PART ONE – George RUSSELL (Mercedes), Isack HADJAR (Racing Bulls), Charles LECLERC (Ferrari) Q: Charles, can we begin with you? It was a really robust weekend for you and Ferrari final outing in Qatar. Having had all of the post-race debriefs, do you perceive just a little higher the reason for all the issues?Charles LECLERC: Properly, we have now concepts of what we may have examined. Whether or not these are the options is one other story. So, we do not have the 100% resolution to it, however we have got concepts of what we did not strive throughout that weekend. And, clearly, we’re clearly doing one thing flawed through the weekend, as we weren’t robust from FP1 to the race. So yeah, we have now concepts. Whether or not we have now the clear resolution, I do not assume so. Q: So, do you assume it was observe particular, or do you assume it may recur right here in Abu Dhabi as nicely?CL: No. Absolutely, it has been accentuated by the truth that Qatar was by no means going to be a observe the place we might be robust. However we didn’t carry out on the stage we needs to be anyway. So yeah, we must always have executed higher despite the fact that the traits of the observe weren’t good for us. However for this weekend, I count on us to be again to the place we needs to be, which might be third staff or one thing like that. Q: Now, that is the final Thursday press convention of the season. Can we simply get your ideas on 2025 as a complete, please? How you’re feeling it is gone for you personally and for Ferrari?CL: Personally, I am fairly glad. I believe it has been a robust season on my facet. You at all times attempt to enhance from one season to the opposite, and that is what I’ve tried to do that yr. And I am glad with the work. Then, sadly, the performances are usually not the place they need to be, and I am not as glad in regards to the consequence facet of issues and the efficiency we have proven. Particularly after final yr that we ended up robust, the expectation was one other one. However yeah, we have pushed. I believe we reacted nicely as a staff from the primary race to the final race, making an attempt to show that state of affairs round. It wasn’t straightforward as a result of we didn’t have that many upgrades, as we’re focusing totally on 2026. However yeah, I believe we carried out nicely as a staff on observe. Then what we’re lacking finally is the efficiency on the automobile. And for that, I hope that subsequent yr shall be higher. Q: Closing one from me. World title showdown this weekend. Who do you assume goes to be the world champion come Sunday night time?CL: I do not know. Once more, I’ve modified my thoughts so many instances this yr. I assumed it was Oscar, then I assumed it was Max, then I do not know. I in all probability assume it may be Lando. Twelve factors remains to be important. So, if nothing large occurs to Lando, I believe Lando will take it. Q: Isack, let’s come to you now. Many congratulations on the brand new job. Enormous second in your profession. Simply inform us what does this race seat with Pink Bull Racing imply to you?Isack HADJAR: Yeah. It is an excellent second in my profession, that is for certain. For all of the exhausting work by means of the years being rewarded now. Clearly, it is only the start of a brand new journey, however yeah, I am very excited and moving into a brand new period of Method 1 as nicely. I believe it is an excellent timing. Q: Are you able to describe the second you came upon? Who informed you?IH: Yeah, it was, once more, like, there was no very cool telephone name the place I choose up the telephone and it’s like “Yeah, you are a Pink Bull Racing driver,” you already know? It is not likely the way it labored. Q: How did it work?George RUSSELL: They despatched a pigeon with a word.IH: Ha! It was only a speak with Helmut I had. He made me perceive I used to be driving for Pink Bull, and I needed to ship. That’s it. Q: Properly, let’s speak about delivering subsequent yr. What expectations do you assume you are going to have?IH: Yeah, I’ve no expectations in any respect as a result of it is ranging from scratch, everybody. So yeah, the work goes to be executed. I am simply actually trying ahead to January, February, working with the staff, attending to know all of the folks. Yeah. It may be essential to attempt to be forward a bit. Q: Closing one from me: that world title showdown on Sunday. Who do you assume goes to be champion?IH: Lando. Q: Okay. Thanks very a lot. Good luck this weekend. George, how are you and Mercedes viewing the season finale right here in Abu Dhabi?GR: It is one other race, to be sincere. Clearly, we need to attempt to safe P2 within the Constructors’ Championship. It was a little bit of a disgrace we could not obtain that in Qatar, however we have now an excellent shot this weekend and simply exit and benefit from the final race of the season. Q: How aggressive have been you in Qatar, or was your efficiency masked by being in site visitors?GR: I believe, yeah, due to Isack, I had fairly a protracted race in site visitors. No, I believe, sadly, we have been very aggressive. I believe it was solely actually Oscar who was extra aggressive. I believe, 9 instances out of ten if you find yourself very aggressive, the result’s there. And I believe, sadly, this was the one out of ten instances whenever you do have the automobile, and sadly, it does not go the best way you hope. And I believe that lap seven Security Automobile, beginning on the within – I believe each driver within the first 4 rows who began on the within misplaced not less than one place – in order that simply compromised the entire weekend. Q: When it comes to the Drivers’ Championship, you are going to end fourth this season as you probably did in 2022. Which has been the higher season for you, do you assume? 2022 or 2025?GR: No, I believe each seasons have been very robust. I would say this season, doubtless, has been my best. I believe 2022 was actually difficult, experiencing porpoising for the primary time and the challenges we have been going by means of as a staff and likewise my first yr towards Lewis. However I believe, yeah, this has been a robust yr. Q: Closing one. World champion? Lando?GR: Lando.