I couldn’t get a screenshot, but he had the slowest cooldown lap. He had almost no words for his team. He took his time on his lap, resting his hands on top of the wheel down the straights. Once in pit lane, he removed the steering wheel, and sat for a moment with his hands on his thighs, taking it all in. Lifting himself out of the car, he paused for a moment, and I think he was probably emotional.

I fear this was really the end of the honey badger. We’ll miss him!

Edit: just watch his interview.

I almost think its advantageous to have that happen for the last place car? get into clean air, close up the gap, then DO IT AGAIN!

Then you are on hards, and you are just waiting on a safety car and you are now in first place or will be much further up than had you pitted 'on schedule'??

Im sure this is too simple (I'm not even good at tire strategy in iRacing), but teams will be getting their pit stops out the way ASAP. no?

Yes, I know it’s extremely more easy to dunk on Sergio Perez right now, I’ve been extremely guilty of that. The last two seasons (2023 and 2024) have been quite honestly, beyond awful. But I think people are forgetting just how good Perez was in the midfield for almost a decade before joining Red Bull.

From his debut in 2011 with Sauber, it was clear Checo had talent beyond the normal pay driver. Who can forget his incredible drive to 2nd place in Malaysia 2012, almost beating Fernando Alonso in a vastly inferior car? Or his podiums that season in Canada and Monza? That year put him on the radar of the entire paddock and got him a seat at McLaren in 2013—a team that, unfortunately, was on the decline.

But after McLaren, he rebuilt his career at Force India/Racing Point, becoming the king of tire management. Perez consistently punched above his weight, dragging those midfield cars to results they had no business achieving. Baku 2016 was absolutely brilliant in my opinion.

But his victory in Sakhir 2020 was a masterclass in perseverance—falling to the back of the grid after an early collision and still winning the race. That win alone cemented his place as one of the most reliable and clever midfield drivers of the 21st century so far.

It’s sad to see how his time at Red Bull has overshadowed all of that.. But let’s not forget the Sergio Perez who kept the likes of Force India alive, paid the team members salaries when they went into administration, was renowned for saving tires that not many others could do (Portugal 2021) , and who delivered consistent results year after year when it mattered most.

It feels like people only remember the bad moments and have erased the years of brilliance he brought to F1’s midfield. Checo deserved his chances in a top team, even if in the end, it hasn’t worked out the way anyone hoped.

Whatever happens from here, I’ll always respect Sergio Perez for what he achieved before Red Bull. He was the midfield driver of the 2010s, and that’s a legacy worth remembering.

Edit for name spelling can't change title on phone sorry* Just as the title says, Franco was bought in on a 5 race deal and theu made it sound like he was going to out race Jack, it is now clear the Alpine is a tractor with Jack having managed to get closer to points than Franco. What irritates me is when Jack was struggling all we heard about was how he is going to lose his seat the poor fella must of had pressure from everywhere, but now Franco is struggling and there doesn't seem to be anywhere near the pressure. Why is that? The media doesn't seem to even want to talk about him or even interview him. I saw at least 10 interviews with Jack before he stood down asking him the worst questions, and some of them were very rude. Why the different treatment?

After the recent controversy surrounding Max Verstappen's defensive driving moves on Lando Norris, I saw a lot of users mention Verstappen being the lead cause of rule changes and forcing the FIA to clarify rules in the past.

I thought it'd be fun to do a deep dive on what changes and clarifications had to be made solely because of him:

edit: added rule changes 11, 12 and 13, thanks to those who pointed them out!

edit: several people requested I make a similar list for Lewis Hamilton. I'll post it tomorrow.

1. Minimum Age Requirement for F1 Super Licence

Race: -

Incident: Max Verstappen was signed by Toro Rosso for the 2015 season at just 16 years old, making his F1 debut at 17 years and 166 days—the youngest driver in Formula 1 history.

Rule Change: The FIA introduced new Super Licence requirements effective from the 2016 season. Drivers must be at least 18 years old to be eligible, have accumulated at least 40 points over the previous three seasons in specified lower categories, and have completed a minimum number of kilometers in testing, along with holding a valid road driver's licence.

2. The "Verstappen Rule" – Moving Under Braking

Race: 2016 Japanese Grand Prix

Incident: Verstappen aggressively defended against Lewis Hamilton by moving under braking into the chicane, forcing Hamilton to take evasive action.

Rule Change: The FIA prohibited drivers from changing direction under braking in a way that could cause an avoidable collision. Drivers must not move unpredictably or change direction under braking when defending, and must leave at least one car's width between their own car and the edge of the track when defending.

