F1. Brazil 2026 Review

Chelsea: Lando Norris took the win by 14.6 seconds, which should see it in the bag for him – but alas, Max Verstappen pips him. Verstappen started in 21st thanks to engine-related grid penalties, yet made his way up to second step on the podium. Absolutely no surprises that he made it happen, but the fact that it’s unsurprising only further underlines the quality of his driving in varied conditions. Special mention to our man Liam Lawson who started in third, peaked at second, before finishing in an admirable seventh.

Gavin: Max Verstappen started in P21 and ended up on the podium in second place. His ability to get to the front and compete no matter where he starts from is impressive and there are hardly any other drivers that can do that on a consistent basis like he does. Imagine if he had joined Mercedes this year…

Aiden: It’s got to be Liam Lawson for me. Yes, he benefited from some penalties to other drivers in qualifying and in the race, but he appears to be under so much pressure at present (unless he’s a great actor and does know his future) and he continues to score points week on week. Well done fella.

Graeme: If it’s a wet track and your car is starting at the back of the grid, who you gonna call? Not Ghostbusters anyway, they won’t be able to help. Try calling Max Verstappen instead. He’s done it before, at this track, and he’ll do it again. What a masterclass from the Dutchman in the wet. In the blink of an eye, he weaved his way through the back markers and was into the points. From then on, it was a matter of how far up the field he’d climb. And he finished in second. Top drawer.

Talking Point

Chelsea: It was a series of baby moments for me. Fernando Alonso lined up in 8th place for the race start, and at one point was battling with two Ferraris and a Mercedes. There could be sunshine (albeit in the wet) ahead for Aston Martin after all. Arvid Lindblad was a contender for Helmet of the Year with his Diwali-inspired design. Nico Hulkenberg qualified in P4 and had some decent midfield pace before a 10 second penalty dropped him back. Finally, race winner Lando Norris managed to destroy the winner’s champagne bottle while attempting to gush its contents, before walking into a set of celebratory fireworks. So relatable.

Gavin: Full David Attenborough voice : “Here in Brazil we witness the rarely sighted Extreme Wet tyres being used in anger during the race weekend.” Which just proves that the drivers can race with those tyres in those conditions! I love a wet race as it demonstrates which drivers can adapt and which are just flat track bullies.

Aiden: Mercedes may have secured the constructors championship but 2027 is already looking to be a doozy as the other teams close in. Fair play to the Silver Arrows for getting ahead of the pack this year, but next year will be much tougher.

Graeme: I didn’t really do it last week so I’ll do it now and congratulate Kimi Antonelli on winning the Drivers Championship. When I was 20, I had no idea about life and was winging by way through day to day. At 20, he’s gone and won the Championship in his second season and has the world at his feet. You can’t fault him really, a fantastic driver and from all accounts, a nice young man. Also, this weekend his team Mercedes, won the Constructors Championship. Cue extra podium scenes. Good on them.

Gossip Time

Chelsea: The foot-dragging over Liam Lawson’s future continues. The Kiwi is quite openly, and quite rightly, asking what more his bosses want him to do in order to retain his seat. Meanwhile, Alan Permane insists there is an outcome in the works that will keep “everyone” happy, though I fail to see how that’s possible. Private Sportsfreak chats indicate we’re divided on the topic – I choose to have faith that Lawson will get the Christmas present he’s after.

Gavin: Liam Lawson continues his recent impressive form. Sadly I think it is still curtains for his time at Racing Bulls – remember this is meant to be the team for young rookies to start at and make their way into the senior team, or failing that on to other teams. Liam had his chance in the senior team and was very harshly treated and has come back better but I think the team and organisation are already looking at the next new wonder kid.

Aiden: Whatever happens next with the Liam Lawson/Racing Bulls saga (for the record I think he’ll get a new contract) surely the Kiwi and his advisers will be looking at other options for 2028 and beyond. I’d also suggest that plenty of other teams will be interested in his services in the medium term. Is Lawson ever likely to be an absolute F1 superstar? Probably not. But I reckon he’s got a career with another middle of the pack team until the early 2030’s at least. Look at the likes of Nico Hulkenberg, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albion – Lawson could definitely be in that group.

Graeme: All the gossip seems to be centred around Liam Lawson at the moment and whether he’ll get a seat at Racing Bulls next season. I keep flip flopping on this as there are so many rumours out there. He can’t really do much more can he so now the world waits.

Looking Ahead

Chelsea: Bizarrely, there is still no solid confirmation of how many races are left in this season. While the Las Vegas weekend is likely to go ahead, both Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still under the shadow of potential security threats, and could be replaced at any time by a weekend in Imola. The delays are understandable while frustrating, and the FIA are unlikely to bail out unless there are significant concerns or driver revolt.

Gavin: A week off and then it is Las Vegas where we will hear the UK commentators moan about the time zones and cold nights – well that sucks but at least Aotearoa get to watch it 5pm on a Sunday. I expect McLaren to be competitive again (well at least Lando Norris which prompts the question what the hell has happened to Oscar Piastri this season apart from splitting with manager Mark Webber recently) and also Ferrari, but only if they get their strategy calls right. Oh, and Lance Stroll will be at the race too.

Aiden: VEGAS BABY! And a 5pm race start for us here in New Zealand…how good.

Graeme: Do we have 1, 2 or 3 races to go in the season. With the Middle East races still not confirmed (or are they?) Vegas in 2 weeks could be the season finale. See you there!

Bonus Picture(s)