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: 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.

F1 Review: Max Verstappen Wins in Canada, Carlos Sainz Shows Pace, Lewis Hamilton Back on the Podium

Ava Ladner
F1 Grand Prix of Canada

(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Max Verstappen earned his sixth win of 2022 at the Canadian Grand Prix. Carlos Sainz could never overtake the defending champion and crossed the line in second.