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR Q: (Craig Slater – Sky Sports activities) A query for George. You are going for Lando. In fact, it’s totally tight, and it is nice that the world shall be watching F1 this weekend. Is it an issue in any respect if it takes maybe a staff order to get Lando in a state of affairs the place he can win the championship? And what do you assume is the form of restrict you possibly can ask Oscar Piastri to do? Hand over a second place doubtlessly, if he’s a distant second and might’t win the champion to permit the staff to win the championship? GR: I do not assume it is acceptable or cheap to ask a driver who’s additionally in a shot of a championship within the final race to maneuver over to your team-mate. I believe if it have been, you already know, in different seasons passed by – let’s simply say, you already know, Checo and Max or Barrichello and Schumacher – when clearly one driver is the one going for the championship, and if within the final race, the man who does not have a shot of successful the championship strikes over, that’s completely cheap. And I believe each single driver would do this. However for me, I do not assume it could be truthful in any respect. I believe they each must be given a shot. And in the event that they lose out due to it, you simply must say the opposite man did a greater job, and that is racing. That is the way it needs to be. Q: (Mara Sangiorgio – Sky Sport Italy) A query for all three. On paper, do you assume you might have the appropriate automobile to play an necessary position on observe on this title battle? Charles, let’s begin with you.CL: Properly, I do not understand how aggressive we’ll be this weekend. I believe, not less than for us, we count on McLaren to be extraordinarily robust this weekend, then in all probability Pink Bull, after which Mercedes and ourselves. Whether or not there shall be at one level some interplay between the McLarens or the Pink Bull and ourselves, I am fairly certain there shall be at one level. However I am not right here to consider any of that. I will simply do completely every little thing with a view to maximise my race after which it’s as much as them to the do the very best job and attempt to get the championship, whoever the world champion shall be, however that gained’t be a part of my thought course of in my race for certain. Q: Isack?IH: I imply, I will not be racing any of those guys this weekend, to be sincere. It is extra like a conventional observe. I believe what Charles mentioned in regards to the rating of the automobile performances is sensible. So we cannot be there to disturb their battle, that is for certain. Q: George?GR: Properly, I believe McLaren have been so robust right here the previous couple of years. I believe they have been on pole and gained the final couple of years, and it hasn’t been our strongest observe. But when we’re within the combine, once more, it is not likely our drawback. We’re going on the market to have the very best race potential. I am not going to threat any extra or any lower than some other race. For me, it is one race of 24. It is the final race of the season, however I deal with each single one the identical. Q: (Nelson Valkenburg – Viaplay) For Isack. You mentioned, “I must ship,” that’s what Pink Bull mentioned to you. How are you going to ship in a automobile that’s been traditionally tough to ship in alongside Verstappen? What’s the plan? What’s your mindset going to be racing alongside him, and what is going to you be glad with?IH: Properly, it isn’t true. It’s not the identical automobile in any respect subsequent yr. In order that’s it. We will get the automobile we have now. The staff goes to construct this automobile. I’ve to adapt to that automobile, and Max should do the identical job. And if the automobile goes into one path, not less than I will be there to really feel the change. And ideally, I contribute to that change. So, you already know, that may be the best state of affairs. And, you already know, I’ve by no means repeated yearly. I’ve at all times competed in numerous automobiles, so I do not know what it is like doing twice the identical factor, the identical job. So I believe I am fairly first rate at adapting, so I am truly assured. Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports activities F1) One other query for you, Isack. Congratulations on the brand new gig. I used to be speaking to a number of the engineers in Barcelona, your engineers at Racing Bulls, they usually mentioned that you simply have been, of their opinion, essentially the most related driver to Max inside that Pink Bull driver steady. I don’t know if that’s one thing that you simply’ve analysed or considered, but when that’s the case, does it make this the apparent pairing to place you with Max? As a result of it’s a new season, new rules, so two drivers of the identical model is definitely higher. And when did you discover out that you simply bought the gig? When was the date?IH: I am unable to inform you, however to illustrate I came upon very late. As an instance, Qatar race week. And, I imply, if that’s the line-up for subsequent yr, then I believe they selected it as a result of it is sensible. And, after all, as a result of it is a new regulation, so the timing is simply very perfect for me. After which by way of kinds, I believe clearly Max may be very distinctive – he has a really distinctive model – and I’d say myself as nicely. So I am not clearly making an attempt to repeat what he is doing. However by way of mindset, we have now some issues in widespread. However yeah, that is it. Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports activities F1) Can I simply observe up – what would you say you might have in widespread?IH: What I discover very spectacular with Max is that after 4 world championships, he is nonetheless very, very hungry and really mad when it does not go his approach, as a result of he at all times desires to win. And, you already know, I do not assume each champion can do this. When you cross a sure stage, you possibly can perhaps decelerate a bit in your strategy, however he appears to be ravenous, similar to I’m. So, it’s totally spectacular. Q: (Kriya Gangiah – SuperSport South Africa) Becoming a member of Pink Bull clearly marks an enormous step in your profession. What excites you essentially the most? After which, being from African descent, what does it really feel like with the ideas of a race in all probability coming to the continent?IH: Wait, what was the primary a part of the query? Q: (Kriya Gangiah – SuperSport South Africa) What excites you essentially the most about