Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari received some good news at last after the Japanese Grand Prix, as their promotion up the drivers’ and constructors’ standings respectively was confirmed in an official FIA document.
Having picked up just 17 points from the opening three grand prix weekends, including a disqualification for both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton after the main race in China, Ferrari sat fifth in the constructors’ championship.
However, they have now been promoted up the order after Leclerc and Hamilton’s fourth and seventh-place finishes respectively in Japan, and both of them have also been promoted in the drivers’ championship standings.
It followed a Japanese GP that was brilliantly won by Max Verstappen, who was able to hold off the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to take victory and move to within just one point of early championship leader Norris.
Piastri’s second podium of the season took him above Mercedes’ George Russell in the drivers’ championship, but Mercedes are still holding on to second in the constructors’ standings, 36 points behind McLaren.
1. Lando Norris | McLaren | 62 points
2. Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 61
3. Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 49
4. George Russell | Mercedes | 45
5. Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 30
6. Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 20
7. Alex Albon | Williams | 18
8. Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 15
9. Esteban Ocon | Haas | 10
10. Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 10
11. Nico Hulkenberg | Kick Sauber | 6
12. Oliver Bearman | Haas | 5
13. Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | 4
14. Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull | 3
15. Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1
16. Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 0
17. Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 0
18. Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 0
19. Jack Doohan | Alpine | 0
20. Gabriel Bortoleto | Kick Sauber | 0
1. McLaren | 111 points
2. Mercedes | 75
3. Red Bull | 61
4. Ferrari | 35
5. Williams | 19
6. Haas | 15
7. Aston Martin | 10
8. Racing Bulls | 7
9. Sauber | 6
10. Alpine | 0
Fastest lap points have been banished for 2025. Since 2019, drivers have picked up an extra point if they finish in the top 10 and achieve the fastest lap.
However, it did lead to some drivers abandoning their races to pit and fit a set of new tyres at the end in order to claim the fastest lap point, or to stop a rival from getting the extra point.
The most famous example of this in 2024 came during Ricciardo’s final F1 race, when the Australian finished last but claimed the fastest lap on the final lap of the Singapore GP, taking the extra point away from Norris and helping Verstappen’s title bid.
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Max Verstappen is gearing up to stage a fourth consecutive F1 world championship defense in Abu Dhabi with girlfriend Kelly Piquet as his supporting cast. The Dutchman, 28, began dating Piquet, 37, the daughter of Formula 1 legend Nelson Piquet, in 2020.
However, the couple met a few years prior, when Max was 17, and she was dating Daniil Kvyat, with whom she had one child, Penelope. Kvyat also happened to be the driver Verstappen replaced at Red Bull in 2016.
Piquet has been by Verstappen’s side ever since, often travelling to F1 races as he proceeded to take the checkered flag and win four consecutive world championships along the way, as well as welcoming a daughter, Lily, earlier this year. The RB driver has already made a case for himself to be considered one of the best drivers of all time, much like his potential future father-in-law, Nelson, minus the controversy.
Kelly’s sister, Julia, is married to a motorsport star, NASCAR driver Daniel Suarez. The couple got married last year. It’s unlikely that the brothers-in-law will compete against each other, with Verstappen not fancying a stint in NASCAR.
“I like watching all different kinds of racing. For me, it’s just that on an oval, I don’t want to do it just for the risk of injury, you know, when you hit the fence,” Verstappen said on racing in NASCAR. “It’s not worth it, also if you have done your stuff in Formula 1, and yeah, I mean maybe you can win more there, and I mean that would be something that I would love, but it’s not worth the risk of having a really bad accident and hurting yourself really badly.
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“And I know in F1 that can happen as well, but they’re hitting the wall at 370, or whatever, is not something I am planning to do, but it’s sometimes not even your fault, right?
“Anything can happen. But to sometimes avoid a little bit of the risk, if you can, I would do that.”
However, F1’s upcoming regulation changes could force Verstappen out of the sport in the next few years. He’s already won four titles and is in the running for a fifth on Sunday in the Middle East, after clinching pole ahead of championship contenders Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
“My contract runs until 2028, but it will depend on the new rules in 2026, and if they are nice and fun. If they are not fun, than I don’t really see myself hanging around,” Verstappen admitted.
“Winning seven titles is not on my mind. I know that there are three more years after this one, so it could be possible, but it is not something I need to do before I leave the sport. I can leave the sport easily tomorrow.
“I have a lot of other passions; other racing categories, I want to spend more time with the family, and live off my own schedule. And in my mind I know if I close the chapter, it is closed. I don’t see myself stopping and coming back. Once I stop, I really stop.”
After Michael Annett, a former NASCAR driver known for his one Xfinity Series win and many years on the circuit, died at age 39, the racing world has been left stunned.
Among those mourning was Cup Series star Brad Keselowski, who emotionally reflected on a shared past with Annett and expressed relief that his friend is “no longer suffering”.