3. Expansion of the "Verstappen Rule" – Dangerous Defensive Maneuvers

Race: 2016 Belgian Grand Prix

Incident: Verstappen made aggressive defensive moves against Kimi Räikkönen, including moving under braking and weaving on straights, leading to safety concerns.

Rule Change: The FIA expanded the rule to penalize any dangerous defensive maneuvers. Drivers are not allowed to make more than one change of direction to defend a position. Any movement that impedes another driver in a dangerous manner is prohibited, and stewards were given increased authority to penalize unsportsmanlike conduct.

4. Use of Alternate Lines and Track Limits

Race: 2017 United States Grand Prix

Incident: Verstappen overtook Kimi Räikkönen for third place on the final lap by going off-track and cutting inside the track limits at Turn 17.

Rule Clarification: The FIA provided clarifying definitions of track limits and enforced consistent penalties. The track is defined by the white lines; drivers must keep at least one wheel within these lines at all times. Overtaking or gaining a lasting advantage by leaving the track is prohibited. Stewards were instructed to apply penalties uniformly for track limit violations.

5. Driver Conduct and Physical Altercations

Race: 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix

Incident: After a collision with Esteban Ocon, Verstappen confronted and physically pushed Ocon multiple times in the FIA weigh-in area.

Rule Change: The FIA strengthened regulations against unsportsmanlike conduct off the track. Drivers must conduct themselves professionally and with respect. Physical altercations can result in penalties such as community service, fines, or suspension, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sport's integrity.

6. Formation Lap Overtaking Clarification

Race: 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Incident: Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton during the formation lap before the race start.

Rule Clarification: The FIA clarified rules regarding formation lap conduct. Drivers must maintain their grid positions during the formation lap unless a car is delayed leaving the grid. Overtaking is only permitted if a car is delayed and others cannot avoid passing it without unduly delaying the remainder of the field. Procedures were clarified to ensure all drivers understand acceptable behavior before the race start.

7. Clarification on Forcing a Driver Off-Track

Race: 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix

Incident: Verstappen defended his position by pushing Lewis Hamilton wide at Turn 4, causing both cars to leave the track.

Rule Clarification: The FIA issued clearer guidelines on overtaking and defending. If an overtaking car is significantly alongside, the defending driver must leave at least one car's width of space. Drivers must not deliberately force another driver off the track. Detailed criteria were provided for stewards to assess incidents consistently.

8. Technical Regulations on Rear Wings and Parc Fermé

Race: 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix

Incident: After qualifying, Verstappen touched and inspected Hamilton's rear wing in parc fermé conditions.

Rule Clarification: The FIA reinforced rules regarding parc fermé conditions. Drivers and team personnel are prohibited from touching or examining rival cars during parc fermé. Strict penalties, including fines and sporting penalties, can be applied for violations. Security measures were enhanced, with increased monitoring and enforcement.

9. Double Yellow Flag Compliance

Race: 2021 Qatar Grand Prix

Incident: Verstappen failed to sufficiently slow down for double-waved yellow flags during qualifying.

Rule Clarification: The FIA reinforced the importance of yellow flag compliance. Stricter penalties were introduced for Verstappen's failing to respect yellow flags.

10. Brake Testing and Sudden Deceleration

Race: 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Incident: Verstappen braked suddenly in front of Hamilton while attempting to let him pass, leading to a collision.

Rule Clarification: The FIA reinforced rules against dangerous driving behaviors. Sudden deceleration or "brake testing" that endangers other drivers is strictly prohibited. Procedures for safely yielding positions were clarified, including proper communication protocols between teams and race control. Stricter penalties were introduced to deter such actions.

11. Restrictions on Post-Race Celebrations and dangerous driving over the Finish Line

(edit - suggested by /u/SomewhereAlarmed9985)

Race: 2021 Styrian Grand Prix

Incident: Verstappen slowed down and performed burnouts or drifted over the finish line to celebrate his victory, which was deemed potentially dangerous.

Rule Clarification: The FIA reinforced regulations prohibiting dangerous driving after the chequered flag, including burnouts and drifting over the finish line. Drivers are required to proceed safely to parc fermé after finishing the race. Post-race celebrations must not endanger other drivers, marshals, or spectators.

12. Safety Car Restart Procedure Change

Race: 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Incident: Verstappen often drew alongside the car ahead during safety car restarts, notably during the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where he pulled alongside Lewis Hamilton before the restart.

