{"id":267740,"date":"2025-11-07T01:21:14","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T01:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/267740\/"},"modified":"2025-11-07T01:21:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T01:21:14","slug":"piastri-shuts-down-sabotage-rumours-its-not-the-case","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/267740\/","title":{"rendered":"Piastri shuts down sabotage rumours: &#8220;It&#8217;s not the case&#8221;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img width=\"875\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Image-e1762472689220.jpg\" class=\"attachment-featuredImage size-featuredImage wp-post-image\" alt=\"Oscar Piastri, McLaren, speaks with media on Thursday at the 2025 F1 S\u00e3o Paulo Grand Prix.\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/p>\n<p>By Reese Mautone<\/p>\n<p class=\"postdate\">Date posted: 7 November 2025<\/p>\n<p>With only a single point now separating McLaren\u2019s title contenders, Oscar Piastri has dismissed talk of internal sabotage, assuring \u201cthere\u2019s definitely none of that going on\u201d despite his recent dip in form.<\/p>\n<p>Fingers have been pointed and accusations have been thrown around in the wake of Piastri\u2019s lack of pace in recent weeks, with the McLaren driver absent from the podium since recording a third-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix in September.<\/p>\n<p>Fronting the media in Brazil, the man himself denied suggestions of sabotage within McLaren after Lando Norris stole the championship lead by one point in Mexico.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Crossing the finish line half a minute ahead of the field, Norris\u2019 dominant Mexico City Grand Prix victory boosted his points tally to 357 points, with Piastri\u2019s fifth-place finish earning him just 10 points and dropping him to second place in the WDC for the first time since April.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNo, it\u2019s not the case,\u201d Piastri said, dispelling rumours of intra-team favouritism.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou know, I think the last couple of weekends have been a little bit more tricky, but we\u2019ve got pretty clear answers on why that\u2019s the case.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s not really too many mysteries on what\u2019s kind of happened.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think there\u2019s some questions of kind of why some differences have cropped up in terms of how I need to drive and stuff like that, but everything is explainable.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo there\u2019s definitely none of that going on.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Australian added, \u201cWe\u2019re always very open with each other in terms of what we think, whether we think things have been fair, whether we think the right decisions have been made, and from that side of things we can stand up for ourselves and I feel very comfortable doing that, and that\u2019s very much encouraged by the team to kind of make our point for ourselves individually.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut I think it\u2019s obviously a difficult dynamic to manage when you\u2019ve got the two cars in the same team fighting for a championship that only one car can win.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s obviously naturally going to be difficulties with that, but I respect the team allowing us to both try and fight for the driver\u2019s championship.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think for myself, I want to go out there and try and win the championship knowing that I did it on my own merit and doing the things that I could do in my control, and obviously, if you pick one driver, you\u2019ve got a 50% chance that you\u2019re not going to be that driver.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo, I think for me we\u2019re very much encouraged and welcomed to stand up for ourselves already, so I don\u2019t think anything needs to change.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Appearing on Formula 1\u2019s \u2018Beyond The Grid\u2019 podcast this week, McLaren CEO Zak Brown doubled down on Piastri\u2019s words, insisting there is no favouritism within the 2025 constructors\u2019 championship-winning team, and refusing the suggestion of adopting a number one driver in the face of Max Verstappen\u2019s revived WDC charge.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to make sure if we don\u2019t win, [Verstappen] beats us, we don\u2019t beat ourselves \u2013 that\u2019s important,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd we\u2019re well aware of 2007, two drivers tied on points, one gets in front.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut you know, we\u2019ve got two drivers who want to win the World Championship.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re playing offence, we\u2019re not playing defence.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019d rather go, \u2018We did the best we can\u2019, and our drivers tied on points, and the other guy beat us by one, than the alternative, which is telling one of our drivers right now, when they\u2019re one point away from each other, \u2018I know you have a dream to win the World Championship, but we flipped a coin and you don\u2019t get to do it this year\u2019 \u2014 forget it, that\u2019s not how we go racing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe best way to win the Constructors\u2019 is to finish first and second in the championship, and the best way to win the Drivers\u2019 Championship is to have two drivers going for the Drivers\u2019 Championship.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the event 2007 happens again, I\u2019d rather have that outcome than all the other outcomes by playing favourites.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe won\u2019t do it. We\u2019re racers, we\u2019re going racing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Following the same structure as last year\u2019s event, the 2025 S\u00e3o Paulo Grand Prix will run as a Sprint weekend, providing two points-scoring opportunities for Piastri to reclaim the championship lead from his teammate, who now sits on 357 points and leads the #81 by one point.<\/p>\n<p>Making up ground on Norris in Brazil was something the Australian was unable to do 12 months ago, however, with McLaren enacting team orders just two laps from the Sprint finish, taking away the benefits of Piastri\u2019s Sprint pole efforts to favour Norris\u2019 slim championship hopes.<\/p>\n<p>In a chaotic Grand Prix qualifying session that was disrupted by five red flags, it was Norris who came out on top with pole position for the S\u00e3o Paulo Grand Prix front row, with Piastri setting the eighth fastest time in some of the toughest wet weather conditions the sport faced in 2024.