Josh Tirowee

## Career Overview

### **Marissia (2014)**

Josh Tirowee made his F1 debut in 2014 at the Italian Grand Prix, replacing Jules Biahchi. Tirowee would take Marussia's first ever points finish with 7th. Better was yet to come, with Tirowee winning the Singapore Grand Prix to take Marussia's one and only race victory. Come the end of the season, Tirowee was on 44 points - enough see Marussia beat Toro Rosso for 7th in the Constructor's standings.

### **Lotus (2015)**

Tirowee moved to Lotus for the start of 2015, partnering Romain Grosjean. Tirowee would finish 4th in the season opener. At Bahrain, Tirowee would be involved in a 180mph crash with Sebastien Buemi and Jean-Eric Vergne. All three continued unhurt. At the Monaco Grand Prix, both Tirowee and team mate Grosjean would collide - doping both out of points contention. Despite being part of the Mercedes Young Driver program, Tirowee was attracting attention from many of the top teams in F1. When Jenson Button announced his retirement from F1 after the Belgian Grand Prix, Williams and BMW were straight on the phone to Tirowee's agent. The Brit would move to the British outfit for the next race - leading to much speculation to if Mercedes made the wrong decision to not promote Tirowee to a works seat for 2015.

### **Williams (2015 - 2018)**

Tirowee made his debut for Williams-BMW at the Italian Grand Prix. Qualifying 3rd for the race, Tirowee would utilize the BMW Power Unit advantage to take victory, albeit after Sebastian Vettel dropped out due to engine failure. With a large upgrade package coming for the final races of the season Tirowee would take three victories in the final four races.

2016 would prove to be Tirowee's first chance to fight for a Championship title, with the Williams FW38 proving to be one of the strongest cars right out of he blocks. The Championship fight would end up becoming a straight fight between the two Williams drivers. Tirowee would hold a narrow points lead over Buemi for much of the season. Midway through the Mexican Grand Prix, Buemi would retire from the race lead with an engine failure. Tirowee would go on to finish the race in 6th - putting Tirowee 21 points ahead, and secure Tirowee his first Championship. This made Josh Tirowee the youngest World Drivers Champion to date at 18 years old.

The 2017 regulation changes would significantly harm Williams' Championship charge, as it's well known that aerodynamics isn't Williams' strong point. After a rather uneventful first half to the season, the introduction of the Williams FW39B at Belgium would propel Tirowee back into contention for podium finishes. Finishing on the podium in every race until the season finale (which included 2 wins) Tirowee was one point off the Championship lead. However, a failure with the MGU-K would ground Tirowee's charge to a second consecutive Championship.

Tirowee would struggle for pace in the opening rounds of 2018, often qualifying on pole, the Brit lacked race pace and would often slip the lower half of the top 10 by race end. Austria would prove to be a turning point for the 2016 Champion - Tirowee being the class of the field, as well as pulling off a 2-stop strategy to perfection to take his first win of 2018. At the half way stage of the Championship, Tirowee lay third in the standings, almost three race wins worth of point off the lead.

Tirowee was set to take a comfortable win at the Italian Grand Prix, ahead of team mate Kubica. However, the Brit would get shafted off the road at Ascari by the McLaren of Rio Haryanto who was being lapped. Tirowee would drag his car round to an impressive third place given the amount of damage his FW40 had sustained.

Tirowee wouldn't have to wait long to stand on the top step of the podium again. The Brit claimed victory at the Russian Grand Prix, making it three wins in five starts at the Sochi Autodrom. Coming into the Mexican Grand Prix, Tirowee needed a good result to keep the championship alive. Late on in the race, he would get involved in a grudge match with Alonso, Tirowee coming off worse. However the Brit was just able to keep himself in a high enough position to take the Championship to Brazil.

Tirowee started the final race on the front row, with Alonso 6th. Pole sitter Lewis Hamilton bolted away as soon as the lights went out and would never be caught. Tirowee finished the race in 4th, after a close battle with Kobayashi - the latter finishing third. This would gift Alonso his third Driver's championship by 15 points.

### **Alfa Romeo (2019 - 2022)**

Following 4 years with Williams-BMW, Josh Tirowee moved to the returning Alfa Romeo team.

Tirowee would crash his main car during FP3 at Australia, and would start from last in the T-car. A spirited drive, with some good fortune, would see the Brit climb to 10th in the race, to score points on Alfa Romeo's return to F1. Tirowee would finish 11th again in the second race of the season. A wonder strategy from Alfa Romeo at Azerbaijan saw Tirowee claim the bonus point for fastest lap. The 2016 Champion started on a set of Mediums, and managed to make them last for 16/26 laps. Pitting for Softs a lap later, Tirowee put on a late race charge.

Tirowee managed his first legitimate top 10 start in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix. Making the most of an undercut at the first stop, he managed to jump a number of the front running cars. An inspired drive from the 2016 Champion would see him passing much faster cars on track, to finish the race in second place, taking the fastest lap in the process. In only 6 races, Alfa Romeo had their first podium, racing what would've been the 2019 Sauber car.

Tirowee and Giovinazzi would have a spectacular incident at the Russian Grand Prix. The two would make contact at 200mph down the back straight. However, Tirowee would make the pass stick on the Italian into the next corner. Both drivers suffered no damage from this coming together. A return to reality was on the cards for Tirowee at the Spanish Grand Prix. The Brit retiring in the pits due to MGU-K failure mid way through the race.

