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 day trip in Qatar. Having had all of the post-race debriefs, do you perceive slightly higher the reason for all the issues?
Charles LECLERC: Nicely, now we have 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% answer to it, however we have got concepts of what we did not attempt throughout that weekend. And, clearly, we’re clearly doing one thing improper through the weekend, as we weren’t sturdy from FP1 to the race. So yeah, now we have concepts. Whether or not now we have the clear answer, I do not assume so.
Q: So, do you assume it was monitor particular, or do you assume it may recur right here in Abu Dhabi as properly?
CL: No. Absolutely, it has been accentuated by the truth that Qatar was by no means going to be a monitor the place we’d be sturdy. However we didn’t carry out on the degree we must be anyway. So yeah, we must always have performed higher despite the fact that the traits of the monitor weren’t good for us. However for this weekend, I anticipate us to be again to the place we must be, which might be third crew 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 aspect. You all the time 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 concerning the end result aspect of issues and the efficiency we have proven. Particularly after final yr that we ended up sturdy, the expectation was one other one. However yeah, we have pushed. I believe we reacted properly as a crew from the primary race to the final race, making an attempt to show that state of affairs round. It wasn’t simple 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 properly as a crew on monitor. Then what we’re lacking finally is the efficiency on the automobile. And for that, I hope that subsequent yr can be higher.
Q: Closing one from me. World title showdown this weekend. Who do you assume goes to be the world champion come Sunday evening?
CL: I do not know. Once more, I’ve modified my thoughts so many instances this yr. I believed it was Oscar, then I believed it was Max, then I do not know. I most likely assume it is going to be Lando. Twelve factors remains to be important. So, if nothing massive occurs to Lando, I believe Lando will take it.
Q: Isack, let’s come to you now. Many congratulations on the brand new job. Large second in your profession. Simply inform us what does this race seat with Purple Bull Racing imply to you?
Isack HADJAR: Yeah. It is an excellent second in my profession, that is for certain. For all of the laborious work by way of the years being rewarded now. Clearly, it is just the start of a brand new journey, however yeah, I am very excited and entering into a brand new period of Components 1 as properly. I believe it is an excellent timing.
Q: Are you able to describe the second you came upon? Who instructed you?
IH: Yeah, it was, once more, like, there was no very cool cellphone name the place I decide up the cellphone and it’s like “Yeah, you are a Purple Bull Racing driver,” ? It is probably not the way it labored.
Q: How did it work?
George RUSSELL: They despatched a pigeon with a notice.
IH: Ha! It was only a speak with Helmut I had. He made me perceive I used to be driving for Purple Bull, and I needed to ship. That’s it.
Q: Nicely, 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 performed. I am simply actually trying ahead to January, February, working with the crew, attending to know all of the individuals. Yeah. It should 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 trustworthy. Clearly, we wish 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 now we have 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 visitors?
GR: I believe, yeah, due to Isack, I had fairly an extended race in 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 would 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 a minimum of 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 sturdy. I might 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 way of as a crew and likewise my first yr in opposition to 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 can be watching F1 this weekend. Is it an issue in any respect if it takes maybe a crew order to get Lando in a state of affairs the place he can win the championship? And what do you assume is the sort of restrict you can ask Oscar Piastri to do? Hand over a second place probably, if he’s a distant second and might’t win the champion to permit the crew to win the championship?
GR: I do not assume it is acceptable or affordable to ask a driver who’s additionally in a shot of a championship within the final race to maneuver over in your team-mate. I believe if it have been, , in different seasons passed by – let’s simply say, , 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 would not have a shot of successful the championship strikes over, that’s completely affordable. And I believe each single driver would do this. However for me, I do not assume it will be honest in any respect. I believe they each should be given a shot. And in the event that they lose out due to it, you simply have to say the opposite man did a greater job, and that is racing. That is the way it must be.