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The main event didn\u2019t go to plan for the papaya duo, with Norris\u2019 WDC battle against Verstappen blown out by the Dutchman\u2019s impressive comeback efforts, and a wild double-podium finish for Alpine, with the #4 and #81 finishing in P6 and P8, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is quite a different circuit to a lot of places we go to,\u201d Piastri said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s obviously very old school in its layout and has a lot of history involved and stuff like that.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn saying that, it has been resurfaced last year and bits have been resurfaced again this year, so hopefully we don\u2019t need to go to the dentist after the weekend this year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou know, it\u2019s always fun racing here because the fans are so passionate, so that\u2019s a very nice thing to have, but [I\u2019m] enjoying everywhere we go racing and trying to have a good weekend here too.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The weather forecast is leaning towards yet another wet weekend of Sprint action in S\u00e3o Paulo, throwing an added element into the tense championship fight, which only has four race weekends remaining.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The sole practice session of the Brazilian event will take place at 01:30 AEST on Saturday morning, with a 40% chance of rain looming over the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace for the first day of running.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Image: Formula 1<\/p>\n<p>2025 S\u00e3o Paulo Grand Prix Schedule (AEST):<\/p>\n<p>Saturday, November 8th:<\/p>\n<p>Free Practice: 01:30 \u2013 02:30<\/p>\n<p>Sprint Qualifying: 05:30 \u2013 06:14<\/p>\n<p>Sunday: November 9th:<\/p>\n<p>Sprint: 01:00 \u2013 02:00<\/p>\n<p>Qualifying: 05:00 \u2013 06:00<\/p>\n<p>Monday, November 10th:<\/p>\n<p>Race: 04:00<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/autoaction.com.au\/digital#flipbook-auto-action-digital-d018-october-14-2025\/1\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read the new issue of Auto Action Digital HERE<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/autoaction.com.au\/home\/find-a-store\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Buy the new issue of Auto Action Premium HERE<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/autoactionmagazine.myshopify.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/autoactionmagazine.myshopify.com\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1743042520623000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kiULpxeOayfDC5y6lSWRz\">here<\/a>,\u00a0or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/autoaction.com.au\/home\/find-a-store\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/autoaction.com.au\/home\/find-a-store&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1743042520623000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2yYvcFE12eQq-tULpy0XPs\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.revlimiter.com.au\/podcast\/episode\/32a3bb62\/papaya-knife-fight-supercars-shake-up-and-saluting-the-greats\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"square\" onclick=\"if (!window.__cfRLUnblockHandlers) return false; window.dataLayer.push({&quot;event&quot;:&quot;aa_click&quot;,&quot;ad&quot;:&quot;Podcast ads \u2013 D&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;square&quot;});\" data-cf-modified-db73545201c95a6bbd452012-=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/rl-25-26-tile_300x250.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/autoaction.com.au\/home\/find-a-store\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"square\" onclick=\"if (!window.__cfRLUnblockHandlers) return false; window.dataLayer.push({&quot;event&quot;:&quot;aa_click&quot;,&quot;ad&quot;:&quot;AAP1912-D&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;square&quot;});\" data-cf-modified-db73545201c95a6bbd452012-=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AA-MREC_300x250-27.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><br \/>\nRecent Storiesarray (<br \/>\n  0 =&gt;<br \/>\n  WP_Term::__set_state(array(<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_id&#8217; =&gt; 37,<br \/>\n     &#8216;name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;F1&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;slug&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;f1&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_group&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_taxonomy_id&#8217; =&gt; 37,<br \/>\n     &#8216;taxonomy&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;category&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;description&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;An Introduction to Formula One (F1)&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One, or F1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de l\\&#8217;Automobile (FIA) and is owned by Liberty Media. The name &#8220;Formula One&#8221; refers to the set of rules or formula that all cars and drivers must comply with.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe F1 season consists of a series of races, known as Grands Prix, held on purpose-built circuits or public roads around the world. The results of each race are combined to determine two annual championships: one for drivers and one for constructors (teams).&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe history of Formula One can be traced back to the pre-war Grand Prix racing, which featured open-wheel cars with supercharged engines. The first World Championship of Drivers was organised by the FIA in 1950, following the end of World War II. The first race was held at Silverstone, England, and was won by Giuseppe Farina, driving an Alfa Romeo. The first constructors\\&#8217; championship was introduced in 1958 and was won by Vanwall.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One has seen many changes and innovations over the years, both in terms of technology and regulations. Some of the most notable developments include the introduction of rear-engined cars in the late 1950s, the use of aerodynamic wings in the late 1960s, the adoption of turbocharged engines in the late 1970s, the emergence of electronic driver aids in the late 1980s, the switch to V10 and then V8 engines in the 1990s and 2000s, and the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One has also produced some of the greatest drivers and rivalries in the history of motorsport. Some of the most famous names include Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel. Some of the most intense battles for the championship have been between Fangio and Stirling Moss in the 1950s, Lauda and James Hunt in the 1970s, Senna and Prost in the late 1980s, Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen in the late 1990s, and Hamilton and Vettel in the 2010s.