Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll debuted in GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard during a brief F1 break, echoing Max Verstappen’s endurance pursuits. The move raises questions about dual‑programs for F1 drivers and Aston Martin’s GT strategy for 2026.
Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies says the team is using the current F1 break to fundamentally reassess its 2026 car, targeting the Miami GP with major upgrades as a 'second season launch' to close its performance deficit and reboot a challenging campaign.
Former F1 driver Jean Alesi says Max Verstappen’s blunt remarks about the RB22’s performance under new 2026 rules are a call for improvement, not a complaint, highlighting the Dutchman’s struggle and his evolution.
F1 pundit Martin Brundle warns George Russell that rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli is a real title threat after his strong start, urging Russell to combat him with the same intensity he once used against Lewis Hamilton. With Antonelli leading the points, Russell faces immediate pressure to assert himself in a potentially championship-winning car.
F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin is set for a private Formula 1 test with Mercedes, earned through her work as a development driver and strong simulator performances. The move, approved by Toto Wolff, marks a key step in her goal to reach the F1 grid.
Following his retirement from Red Bull Racing at the end of 2025, Helmut Marko has been named an ambassador for the Red Bull Ring circuit in Austria. The former motorsport advisor, key to developing champions like Vettel and Verstappen, will now promote the home of the Austrian Grand Prix as his old team faces a difficult season adapting to new regulations.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown publicly echoed Lando Norris’s claim the MCL40 can be the fastest car in 2026, pointing to Suzuka progress and a rapid climb up the standings as proof of renewed confidence.
Christian Horner has posted images showing Max Verstappen's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, playing drums, offering a personal touch just after Lambiase's confirmed move to McLaren. The post also featured other F1 figures in musical roles, shared as Horner's own non-compete clause expires, freeing him to seek a new role in the sport.
Jenson Button is set to drive his legendary 2009 championship-winning Brawn BGP-001 car in demonstration laps at the Goodwood Members' Meeting. The reunion highlights one of F1's greatest underdog stories, where a team bought for £1 won both titles in its only season.
Aston Martin's internal F1 concept car, featuring a radical 'Batmobile'-like design with extreme aerodynamic features, has been leaked online. The images offer a startling preview of the team's aggressive thinking for the 2026 regulation cycle as they aim to become championship contenders.
Max Verstappen is seriously considering leaving F1 after the 2026 season due to his strong dislike for the new regulations. Former driver Eddie Irvine controversially stated the sport doesn't need him, citing many other talents, but acknowledged Verstappen's huge salary is a reason to stay. Both share critical views on the 2026 rules' focus on battery energy and safety implications.
Lando Norris warns that F1's current energy rules create dangerously high closing speeds, leaving drivers vulnerable. He explains that managing battery deployment forces cars to slow dramatically on straights, putting them at the 'mercy' of any faster car behind, and calls for urgent fixes from the FIA.