this new chapter?IH: Actually, there’s two issues – being in a world champion staff. Once I grew up watching Method 1, I noticed Vettel successful all these races, as a child, with Pink Bull. And being team-mates with Max, to see what it is like – what going through the very best stage on the planet appears like. You understand, it is positively super-exciting. And a race in Africa goes to occur at a while. That’s for certain. It may take a second, however it may occur. Q: (Stuart Codling – Autosport) Query for George. Forward of the Qatar GP, there was a gathering between the GPDA and the FIA in regards to the Driver Tips. The press launch afterwards kind of advised that you simply had all had a really good chat, however nothing’s going to alter. Might you say out of your place as a director of the GPDA what the temperature is among the many drivers, the extent of satisfaction about that, and what opinions you had?GR: Properly, I have never seen the press launch, so I am unable to touch upon what was mentioned there. I believe it was agreed that nothing would change for the remainder of this season, which I do assume is right. We have at all times requested for consistency, and it could be unfair to alter that strategy now. However I believe the final consensus is at all times – pointers must be taken as pointers. And we wish the very best Stewards, the very best racing data to evaluate sure incidents based mostly upon their very own expertise. And I believe that was clear whenever you put 20 F1 drivers in a room reviewing – I do not know what number of we reviewed, six or seven incidents – all of us agreed upon what the penalty ought to have been or not, no matter what the rules mentioned. So yeah, I hope there is a follow-up and stay up for listening to what they’re considering forward of 2026. Q: (Niharika Ghorpade – Sportskeeda) To Charles and George: if on Sunday you’re to issue into the championship, how are you going to go about it? Do you need to be part of that blend at any level, or do you need to keep away from it?CL: Properly, I would reasonably simply win the race and don’t have anything to do with the best way they battle for the championship. That is a technique to take a look at it. However once more, whether or not I am combating for second, third, fourth, or whichever place I discover myself in, whoever is behind, I will simply battle him the identical approach simply because I need to maximise that final race, and I am combating for my staff. So once more, there’s nothing of that title battle that can cross my thoughts, as a result of I simply need to maximise my automobile potential. So yeah, I will battle as exhausting for whoever is behind or in entrance and attempt to maximise our consequence.GR: Yeah. Precisely the identical. Q: (Scott Mitchell-Malm – The Race) A query to George and to Charles. What do you assume it’s that your groups have missed essentially the most versus Pink Bull and McLaren on this rule set general? And is there any query mark for you over whether or not or not your groups can positively nail it subsequent yr in the event that they did not get on prime of it on this rule set?GR: I believe it has been an especially difficult set of regs, to be sincere. And clearly, this second half of the yr, Pink Bull have been on a really excessive stage. But when I have been to reply that query on the summer time break, I’d have argued that we have been at an analogous stage to Pink Bull. And in the event you examine that to ’23 – Aston Martin have been forward of ourselves and Ferrari and dropped off, McLaren have been nowhere and clearly simply discovered one thing fairly spectacular. So, I am unable to actually reply that query – what it’s we have missed. I believe it is in all probability extra the place we began. I believe we in all probability began within the flawed place and led ourselves down the flawed path after which needed to revert. And clearly Pink Bull, out of the blocks, had the least quantity of porpoising in ’22 and nearly had a six- or eight-month head begin on everyone whereas we have been making an attempt to work that out. So, I do not assume this regulation is actually going to have any affect on the following set of regs, as a result of the problems are going to be completely totally different.CL: I agree. I believe for us there’s not just one purpose. There are various causes which, at totally different instances, performed a job. At first of ’22, we truly began off fairly strongly, however we have been combating porpoising, the place Pink Bull had a really steady platform. They usually have been truly rather a lot chubby, in order quickly as they took off that weight, they have been instantly on the stage the place they have been since then. After which for final yr, we centered very early on subsequent yr’s automobile, which I hope is a wager that shall be a successful one. However for certain, it has some affect from the final two thirds of the season the place we have been struggling greater than others as a result of we did not deliver that many upgrades. However normally, it is simply been a era of automobile that was very, very obscure. And what labored again on the manufacturing unit – I believe everyone has been stunned at least one time instances that whenever you deliver it on observe, it does not correlate precisely to what you have been anticipating from that half. And that was the problem of it. And yeah, and different groups did higher, particularly McLaren and Pink Bull. Q: (Alejandro Alonso Lopez – Diario Motor.com) Query to Charles. It’s been general a troublesome season, however as you mentioned, it’s one to be pleased with. What classes are you taking over to subsequent yr from your self as a driver that it is possible for you to to use going ahead?CL: I believe as a driver, clearly the primary few years in F1, it was very clear what I needed to work on as a result of the weaknesses whenever you arrive in Method 1 are a lot greater. So it’s totally straightforward to focus on just one factor you need to enhance, and that was race administration and tyre administration in my first few years. Then you definitely enhance these issues, after which it is all in regards to the particulars. And the expertise you get in Method 1 lets you fine-tune the little stuff you need to get higher at. So there’s not one most important lesson I’ll take from this yr to subsequent yr – simply many extra little classes that you