Q: (Mara Sangiorgio – Sky Sport Italy) A query for all three. On paper, do you assume you will have the appropriate automobile to play an necessary position on monitor on this title struggle? Charles, let’s begin with you.
CL: Nicely, I do not understand how aggressive we’ll be this weekend. I believe, a minimum of for us, we anticipate McLaren to be extraordinarily sturdy this weekend, then most likely Purple Bull, after which Mercedes and ourselves. Whether or not there can be at one level some interplay between the McLarens or the Purple Bull and ourselves, I am fairly certain there can be at one level. However I am not right here to consider any of that. I will simply do completely every part so as to maximise my race after which it’s as much as them to the do the most effective job and attempt to get the championship, whoever the world champion can 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 trustworthy. It is extra like a standard monitor. I believe what Charles stated concerning the rating of the automobile performances is sensible. So we can’t be there to disturb their struggle, that is for certain.
Q: George?
GR: Nicely, I believe McLaren have been so sturdy 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 monitor. But when we’re within the combine, once more, it is probably not our downside. We’re going on the market to have the most effective race doable. I am not going to threat any extra or any lower than every 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 stated, “I have to ship,” that’s what Purple Bull stated to you. How will you 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’s going to you be glad with?
IH: Nicely, it isn’t true. It’s not the identical automobile in any respect subsequent yr. In order that’s it. We’ll get the automobile now we have. The crew 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, a minimum of I will be there to really feel the change. And ideally, I contribute to that change. So, , that may be the best state of affairs. And, , I’ve by no means repeated yearly. I’ve all the time competed in numerous vehicles, 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 few of the engineers in Barcelona, your engineers at Racing Bulls, they usually stated that you just have been, of their opinion, probably the most related driver to Max inside that Purple Bull driver secure. I don’t know if that’s one thing that you just’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 fashion is unquestionably higher. And when did you discover out that you just acquired the gig? When was the date?
IH: I am unable to inform you, however to illustrate I came upon very late. To illustrate, 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, in fact, as a result of it is a new regulation, so the timing is simply very best for me. After which when it comes to types, I believe clearly Max may be very distinctive – he has a really distinctive fashion – and I might say myself as properly. So I am not clearly making an attempt to repeat what he is doing. However when it comes to mindset, now we have some issues in frequent. However yeah, that is it.
Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports activities F1) Can I simply comply with up – what would you say you will have in frequent?
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 would not go his manner, as a result of he all the time needs to win. And, , I do not assume each champion can do this. When you move a sure degree, you’ll be able to possibly decelerate a bit in your strategy, however he appears to be ravenous, identical to I’m. So, it’s totally spectacular.
Q: (Kriya Gangiah – SuperSport South Africa) Becoming a member of Purple Bull clearly marks a giant step in your profession. What excites you probably the most? After which, being from African descent, what does it really feel like with the ideas of a race most likely coming to the continent?
IH: Wait, what was the primary a part of the query?
Q: (Kriya Gangiah – SuperSport South Africa) What excites you probably the most about this new chapter?
IH: Truthfully, there’s two issues – being in a world champion crew. Once I grew up watching Components 1, I noticed Vettel successful all these races, as a child, with Purple Bull. And being team-mates with Max, to see what it is like – what going through the most effective degree on this planet appears like. You realize, it is undoubtedly super-exciting. And a race in Africa goes to occur at a while. That’s for certain. It should take a second, however it is going to occur.
Q: (Stuart Codling – Autosport) Query for George. Forward of the Qatar GP, there was a gathering between the GPDA and the FIA concerning the Driver Pointers. The press launch afterwards form of recommended that you just had all had a really good chat, however nothing’s going to vary. 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: Nicely, I have never seen the press launch, so I am unable to touch upon what was stated there. I believe it was agreed that nothing would change for the remainder of this season, which I do assume is appropriate. We have all the time requested for consistency, and it will be unfair to vary that strategy now. However I believe the overall consensus is all the time – tips should be taken as tips. And we would like the most effective Stewards, the most effective racing data to evaluate sure incidents primarily based 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 stated. So yeah, I hope there is a follow-up and sit up for listening to what they’re pondering 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 wish to be part of that blend at any level, or do you wish to keep away from it?