Annett’s career spanned more than a decade across NASCAR’s national series. Over 436 total starts, including 321 in what is now the Xfinity Series, he earned a reputation for resilience and professionalism, as his former racing team put out a touching statement after his death.
His most significant triumph came at the 2019 season-opening race at Daytona, a hard-fought victory that remains his singular win at the national series level.
In addition to his national tour success, Annett also left his mark earlier in his career with two wins in the ARCA Menards Series, at Talladega in 2007 and at Daytona in 2008, victories that positioned him as a serious talent among rising drivers.
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Keselowski reminisced about those ARCA wins on social media, writing, “I remember this day vividly. Michael was an up and comer at the same time I was and he was looking really good.”
“In the end, Life took us different paths and all of us who knew him and the talent he had are sad to see him go, but glad he is no longer suffering.”
His final years in the sport were spent with JR Motorsports (JRM), from 2017 until his retirement in 2021 due to a stress fracture in his leg.
Even after retirement, those who raced with him remember Annett as a steady, respected presence in the garage.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Annett family with the passing of our friend Michael Annett,” the statement from JRM team read. “Michael was a key member of JRM from 2017 until he retired in 2021 and was an important part in turning us into the four-car organization we remain today.”
Because the cause of death has not been released, many questions remain unanswered. Still, for those who shared the track, the sentiment is clear: Annett’s life and career mattered deeply.
(GMM) Formula 1’s most dramatic three-way title decider in years has been set up perfectly in Abu Dhabi – Max Verstappen on pole, Lando Norris alongside, Oscar Piastri right behind (pictured).
“McLaren hasn’t been under this much pressure in a long time,” warned former team driver and F1 legend Gerhard Berger.
The strain showed on Norris’ face – admittedly behind “the only driver” he’s really worried about. He openly admitted he was “disappointed” not to beat Verstappen, knowing the Dutchman can now control the race from the front.
A Verstappen win alone won’t give the Dutchman his unlikely fifth title, because for Norris the maths is simple – finish P3 and he’s champion.
Whether Norris can keep his nerve is the question dominating the paddock. Verstappen immediately declared he wants “chaos” behind him – and even said he likes the pressure.
His father, Jos, speaking to De Limburger from Africa where he’s rallying, agreed: “Put the pressure on him like this, and he’ll go even faster.”
Nico Rosberg thinks Verstappen’s most realistic route to the championship resembles the way Lewis Hamilton tried to stop his title charge in Abu Dhabi in 2016.
“Max’s best chance is probably to hold up the whole field,” he told Sky Deutschland. “I know that very well from 2016.
“Max also has his teammate in P10. If the McLarens drop behind them after their stops, that could be his best chance. But Max will need a masterful performance.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said he expects it too: “If Max keeps the whole field together, we can be right in the mix.”
Ralf Schumacher laid out the strategic nightmare for McLaren.
“If the two McLarens were at the front, they would do their own thing. But now things are different,” he said. “One small mistake at the start and anything can happen. And Lando was always a bit nervous at the start.
Related Article: Formula 1 News: Verstappen wins crucial pole for Abu Dhabi GP
“Piastri now has to drive for Norris,” Schumacher added. “If Russell and Leclerc get ahead of Norris, McLaren would lose the championship. Piastri has to cover Norris at the start, be careful at the pitstops, and if necessary, hold back Russell and Leclerc.”
Dr Helmut Marko also expects a tense race – beginning with the race start. “Normally, Norris always gets nervous when he’s up front next to Max,” he said.
Even though the odds are against Verstappen winning the title from 12 points back, few deny he has produced the most impressive season – and perhaps his most impressive of all.
Mathias Lauda told Osterreich: “He had so much of an inferior car – I’ve never seen anything like it. He just doesn’t give a damn. It would have impressed my father, too.”
Asked for his prediction, Niki Lauda’s son added: “It’s Norris. He just needs to keep a cool head. To finish only fourth with such a strong car would be unacceptable.”
Both Norris and Piastri claimed on Saturday that team orders haven’t been formally addressed. Lauda doesn’t buy it.
“Absolutely, there will be team orders,” he said. “They can’t afford any more mistakes. They’ll wait for the start, and then they have to make sure Norris finishes at least third.
“They’re under a lot of pressure now; it will be interesting to see how they handle it.”
(GMM) Fernando Alonso (pictured) has openly admitted he has favorites on track – adding intrigue to a title decider in which Max Verstappen may need friendly cars behind him as much as his own pace.
L’Equipe put it bluntly ahead of Sunday’s Abu Dhabi nail-biter: “Victory alone will not be enough – Max Verstappen needs allies to become world champion.”
After taking pole, Verstappen agreed: “Of course I’ll try to win the race. But also in the back of my mind, still try and win that championship. So we need a bit of luck from what is happening behind us.”
That luck may include Alonso himself. In Q2, the Spaniard appeared to give Verstappen a tow – much like Yuki Tsunoda had done by obligation.
Alonso confirmed it: “Yes, I gave him a tow, and I think it was the one that was televised, right? That’s why it’s being talked about more.