simply take note and attempt to fine-tune and get higher at. Q: (Kumar Shyam Motwani – Al Ittihad) Query for Isack. You may have competed on the Yas Marina Circuit throughout your junior days and with the Asian Championship. How do you assume your observe data out of your junior days will enable you to right here whenever you’re levelling up, particularly whenever you need to end the season with a flourish? Do you assume it will likely be a bonus?IH: Yeah, I believe Abu Dhabi might be the observe I’ve pushed essentially the most in my profession. I’ve executed, actually, loads of laps right here. So, I believe it is the one observe in all probability on the calendar the place I drove an F1 automobile earlier than – aside from Mexico. So yeah, for as soon as, I positively really feel like there’s not loads to be taught. Typically I do know a observe rather well, however I’ve solely executed it in decrease classes, and the step to F1 is clearly big. So, every little thing feels very totally different. However now, yeah, for certain it may assist. However on the finish of the day, it is three free follow periods. You are going to attain the bounds fairly early within the weekend, after which it is all fine-tuning. Q: (Leonid Kliuev – Grande Premio Brazil) Query for all three. Kimi, after all, turned a goal of on-line abuse after Qatar. Did any of you might have an opportunity to speak to Kimi, and the way can we be certain it will not occur sooner or later? Thanks.GR: Yeah, I believe it is fairly unacceptable what occurred and what was written and the abuse on-line. Clearly, it began with a mistake from the Pink Bull guys, and naturally, they apologised, and that is okay. Individuals make a mistake, particularly when you do not have the total information. However I believe these 1000’s of individuals behind their keyboards haven’t any excuse and actually need to take a tough have a look at themselves within the mirror and assume why that’s acceptable – not only for F1, however simply society altogether. I simply wrestle to grasp it, actually. In order that’s all I can say.IH: I have never spoken to Kimi, nevertheless it’s simply unfair, particularly whenever you’re giving your absolute most throughout your race to deliver it house – I believe it was fourth. You make a mistake, after which there are all these items mentioned about you on-line. I believe it is simply very unfair since you give your absolute most, after which it looks like you probably did this error on objective, which I believe may be very not good. And yeah, folks behind their keyboards, like George mentioned, are simply idiots. All of them know nothing about racing – by no means drove ever of their life – in order that’s the one purpose why they remark.CL: Yeah, I haven’t got rather more so as to add aside from that. It is unacceptable. And clearly, these folks face no consequence for his or her phrases and for his or her disrespect in the direction of drivers. So yeah, it is less than us to consider the implications that they need to endure, nevertheless it’s an enormous disgrace as a result of, as they mentioned, we’re all right here making an attempt to do our very best. We have executed racing since we have been youngsters, dreaming of being in that place, and right now we’re doing completely every little thing with a view to be on the restrict. And generally errors occur. In that individual case, additionally, the hate was for completely nothing. So yeah, I imply, I didn’t converse with Kimi. The one factor that you are able to do in these sorts of moments is to disregard every little thing that’s taking place, however that’s clearly very exhausting – particularly if you find yourself… I bear in mind my first or second yr in F1, you form of look generally on social media at what’s being mentioned round you, or not less than that was the case for me, and that makes it much more tough. So yeah, then I believe with expertise you form of get used to it, however we shouldn’t actually must get used to this sort of behaviour, and I hope that in the future it will likely be tackled correctly. Q: (Diletta Colombo – AutoMoto.it) Query for Charles. You have been speaking earlier than in regards to the resolution to cease the aerodynamic growth of the automobile early on within the season. How a lot of a psychological burden was it so that you can know that you simply’d be at a technical drawback because the season progressed?CL: Properly, not a lot as a result of we have been at a technical drawback from the primary race. So, it isn’t prefer it modified massively our strategy to the season. And we noticed it comparatively rapidly that we would not be combating for the world title as a result of McLaren was too robust, Pink Bull was clearly beginning to make large features, it wasn’t very a lot of a degree to place all our sources into making an attempt to take the third or second place – if every little thing was going tremendous nicely – within the Constructors’, at the price of subsequent yr, whichever price it might be. So yeah, it’s by no means one thing you need to do. I’d have a lot most popular pushing the event the entire yr to attempt to clinch that world title, 100%. However if you’re within the place that we have been in at the start of the yr, I believe it was form of a no brainer. So, I don’t remorse it.
PART TWO – Max VERSTAPPEN (Pink Bull Racing), Lando NORRIS (McLaren), Oscar PIASTRI (McLaren)
Q: We’re joined by the title protagonists. One among these gents would be the 2025 FIA Method One World Champion come Sunday night time. Let’s kick issues off with this. Inform us about your preparations and the way you are going to strategy the season finale. Lando, maybe we may begin with you.
Lando NORRIS: Certain. Similar as each weekend. Nothing modified. In fact, just a few critiques of final weekend, like the identical after each weekend actually—evaluation what went on, what was clearly and clearly not good for us, a number of the errors we’ve made, and likewise the much less apparent issues that we may enhance on. However that’s regular post-race understandings and subsequently preparations for the following race. However in any other case, nothing does change. I imply, it will get handled the identical from everybody contained in the staff. Simply extra pleasure, I assume, for everybody on the similar time. However aside from that, the work and the way you strategy all of it stays the identical
Q: Max, please.
