It’s now the hardest thing in Formula One to beat Max Verstappen. It’s therefore very notable that Lando Norris beat him in the Chinese Grand Prix’s sprint qualifying.

Things were thrown off during Friday’s practice session when a late downpour of rain caused cars to slide around the track on the new surface. Pole position went to Norris, who demonstrated his mastery of the conditions; Verstappen finished fourth.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman is confident that he can win the Saturday morning 100-kilometer race. He will still be the clear favorite to win the race and secure the official pole position even if he doesn’t.

With the exception of a DNF in Australia, Verstappen has won three of the first four Grands Prix of this year in a dominant manner. He’s expected to win easily once more, however it’s doubtful whether he can equal the records from the previous year.

Red Bull will undoubtedly be the side to beat once more if the rules stay essentially the same in 2025. By the conclusion of the next year, very few would wager against him becoming a five-time world champion.

However, by 2026, things might have changed. The hierarchy may shift as a result of teams having to adjust to what is perhaps the largest rule change in recent memory.

British driver is chosen by Sebastian Vettel to be the next world champion.

Vettel was challenged to identify the next Formula One champion who is “not named Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton” in a fast-paced interview with talkSPORT. Nine of the previous ten titles have been shared by the two of them.

Nico Rosberg, Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate, is the only driver to break that run. Vettel believes, nevertheless, that his current teammate might come next.

Vettel took a time to think before responding, then he simply said, “George Russell.”

Russell finished on the podium eleven times in his 108 races as a Formula One driver, although he has only won once, in the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. Vettel obviously has long-term faith in Mercedes, even if they are now fourth in the constructors’ championship and far from being contenders for championships.

Could George Russell be Sebastian Vettel’s partner at Mercedes the following season?

Given the discussion surrounding his possible return to Formula One with Mercedes, Vettel’s forecast is noteworthy. The German acknowledged keeping in touch with squad manager Toto Wolff and would not rule out a comeback.

At 36 years old, he is still three years younger than Hamilton and six younger than Fernando Alonso, having retired at the end of the 2022 season. And with four championships under his belt, there’s no denying that he is an all-time great.

Vettel claims that if the proper opportunity comes his way, he is still in good enough physical shape to resume driving. Russell, for his part, insists that he would support himself against any teammate and be happy to have him return.

A journalist has cautioned Wolff against betting on Vettel at this time, saying it would be “completely mad.” Audi, one of the 2026 entrants, might decide it’s worth the risk further down the grid.