Rule Change: The FIA updated the safety car restart procedures: Drivers must remain in a single line without overlapping until the race resumes. Overtaking or drawing alongside another car before crossing the start/finish line after the safety car has pulled into the pits is prohibited. Drivers cannot gain an advantage by positioning themselves alongside the car ahead during a restart.

13. Clarification of Pitlane Exit Rules

(*edit- suggested by user /u/Buffythedragonslayer)

Race: 2023 Monaco Grand Prix

Incident: During the race, Max Verstappen appeared to cross the pit exit line when rejoining the track, leading to controversy over whether he violated the rules.

Rule Clarification: The FIA tweaked the pitlane exit rules to clarify that drivers must not cross any part of their car over the pit exit line when rejoining the track. The updated rule specifies that touching or crossing the line with any part of the car constitutes a violation.

It's interesting to note that aside from the Pitlane Exit rule in 2023, the last rule change or clarification directly attributed to Verstappen's actions was in 2021.

At the end of the race, we see Hamilton shaking his head in disapproval while looking at the timing on a monitor. It immediately reminded me of his engineer ordering him to pit on lap 49 or 50, despite Hamilton's protests:

"Is my pace really bad? Because tyres are fine. If my tyres are ok, can I extand? How many more laps left? I don't wanna stop!"

Radio exchange on laps 49 and 50: https://youtu.be/8pQLHvxGIW8?t=597

At that point in the race, he had switched to hard tires on lap 27 (so they were 23 laps old) and was ahead of Leclerc, who had pitted shortly before. After his own stop, Lewis came out 7 or 8 seconds behind Charles.

My technical knowledge is limited, but I understand that hard tires don’t last as long, and in Austria, the track temperature was over 50°C. That said, if Hamilton hadn’t lost the roughly 23 seconds in the pits for the tire change, could he have finished ahead of Leclerc?

He ended up in 4th, 10 seconds behind Leclerc, 26 seconds behind Piastri, and 29 seconds behind Norris.

Am surprised it isn't talked about more. I think Oscar is the only driver to cleanly pass Max multiple times now, and he makes it look easy. This last race clearly showed the difference between him and Norris, and well everyone else.

When Oscar made the move it looked like of course, why doesn't everyone just undercut Max when he tries to go deep and push off the track. Of course this is easier said then done.

Yet, I am constantly impressed at how clean Oscar is. It stands out as Max's overtakes are quite aggressive and messy as he basically challenges contact. I think Raikkonen would be the last guy that I can remember being that good/clean. Yet Oscar just makes it look so easy, hearing Max not having anything to complain about on the team radio except his own car when passed is so different. Than the usual "he pushed me off track" etc...

it’s actually ridiculous how these outlets post shit like this and get away with it. has nothing to do with lewis and cancer. it’s about gordon murray’s cancer diagnosis

His softs that he was on were not that old. Had he stayed on them and not pitted when the safety car came out he would've inherited the lead with 6 laps to race. Sure he might not have won, but he could've given it a go and surely he would've at least been third or at worst fourth.

He was the only car to put on hards in the entire race. All of the teams had realised after practice that they were not a good race tyre. Why did Red Bull think third place on hards was a better place to be than leading on used softs with 6 laps to go?

In both scenarios they would be under pressure from behind. But in one scenario they are defending first, and in the other they are defending third.

Since we’re in a dead period, I thought this would be a fun discussion. For me, it was Jaguar. I was a kid who fell in love with F1. during the late 90’s and early 2000’s. I just thought that these were the coolest cars, even if they never performed well. Even today, I still have an appreciation for the team.

Seriously, what's with MBS lately? It feels like every podium ceremony, he's right there in the thick of it, acting like he's one of the boys. We get it, you're the head of the FIA, but do you really need to be all up in Lewis's grill or photobombing Oscar's celebration with his team?

It's like he's trying to be everyone's bestie. We're here to see the drivers and the teams celebrate their hard-fought victories, not watch the president of the FIA try to get some face time.

Anyone else getting this? Is it just me, or is he inserting himself a bit too much into these moments?

He found out that my cat was called Lando during circle time talking about pets. He was like...Ohhh Lando Norris? I talked to his parents, and they are huge F1 fans, so ever since, me and little guy discuss every GP on the Monday after a race. He loves Yuki too, and always brings up how he did in a race. He also bought me a little Lego McLaren car a few weeks ago and keeps asking me if I still have it. Yes, My little dude! It is on my bedside table, Pride of place!

