Piastri’s ascent to such esteemed company in the world of Formula 1 is no accident. This season with McLaren has been nothing short of remarkable. He has secured victory in five of the nine races so far and reached the podium in the remaining three. His consistent excellence has firmly established him among the sport’s elite, joining the ranks of Hamilton and Senna.

This latest result marks Piastri’s eighth consecutive podium finish, positioning him alongside Hamilton and Senna as one of the only three drivers in F1 history to achieve such a feat in a single season. This achievement underscores his exceptional talent and determination.

With his current trajectory, Piastri is poised to continue making history alongside the greatest drivers in Formula 1. Leading the standings and demonstrating significant progress as the season unfolds, Piastri is well-positioned to break records and solidify his legacy in the sport.

Piastri shines after latest victory

Piastri celebrated his fifth victory of the season with poise and gratitude, expressing his satisfaction post-race and acknowledging the efforts of fellow competitor Nico Hulkenberg. “We had a fantastic weekend,” Piastri told the F1 media. “The team did an exceptional job. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, and I’m incredibly thankful.”

Piastri was full of praise for Hulkenberg as well. “I didn’t catch everything that transpired during the race, but I noticed Hulkenberg finished sixth. That’s quite an achievement for him,” he remarked. This comment underscores Piastri’s focus on his own performance, which ultimately led to his outstanding victory.

Eyes on the prize: Piastri’s next F1 challenge

To maintain his lead in the F1 standings, Piastri must remain focused as the circuit heads to Canada. A victory there would significantly bolster his championship aspirations, adding crucial points to his tally.

With Max Verstappen trailing at a distance for the moment, the primary competition is within his own team. Teammate Lando Norris, who trails by a mere 10 points, is delivering an impressive season himself. The upcoming races promise a thrilling battle between these formidable contenders.

While Hamilton delivered a strong performance, Leclerc struggled throughout the weekend. Following a sixth-place finish, the Monegasque driver spoke to the media and made a revealing statement about his frustrations.

After a strong start to the season during the Middle East leg, Leclerc has been unable to replicate that form in Europe’s first race. Reflecting on his weekend at Imola, he didn’t hold back in his criticism.

“I was saying before the race, it was one of those races where you’ve got to race with your heart and put your elbows out a little bit,” Leclerc told Sky Sports F1. “I know that when it’s like this, you’re pushing to the limit, sometimes even over it. But when you start P11, as a driver, I just cannot accept the situation we are in.”

Leclerc reflects on on-track incidents at Imola

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc weighed in on two key incidents during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. One involved Pierre Gasly, where Leclerc highlighted the calculated risks he took in the heat of competition.

“I took risks. I don’t think I was over the limit with Pierre Gasly. It was just a racing incident, the way I see it,” Leclerc told Sky Sports, speaking about the clash with the Alpine driver.

Leclerc also addressed a separate moment with Alex Albon as they battled during the race. “With Alex, it was definitely right on the limit. Based on how the rules are written, I felt I was just within them,” he said.

Leclerc on his overall performance at Imola

Leclerc also shared his thoughts on his overall approach to Sunday’s race, expressing no regrets about his decisions. “I’ll have to review the footage, but I don’t regret anything I did. Today was about giving everything I had. From the moment I stayed out during the second safety car, I knew it was going to be a very tough race,” he said.

This year, the Met Gala celebrates Black style in the Atlantic diaspora and the Black dandy’s influence in fashion. However, the theme of the year is “Tailored For You,” which leaves the door open for interpretation.

Of course, the athletes didn’t disappoint when stepping into one of the most followed red carpets of the year. Apart from the already mentioned, other sports legends that were seen at the Met Gala were multiple Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and her husband Jonathan Owens, of the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, WNBA star Angel Reese and more, including retired athletes. Check out all the looks:

Sports stars at the 2025 Met Gala

Sabrina Ionescu

Breanna Stewart

Lewis Hamilton

Saquon Barkley

Simone Biles

Jonathan Owens

Venus Williams

Joe Burrow

Dwayne Johnson

Angel Reese

Serena Williams

Russell Wilson

Miles Chamley-Watson

Jett Lawrence

“Most of the time I say something, today I don’t think I’ll say anything,” Leclerc told reporters after the race, according to Crash.net. “We need to do better, that’s for sure. Today was not ideal and was far from maximizing our potential,” he added.

