The 2010 F1 World Championship marked the 61st running of the FIA Formula One World Championship, unfolding across 19 races with the season-opening race in Bahrain on 14 March and concluding on 14 November in Abu Dhabi, held across 18 countries on five continents.
Season
The season produced one of the most dramatic title fights in modern Formula One history. Red Bull Racing secured its first Constructors’ Championship with a dominant 1–2 finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix, while the Drivers’ Championship remained undecided until the final race of the season. At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel delivered a crucial victory that secured him the world title. In doing so, he became the youngest World Drivers’ Champion in F1 history at the time.
The championship finale was particularly remarkable because four drivers entered the final race still capable of winning the title. Vettel’s teammate Mark Webber, Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso, and reigning champion Lewis Hamilton of McLaren were all still mathematically in contention. Vettel ultimately prevailed despite entering the final round third in the championship standings, making him the fourth driver in Formula 1 history to claim the title from that position heading into the season finale. The feat had previously been achieved by John Surtees in 1964, Alain Prost in 1986, and Kimi Räikkönen in 2007.
The driver market also saw significant changes before the season began. Jenson Button, the reigning 2009 World Drivers’ Champion, moved from Brawn GP to McLaren, forming a high-profile partnership with Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile, Brawn GP itself underwent a major transformation. The team was acquired by Mercedes-Benz and rebranded as Mercedes GP, marking Mercedes’ return as a full works team in Formula One.
The new Mercedes team also brought back one of the sport’s most legendary figures. Michael Schumacher, who had retired at the end of the 2006 season after winning seven world championships, returned to Formula One following a three-year absence. At the time, Schumacher remained the most successful driver in Formula One history, and his comeback generated enormous attention throughout the paddock and among fans.
Several important regulatory changes were also introduced for the 2010 season. A new points system was implemented to accommodate a larger field of competitors and to place greater emphasis on race victories. The winner of a Grand Prix now received 25 points, followed by 18 points for second place, 15 for third, and then 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 1 for fourth through tenth positions, respectively. This replaced the previous system that had awarded points only to the top eight finishers.
One of the most significant procedural changes involved the ban on refuelling during race pit stops, which had been a feature of Formula One strategy since the 1994 season. With refuelling prohibited, drivers were required to start races with enough fuel to complete the entire distance, fundamentally altering pit stop strategy and race tactics.
The season also marked an important milestone in Formula One’s competitive structure. Until 2024, when McLaren-Mercedes captured the Constructors’ Championship, 2010 was the last season in which a customer-engine-independent team won the Constructors’ title. Although Red Bull Racing used Renault engines, the team operated independently rather than as a full works entry. In subsequent seasons, Red Bull would become Renault’s primary works partner, a relationship that continued from 2011 through 2015.
Another major change involved Formula One’s tyre supply. 2010 was Bridgestone’s final season as the championship’s sole tyre supplier, as the company announced it would not renew its contract beyond the end of the year. Following several months of discussion and evaluation, the FIA confirmed that Pirelli would become the new tyre supplier starting in the 2011 season. The decision was officially approved at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Geneva in June 2010, bringing an end to Bridgestone’s era in Formula One.
Regulation Changes
The 2010 Formula One season introduced a number of significant sporting and technical rule changes, many of which were aimed at reducing costs and improving safety while accommodating a larger grid.
One of the most important changes was the abolition of refuelling during races, ending a practice that had been part of Formula One strategy since 1994. From 2010 onward, cars were required to start races with enough fuel to complete the entire distance. As a result, fuel tanks had to be significantly enlarged, making the cars 20–22 centimetres longer than their 2009 predecessors. The removal of refuelling was widely supported by teams within the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA), as it helped reduce operating costs.
To accommodate the expected expansion of the grid, the maximum number of cars permitted to start a race increased from 24 to 26. Formula One Management also offered financial assistance to the new teams entering the championship. Each new entrant received $10 million (£6.25 million / €6.8 million) as well as free transportation of two chassis and up to 10,000 kilograms of freight to each race. With the expanded grid, garage allocations at circuits were also standardised so that all teams received equal treatment.
The FIA introduced stricter homologation rules for several key components of the car. Certain safety-related parts — including the driver’s survival cell, roll structures, impact structures, and wheel assemblies — had to be homologated before the season and could not be modified without written approval from the FIA for safety or reliability reasons. The minimum car weight was increased from 605 kg to 620 kg in order to better accommodate heavier drivers and the potential use of KERS, although the teams had collectively agreed not to use the system during the season.
The qualifying format was modified to reflect the larger number of cars. In the new structure, seven cars were eliminated in Q1, another seven drivers were eliminated in Q2, and the remaining ten drivers contested Q3 for pole position. Because refuelling had been banned, the final qualifying session took place in a low-fuel configuration, though drivers still had to start the race on the same set of tyres used during Q3. If a tyre suffered damage during qualifying, the FIA’s technical delegate could authorise a replacement set if it was deemed unsafe to continue.
Several changes were also made to tyre regulations. Drivers were allocated eleven sets of tyres for an entire race weekend, reduced from fourteen sets the previous year. Three of these sets were designated exclusively for practice sessions and had to be returned before qualifying began, whether they had been used or not. The front tyres were also narrowed, decreasing in width from 270 mm (11 inches) to 245 mm (9.6 inches) to help rebalance the level of grip between the front and rear of the car. Additional restrictions were placed on equipment related to tyres: wheel covers and rim heaters were banned, and tyre blankets were limited to heating only the outer surface of the tyre.