CL: Nicely, I might slightly simply win the race and don’t have anything to do with the best way they struggle for the championship. That is a method to have 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 struggle him the identical manner simply because I wish to maximise that final race, and I am combating for my crew. So once more, there’s nothing of that title battle that may cross my thoughts, as a result of I simply wish to maximise my automobile potential. So yeah, I will struggle as laborious for whoever is behind or in entrance and attempt to maximise our end result.
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 probably the most versus Purple 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 undoubtedly 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 a particularly difficult set of regs, to be trustworthy. And clearly, this second half of the yr, Purple Bull have been on a really excessive degree. But when I have been to reply that query on the summer season break, I might have argued that we have been at an identical degree to Purple Bull. And for those who evaluate 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 most likely extra the place we began. I believe we most likely began within the improper place and led ourselves down the improper path after which needed to revert. And clearly Purple 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 numerous causes which, at totally different instances, performed a task. To start with of ’22, we truly began off fairly strongly, however we have been battling porpoising, the place Purple Bull had a really secure platform. And so they have been truly rather a lot obese, in order quickly as they took off that weight, they have been all of the sudden on the degree the place they have been since then. After which for final yr, we targeted very early on subsequent yr’s automobile, which I hope is a guess that can 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 basically, it is simply been a technology of automobile that was very, very obscure. And what labored again on the manufacturing unit – I believe everyone has been shocked at least once instances that whenever you deliver it on monitor, it would 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 Purple Bull.
Q: (Alejandro Alonso Lopez – Diario Motor.com) Query to Charles. It’s been general a tricky season, however as you stated, it’s one to be happy 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 Components 1 are a lot greater. So it’s totally simple to focus on just one factor you wish to enhance, and that was race administration and tyre administration in my first few years. You then enhance these issues, after which it is all concerning the particulars. And the expertise you get in Components 1 lets you fine-tune the little stuff you wish to get higher at. So there’s not one principal lesson I’ll take from this yr to subsequent yr – simply many extra little classes that you just take note and attempt to fine-tune and get higher at.
Q: (Kumar Shyam Motwani – Al Ittihad) Query for Isack. You will have competed on the Yas Marina Circuit throughout your junior days and with the Asian Championship. How do you assume your monitor data out of your junior days will provide help to right here whenever you’re levelling up, particularly whenever you wish 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 monitor I’ve pushed probably the most in my profession. I’ve performed, actually, a variety of laps right here. So, I believe it is the one monitor most likely on the calendar the place I drove an F1 automobile earlier than – other than Mexico. So yeah, for as soon as, I undoubtedly really feel like there’s not quite a bit to study. Typically I do know a monitor very well, however I’ve solely performed it in decrease classes, and the step to F1 is clearly large. So, every part feels very totally different. However now, yeah, for certain it is going to 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, in fact, turned a goal of on-line abuse after Qatar. Did any of you will have an opportunity to speak to Kimi, and the way can we be certain that 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 Purple 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 don’t have any excuse and really want to take a tough take a look at themselves within the mirror and assume why that’s acceptable – not only for F1, however simply society altogether. I simply battle to understand it, actually. In order that’s all I can say.
