Inside F1
Inside F1: player updates, league announcements and reports from Vancouver Television Sports Desk.
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Zak Brown says Oscar Piastri is “back to the driver I know” after Singapore encouraging signs
McLaren CEO Zak Brown told reporters at the Singapore Grand Prix that Oscar Piastri is “feeling more confident and on top of things,” pointing to improved adaptation to the MCL40 after a difficult start to 2026.
Ferrari’s Alba Larsen confirmed for a third F1 ACADEMY campaign in 2027
Ferrari has announced that Alba Larsen will return for a third season in F1 ACADEMY in 2027, continuing with the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy. The Dane becomes the first driver to secure a seat in the all-female single-seater series for the 2027 campaign under a rule introduced last year.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explains why Rafael Camara was signed for 2027
Haas has confirmed the signing of Ferrari junior and reigning F2 championship leader Rafael Camara for the 2027 Formula 1 season. In comments provided in London, team principal Ayao Komatsu said the decision was driven by Camara’s speed, his adaptability during a Portimão test in older Haas machinery, and what Komatsu described as an impressive, pressure-focused mindset.
Red Bull confirms Laurent Mekies contract extension through 2031
Red Bull has confirmed that Laurent Mekies has signed a long-term contract extension to remain Team Principal and CEO through the 2031 season, securing leadership continuity as the team looks to build momentum from its 2026 results.
Christin Freitag on building Schumacher ’94: The Birth of a Legend with archives, music and Imola’s emotional weight
Director Christin Freitag said the Netflix documentary Schumacher ’94: The Birth of a Legend was engineered to “transport” viewers into Michael Schumacher’s 1994 title-winning season through thousands of hours of archive footage, carefully planned interview timing, and period-accurate music. Freitag also described the documentary’s approach to revisiting the highs and lows of Imola and culminating the narrative at Adelaide, while balancing well-known figures with people behind the scenes and fans whose enthusiasm helped shape Schumimania.
Rwanda signs 10-year deal to host an African Grand Prix in the early 2030s, with Bugesera circuit plans led by Tilke and Alex Wurz
Formula 1 has announced Rwanda will host an African Grand Prix from the early 2030s under a 10-year agreement, with President Paul Kagame and F1 leadership describing the project as part of a broader effort to make Rwanda—and Africa—an enduring destination for top-level sport. The proposed 6-kilometre, anti-clockwise circuit in Bugesera near Kigali’s planned international airport is being designed to deliver overtaking, varied race strategy and a “roller coaster” spectator experience, according to track designers Tilke Engineering and Wurz Designs.
Formula 1 signs 10-year deal for all-new Rwanda Grand Prix in the early 2030s
Formula 1 has agreed a 10-year contract to stage a new African Grand Prix in Rwanda in the early 2030s, with the event set for Bugesera in the Eastern Province near Kigali International Airport and a purpose-built FIA Grade 1 circuit currently in development.
Formula 1 announces 10-year deal to return to Africa with Rwanda Grand Prix starting in early 2030s
Formula 1 has agreed a 10-year framework to bring the sport back to Africa with the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, with the inaugural race expected in the early 2030s once a new FIA Grade 1 circuit is completed in Bugesera.
Nico Hulkenberg takes eighth in Singapore after P7 Sprint for Audi
Nico Hulkenberg delivered his best weekend of the 2026 season at the Singapore Grand Prix, finishing eighth after winning track position on lap one and defending successfully against George Russell in the closing stages.
Isack Hadjar says he was “happy with the overall pace” after recovering to P10 from pit lane in Singapore
Isack Hadjar described his recovery from the pit lane as “painful” but ultimately positive, after a reliability-hit Singapore Grand Prix left him retiring from the Sprint and unable to set a qualifying lap. With new power unit elements installed for Sunday’s race, the Red Bull driver worked his way up to finish 10th and take the final point, ahead of Pierre Gasly, while team-mate Max Verstappen won.
Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix, Hadjar earns point after pit-lane start as teams assess race-day strategies
Max Verstappen said he felt “really comfortable” across a controlled Singapore Grand Prix, converting Pole into victory after Sprint success. Isack Hadjar, forced to start from the pit lane under Parc fermé conditions, fought through to 10th and the final point. Charles Leclerc finished second after a late Virtual Safety Car reshaped the strategy, while Lewis Hamilton ended sixth after a compromised first stint and a missed pit-entry under VSC. Mercedes, McLaren and others pointed to tyre behaviour, strategy calls and development progress as they look ahead to Austin.
Lewis Hamilton apologises for Singapore Grand Prix VSC strategy choice after finishing P6
Lewis Hamilton said he takes “full responsibility” for the strategy gamble that he described as a “painful lesson” at the Singapore Grand Prix, after deciding to stay out under the Virtual Safety Car and ultimately finishing sixth.
Vasseur calls Hamilton’s VSC decision in Singapore a “mistake” after podium slipped away
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said Lewis Hamilton’s decision to stay out under the Virtual Safety Car during the Singapore Grand Prix cost the Mercedes driver a podium, after Hamilton declined Ferrari’s double-stack call and ultimately finished P6.
George Russell calls Singapore GP “story of the season” after surge from P19 to P9
George Russell described his Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix weekend as a “very difficult” recovery after starting P19, climbing to ninth and finishing P9 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit following a Sprint crash and an engine-related grid penalty.
Kimi Antonelli heads to Austin with a mathematical chance to clinch the 2026 F1 world title after Singapore podium
Following a podium finish at the Singapore Grand Prix, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli has moved 102 points clear of the championship lead. With six rounds remaining, he can effectively secure the 2026 F1 World Championship at Austin if he builds a sufficient gap over his nearest rival.