Starting 12th for the French Grand Prix, Tirowee was expecting a top 8 finish at best. Starting on the Medium compound tyres, he and the rest of the drivers were able to run longer into the race than those forced to start on the Softs in the top 10. Around the halfway stage of the race, heavy cloud cover filled the skies above. all the drivers that started on the Mediums made their one and only stop as normal, however Alfa Romeo chose to leave both drivers out longer in hopes the rain would come. A lap later, the team played safe and pitted Giovinazzi onto the Hard tyres. Only a few laps later the rain that only Alfa Romeo were convinced would arrive did. Tirowee made a stop from the lead for Intermediates, followed shortly behind by the rest of the grid. Tirowee would come under heavy fire from the Red Bull of Max Verstappen and Mercedes of George Russell with only a few laps remaining. Tirowee's advantage was the straight like speed of his AR/19 car. Even though all the team adjusted the front wing angle of the cars at the stop, the Alfa Romeo car would always be faster in a straight line due to having less downforce, therefore less drag. The 2016 Driver's Champion was able to hold on to take a historical race victory by 0.066 seconds from Verstappen. The Dutchman later received a 5 second time penalty, promoting Russell to second and Sebastian Vettel to third.

Tirowee would take victory on home soil for Alfa Romeo. Starting 4th for the Italian Grand Prix, the Brit dropped back to 7th in the early laps, but once the tyres came into working range, he maximized the straight line speed of the AR/19 to overtake all the usual front runners. Hamilton in the Toyota lead the race, but was massively under fueled, so was forced to back off and forfeit the lead to the Alfa Romeo. Tirowee lead home the Ferraris of Leclerc and Vettel for an all Italian team and engine podium. Giovinazzi picked up a point for 12th place.

The season was ended four races early taking away the chance for further glory, but 6th place and 117 points were way above his and the team's expectations for the season.

2020 would start disastrously. After being put into the wall by the McLaren on Lando Norris, Tirowee retired himself after he fell a lap down to save millage on components. A fifth place finish at round 2 showed the Alfa Romeo AR/20 has genuine pace.

Tirowee took Alfa Romeo's first pole position since their F1 return at the Spanish Grand Prix, round 5. Tirowee finished third in the race. The next race at Monaco, Tirowee would take the win after starting second, and using slower cars after the first round of leader pit stops to pass the Renault of Nico Hulkenberg. Tirowee would take another opportune win at the next race, the French Grand Prix. Running long on the opening stint, a Safety Car was deployed for the retirement of Daniil Kvyat. Pitting under the Safety Car, Tirowee came out in the lead on Soft tyres. With many of the front running cars back in the pack behind slower cars, Tirowee was able to build enough pf a gap to nurse the car and very worn tyres by race end home. Tirowee was in contention for a podium at the Italian Grand Prix, but pushing every lap to keep the faster Toyota of Matsushita behind, his tyres reached the cliff on the final lap. Running wide at turn 2, Tirowee ran off the track, and made contact with the Japanese driver whilst mid-spin. The Brit managed to finish in 5th.

Tirowee won the Austrian Grand Prix, coming from fourth in the final laps. The battling Verstappen, and the Toyotas of Hamilton and Matsushita held each other up to such an extent, that Tirowee was able to make a dive past the three of them into turn 3 on the penultimate lap.

Tirowee would then go on to win the next race, his home race at Silverstone. A majority wet race, Tirowee had an early incident with the AlphaTauri of Sergio Sette Camara. Whilst most divers made an early stop for a new set of Intermediate tyres, Alfa Romeo decided to keep Tirowee out on a no-stop strategy - legal in wet races. This gave Tirowee a leaf of over 10 seconds, which despite Hamilton closing by seconds a lap towards the end, Tirowee's tyres held on just enough for the Brit to take his first win on home soil.

Alfa Romeo locked out the front row for the Belgian Grand Prix. A controlled drive from Kevin Magnussen and Josh Tirowee saw them trde fastest lap after fastest lap. Magnussen eventually lead home the first Alfa Romeo 1-2 finish since 1951. Tirowee took a Grand Slam at the Russian Grand Pirx - pole, race win and fastest lap. Tirowee built late Championship momentum, finishing third at China, in a race Lewis Hamilton retired from, and then went on to win the next race in Azerbaijan. Tirowee continued his winning ways at the Singapore Grand Prix, bringing Hamilton's Championship lead down to 9 points. Tirowee again at in a winning display at Azerbaijan, to go with the 3 points for pole, and the point for fastest lap. At Australia, Tirowee finished second, with Hamilton in fifth.

Heading into the final race at Japan, Tirowee was one point behind Hamilton. After qualifying, they were equal, as Tirowee took a point for third. In the early laps Tirowee was ahead of Hamilton, until the 2008 Champion made a daring move through 130R to move into a title winning position. A few laps later, Hamilton was caught up behind the Renault on Nico Hulkenberg, Tirowee used this opportunity to repass Hamilton into 130R. Both headed for the pits on that lap. Alfa Romeo put Tirowee on a set of Mediums to go to the ends, whilst Totoyta put Hamilton on a set of Hards. This ultimately proved to be the wrong decision from Toyota, as Hamilton struggled for pace on the white-walled tyres. To hammer it home, Sebastian Vettel in his final outing made a move on Hamilton into turn 1, it wasn't clean and Hamilton suffered substantial damage to his TRD120, but opted to run to the end of the race, as the car was structurally safe to do so. To compound his and Toyota's misery further, Max Verstappen in his Honda powered Red Bull lapped Hamilton on the final lap on his way to a dominant lights to flag victory. Tirowee never lead the Championship at any point during the season, until the completion of the final race, marking the Brit as a two-time World Driver's Champion.

