Max Verstappen trades his F1 car for a Mercedes-AMG GT3 to compete in the NLS2 endurance race at the Nürburgring. Teaming with experts Daniel Juncadella and Jules Gounon, this outing serves as vital preparation for the upcoming 24-hour race, following his winning debut on the Nordschleife last year.
Toto Wolff asserts his position as Mercedes Team Principal remains completely unchanged despite the promotion of Bradley Lord to Deputy Team Principal, framing the move as strengthening the leadership team to handle the sport's growing demands.
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.
Red Bull simulator driver Sebastien Buemi calls for patience regarding the team's new in-house F1 engine, arguing it's too early to judge the project despite a poor Chinese Grand Prix. He highlights promising early tests and urges critics to allow time before comparing Red Bull Powertrains to established manufacturers with decades of experience.