A new points system was also introduced to reflect the larger field of competitors. Since 2003, points had been awarded to the top eight finishers on a 10–8–6–5–4–3–2–1 scale. From 2010 onward, the top ten classified finishers would score points according to a 25–18–15–12–10–8–6–4–2–1 format, placing greater emphasis on race victories.
The FIA also reformed the stewarding system in an effort to increase transparency. Instead of assembling a different panel for each race, a fixed pool of stewards — including former racing drivers — was created from which officials would be selected for each event. The range of penalties available to stewards was also expanded. Previously, only 25-second penalties could be applied after a race if a driver committed an infraction too late to serve a normal penalty. From 2010 onward, stewards could impose 20-second penalties (equivalent to a drive-through penalty) or 30-second penalties (equivalent to a stop-and-go penalty). Penalties also had to be served within two laps of being issued, rather than three laps as in previous seasons.
To address concerns about inexperienced drivers entering races without prior experience in the car — an issue seen in 2009 — replacement drivers were permitted one day of testing, provided they had not competed in a Formula One race within the previous two years. Teams were also allowed to run substitute drivers in Friday practice sessions.
Changes were also introduced in the pit lane. Powered devices designed to lift the car during pit stops were banned, and teams were required to ensure that a car could only be released from its pit box when no other driver was approaching within 25 metres on either side of the pit lane.
The Concorde Agreement, which governs Formula One’s commercial and sporting framework, was renewed during the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. The agreement included several additional cost-control measures, such as limits on the number of aerodynamic upgrades allowed during a season and restrictions on the number of team personnel permitted to attend a race weekend. It also allowed teams to miss up to three races before being expelled from the championship, although penalties could still be imposed for failing to attend.
Race procedure rules were also clarified. If a race was suspended, the race clock would continue to run and the suspension time would be added to the maximum two-hour race limit.
Mid-Season Changes
Several further regulatory adjustments were introduced during the course of the season. A new parc fermé monitoring system was trialled at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where cars were effectively sealed in the garages and monitored by cameras. If movement was detected, the system switched to a higher-resolution recording. After the trial proved successful, the system was adopted permanently from the Australian Grand Prix onward.
Concerns about rear-view mirror visibility also led to a rule change. Mirrors had previously been positioned in locations designed to maximise aerodynamic efficiency rather than driver visibility. After several incidents during the Australian Grand Prix, the FIA banned mirrors mounted in outboard positions beginning with the Spanish Grand Prix.
Tyre supplier Bridgestone also adjusted its tyre strategy later in the season. Following the success of the Canadian Grand Prix, Bridgestone announced that it would increase the difference between its tyre compounds beginning at the German Grand Prix, forcing teams to manage larger performance gaps between tyre types.
Rules concerning the safety car were also clarified after a controversial final-lap incident between Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso at the Monaco Grand Prix. The FIA confirmed that drivers may not overtake until they pass the first safety car line after the safety car returns to the pits. If the safety car remains deployed at the start of the final lap, however, it will enter the pit lane at the end of the lap and the race will finish normally without overtaking.
Additional driving standards were also reinforced. Any car being driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically, or in a potentially dangerous manner could be reported to the stewards whether on the track, pit entry, or pit lane. Drivers were required to return to the pits within a pre-determined lap time set by the stewards to avoid penalties.
Fuel regulations were also tightened. If the FIA required a fuel sample after a practice session, the car in question had to return to the pits under its own power. The rule was introduced after Lewis Hamilton stopped his car on track following qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix when his team feared insufficient fuel remained for a mandatory sample.
Testing restrictions were also reinforced following controversy surrounding a Ferrari filming day at Fiorano prior to the European Grand Prix, where the team ran a car fitted with new parts. New regulations were introduced preventing teams from running unraced components during filming or promotional events, closing a potential loophole around testing bans.
Technical inspections were also tightened after Ferrari and Red Bull were accused of using flexible front wings that bent closer to the ground at high speeds. Although the wings passed the existing tests, the FIA increased the load used during scrutineering checks starting at the Belgian Grand Prix, with further tests introduced at the Italian Grand Prix for the front floor section known as the bib.
Safety Car
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was introduced as the official Formula One safety car for the 2010 season, replacing the previous model.
Safety car procedures were also revised after controversy at the European Grand Prix in Valencia, where several drivers were penalised for exceeding a delta time while racing ahead of an accident before the safety car was deployed. Under the updated system, drivers must immediately slow to safety car speed once the safety car is deployed, although they are exempt from this requirement during the final 200 metres of the lap. The revision was designed to prevent drivers from gaining an advantage by quickly pitting before the safety car had fully neutralised the race.