#### **2021**

Following on from the team's monumental success from 2020, which saw Alfa Romeo take a Driver's title for the first time since 1950 and 1951. It' was no wonder they kept on 2 time and defending Champion driver Josh Tirowee.

Alfa Romeo looked to have one of the fastest cars in the opening race. Magnussen and Tirowee recording the fastest straight line speeds all race weekend. An alternate strategy for Tirowee left the defending Champion in contention for victory, but last lap contact with the Aston Martin of Sergio Perez left the Brit settling for second. Magnussen backed up the Italian-Swiss outfits early pace finishing fourth. Magnussen was on for another top 5 at USA, but a front wing failure forced the Dane to pit at the same time as Tirowee. Magnussen managed to finish the race, but only in 15th. Tirowee finished fourth with the fastest lap. Magnussen was left to fly the flag for Alfa Romeo in round 3 at Mexico, as Tirowee had to put at the end of the first lap after Norris made contact with the defending Champion. Magnussen finished 4th, with Tirowee recovering to 12th.

Alfa Romeo arrived at the Brazilian Grand Prix with a new black livery, with aims to to further boost F1's 'We Race as One' initiative. Tirowee put the now black AR/21 on pole. Despite losing the lead on the opening lap, an alternate strategy from Alfa Romeo saw the 2-time Champion close down the Renault and retake the lead, going on to take the team's first win of the season. Tirowee also took a 3rd place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. The 2-time Champion made a statement at the Spanish Grand Prix. Home favourite Fernando Alonso retired mid-race, Tirowee went on to take the all important race win, along with the fastest lap.

Tirowee was involved in a high-profile incident during the Monaco Grand Prix. The defending Champion was pitted into Lewis Hamilton by Fernando Alonso before the former's ended up in the Sainte-Devote escape road. Both made it back to the pits for repairs, but their races were all but finished.

Tirowee bounced back and took victory at the French Grand Prix, passing Verstappen and Norris in the closing laps, and also taking the point for fastest lap. Magnussen put on an overtaking masterclass, but could only manage a 6th place finish after running in a net second position early on.

The two-time Champion was on form one again at the Italian Grand Prix. Embroiled in a race-long battle with Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly, the three cars were separated by less than half a second at the line, with Tirowee finishing at the front of the pack.

##### **Ferarri Engine Controversy**

Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, some technical regulations related to the engine were clarified. It was suspected that Ferrari had been burning oil as fuel in between the readings taken by the sensors. This would give a momentary but persistent power boost, and can attribute to the incredible straight line speeds shown. The FIA reached a private agreement with Ferrari, but it was clear from FP1 at the Red Bull Ring that the Scuderia, and customers Alfa Romeo were significantly slower through the speed trap.

This would have further repercussions on Alfa Romeo, as the Italian Outfit was forced to explore new development paths with their chassis and aerodynamics. These upgrades would in turn take numerous weeks to develop and divert focus from the development of their 2022 challenger.

The shortened season brought title glory for Alfa Romeo. Kevin Magnussen won the Belgian Grand Prix, securing Alfa Romeo their first Constructor's Championship.

#### **2022**

Josh Tirowee remains at the team he put so much faith in back in 2019, despite recent hardships.

On the end of lap 33 of the Canadian Grand Prix, Tirowee pit for Soft tyres. After being stuck behind the Red Bull of Perez for the entire race, there was just enough of a gap for the two-time Champion to maintain position ahead of Leclerc.

Tirowee again took the fastest lap at Round 2, en route to 6th.

Tirowee held the lead onto lap 23 of the Australian Grand Prix (Round 3), when Albon launched an attack. The two battled though the first sector. Albon pulled ahead out of turn 5, but had a compromised corner exit. Tirowee tried to switch-back, but made contact with Ticktum, who was trying to follow through Albon. A high speed impact took both out of contention for points, but both were able to continue. The Safety Car was redeployed so debris could be cleared. Albon once again held the lead on the second restart ahead of Alonso and Max Verstappen. Tirowee made up places, now on Softs on the final two laps to scrape 2 points for 11th.

Round 5 - For the first time, the Singapore Grand Prix began in wet conditions. Leclerc held the lead into turn 1, as chaos ensued behind. Sergio Perez hit the back of Tirowee's Alfa Romeo and lost his front wing.

At the end of lap 5, it was time to pit for dry tyres. There was a mix of Soft and Medium compounds at play. Leclerc still held the lead, ahead of Verstappen and Zhou. On lap 12, Zhou's Soft tyres were starting to go off, and he made way for Tirowee, on Mediums, to move into third. At the end of the lap he, and most other Soft runners pit. This lead Tirowee in the lead, ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris. The McLaren couldn't hold onto third place, as Leclerc and Verstappen swarmed the McLaren.