The key issue was a delayed call to swap cars when Hamilton, on mediums, was clearly quicker than Leclerc on hard tyres. “We should have discussed a little bit more before doing the swap,” Leclerc said. “All of this made the situation a bit trickier […] we need to be robust enough that whenever we find ourselves in those situations, we do better.”

Despite the drama, Leclerc made it clear there was no tension with Hamilton. “No bad feelings with Lewis, not at all,” he said, adding that in Hamilton’s position, he would’ve done the same. “I understand that he wants to try and optimize as much as I want to try and optimize the car’s potential. The car’s potential is just this, which is frustrating.”

Hamilton slams Ferrari’s strategy over team radio

Hamilton wasn’t shy about airing his frustration over the radio during the race. Early on, stuck behind Leclerc with Antonelli ahead, he asked: “So you want me to just sit here the whole race?” Ferrari initially told him to hold station, only to change their minds a few laps later.

By the time Hamilton was finally let through on Lap 39, he was already unhappy. “This is not good teamwork, that’s all I’m going to say,” he told Riccardo Adami. “Have a tea break while you’re at it, come on!”

The back-and-forth didn’t end there. Just when Hamilton was gaining on Antonelli, Ferrari asked for another swap, suggesting Leclerc might be faster. Hamilton’s response: “So you don’t think I can catch up, or what?”

In the closing laps, with Carlos Sainz approaching from behind, Hamilton delivered one last jab. “You want me to let him past as well?” he said. It summed up the messy day for Ferrari, who never quite managed to get out of their own way.

Mercedes had been one of the most successful teams of the 2010s, with Hamilton as its centerpiece. In Russell’s first season, his contributions were crucial to securing the Constructors’ Championship. Given the momentum and team strength, many believed Russell was on track to achieve even greater personal success.

For any Formula 1 driver, the ultimate goal is to win a world championship. Russell joined Mercedes with that ambition in mind. However, being Hamilton’s teammate came with immense pressure and expectations. During his initial years, Russell’s role was often secondary, limiting his chances to truly lead the charge.
Now three years into his journey with Mercedes, Russell reflected on his early path in F1.

Speaking ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, he suggested that his timing may have cost him greater accolades. “If my time had come five years earlier, you could argue I’d have two championships to my name,” Russell told reporters during media day. His comments reveal a growing hunger to step out of Hamilton’s shadow and claim his own legacy in the sport.

Russell’s impact since joining Formula 1

It’s not far-fetched to believe Russell could have been a world champion if he had debuted in Formula 1 five years earlier. Since stepping into the sport in 2022, the British driver has delivered impressive performances that have solidified his status, and reportedly earned him a new deal with Mercedes.

Russell’s rookie season was one of the most promising in recent memory. In 2022, he claimed his first Grand Prix victory, earned a pole position, and finished fourth in the drivers’ standings. Let’s take a closer look at what he’s achieved so far with Mercedes.

• 2022 (Mercedes)
  • Starts: 22
  • Wins: 1 (São Paulo Grand Prix)
  • Podiums: 8
  • Pole Positions: 1 (Hungarian Grand Prix)
  • Fastest Laps: 4
  • Points: 275
  • Best Finish: 1st
  • Drivers’ Championship Position: 4th
• 2023 (Mercedes)
  • Starts: 22
  • Wins: 0
  • Podiums: 2
  • Pole Positions: 0
  • Fastest Laps: 1
  • Points: 175
  • Best Finish: 3rd
  • Drivers’ Championship Position: 8th
• 2024 (Mercedes)
  • Starts: 24
  • Wins: 2 (Austrian Grand Prix, Las Vegas Grand Prix)
  • Podiums: 4
  • Pole Positions: 4
  • Fastest Laps: 2
  • Points: 245
  • Best Finish: 1st
  • Drivers’ Championship Position: 6th
• 2025 (Mercedes) — As of April 30, 2025
  • Starts: 5
  • Wins: 0
  • Podiums: 3
  • Pole Positions: 0
  • Fastest Laps: 0
  • Points: 73
  • Best Finish: 3rd
  • Drivers’ Championship Position: 4th

Hamilton debuts fresh look ahead of Miami Grand Prix

After an illustrious run with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton is now focused on his next chapter with Ferrari. Despite a challenging start to the 2025 season, the seven-time world champion is aiming for a standout performance at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, and he’ll do so with a bold new look.