2010 F1 Entries Drivers and Teams
The teams and drivers listed below competed in the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship. Car numbers are shown exactly as they appeared on the official FIA 2010 entry list. Team information follows the Formula 1 official website unless otherwise stated. Teams competed with tyres supplied by Bridgestone.
| Entrant | Constructor | Chassis | Engine | No. | Race drivers | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone McLaren Mercedes | McLaren-Mercedes | MP4-25 | Mercedes FO 108X | 1 | Jenson Button | All |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | All | ||||
| Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team | Mercedes | MGP W01 | Mercedes FO 108X | 3 | Michael Schumacher | All |
| 4 | Nico Rosberg | All | ||||
| Red Bull Racing | Red Bull-Renault | RB6 | Renault RS27-2010 | 5 | Sebastian Vettel | All |
| 6 | Mark Webber | All | ||||
| Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro | Ferrari | F10 | Ferrari 056 | 7 | Felipe Massa | All |
| 8 | Fernando Alonso | All | ||||
| AT&T Williams | Williams-Cosworth | FW32 | Cosworth CA2010 | 9 | Rubens Barrichello | All |
| 10 | Nico Hülkenberg | All | ||||
| Renault F1 Team | Renault | R30 | Renault RS27-2010 | 11 | Robert Kubica | All |
| 12 | Vitaly Petrov | All | ||||
| Force India F1 Team | Force India-Mercedes | VJM03 | Mercedes FO 108X | 14 | Adrian Sutil | All |
| 15 | Vitantonio Liuzzi | All | ||||
| Scuderia Toro Rosso | Toro Rosso-Ferrari | STR5 | Ferrari 056 | 16 | Sébastien Buemi | All |
| 17 | Jaime Alguersuari | All | ||||
| Lotus Racing | Lotus-Cosworth | T127 | Cosworth CA2010 | 18 | Jarno Trulli | All |
| 19 | Heikki Kovalainen | All | ||||
| Hispania Racing F1 Team | HRT-Cosworth | F110 | Cosworth CA2010 | 20 | Karun Chandhok | 1–10 |
| Sakon Yamamoto | 11–14, 16–17 | |||||
| Christian Klien | 15, 18–19 | |||||
| 21 | Bruno Senna | 1–9, 11–19 | ||||
| BMW Sauber F1 Team | BMW Sauber-Ferrari | C29 | Ferrari 056 | 22 | Pedro de la Rosa | 1–14 |
| Nick Heidfeld | 15–19 | |||||
| 23 | Kamui Kobayashi | All | ||||
| Virgin Racing | Virgin-Cosworth | VR-01 | Cosworth CA2010 | 24 | Timo Glock | All |
| 25 | Lucas di Grassi | All |
Free Practice Drivers
Several teams used Friday practice drivers during the 2010 season, giving emerging talents the opportunity to gain experience during Grand Prix weekends. Four constructors used dedicated practice drivers at various points throughout the year. Force India ran British driver Paul di Resta in a number of practice sessions across the season, including rounds two through five, nine and ten, as well as later appearances at rounds twelve and fourteen. Lotus Racing gave Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy several outings during practice sessions, including at the third round, rounds ten and eleven, and later events such as the fifteenth and final race of the season.
New teams also relied on practice drivers. Virgin Racing provided Belgian driver Jérôme d’Ambrosio with practice opportunities toward the end of the season, particularly across rounds fifteen through eighteen. Meanwhile, Hispania Racing (HRT) used a combination of drivers in practice sessions, including Christian Klien and Sakon Yamamoto, as the team experimented with its line-up during its debut campaign.
New Entries Process
In preparation for the 2010 championship, the FIA announced plans to expand the grid to 13 teams. In July 2009, the governing body confirmed the participation of all ten existing teams and selected three new entrants from a group of fifteen applicants. The existing teams, represented through the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA), agreed to provide limited technical assistance to the new entrants. Under this compromise arrangement, established teams could share certain design knowledge and components, though the supply of full customer chassis remained prohibited. In return, the FIA abandoned a controversial proposal to introduce a strict budget cap.
The three successful applicants were Campos Meta, a Spanish team led by former Formula One driver and GP2 team owner Adrián Campos; Manor Grand Prix, an established Formula Three team run by John Booth and technical director Nick Wirth; and US F1, an American project created by engineer Ken Anderson and journalist Peter Windsor.
As preparations for the season progressed, the identities of several new teams evolved. Manor Grand Prix became Virgin Racing after Richard Branson’s Virgin Group acquired naming rights to the team. Campos Meta was reorganised and relaunched as Hispania Racing Team (HRT) when investor José Ramón Carabante purchased the team shortly before the opening race. Meanwhile, Lotus Racing was granted entry following the withdrawal of BMW Sauber, marking the return of the historic Lotus name to the Formula One grid for the first time since the 1994 Australian Grand Prix.
One team that never made it to the starting grid was US F1. The project withdrew from the championship in early March 2010 following months of uncertainty, reports of financial problems and accusations that the organisation had suffered from serious mismanagement.
Numerous other organisations had also expressed interest in joining the championship. Applicants included Epsilon Euskadi, Prodrive, Italian touring car team N.Technology, and revived versions of historic teams such as March, Brabham, Lola, and Team Lotus. Additional proposals came from Team Superfund, backed by former Formula One driver Alex Wurz, and the fan-funded myf1dream.com project. Veteran motorsport organisation Ray Mallock Limited also considered submitting an entry before ultimately deciding against it during a period of political uncertainty within the sport.
Among the most persistent applicants was Stefan Grand Prix, founded by Serbian businessman Zoran Stefanovic and promoted as Serbia’s first Formula One team. Stefanovic claimed to have acquired Toyota’s unused TF110 chassis and engine following Toyota’s withdrawal from the sport and to have gained access to the former Toyota Motorsport headquarters in Cologne. After failing to secure an entry, Stefanovic filed a complaint with the European Commission over the selection process and the continued development of the car, which was rebranded as the Stefan S-01. The team even transported equipment to races in Bahrain, Australia and Malaysia while attempting to purchase the unused US F1 entry. These efforts ultimately failed, and on 4 March 2010, the FIA confirmed that no additional teams could be admitted so close to the start of the season.