Russell pit on lap 17, and undercut Tirowee who pit three laps later. A crucial move as the rain returned. Four laps later, some drivers pit for Inters, but others came in for new Softs, believing the rain would pass. This would prove to be a grave error in judgement, as at the end of the lap all those on Softs came back into the pits for Intermediates.

On lap 28 Tirowee now held the lead, but Russell had his tyres fired up, and in a battle through sector 2, the Mercedes stole the lead. Contesting his fourth season in F1, Russell was still searching for his first race win. His wait would continue as he locked up into turn 1 on lap 29, and Tirowee retook the lead, both lapping last place Esteban Ocon during the exchange.

Tirowee held the lead for the remainder of the race (+ FL), finishing four seconds clear of Russell.

Azerbaijan was one of the team's most difficult races since 2019. Tirowee suffered early ERS failure and dropped back. By lap 9, only four cars were behind him. Lap 14/26 Alfa Romeo finally remedied Tirowees's ERS issue, and the two-time Champion passed Mick Schumacher's McLaren. Two retirements on lap 20. First Gasly parks down an escape road in Sector 2. Sergio Sette Camara suffered a full shutdown and lost his breaks in Sector 3, and couldn't avoid plowing into the barrier. This brought out the Safety Car. With nothing to lose, Alfa Romeo pitted Tirowee for Softs.

It was another lackluster race for Tirowee next time out. The Brit sustained floor damage at the start of the Italian Grand Prix from the Williams of Dan Ticktum. This greatly unbalanced his AR/22. It wasn't until the closing laps the two-time Champion moved into the top 12, where he would finish.

Alfa Romeo brought upgrades for the Dutch Grand Prix. Tirowee and Zhou locked out the front row. Tirowee started on Hards, where as Zhou, and most of the field, opted for Mediums. Lap 3, Zhou and Verstappen passed Tirowee into turn 1. Zhou built up a lead, as Tirowee kept Verstappen in sight. Tirowee repassed Verstappen on lap 13, as the Dutchman locked up into turn 1. One lap later, Zhou span at the same corner and dropped to the lower reaches of the top 10.

The start of lap 15 would result in the scariest incident of the season. Verstappen dived up the inside of Tirowee into turn 1 from too far back. The Dutchman hit Tirowee's rear wheels, rotating the AR/22. Verstappen then launched the RB18 over the top of the Alfa Romeo. The back of the Red Bull landing hard on the halo of the Alfa Romeo, no doubt the halo saved Tirowee's life. Both cars unbelievably were able to continue.

Zhou went on a late charge, first passing Esteban Ocon for third, and then Charles Leclerc for second. The Chinese ran out of laps to catch Fernado Alonso. Tirowee nursed his car to the line in 7th, fittingly ahead of Verstappen in 8th.

Albon and Tirowee came to blows on lap 23. The Thai-Brit went for a closing gap and turned the Alfa Romeo. Tirowee escaped major damage, but Albon had to box for a new front wing. The damage to Tirowee's AR/22 didn't do much to slow him down, as he found his way past both Toyotas before the end of the race.

Tirowee fought back at the Austrian Grand Prix to take Alfa Romeo's 27th victory. The Brit started on pole, and began to edge clear of team mate Zhou. Verstappen began to make progress following a bad start. On lap 25/36, Verstappen launched his first assault on Tirowee for the lead. Tirowee was swarmed, but not easily overwhelmed. Two laps later, it was all over for the Dutchman, pulling off at the final corner. Tirowee pit under the resulting Safety Car, his battle with Verstappen forced the Brit to use his tyres harder than planned, and Wehrlein behind was starting to catch. Tirowee rejoined in 5th, but on fresh Softs.

Wehrlein lead back to green ahead of Leclerc, Hamilton, Zhou and Tirowee. Alfa Romeo called for team orders, and Zhou quickly moved out of the way of the two-time Champion. Tirowee wasted no time catching and passing Hamilton and Leclerc. Wehrlein was more of a challenge to pass. The German fighting for victory, and his future in the sport. Tirowee passed on lap 34, but Wehrlein passed back immediately down the start/finish straight. It was only a matter of time, and Tirowee made the pass and made it stick. Tirowee took victory ahead of Wehrlein and Leclerc.

Tirowee and Verstappen had a legendary battle at the British Grand Prix. The Dutchman lead away from the Alfa Romeos at the end of lap 1. Verstappen and Tirowee entered a race of their own, pulling clear of Zhou and the pack behind. Verstappen held off an undercut attempt from the Brit, however the RB19 was less suited to the Hards than the Alfa Romeo. Tirowee used the Ferrari power to take the lead on lap 15/26. Tirowee began to pull out a small margin. The advantage turned back in Verstappen's favour on lap 24. The Red Bull driver kept his tyres in better condition. The lead changed and chanced back again on lap 25. Verstappen with one last push made a decisive move into turn 1 to take the lead for good.

### **Red Bull (Present)**

With Sergio Perez announcing his retirement, Verstappen's new team mate is 2016 and 2020 World Champion Josh Tirowee. The Brit initially struggled to understand the new 2022 cars, but managed to string together a strong run of wins and podiums to close out last season. If the Adrian Newey designed RB19 is to Tirowee's liking, a third Championship is on the cards.