IH: I have never spoken to Kimi, but it surely’s simply unfair, particularly whenever you’re giving your absolute most throughout your race to deliver it residence – I believe it was fourth. You make a mistake, after which there are all this stuff stated 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 function, which I believe may be very not good. And yeah, individuals behind their keyboards, like George stated, 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 way more so as to add other than that. It is unacceptable. And clearly, these individuals face no consequence for his or her phrases and for his or her disrespect in direction of drivers. So yeah, it is lower than us to consider the results that they need to endure, but it surely’s a giant disgrace as a result of, as they stated, we’re all right here making an attempt to do our very best. We have performed racing since we have been youngsters, dreaming of being in that place, and immediately we’re doing completely every part so as to be on the restrict. And typically errors occur. In that specific case, additionally, the hate was for completely nothing. So yeah, I imply, I didn’t communicate with Kimi. The one factor that you are able to do in these sorts of moments is to disregard every part that’s taking place, however that’s clearly very laborious – particularly if you find yourself… I bear in mind my first or second yr in F1, you sort of look typically on social media at what’s being stated round you, or a minimum of that was the case for me, and that makes it much more tough. So yeah, then I believe with expertise you sort of get used to it, however we shouldn’t actually should get used to this type of behaviour, and I hope that at some point it will likely be tackled correctly.
Q: (Diletta Colombo – AutoMoto.it) Query for Charles. You have been speaking earlier than concerning the determination to cease the aerodynamic improvement of the automobile early on within the season. How a lot of a psychological burden was it so that you can know that you just’d be at a technical drawback because the season progressed?
CL: Nicely, 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 shortly that we would not be combating for the world title as a result of McLaren was too sturdy, Purple Bull was clearly beginning to make massive beneficial properties, 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 part was going tremendous properly – within the Constructors’, at the price of subsequent yr, whichever price it might be. So yeah, it’s by no means one thing you wish to do. I might have a lot most popular pushing the event the entire yr to attempt to clinch that world title, 100%. However in case you are within the place that we have been in in the beginning of the yr, I believe it was sort of a no brainer. So, I don’t remorse it.
PART TWO – Max VERSTAPPEN (Purple Bull Racing), Lando NORRIS (McLaren), Oscar PIASTRI (McLaren)
Q: We’re joined by the title protagonists. Certainly one of these gents would be the 2025 FIA Components One World Champion come Sunday evening. 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: Positive. Identical as each weekend. Nothing modified. In fact, just a few critiques of final weekend, like the identical after each weekend actually—overview what went on, what was clearly and clearly not good for us, a few 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 crew. Simply extra pleasure, I assume, for everybody on the identical time. However other than 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 crew as properly, planning for subsequent yr. So, yeah, simply fairly simple stuff earlier than arriving right here, to be trustworthy.
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 and marketing 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 every one in every of you guys, better of luck for Sunday, and thanks for an excellent season. It has been an absolute pleasure to observe, and I communicate on behalf of everyone for that. Might the most effective driver win—however solely one in every of you’ll be able to. Whenever you mirror on this yr, to every one in every of you, what incidents will go down as they have been those the place the title acquired away? And we’ll begin with the championship chief first, then Max, then Oscar.
LN: I imply, there’s all the time little issues alongside the best way. In fact, there are most likely some extra apparent ones from my aspect. You realize, if I’m going again to Canada, most likely being probably the most like ‘simply put my arms up within the air—I tousled’. It price me quantity of factors. Yeah. China, I’ve been unfortunate in qualifying. After which just a few little issues alongside the best way. It is most likely like that for everybody. There definitely is for everybody. In any other case, there’s another bits the place, most likely 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 adequate job as a crew. However the disqualification in Vegas as properly price me quantity of factors. So yeah, I wouldn’t say something apparent. It was simply a few components from my aspect that I’ve to place my arms up and admit I didn’t do an excellent job. After which a pair from us as a crew the place now we have to confess we additionally didn’t do a adequate job, together with final weekend. However that’s most likely about it.
MV: On the finish of the day, in fact, it’s one over 24 races. Some races go a bit higher than others. Loads of the races we didn’t have a variety of tempo or sufficient tempo to problem for a win, however right here we’re. So, basically, I’m simply very happy with the season that we’ve performed, how we have come again as properly within the second half. So yeah, we’ll simply attempt to preserve it enjoyable now ‘til the tip. However yeah, to all the time pinpoint on one specific second is a tough one.