Team Changes
Several significant structural changes took place among the established teams before the 2010 season. BMW announced its withdrawal from Formula One on 29 July 2009, citing concerns about the programme’s long-term sustainability. After an attempted sale to Qadbak Investments collapsed, the team was eventually purchased back by its founder, Peter Sauber. The FIA approved its return to the grid under the name BMW Sauber in December 2009, although the team competed using a Swiss racing licence and Ferrari engines following Toyota’s withdrawal.
Toyota itself confirmed on 4 November 2009 that it would leave Formula One due to financial pressures affecting the global automotive industry. The manufacturer declined to sell the team outright, and its withdrawal ultimately cleared the way for Sauber’s return. Toyota’s departure meant that the 2010 championship would not feature a Japanese-licensed constructor for the first time since 2001, nor a Japanese-built Formula One engine since 1982, a situation that would continue until Honda returned to the sport in 2015.
Another important development was that Scuderia Toro Rosso became an independent constructor for the first time. During its early years, the team had used chassis supplied by Red Bull Racing, effectively exploiting a loophole that allowed customer cars despite the FIA’s ban on the practice. That loophole was closed for 2010, meaning the STR5 became the first car fully designed and built by Toro Rosso itself at its expanded facility in Faenza, Italy.
A major transformation also took place at the former Brawn GP team. Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, purchased a 75.1% controlling stake in the reigning champions and rebranded the team as Mercedes Grand Prix. Mercedes had not competed as a full works team since the 1955 Italian Grand Prix. As part of the restructuring, McLaren bought back Mercedes’ 40% stake in the McLaren Group, although the two companies continued their engine partnership and sponsorship arrangement until the end of the 2014 season. The newly formed team also secured a major sponsorship agreement with Petronas, becoming the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team.
At Renault, ownership changes also took place. The French manufacturer sold a 75% majority stake in the team to Gérard Lopez and his investment group. Despite the sale, the team continued racing under the Renault name, while Renault retained full ownership of the engine division. The arrangement left open the possibility of Renault regaining complete ownership in the future once economic conditions improved.
Driver Changes
Changed Teams
Several prominent drivers changed teams ahead of the 2010 season. Fernando Alonso, the 2005 and 2006 World Champion, left Renault to join Ferrari, signing a three-year contract that replaced Kimi Räikkönen, who departed the team at the end of 2009. Rubens Barrichello also moved teams, leaving Brawn GP to join Williams.
Reigning champion Jenson Button switched to McLaren, partnering Lewis Hamilton after contract negotiations with the newly formed Mercedes team failed. The move created McLaren’s first all-champion driver line-up since Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in 1989. Elsewhere, Timo Glock joined Virgin Racing following Toyota’s withdrawal, while Kamui Kobayashi moved to the revived Sauber team after impressing during his late-season debut in 2009.
Additional changes saw Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli join the new Lotus Racing team, Robert Kubica move from BMW Sauber to Renault, and Nico Rosberg leave Williams after four seasons to join Mercedes.
Entered Formula One
Several drivers made their Formula One debuts in 2010. Bruno Senna, nephew of three-time World Champion Ayrton Senna, joined Hispania Racing, bringing the famous Senna name back to Formula One sixteen years after his uncle’s death. He was joined by Karun Chandhok, who became only the second Indian driver in Formula One history after Narain Karthikeyan.
Other newcomers included Lucas di Grassi, who partnered Timo Glock at Virgin Racing; Nico Hülkenberg, the 2009 GP2 Series champion, who debuted with Williams; and Vitaly Petrov, runner-up in the 2009 GP2 championship, who joined Renault alongside Robert Kubica and became Russia’s first Formula One driver.
The 2010 season also featured one of the most anticipated returns in the sport’s history. Michael Schumacher, the seven-time World Champion, came out of retirement to race for the new Mercedes team after a three-year absence from Formula One.
Exited Formula One
Several drivers left the championship at the end of the 2009 season. Giancarlo Fisichella moved into a reserve and test driver role at Ferrari and later competed in the Le Mans Series. Romain Grosjean was unable to retain his Renault seat and moved to the inaugural FIA GT1 World Championship.
Kazuki Nakajima, who had raced for Williams, failed to secure a drive for 2010 and briefly became associated with the unsuccessful Stefan Grand Prix project. Meanwhile, Kimi Räikkönen, the 2007 World Champion, stepped away from Formula One for what was described as a two-year sabbatical after negotiations with McLaren ended. Räikkönen instead joined the Citroën Junior Team in the World Rally Championship, driving a Citroën C4 WRC.
Returned to Formula One
Two drivers returned to race seats in 2010. Pedro de la Rosa, a longtime McLaren test driver, returned to Sauber, ending a three-year absence from racing. The most high-profile comeback, however, was Michael Schumacher’s return with Mercedes, officially announced on 23 December 2009.
Mid-Season Changes
The season also featured several mid-year driver changes. At Hispania Racing, Sakon Yamamoto replaced Bruno Senna at the British Grand Prix, though Senna returned for the following race in Germany. Yamamoto later replaced Karun Chandhok from the German Grand Prix onward, although Christian Klien substituted for him at several races, including Singapore, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
Away from race seats, Nick Heidfeld left Mercedes during the summer break to become Pirelli’s official test driver ahead of the tyre manufacturer’s return to Formula One in 2011. Later in the season, Sauber dropped Pedro de la Rosa after the Italian Grand Prix and replaced him with Heidfeld, who had previously raced for the team in 2009. As a result, Romain Grosjean was recruited to take Heidfeld’s role in Pirelli’s testing programme.
