![Watching a small group scrimmage, Ben Lundt, St. Louis City SC goalkeeper and founder of Lundt Pro Soccer Training, shouts words of encouragement to players on Sunday, April 26 n the Lafayette grass soccer field. “The idea behind [the event] was to bring the professional soccer players closer to the community because usually people only get to see us on TV or in the stadium. [Families] actually having the opportunity to have their kids on the field with us is the most important aspect,” Ben Lundt said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_6823-1200x800.jpg)
![In celebration of winning his second straight state title in the 215 weight class, junior Carter Brown backflips before leaving the mat. Brown won his bout against junior Kobe Rhymes of North Kansas City High School by fall in just 41 seconds. "Carter does what Carter does. We expect [success] out of him and his goals are bigger than the state championship," coach Sam Ritchie said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2784-1200x800.jpg)
In recent years, Formula One has gained popularity among American teenagers—including students at Lafayette.
According to a global fan survey conducted every four years by Formula One,”70% of…Gen Z respondents engage with F1 content daily.”
Formula One is the highest division of international motorsport and the Formula series. Drivers reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and ruthlessly compete year round for two championships: the World Constructor’s Championship and the World Driver’s Championship.
The World Constructor’s Championship is awarded to the team with the most points by the end of the season, based on their car’s spectacular performance. The World Driver’s Championship, on the other hand, is awarded to the driver with the most points at the end of the season.
The most recent season featured a competitive three-way title fight between McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen. During the season, fans often discussed their predictions and opinions on who should win this year’s championship. Heading into the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the three drivers were separated by just 16 points. Many Lafayette students tuned in to watch.
The previous four WDC titles were won by Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen, reflecting the team’s continued dominance on the track. However, this year Verstappen was heading into the final race of the season as the underdog, contrasting a long four years of superiority.
“This year was especially fun to watch because, instead of Max Verstappen being miles ahead of everyone, there were three contenders for [the WDC],” freshman Jillian Trost said.
After a nerve-wracking 58 laps, McLaren driver Lando Norris won the WDC, his first ever title.
“I think Lando really deserved [the World Driver’s Championship] and seeing his reaction was really sweet. I almost cried myself,” senior McHale McHale said.
Just like fans of any other sport, Formula One enthusiasts gravitate towards teams or drivers of their choice. This intense loyalty to their favorite teams or drivers can invite stress during critical moments in the season. The previously-mentioned global Formula One survey reflected that “90% [of fans] say they’re emotionally invested in race outcomes.”
“I was feeling anxious [ahead of Abu Dhabi], but I was ready for the season to be over because of Ferrari’s performance this year,” senior Violet Nees said.
Scuderia Ferrari HP, a team well known for its legacy and eye-catching red chassis, fell flat of expectations this year due to issues with the car and ineffective strategy calls. Despite having a talented driver duo in Charles Leclerc and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, the team finished fourth in the Constructor’s Championship, a significant drop in performance after finishing second last year.
With varying opinions and loyalties, conflict is bound to happen. However, students at Lafayette are open to fellow fans that support other teams or drivers, no matter how long they have been watching.
“[I know] people who support different teams and different drivers, but that doesn’t really stop us from being friends, which I appreciate,” McHale said.
The sense of community and connection amongst fans is the most important aspect to some, especially to senior McHale McHale. Due to never truly being interested in sports before, the camaraderie they found by connecting with other Formula One fans is increasingly valuable to McHale.
“I’ve really enjoyed being part of a fan base much bigger than myself. It’s very special to me,” McHale said.
McHale has begun to make their interest in Formula One known by complimenting other students’ merchandise in the hallways. They only started watching the sport this year, so these newfound bonds formed over the Formula One season means a great deal to them.
“I got into [Formula One] with Instagram Reels because people kept sending me them,” McHale said.
Several Lancers were also introduced to the sport through its social media presence, either from edits on TikTok or funny compilations on Instagram. This widespread internet influence can also be traced back to the success of Netflix’s “Drive To Survive,” a docu-series about the sport and all of the conflicts that happen behind closed doors each year.
“I started watching Formula One two years ago at the tail-end of the season…after watching an edit on TikTok of the Las Vegas Grand Prix,” Trost said.
After the exciting conclusion of the 2025 Formula One season, fans anticipate what the 2026 season will bring. But every season, Formula One never fails to bring the drama, glamour and great battles on track.
