Leclerc’s pole stats don’t add up

Leclerc’s pole stats don’t add up

Charles Leclerc has taken 27 pole positions but turned only five of them into victories, making his pole-to-win ratio one of the worst in F1 history. In the 22 races he didn’t win from pole, he was affected by four mechanical failures, five strategy or safety car issues, and two driver errors, and was simply beaten on pace in 11 races. Despite starting at the front, he’s often lost positions due to factors like team mistakes, tire strategy, or being overtaken by faster cars. While Leclerc is clearly a top qualifier, his race results show a pattern of missed opportunities and misfortune.

Click here to read the full article by Ben Vinel (motorsport.com)

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IndyCar pushes back on ICE-branded AI image

IndyCar said it had no knowledge of the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to share an AI-generated image of a race car featuring ICE branding. The image, posted after DHS announced a new detention center near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, used the number 5, also associated with driver Pato O’Ward, though he and McLaren have not responded. IndyCar asked that its intellectual property not be used in connection with the issue, but DHS denied any violation and called the objection “absurd.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the Indiana facility, nicknamed the “Speedway Slammer,” is part of a wider plan to expand immigration detention centers across the country.

Click here to read the full article by Alondra Valle (abcnews.go)

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NASCAR team makes driver switch after Iowa struggles

Joey Gase stayed out of trouble in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway but still finished last. The race had 12 cautions, but all 37 cars finished, which made it hard for Gase and the slow Garage 66 team to move up. It was Gase’s first race of the year and his first with MBM Motorsports since 2019, but it ended as their worst result without a crash in 2025. The team will race again at Watkins Glen with Josh Bilicki, who gave them a strong finish earlier this year in Chicago.

Click here to read the full article by Asher Fair (beyondtheflag.com)

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F1 Academy title race heats up after four rounds

The 2025 F1 Academy season has already delivered six different winners, reverse grid drama, rookie breakthroughs, and a cancelled race, all within just four rounds. Doriane Pin currently leads the standings with consistent top-four finishes, while Ella Lloyd stands out as the top rookie, and Maya Weug remains a strong contender despite illness and bad luck in Miami. Wild card drivers like Wei Shi, Farah Alyouseff, Ava Dobson, and Mathilda Paatz have each made their mark, giving local talents the chance to compete on the big stage. With three rounds left, Zandvoort, Singapore, and the season finale in Las Vegas, the title fight is far from over.

Click here to read the full article by Anny Wooldridge (femalesinmotorsport.com)

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Breaking down Hamilton’s Hungary weekend

Lewis Hamilton described his Hungarian Grand Prix weekend as “useless,” but Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur disagreed and said there’s no need for concern. Vasseur explained that Hamilton’s frustration is normal for a seven-time champion who holds himself and the team to high standards. He pointed out that the gap between Hamilton and Leclerc in qualifying was small, and their performances have actually been close in recent races despite a few setbacks. While Hamilton was clearly upset, Vasseur insisted he isn’t demotivated and expects him to bounce back strongly.

Click here to read the full article by Jon Noble (the-race.com)