OP: Yeah, I imply, there are a couple of moments to select from, I’d say, sadly. However I believe for everybody, there’s all the time moments, and no season is ever going to be excellent. So, I believe it isn’t notably helpful selecting 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 in some unspecified time in the future alongside the best way. However yeah, undoubtedly on my aspect of issues, there’s been a couple of races or a couple of moments I’d prefer to have once more. Identical factor because the crew, I’m certain. However yeah, selecting one—I don’t assume there’s one which’s damage greater than others.
Q: (Marina Becker – TV Bandeirantes) I do know that you just’re making an attempt—the three of you—to face this weekend as a traditional weekend, but it surely’s not. I simply needed to know in case your mother and father are right here, and a few mates, and did you enable 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 mates as a result of they’re simply as necessary as the remainder when it comes to – a variety of my mates assist me each weekend, assist me each week, cheer for me. I all the time lean on my mates for recommendation and assist in totally different moments. So yeah, win or lose, finish of the season, it’s all the time 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 one or a foul one or no matter it might be. They arrive to the ultimate race of the season each time. So, slightly 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 wish to share each bit that I can with my mates, with my household, as a result of it’s additionally enjoyable for them.
MV: No. Mother and father 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 struggle until the tip. So, yeah, right here we’re. Yeah, I believe after Zandvoort every part was a bit cancelled, I might say. My mother is at residence proud of the canine. So yeah. You possibly can see quite a bit on TV anyway.
OP: Yeah, my household is right here. Sort of just like Lando in some methods. It’s the final race. I’ve performed a variety of racing with none of my household and mates in my profession, so it’s all the time good to have them there. However it doesn’t change the world, let’s say. It’s good, clearly, however I do know some individuals truly want it when their mother and father aren’t there or they don’t have individuals 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: Nicely, 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 manner, form, or type for this weekend?
OP: To be trustworthy with you, I don’t even know which engine I’ve acquired in or once we modified it or no matter. So, no, I’m not involved.
LN: Identical.
Q: (Tim Hauraney – TSN) Query for Max. Max, I do know you stated your mother was at residence 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 aren’t like that. They know that after I sit within the automobile, I’ll give every part I’ve. I simply communicate to them about different stuff. So, they don’t have to inspire me. That doesn’t actually work like that. However in fact, they all the time assist me, ? My mother all the time 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 last laps of the race and also you’re working 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 anticipate and even need him to make it simple so that you can move if he’s out of rivalry? And has that been mentioned in any respect?
LN: No. Not been mentioned. And actually, I imply, I might find it irresistible, however I don’t assume I might ask it. As a result of… I don’t know, it’s as much as Oscar if he would enable it, ? I don’t assume it’s essentially right down to me. It’s the identical if it’s the opposite manner round. Would I be keen to or not? Personally, I believe I might simply because I really feel like I’m all the time like that, and that’s simply how I’m. However yeah, it’s probably not as much as me. I’m not going to ask it. I don’t wish to ask it as a result of I don’t assume it’s essentially a good query. And on the identical time, if that’s the way it ends and Max wins, then properly, that’s it. Congrats to him and I sit 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 provided 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 sort of anticipated… I don’t actually have a solution till I do know what’s anticipated of me.