Las Vegas hosted the first of three Wildcard races, allocating 5 points for pole, and all 20 positions in the race. Tirowee lined up third after setting his best time on the first runs of Q3. Verstappen got the perfect start, whilst Albon locked down second. Tirowee and Leclerc disputed the final podium position. Albon and Mick Schumacher started on Softs for a two-stop strategy, whilst the rest of the field started on Mediums for a planed one-stop. Tirowee started to drop back on the Las Vegas strop from lap 3, as his RB19 was suffering from ERS deployment problems. Both Ferraris, Schumacher, Vergne and Alonso demoted the Brit down the order. Tirowee's issues were still occurring on lap 12. George Russell made a move down the strip, but Tirowee regained the place as both pitted at the end of the lap. The Mercedes and Aston Martin debated second place, whilst Verstappen controlled the pace at the front.

The squabbling from the three Mercedes powered cars allowed Tirowee to get back in the action. Red Bull were able to resolve the ERS issue under the Safety Car. Alonso squeezed out Russell on the run down the final straight, and Tirowee made his presence known passing both of them onto lap 23. The RB19 has a significant DRS advantage, as well as being the package to beat aerodynamically. Tirowee made it a Red Bull 1-2 on the final lap, pulling a gap over Hamilton.

The red flag was out within 5 minutes of FP1 at Australia, as the AlphaTauri of Liam Lawson came out of the pits and parked it on apex of turn 1, right as the Red Bull of Tirowee commited to the corner. The resulting debris from the Brit shearing off his front right corner lead to the session being stopped. Red Bull driver advisor Dr Helmut Marko was seen having a long discussion with Franz Tost during the stoppage.

Tirowee dominated Q3 to take pole by over 0.6s from Verstappen, who was in turn 2 tenths clear of Leclerc. Tirowee got the crucial gap he needed, as Alonso rocketed up to 2nd. Verstappen was in close pursuit of the four-time champion on lap three, but had to back out of a move into turn 1 to avoid taking out Tirowee. Once DRS was activated, it took until lap 5 for the defending champion to make it a Red Bull 1-2 once again. After missing FP1, Red Bull put Tirowee on a more conservative strategy. The Brit pitted at the end of lap 10 for Hards. He rejoined behind the Toyota-Albon-Stroll battle, but quickly made a move on the Canadian. Verstappen pit at the end of lap 12 for Mediums and set off after his new team mate. Verstappen was on the back of Tirowee on lap 16, but the Brit wasn't easily overcome when his first win with the Austrian outfit was on the table. Verstappen wouldn't relent, and made his move on lap 18 through sector 2. Alonso was also on a push, and found a way past his 2018 Championship rival to move into 2nd. Tirowee's strength over the weekend had been low fuel runs. By lap 23/29, his RB19 was rapid once again, and he reclaimed 2nd from Alonso. The Brit was also closing on Verstappen, but the Dutchman was managing the gap in the remaining laps. Verstappen (53 points) built his championship lead to 14 points over Tirowee.

Schumacher lined up on pole for the first time since USA (COTA) 2021 for the Japanese Grand Prix. Tirowee completed the front row, four hundreths quicker than Verstappen. Schumacher held the lead. A dive from Zhou into turn 1 forced both Red Bulls off the track, but both continued down a few positions. Zhou couldn't maintain his early offensive, as was passed by Hamilton and Tirowee on laps 2 and 3. On lap 9, Tirowee saw his opportunity to pounce on his fellow Brit for 2nd. Rain was forcast for the mid point of the race. A routine lightning stop for Red Bull advanced the Dutchman ahead of Hamilton. Race leader Schumacher pitted on the next lap, and narrowly maintained the net lead over Verstappen. Tirowee and the Aston Martins went long in anticipation for the weather. Tirowee conceded defeat at the end of lap 14, and rejoined behind his team mate and Hamilton. Verstappen look the net lead on lap 15, as Alonso and Stroll lead 1-2. Stroll pitted on lap 15 and Alonso on lap 16 for dry tyres. The rain arrived on lap 19, as Tirowee caught and repassed Hamilton. Three laps later it was time to pit for Inters. Red Bull opted to double stack. As the Austrian outfit had the first pit stall, Tirowee was blocked in his box by the stacking Ferraris in front. The Brit dropped to 8th behind Albon. The Williams and Red Bull have the same Power Unit, and Albon used all his defensive skills to hold off his former team. With pride at stake, Tirowee upped the pressure and passed the Thai driver. Toyota's trying start to the season didn't relent, as Magnussen pulled over with one lap remaining. Verstappen took his third win from three races. Schumacher kept the Dutchman honest less than four second back. Verstappen (74 points) built a 27 point lead over Tirowee. Red Bull's points advantage was reduced by 1 to 49 over Alfa Romeo.

The Qatar track was originally designed with Moto GP in mind played perfectly to the strengths of the RB19. There was Drama for Red Bull in Q3, as an issue for Tirowee's DRS as he left the pits for the final run saw it stuck open. The Brit was fastest on the first runs, and that time would prove to be enough by 0.002s from Leclerc. Schumacher continued his recent form to qualify 3rd. Verstappen was 4th, less than a tenth off the pole time.

