Good month, bad month

Charting the ups and downs of the F1 circus

Max Verstappen Headshot

Verstappen is unlikely to hold back in his defence of the drivers' world title

Getty Images

Good Month

Radio drama
Verstappen is the mouthy throwback beige F1 needs – the world champ said anyone who doesn’t like his radio messages can do one. Excellent.


McLaren Team after win

Privateer power
McLaren-Mercedes is back on top at long last. Without a factory engine deal too. Not exactly a Cosworth DFV in the back, but…


Hungaroring circuit

Hungary for more
Not so long ago, the Hungaroring circuit was seen as the most boring in Formula 1 – now it’s a classic. That’s F1 fan-mnesia for you.


Nico Hulkenberg wave to fans

Nico of Time
Hülkenberg is racking up the points for Haas. When you’ve won Le Mans, this midfield F1 stuff is easy.


The comeback
In light of Audi’s faltering F1 project, ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has been called in. He had the magic dust that made the Scuderia a frontrunner – can he reboot the Germans?


Bad Month

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Lovely Lando
F1 has shown it never pays to be too nice – Lando should have kept the Hungary win for himself, à la Vettel, Alonso etc.


Brad Pitt F1 Movie

No inspiration
So, the Brad Pitt F1 movie is called, err, F1. As some have pointed out, Cool Runnings wasn’t called Tobogganing, nor was The Damned United called Football.


Alpine team boss Bruno Famin

Alpine tailspin
Another season, another new team boss for failing Alpine with Bruno Famin’s departure announced for the end of August. Where will it finish for Enstone?


Brian May waves flag

We Will Stop You
Pomp-rock legend Brian May was at Silverstone to promote said F1 film, due to it featuring Queen’s hit We Will Rock You – except he didn’t want to talk about it to any TV interviewer. Charming.


Spa treatment
Another Spa classic, and yet it’s still in danger of losing its long-term slot on the calendar. Meanwhile, more potential car parks are being lined up in its place.