Leclerc says he “gave it all” for P2 at Singapore GP, but says Ferrari still lacks pace
Charles Leclerc reflected on his Singapore Grand Prix comeback to second place, saying he “gave it all” and regrets nothing, while also suggesting Ferrari still needs more pace versus rivals despite a slightly different strategy under the Virtual Safety Car.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane says 2027 driver decision will come “in the coming weeks”
Racing Bulls will decide its 2027 Formula 1 driver line-up “in the coming weeks,” team principal Alan Permane said ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, with the Faenza-based team still weighing Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad alongside Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov.
Isack Hadjar fails to set a lap in Singapore Qualifying after gearbox failure; starts from the back
Isack Hadjar qualified last at the Marina Bay Circuit after a gearbox fault prevented him from completing a timed lap in Formula 1’s Singapore Grand Prix Qualifying. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies said the team “didn’t give him any chance” to show his speed following a weekend that has already included separate reliability issues in earlier sessions.
Max Verstappen takes ‘very special’ pole for Singapore Grand Prix after Sprint win
Fresh off a Sprint victory, Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, calling it “the one I wanted” as he looks to convert pole into a maiden win at Marina Bay.
Singapore Sprint intra-team collision: F1 stewards take no further action against Norris and Piastri
F1 stewards concluded their review of the McLaren intra-team collision at Turn 5 during the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint, determining that both drivers contributed to the incident and neither was wholly or predominantly to blame. Lando Norris recovered to finish eighth, while Oscar Piastri retired after contact with the wall.
Perez and Stroll react after Singapore Sprint collision ends both early
Sergio Perez (Cadillac) and Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) both retired from the Singapore Sprint after colliding at Turn 16 in the early stages of the 100km race. Following stewards’ investigation, no further action was taken, with the stewards concluding Stroll took a reasonable line into the corner.
Norris and Piastri reflect on McLaren collision in Singapore Sprint
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have shared their perspectives after colliding on the final lap of the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint, an incident that saw Piastri retire and Norris continue to finish eighth amid post-race steward scrutiny.
Toto Wolff explains Mercedes’ split-spec approach in Singapore as upgraded W17 proves harder to drive
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says the team’s decision to run Kimi Antonelli and George Russell on different specifications of the W17 at the Singapore Grand Prix is a “compromise” meant to diagnose why the upgraded package feels “a little more tricky to drive.” With the first major update arriving after months without one, Wolff points to the need for clearer data before calibrating the development direction toward 2027.
Toto Wolff responds to rumours of unequal treatment of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff rejected “completely nonsensical” allegations that the team has favoured Kimi Antonelli over George Russell, saying Mercedes provides “equal material” and stressing that decisions are based on racing considerations, not politics. Wolff spoke to the media at the Singapore Grand Prix after the gap at the top of the Drivers’ Championship grew following Russell’s retirement in Malaysia.
Verstappen keeps Singapore Sprint pole after stewards clear yellow-flag incident
Max Verstappen avoided a grid penalty for Saturday’s Singapore Sprint after stewards investigated an alleged breach of yellow-flag regulations during Sprint Qualifying. The decision found Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton under yellows caused by Sergio Perez’s crash in SQ1, but concluded the circumstances—including the speed differential on a push lap—meant no penalty was warranted.
Norris and Piastri divided after Singapore Sprint Qualifying as McLaren secures fourth and fifth
Oscar Piastri finished fourth in Sprint Qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix, saying it was “more or less what we could’ve done,” while Lando Norris was fifth and insisted he did not complete “a good enough job” despite McLaren improvements.
George Russell says Mercedes’ older-spec car is “not bad” after P2 in Singapore Sprint Qualifying
George Russell bounced back after his Bahrain retirement with second on the grid for the Singapore Sprint, attributing his strong Sprint Qualifying to a return to an older-specification Mercedes package—while teammate Kimi Antonelli kept the upgrades.
Verstappen secures pole position for the Singapore Sprint ahead of Russell and Leclerc
Max Verstappen topped Singapore Sprint qualifying to claim pole position with a best lap of 1m 31.156s, edging George Russell by 0.120s. The result is subject to stewards’ review over a potential yellow-flag infringement in SQ1, while Charles Leclerc finished P3 and Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris took P4 and P5.
Singapore’s first Sprint weekend at Marina Bay puts drivers under extra strain
Formula 1 heads into its first-ever Sprint weekend at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, where a shortened track-learning window, day-to-night practice swings and a punishing schedule create a different kind of challenge for drivers—especially rookies. World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli and others highlighted how grip evolution and tyre response could swing quickly between sessions, demanding early set-up confidence.
Mercedes to run two different aero configurations in Singapore for Antonelli and Russell
Mercedes says it will field two W17s with different aero packages at the Singapore Grand Prix to generate a clearer read on upgrades introduced in Malaysia. Kimi Antonelli will keep the Sepang configuration, while George Russell will revert to the previous version after Russell’s power unit grid penalty made the comparison straightforward.
Antonelli says Mercedes will use Singapore front-wing update to “find an answer” on its 2026 upgrades
Kimi Antonelli said Mercedes is targeting a return to winning form at the Singapore Grand Prix, believing it can better unlock performance from its current upgrade package with a new front wing designed to match the changes. He also noted George Russell is reverting to the earlier-spec car and will start from the back after a significant grid penalty for exceeding his power unit allocation.
George Russell vows “all-out attack” from the back after power unit penalty at Singapore Grand Prix
George Russell says he is ready to take an “all-out attack” approach after an engine-related power unit change forces him to start the Singapore Grand Prix from the rear of the grid, with the penalty expected to be at least 10 places. Mercedes also plans to run old and new versions of its W17 challenger, with Russell reverting to the Azerbaijan pole-winning and victory-spec package.
Max Verstappen marks 250th Grand Prix in Singapore with answers from his fan Q&A
Ahead of his 250th Grand Prix on the streets of Singapore, Max Verstappen addressed a wide range of reader questions covering life advice, racing in the wet, personal hobbies, fatherhood and his hopes for the future, including comments on padel, his daughter and how he approaches challenges both on and off track.
