As the Formula 1 season heads toward its conclusion, several pressing questions are on fans’ minds, including Lewis Hamilton’s form, George Russell’s performances, and the potential of Cadillac’s entry into F1. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed his ninth victory of the season at the Qatar Grand Prix, but there’s plenty to discuss about other drivers and teams as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches. Here’s a closer look at these topics.

Hamilton’s Qualifying Form: Should Ferrari Be Concerned?

Lewis Hamilton’s struggles in qualifying this season have been notable. Despite being one of the sport’s greatest drivers, Hamilton has faced challenges, particularly when compared to his Mercedes teammate George Russell. This season, Russell has consistently outperformed Hamilton in qualifying sessions, leaving fans wondering if Ferrari should be concerned about their decision to bring Hamilton onboard next season.

Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, dismissed these concerns after the Qatar Grand Prix, saying:

“Not at all. Have a look at the 50 laps he did in Vegas, starting P10, finishing on the gearbox of [winner George] Russell. I am not worried at all.”

While Hamilton’s season has seen highs, including two wins (most notably at the British Grand Prix), his performance has been unpredictable. Many attribute this inconsistency to his struggles with the Mercedes car, which he finds challenging to handle. Unlike Russell, Hamilton hasn’t adapted as well to the car’s idiosyncrasies.

The upcoming season, where Hamilton will team up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, promises to be one of the most exciting narratives. Ferrari fans are eager to see how Hamilton’s experience and skill will complement the team’s aspirations.

Does George Russell Deserve More Credit?

George Russell has undoubtedly cemented his place as one of F1’s rising stars. His consistent qualifying performances and ability to compete at the highest level have drawn praise across the paddock. Even in previous seasons, Russell often matched Hamilton’s pace, and this year, he has consistently outshone the seven-time world champion.

Russell’s success underscores his place among the new generation of F1 stars, including Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris. However, Hamilton’s struggles this year seem to stem more from the car’s limitations than Russell’s performances. It’s worth noting that this has been a transitional year for Hamilton, knowing he’s leaving Mercedes at the end of the season.

Despite this, Russell’s achievements should not be overlooked. His ability to extract the best from a difficult car speaks volumes about his talent and determination.

Cadillac’s Entry in 2026: A Realistic Challenge?

The announcement of Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 has sparked curiosity about whether the brand can produce a competitive car. When the Cadillac-Andretti partnership was initially proposed, skepticism abounded, with Formula 1 citing concerns about competitiveness. However, F1’s stance shifted after General Motors, Cadillac’s parent company, backed the project.

While the team will use Ferrari engines initially, the Cadillac power unit is expected to debut around 2028. The team, operating under the name TWG, will be led by seasoned experts such as Pat Symonds, Rob White, and Nick Chester. This structure provides Cadillac with the foundation to compete on equal footing with established teams.

Still, entering F1 is no small feat. Success depends on their ability to navigate the complex regulations and deliver innovation. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Cadillac can shake up the grid in 2026.

FIA’s Leadership Under Scrutiny

The FIA has faced growing criticism this season, with the Qatar Grand Prix debris error being the latest in a series of missteps. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff recently expressed frustration, describing the situation as akin to a “reality show.”

The FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, remains at the center of these discussions. Despite concerns from Liberty Media and F1 teams, Ben Sulayem’s position is secure until the next election in December 2025. While whispers of potential challengers exist, no clear candidates have emerged.

Accountability and transparency are vital for maintaining the integrity of F1, and the FIA’s leadership will need to address these concerns to regain trust.

Max Verstappen’s Qatar Performance: A Tale of Two Setups

Max Verstappen’s contrasting performances in the Qatar sprint race and the grand prix highlight the importance of car setup in F1. While Red Bull struggled in the sprint, they nailed the setup adjustments for the main race, allowing Verstappen to secure pole and dominate.

Verstappen himself admitted to being surprised by the car’s transformation, showcasing how even small changes can have a significant impact on performance. Meanwhile, Mercedes experienced the opposite, with George Russell excelling in the sprint but struggling in the grand prix.

This serves as a reminder of how finely tuned modern F1 cars are and how critical setup decisions can make or break a weekend.

How Do F1 Drivers Cope with Jet Lag?

With F1 drivers constantly traveling across time zones, jet lag is an unavoidable challenge. According to Carlos Sainz, fitness plays a crucial role in managing the toll of frequent travel:

“If you’re fit, you’re healthy, and you’ve managed to keep yourself warm here, don’t get any colds, take melatonin whenever you have to, and go to sleep whenever you have to, it should get it done.”

George Russell added that preparation is key, and drivers must adapt as best as they can given the circumstances. Many rely on melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone, to help adjust to new time zones.

Ferrari vs. McLaren: The Constructors’ Championship Battle

While Red Bull has already clinched the drivers’ and constructors’ titles, the battle for second place between Ferrari and McLaren remains fierce. McLaren’s resurgence this season has been impressive, with drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri delivering consistently strong performances.

Ferrari, however, is determined to secure second place, buoyed by solid results from Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. This battle will go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi, adding an extra layer of excitement to the season finale.