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One is widely regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport, attracting millions of fans and viewers worldwide. The sport is also a huge business, involving billions of dollars in revenue and expenditure. The teams compete for prize money, sponsorship deals, and media rights, while the drivers earn millions of dollars in salaries and endorsements. The sport is also influenced by politics, regulations, and controversies, such as doping scandals, espionage cases, safety issues, and environmental concerns.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe following is a list of all F1 World Drivers Champions by year, from 1950 to 2020:&#13;<br \/>\n1950-1959&#13;<br \/>\n1950: Giuseppe Farina (Italy) &#8211; Alfa Romeo 158, Alfa Romeo&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1951: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Alfa Romeo 159, Alfa Romeo&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1952: Alberto Ascari (Italy) &#8211; Ferrari 500, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1953: Alberto Ascari (Italy) &#8211; Ferrari 500, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1954: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Maserati 250F, Maserati \/ Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1955: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1956: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Ferrari D50, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1957: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Maserati 250F, Maserati&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1958: Mike Hawthorn (United Kingdom) &#8211; Ferrari 246, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1959: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Cooper T51, Cooper-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n1960-1969&#13;<br \/>\n1960: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Cooper T53, Cooper-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1961: Phil Hill (United States) &#8211; Ferrari 156, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1962: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; BRM P57, BRM&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1963: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 25, Lotus-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1964: John Surtees (United Kingdom) &#8211; Ferrari 158, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1965: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 33, Lotus-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1966: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Brabham BT19, Brabham-Repco&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1967: Denny Hulme (New Zealand) &#8211; Brabham BT20, Brabham-Repco&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1968: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 49, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1969: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Matra MS80, Matra-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n1970-1979&#13;<br \/>\n1970: Jochen Rindt (Austria) &#8211; Lotus 72, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1971: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Tyrrell 003, Tyrrell-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1972: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) &#8211; Lotus 72D, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1973: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Tyrrell 006, Tyrrell-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1974: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1975: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; Ferrari 312T, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1976: James Hunt (United Kingdom) &#8211; McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1977: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; Ferrari 312T2, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1978: Mario Andretti (United States) &#8211; Lotus 79, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1979: Jody Scheckter (South Africa) &#8211; Ferrari 312T4, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n1980-1989&#13;<br \/>\n1980: Alan Jones (Australia) &#8211; Williams FW07B, Williams-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1981: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Brabham BT49C, Brabham-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1982: Keke Rosberg (Finland) &#8211; Williams FW08, Williams-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1983: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Brabham BT52, Brabham-BMW&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1984: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1985: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2B, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1986: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2C, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1987: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Williams FW11B, Williams-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1988: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/4, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1989: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/5, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n1990-1999&#13;<br \/>\n1990: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/5B, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1991: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/6, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1992: Nigel Mansell (United Kingdom) &#8211; Williams FW14B, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1993: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; Williams FW15C, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1994: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Benetton B194, Benetton-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1995: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Benetton B195, Benetton-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1996: Damon Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; Williams FW18, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1997: Jacques Villeneuve (Canada) &#8211; Williams FW19, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1998: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/13, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1999: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/14, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2000-2009&#13;<br \/>\n2000: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F1-2000, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2001: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2001, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2002: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2002, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2003: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2003-GA, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2004: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2004, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2005: Fernando Alonso (Spain) &#8211; Renault