Adam Cooper

Dec 10, 2024 | autoracer.it | Adam Cooper

Max Verstappen says he made a quick apology to Oscar Piastri after their clash in the Abu Dhabi GP to “avoid any weird feelings” between the pair heading into the winter break. Verstappen hit Piastri at the first corner, causing both drivers to spin. The Dutchman received a 10-second penalty for the incident, but still managed to recover to finish sixth. Piastri was further delayed by a separate clash with Franco Colapinto, and eventually finished 10th.

Dec 10, 2024 | autoracer.it | Adam Cooper

Lewis Hamilton says his dramatic last lap move on Mercedes team mate George Russell in Abu Dhabi was a case of “now or never” after his successful chase. Hamilton was on a different strategy to rivals, having started from 16th on the hard tyres and run a long opening stint. In the latter part of the race he had to close the gap to fourth place Russell before passing him with a dramatic round the outside move on the last lap.

Dec 8, 2024 | autoracer.it | Adam Cooper

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella admits that losing the 2010 World Championship at the final round in Abu Dhabi was the “most painful day” of his career – and helped him became the leader he is today. Stella was Fernando Alonso’s engineer at Ferrari at the time, and the Spaniard came into the finale leading from Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.

Dec 7, 2024 | autoracer.it | Adam Cooper

Charles Leclerc says he “believes in miracles” and is motivated to “do something very special” after a disastrous qualifying session in Abu Dhabi. Leclerc had a 10-place penalty for taking a new battery and then lost his best lap to a track limits offence in Q2, leaving him 14th. He starts 19th as Franco Colapinto was 19th and had a five-place penalty, and thus lines up behind the Ferrari.

Dec 7, 2024 | autoracer.it | Adam Cooper

Lewis Hamilton was left frustrated in qualifying in Abu Dhabi after a stray plastic bollard became stuck under his car for the last part of his final lap in Q1. Hamilton hit it after it was dislodged by Kevin Magnussen, who had cut across the inside of a corner in an effort to get out of the way. Hamilton was left stranded in 18th at the end of the session, but he gains two places thanks to penalties for Alex Albon and Charles Leclerc.