Hispania’s line-up also continued to shift toward the end of the year. Christian Klien replaced Yamamoto at the Singapore Grand Prix, officially due to illness, though speculation suggested financial difficulties within the team may have influenced the decision. Klien later returned to the car for the races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi, bringing further instability to the team’s driver roster during its debut season.
2010 Formula 1 Race Calendar
Calendar Changes
Several notable adjustments were made to the 2010 Formula One calendar, including a new circuit configuration, the return of races that had been absent, and the addition of a brand-new Grand Prix.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, which opened the season, was run on an extended layout of the Bahrain International Circuit. In this configuration, drivers left the traditional circuit shortly after turn four, entering a new loop section measuring nearly 900 metres before rejoining the original track just before the old turn five. The modification increased the overall lap distance from 5.412 km (3.363 mi) to 6.299 km (3.914 mi). Although used for the 2010 race, the layout was later abandoned, with Bahrain reverting to the circuit’s original configuration from 2012 onward. The following year’s race in Bahrain was also cancelled due to the Bahraini protests in 2011.
The British Grand Prix was originally scheduled to move from the historic Silverstone Circuit to Donington Park beginning in 2010. However, Donington’s owners were unable to secure the £135 million investment required to redevelop the circuit and upgrade its infrastructure. After lengthy negotiations with Formula One commercial chief Bernie Ecclestone, Silverstone’s organisers reached a new agreement that guaranteed the race would remain at the circuit for the next seventeen years. The event would now be held using the newly designed Arena configuration, which extended the lap by 760 metres (0.47 miles) and introduced several new corners.
The Canadian Grand Prix returned to the championship after being absent from the 2009 season, restoring one of Formula One’s most popular North American races to the calendar.
In Germany, the traditional rotation between the country’s two circuits continued. After the Nürburgring hosted the German Grand Prix in 2009, the race returned to the Hockenheimring for the 2010 season as part of the established alternating arrangement between the two venues.
Changes also occurred in Japan. The Japanese Grand Prix had originally been expected to return to Fuji Speedway in 2010 under the alternating agreement between Fuji and the Suzuka Circuit. However, Fuji’s owner Toyota announced that it would no longer pursue hosting the race, citing the effects of the global economic recession. As a result, Suzuka retained the Japanese Grand Prix for 2010 and continued to host the event in subsequent seasons.
The calendar also welcomed a completely new event. The Korean Grand Prix made its debut at the Korea International Circuit in Yeongam, with the race taking place on 24 October. The track only received official approval after passing its FIA inspection on 12 October, just days before the race weekend.
Another new race had originally been planned for the season. The Indian Grand Prix was scheduled to debut at the Buddh International Circuit, but construction delays forced organisers to postpone the event. Instead of taking place in 2010, the inaugural Indian Grand Prix was eventually held the following year.
2010 Formula 1 Race Reports
Round 1: Bahrain Grand Prix
Race date: 14 March
Circuit: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
The 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix was the seventh edition of the race and the first round of the 2010 season. It was the first time since 2006 that Bahrain had opened the season, and the event featured a longer track layout than in previous years. Fernando Alonso clinched the win, celebrating his first as a Ferrari driver. His teammate, Felipe Massa, finished second. McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton rounded out the podium in third place.
Sebastian Vettel, driving for Red Bull, started on pole and led the race until lap 34 when a power issue slowed him down, allowing Alonso to take the lead. The problem also resulted in Vettel being passed by Massa and Hamilton, relegating him to a fourth-place finish.
The debut race for the three new teams—Lotus, HRT, and Virgin—proved challenging. Their six cars filled the bottom six spots in qualifying, and among them, only Heikki Kovalainen in the Lotus managed to finish the race. Jarno Trulli‘s Lotus, although not finished, was classified in last place.
Round 2: Australian Grand Prix
Race date: 28 March
Circuit: Albert Park Circuit , Melbourne
Reigning World Champion and McLaren driver Jenson Button clinched the win at the 2010 Australian Grand Prix, his first win for McLaren after moving from Brawn GP/Mercedes after his title-winning previous season.
Starting from fourth on the grid, Button, who had previously triumphed at the 2009 Australian Grand Prix, told the press about his hunger to return to Albert Park and secure a podium finish again. The Renault of Robert Kubica secured second place, followed by the Ferrari of Felipe Massa in third.
Round 3: Malaysian Grand Prix
Race date: 4 April
Circuit: Sepang International Circuit
At the 2010 Malaysian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel led home a Red Bull one-two finish, taking the win ahead of teammate Mark Webber, who had clinched pole position in dramatic fashion. During a rain-soaked qualifying session, Webber made a strategic switch to intermediate tyres after a delay in Q3, just as a heavy storm hit the circuit. This timely decision proved crucial as the track began to dry in the closing moments, securing his top spot on the grid. Nico Rosberg completed the podium in third for Mercedes.
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Round 4: Chinese Grand Prix
Race date: 18 April
Circuit: Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai
Jenson Button claimed victory in a dramatic and rain-affected 2010 Chinese Grand Prix, securing his second win of the season and the ninth of his career. Starting from fifth on the grid, the McLaren driver navigated the tricky conditions, taking the lead and managing his strategy to stay ahead. His teammate Lewis Hamilton finished second, completing a McLaren 1-2, while Nico Rosberg secured third place for Mercedes.