Valtteri Bottas rides 420km from Malaysia to Singapore ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix
Valtteri Bottas swapped a flight for a multi-day cycling trip covering 419.67km from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, arriving safely and saying the distances were planned to allow him to recover for the weekend. The trip also became a talking point at Thursday’s media day in the paddock.
Alex Albon describes life on the road in F1 as Malaysia-Singapore triple-header closes in
Williams driver Alex Albon says he expects to spend just five days at home in Monaco between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and the final race of the season, with much of the second half of the year living “out of a suitcase.” Speaking as Formula 1 completes a triple-header that moved from Baku to Malaysia and then Singapore, Albon discussed how he manages jet lag, packs for changing climates, and adjusts sleep and routines for back-to-back races, including Singapore’s night schedule. He also outlined how he keeps some normalcy during travel—right down to bringing a sleep-supporting chair—and described the work routines and family logistics behind the scenes.
Weather forecast for the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix: hot, humid conditions with rain chances
Ahead of the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, forecast conditions point to a warm and humid weekend, with track temperatures around the mid-50s Celsius and a meaningful chance of showers across all three days—especially on Saturday and Sunday.
Pirelli confirms 2026 Singapore Grand Prix tyre compounds, with Sprint-era allocation of just 12 sets
Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compound range for the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix weekend: C3 (hard), C4 (medium) and C5 (soft), with Singapore hosting its first Sprint. Under Sprint regulations, teams will manage a reduced total of 12 tyre sets for the full weekend instead of the usual 13.
Mercedes confirms George Russell will take a grid penalty at the Singapore Grand Prix
Mercedes says George Russell will incur a grid penalty at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix after an unavoidable power unit change following his late retirement in Malaysia. The team principal, Toto Wolff, said Mercedes will use the Singapore weekend to evaluate its latest update and past specifications while focusing on giving Russell the best car and opportunities to fight back from the back of the grid.
Singapore Grand Prix 2026: race start time and how to watch every session
Formula 1 has set the schedule for the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix weekend at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, with Sprint qualifying, the final Sprint of the season, and Sunday’s Grand Prix all placed on specific local times, plus multiple streaming options for viewers worldwide.
F1 judges’ Power Rankings: Verstappen leads after Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia as Alonso, Hamilton and Lawson shine
Max Verstappen earned unanimous 10/10 judge scores as Red Bull returned to winning ways at the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, while Fernando Alonso’s wet/dry recovery, Lewis Hamilton’s lap-one setback-to-podium surge and Liam Lawson’s charge into the top four also drew strong Power Rankings marks from Formula 1 judges.
Audi reflects on Malaysia Bahrain GP points miss after penalty and last-lap pass
Nico Hulkenberg narrowly missed scoring for Audi after being overtaken on the final lap at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, while team mate Gabriel Bortoleto faced a 10-second penalty for a collision with Carlos Sainz and later responsibility for the contact that disrupted both races. Audi also received a fine related to an unsafe pit release involving Hulkenberg.
FIA announces 2027 Formula 2 and Formula 3 calendars with new stops in Istanbul and Mexico City
The FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 championships have published their 2027 race calendars, with both series continuing to support Formula 1. Formula 2 will run 14 rounds, adding Istanbul and returning to Montreal after a 2026 return, while Mexico City joins the schedule for the first time. Formula 3 will stage 10 rounds, with first-time visits to Jeddah and Montreal and its season finale also scheduled in Istanbul.
Audi unveils special livery for Singapore Grand Prix, featuring peranakan pattern and night-race theme
Audi has announced a one-off design for its Formula 1 team at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, applying a Singapore-themed variant of its Titanium Silver Grey livery and peranakan pattern to the R26 and to drivers’ race suits.
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur says Hamilton and Leclerc “saved the day” after Bahrain call goes wrong at Sepang
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur praised Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for limiting the damage after Ferrari started the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang on slick tyres, stressing that the decision became a mistake once the track dried more slowly than expected.
Arvid Lindblad scores again with P10 points finish in Malaysia after starting last
Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad reached P10 and scored for the fourth race in a row at the F1 Grand Prix in Malaysia after starting from the back of the grid at Sepang, aided by early tyre conditions and late incidents in the closing stages.
Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin seize a rain-altered moment in Sepang as Alonso takes P8
Fernando Alonso converted a difficult start to score Aston Martin’s first points since August, finishing P8 at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after rain reshaped the race and a Safety Car sequence helped him climb from P12.
Laurent Mekies credits Verstappen’s Bahrain win for Red Bull Ford Powertrains’ milestone debut
Laurent Mekies said Max Verstappen’s Bahrain Grand Prix victory delivered a “milestone moment” for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, describing it as the team’s first win of the 2026 season and its first success as a power unit manufacturer in its debut with Ford power. Mekies also addressed Isack Hadjar’s fifth-place finish after a battery issue and pointed to the team’s immediate focus turning to the next race in Singapore.
Oscar Piastri says McLaren “need to improve” after Bahrain Grand Prix P6 in Malaysia
Oscar Piastri said McLaren “need to improve” after he finished sixth at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, pointing to a pace deficit and strategic missteps during a rain-affected race at Sepang International Circuit.
Verstappen wins eventful 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia as Russell’s race ends in heartbreak
Max Verstappen converted Saturday pole into victory in the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, delivering his first win of the season after a chaotic, rain-affected race that included suspended starts, mixed conditions and Safety Car restarts. The weekend also featured contrasting Mercedes fortunes, with George Russell retiring late, while Kimi Antonelli continued his points momentum via a podium. Fernando Alonso scored Aston Martin’s key points in eighth, and Oscar Piastri finished sixth after a turbulent afternoon for several contenders.
Isack Hadjar blames late battery problem for missed podium in Sepang
Isack Hadjar said a late battery issue derailed his fight for a podium finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, after charging from eighth to fourth and then being passed near the end. He finished fifth, despite initially appearing set to challenge for a top-three result.
