F1 Today: Alonso on Title Fight, Haas Rebrand, Bortoleto Backs Verstappen
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix media day brought key updates: Fernando Alonso offered a veteran's perspective on the tight championship battle, drawing on his 2010 experience. Haas F1 Team announced a major rebrand to TGR Haas F1 Team for 2026, welcoming Toyota Gazoo Racing as its new title sponsor. Additionally, rookie Gabriel Bortoleto expressed strong support for Max Verstappen, believing he deserves the title for his consistent performance and fewer mistakes this season.
As the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix media day concludes, several key stories emerged, including Fernando Alonso's insights on the tight title race, Haas F1 Team's impending rebrand with a new title sponsor, and Gabriel Bortoleto's strong backing for Max Verstappen in the championship showdown.
Why it matters:
The F1 paddock is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 championship heads to a nail-biting finale in Abu Dhabi. With Lando Norris leading Max Verstappen by just 12 points, and Oscar Piastri by 16, the stakes couldn't be higher. Meanwhile, a major rebranding for Haas signifies shifting commercial landscapes in the sport, and a rookie's take on the title fight adds another layer to the narrative.
The Details:
- Alonso's Championship Perspective: Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso weighed in on the 2025 title fight, stating that while the leader usually has an advantage, F1's unpredictability can change everything. He drew parallels to his own 2010 season, where he lost the championship in the final race despite holding a 15-point lead, citing unexpected safety car decisions.
- Haas Rebrands for 2026: The Haas F1 Team is set to undergo a significant transformation for the 2026 season, rebranding as the TGR Haas F1 Team after securing Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) as its new title sponsor. Team Principal Ayao Komatsu highlighted the deepening relationship, citing successful TPC running and the development of a new simulator at their Banbury facility. The new car livery will be unveiled online on January 23, 2026.
- Bortoleto Backs Verstappen: Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto expressed his conviction that Max Verstappen deserves the 2025 title. He praised Verstappen for making fewer mistakes than any other driver this season, cementing his status as the "best driver in the world." While acknowledging the unpredictability of recent races, Bortoleto noted the close competition between Red Bull and McLaren, emphasizing that a P3 finish for Norris would be crucial if Verstappen wins the finale.
The Big Picture:
The 2025 F1 season finale is poised to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. The championship battle is incredibly tight, with the McLaren drivers and Verstappen all in contention. Alonso's historical perspective underscores the fine margins and unpredictable nature of F1, where a lead can evaporate in an instant. The Haas rebranding also indicates a dynamic shift in team partnerships, reflecting new investment and strategic alliances shaping the sport's future.
What's next:
The focus now shifts to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix itself. All eyes will be on the track as Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri battle for the drivers' championship. The results will not only crown a new champion but also set the tone for the offseason, as teams like Haas prepare for their significant changes in 2026. The coming days will be filled with final preparations, strategic decisions, and the intense pressure of a championship decider.