The race was marked by intermittent rain, which made track conditions unpredictable. Button capitalised on a well-executed strategy, making fewer pit stops than some of his rivals and maintaining control at the front for much of the race.
One of the most notable incidents occurred on lap five when Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton clashed wheels in the pit lane in a heated battle for position. The two exited the pits side by side, neither backing down, leading to a dramatic wheel-to-wheel moment in the narrow pit lane.
Following the race, the stewards summoned both drivers to review the incident, examining television footage. After deliberation, they formally reprimanded both for “dangerous driving.” However, no further penalties were handed out, and both drivers were allowed to keep their finishing positions.
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Round 5: Spanish Grand Prix
Race date: 9 May
Circuit: Circuit de Catalunya , Montmeló
The 2010 Spanish Grand Prix was the fifth round of the season, marked the start of the European leg, and saw Mark Webber dominate the weekend for Red Bull. The Australian secured pole with a lap of 1:19.995 and went on to lead every lap of the race, claiming a commanding victory. Fernando Alonso finished second for Ferrari in front of his home crowd, while Webber’s teammate Sebastian Vettel completed the podium in third. McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap late in the race.
In the lead-up to the event, several teams introduced significant upgrades as the championship moved to Europe. Mercedes altered its airbox design, while Virgin Racing brought a longer chassis and revised fuel system to address earlier fuel tank limitations. Ferrari also modified its engines with FIA approval after reliability issues and removed the controversial Marlboro “barcode” design from the car’s livery. Meanwhile, Hispania test driver Christian Klien participated in practice after reportedly having his FIA Super Licence renewed minutes before the session began.
Round 6: Monaco Grand Prix
Race date: 16 May
Circuit: Circuit de Monaco , Monte Carlo
The 2010 Monaco Grand Prix was won by Red Bull Racing’s Mark Webber, who secured a commanding victory on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo. From pole position, Webber maintained his lead throughout the race, ahead of his teammate, Sebastian Vettel, who finished closely behind in second place, ensuring a one-two finish for Red Bull. The Renault of Robert Kubica completed the podium.
The race saw multiple safety cars after various incidents, including a notable crash involving Rubens Barrichello, caused by a loose manhole cover.
In the closing stages, Mercedes‘ Michael Schumacher overtook Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso on the final corner after the safety car had returned to the pits. The move was deemed illegal under the regulations, leading to Schumacher receiving a 20-second penalty post-race, which relegated him from sixth to 12th place in the final standings. The penalty sparked talks about the clarity of the rules regarding overtaking after safety car periods, prompting the FIA to review and amend the regulations to prevent similar controversies in the future.
Round 7: Turkish Grand Prix
Race date: 30 May
Circuit: Istanbul Park, Istanbul
The Red Bull of Mark Webber secured pole for the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix; however, on lap 40, Webber and teammate Sebastian Vettel collided while battling for the lead. Vettel retired, and Webber dropped to third after an emergency pit stop. The incident allowed McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button to inherit the top two positions.
In the closing stages, Button briefly overtook Hamilton on lap 48, but Hamilton regained the lead on the following lap. Hamilton maintained his position to claim his first victory of the season, with Button finishing second and Webber securing third.
Round 8: Canadian Grand Prix
Race date: 13 June
Circuit: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve , Montreal
McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton had secured pole the previous day for the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix, leading from lights out. The race featured significant tyre degradation issues, leading to various pit-stop strategies among teams. Hamilton maintained his lead at the start, while incidents in the midfield, including a collision between Vitantonio Liuzzi and Felipe Massa, resulted in early pit stops for repairs.
Throughout the race, tyre management played a crucial role, with drivers opting for varying strategies to combat degradation. Hamilton executed a two-stop strategy effectively, allowing him to regain the lead after his final pit stop. His teammate, Jenson Button, also managed his tyres well, allowing him to overtake Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso in the latter stages to secure a McLaren 1-2 finish. Alonso completed the podium in third place. This victory propelled Hamilton to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings with 109 points, followed closely by Button with 106 points and Red Bull‘s Mark Webber with 103 points.
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Round 9: European Grand Prix
Race date: 27 June
Circuit: Valencia Street Circuit, Valencia
The 2010 European Grand Prix took place on June 27 at the Valencia Street Circuit in Spain, marking the ninth round of the 2010 Formula One World Championship. Red Bull Racing‘s Sebastian Vettel had secured pole with a time of 1:37.587 and led the race from start to finish, claiming his second victory of the season and the seventh of his career. McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton finished second despite receiving a drive-through penalty for overtaking the safety car, while his teammate Jenson Button completed the podium in third place.
The race saw a dramatic incident on lap nine, where Red Bull’s Mark Webber collided with the Lotus of Heikki Kovalainen, causing Webber’s car to flip and crash into the barriers. Fortunately, both drivers emerged unscathed. The safety car was deployed as a result, leading to strategic pit stops that shuffled the running order. Post-race, nine drivers, including Button and Rubens Barrichello, received five-second penalties for infractions related to the safety car period, but these failed to affect the podium positions. Vettel’s victory moved him to third in the Drivers’ Championship standings, while McLaren maintained their lead in the Constructors’ Championship.