Kimi Antonelli says “P2 was the maximum we could have achieved” as Mercedes work continues
After finishing second behind Max Verstappen at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli said the result was the best outcome they could secure, while stressing the team still has “a lot of work to do” following reliability issues that led to George Russell’s retirement.
Lewis Hamilton calls P3 at Malaysia “bittersweet” after late decision to stay on soft tyres
Lewis Hamilton said his P3 finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia felt “bittersweet” after a comeback drive that followed a tough start in wet-to-mixed conditions at Sepang. After dropping well down the order when the track was slower than hoped to improve, Hamilton stayed on soft slick tyres despite suggestions to switch, charging back through the field to finish third behind Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
George Russell brands 2026 “relentless” after late Bahrain GP retirement
George Russell blamed a “relentless” run of bad luck after a late mechanical failure forced him to retire during the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, denying Mercedes a podium after the team had looked set for P3.
Max Verstappen wins F1’s Driver of the Day vote after Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Max Verstappen has been selected by fans as Formula 1’s Driver of the Day following a standout performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix held in Malaysia, edging out Lewis Hamilton in a close vote.
Max Verstappen wins Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after rain-hit finale; George Russell retires late
Max Verstappen converted pole into victory at Sunday’s rain-delayed Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, extending Red Bull’s win column for the 2026 season after a mixed intermediate-to-slick strategy window shaped the final running. Kimi Antonelli and George Russell battled over second before Russell’s late retirement on the start/finish straight ended any chance of closing the gap in the title fight. Lewis Hamilton recovered from a slick start to finish P3 and Charles Leclerc took P4.
Lando Norris says McLaren are “a long way off the pace” after tough Malaysia qualifying
Lando Norris admitted McLaren are struggling in Malaysia after qualifying sixth for the Bahrain Grand Prix, with a 0.6s gap to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Norris moves up to the P5 grid slot due to Isack Hadjar’s five-place engine-change penalty, while teammate Oscar Piastri qualified seventh and said he left performance on the table.
Max Verstappen celebrates “pretty incredible” first pole of the 2026 season at Bahrain GP Qualifying
Max Verstappen won his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, calling the result an “amazing moment” and saying the priority is converting first position into his first victory of the year.
Fred Vasseur says Ferrari had to act after a week of rumours about his future
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur responded to speculation about his future following intensified gossip during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, saying the team leadership felt it was “mandatory to do something” to restore “stability” and “serenity” around the organisation.
Verstappen leads Friday practice at Sepang as Hadjar confirmed for five-place grid drop
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen set the pace in both sessions of Friday practice for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit, while Isack Hadjar impressed in the second session before confirmation of a five-place grid penalty for an ICE change. Ferrari, McLaren and others assessed heavy tyre degradation and shifting grip conditions as teams turned their attention to Qualifying.
Leclerc says Bahrain FP1–FP2 outcome in Malaysia ‘main talking point’ for Sepang is tyre degradation
Charles Leclerc topped FP2 at the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Sepang, but said Ferrari are not yet the most competitive. He identified Red Bull and Mercedes as standouts and warned that tyre degradation—already evident in Friday practice—will likely be the key factor for Sunday’s race.
Verstappen calls Bahrain GP first day at Sepang ‘positive’ as he explains not running soft tyres in FP2
Max Verstappen says Red Bull made a “positive” start at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after topping FP1, while admitting there are still “things to figure out” in hot, high-degradation conditions. Verstappen also confirmed he did not use the soft tyre in FP2, citing a desire to prepare for potential rain, a decision Pierre Wache said was driven by a priority to gather more data on the medium compound.
Mercedes report a difficult Friday in Malaysia as Russell targets pole despite upgrade woes
Mercedes endured one of its toughest Fridays of the season in Malaysia after a new upgrade package appeared to introduce issues around tyre degradation and set-up window. George Russell was second in FP1, but both he and Kimi Antonelli slipped in FP2, leaving the team with work to do overnight to get the car competitive ahead of qualifying.
Oscar Piastri and Randy Singh explain McLaren’s “surprise” in Friday practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
McLaren entered Saturday’s qualifying after a difficult FP1 followed by a clearer improvement in FP2 at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Oscar Piastri said the team looked “a tiny step behind” the front-running contenders, while Senior Racing Director Randy Singh pointed to lower-than-expected grip and rougher track conditions as a key challenge.
Hadjar, Lindblad and Colapinto receive additional grid penalties for power unit component limits at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
Isack Hadjar, Arvid Lindblad and Franco Colapinto have all been hit with grid penalties at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after exceeding permitted power unit component allocations. The penalties are applied cumulatively, with Hadjar taking further restriction after already using every allowed ICE component this season, Lindblad set for a back-of-grid start, and Colapinto facing additional drop time on top of an existing penalty.
Drivers expect tyre-degradation and possible wet running to define Sepang’s return to F1 after 2017
With the Formula 1 field set to race at Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017, Carlos Sainz, Oscar Piastri and championship leader Kimi Antonelli flagged tyre degradation—and potentially tyre overheating—as the core competitive challenge. The drivers also pointed to a realistic chance of rain, while noting that many have had limited experience of the 2026 cars in wet conditions.
Formula 1 launches “Higher or Lower” Qualifying game powered by AWS for a chance to win 2027 Grand Prix tickets
Formula 1 has introduced a new “Higher or Lower” game, powered by F1 Global AI Partner AWS, challenging fans to predict whether each driver has more better Qualifying results than their team mate based on head-to-head data from the 2026 season. The promotion automatically enters players into a draw to win Grand Prix tickets to a race of their choice in 2027.
Alonso says “the fire inside” drove his Aston Martin extension through 2027
Fernando Alonso explained that the feeling of being competitive and needing to be on track—not watching from the couch—helped him decide to extend his Formula 1 career with Aston Martin into 2027. He also stressed that while the team remains optimistic after a difficult 2026 season, the next step will be disciplined execution over the winter, particularly around the power unit.