Q: (Steve Crossman – BBC 5 Stay) 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 for those who 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 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 normal angle of how he approaches every part. All the time, I imply, I stated it a couple of weeks in the past, however simply all the time fairly calm, fairly relaxed in each state of affairs, stays cool. That’s one thing I love and I believe is one thing that at instances I want I used to be slightly bit extra like. However, , everybody does their very own factor. You all the time attempt to discover what works greatest for you. However there’s nonetheless issues from each driver, even after I was rising up, that you just admire in them, don’t like in them, no matter it might be, ? However I believe additionally crucial factor is simply the way you get on personally. I’ve all the time acquired on properly with my team-mates. It’s simple to not. It takes one determination to make every part not be the best way it’s. And I believe that’s one thing we’ve performed properly. It clearly makes our life laborious as a crew as a result of now we have 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 joyful 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 monitor, off the monitor, no matter it might be, is simply a great way of approaching every part, I believe. Not everybody would agree with it, which is totally acceptable and comprehensible. However I believe we each have an identical strategy when it comes to simply desirous to go on monitor, show who’s higher, attempt to drive the quickest, but additionally come off and luxuriate in our life when the helmet’s off. When it’s simply us as individuals, us as personalities. And I believe that’s one thing that I’ve a variety of respect for, and I take pleasure in. 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 depart what occurs on monitor, on the monitor, and be pleasant off the monitor. I believe, like Lando stated, it’s very simple for it to not be that manner, and that undoubtedly takes cooperation from each events. So, yeah, I believe for me, that’s most likely what I…. I imply, ‘admire’ sounds a bit sturdy in teammates however I believe that may be a excellent energy of Lando’s.
MV: Yeah. Simply the timing. You need me an extended reply or not? I simply—what you need from a teammate? Good in additionally growing the automobile with the crew. Good understanding between the drivers. Pleasant, humorous, open-minded, not hiding issues all through the weekend between the 2 drivers. So, yeah, basically, simply making an attempt to push the crew ahead. I believe that’s crucial. In case you are good mates off monitor, that’s a pleasant bonus however not essentially wanted, so long as you’re very skilled on monitor and it advantages the crew.
Q: (Rodrigo França – Automobile Journal Brazil) Query to Lando and Oscar. Max stated his mom lights a candle earlier than every race. So do your moms have this type of ritual, and do they inform you to watch out on the monitor, for instance?
OP: I don’t assume my mother has any rituals, so to talk. Sure, she does inform me to watch out, and she or he usually likes it when there’s no different vehicles round me, which is comprehensible. I like that too. However other than that, there’s nothing particular. You realize, clearly for my mother and, properly, I imply, everybody that watches me race from Australia it’s fairly brutal at the most effective of instances making an attempt to remain up. So, there are a variety of sleepless nights for everybody, a variety of robust Monday mornings, no matter what the end result’s been. So, yeah, it’s all the time good to have their assist.
LN: Comparable. I imply, my mother does many issues – totally different sneakers, odd-coloured sneakers, no matter, she does a variety of totally different stuff. She doesn’t, I believe, do something that I do know of that’s like Max stated. 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 realize, like Max’s mother was a racing driver, so I believe she understands most likely greater than our mothers would possibly do. So, I believe they get possibly a bit extra scared as a result of they don’t perceive every part that goes on fairly as properly. However yeah, I really 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 performed it. And in comparison with 2021 specifically, how are you feeling about it when it comes to stress or no matter? As a result of I believe I bear in mind in ’21 you stated you ended up driving with cramp through the Grand Prix as a result of it was clearly so aggravating. After which for the 2 McLaren drivers—how are you coping with the strain?
MV: I’m very relaxed. Nothing to lose, ? 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 crew, how we’ve been in a position to flip it round from tough instances and actually having a debrief after the race, being very disenchanted and pissed off with the performances to only having fun with, smiling. Having these wins once more is unbelievable. So, I simply take it – every part 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 are going to simply attempt to have weekend. However then even then, it’s probably not in my management, ? So we simply, yeah, like I stated, attempt to take pleasure in 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 doable! 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 pondering of it. For the final three days, simply taking part in some golf and being with my mates and having time. And I sit up for doing that on Monday, whether or not I’m hungover or not. So, yeah, actually it’s the identical, and I believe it’ll be the identical on monitor 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 alternative aspect 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, , the least to lose out of us three is kind of totally different for me. And I believe off the again of Qatar, I’ve acquired a variety of confidence that I can carry out properly. Clearly, I want a good few issues to occur this weekend to come back out champion, however I’ll simply be certain that 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 information 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 typical. Clearly, we wish to exit and make the automobile as fast as doable and win. We’ve all the time 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, , he has nothing to lose. Oscar simply then stated he has the least to lose. Do you’re feeling like since you’re the chief, you will have probably 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 offers you a bonus since you’ve been right here and performed it?