Round 10: British Grand Prix
Race date: 11 July
Circuit: Silverstone Circuit , Silverstone
The 2010 British Grand Prix, held on July 11 at Silverstone Circuit, was the tenth round of the 2010 Formula One World Championship. Red Bull Racing‘s Mark Webber secured a commanding win, leading all 52 laps after overtaking teammate Sebastian Vettel at the start. Webber’s win was mainly remembered given the pre-race controversy over Red Bull’s decision to allocate a new front wing to Vettel, leading to tensions within the team. McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton finished second, 1.360 seconds behind Webber, while Mercedes‘ Nico Rosberg completed the podium in third place. Starting from 14th, Jenson Button delivered an impressive drive to finish fourth, just behind Rosberg.
The race featured several incidents, including Sebastian Vettel losing the lead at the start and suffering a puncture following contact with Hamilton, dropping him to the back of the field; he recovered to finish seventh. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso received a drive-through penalty for overtaking Renault’s Robert Kubica off-track, ultimately finishing 14th. His teammate, Felipe Massa, also faced challenges, ending the race in 15th place. Webber’s victory propelled him to third in the 2010 Drivers’ Standings, just behind Hamilton and Vettel
Round 11: German Grand Prix
Race date: 25 July
Circuit: Hockenheimring, Hockenheim
The 2010 German Grand Prix, at Hockenheim, ended in controversy as Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso secured victory following team orders that instructed teammate Felipe Massa to yield the lead. Massa had overtaken both Alonso and pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel at the start, maintaining the lead until lap 49 when he received a coded message: “Fernando is faster than you.” Subsequently, Massa allowed Alonso to pass, leading to Alonso’s second win of the season and Ferrari’s first 1-2 finish since the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix. Vettel completed the podium in third place. The incident sparked widespread criticism, resulting in a $100,000 fine for Ferrari for breaching regulations against team orders.
The race had significant implications for the championship standings. Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, extending his lead in the 2010 Drivers’ Championship to 14 points over teammate Jenson Button, who finished fifth. Vettel’s third-place finish brought him level on points with Red Bull teammate Mark Webber, both trailing the McLaren duo. In the 2010 Constructors’ Championship, McLaren maintained their lead, with Red Bull narrowing the gap slightly. Ferrari’s strong performance moved them closer to Red Bull, intensifying the competition as the season progressed.
Round 12: Hungarian Grand Prix
Race date: 1 August
Circuit: Hungaroring , Mogyoród
The 2010 Hungarian Grand Prix was won by Red Bull driver Mark Webber who started from second on the grid, who capitalised on a strategic decision to stay out during an early safety car period, allowing him to build a sufficient lead to pit later and retain first place. His teammate, Sebastian Vettel, who had secured pole, was penalised with a drive-through penalty for falling more than ten car lengths behind the safety car, which dropped him to third behind Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso. Webber’s victory was his fourth of the season and propelled him to the top of the 2010 Drivers’ Championship standings. With Webber’s win and Vettel’s third-place finish allowing Red Bull to overtake McLaren in the 2010 Constructors’ Championship standings.
During the race, a pit lane collision between Renault‘s Robert Kubica and Force India‘s Adrian Sutil led to Kubica receiving a stop-go penalty, while Sutil retired from the race. Mercedes‘ Nico Rosberg suffered a wheel loss during a pit stop, resulting in a fine for the team. Michael Schumacher received a ten-place grid penalty for the subsequent race after forcing Rubens Barrichello dangerously close to the pit wall during an overtake.
Round 13: Belgian Grand Prix
Race date: 29 August
Circuit: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot
Lewis Hamilton won the 2010 Belgian Grand Prix for McLaren after starting from second position. Red Bull‘s Mark Webber finished second, with Robert Kubica securing third for Renault. This win was Hamilton’s third of the season and the 14th of his career.
The result returned Hamilton to the top of the World Drivers’ Championship standings with 182 points, three ahead of the previous leader Webber in second. Webber’s teammate Sebastian Vettel remained in third despite coming 15th after colliding with Jenson Button and sustaining a left-rear puncture from contact with Vitantonio Liuzzi‘s Force India car. McLaren lowered Red Bull’s World Constructors’ Championship lead to one point with Ferrari third with six races left in the season.
Round 14: Italian Grand Prix
Race date: 12 September
Circuit: Autodromo Nazionale di Monza , Monza
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso secured victory from pole position at the 2010 Italian Grand Prix, marking Ferrari’s first win on home soil since 2006 and their last until 2019. Alonso crossed the finish line to the delight of the Tifosi, with Jenson Button less than three seconds behind in a McLaren. Felipe Massa finished third, completing a fantastic double home podium for Ferrari.
Round 15: Singapore Grand Prix
Race date: 26 September
Circuit: Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso won the 2010 Singapore Grand Prix from pole position, with Sebastian Vettel finishing second for Red Bull, followed by his teammate Mark Webber in third. The victory marked Alonso’s second consecutive win and his fourth of the 2010 season, having also started from pole to claim the 2010 Italian Grand Prix two weeks prior. This win propelled Alonso to second place in the 2010 Drivers’ Championship, just eleven points behind the leader, Mark Webber.
Round 16: Japanese Grand Prix
Race date: 10 October
Circuit: Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka
The 2010 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka saw Sebastian Vettel claim victory for Red Bull, followed by his teammate Mark Webber in second for a Red Bull Racing 1-2 finish, and Fernando Alonso of Ferrari in third. The race was characterised by a dominant Red Bull performance, with both drivers locking out the front row and leading comfortably throughout the race. Early collisions eliminated several drivers, including Nico Hulkenberg, Felipe Massa, Vitaly Petrov, and Vitantonio Liuzzi, and a safety car period added some drama. Still, Vettel’s control of the pace ensured his second win at Suzuka. Alonso’s third-place finish kept him in the title hunt, but Red Bull’s performance had established them as the team to beat.
