Formula 1 drivers face severe penalties, including potential disqualification, if they exceed 25 laps on a single set of Pirelli tires during the Qatar Grand Prix. This unprecedented restriction, driven by extreme tire degradation at the Lusail circuit, aims to enhance safety after high wear rates were observed last season. The rule forces teams to drastically re-evaluate their race strategies, as circuit modifications were deemed unfeasible. Non-compliance is a breach of sporting regulations, signaling a critical shift in F1's approach to tire management and safety.
Thailand is accelerating its bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) revealing initial plans for a 5.7km, 18-corner street circuit in Bangkok. A potential five-year contract from 2028 to 2032 is being discussed, with Williams driver Alex Albon supporting the project. This move aligns with F1's strategy of expanding into major urban centers, following recent additions like Miami and Las Vegas, and highlights the sport's growing interest in the Southeast Asian market.
Williams F1 Team Principal James Vowles is set to make a competitive return to endurance racing at the 2025 Gulf 12 Hours with Garage 59. Driving a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo at Yas Marina Circuit, this will be his first race since 2022, showcasing his passion for the sport beyond his F1 leadership role. His F1 strategic acumen is expected to be a valuable asset for his team.
Williams F1 team principal James Vowles will race in the Gulf 12 Hours at Yas Marina Circuit the weekend after the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Partnering with Garage 59 in a McLaren 720S GT3, this marks his return to competitive driving since joining Williams in 2023. The move highlights Vowles' passion for racing and brings a notable F1 figure to the prestigious GT endurance event, offering a unique personal insight into the world of motorsport.
Rumors are circulating that former Red Bull principal Christian Horner might make a shock return to Formula 1, with Aston Martin as a potential destination. Sky Sports News' Craig Slater is analyzing the implications of such a move, which could significantly boost Aston Martin's championship aspirations and reshape the F1 leadership landscape.
Legendary Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn has publicly backed Lewis Hamilton to overcome his current struggles at Ferrari, emphasizing the critical importance of the upcoming F1 2026 regulations. Brawn, who was instrumental in both Michael Schumacher's Ferrari dominance and Hamilton's Mercedes success, believes the rule changes will be pivotal for Hamilton's career at Maranello. This comes as Hamilton faces a challenging first season and Ferrari prepares for a significant overhaul in car and engine design.
Mercedes has identified the likely cause of Kimi Antonelli's 'unusual' false start penalty at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The team's investigation suggests the car crept forward by a mere two centimeters due to subtle vibrations or driveline torque when Antonelli released the brakes, not from prematurely dropping the clutch. Mercedes confirms Antonelli followed all correct procedures, and the team will now focus on preventing such minor, involuntary movements from triggering penalties in the future.
Jamie Chadwick has backed Oscar Piastri to outperform Lando Norris at the Qatar Grand Prix, citing the circuit's unique conditions which contrast sharply with tracks where Piastri recently struggled. Despite a recent dip in form, Piastri has a strong history in Qatar, having finished ahead of Norris in both previous races there, making this a pivotal race for the young Australian.
Rumors are intensifying about Charles Leclerc's potential move to Aston Martin in 2027, driven by his long-standing frustration with Ferrari's performance and Aston Martin's ambitious restructuring. Leclerc's manager is reportedly waiting to see Ferrari's 2026 car performance before a final decision, making the upcoming season crucial for the Scuderia to retain its star driver.
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff sees no end to Formula 1's booming growth, citing the team's record $6 billion valuation as proof of its soaring profitability, largely thanks to the budget cap. He believes F1 still has immense growth potential, particularly in the US market, and stresses the importance of delivering an entertaining product to maintain this trajectory.
Madrid's mayor and Grand Prix organizers have strongly refuted online rumors suggesting the cancellation of the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, calling them "fake news." The new street circuit race, set to replace Barcelona, is confirmed for September 12, 2026, with construction reportedly ahead of schedule and sponsors secured, ensuring the event will proceed as planned.
Pirelli has confirmed the removal of its controversial C6 soft tire compound for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The decision follows data showing the C6 was too fragile and offered insufficient performance differentiation from the C5, undermining strategic diversity. The new five-compound range (C1-C5) is designed for clearer performance gaps, aiming to unlock more varied and exciting race strategies as F1 enters a new technical era.