The front row barely moved off the lights, as Verstappen and Schumacher rocketed through. Tirowee bided his time behind Schumacher and passed the German into turn 1 on lap 6, and then closed the gap to Verstappen. Tyre wear was much higher than expected. Stroll and Piastri headed in for Hards on lap 11. Speedy work from the McLaren crew for the Australian back in front. Red Bull were confident with their tyre wear as Tirowee boxed for Mediums at the end of lap 12, and Verstappen on lap 13, the Dutchman retained the lead. Red Bull reported Tirowee had a slow right rear puncture and the Brit had to pit again at the end of lap 21. With the high tyre deg, a podium was still within reach. Tirowee wasted little time behind Albon and Vergne. Zhou was feeling the tyre on lap 23/29, and span into the final corner. Unsighted, the field behind barreled in and had to take evasive action. The Safety Car was deployed so Zhou could get back going. Verstappen lead from Leclerc, Schumacher and the Mercedes pair. Racing went back to green with a two lap sprint to the finish. Verstappen pulled a gap over Leclerc, but like Zhou, his Mediums had reached the cliff. Verstappen spun through turn 5. The pack came to a complete stop on the racing line. Tirowee (+FL) beat Russell in a drag race to the line for 3rd. Verstappen lead over Tirowee came down, but was still a comfortable 19 points at this early stage.

For the first time in 10 years, Yas Marina hosted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Red Bull unveiled a new KTM inspired livery. Red Bull ran conservatively in FP1, as Tiowee was only 10th fastest on Hards, whilst Verstappen was 14th on Mediums. Verstappen and Red Bull were surprised to go 1-2 in FP3. Tirowee pulled out a mega lap to once again steal pole on the last lap. Hamilton went back to his FP1 setup and completed the front row. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ran in the sunlight. Sainz started on Softs for a two-stop strategy, whilst the other 19 drivers were on Mediums for a planned one-stop. Tirowee held the lead but Hamilton was hungry for his first win since 2020 and made the move in sector 2. Those on a one-stop began to pit at the end of lap 13. Hamilton went one lap longer, and Verstappen further still onto lap 15. Red Bull split the strategy, and left Tirowee out until lap 19 to pit for Softs. Tirowee (+ FL) narrowly held onto the final podium position from Russell. Verstappen's lead come down by a point to Tirowee.

Red Bull's Azerbaijan Grand Prix was a tale of two halves for each side of the garage. Verstappen pulled out the lap when it mattered. to complete the front row ahead of Hamilton. Tirowee lacked pace and was out in Q1. Red Bull then took a fresh Power Unit, and the Brit lined up at the back. Hamilton made a dive, but Verstappen held the lead. Tirowee made up a few places from the back, but the two-time Champion again dropped back and found himself battling with Lawson to remain in 19th. Tirowee dropped to the back on lap 5. Alonso completed a pass on Vetstappen for the lead on to lap 6. The Williams was the fastest car through the speed trap, and Albon passed the lead Honda powered Red Bull for 2nd on lap 8. Magnussen and Vergne went for a different strategy, and went for a two-stop. Magnussen pit at the end of lap 8, and Vergne lap 10. Both rejoined behind Tirowee and lost significant time. Both drivers blasted past the Red Bull onto lap 11. The top four headed into the pits at the end of lap 12. A routine quick stop from Red Bull got Verstappen back into 2nd. After a lap holding up an under pressure Ticktum, Tirowee boxed at the end of lap 14 for Mediums. Tirowee played the team game for Red Bull and boxed for a fastest lap attempt to try and take the point from Alonso. Verstappen kept Alonso honest, but the Spaniard took victory for a sixth different team. Verstappen reopened his championship lead to 24 points from Tirowee. A mediocre race for Schumacher dropped the German to 37 points back. Red Bull's gap at the top of the Constructor's continued to grow despite Verstappen doing all the heavy lifting.

Red Bull brought a new chassis for Tirowee, after not finding anything in the data to explain the Brit's lack of pace around Azerbaijan. Qualifying runs for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix took place in FP3 and Saturday was also expected to be wet. Tirowee gave the other 19 drivers something to think about by risking a lap on Inters to top the pile from Schumacher and Verstappen on Wets. he top three from FP3 lined up in the same order on the grid. The second Wildcard race of the season delivers points for every position, and battles for every place. Tirowee held the lead off the start, whilst Verstappen made it a Red Bull 1-2. Verstappen went for the lead on lap 3, but Tirowee was stern in his defense to maintain position. Schumacher found his way past Verstappen and on lap 12/32 the German made a move for the lead. After losing the lead, Tirowee boxed early for Hards at the end of lap 14. Red Bull got their calculations wrong, as the Brit rejoined right behind the under pressure Ticktum. Tirowee wasted little time behind the Williams and Mercedes of Russell but had lost crucial time on his out lap. Schumacher and Verstappen pit at the end of lap 16 and the order was maintained. Both drivers were clear of Tirowee. Alonso stormed through the midfield again and by lap 27 was up to 4th. One lap later, the Spaniard moved past Tirowee into the podium places. Alonso's mediums were finished by lap 32 and Tirowee made the move Verstappen couldn't to climb back onto the podium. Verstappen's championship lead came down by 2 points to Tirowee.

