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 Bullish in Baku, Takes Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Ava Ladner
F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 12: The race winners trophies of Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing, second place of Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing and constructors trophy of Red Bull Racing are pictured in the Pitlane after the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 12, 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202206120420 // Usage for editorial use only //

The Baku City Circuit held a fairly normal race, by its standards, in 2022 as Max Verstappen asserted his dominance by winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Slipstream Saturday: The Chaos of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Ava Ladner
F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan - Practice

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 10: Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 10, 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202206100400 // Usage for editorial use only //

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has offered strange circumstances during its short tenure on the Formula 1 schedule. The question is whether or not such results will continue.

F1 Review: Red Bull Make the Right Call, Ferrari Flounder, Fernando Alonsoʻs Confusing Drive

Ava Ladner
F1 Grand Prix of Monaco

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 29: Race winner Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates with his team by jumping into the pool after the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 29, 2022 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Sergio Perez used Red Bullʻs brilliant pit strategy to catapult to the lead and then drove a stellar race to earn his third win at the F1 Monaco Grand Prix.

Slipstream Saturday: Charles Leclerc & Monaco, Valtteri Bottas & Fridays, Daniel Ricciardo & McLaren

Ava Ladner
Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren in the drivers parade

Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren in the drivers parade at the Miami Grand Prix (credit: McLaren media)

Charles Leclerc has struggled on his home track of Monaco. Valtteri Bottas has found troubles on Friday. Daniel Ricciardo has yet to find his groove with McLaren. All three face unusual challenges as they head into the Monaco Grand Prix.

F1 Review: Max Verstappen Spins but Still Captures Spanish GP Win

Ava Ladner
F1 Grand Prix of Spain

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 22: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 22, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202205220434 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen won the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix even after spinning into the gravel on lap nine. Charles Leclerc looked like he was in line to earn the win but his Ferrari power unit failed midway through the race.

F1 Midweek: Revisiting Miami; Recognizing Colton Hertaʻs Potential

Ava Ladner
Colton Herta practices for the IndyCar raceat Barber Motorsports Park in 2022

Colton Herta at Barber Motorsports Park (Photo by Chris Jones/INDYCAR)

The Miami Grand Prix turned out to be a financial windfall for Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. In other news, Colton Hertaʻs test with McLaren later this year could be a signal that F1 might soon have a US driver on the grid.

F1 Review: Max Verstappen Makes it Look Easy in Miami

Ava Ladner
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 08: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at the Miami International Autodrome on May 08, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

(Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

Max Verstappen drove a stellar race after starting second and taking the lead on lap nine. He earned his third win of the year while Ferrari took the second and third places on the podium.