A safety car, strict tire limits, and one massive strategic misread turned Qatar into a case study in how to lose control of a championship fight. Dick breaks down how McLaren stayed out when everyone else pitted, handed Max Verstappen clean air, and turned a front‑row lockout into damage limitation for both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

In this solo race notes episode, he explains why the 25‑lap tire rule mattered so much, how a simple pit‑stop delta turned into a 10‑second own goal, and why Williams and Carlos Sainz quietly delivered one of their most important results in a decade. Dick also looks at Ferrari’s struggle with sky‑high tire pressures, Fernando Alonso’s overachieving weekend, and why, if Max does take a fifth title, he’ll largely have McLaren’s Las Vegas and Qatar calls to thank. With Abu Dhabi looming, every point—and every strategy decision—now feels terminal.

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Thanks to all who have become members of the 2 Guys, A Girl, and F1 via our “Buy me A Coffee” page. This community is growing because of you. To become a member, click here.

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Have episode feedback or ideas? Want to connect with 2 Guys, A Girl, and F1? Drop them a line at: sabrina@2guysagirlandf1.com

Interested in Dick's YT Channel about his return to kart racing? See this link.

Like the 2 Guys, A Girl, and F1 background music? It's "An Adventure Called Life" by Score Squad. It's available for purchase at Premium Beat. Use referral code SNSAEDUB at checkout to get 25% off your first purchase.

2025 Sound Engineers: Paul Douglas and Elena Richey

Rain in Las Vegas, cars on a low‑grip street surface, and a title twist decided more in scrutineering than on track. Dick breaks down a bizarre weekend where qualifying delivered the drama the race couldn’t, and a double McLaren disqualification blew the championship wide open.

In this solo race notes episode, Dick explains why Vegas was so tricky to drive, why the rain turned qualifying into must‑watch chaos, and how a simple skid‑block rule error turned Kimi Antonelli’s drive into a podium and dragged Max Verstappen right back into title contention. He also looks ahead to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, where just a handful of points could decide whether Lando seals it or McLaren’s season becomes a story of what might have been.

Send us a text

Support the show

Thanks to all who have become members of the 2 Guys, A Girl, and F1 via our “Buy me A Coffee” page. This community is growing because of you. To become a member, click here.

Follow 2 Guys, A Girl, and F1 on Instagram.

Have episode feedback or ideas? Want to connect with 2 Guys, A Girl, and F1? Drop them a line at: sabrina@2guysagirlandf1.com

Interested in Dick's YT Channel about his return to kart racing? See this link.

Like the 2 Guys, A Girl, and F1 background music? It's "An Adventure Called Life" by Score Squad. It's available for purchase at Premium Beat. Use referral code SNSAEDUB at checkout to get 25% off your first purchase.

2025 Sound Engineers: Paul Douglas and Elena Richey

Four races. Three championship contenders. One season-defining month that flipped everything upside down. How did Oscar lose a 100-point lead? Why is Max suddenly unstoppable? And can Lando peak at precisely the right moment?

Dick and Sabrina untangle October's championship chaos, exploring the mental resilience required to win under pressure, the rookie cohort proving they're ready for F1's future, and what's really at stake in Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

In This Episode:

The Drivers' Championship is Genuinely Up For Grabs – Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri face very different challenges heading into the final five races. From Mexico City momentum shifts to Brazil's pit-lane-to-podium masterclass, Dick and Sabrina break down who's positioned to peak when it matters most.

The Rookie Revolution – Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, Ollie Bearman, and Gabriel Bortoleto aren't just scoring points—they're reshaping F1's future and validating their teams' 2026 investments.

Qualifying's New Importance – Limited sprint-race practice time means track positioning matters more than ever. Dick explores why setup windows, pit lane tactics, and the 70% pole-to-win statistic are reshaping strategy.

Seasoned Veterans' Dilemma – Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Charles LeClerc, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly are facing a season that hasn't delivered. Are they preparing for 2026 while maximizing current opportunity?

What's Really at Stake – Wind tunnel allocation, staff bonuses, sponsor validation, and constructors' points matter more than you think, even after McLaren's title is secured.

Dick forecasts Mercedes throwing a "joker" at Vegas, forcing ripple effects through the championship fight. Heading to Abu Dhabi, the drivers' championship remains genuinely uncertain.

Send us a text

Support the show

Thanks to all who have become members of the 2 Guys, A Girl, and F1 via our “Buy me A Coffee” page. This community is growing because of you. To become a member, click here.

Follow 2 Guys, A Girl, and F1 on Instagram.

Have episode feedback or ideas? Want to connect with 2 Guys, A Girl, and F1? Drop them a line at: sabrina@2guysagirlandf1.com

Interested in Dick's YT Channel about his return to kart racing? See this link.

Like the 2 Guys, A Girl, and F1 background music? It's "An Adventure Called Life" by Score Squad. It's available for purchase at Premium Beat. Use referral code SNSAEDUB at checkout to get 25% off your first purchase.

2025 Sound Engineers: Paul Douglas and Elena Richey