Zane Maloney became the first Barbadian to participate in an F1 session, taking over Tirowee's RB19 for FP1 at the Austrian Grand Prix. Tirowee was back in the hot seat for FP2 and immediately set the pace on Mediums, half a second clear of Verstappen on Softs. Tirowee again sent fastest to top FP3, but only by three tenths from Leclerc. he lap of lifetime secured pole for Tirowee by 1.011 seconds from team mate Verstappen. Something finally clicked for Tirowee with the RB19. The Brit secured the lead off the start, whilst Schumacher powered into 2nd. Verstappen took back the position on lap 3. Their squabbling allowed Albon behind to close and Tirowee ahead to pull away. Tirowee pit at the end of lap 17, and was almost a pit stop ahead on second placed Verstappen. Verstappen pit at the end of lap 18 and rejoined back behind Schumacher. For the first time since 2020 drivers were being lapped. Piastri and Stroll were the first to go to Tirowee. Such was the Brit's advantage, he was half a lap ahead of the other podium placed drivers. Tirowee completed his domination of the Austrian Grand Prix by lapping Gasly in the final sector. Schumacher was nearly 40 seconds behind in 2nd, with Verstappen 3rd. Verstappen's lead came back down to 12 points to Tirowee. Schumacher was only 17 points further back.

FP3 for the British Grand Prix took place in Intermediate conditions, with the rain expected to continue into Qualifying. Red Bull could only manage 6th and 12th with Tirowee the lead driver. nother magic lap from Leclerc secured pole by half a tenth from Schumacher. Tirowee was the lead Brit in 3rd. Verstappen was caught out in Q2 and lined up only 12th. Leclerc held on to first, with Sette Camara rocketing up to second. Sette Camara was pushing for glory and climbed all over the back of Leclerc's Ferrari, before making a move stick on lap 7. The Brazilian's glory was short lived, as on lap 8 the tyre wear kicked in early once again and the TRD123 was a sitting duck for Leclerc, Norris and Tirowee. Norris sent the home crown wild when he took the lead on lap 9, with Leclerc now facing his own tyre troubles. Norris and most of the grid pit at the end of lap 12. Most boxed for Hards, whilst McLaren were risking it all for a home win and opted for Mediums. Tirowee used this opportunity to pounce on the McLaren that had to nurse the tyres early in the stint to move into the lead.

Norris went on the attack on lap 24 to steal back the lead with only two laps remaining. Tirowee also had some life left in his Hards and the two-time Champion reasserted himself on the penultimate lap. Norris pushed the Red Bull all the way on the final lap, but couldn't find a way back past and had to settle for second. Tirowee held on to victory by 0.266s. Verstappen secured the final podium place on the last lap (+FL). Verstappen's lead was down to only 4 points from Tirowee. Schumacher began to slip back, after only taking a single point away from Silverstone. Norris climbed into the top 12 for the first time this season. Red Bulls gap over Alfa Romeo was nearing the points total of the Italian outfit.

Tirowee was in the zone to secure another pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix, ahead of the usual suspects of Schumacher and Verstappen. It was a relatively calm start, as Tirowee controlled the pace whilst Verstappen slipped into 2nd. McLaren began to further understand the upgraded MCL60, and Piastri moved into 3rd at the end of lap 1. One lap later, the Australian moved past the defending World Champion into 2nd. Piastri's glory was short lived, as onto lap 4, Verstappen reclaimed the runner up position. McLaren played the team game, as on lap 8 Piastri allowed Norris through to challenge Verstappen for 2nd. The Brit made the move on lap 9. The front runners began to pit at the end of lap 15. Home hero Verstappen had to go a lap longer was was undercut by Piastri. McLaren once again played a different strategy with Norris. The Brit ran until lap 18 to box for Hards. The Mercedes pair ran even longer and for a lap lead 1-2, but both Russell and Hamilton proved nothing more than mobile chicanes for Tirowee who swiftly dispensed of both W14s. The Red Bull drivers closed up for a formation finish, with Tirowee securing the win from Verstappen. Tirowee's third win in a row lead the Brit to the top of the Driver's Championship, 3 points ahead of Verstappen. Schumacher filled the no mans land 3rd position, 48 points behind Tirowee, 23 points clear of Leclerc. Red Bull's gap at the top of the Constructors grew ever bigger, now to 171 points to Alfa Romeo, with Mercedes a further 20 back.

It was an extremely wet start to qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix, but the sky was brightening up. Four big names were caught out in the transition from Wets to Inters at the end of Q1, with Tirowee 20th, Alonso 19th, Leclerc 18th and Russell 17th. The track was drying rapidly throughout Q2, but Inters was still the way to go. The track was just about dry enough at the end of Q3 for Softs, with last over the line having the best track conditions. Yuki Tsunoda ceased the initiative to secure his first ever pole position, ahead of the usual suspects Verstappen and Schumacher. Changeable conditions returned for the race. Tsunoda had the pressure of leading the pack on Full Wets. The Japanese secured the lead into turn 1, as Verstappen held back Schumacher's offensive. All 20 drivers survived the opening lap without damage. 6 Championships in the battle for 19th, as Tirowee demoted Alonso to the back onto lap 3. An over cautious George Russell presented a golden opportunity for Tirowee to make a dive into the hairpin. The red flag was out on lap 5, as Carlos Sainz's day ended early, and Liam Lawson collected the Ferrari in the process. By the time the AlphaTauri and Ferrari had been cleared away, the sun was out and the track was dry.