Max Verstappen targets at least one F1 win in 2026 after a run of podiums
After a series of podium finishes, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen said his goal for the 2026 season is to “at least win one race this year,” adding that he believes recent progress is bringing him closer to the top step while still acknowledging unfinished work as Red Bull sit fourth in the Teams’ Championship.
Weather forecast: Hot, humid conditions with possible rain for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang
Ahead of the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit, the forecast calls for hot and humid weather across the weekend, with rain risks that could affect running in practice, qualifying, and race day.
Esteban Ocon confirms he will leave Haas at the end of the 2026 F1 season
Esteban Ocon has confirmed that he will depart Haas when the 2026 Formula 1 season concludes. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation about his future, as the team prepares for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
F1 drivers embrace Sepang return as Malaysia steps in after nine-year absence
Formula 1 is set to return to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit for the first time in nine years this weekend, with the circuit hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix. Several drivers with prior Sepang experience—led by Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen—highlight the track’s heat, tyre-degradation demands and unpredictable conditions as key storylines for the final stretch of the 2026 season.
Aston Martin confirms unchanged 2027 driver line-up with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Aston Martin confirmed that Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will remain team mates for a fifth season in 2027 after both extended long-term contracts.
Ferrari moves to curb speculation over Fred Vasseur’s future after Christian Horner comments
Ferrari has publicly moved to end speculation about Team Principal Fred Vasseur’s role, saying it has “made its choices already” and that it has “full confidence” in Vasseur and his team. The statement followed remarks from former Red Bull boss Christian Horner—promoting a book—in which he described Ferrari as a “dream” destination, amid a period of intensified chatter for the Scuderia.
Mattia Binotto says Audi wants Freddie Slater in an F1 seat “in the near future”
Audi CEO Mattia Binotto said the team’s plan is for Freddie Slater to reach Formula 1 “in the near future,” suggesting that could come earlier than 2027 as the 18-year-old prepares to step up to F2 next season.
Sergio Perez calls Azerbaijan return “one of my best weekends” despite missing out on points
Sergio Perez says his performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was “one of my best weekends” after he finished P14 for Cadillac, his joint-best result of the season, even though he failed to score. Perez cited strong running in practice and an improved race pace, while pointing to straight-line speed as the main limiter for the team heading into the final stretch of 2026.
George Russell tops Formula 1 Azerbaijan Power Rankings after pole-to-win in Baku
After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend in Baku, George Russell was ranked the top performer by Formula 1’s Power Rankings judges, converting Thursday practice pace into pole position and a victory under late pressure from Max Verstappen, who recovered from eighth on the grid to finish second.
Fred Vasseur promises Ferrari upgrades “soon” after Leclerc cites lack of development in Azerbaijan
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur said the SF-26 will receive further developments “soon” after Charles Leclerc pointed to a lack of recent upgrade momentum following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Leclerc finished P4 and Lewis Hamilton P6. Vasseur also attributed parts of the weekend’s struggles to defending in a performance “negative spiral” and Hamilton’s difficulty getting tyres into the correct temperature window.
Laurent Mekies praises Isack Hadjar’s ‘outstanding’ Azerbaijan GP return podium
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies called Isack Hadjar’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix return “outstanding” after the French driver came back from a wrist injury to finish on the podium. Mekies said Hadjar felt good in the car immediately, built confidence session by session, and stayed composed during key moments in Baku.
Charles Leclerc calls on Ferrari to bring upgrades after Azerbaijan Grand Prix deficit
Charles Leclerc said Ferrari must “bring upgrades to close the gap” after the team’s disappointing Azerbaijan Grand Prix highlighted a continued performance deficit to Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren. Leclerc finished P4 after a first stint in which he was unable to match the pace of the cars he was chasing, while Lewis Hamilton struggled to move beyond his P6 starting position.
Alpine to review “course of action” after Franco Colapinto crash in Azerbaijan GP
Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore said the Enstone-based team will take time to “consider what course of action should be taken” after Franco Colapinto’s crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix eliminated both cars, along with McLaren’s Lando Norris, from the race following the Safety Car restart in Baku.
Oscar Piastri reflects on Azerbaijan GP mistake after McLaren scoreless finish
Oscar Piastri said a lock-up that dropped him out of contention after a restart in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix “certainly took me by surprise,” as McLaren left Baku without a point after both drivers finished outside the top 10.
Gabriel Bortoleto given 10-second penalty after yellow-flag infringement at Azerbaijan GP
Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto was penalized with 10 seconds after stewards determined he overtook while a waved yellow flag was present during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Formula 1 race day reactions: Russell wins Azerbaijan thriller as Antonelli salvages P5
George Russell converted pole into victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Safety Cars reshaped the closing stages, fending off Max Verstappen. Kimi Antonelli recovered to P5, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took second and Isack Hadjar scored a podium in third.
Franco Colapinto receives five-place Bahrain GP grid penalty after Azerbaijan collision
Formula 1 stewards have imposed a five-place grid drop on Franco Colapinto for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia after a multi-car incident in Azerbaijan involving Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris.
Isack Hadjar returns in style with P3 podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Red Bull Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar marked his return from injury with a podium finish, moving from a fourth-place qualifying position to third at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Lawson baffled by Lindblad clash after Azerbaijan Grand Prix collision
Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson says he “doesn’t understand” what Arvid Lindblad was trying to do after their collision on the restart at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Lawson spinning and finishing P12 while Lindblad recovered to P7.
Kimi Antonelli says Azerbaijan “taught me a lot” after worst weekend and P5 finish
Kimi Antonelli said the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend was “the worst weekend of the season” after technical problems in practice and a crash out during Qualifying left him 16th on the grid. He recovered to fifth in the race, but George Russell’s pole-to-victory reduced Antonelli’s championship lead from 81 points to 66 points. F1 now moves to Malaysia and Singapore as the final phase of the 2026 season continues.
