Ferrari’s Fahssi Clinches Thrilling Last-Lap Win in Sim Racing Round 10

The 2026 Sim Racing World Championship's Event 4 kicked off with Round 10 at the virtual Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, hosted at the F1 Media and Technology Centre in Biggin Hill, UK. The race was packed with strategic gambles and last-lap heroics, with Ferrari's Ismael Fahssi emerging victorious in dramatic fashion.

Mexico – Qualifying Qualifying was as tight as ever. McLaren's Jake Benham narrowly missed Q2 by a whisker, while Ulas Ozyildirim, who had previously taken pole in Belgium, just scraped through the first session after a dicey moment with the kerbs. The real shocker was Championship leader Otis Lawrence failing to set a valid time in Q2, leaving him down in 15th. Meanwhile, reigning champion Jarno Opmeer was also out early, along with other notable names like Dani Bereznay.

Fahssi, celebrating his birthday in style, set an early pace, only to be challenged by Bari Broumand. The Racing Bulls had a different plan, with Ozyildirim and Tom Manley putting in stellar laps. Ozyildirim claimed pole, with the top five separated by just a tenth of a second.

Mexico – Race The race began with Ozyildirim fending off a hungry Broumand into Turn 1. Behind them, Lawrence was on a charge, passing his championship rival Rasmussen to jump to P12 by the end of the first lap. Opmeer made the first strategic move, pitting early on Lap 7.

Drama unfolded as the Ferrari pair of Broumand and Fahssi executed a brilliant double overtake on Ozyildirim. Fahssi’s hard tyres came into their own, allowing him to take the lead once pit stops shuffled the order.

With the hard tyre runners pitting on Lap 22, it was a sprint to the finish. Fahssi and Lawrence sliced through the pack, reaching P2 and P3 with 10 laps remaining. Butcher, however, held firm at the front despite his worn tyres.

The last lap was a spectacle. Fahssi muscled past Butcher for the lead at Turn 1, while Aston Martin’s Pedreno and Hofland tried to follow suit but couldn't get past the McLaren. Opmeer, opting for a bold two-stop strategy, charged up to P5 but couldn't quite reach the podium.

Fahssi crossed the line for his second win of the season, a perfect gift for his birthday. Butcher's tenacity earned him second, and Pedreno completed the podium. Lawrence, despite a challenging race, finished ninth, keeping his championship hopes alive.

Standings Lawrence still leads the Drivers’ Championship, 26 points clear of Rasmussen and Fahssi, whose win puts him firmly in contention. With two rounds remaining, the title race is wide open.

In the Constructors’ Championship, Alpine's struggles have allowed Red Bull to close in, trailing by just five points. Ferrari's leap to third adds another layer of intrigue, as Williams and Racing Bulls round out the top five.

As we look ahead to Rounds 11 and 12, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this year's Sim Racing World Championship.