7/18 remaining drivers were on Drys. Toyota made a catastrophic error and fitted the Brazilian's TRD123 with Inters. Sette Camara's excellent qualifying and opening laps had been wasted. To add to the restart chaos, Zhou's Alfa Romeo experienced a clutch issue and the Chinese pulled off at turn 1. Tirowee skimmed the Wall of Champions on lap 11, and the loss of momentum granted an easy passage to Norris. Sargeant stated his claim to the Williams seat full time four laps later with a move on the championship leader. With the added confidence boost from passing Tirowee, the American replicated his move two laps later on Stroll. Two laps later, the Heavens opened and it was time for Inters once more. In a desperate bid to regain lost track position, Albon and Norris attempted another lap on Drys, which would only drop the pair further behind.

Schumacher brought out a second red flag on lap 29, when the German had an identical crash to Sainz. It was a four lap sprint to the end on Full Wets. With Verstappen leading, Tirowee went on a late charge. Verstappen was most likely unaware of all the chaos unfolding behind, as the Dutchman won from first time podium finishers Oscar Piastri and Yuki Tsunoda. Tirowee made the perfect dive into the final chicane on Stroll on the last lap for a top 5. Verstappen opened a healthy 11 point lead over Tirowee. Schumacher fell to 66 points behind after a no score.

Verstappen qualified second for the Spanish Grand Prix. Tirowee didn't improve on his second runs in Q3 and lined up 7th. Verstappen stole the lead from Norris, whilst Tirowee moved up to 5th. Schumacher started on Softs and needed to make moves quickly. The German passed Tirowee on lap 2. Williams suffered another mechanical retirement, but this time to Logan Sargeant's car. The Safety Car was deployed, allowing the FW45 to be cleared. Norris lead back to green at the end of lap 7, but Verstappen headed into the pits. The Dutchman picked up a slow puncture, and the defending World Champion also converted to a two-stop. Norris had a comfortable lead over team mate Piastri on lap 14, but a rear right suspension failure forced the Brit to retire. It's not the first time a McLaren looked odds on for victory before it all went wrong.

The one-stoppers that were on Mediums began to pit at the end of lap 16 for Hards. Tirowee ran to the end of lap 19 for Softs to chase down Piastri on Hards. Verstappen was leading the race before he had to pit again on lap 20 for another set of Mediums. Both the Dutchman and Sette Camara had to charge from the back once again. Tirowee wasn't wasting any time behind Albon or Schumacher, and blasted past both of them into 2nd. Tirowee had complete confidence in his RB19 and Albon to pull off the mega move on the Thai-Brit. Tirowee finished 2nd, whilst Verstappen made the most of a bad situation to salvage 8th. Verstappen's lead was cut down to only 2 points to Tirowee.

The Singapore Grand Prix looked set to be a disaster for Red Bull. The dominant team of 2023 failed to find a setup in the Simulator, leaving any breakthrough to be found on track. FP1 brought further hardship for the Austrian outfit, as Albon made contact with Tirowee and brought their running for the session to an end. The Williams driver misread Tirowee running wide as him letting Albon through. Red Bull completed the order in 19th and 20th in FP1. Red Bull improved in FP2, but only to 14th with Tirowee and 15th for Verstappen. Verstappen cracked the top 12 in FP3. Red Bull took a step back in qualifying, with Tirowee 18th and Verstappen 19th. The final Wildcard race of the season started dry, but rain was projected later on. Sargeant got the jump on the reigning World Champion to move into 19th. The American fought valiantly to hold onto his position, but Verstappen had the measure of the rookie on lap 5 to take back 19th. Most drivers pit for Inters at the end of lap 5. Albon crashed heavily and brought out the red flag. The Thai-Brit's tyres were still cold and he spun his FW45 in the same place he had contact with Tirowee in FP1. The rain only got heavier during the race stoppage. Tirowee climbed into the top 10 from 18th on the grid, whilst Verstappen only made it up to 17th. Tirowee reclaimed the lead of the Driver's Championship by 4 points from Verstappen. Red Bull took a step closer to retaining their Constructor's trophy for another season, despite Alfa Romeo closing the gap.

Red Bull looked to return to the front of the pack heading into Belgium, with the struggle of Singapore behind them. Tirowee powered to the fastest time in FP1 on Mediums, from Albon and Piastri on Softs. Tirowee again was at the top at the end of FP2, this time on Softs. Albon was second again, this time on Mediums. Verstappen still had pace to find, down in 6th and over half a second off Tirowee's pace. Tirowee and Albon pulled clear of the field to complete the front row in qualifying. Verstappen was only 6th, over as second off the time set by the other Red Bull. Rain retuned for the race, all drivers started on Inters. Albon got the launch he needed, but Tirowee held the inside line and the lead. Rain looked set to remain for the rest of the race. Tirowee pit for a new set of Inters on lap 11. Such was the Brit's pace, Tirowee rejoined the track in very close quarters with Verstappen. The Red Bulls made contact as Tirowee made his way through. Verstappen pit at the end of lap 12 and an excellent stop from the Red Bull pit crew jumped the Dutchman ahead of Leclerc. Albon put in a mighty final stint but Tirowee was too far in front. Tirowee (+FL) won by four seconds from Albon. Tirowee built his championship lead to almost a race win's worth of points over Verstappen. It never looked in doubt and with five races to spare, Red Bull claimed the 2023 Constructor's title.

## Racing Record (Formula One Results Only)

Results on **bold** indicate Championships won.