Colapinto apologises to Alpine after Azerbaijan GP Safety Car restart crash with Gasly
Franco Colapinto has apologised to Pierre Gasly and Alpine after a collision on a Safety Car restart ended both Alpines and also took out Lando Norris during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Bortoleto and Hulkenberg eliminated in Q1 at Azerbaijan GP after Audi upgrade underperforms
Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg were both knocked out in Q1 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after an Audi upgrade package failed to deliver the expected performance, leaving the Hinwil-run R26 cars out before the session reached the later stages in Baku.
Esteban Ocon frustrated as yellow-flag disruption ends Haas’ Q3 hopes in Baku
After Qualifying at the Baku City Circuit, Haas teammates Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman reflected on narrowly missing a place in Q3, with Ocon blaming a yellow flag for spoiling his final Q2 run. Bearman finished P11 after running his lap early, while Ocon was stuck down in P14.
Piastri calls McLaren’s Baku Qualifying surge a “big surprise” as he qualifies P3
Oscar Piastri says it was a “big surprise” that McLaren found pace late in Azerbaijan Grand Prix Qualifying to place him third on the grid behind Charles Leclerc and George Russell. Lando Norris qualified fifth after a lock-up on his final Q3 run.
Sergio Perez receives three-place Azerbaijan Grand Prix grid penalty after impeding Oscar Piastri in Qualifying
Formula 1 stewards handed Sergio Perez a three-place grid penalty for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after ruling he unnecessarily impeded Oscar Piastri in qualifying. Carlos Sainz also received a five-place grid penalty for failing to slow for yellow flags.
Carlos Sainz receives five-place grid penalty for Azerbaijan GP after yellow-flag breach in Qualifying
Stewards penalised Carlos Sainz with a five-place grid drop for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after finding he failed to slow for yellow flags during Qualifying.
Gasly credits Alpine progress after Baku double Q3, heads into Azerbaijan Grand Prix in P7
Pierre Gasly said he could have extracted more from Alpine’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying performance after reaching Q3, finishing P7. Teammate Franco Colapinto also made Q3 but settled for P10 after a lock-up and vibration in the final segment.
Verstappen calls Red Bull’s Azerbaijan GP Qualifying “not good enough” after P8 grid result
Max Verstappen said Red Bull’s performance in Azerbaijan Grand Prix Qualifying was “not good enough” after a pole-chasing session ended with him starting the race P8 in Baku. Teammate Isack Hadjar was fourth fastest in Qualifying.
Leclerc left with mixed feelings after taking P2 in Baku as Russell grabs pole
Charles Leclerc said he had “mixed feelings” after qualifying P2 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, admitting the gap to pole was larger than expected. George Russell took pole in Baku by 0.837s, edging Leclerc in Q3, with Oscar Piastri completing the front row qualifiers’ gap at the hundredth-of-a-second level. Lewis Hamilton finished P6 and described being without a tow in Q3.
Russell celebrates ‘perfect lap’ as he takes pole for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku
George Russell says his decisive pole-winning lap in Azerbaijan Grand Prix Qualifying felt like “the perfect lap,” after beating Charles Leclerc by 0.837s at the Baku City Circuit.
Kimi Antonelli rues “very unnecessary” crash during Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying as Mercedes teammate George Russell takes pole
Kimi Antonelli ended his Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying early after crashing at Turn 1 and was classified 16th for Saturday’s race, while Mercedes teammate George Russell secured pole position ahead of Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.
George Russell takes Azerbaijan GP pole after Antonelli shock exit in Qualifying in Baku
George Russell secured pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a best lap of 1m 42.526s after Kimi Antonelli crashed out of Q1, leaving Russell as the lone Mercedes in the qualifying battles. The session delivered a tight top-three behind Russell, and a grid impact is also confirmed for Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll later for tomorrow’s start.
Verstappen tops final Azerbaijan GP practice as Russell and Hamilton follow
Max Verstappen finished fastest in Free Practice 3 for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, edging George Russell and Lewis Hamilton while the order behind them was led by Charles Leclerc.
Laurent Mekies sets targets for Isack Hadjar as Red Bull confirms deal through 2027
Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies says Isack Hadjar has a straightforward goal for his second season with the team after Red Bull confirmed Hadjar will continue as Max Verstappen’s team mate through 2027, starting again at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following a wrist injury.
Dino Beganovic wins back-to-back FIA Formula 2 Baku Sprint Race for DAMS Lucas Oil
Dino Beganovic secured his second straight FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race win in Baku for DAMS Lucas Oil, taking control after starting third and holding on through a final-lap Safety Car restart.
F1: Haas 2027 seat candidates named as Esteban Ocon confirmed yet to receive extension offer
Haas has not confirmed its 2027 Formula 1 line-up, and Esteban Ocon says he has “yet to receive an offer” of a contract extension and is a “free agent” for next year.
Lawson returns as Racing Bulls; Lindblad’s FP2 ends early in Baku
Liam Lawson settled back into the Racing Bulls seat on Thursday at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing seventh in FP1 and then setting the 12th-fastest time in FP2. Arvid Lindblad, meanwhile, crashed in FP2 in the castle section, bringing out the red flags and leaving the team to repair right-hand-side damage ahead of Friday’s qualifying.
Hamilton says “others just took another step” as Ferrari close gap question in Baku practice
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were competitive in Free Practice 1 in Baku, but Hamilton said the performance gap grew in Free Practice 2 as Ferrari—like Mercedes—searched for grip and execution ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Isack Hadjar returns to F1 action in Azerbaijan, encouraged by upgraded Red Bull RB22 feel
Isack Hadjar returned to F1 action during Thursday practice at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after missing recent rounds with a wrist injury. Driving Red Bull’s upgraded RB22, he finished FP2 in ninth while the team introduced upgrades to the floor, diffuser and sidepods, and Red Bull Technical Director Pierre Wache described the day as “quite positive.” Red Bull also confirmed Hadjar will remain as Max Verstappen’s team mate for the 2027 season after activating their option to retain him.
