Max Verstappen is prepared to accept defeat if he can't secure a fifth consecutive F1 title, stating he won't "cry about it." Despite closing the gap to Lando Norris to 24 points after his Las Vegas win and McLaren's disqualification, Verstappen faces a challenging final two rounds. He attributes his recent gains to rival errors and Red Bull's improved form, emphasizing his ability to move on quickly, win or lose.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri is pushing for updates to Formula 1's racing guidelines, citing significant inconsistencies in penalty decisions and drivers exploiting rules. His comments follow a controversial collision in Las Vegas where Liam Lawson avoided punishment, contrasting sharply with Piastri's own harsh penalty in São Paulo. A crucial meeting between drivers and the FIA is set for the Qatar Grand Prix weekend to address these concerns and refine F1's regulatory framework for fairer racing.
Madrid's mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has strongly refuted rumors suggesting a delay for the 2026 Formula 1 Grand Prix, affirming the event will proceed as scheduled. He stated that circuit construction is ahead of schedule, with key government officials backing these assurances. Madrid's return to the F1 calendar, taking over from Imola, is set for September 2026, marking a significant moment for the city after a four-decade absence.
Mick Schumacher sees his IndyCar move as a path, not a barrier, to F1. Oscar Piastri is pushing for an FIA review of his Las Vegas GP clash with Liam Lawson, highlighting ongoing concerns about driver guidelines. Additionally, Pirelli is abandoning its criticized C6 tire for 2026 following widespread driver feedback, and Ferrari is reviewing its strategy after a frustrating Las Vegas GP. These developments underscore the dynamic nature of F1, with driver influence, technical evolution, and strategic challenges shaping the sport's future.
Liam Lawson believes surviving the crucial first season is the key to a long F1 career, as Red Bull's 2026 driver decision looms. Competing with Tsunoda, Hadjar, and Lindblad for limited seats, Lawson's strong 2025 performance at Racing Bulls, including a P5 in Azerbaijan, is vital to securing his future amidst intense pressure.
Project Motor Racing, a new motorsport simulation game, has launched on PC and consoles, featuring 70 licensed cars, 28 real-world tracks, and dynamic track evolution. Developed with community input, it boasts a unique 'survival' career mode and, notably, offers mod support across all platforms. Publishers GIANTS Software hint at ambitious future plans to establish it as a genre leader, promising an authentic and player-driven racing experience.
Toto Wolff has quashed rumors about his future at Mercedes, stating his recent sale of a 15% stake to CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz is a strategic move, not a precursor to his departure. Wolff reaffirmed his full commitment to his role as team principal, emphasizing his enjoyment and belief in contributing to the team's progress amid F1's booming valuations.
Yuki Tsunoda boldly labeled his pit-lane start, points-less Las Vegas Grand Prix as “one of his best weekends,” despite finishing 12th. He cited strong free practice pace against Max Verstappen and external factors like safety cars as hindrances to a better result, underscoring his enduring optimism amidst calls for tangible race-day performance.
F1's Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite finding its rhythm on track, faces significant criticism over its brutal calendar placement, causing burnout for team personnel. While commercially successful, the event's triple-header slot with Qatar and Abu Dhabi, combined with vast time zone shifts, is taking a toll, prompting drivers and staff to call for a more sustainable schedule. F1 management is aware of the issues, but complex commercial agreements make immediate changes unlikely, highlighting the challenge of balancing global expansion with human well-being.
Ralf Schumacher urges McLaren to prioritize Lando Norris in the F1 Drivers' Championship after a crucial turn of events. Following the disqualification of both McLarens in Las Vegas, Max Verstappen gained a significant advantage, putting pressure on McLaren's strategy. With 58 points remaining, the decision on whether to back Norris or maintain neutrality could define the championship's outcome, especially with the Qatar Grand Prix looming.
Carlos Sainz was caught on camera performing a detailed, self-appointed inspection of rivals' cars in parc fermé after the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The Williams driver, who secured a strong fifth place, meticulously examined front wings and nose cones of top competitors like Red Bull and Ferrari, showcasing a relentless pursuit of understanding the competition and potentially gathering insights for future car development.
Fred Vasseur has acknowledged Lewis Hamilton's immense pride is suffering amid his challenging first season with Ferrari, which saw an "all-time F1 low" in Las Vegas. Hamilton's frustration, including a "meaningless" P10 finish and a "nightmare" season without a podium, is seen by Vasseur as a positive sign of a winner's mentality, urging collective effort to improve for the remaining races and the pivotal 2026 season.
