Following death threats against Kimi Antonelli after a Qatar Grand Prix incident, F1 drivers like Oliver Bearman are condemning online abuse. Bearman called online critics "scum," while Franco Colapinto advised ignoring the hate but also urged caution from F1 figures in post-race comments to prevent inciting such negativity. The FIA has also denounced the abuse, highlighting a growing concern over the toxicity of online fan interactions in Formula 1.
Toyota Gazoo Racing will become the title sponsor for the Haas Formula One team starting in the 2026 season, expanding their current technical partnership. The team will be renamed the TGR Haas F1 Team, with TGR also taking over title sponsorship of Haas' driver development program. This move aims to leverage Toyota's motorsport expertise and stable financial backing to enhance Haas's performance and foster young talent on the global F1 stage.
Nico Hulkenberg will celebrate his 250th Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Abu Dhabi season finale, honoring the milestone with a special helmet design. This achievement places him among F1's most enduring drivers. Despite a recent setback in Qatar, Hulkenberg has had a strong season, securing his first podium and outperforming his teammate. He now aims to finish in the top 10 of the championship, a testament to his consistent performance over 15 years in the sport.
Lando Norris faces a high-pressure F1 finale in Abu Dhabi, needing a top-three finish to clinch his first Drivers' Championship. Despite McLaren's own strategic blunders and Max Verstappen's remarkable comeback, Norris holds a 12-point lead. His consistency throughout the season and a focused mindset will be crucial to overcoming the pressure and securing a historic title for McLaren.
Lando Norris wants McLaren to impose team orders on Oscar Piastri in Abu Dhabi to boost his championship chances, but he won't ask Piastri directly. While McLaren hasn't discussed it, the situation highlights the tension between individual driver ambition and team strategy. George Russell also weighed in, suggesting team orders are more appropriate when one driver is clearly dominant. The dynamic between Norris and Piastri will be key as the season concludes.
Fernando Alonso jokingly suggested his Aston Martin AMR25 might be 'haunted' after inexplicable car behavior during the Qatar Grand Prix, including a spin and a trip through the gravel. Aston Martin's chief trackside officer, Mike Krack, offered a terse 'Next question' in response, highlighting the team's focus on technical solutions rather than 'paranormal' theories. The team aims to resolve these inconsistencies as they push for a strong finish in the Constructors' Championship.
A French court has greenlit the FIA presidential election for December 12, with Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the sole candidate. However, a separate hearing is scheduled for February 2026 to thoroughly investigate allegations of systemic irregularities and unfairness in the election process, potentially impacting the legitimacy of the outcome and future FIA governance.
Haas F1 Team is set to rebrand as TGR Haas F1 Team from 2026, following a landmark title partnership deal with Toyota Gazoo Racing. This move deepens a technical collaboration, offering Haas vital resources for the upcoming regulatory changes and providing Toyota a strategic route back into Formula 1 to develop engineering talent and competitive prowess without a full manufacturer commitment. The partnership aims to infuse stability and a fresh competitive edge into the American outfit.
Mercedes has lauded Red Bull's public statement defending Kimi Antonelli against a wave of horrific online abuse and death threats. The young driver faced severe backlash after a late mistake at the Qatar GP, prompting Red Bull to clarify their initial remarks, stating Antonelli's error was not intentional and condemning the subsequent online harassment. Mercedes expressed deep appreciation for Red Bull's support, highlighting the sport's united stand against online toxicity.
Haas F1 Team has announced a major title partnership with Toyota for the 2026 Formula 1 season, rebranding as TGR Haas F1 Team. This expands their existing technical collaboration, allowing Toyota to provide its personnel with crucial F1 experience and offering Haas significant technical and financial backing. The deal aims to accelerate talent development and elevate the team's competitiveness under new regulations, with the 2026 car livery reveal set for January 23rd.
Arthur Leclerc is set to replace Lewis Hamilton for the opening practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, fulfilling Ferrari's mandatory rookie FP1 requirement. This offers the younger Leclerc, a crucial simulator driver, valuable track time alongside his brother Charles. Hamilton will return for FP2 as Ferrari closes its 2025 campaign, with Hamilton seeking his first Grand Prix podium for the team.
Haas will rebrand as TGR Haas F1 for the 2026 Formula 1 season, signaling a significant strengthening of its partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing. Toyota will become the team's title partner, deepening technical collaboration in R&D, driver development through a new TPC program, and simulator technology. This move aims to enhance Haas's competitiveness and foster the next generation of F1 talent.