Max VERSTAPPEN: Spent a while with my daughter, figured some stuff out for GT3 for subsequent yr, discovered some stuff for my sim staff as nicely, planning for subsequent yr. So, yeah, simply fairly simple stuff earlier than arriving right here, to be sincere.
Q: Oscar?
Oscar PIASTRI: I imply, I wasn’t organising GT3 groups, however I performed some padel, and simply handled it like regular. Clearly, there’s not that many days in between. Had a advertising day, in order that was good enjoyable, and that’s been about it.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports activities F1) Earlier than I ask a query, to each one in all you guys, better of luck for Sunday, and thanks for an amazing season. It has been an absolute pleasure to observe, and I converse on behalf of everyone for that. Could the very best driver win—however solely one in all you possibly can. Once you replicate on this yr, to every one in all you, what incidents will go down as they have been those the place the title bought away? And we’ll begin with the championship chief first, then Max, then Oscar.
LN: I imply, there’s at all times little issues alongside the best way. In fact, there are in all probability some extra apparent ones from my facet. You understand, if I’m going again to Canada, in all probability being essentially the most like ‘simply put my fingers up within the air—I tousled’. It price me an excellent quantity of factors. Yeah. China, I’ve been unfortunate in qualifying. After which just a few little issues alongside the best way. It is in all probability like that for everybody. There actually is for everybody. In any other case, there’s another bits the place, in all probability the identical for all of us right here, at instances, you get a bit unfortunate, whether or not it was the DNF in Zandvoort or the disqualification. That’s not unfortunate. That’s simply not doing a ok job as a staff. However the disqualification in Vegas as nicely price me an excellent quantity of factors. So yeah, I wouldn’t say something apparent. It was simply a few elements from my facet that I’ve to place my fingers up and admit I didn’t do an excellent job. After which a pair from us as a staff the place we have now to confess we additionally didn’t do a ok job, together with final weekend. However that’s in all probability about it.
MV: On the finish of the day, after all, it’s one over 24 races. Some races go a bit higher than others. A whole lot of the races we didn’t have loads of tempo or sufficient tempo to problem for a win, however right here we’re. So, normally, I’m simply very pleased with the season that we’ve executed, how we have come again as nicely within the second half. So yeah, we’ll simply attempt to hold it enjoyable now ‘til the tip. However yeah, to at all times pinpoint on one specific second is a tough one.
OP: Yeah, I imply, there are a number of moments to select from, I’d say, sadly. However I believe for everybody, there’s at all times moments, and no season is ever going to be good. So, I believe it isn’t notably helpful choosing out “I misplaced this quantity of factors right here, this quantity of factors there,” as a result of everybody’s misplaced a certain quantity of factors sooner or later alongside the best way. However yeah, positively on my facet of issues, there’s been a number of races or a number of moments I’d wish to have once more. Similar factor because the staff, I’m certain. However yeah, choosing one—I don’t assume there’s one which’s damage greater than others.
Q: (Marina Becker – TV Bandeirantes) I do know that you simply’re making an attempt—the three of you—to face this weekend as a standard weekend, nevertheless it’s not. I simply needed to know in case your mother and father are right here, and a few pals, and did you permit them to come back, or did you ask them to come back?
LN: A combination. I imply, it’s finish of season. Yearly I invite a few of my pals as a result of they’re simply as necessary as the remainder by way of – loads of my pals assist me each weekend, assist me each week, cheer for me. I at all times lean on my pals for recommendation and assist in totally different moments. So yeah, win or lose, finish of the season, it’s at all times good to share it with them. However I do this yearly, so it’s nothing particular from that perspective. And my mother and father come to many races, they usually’re right here once more as a result of it’s the ultimate one – not due to it being an excellent one or a nasty one or no matter it might be. They arrive to the ultimate race of the season each time. So, just a little combine, however no, I would like them to be there as a result of it’s a second once more, win or lose, it’s a second the place I simply need to share each bit that I can with my pals, with my household, as a result of it’s additionally enjoyable for them.
MV: No. Dad and mom are usually not right here. My dad is rallying in Africa. And my mother… Yeah, I assume it was not deliberate. I additionally didn’t actually plan to be within the title battle until the tip. So, yeah, right here we’re. Yeah, I believe after Zandvoort every little thing was a bit cancelled, I’d say. My mother is at house proud of the canine. So yeah. You may see loads on TV anyway.
OP: Yeah, my household is right here. Type of much like Lando in some methods. It’s the final race. I’ve executed loads of racing with none of my household and pals in my profession, so it’s at all times good to have them there. But it surely doesn’t change the world, let’s say. It’s good, clearly, however I do know some folks truly want it when their mother and father aren’t there or they don’t have folks round. However for me, it’s a good factor.
Q: (Tom Slafer – DAZN Spain) This week, everyone seems to be giving their opinions on who they assume will win the championship. I believe we’ve been asking all the opposite drivers who they assume will win the championship. So, let me ask you three: who do you assume takes that trophy?