Hamilton, alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, will sport a striking blue-and-white race suit as Ferrari seeks a return to the podium. With McLaren and Red Bull off to strong starts, Ferrari hopes the symbolic change will mark a turning point in their campaign.

Teaming up with Charles Leclerc, Hamilton is doing everything he can to adapt to a car designed to bring Ferrari back into title contention. However, through four races, the seven-time world champion has yet to make a decisive impact, prompting questions from fans and analysts alike.

Hamilton’s transition hasn’t been as smooth as his first seasons with McLaren or Mercedes. Ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP, he didn’t hide his frustration when discussing the challenges he’s faced adjusting to the new ride.

Asked about what it would take to feel comfortable behind the wheel, Hamilton didn’t hold back: “I’ll need a brain transplant to drive this car,” he said. The brutally honest remark reflects his ongoing struggle, as Ferrari’s start to the 2025 season has been anything but ideal.

Hamilton reflects on qualifying struggles

After a frustrating qualifying session on Saturday, Hamilton will start the Grand Prix from seventh on the grid. While that was the best result he could manage under the circumstances, the seven-time world champion admitted he wasn’t entirely satisfied, though he acknowledged it as a small victory following a difficult weekend.

“I’d been nowhere all weekend, 13th, I think, in almost every session, so, honestly, I feel grateful to have made it to Q3 and qualified P7,” Hamilton said. “Not a spectacular last lap, but I’ve been making progress throughout the weekend. I needed a better lap at the end, but, as I said, I’m just grateful to be there. Still plenty of time to come.”

Hamilton sets realistic expectations for race day

With expectations running high, especially among Ferrari fans, heading into the race in Jeddah, Hamilton acknowledged the challenges ahead and his current struggle to find rhythm with the car. “Praying, more like! Trying to bond with this car on a single lap is something that I am finding very difficult at the moment,” he said.

“But we don’t give up. When there’s a will, there’s a way. We keep pushing, keep trying. I’ve got some amazing support, so we just keep working hard,” Hamilton added. With that mindset, both Hamilton and the Ferrari team are hoping for a strong performance when the lights go out on Sunday.

The first four races of the season have proven crucial for Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team in making their decision regarding George Russell. The British driver has landed on the podium in three of those four races, and with fans beginning to warm up to him following Hamilton’s high standard, his future with the team looks increasingly promising.

With seven-time world champion Hamilton moving to Ferrari, Russell has taken the reins at Mercedes, now sharing the track with rising star Kimi Antonelli. The team’s project seems to be a blend of experience and youth, with the aim of contending for the title again after Hamilton’s last championship win.

According to Autosport, Russell is reportedly close to finalizing a contract extension with Mercedes for the next three years. By 2028, he could still be wearing the British team’s colors, with his strong early-season performance playing a key role in the team’s decision.

“Russell is expected to sign a two-year extension with an option for 2028,” reported Roberto Chinchero, and Mercedes fans are eagerly awaiting the official announcement.

How much would Russell earn with this contract extension?

Mercedes has expressed satisfaction with George Russell’s performances, and Toto Wolff is reportedly pleased with the British driver’s progress. Russell’s new contract extension is set to be a lucrative deal, with reports suggesting he could earn $90 million over the next three years, if the team agrees to the option to extend for an additional year.

“An agreement believed to be worth around $30 million per season,” wrote Chinchero regarding the potential deal Russell may soon finalize. With this extension, Mercedes aims to secure a long-term icon, hoping to build a championship-contending team in Formula 1.

