Author: Chiara Martin

The Thermal Club GP hosted its first IndyCar points race, and while it wasn’t the most action-packed event, it still delivered plenty of storylines. From Alex Palou’s dominance to a chaotic start that left some contenders on the back foot, here’s a look at the biggest winners and losers from the race. Winner: Alex Palou stays Mr Perfect The reigning champion made it two-for-two to start the 2025 season, delivering another masterclass in patience and precision. While Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard led much of the race, Palou remained in striking distance, waiting for the perfect opportunity. A…

Alex Palou secured his second consecutive race victory of the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season at The Thermal Club GP, staging a remarkable late-race charge to overtake Pato O’Ward, who had dominated from pole position for most of the event. The exclusive club track hosted its first points-paying IndyCar round, delivering a strategic battle that ultimately favoured fresh tyres over track position in the closing stages. O’Ward’s Arrow McLaren Chevrolet appeared unbeatable for much of the race, but Palou’s decision to switch to fresh soft compound tyres for the final stint proved decisive. The Spaniard’s car came alive on the…

George Russell delivered a clean performance at the F1 Chinese GP, securing a well-earned third place finish for Mercedes behind the dominant McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The British driver, who started from the front row of the grid, maximised his opportunities throughout the weekend to finish ahead of reigning world champion Max Verstappen and both Ferrari drivers. Russell acknowledged that his strong qualifying performance on Saturday, which saw him split the McLarens on the grid, was fundamental to his podium finish. “I think it was pretty vital,” Russell said when asked about the importance of his…

Oscar Piastri delivered a solid performance at the F1 Chinese GP, securing his third career Formula 1 victory and leading a dominant McLaren 1-2 finish that signals the team’s emergence as serious title contenders. The 24-year-old Australian controlled the race from start to finish, converting his pole position into a commanding win ahead of teammate Lando Norris, with Mercedes’ George Russell completing the podium. A great start for Piastri at the F1 Chinese GP Despite a slightly slower getaway, Piastri managed to fend off pressure from Russell into the first corner and maintained his lead throughout the opening lap. “I…

After a tight battle for pole position at the IndyCar Thermal GP Qualifying, Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard will start at the front row, after qualifying 1-2. Alex Palou will start in third. Following the second practice session, Christian Lundgaard dominated, bouncing back from previous issues to top the timesheets with a lap in the 1:40s. The McLaren driver outpaced reigning champion Alex Palou by half a second, while Prema’s troubles continued with Robert Shwartzman unable to set a time despite overnight repairs. Group 1 The initial 13 drivers commenced Qualifying by immediately engaging with the circuit, as Team Penske…

It was time for the IndyCar Thermal Club GP FP2 session. Alex Palou topped the first practice session as IndyCar returned for a points-paying event in 2025. After Kyle Kirkwood led the initial all-car session, practice was split into two groups following a red flag for Robert Shwartzman’s flaming PREMA. Palou ultimately set the fastest time (1:40.548), with Kirkwood, Ericsson, and Herta showing strong pace. Significant tire degradation was noted by multiple drivers, creating strategic concerns for today’s qualifying session and Sunday’s race. Green light for FP2 McLaren driver Christian Lundgaard has topped the timing sheets in the final practice…

After an exciting Sprint race that saw Lewis Hamilton claim victory, the Formula 1 drivers returned to the Shanghai International Circuit to battle for grid positions during Qualifying for Sunday’s Chinese GP. In a stunning performance, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri secured his first-ever Grand Prix pole position, demonstrating remarkable pace and composure throughout a challenging qualifying session. Piastri’s Qualifying moment of glory The final qualifying segment began with Verstappen attempting to set the early benchmark, but it was Piastri who delivered an impressive first run, beating the world champion’s time by more than two tenths of a second. Hamilton secured provisional…

Max Verstappen secured third place in the Chinese GP Sprint Race, unable to mount a serious challenge against race winner Lewis Hamilton. Despite staying within DRS range in the early stages, Verstappen ultimately struggled with tyre degradation, which cost him second place to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in the closing laps. Close but not close enough At the start of the race, Verstappen remained within striking distance of Hamilton, running about a second behind the Ferrari driver. On a few occasions, he managed to get within DRS range, keeping the pressure on his former title rival. However, pushing to stay close…

Lewis Hamilton clinched his maiden win with Scuderia Ferrari in the 2025 Chinese GP Sprint Race, delivering a commanding performance around the Shanghai International Circuit. Starting from pole after an impressive showing in Friday’s qualifying session, Hamilton led from the outset, fending off early pressure from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The seven-time world champion maintained his advantage throughout the race, ultimately crossing the line in first place. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished second after overtaking Verstappen on Lap 15, while the Dutchman, struggling on worn tyres, settled for third. Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate George Russell took fourth, with Charles Leclerc rounding…

IndyCar headed to the Thermal Club GP in California for the first road course event of the season, with teams eager to tackle the unique circuit in FP1. While IndyCar visited the venue in 2024 for a non-points event with a $1 million prize, this year, every lap counted towards the championship. Defending race winner Alex Palou entered as the driver to beat, but the field was expected to be much tighter than last season. With the first free practice (FP1) session underway, teams got their first look at the conditions and tyre degradation ahead of race day. Early running…