LN: Properly, everybody’s going to say one another, so…
Q: (Nelson Valkenburg – Viaplay) For each Lando and Oscar, it’s been a while because you’ve modified engines, and we’ve seen some Mercedes engines go this yr. Is that this in your thoughts in any approach, form, or kind for this weekend?
OP: To be sincere with you, I don’t even know which engine I’ve bought in or after we modified it or no matter. So, no, I’m not involved.
LN: Similar.
Q: (Tim Hauraney – TSN) Query for Max. Max, I do know you mentioned your mother was at house taking care of the canine and your dad was off rallying, however did both of them provide you with any phrases of encouragement coming into this weekend in any respect?
MV: We’re not like that. They know that after I sit within the automobile, I’ll give every little thing I’ve. I simply converse to them about different stuff. So, they don’t must inspire me. That doesn’t actually work like that. However after all, they at all times assist me, you already know? My mother at all times lights a candle earlier than each race weekend. However yeah, I assume they belief their son.
Q: (Rachel Brookes – Sky F1) Lando, is there a state of affairs the place you’re within the ultimate laps of the race and also you’re operating in P4 with Oscar in P3 and Max is main? Oscar knew this was coming. I may see from the smile in your face. Is there a state of affairs the place you’d count on and even need him to make it straightforward so that you can cross if he’s out of rivalry? And has that been mentioned in any respect?
LN: No. Not been mentioned. And actually, I imply, I’d adore it, however I don’t assume I’d ask it. As a result of… I don’t know, it’s as much as Oscar if he would permit it, you already know? I don’t assume it’s essentially right down to me. It’s the identical if it’s the opposite approach round. Would I be keen to or not? Personally, I believe I’d simply because I really feel like I’m at all times like that, and that’s simply how I’m. However yeah, it’s not likely as much as me. I’m not going to ask it. I don’t need to ask it as a result of I don’t assume it’s essentially a good query. And on the similar time, if that’s the way it ends and Max wins, then nicely, that’s it. Congrats to him and I stay up for subsequent yr. It doesn’t change something. It doesn’t change my life. So, he’ll deserve it over us.
Q: Oscar, have you ever on condition that state of affairs any thought in any respect?
OP: Rachel requested it to Lando! It’s not one thing we’ve mentioned. So, yeah. I imply, till I do know what’s form of anticipated… I don’t actually have a solution till I do know what’s anticipated of me.
Q: (Steve Crossman – BBC 5 Reside) I simply needed to ask all of you actually about teammates. So, for Lando and Oscar, it’d be fascinating to listen to what you guys like and admire about one another—whether or not that’s as drivers or as human beings. And in the event you wouldn’t thoughts, Max, off the bat—simply curious to know what you assume, particularly since you’re going to get a brand new one—what makes for an excellent team-mate?
LN: Umm….
OP: Don’t rush into it!
LN: Yeah, there’s simply so many to select from. I believe what I like about him is simply his common perspective of how he approaches every little thing. All the time, I imply, I mentioned it a number of weeks in the past, however simply at all times fairly calm, fairly relaxed in each state of affairs, stays cool. That’s one thing I like and I believe is one thing that at instances I want I used to be just a little bit extra like. However, you already know, everybody does their very own factor. You at all times attempt to discover what works greatest for you. However there’s nonetheless issues from each driver, even after I was rising up, that you simply admire in them, don’t like in them, no matter it might be, you already know? However I believe additionally crucial factor is simply the way you get on personally. I’ve at all times bought on nicely with my team-mates. It’s straightforward to not. It takes one resolution to make every little thing not be the best way it’s. And I believe that’s one thing we’ve executed nicely. It clearly makes our life exhausting as a staff as a result of we have now two drivers combating for a championship as an alternative of 1, and that additionally has its problems at instances and its difficulties. Permits for different events to enter the chat extra typically. However we’re nonetheless completely satisfied that we’re each up there. And I believe how we’ve labored collectively, how we simply deal with one another, whether or not it’s on the observe, off the observe, no matter it might be, is simply a great way of approaching every little thing, I believe. Not everybody would agree with it, which is totally acceptable and comprehensible. However I believe we each have an analogous strategy by way of simply desirous to go on observe, show who’s higher, attempt to drive the quickest, but in addition come off and luxuriate in our life when the helmet’s off. When it’s simply us as folks, us as personalities. And I believe that’s one thing that I’ve loads of respect for, and I get pleasure from. I believe I’ll look again on it in ten years’ time and say the identical factor.
OP: Yeah. I imply, his automobile assortment. I’m making an attempt to catch up! However no, actually, related issues. Like, I believe it’s good that we’re in a position to go away what occurs on observe, on the observe, and be pleasant off the observe. I believe, like Lando mentioned, it’s very straightforward for it to not be that approach, and that positively takes cooperation from each events. So, yeah, I believe for me, that’s in all probability what I…. I imply, ‘admire’ sounds a bit robust in teammates however I believe that may be a superb energy of Lando’s.