LN: I assume when it comes to place, in fact, I’ve probably 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 couple of extra days. On the identical time, if it doesn’t go my manner, then I attempt once more subsequent yr. It’ll damage most likely for a short while, 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 most likely gained’t consider it that a lot both manner. So, I’m not too bothered. I’ll do the most effective I can. If it occurs, nice. If it doesn’t, then I’ll attempt once more subsequent yr.
MV: I imply, trophy seems the identical. You realize, I’ve 4 of these at residence, 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, in fact you all the time attempt to win it. However on the identical time, I’ve already achieved every part that I needed to attain in F1, and every part is only a bonus. And I simply preserve doing it as a result of I find it irresistible and I take pleasure in it. And that’s additionally how I’m going into this weekend—have time on the market, attempt to maximise the end result. And even with that, maximising the end result? I don’t even know what meaning when it comes to the place you’re within the rating, ? As a result of realistically, I don’t assume we’re the quickest. However you by no means know. Loads 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 outdated one. So how is it going to be right here in Abu Dhabi? Thanks.
MV: Possibly use the fifth one… or the fourth. All of them run. So, we’ll see. It would 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 stated he’s already achieved every part he needs in F1 by changing into World Champion. However for the 2 of you, what would it not 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 couple of days or a couple of weeks then. I believe this has been my entire life. It is every part I’ve labored in direction of my entire life. So, it will imply the world to me. It might imply the world to everybody that’s supported me and pushed me for the final, what’s it, like 16 years of my life when it comes to making an attempt to get thus far. So, it will imply every part. It might imply my life till now has been successful, and I’ve completed 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 laborious work that goes into issues, and I believe it goes to whoever deserves it probably the most.
OP: I imply, it would be fairly cool, to be trustworthy. However I believe it typically takes a short while for these sorts of issues to settle in. And on the identical time, subsequent season begins in a couple of weeks. So, I believe no matter no matter you’ve got achieved prior to now – Max might be probably 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 will 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 fairly joyful 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 residence with the championship. Can you’re taking a lot inspiration from Kimi and Seb? And also you touched on the assist from Australia – a lot assist again residence, it even reached Parliament this week, the dialogue round it. Are you feeling that in the intervening time from again residence?
OP: I did see it attain Parliament. Yeah, that’s fairly spectacular. Good stat to have, provided that I’m in that place. However simply because historical past has gone that manner as soon as doesn’t imply it should once more. So, I’m definitely not leaning on that, however possibly it provides me the tiniest quantity of consolation that it’s doable.
And I believe the assist from again residence has been actually particular. I clearly don’t see an enormous quantity of it. I’ve not being again to Australia because the Grand Prix however I believe the truth that Components 1 and no matter why it was in Parliament, the truth that my identify 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 residence. In order that’s very, very cool to see, and I’ll attempt my greatest to deliver it residence for everybody.
Q: (Leonid Kliuev – Grande Premio Brazil) Query for Oscar. Your mentor, Mark [Webber], famously misplaced to Seb again in 2010 right here. Whenever you struggle right here, will it’s partly a retribution, a gesture in 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 individuals more often than not. And in the end, we’re the one ones within the automobile doing it for our personal private delight. Clearly, there are lots of people alongside the journey – your loved ones, your pals, managers, whoever it is perhaps, those who supported you. However in the end, you begin out on this sport since you wish to do it for your self. So yeah, that’s at first. I’m certain Mark would like to see me win, clearly. However yeah, there’ aren’t any sort of ideas about paying that again or something like that.
ENDS
