Max Verstappen is baffled by Oscar Piastri's 'very bizarre' and sudden drop in form, which saw him lose a 34-point championship lead to his teammate Lando Norris. Verstappen, now a distant contender himself, noted McLaren's post-summer break issues but couldn't explain Piastri's individual slump, while also commenting on operational differences in handling adversity compared to his own team.
F1 rookie Oliver Bearman critically reviewed the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit, calling it the "least enjoyable" street track he's driven due to low grip and high speeds in cold conditions. His comments, alongside a recurring loose drain cover issue, highlight challenges for F1's significant investment in the event, which the sport directly promotes.
Oscar Piastri believes McLaren's MCL39 possesses "decent" pace at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite a Thursday plagued by braking issues and drain cover disruptions. Teammate Lando Norris, who topped FP2, is confident of fighting for pole position, intensifying their championship duel. Both drivers aim to maximize performance despite the limited running and track unknowns.
Jason Somerville, the FIA's Head of Aerodynamics and a key architect of the 2026 F1 regulations, is leaving the governing body to return to a team on the grid. His intimate knowledge of the new active aero rules, including 'X-mode' and 'Y-mode,' makes him a highly sought-after talent. While his destination isn't officially confirmed, speculation strongly links him to Alpine, a move that could significantly impact the team's preparations for the upcoming regulation changes.
Haas rookie Oliver Bearman has harshly criticized the Las Vegas Strip Circuit after his first F1 session there, calling it the "least fun" street course he's ever driven. He cited extremely low grip levels due to cold asphalt temperatures and the proximity of walls as major concerns, contributing to a "tricky" driving experience. His comments fuel ongoing debate about the circuit's suitability for Formula 1.
Toto Wolff has reduced his ownership stake in the Mercedes F1 team in a major strategic move. Concurrently, Charles Leclerc dodged a penalty after a stewards' review following Thursday's practice sessions at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he showcased strong pace. Lando Norris topped FP2, while Max Verstappen downplayed Red Bull's historical track advantage, emphasizing the unique challenges of the Las Vegas circuit. These developments set the stage for a fascinating weekend of racing and behind-the-scenes team dynamics.
Formula 1 champions Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen discussed their mutual respect at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Alonso identifying a shared 'not in the system' attitude. He praised Verstappen's authenticity and refusal to be politically correct, seeing it as a reflection of his own career path. Verstappen reciprocated, admiring Alonso's fighting spirit and genuine personality, even admitting to cheering for him against Red Bull in the past.
Max Verstappen humorously but firmly rejected a social media comment labeling wet F1 races as 'boring' and 'slow.' The four-time world champion, known for his prowess in challenging conditions, defended the entertainment value and skill required for wet racing, citing his own success in such circumstances and emphasizing that driver mistakes are not the sole source of excitement.
Max Verstappen has called for a radical simplification of Formula 1's racing regulations, humorously suggesting he would "shred" the current rulebook. Amidst ongoing debate sparked by recent controversial penalties, the four-time world champion argued that the increasing complexity of rules places stewards in an impossible position, hindering consistent decision-making. Other drivers like Carlos Sainz and George Russell are actively working on proposals for clearer guidelines to improve the sport's fairness and reduce post-race controversies.
Formula 1 teams, including Max Verstappen's Red Bull, are in the dark after heavily disrupted practice sessions in Las Vegas left them with limited data. A loose manhole cover caused chaos, preventing proper long runs and qualifying simulations, leading to widespread uncertainty about true car performance and who holds the competitive edge for the race weekend. McLaren, surprisingly, emerged as the most confident team, hinting at a potential shake-up in the usual pecking order.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has confirmed the sale of a 15% stake to American billionaire George Kurtz, valuing the F1 team at an unprecedented $6 billion. Wolff emphasized that this reflects the team's substantial profitability and robust financial health, not mere optimism. This record-breaking deal highlights Formula 1's soaring commercial appeal and signals its burgeoning status as a top-tier global sports franchise.
Red Bull is fending off McLaren's inquiries into Max Verstappen's controversial engine swap at the Brazilian Grand Prix, with McLaren suggesting the move for performance reasons should fall under F1's cost cap. Red Bull insists its actions are legitimate and within regulations, exposing a regulatory loophole that the FIA acknowledges as a weakness, set to be resolved with new rules in 2026.