MV: Yeah. Simply the timing. You need me a protracted reply or not? I simply—what you need from a teammate? Good in additionally growing the automobile with the staff. Good understanding between the drivers. Pleasant, humorous, open-minded, not hiding issues all through the weekend between the 2 drivers. So, yeah, normally, simply making an attempt to push the staff ahead. I believe that’s crucial. In case you are good pals off observe, that’s a pleasant bonus however not essentially wanted, so long as you’re very skilled on observe and it advantages the staff.
Q: (Rodrigo França – Automobile Journal Brazil) Query to Lando and Oscar. Max mentioned his mom lights a candle earlier than every race. So do your moms have this sort of ritual, and do they inform you to watch out on the observe, for instance?
OP: I don’t assume my mother has any rituals, so to talk. Sure, she does inform me to watch out, and he or she usually likes it when there’s no different automobiles round me, which is comprehensible. I like that too. However aside from that, there’s nothing particular. You understand, clearly for my mother and, nicely, I imply, everybody that watches me race from Australia it’s fairly brutal at the very best of instances making an attempt to remain up. So, there are loads of sleepless nights for everybody, loads of robust Monday mornings, no matter what the consequence’s been. So, yeah, it’s at all times good to have their assist.
LN: Comparable. I imply, my mother does many issues – totally different sneakers, odd-coloured sneakers, no matter, she does loads of totally different stuff. She doesn’t, I believe, do something that I do know of that’s like Max mentioned. However yeah, she additionally tells me related issues: keep away from the others and watch out. I assume it’s only a totally different mentality. You understand, like Max’s mother was a racing driver, so I believe she understands in all probability greater than our mothers would possibly do. So, I believe they get perhaps a bit extra scared as a result of they don’t perceive every little thing that goes on fairly as nicely. However yeah, I like my mother, so it’s good.
Q: (Scott Mitchell-Malm – The Race) It’s a query to all three, beginning with Max. When it comes to coping with the burden of the event—you’ve clearly been right here and executed it. And in comparison with 2021 specifically, how are you feeling about it by way of stress or no matter? As a result of I believe I bear in mind in ’21 you mentioned you ended up driving with cramp through the Grand Prix as a result of it was clearly so nerve-racking. After which for the 2 McLaren drivers—how are you coping with the strain?
MV: I’m very relaxed. Nothing to lose, you already know? So, I’m simply having fun with being right here. However for me, it’s not even about being right here. I’ve been having fun with the second half of the season, working with the staff, how we’ve been in a position to flip it round from tough instances and actually having a debrief after the race, being very upset and pissed off with the performances to only having fun with, smiling. Having these wins once more is implausible. So, I simply take it – every little thing right here is only a bonus, sitting right here combating for the title. In order that’s additionally what makes it very simple for me. We’ll simply attempt to have an excellent weekend. However then even then, it’s not likely in my management, you already know? So we simply, yeah, like I mentioned, attempt to get pleasure from it.
LN: Comparable. I do know I’ve clearly not been on this state of affairs earlier than, so fairly totally different, I assume, for each of us. However on the minute, I really feel good. Like, I actually don’t consider it in any respect till you guys ask it on a regular basis. So, it’s making an attempt to keep away from you guys as a lot as potential! However that’s additionally a part of the job. So it’s nothing new. It’s nothing that shocks me. No matter. I come into the weekend not considering of it. For the final three days, simply taking part in some golf and being with my mates and having an excellent time. And I stay up for doing that on Monday, whether or not I’m hungover or not. So, yeah, actually it’s the similar, and I believe it’ll be the identical on observe as how I’ve been the previous couple of weeks. As a lot as there’s been strain the previous couple of weeks, I’ve nonetheless felt comfy and I nonetheless really feel good within the automobile. So, simply yeah. All good.
OP: Yeah, I’m relaxed. I’ve been on the other facet of the championship battle within the junior classes, and I do know what that felt and it was fairly robust. So, coming into it from, you already know, the least to lose out of us three is sort of totally different for me. And I believe off the again of Qatar, I’ve bought loads of confidence that I can carry out nicely. Clearly, I would like a good few issues to occur this weekend to come back out champion, however I’ll simply be certain I’m in the appropriate place on the proper time and see what occurs.
Q: (Christian Menath – Motorsport-magazin.com) Query to the 2 McLaren drivers. What’s the state of affairs relating to sharing knowledge this weekend? Are you working collectively as teammates as all the opposite weekends earlier than, or is there something totally different this weekend?
OP: We’ve arrange a cardboard barrier between the 2 of us. No, it’s the identical as common. Clearly, we need to exit and make the automobile as fast as potential and win. We’ve at all times needed the identical alternatives to exit and win races. In order that’s precisely the identical this weekend.
LN: Nothing extra so as to add. I don’t assume Zak or Andrea would allow us to even when we needed to. So, no. It’s the identical as each weekend.
Q: (Phil Duncan – PA) Query for Lando. Max has been saying, you already know, he has nothing to lose. Oscar simply then mentioned he has the least to lose. Do you’re feeling like since you’re the chief, you might have essentially the most to lose? And what’s it like navigating that? And only one to Max—you’ve clearly been right here earlier than in ’21. Do you assume that provides you a bonus since you’ve been right here and executed it?
