Max Verstappen's 2023 warnings about F1's 2026 rules are gaining new relevance as Oscar Piastri details a 'close call' that prompted an FIA warning, fueling safety concerns. The combination of a champion's long-held skepticism and current driver incidents suggests the upcoming regulatory overhaul may face serious early challenges.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri called for rapid rule changes after a near‑miss in practice and Oliver Bearman’s wreck at Suzuka, warning that the 2026 car’s closing speeds pose a serious safety risk.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella praises Oscar Piastri's mental strength, calling him the "strongest" he's ever been after the driver overcame a start to 2026 that saw him fail to start the first two races. Stella highlighted Piastri's leadership in lifting the team, culminating in a near-victory performance in Japan that has surprised even McLaren themselves.
Esteban Ocon offers a brutally honest assessment of his F1 career, calling it 'disappointing' despite being a Grand Prix winner. He admits he has not achieved enough compared to his own expectations and the success of rivals like Max Verstappen, whom he defeated in junior categories.
Sergio Perez has pushed back against criticism from Mario Andretti that he is 'rusty,' defending his own performance level in Cadillac's difficult debut F1 season. While acknowledging the car's significant pace deficit, Perez cited progress in Japan and is now pinning hopes on a major upgrade for the Miami GP to close the gap to the midfield.
Alpine's Pierre Gasly reveals he relishes the unique pressure of battling Max Verstappen, stating it raises the stakes and brings out his best performance. His point-scoring consistency and ability to fight the reigning champion signal a clear step forward for the Alpine team in 2026.
Fernando Alonso shares the name of his first child, Leonard Alonso Jiménez, after receiving a personalized paddock pass from Formula 1. The Aston Martin driver, 44, became a father just before the Japanese GP and revealed the news via social media.
During F1's spring break, Lewis Hamilton features in a fashion photoshoot while also delivering a pointed critique of the sport's power dynamics. The Ferrari driver asserts that he and his peers have no real influence or voting rights on regulatory changes, echoing recent sentiments from Lando Norris and highlighting a gap between the drivers and the rule-makers.
F1 veteran David Coulthard warns George Russell he must psychologically challenge the rising confidence of rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship after a stunning start. Coulthard argues Russell needs to 'erode' Antonelli's self-belief to regain control within Mercedes, highlighting the delicate balance between competition and team harmony.
Esteban Ocon humorously nominated Lewis Hamilton for a reality TV show, suggesting it be called 'Keeping Up With The Hamiltons' during an F1.com segment. The quip, referencing rumors about Hamilton's personal life, delighted fans online and was echoed by other drivers like Lando Norris, highlighting the playful side of the paddock.
Jacques Villeneuve reveals he was never intimidated by Michael Schumacher, crediting his IndyCar background and famous surname. In a candid reflection on their fierce rivalry, he details their distant off-track relationship and how his fearless, hold-strong approach in battles was something Schumacher wasn't used to, exemplified by his legendary outside pass at Estoril in 1996.
Fernando Alonso claims modern F1 has eliminated driver skill in high-speed corners, which now function merely as "charging stations" for energy harvesting. He argues the regulations force drivers to prioritize battery management over outright performance, suggesting the core challenge of driving has been fundamentally altered.