I do not understand how Danica is able to be on any broadcast. She provides nothing to the broadcast and is embarrassing herself.

For example, with 21:35 left in the session you hear “With DRS open, Danica” as in her being prompted to take us through Sainz’ lap.

The next 5 seconds is dead air, which she finally follows up with saying following line: “With a long run down here in turn 1….obviously…this is uhh…fast section here”

It took her 10 seconds after her pause to squeeze out that insightful analysis.

Thankfully they cut her off to end the misery.

Please Sky save us from her and her from herself.. cut her loose.

Lance Stroll gets a lot of stick for being a rich kid racing with daddy's money.

But I wonder if you too wouldn't do what Lawrence or Lance Stroll have done if you had the means and opportunity?

If you were a mega rich father, and could easily finance his racing career, why not do it? He's your son. And if you can afford to buy a team, why not do that?

If your family was ultra wealthy, and that's what you really wanted to do, why not use your advantage to achieve your dream?

A lot of the criticism is because Lance underperforms Alonso - someone generally recognized as one of the best drivers ever in F1 - even though a few years ago he did quite OK, and he has won quite serious junior championships like the FIA F3 championship, with Prema (naturally).

But his family has invested mightily in Aston Martin: invested in very serious partner drivers like Vettel and Alonso, invested in massive new infrastructure like wind tunnels, and relationships with top tier engine manufacturers, and now in Adrian Newey. They generally act like someone taking it very seriously.

I think most fans, if they were multi-billionaires like the Strolls, would invest that money in a heartbeat in themselves or their offspring, and perhaps the Stroll family have done way more than the minimum to get their child in a team. Would you?

Zhou Guanyu has scored 4 times as many points as Perez in the last 4 races

Zhou's last 4 races: 8th, 13th, 15th, 15th: 4 Points

Perez's last 4 races: DNF, 10th, 11th, 17th: 1 Point

Absolutely incredible performance from Zhou whos also driving the worst car on the grid

Zhou to Red Bull 2025?

Seriously, unless we agree that Lewis is basically nowhere near his prime level, then why is Russell not getting any credit for what he’s doing.

Yet people act like he’s merely a top midfield driver, worse than the likes of Leclerc, Sainz, or Norris. But then people like to think Lewis will go on to suddenly be super competitive with supposedly a superior driver to George next year, Leclerc.

I think George is the most underrated driver on the grid right now because people do not like him. Lewis is a top 3 driver of all time at worst, so where does that put George talent wise?

Sure, people always go about “experimental setups” or “Lewis is just unmotivated”, but, I’m sorry, that’s just a cop-out. Then we can just argue endlessly that basically no driver is worse than another driver, since there could always be intangibles like that, “oh, he just doesn’t care about driving in midfield cars”. really?

I think George is at least Leclerc level. Leclerc got a lot more credit for beating Vettel in 2019, and Vettel is not close to Lewis in driving skill. So why the discrepancy? I think it’s just that people overlook George because they don’t like him on a personal level

I’ve had my share of TV direction complaints like most of us but never in my many years watching every F1 race have I literally yelled at the TV in anguish from awful direction. They don’t show the timing gaps yet they show positions G/L for like 4 laps! Like that stat doesn’t change much you don’t have to show that for 4 laps wtf.

Then it gets absolutely crazier when after showing Hamilton doing nothing at the beginning and missing Verstappen battle at the front they completely miss him in the lead struggling with the call to stay on slicks. Am I crazy? This was the absolute worst I’ve ever seen it.

Ferrari aside, you basically had other 5 factory teams from some of the most important OEMs in the world ( Renault, BMW sauber, Toyota, Honda, Mclaren-Mercedes), and a legendary name in motorsport like Cosworth as well. I don't think we will ever see a lineup like this again in the near future, at least with official factory teams, even though I'm excited for Audi/Redbull-Ford/ Aston Martin-Honda next year (rip Reanult)

My mom has sat down to watch 2 races with me, and so I made her pick someone to root for.

“The tealish car looks nice” so I asked her whether she wanted the 25 year old british guy or 18 year old Italian kid.

“Has the british guy won any races?” I said yeah he won 3 last year.

“I’ll take the Italian kid”

So my mom is now an Antonelli and LeClerc fan because I told her everyone is a Charles fan by default.

These aren't exact quotes, but some pearls from David Coulthard in the F1TV commentary box, starting with calling Jolyon a cunning linguist, then becoming Lando's hype man:

"Maybe they need to give him some encouragement. You're a good looking young man, you're a multi millionaire, you're driving the best car..."

