Norris(post race)
Strategic Missteps Cost Mercedes
Mercedes’s outing at Monza 2025 was a mixed effort from both Kimi and Russel combined. While the team arrived to close the gap and maintain as a contender to the top teams, they fell short by the least margin. The car lost its performance on the straight.
Kimi lost 3 places in the due course where as Russel managed to protect his 5th place from the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Despite the challenges, Mercedes took valuable data from Monza as they continue to refine their package for upcoming races, determined to turn signs of progress into consistent results.
Glory Slips Away: Ferrari’s Costly Mistake at Home
The 2025 Italian Grand Prix at Monza promised to a celebration for Ferrari, but ended in bitter heartbreak for Scuderia Ferrari and their Tifosi Fans. Lewis Hamilton facing a 5 place grid penalty from the Dutch Grand Prix costed misfortune as he fought hard to put his car in the top 10 facing overtakes from Williams, Mercedes and a Sauber.
The race unfolded in cruel fashion.Mechanical gremlins and tyre degradation further compounded Ferrari’s woes, leaving neither driver able to extract the maximum from the SF-25 on one of the most important weekends of the season. Each lap that slipped away felt heavier for the thousands of fans dressed in scarlet, who had filled Monza’s grandstands with hope and pride.
Italian GP Brings Hopeful Signs for Williams
While they weren’t expected to challenge the front-runners, Williams maximized their opportunities, turning steady pace and sharp racecraft into a performance that left the paddock impressed.Qualifying set the tone, with both drivers pushing the FW47 to its limits around Monza’s long straights and heavy braking zones. Though not inside the very top of the grid, Williams positioned themselves well to fight for the lower points-paying positions – an achievement in itself given the team’s recent struggles.
Alex Albon challenged mid-field, starting all the way from P14, finished P7 scoring valuable points for the team. Willams took the strategy correct, pitted early and fought hard. Meanwhile, Carlos started from P13 finished P11, missing out points by a second. Major damage occurred when he and Ollie Bearman had a spun due to crash at the apex, amounting in damaging the front wing.
Gabriel Bortoleto Impresses with Solid Points Finish at Monza
Formula 1 rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, Monza was another clear sign of his growing maturity and consistency. Starting from eighth on the grid—his joint-best qualifying result to date—Bortoleto turned in a composed drive to finish eighth, earning valuable points and strengthening Sauber’s standing in the Constructors’ Championship.
“Overall, I am happy to have finished eighth and have made it back in the points: this is also important for the Constructors’ Championship… it’s been a consistent, productive one, and a good way to close the European leg of the season.” – Gabriel Borteleto(post race)
Hadjar’s Fightback Leaves a Mark in Italy
Starting all the way from the pit-lane, Hadjar battled hard to finish P10, scoring a point fighting up 10 positions. Visa Cash RedBull Racing got the strategy and the pace perfect. He managed his tires perfectly.
Hadjar’s qualifying ended on a sour note as he was knocked out early in Q1. His frustration were compounded when he blamed Carlos Sainz for disrupting his crucial out-lap during the session. On top of that, a new power unit forced him to start from the pit-lane, putting him at a significant disadvantage from the outset.
His grit was rewarded with a top-10 finish despite all the weekend’s setbacks. The full results show him completing the race just under 64 seconds behind Max Verstappen, in 10th place.
Race Result!
Driver’s championship as we head to Baku
Team Standings
Touchdown in Baku
The 2025 Italian Grand Prix delivered everything fans expect from Monza – blistering speed, passionate tifosi, and a race packed with drama from front to back. Max Verstappen’s dominance reaffirmed his place at the top, while McLaren’s consistency kept the championship battle alive. Ferrari, under the weight of home expectation, suffered heartbreak, leaving the Tifosi deflated once again.
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.
DRC’s 2025 Singapore GP Review: Russell’s Epic Redemption, McLaren’s Stunning Double & the Battle of the Papayas
Azerbaijan Ascendancy: Victory for Verstappen, Redemption for Williams on the Caspian Streets
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