James Vowles calls Williams’ Baku upgrade ‘a step in the right direction, but not enough’ after FP1/FP2
Williams Team Principal James Vowles says the FW48 upgrade introduced for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is an important step, but not enough to guarantee points immediately, following first practice and second practice in Baku. Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon both reported incremental improvement, while Williams stressed the project is also aimed at long-term development for next year.
Norris and Piastri close Thursday practice in Azerbaijan 1.5 seconds off pace after McLaren floorboard disruption
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished first-day practice for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix about 1.5 seconds behind pace-setter George Russell after McLaren’s upgraded MCL40 was disrupted in FP1 by floorboard-related issues. Norris said the gap feels like “a little knife in the heart” as the team used cable ties to get more laps in FP2, while Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall described what went wrong and how the updates performed.
Formula 1 launches “Higher or Lower” game for 2027 Grand Prix ticket chance
Formula 1 has launched a new “Higher or Lower” game that enters fans in a draw for tickets to a 2027 Grand Prix of their choosing.
Rodin Motorsport sweeps Formula 2 Baku qualifying with Dunne Q1 win and Stenshorne Q2 pole
Alex Dunne and Martinius Stenshorne delivered a Rodin Motorsport 1-2 in Qualifying 1 and then completed a Baku Qualifying double by taking pole in Qualifying 2. Sprint and Feature Race start times for Saturday are set for 08:15 and 14:15 local time, respectively.
Ayao Komatsu says Haas will decide its 2027 driver line-up within the next couple of weeks
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu says the team expects to decide its 2027 Formula 1 driver line-up within the next couple of weeks, with Esteban Ocon’s future still unresolved.
McLaren and Williams target Azerbaijan Grand Prix upgrade packages as every team’s changes are revealed
Formula 1 teams have disclosed their upgrade packages for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with McLaren and Williams among those bringing multiple changes while Mercedes, Ferrari and Alpine stick with existing packages.
Alonso and Stroll expected to take grid penalties at Azerbaijan Grand Prix after new Aston Martin engine components
Aston Martin says Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are set to take grid penalties at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following the installation of additional engine components, exceeding regulated seasonal allocations. The team’s plan triggers first-time 10-place penalties, with cumulative application across multiple component changes.
Russell leads Azerbaijan GP FP1 as Antonelli’s session ends early
George Russell set the pace in Free Practice 1 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing fastest ahead of Max Verstappen. Kimi Antonelli’s session was cut short by a hydraulic issue, limiting his time and leaving him fifth at the chequered flag.
Norris says he’s improving after McLaren’s upturn as Azerbaijan GP arrives
Lando Norris says he is doing “some things better than last year” after McLaren’s recent gains, but expects the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to be one of the trickier tests for the team’s 2026 car.
Sainz and Albon cautious as Williams prepares FW48 upgrade debut at Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon say they are expecting a meaningful but not guaranteed step from Williams’ long-awaited FW48 upgrade package, which debuts at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a mid-season shift to a revised lighter chassis and a new aero package.
Max Verstappen says Red Bull keeping Isack Hadjar makes sense as Hadjar returns in Azerbaijan
Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Red Bull confirmed Isack Hadjar will remain with the team for the 2027 season, and Max Verstappen said it “made perfect sense” and that having “continuation” is important as Hadjar returns after missing three races with a wrist injury.
Kimi Antonelli says F1 title fight is “not over until it’s over” ahead of Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Kimi Antonelli says the Formula 1 title fight is “not over until it’s over” as he takes an 81-point lead over George Russell into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls for Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Red Bull stand-in
Liam Lawson will drive the VCARB 03 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after returning to Racing Bulls, following his three-round stand-in role at Red Bull Racing for the injured Isack Hadjar. The New Zealander reflected on his results at Zandvoort (P7) and Madrid (P6), a P14 at Monza, and said the experience changed some operational learnings rather than altering his core approach to racing.
Grosjean says Mercedes support has been key behind Antonelli’s 2026 title lead
Romain Grosjean, speaking on the official F1 podcast Beyond The Grid, credited Mercedes’ behind-the-scenes support for Kimi Antonelli’s breakthrough 2026 season, which has him leading the Drivers’ Championship by 81 points.
Oscar Piastri says McLaren are “not standing still” as he targets improvement before Azerbaijan GP
Oscar Piastri says McLaren are continuing to explore solutions as he adapts to the different characteristics of the 2026 cars, insisting his progress is ongoing despite difficult stretches that have seen him struggle to match Lando Norris. He was speaking ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku City Circuit.
Russell vows to keep fighting for 2026 title as he trails Antonelli by 81 points heading to Baku
George Russell says he will “keep fighting every single race” for the 2026 Formula 1 title despite trailing Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli by 81 points heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.
Isack Hadjar returns for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after wrist injury and signs Red Bull contract extension through 2027
Isack Hadjar will race this weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after missing the previous three rounds with a wrist fracture, and he said he is ready to return to the Baku City Circuit. The Red Bull junior, racing for Racing Bulls, also confirmed that his contract extension will keep him partnering Max Verstappen into 2027.
F1 heads to Baku for Round 15: key Azerbaijan Grand Prix dates, tyre compounds and track notes
The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday. Formula 1’s “Need to Know” guide highlights what to watch in Baku, including resurfaced sections affecting Turns 2–4, the planned tyre choices, and guidance on braking zones and out-laps.
F1 Nation analysis: Oscar Piastri’s next-step challenge ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
In the latest F1 Nation episode, James Hinchcliffe and Jolyon Palmer assess Oscar Piastri’s form and how he might close the gap to McLaren teammate Lando Norris heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, referencing Piastri’s difficult Madrid week and a season that has not matched his late-2025 title promise.