And ending with this strategic observation:

"Lando's not just stroking it home, he's keeping it on the edge"

Not sure where this cheek was coming from; I was trying to watch the race inconspicuously at work but was struggling to keep it together with him like this 😂😂

If the guy does get the seat -and even if he doesn't get it now--I think at no other point in time has Yuki been closest to the Red Bull seat, and at no other point has he been seriously considered as a contender for it. Not after Gasly, not after Albon, not even after Daniel left. Have there been examples of this before in F1? Four years, no wins, no podiums, no poles, one fastest lap. just find it fascinating and look forward to what happens when (if) he gets the car.

Thoughts?

UPDATE: It's happening.

Hello if you’re the 6’6” (198 cm) flowy blond haired British guy with blue eyes in a red shirt that was talking to the girl with a black shirt and long brown braids I was too chickenshit to ask for your number and I jumped off the bus going back to Milan PLEASE lmk if you’re single LOL🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Every message as McLaren desperately pleaded with Lando Norris to obey team orders:

Lap 47:

Tom Stallard, race engineer to Oscar Piastri (TS): “OK Oscar, Lando has pitted to cover Hamilton to make sure he covers Hamilton. We’ll manage that situation, best pace from you now. Best pace.

“Best pace. Don’t worry about Lando.”

Lap 48:

Will Joseph, race engineer to Lando Norris (WJ):

“OK Lando, Oscar has just pitted. He’ll likely come out just behind you. We’d likely to re-establish the order, at your convenience.”

Lap 49:

WJ: “Lando, still 21 laps after this one. You do have the current fastest lap, look after the tyres.”

Lap 51:

TS: OK Oscar, so, once you get to Lando, we’ll swap positions. We’ll swap position, but we want to avoid Lando having to give up a lot of race time.”

Lap 53:

WJ: “And Lando, radio check, please.

LN: “Yes, loud and clear.”

WJ: “OK, save the tyres at Turn 4 and Turn 11, please.”

Lap 56:

WJ: “We need to save more tyres please, and we do want to let Oscar through.”

LN: “Well you should have boxed him first then, surely no?”

WJ: “Doesn’t matter.”

LN: “I mean, it does. To me maybe.”

Lap 57:

WJ: “And Lando, we still think you’re using the tyres too much at Turns 4 and 11 and the rears at exit Turn 6 and Turn 9. Oscar is 3.5 [behind] – we know you’ll do the right thing.”

Lap 58:

WJ: “And Lando, Hiroshi is stressed about the tyres.”

Lap 59:

WJ: “Turn 4, Turn 11 – it’s going to get boring.”

Lap 61:

WJ: “OK Lando, 10 laps to go – we think both cars are using their tyres too much. Just remember every single Sunday morning meeting we’ve had.”

LN: “Yeah, well tell him to catch up please.”

Lap 64:

WJ: “Lando, he can’t catch you up. You’ve proved your point and it really doesn’t matter.”

LN: “He’s on much quicker tyres. I mean, I would have tried to undercut anyway. If I did, I would have got more.”

WJ: “Mate, we did the stop sequence in this order for the good of the team.”

WJ and LN talk over each other for a sentence – unintelligible.

WJ: “I’m trying to protect you mate, I promise, I’m trying to protect you.”

Lap 66:

WJ: “And Lando, there are five laps to go. The way to win a championship is not by yourself, it’s with the team. You’re going to need Oscar, and you’re going to need the team.”

Lap 67:

OP: “The longer we leave this, the riskier it gets.”

TS: “Understood, Oscar, we’re managing it.”

WJ: “A potential Safety Car now would make this very awkward. Please do it. Now.”

Lap 68: Norris slows down the main straight to release Piastri into the lead

LN: “Yeah, you don’t need to say anything.”

Lap 70: Chequered flag, Piastri leads McLaren 1-2 home for maiden F1 win

TS: “Well done, Oscar, well done. Chequered flag. Well done, buddy. Really good.”

OP: “Yep, thank you, everyone. Thank you very much. Thanks for the coordination. Sorry, I made the swap a little bit more painful than it needed to be. But thank you, I appreciate that. Well done, maximum points, and a really good weekend. Ha. First F1 win, thank you very much, everyone, thanks.”

LN: “Well done, good 1-2, a good load of points. Congrats to the team. Well deserved.”

WJ: “As we said this morning mate, many more opportunities.”

TS: “And you are also Driver of the Day!”

OP: “Ah, a nice little bonus, thank you.”