Motorsports
Why Leclerc let Perez slip into second place at the end of the Abu Dhabi GP
After the end of the Abu Dhabi GP, Charles Leclerc commented on his decision to let Sergio Perez overtake for second a few laps before the checkered flag – of course knowing that the Mexican would end up with a 5-second penalty.
The Monegasque driver suggested that Ferrari made this move at the end of the Abu Dhabi GP to make it easier for the Czech to build the 5-inch lead he needed over Russell to keep his place ahead of the Mercedes Englishman after applying the Penalty.
This was crucial for the Scuderia, as it would deduct three points from Russell, meaning second place in the final Constructors’ Championship would go to the Italian company – rather than Mercedes, who eventually won it (along with an additional ten million dollars out). the constructors’ championship). Distribution of television rights for the season).
Leclerc himself was confident that he would stay 5 inches behind Perez, so that the final result would see him back in second place overall, with the penalty applying to the RBR driver. But Russell managed to get within 5 feet of Perez at the checkered flag, securing 3rd place on the podium and 2nd place in the championship for Mercedes.
Commenting on his decision, Leclerc – who also offered Perez the slipstream so he could move faster – said: “We had to help him so that he could somehow finish five seconds ahead of George. I tried to give it to him DRS And slipstream [στις ευθείες]but unfortunately that wasn’t enough.”.
The 25-year-old continued: “It’s a shame that we came third in the championship. That was the only thing that mattered to me at the end of the season and we didn’t make it. Of course I wanted to try to take the lead at the start of the race [από τον Φερστάπεν] But we also knew that our race was a bit lacking in speed compared to theirs.
Even if I overtook Max there, he would probably overtake me again three or four laps later. Besides, my only goal was to win her Mercedes, So I didn’t want to waste too much of my tire rubber and time fighting Max. But yeah, it was fun. closed the Monegasque.
For his part, Russell emphasized: “In the end it was close with Czeko. I thought Charles would try to hold me back in the end, but I really appreciate him staying clean.” Second place is of immense importance. There are so many people at the factory in Brackley [τομέας σασί]in Brixworth [τομέας κινητήρων]who worked hard to achieve it.
It was a season full of great challenges. I’ve let the team down a few times this year, so I’m happy to finally get this result today.”concluded Russell a day after saying that this year may be the worst season of his racing career based on results.
Source: sport 24
Hi, my name is Jayden James. I am a writer at Sportish, and I mostly cover sports news. I have been writing since high school and have been published in various magazines and newspapers. I also write book reviews for a website. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer and basketball.
Former Red Bull and Aston Martin chief engineer Dan Fellows believes significant changes in the Formula 1 driver market in the coming years will depend on Lewis Hamilton’s decision.
The seven-time world champion had a difficult first season with Ferrari, failing to reach the podium once in all 24 Grands Prix. For the first time in his career, Hamilton finished a season without finishing in the top three.
Amid these difficulties, suggestions have emerged that the Briton could retire from Formula 1 after the 2026 season.
Fellows said Hamilton would not want to stay in the championship unless he had a competitive car.
Fellows said: “I believe Hamilton is the key figure in the driver market. It is easy to compare him to Fernando Alonso; although last season was difficult for him, he is still capable of performing at a high level.” he said.
Fellowes added: “Lewis wants to be competitive. He wants a car that can win races. If he doesn’t do that, I’m not sure he wants to continue.”
Ferrari now has a young driver named Oliver Berman, who races for Haas and is considered one of the main candidates for promotion. According to Fellows, if Hamilton decides to retire early, this could start a chain reaction in the driver market.
Fellows said: “If he decides to leave, he will probably announce it in advance so Ferrari has time to prepare. This could require many changes. Berman is the obvious option, but not the only one.”
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has returned to Portugal to test his GT3 car at the start of the 2026 season.
Last year the Dutch driver took to the track several times in his touring cars; in particular, he participated in the Nordschleife competition, which he won together with his teammate Chris Lulem.
Verstappen has long expressed his passion for endurance racing and plans to compete more frequently in the form of motorsport after retiring from Formula 1. He arrived in Portugal last year, just a week after failing to win another world title against Lando Norris.
The 28-year-old driver arrived at the Portuguese Grand Prix circuit Estoril, where he tested the Mercedes AMG GT3 on wet surfaces.
Let’s remember, at the end of 2025, Verstappen’s endurance racing team announced that it had signed a contract with Mercedes to participate in future competitions.
Verstappen in Mercedes’ Portimão. Images are in the foreground. #daznf1 pic.twitter.com/1NFxvED3So
— joao carlos costa (@jcccomentador) January 14, 2026
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
Revolut, the name sponsor of the Audi Formula 1 team, criticized the exterior design of Ferrari’s other name partner, HP, which carries the blue logo.
Ferrari and HP announced a multi-year title sponsorship agreement almost two years ago. The contract led to visible changes in the appearance of the Italian team’s cars, especially the appearance of the blue elements on the traditional red livery.
Revolut Marketing Director Antoine Le Nel said he thought this design decision was unsuccessful.
“Brand identity is extremely important. At Revolut, design and user experience are very important and everything needs to fit together. No offense, but what HP and Ferrari have done in terms of design is not a good solution. How to paint a red car blue?”
Le Nel also touched upon positive examples of branding in Formula 1, highlighting Mastercard’s collaboration with McLaren as well as the integration of the Google Chrome brand.
Source: Sport UA
Ruth Waterhouse is an author and sports journalist who writes for Sportish. She is known for her coverage of various sports events and her insightful analysis of sports-related news. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, she has become a respected voice in the sports community.
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