F1 weather forecast: Warm, dry conditions expected for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku
Formula 1 has released a day-by-day forecast for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, with warm, dry weather expected across FP1/FP2, FP3/qualifying and race day. Noticeable winds and high track temperatures are forecast to be key factors throughout the weekend.
Pirelli confirms 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix tyre compounds for Baku
Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compounds for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend in Baku, with the C3 (hard), C4 (medium) and C5 (soft) selected as the three softest options for the Round 15 event. Teams will receive a schedule including an extra set of soft tyres for drivers who reach Q3, while all drivers must use at least two different slick compounds in the race if conditions remain dry.
How to stream the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on F1 TV Premium (2026)
Formula 1 says the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit runs this weekend, with live coverage available across F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium. The broadcaster also outlines streaming devices, 4K Ultra HD/HDR options, and how Apple—Formula 1’s new Official U.S. Broadcaster—will carry F1 TV included with Apple TV subscriptions in the United States.
Red Bull confirms Isack Hadjar’s return in Azerbaijan for Baku weekend
Red Bull has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will return to the team’s 2026 line-up alongside Max Verstappen at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury. Liam Lawson will resume at Racing Bulls, while Yuki Tsunoda returns to reserve duties.
Formula 1 confirms full 2026 grid F1 team cars for Hot Wheels Infinite Rush’s F1 Car Collection Pack (from March 2027)
Formula 1 and Hot Wheels, in partnership with Milestone and Mattel, have announced that HOT WHEELS Infinite Rush will receive an F1 Car Collection Pack featuring all 22 official 2026 F1 team cars starting March 2027, with the cars added to the game’s Speeder category.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026: key session times and how to watch on F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium
The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit begins with Free Practice 1 on Thursday, September 24, followed by Free Practice 2, Free Practice 3, Qualifying and the Grand Prix itself on Saturday, September 26. The broadcast options include F1 TV Pro and F1 TV Premium, plus live timing via F1.com and the F1 app.
Ugo Ugochukwu reflects on dramatic Formula 3 title win in Madrid after overturning points deficit
Ugo Ugochukwu says the “emotions” have settled since clinching the FIA Formula 3 Drivers’ title in the season’s final race in Madrid, overcoming a double-digit gap to title rival Freddie Slater and delivering a comeback that began with a difficult Monza weekend.
José Mourinho visits Madring track as F1 marks capital’s new Grand Prix
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho visited Madrid’s new Madring circuit this weekend and, in an interview with F1.com, said he has been following the track’s build “every day.” He drew parallels between Formula 1 and football at the highest level, citing what he described as “huge pressure,” and said the new capital Grand Prix carries extra meaning for him.
Red Bull to assess Hadjar before Azerbaijan return decision
Laurent Mekies says Isack Hadjar’s recovery remains on course, with simulator work to help determine whether he can return in Baku.
Cadillac appoints Marcin Budkowski as Team Principal and says return to F1 has been “a bit of a shock to the system”
Marcin Budkowski, newly appointed Team Principal of Cadillac, said his return to Formula 1 has been a “bit of a shock to the system” as the American team continues building its first season. Budkowski replaced Graeme Lowdon just before the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August and spoke ahead of last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix about adapting to the sport’s speed and focus on establishing the right people, priorities and operational reliability.
Yuki Tsunoda says his biggest 2025 mistake at Red Bull was trying to replicate Max Verstappen’s setup
Speaking on the official F1 podcast Beyond the Grid, Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda revisited his 2025 spell with Red Bull and said his biggest mistake was attempting to replicate Max Verstappen’s setup rather than maintaining his own approach. He also discussed how he has impressed during his 2026 Racing Bulls cameos, including results in Zandvoort and Monza while covering for Liam Lawson after Isack Hadjar’s injury.
Mercedes draws level with Ferrari atop F1 power unit win charts after Kimi Antonelli’s Spanish GP win
Formula 1’s published historical review says Mercedes has added to its victory tally via Kimi Antonelli’s win at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, tying the German manufacturer with Ferrari at the top of the sport’s most successful power unit engine lists. The analysis also highlights totals and milestones for Ferrari, Cosworth, Renault, Honda, Coventry Climax, Porsche-powered TAG McLaren, BMW, and BRM.
Alpine announce Mike Elliott as Chief Technical Officer
Alpine has confirmed that Mike Elliott will join the team as Chief Technical Officer, returning to Formula 1 after leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2023 season.
Alexia Danielsson confirmed as TeamViewer Wild Card for F1 ACADEMY Austin round
F1 ACADEMY has announced Alexia Danielsson will race as the Wild Card entry for Round 5 of the 2026 F1 ACADEMY season in Austin, representing TeamViewer on the #45 car operated by Hitech and debuting at COTA during the United States Grand Prix weekend.
F1 confirms 10 Sprint events in 2027, with new formats for Bahrain and Monaco
Formula 1 has revealed the 2027 calendar, including an expanded Sprint schedule to 10 events—four more than in 2026—with new Sprints for Bahrain, Australia, Japan, and Monaco. Sprint weekend structure will also include Sprint Qualifying on Friday, followed by Qualifying for the Grand Prix later on Saturday.
Formula 1 confirms 2027 calendar with 24 Grands Prix and 10 Sprint events
Formula 1 and the FIA have confirmed the 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar after World Motor Sport Council approval, featuring 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries and 10 Sprint events. Pre-season testing is scheduled in Bahrain from 24–27 February, followed by the season opener in Bahrain, with the calendar then moving through Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, and other key stops including Monaco, Portugal, Türkiye, and the late-season races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Power Rankings: Kimi Antonelli tops the judges’ table after the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in Madrid
Kimi Antonelli topped Formula 1’s Power Rankings after the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in Madrid, with the judges citing how he handled the race when a Virtual Safety Car disrupted Lando Norris.