“But I think I also gave one to Oscar (Piastri) in Q1 … and Max gave me one in Q2 too.”
There was no mention of Lando Norris.
Alonso then smiled foxishly when asked why he helps certain rivals and not others. “You try to find teammates to help each other out, and earn their favor, right? You’re always giving them a tow to earn some credit for later.
“And if we were fighting for the same goal, of course you’d step aside – but when they’re in a different battle, you try to help someone in case you get help later.”
Asked for his title prediction, Alonso joked: “I’ll watch it on TV like everyone else.”
But the 44-year-old has been making headlines all weekend for other reasons.
He and Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll skipped Lewis Hamilton’s drivers’ dinner on Thursday, with Alonso also missing the final GPDA meeting of the year – prompting Lando Norris to hold up a photo of Alonso on his phone for the group picture.
The FIA, however, was far less amused when both Aston drivers also failed to show up for a mandatory fan-stage appearance.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, the stewards rejected the team’s excuse that the pair didn’t do FP1 and therefore weren’t needed. Fans had waited in the heat, the FIA stressed, and Article 19 obligations are not optional.
Aston Martin was fined EUR 50,000 – but proposed a remedy. Alonso and Stroll will now meet fans personally, hand out signed caps to anyone in Aston gear, and even grant two supporters a VIP pitlane-and-garage experience with photos.
The FIA agreed, even suspending most of the fine.
We’ve got tons of video and action from the DI Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park this weekend, where the Snowbird Nationals are going on with tons of awesome racers and racing action. We’ve got NC Promoder’s video below from eliminations and hope you’ll watch and enjoy. There is no shortage of action in the videos below, so check them out and let us know what you think. The videos start with Round 1 at the bottom of the page.
Round 1
Qualifying Round 3
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Michael Annett, the former NASCAR driver known for his long career in the Xfinity Series, has died at the age of 39. JR Motorsports confirmed his death on December 6, 2025, but no cause of death has been released. Fans and the racing community have been searching for answers about what happened to Michael Annett after the news broke.
NASCAR issued a statement acknowledging his passing and honoring his contributions to the sport. The sudden announcement has left supporters looking back at his career, family background, and legacy in motorsports.
Michael Annett made 436 combined starts across NASCAR’s three national touring series, including 321 starts in the Xfinity Series. He became known for his consistent performance, professionalism, and steady growth across multiple racing divisions.
His biggest career highlight came in 2019 when he won the Xfinity Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway while racing for JR Motorsports. He started 158 races with the team, earning widespread respect across the garage.
Annett also competed in the ARCA Menards Series, grabbing wins at Talladega in 2007 and Daytona in 2008. Before entering stock-car racing, he played hockey for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League, showing his athletic versatility.
A stress fracture in his leg affected part of his 2021 season, and he retired later that year. In his retirement message, Annett thanked his teams, sponsors, and fans for supporting his career, calling racing the greatest chapter of his life.
Trusted outlets such as NASCAR and major U.S. sports media confirmed key details about his career and contributions. His professional journey remains a major part of modern NASCAR history.
Michael Annett was born in Des Moines, Iowa, to Harrold Wayne Annett and Deborah Annett. His father, who passed away in 2021, was the CEO of TMC Transportation, a company that helped support his early racing efforts.
Annett grew up around racing and often spoke about how deeply his family influenced his motorsports ambitions. He once shared that his parents even scheduled his C-section birth around a race weekend, reflecting their commitment to the sport.
His siblings and extended relatives remained a close part of his life. He dated Heidi Spillane in 2013, though he generally kept his personal life private. Friends and family have remembered him as loyal, dedicated, and deeply connected to his Iowa roots.
As of now, officials have not released the cause of death. JR Motorsports and NASCAR confirmed the news but did not provide medical details. No reports from trusted media outlets have indicated foul play or specific health causes.
The lack of public information has prompted significant online discussion, but all verified sources emphasize that the family’s privacy is being respected at this time. Any official update from NASCAR or JR Motorsports will likely be made public only when the family approves it.
Financial analytics platforms estimate Michael Annett’s net worth between $5 million and $10 million. His earnings came from long-term sponsorships, consistent starts, and contract arrangements across NASCAR’s major divisions.
Annett leaves behind a respected legacy built on determination, consistency, and a strong work ethic. His Daytona Xfinity win remains one of JR Motorsports’ most celebrated victories. Fans and fellow drivers have shared tributes across social media, honoring his impact on the sport.
Michael Annett’s story continues to inspire racing fans, and his contributions to NASCAR will be remembered for years to come. The question of what happened to Michael Annett remains unanswered until officials provide additional information.
Michael Annett died at age 39, confirmed by JR Motorsports. No cause of death has been released by officials.
He was known for 436 combined national series starts and a major 2019 Xfinity win at Daytona.
He raced for JR Motorsports and several other organizations across NASCAR’s top divisions.
Yes. He retired in 2021 after injuries affected his final competitive season.
Estimates place his net worth between $5 million and $10 million based on long-term racing earnings.
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