Race Weekend Central

By Ava Ladner

As a writer and editor, Ava anchors the Formula 1 coverage for the site, while working through many of its biggest columns. Ava earned a Masters in Sports Studies at UGA and a PhD in American Studies from UH-Mānoa. Her dissertation Chased Women, NASCAR Dads, and Southern Inhospitality: How NASCAR Exports The South is in the process of becoming a book.

Slipstream Saturday: Reverse Grid at the Italian Grand Prix & Max Verstappenʻs Ridiculousness

By Ava Ladner

MONZA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 09: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 09, 2022 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202209090743 // Usage for editorial use only //

In the states, IndyCar will be concluding their season with a tight championship competition as Will Power leads the field with little guarantee that he will walk away with the big trophy to conclude the season.  In the world of Formula 1, the story is a bit different.  The sport enters its third consecutive race …

Read more

F1 Review: Max Verstappen Closing in on Title No. 2, Ferrari & Alpha Tauri Bring the Dutch Drama

By Ava Ladner
F1 driver Max Verstappen's race outfit from the Dutch Grand Prix. (Photo: Getty Images)

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 04: The race boots, race overalls and winners trophies of Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing are pictured after the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 04, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202209040649 // Usage for editorial use only //

The F1 Dutch Grand Prix brought all the common 2022 storylines, including another Max Verstappen win at one of his home tracks.

F1 Review: Max Verstappen Magnificent in Belgium as Ferrari Flounders … Again

By Ava Ladner

SPA, BELGIUM - AUGUST 28: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Second placed Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrate with their team after the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on August 28, 2022 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202208280754 // Usage for editorial use only //

Despite starting 14th, Max Verstappen made his drive look easy and essentially cruised to victory at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Slipstream Saturday: Can Ferrari Make Good at the Hungarian Grand Prix?

By Ava Ladner

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - JULY 29: Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing and The Netherlands during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on July 29, 2022 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202207290508 // Usage for editorial use only //

This weekend brings the final race before Formula 1 takes its summer break.

F1 Review: Max Verstappen Gifted French Grand Prix, Mercedes Earn Double Podium

By Ava Ladner
Max Verstappen raises his arm in victory after the French Grand Prix. (Photo: Getty Images)

LE CASTELLET, FRANCE - JULY 24: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of France at Circuit Paul Ricard on July 24, 2022 in Le Castellet, France. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202207240581 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen earned his seventh win of the 2022 Formula 1 season, benefitting from Charles Leclerc recording a DNF after leading the race.

Sign up for the Frontstretch Newsletter

A daily email update (Monday through Friday) providing racing news, commentary, features, and information from Frontstretch.com

I’m not interested, don't show this again