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.

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

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

Ava Ladner
F1 Grand Prix Of Belgium

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?

Ava Ladner
Red Bull

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

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.

F1 Midweek: Silverstone Protest, Porpoising Intervention, First-Time Winners & Ferrari Drama

Ava Ladner, Alex Gintz and Michael Finley
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Lando Norris trackside at Silverstone Circuit ahead of the British Grand Prix (credit: McLaren Media)

The F1 writers address notable topics in F1 after the British Grand Prix had protestors who illegally entered, Carlos Sainz winning his first race, and Ferrari exhibiting all the of the form that has made them the sportʻs best drama.

F1 Review: Carlos Sainz Capitalizes at Silverstone for Maiden Race Win

Ava Ladner
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Race winner Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari, Second placed Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Third placed Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes celebrate on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 03, 2022 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202207030464 // Usage for editorial use only //

(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Carlos Sainz may have started on pole for the British Grand Prix but a late safety car helped him to earn his first Formula 1 win.