Audi's new F1 project faces an early leadership crisis as team principal Jonathan Wheatley departs after just two races. The move, linked to a potential switch to Aston Martin, highlights the challenges of Audi's Swiss-based operation and could significantly bolster a rival team's technical leadership.
Max Verstappen dominated qualifying for an NLS race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, taking pole position by over two seconds in a Mercedes-AMG GT3. The F1 champion enjoyed a rare traffic-free lap on the legendary circuit and expressed his special affection for the track and GT racing.
Two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanpera's planned debut in Japan's Super Formula series, a key step toward Formula 1, has been suspended due to health issues related to vertigo. Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda confirmed the difficult decision, citing safety concerns despite Rovanpera's clear speed and progress in testing.
Bernie Ecclestone is shocked by Jonathan Wheatley's sudden exit as Audi F1 team principal, a move tied to an expected switch to Aston Martin. Wheatley's departure, for personal reasons, sees Mattia Binotto taking over at Audi, while Aston Martin moves to strengthen its senior leadership in its push towards the front of the grid.
Adrian Newey concedes his stint as Aston Martin team principal has diverted focus from car design, as the team finalizes a deal for ex-Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley to take over the role, aiming to optimize its technical and operational leadership.
Retired F1 champion Sebastian Vettel will run the 2026 London Marathon with journalist Tom Clarkson to raise funds for the Grand Prix Trust, which supports former F1 personnel in need, and the Brain & Spine Foundation, a neurology charity co-founded by F1's late medical chief Prof. Sid Watkins.
Helmut Marko revealed he banned Max Verstappen from an F1 run on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a decision highlighting driver asset protection. The news broke alongside major team changes, including Jonathan Wheatley's departure from Audi and Bradley Lord's promotion at Mercedes, while Aston Martin reaffirmed support for Adrian Newey.
Audi's F1 project faces a major setback with Jonathan Wheatley's sudden departure, forcing a management reshuffle just two years before its full entry. Meanwhile, Aston Martin's Lawrence Stroll has firmly shut down rumors regarding Adrian Newey's role, affirming his central position as a technical leader and shareholder within the team.
Mario Andretti says the new Cadillac F1 team has already halved its qualifying deficit in two races, showing promising progress. However, he admits drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are still 'a bit rusty' after time away and are driving cautiously to help the team develop. The focus is on improving rear downforce and mastering the new power unit.
Jacques Villeneuve has joined Max Verstappen in criticizing modern F1, comparing the racing to 'Mario Kart' and stating drivers from his era would hate it. While acknowledging the entertainment value, the 1997 champion argues the sport is sacrificing pure driving skill for artificial spectacle, amplifying a major debate about F1's future direction.
The Toleman TG183B, the Formula 1 car Ayrton Senna drove in his debut 1984 season, is up for auction with an estimate of €2.8–3.8 million. Recently driven by Pierre Gasly in a tribute, this historically preserved chassis represents the starting point of Senna's legendary career.
Charles Leclerc believes the current F1 cars need adjustment to restore the ultimate driver challenge in qualifying, stating the session lacks a true "Formula 1-like" feel despite better racing. He confirms the FIA is actively seeking solutions to this perceived shortfall.