R25, Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2006: Fernando Alonso (Spain) &#8211; Renault R26, Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2007: Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen (Finland) &#8211; Ferrari F2007, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2008: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; McLaren MP4-23, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2009: Jenson Button (United Kingdom) &#8211; Brawn BGP 001, Brawn-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2010-2020&#13;<br \/>\n2010: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB6, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2011: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB7, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2012: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB8, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2013: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB9, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2014: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2015: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2016: Nico Rosberg (Germany) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2017: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W08 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2018: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W09 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2019: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W10 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2020: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W11 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2021-&#13;<br \/>\n2021: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB16B, Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2022: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB18, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2023: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB19, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2024: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB20, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;parent&#8217; =&gt; 660,<br \/>\n     &#8216;count&#8217; =&gt; 2949,<br \/>\n     &#8216;filter&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;raw&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_ID&#8217; =&gt; 37,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_count&#8217; =&gt; 2949,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_description&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;An Introduction to Formula One (F1)&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One, or F1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de l\\&#8217;Automobile (FIA) and is owned by Liberty Media. The name &#8220;Formula One&#8221; refers to the set of rules or formula that all cars and drivers must comply with.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe F1 season consists of a series of races, known as Grands Prix, held on purpose-built circuits or public roads around the world. The results of each race are combined to determine two annual championships: one for drivers and one for constructors (teams).&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe history of Formula One can be traced back to the pre-war Grand Prix racing, which featured open-wheel cars with supercharged engines. The first World Championship of Drivers was organised by the FIA in 1950, following the end of World War II. The first race was held at Silverstone, England, and was won by Giuseppe Farina, driving an Alfa Romeo. The first constructors\\&#8217; championship was introduced in 1958 and was won by Vanwall.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One has seen many changes and innovations over the years, both in terms of technology and regulations. Some of the most notable developments include the introduction of rear-engined cars in the late 1950s, the use of aerodynamic wings in the late 1960s, the adoption of turbocharged engines in the late 1970s, the emergence of electronic driver aids in the late 1980s, the switch to V10 and then V8 engines in the 1990s and 2000s, and the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One has also produced some of the greatest drivers and rivalries in the history of motorsport. Some of the most famous names include Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel. Some of the most intense battles for the championship have been between Fangio and Stirling Moss in the 1950s, Lauda and James Hunt in the 1970s, Senna and Prost in the late 1980s, Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen in the late 1990s, and Hamilton and Vettel in the 2010s.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One is widely regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport, attracting millions of fans and viewers worldwide. The sport is also a huge business, involving billions of dollars in revenue and expenditure. The teams compete for prize money, sponsorship deals, and media rights, while the drivers earn millions of dollars in salaries and endorsements. The sport is also influenced by politics, regulations, and controversies, such as doping scandals, espionage cases, safety issues, and environmental concerns.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe following is a list of all F1 World Drivers Champions by year, from 1950 to 2020:&#13;<br \/>\n1950-1959&#13;<br \/>\n1950: Giuseppe Farina (Italy) &#8211; Alfa Romeo 158, Alfa Romeo&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1951: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Alfa Romeo 159, Alfa Romeo&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1952: Alberto Ascari (Italy) &#8211; Ferrari 500, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1953: Alberto Ascari (Italy) &#8211; Ferrari 500, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1954: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Maserati 250F, Maserati \/ Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1955: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1956: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Ferrari D50, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1957: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Maserati 250F, Maserati&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1958: Mike Hawthorn (United Kingdom) &#8211; Ferrari 246, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1959: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Cooper T51, Cooper-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n1960-1969&#13;<br \/>\n1960: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Cooper T53, Cooper-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1961: Phil Hill (United States) &#8211; Ferrari 156, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1962: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; BRM P57, BRM&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1963: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 25, Lotus-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1964: John