Yuki Tsunoda revealed his Red Bull contract blocked him from engaging with other teams for a 2026 F1 seat, despite external interest. Red Bull confirmed their 2026 line-up without him, promoting Isack Hadjar and leaving Tsunoda with only test and reserve driver duties. He learned of his fate post-Qatar GP and faces what could be his last F1 race weekend, expressing a mix of calm and delayed realization about his future.
George Russell believes it would be "unacceptable or unreasonable" for McLaren to use team orders in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, given both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are still mathematically in the running for the F1 Drivers' Championship. McLaren has stated they will let their drivers race, a decision that could lead to an unpredictable finale as Max Verstappen also contends for the title.
Formula 1 drivers, led by Oliver Bearman, have strongly condemned the severe online abuse, including death threats, aimed at rookie Kimi Antonelli after the Qatar Grand Prix. Following an on-track incident involving Lando Norris, Antonelli became the target of fan outrage, prompting Mercedes to flag over 1,100 abusive comments. This incident highlights the urgent need for greater accountability and respect in online discourse surrounding F1.
Isack Hadjar reveals a strategic and realistic approach to partnering Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026, aiming to avoid the pitfalls of predecessors by accepting an initial speed deficit. He plans to leverage the new regulations for a fresh start, believing this timing is crucial for a successful integration into the team and challenging the dominant champion.
Oscar Piastri humorously suggested a 'cardboard barrier' for data sharing with Lando Norris ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where both McLaren drivers are outside title contenders. Despite the high stakes, McLaren confirmed normal operations, including full data transparency between drivers, underscoring the team's focus on unity and equal opportunity to maximize performance in the season finale.
Lando Norris has stated he won't ask Oscar Piastri for help in the F1 title race, leaving team orders 'up to Oscar,' despite hinting he'd reciprocate. As McLaren battles Max Verstappen with both drivers, Team Principal Andrea Stella prioritizes beating Verstappen with one of their cars. The Abu Dhabi finale will test McLaren's 'fair racing' policy amid a critical championship fight, with Piastri undecided on hypothetical support.
Max Verstappen has declared he has "nothing to lose" as he heads into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, trailing Lando Norris by just 12 points. Despite McLaren's early season dominance, Verstappen's strong second half has put him in an unexpected title fight, vowing to enjoy the challenge against the odds.
Yuki Tsunoda expresses deep disappointment after being dropped by Red Bull, informed by Helmut Marko post-Qatar GP. His contract prevented him from exploring other F1 options. This driver shuffle promotes Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad, and Isack Hadjar, highlighting Red Bull's ruthless talent management and leaving Tsunoda's F1 future uncertain.
Liam Lawson candidly admits he wasn't focused on a Red Bull return this season, instead concentrating on adapting to his Racing Bulls car after a mid-season demotion. Despite initially being slated for a Red Bull Racing seat for 2026, rookie Isack Hadjar was ultimately chosen. Lawson, confirmed for Racing Bulls in 2025, expressed relief at securing his future.
Oliver Bearman has sharply criticized the 'scum of the earth' online trolls who targeted fellow F1 rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli following a race incident. Bearman, who has experienced similar abuse, highlighted the unique vulnerability of new drivers to such venom. The FIA has issued a statement of support for Antonelli, and Red Bull's Helmut Marko retracted his initial blame, underscoring the urgent need to combat online harassment in F1.
Fernando Alonso has shared his veteran perspective on the current F1 title fight, recalling his own 2010 Abu Dhabi heartbreak and emphasizing F1's unpredictability. He also commented on Max Verstappen's claim about winning the title earlier with a McLaren, acknowledging Verstappen's skill while noting the speculative nature of such statements. As the season finale approaches, the past serves as a cautionary tale for championship hopefuls.
Max Verstappen is keeping his engine choice for the Abu Dhabi title decider a mystery, amidst Red Bull's history of strategic power unit swaps. Heading into the finale 12 points behind Lando Norris, Verstappen's engine decision could be pivotal in the three-way championship battle that also includes Oscar Piastri, making every strategic detail crucial for the season's climax.