Russell’s numbers so far this season

As Formula 1 heads to Saudi Arabia next weekend, Russell has focused on helping Mercedes secure valuable points, alongside teammate Antonelli. Let’s take a closer look at his performance numbers so far this season.

• Races: 4
• Race Positions:
  • Australia: 3rd
  • China: 3rd
  • Japan: 5th
  • Bahrain: 2nd
• Points: 63
• World Championship Standings: 4th

Ferrari was focused on overcoming a tough start to the year, particularly after the penalty at the Chinese Grand Prix. Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc needed to recover in the standings, and they made significant progress, both coming close to the podium in Bahrain.

As the team regained its footing, Hamilton had the chance to address the media following the Bahrain Grand Prix, delivering a clear message about the car and the challenges ahead. He explained how he was adjusting to the new machine and finding his rhythm with it.

“What’s clear is that, as humans, we tend to get stuck in our ways,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1. “I’ve been driving the same car with the same team for so long, and now, with a new car, it requires a completely different driving style and setup.” Hamilton added, “The car demands a different approach. I’m adjusting, and I think I’m slowly getting the hang of it and finding the right balance.”

Hamilton’s thoughts on his teammate Leclerc

After sharing the track with Leclerc this season, Hamilton offered some insights into the performance of the 27-year-old driver. He discussed Leclerc’s approach to handling the car and how the Monegasque driver extracts the maximum from it.

“What Charles does is he sets up the car and sticks with that setup throughout the weekend. Last week and again this weekend, I was quite a bit off, but just before qualifying, I closed the gap. However, by then, the settings were off. I need to improve my consistency throughout the weekend, and I will,“ Hamilton commented.

Hamilton’s self-critique and areas for improvement

As Ferrari has made strides in areas like aerodynamics and pit stop times, Hamilton acknowledged his own areas for improvement. He expressed confidence that there are many aspects where he can perform better in this Formula 1 season.

“I need to make things easier for myself — right now, I’m doing it the hard way. Next week, I’ll aim to start in a better place and avoid any major deviations. I’ve learned how the car prefers to be driven, so if I apply that, and if I can qualify better, I’m confident I’ll have a much better weekend,” Hamilton explained.

The first three races have already set the stage for a thrilling season, with several surprising developments raising questions within the F1 world. McLaren’s car has been a focal point, with speculation surrounding its supposed edge due to a change in the DRS wing. Meanwhile, the FIA has made it clear that rules will be enforced strictly, setting the tone for the remainder of the season.

Another key storyline revolves around the young drivers. The controversy surrounding Red Bull’s decision to swap Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda at the Japanese Grand Prix has sparked conversations about the rising generation of drivers and their potential in Formula 1.

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli stands out as one of the best examples of a young driver making an immediate impact. Last weekend, he joined an exclusive club, joining the ranks of Lewis Hamilton and F1 legend Jackie Stewart as one of the few drivers to break into the top six in their debut season.

Antonelli’s impressive performance has made him only the third driver in the last 60 years to place in the top six of the standings in their F1 debut. With 30 points accumulated in the first three races, Antonelli is proving he has what it takes to succeed in Formula 1 after spending his early career in lower divisions.

Hamilton still holds the record

As Antonelli joins an exclusive club in Formula 1, there’s another milestone within reach by the end of the season. Given the differences in how points were awarded back in 2007 when Hamilton set the record for most points in a season debut, Antonelli could be on pace to challenge that mark.

With a strong start to the season, including impressive performances in the first three races, Antonelli is well-positioned to surpass Hamilton’s record. At that time, Hamilton scored 109 points, and after just three races, Antonelli has already accumulated more than 30% of that total. With plenty of races remaining, Hamilton’s record could soon be under threat.

Other Hamilton records Antonelli could break this season

In addition to the points tally, Antonelli is also eyeing Hamilton’s podium record from 2007. Hamilton set the bar with 9 podium finishes that season, along with four victories, a feat shared with F1 legend Jacques Villeneuve.

With more races left in the calendar, Antonelli has showcased impressive form early in the season, and he could be one of the standout performers in 2025. His success also signals that the upcoming generation of drivers is more than capable of making history in Formula 1.