LN: I assume by way of place, after all, I’ve essentially the most to lose as a result of I’m the one on the prime. Yeah. And I’ll do my greatest to remain there until the tip of the yr, a number of extra days. On the similar time, if it doesn’t go my approach, then I strive once more subsequent yr. It’ll damage in all probability for a short time, however then, yeah, that’s life. I’ll crack on and attempt to do higher subsequent season. So, I additionally really feel like I’ve the mentality of “I’ve nothing to lose,” as a result of it’s only a race for a championship. However in 30 years’ time, I in all probability gained’t consider it that a lot both approach. So, I’m not too bothered. I’ll do the very best I can. If it occurs, nice. If it doesn’t, then I’ll strive once more subsequent yr.
MV: I imply, trophy seems the identical. You understand, I’ve 4 of these at house, so it’s good so as to add a fifth. Yeah. I imply, I do know my signature, so it’s the identical. However yeah, I imply, after all you at all times attempt to win it. However on the similar time, I’ve already achieved every little thing that I needed to realize in F1, and every little thing is only a bonus. And I simply hold doing it as a result of I adore it and I get pleasure from it. And that’s additionally how I’m going into this weekend—have an excellent time on the market, attempt to maximise the consequence. And even with that, maximising the consequence? I don’t even know what meaning by way of the place you’re within the rating, you already know? As a result of realistically, I don’t assume we’re the quickest. However you by no means know. A whole lot of issues can occur—prefer it did additionally in Qatar. So we’ll simply see.
Q: (Radek Mazal – TV Nova) Query for Max. We have been speaking about Lando’s and Oscar’s engines. However how about yours, Max? You used the fifth one—the brand new one—in São Paulo, however final race you used the fourth one once more, the previous one. So how is it going to be right here in Abu Dhabi? Thanks.
MV: Perhaps use the fifth one… or the fourth. All of them run. So, we’ll see. It does not matter. I imply, all of them work. In order that’s crucial.
Q: (Luke Smith – The Athletic) A query for the 2 McLaren drivers. Max has mentioned he’s already achieved every little thing he desires in F1 by turning into World Champion. However for the 2 of you, what wouldn’t it imply to be lifting the trophy that is to your left on the World Championship Gala?
LN: I don’t know. Ask me, hopefully, in a number of days or a number of weeks then. I believe this has been my entire life. It is every little thing I’ve labored in the direction of my entire life. So, it could imply the world to me. It could imply the world to everybody that’s supported me and pushed me for the final, what’s it, like 16 years of my life by way of making an attempt to get up to now. So, it could imply every little thing. It could imply my life till now has been a hit, and I’ve achieved that dream I had after I was a child. Aside from that, I don’t know what else to say. It’s a reward for lots of exhausting work that goes into issues, and I believe it goes to whoever deserves it essentially the most.
OP: I imply, it would be fairly cool, to be sincere. However I believe it typically takes a short time for these sorts of issues to settle in. And on the similar time, subsequent season begins in a number of weeks. So, I believe no matter no matter you’ve got achieved up to now – Max might be essentially the most certified to say this – however I believe you progress on fairly fast and attempt to win the following race that’s in entrance of you. So yeah, clearly it could be a really cool achievement. However I’m not getting my hopes up too excessive. We’ll see what occurs. And yeah, if I can obtain it, then I’ll be a reasonably completely satisfied man.
Q: (Ben Waterworth – Speedcafe) Query to Oscar. The final two instances we’ve had a championship with two or extra drivers, the driving force in third truly did come house with the championship. Can you are taking a lot inspiration from Kimi and Seb? And also you touched on the assist from Australia – a lot assist again house, it even reached Parliament this week, the dialogue round it. Are you feeling that in the mean time from again house?
OP: I did see it attain Parliament. Yeah, that’s fairly spectacular. Good stat to have, on condition that I’m in that place. However simply because historical past has gone that approach as soon as doesn’t imply it is going to once more. So, I’m actually not leaning on that, however perhaps it provides me the tiniest quantity of consolation that it’s potential.
And I believe the assist from again house has been actually particular. I clearly don’t see an enormous quantity of it. I’ve not being again to Australia for the reason that Grand Prix however I believe the truth that Method 1 and no matter why it was in Parliament, the truth that my title is in Parliament in Australia is fairly cool in some methods. A reasonably cool factor. And I assume it signifies the magnitude of the assist and the next that we have had again house. In order that’s very, very cool to see, and I’ll strive my greatest to deliver it house for everybody.
Q: (Leonid Kliuev – Grande Premio Brazil) Query for Oscar. Your mentor, Mark [Webber], famously misplaced to Seb again in 2010 right here. Once you battle right here, will it’s partly a retribution, a gesture in the direction of Mark?
OP: No. I believe for me, I am making an attempt to do it for myself. In the end, as racing drivers, we’re fairly egocentric folks more often than not. And in the end, we’re the one ones within the automobile doing it for our personal private pleasure. Clearly, there are lots of people alongside the journey – your loved ones, your mates, managers, whoever it may be, those that supported you. However in the end, you begin out on this sport since you need to do it for your self. So yeah, that’s in the beginning. I’m certain Mark would like to see me win, clearly. However yeah, there’ are not any form of ideas about paying that again or something like that.
ENDS