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Round 17: Korean Grand Prix
Race date: 24 October
Circuit: Korea International Circuit, Yeongam
The 2010 Korean Grand Prix, the inaugural race in South Korea, took place in difficult wet conditions, with heavy rain causing a delayed start and a race full of incidents. Fernando Alonso with Ferrari won the race, followed by Lewis Hamilton in a McLaren in second place, and Alonso’s teammate Felipe Massa, in third. Sebastian Vettel, who had been leading the race from pole position suffered an engine failure in his Red Bull with just 10 laps to go, handing the win to Alonso. This result had a significant impact on the championship standings, as it allowed Alonso to take the lead in the title race.
Round 18: Brazilian Grand Prix
Race date: 7 November
Circuit: Autódromo José Carlos Pace , São Paulo
At the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix, Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel won, starting from second on the grid, while his teammate Mark Webber followed closely to secure second place. Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso completed the podium in third. Leading up to the race, Red Bull held a 27-point advantage over McLaren in the 2010 Constructors’ Championship. With Vettel and Webber’s one-two finish, Red Bull clinched its first Constructors’ Championship, a historic achievement since acquiring Jaguar in 2005.
The race weekend was also notable for Nico Hulkenberg of Williams, who claimed the first pole position of his F1 career.
Round 19: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Race date: 14 November
Circuit: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
The 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw Red Bull‘s Sebastian Vettel take victory from pole position, with McLaren‘s Lewis Hamilton finishing second and his teammate Jenson Button in third. This win marked Vettel’s second consecutive victory at Abu Dhabi and his second race win in a row, enabling him to secure the 2010 Drivers’ Championship title at just 23 years and 134 days old, becoming the youngest F1 driver champion in Formula One history, as of 2024. Key rivals finished further down the order, with Hamilton in second, Ferrari‘s Fernando Alonso in seventh, and Red Bull teammate Mark Webber in eighth, sealing Vettel’s championship triumph.
The race was also notable as Robert Kubica’s last in Formula One before his rally accident sidelined him until his return in the 2019 Australian Grand Prix. It also marked the final Formula One race for drivers Lucas di Grassi and Christian Klien. Bridgestone, the tyre supplier for all teams since 1997, also made its final appearance, as Pirelli took over as the sport’s sole tyre supplier from the 2011 season onward, returning to Formula One for the first time since 1991.
2010 Formula 1 Race Results
Grands Prix
2010 Formula 1 Standings
Driver standings
| Pos | Driver | Nationality | Car | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sebastian Vettel | GER | RBR Renault | 256 |
| 2 | Fernando Alonso | ESP | Ferrari | 252 |
| 3 | Mark Webber | AUS | RBR Renault | 242 |
| 4 | Lewis Hamilton | GBR | McLaren Mercedes | 240 |
| 5 | Jenson Button | GBR | McLaren Mercedes | 214 |
| 6 | Felipe Massa | BRA | Ferrari | 144 |
| 7 | Nico Rosberg | GER | Mercedes | 142 |
| 8 | Robert Kubica | POL | Renault | 136 |
| 9 | Michael Schumacher | GER | Mercedes | 72 |
| 10 | Rubens Barrichello | BRA | Williams Cosworth | 47 |
| 11 | Adrian Sutil | GER | Force India Mercedes | 47 |
| 12 | Kamui Kobayashi | JPN | Sauber Ferrari | 32 |
| 13 | Vitaly Petrov | RUS | Renault | 27 |
| 14 | Nico Hülkenberg | GER | Williams Cosworth | 22 |
| 15 | Vitantonio Liuzzi | ITA | Force India Mercedes | 21 |
| 16 | Sebastien Buemi | SUI | STR Ferrari | 8 |
| 17 | Pedro de la Rosa | ESP | Sauber Ferrari | 6 |
| 18 | Nick Heidfeld | GER | Sauber Ferrari | 6 |
| 19 | Jaime Alguersuari | ESP | STR Ferrari | 5 |
| 20 | Heikki Kovalainen | FIN | Lotus Cosworth | 0 |
| 21 | Jarno Trulli | ITA | Lotus Cosworth | 0 |
| 22 | Karun Chandhok | IND | HRT Cosworth | 0 |
| 23 | Bruno Senna | BRA | HRT Cosworth | 0 |
| 24 | Lucas di Grassi | BRA | Virgin Cosworth | 0 |
| 25 | Timo Glock | GER | Virgin Cosworth | 0 |
| 26 | Sakon Yamamoto | JPN | HRT Cosworth | 0 |
| 27 | Christian Klien | AUT | HRT Cosworth | 0 |
Team standings
| Pos | Team | PTS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | RBR Renault | 498 |
| 2 | McLaren Mercedes | 454 |
| 3 | Ferrari | 396 |
| 4 | Mercedes | 214 |
| 5 | Renault | 163 |
| 6 | Williams Cosworth | 69 |
| 7 | Force India Mercedes | 68 |
| 8 | Sauber Ferrari | 44 |
| 9 | STR Ferrari | 13 |
| 10 | Lotus Cosworth | 0 |
| 11 | HRT Cosworth | 0 |
| 12 | Virgin Cosworth | 0 |