Surtees (United Kingdom) &#8211; Ferrari 158, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1965: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 33, Lotus-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1966: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Brabham BT19, Brabham-Repco&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1967: Denny Hulme (New Zealand) &#8211; Brabham BT20, Brabham-Repco&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1968: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 49, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1969: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Matra MS80, Matra-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n1970-1979&#13;<br \/>\n1970: Jochen Rindt (Austria) &#8211; Lotus 72, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1971: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Tyrrell 003, Tyrrell-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1972: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) &#8211; Lotus 72D, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1973: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Tyrrell 006, Tyrrell-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1974: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1975: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; Ferrari 312T, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1976: James Hunt (United Kingdom) &#8211; McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1977: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; Ferrari 312T2, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1978: Mario Andretti (United States) &#8211; Lotus 79, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1979: Jody Scheckter (South Africa) &#8211; Ferrari 312T4, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n1980-1989&#13;<br \/>\n1980: Alan Jones (Australia) &#8211; Williams FW07B, Williams-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1981: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Brabham BT49C, Brabham-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1982: Keke Rosberg (Finland) &#8211; Williams FW08, Williams-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1983: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Brabham BT52, Brabham-BMW&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1984: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1985: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2B, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1986: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2C, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1987: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Williams FW11B, Williams-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1988: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/4, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1989: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/5, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n1990-1999&#13;<br \/>\n1990: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/5B, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1991: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/6, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1992: Nigel Mansell (United Kingdom) &#8211; Williams FW14B, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1993: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; Williams FW15C, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1994: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Benetton B194, Benetton-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1995: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Benetton B195, Benetton-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1996: Damon Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; Williams FW18, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1997: Jacques Villeneuve (Canada) &#8211; Williams FW19, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1998: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/13, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1999: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/14, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2000-2009&#13;<br \/>\n2000: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F1-2000, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2001: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2001, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2002: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2002, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2003: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2003-GA, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2004: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2004, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2005: Fernando Alonso (Spain) &#8211; Renault R25, Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2006: Fernando Alonso (Spain) &#8211; Renault R26, Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2007: Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen (Finland) &#8211; Ferrari F2007, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2008: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; McLaren MP4-23, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2009: Jenson Button (United Kingdom) &#8211; Brawn BGP 001, Brawn-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2010-2020&#13;<br \/>\n2010: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB6, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2011: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB7, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2012: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB8, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2013: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB9, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2014: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2015: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2016: Nico Rosberg (Germany) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2017: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W08 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2018: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W09 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2019: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W10 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2020: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W11 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2021-&#13;<br \/>\n2021: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB16B, Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2022: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB18, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2023: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB19, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2024: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB20, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_name&#8217; 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