Heading into the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, Lewis Hamilton led the drivers’ standings with 94 points for McLaren. Seven points behind was local favorite Felipe Massa, Ferrari’s top title contender.

The scenario was simple: if Massa won the race and Hamilton finished sixth or lower, the championship would go to the Brazilian. But the decisive moment of the race didn’t come from Massa or even Hamilton, but Glock, who had to be escorted by the police after the race.

How Glock’s decision helped Hamilton win the title

In his second full season in Formula 1, Glock was driving for Toyota in 2008, unaware that a late-race decision would make him the center of controversy. While Massa secured the race win, Hamilton was in a tense battle for fifth place with Sebastian Vettel in the final lap—on a rain-soaked track.

Late in the race, heavy rain forced most drivers to switch to wet-weather tires. Glock was one of the only ones who stayed out on slicks, hoping to hold his position. With just two laps to go, the worsening conditions made his Toyota nearly undrivable. He had built up a big gap earlier by staying out, but as the track became slicker, he started dropping positions quickly.

At that moment, Vettel was ahead of Hamilton, meaning Massa was on track to win the title. But in the final corners, both Vettel and Hamilton passed Glock, who had no grip left to fight back. That last-second move gave Hamilton the fifth-place finish he needed to become world champion—just a single point ahead of Massa.

The aftermath and Glock’s response

The dramatic finish led to one of the most famous calls in F1 commentary history, with Martin Brundle exclaiming, “IS THAT GLOCK?!” as Hamilton crossed the line to take the title. Ferrari fans and the Brazilian crowd, stunned that Massa had lost at the very last moment, quickly turned their frustration toward Glock, accusing him of letting Hamilton through.

Years later, Glock addressed the controversy, telling Planet F1 in 2021: “People still think I did it on purpose. I’ve seen comments saying they’d love to hear how I explained to Felipe [Massa] that I left the door open for Lewis [Hamilton].”

He explained what really happened: “I was on the radio with my team, telling them I couldn’t survive those last two laps. They told me I couldn’t pit because the box was blocked. Everyone was going crazy because, at that moment, Massa was about to become champion.”

Glock’s return to racing in 2025

Despite the backlash, Glock continued his racing career, earning a podium finish with Toyota in 2009. He stayed in F1 until 2012, driving for Virgin and Marussia before moving to other motorsport series, most notably the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), where he raced until retiring in 2021.

Now, at 43, Glock is making a comeback. He’ll return to professional racing in 2025, competing in the German touring car series with Dorr McLaren—the same manufacturer that, years ago, indirectly benefited from his unforgettable moment at Interlagos.

While legends like Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, and Max Verstappen have all left their mark on the sport, the GOAT debate typically comes down to Schumacher and Hamilton. Now, one of F1’s most respected figures, Ross Brawn, who has worked with both of them has given his opinion on the matter.

In an interview with Auto Hebdo in January 2025, Brawn was asked to choose between Schumacher and Hamilton. He provided a detailed response, but his conclusion was firm: Schumacher stands alone as the greatest.

“Hamilton had the same commitment, talent, and desire as Michael, but with a different approach,” Brawn explained. “Helping him win each of his seven world titles was incredible for me. But there’s nothing above Michael.”

Brawn’s praise didn’t stop there. “Talent is essential, and Michael’s was immense. F1 has seen many talented drivers who couldn’t fully apply it—Michael knew how. He had exceptional physical conditioning, incredible focus, and an unmatched commitment. He had every attribute needed and the intelligence to master every stage of his career,” Brawn concluded.

Brawn has a respected career in F1

Brawn, the former team principal of Benetton, Ferrari, and Mercedes, played a pivotal role in shaping Schumacher’s career. He worked alongside the German at Benetton and Ferrari, helping him secure all seven of his world championships—a record now shared with Hamilton. Brawn also had a hand in Hamilton’s early years at Mercedes before stepping away in 2013 when Toto Wolff took over.

In 2022, Brawn stepped down as F1’s Managing Director of Motorsports. During his 46-year career, he went from apprentice mechanic to team boss. Apart from working with Bennetton, Ferrari, Mercedes and Honda, he also founded his eponymous team, Brawn GP.