Max Verstappen takes on the Nurburgring 24 Hours qualifiers this weekend, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in two four-hour races as crucial preparation for his debut in the legendary endurance marathon. Partnered with Lucas Auer, he aims to gain experience in darkness and wet conditions against a full-strength field of factory GT3 teams.
The Brabham BT46B 'fan car' is a legendary F1 machine that raced only once in 1978. Its revolutionary fan-based ground-effect system delivered a dominant victory for Niki Lauda but sparked such immediate controversy and rival team protests that it was voluntarily withdrawn and later banned, becoming a symbol of innovation that was too successful for the sport's political landscape.
Red Bull Racing has restructured its technical team, promoting Ben Waterhouse to a new senior integration role and hiring Andrea Landi from sister team Racing Bulls as the new Head of Performance. The changes aim to improve development speed as the team battles early-season car issues, while also countering recent high-profile staff departures to rivals.
Red Bull, after a weak 2026 car, promoted Racing Bulls' former deputy technical director Andrea Landi to head of performance and elevated Ben Waterhouse to chief performance engineer, hoping to revive competitiveness.
Max Verstappen has publicly supported his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase's decision to join McLaren in 2028, revealing he encouraged the move for Lambiase's family and future. This dispels notions of a rift, framing it as a natural step after winning four titles together, though it marks a major structural change for Red Bull.
Haas rookie Oliver Bearman urged the FIA to tighten hybrid‑era regulations after his high‑speed Suzuka collision revealed dangerous 50 kph speed differentials, prompting a fast‑track safety review ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
Lando Norris called McLaren's Pirelli tire test at the Nurburgring a productive and useful learning exercise. Following a start to the 2026 season hampered by technical issues and DNSs, the test provided valuable track time for data collection and driver confidence, even under the strict limitations of a supplier-mandated session.
Former FIA director Niels Wittich defended Michael Masi’s safety‑car call at 2021 Abu Dhabi finale, saying it followed a green‑flag policy, as FIA scapegoated him, sparking debate on authority.
Red Bull reshuffled its technical team, promoting Ben Waterhouse to Chief Performance Engineer and hiring former Ferrari performance chief Andrea Landi as Head of Performance, to speed development.
Verstappen said he urged his race engineer Gian Piero Lambiase to take McLaren’s ‘fantastic’ offer, citing family security, and gave his blessing as Lambiase prepares to leave Red Bull by 2028.
All WEC hypercar teams are eyeing Max Verstappen while the FIA declares safety its top priority following Oliver Bearman's high‑speed Suzuka crash, highlighting concerns over closing speeds and future regulation.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says adjustments to the 2026 regulations are being finalized, with a focus on improving qualifying and safety. The FIA is expected to announce specific tweaks ahead of the Miami GP, developed through collaboration with teams and drivers. Domenicali also urged a decision on the next engine rules within 2026 to respect manufacturer investments and guide future development.
