Mick Schumacher has announced his exit from Alpine's endurance team after two years, teasing an exciting new chapter for 2026. Following a challenging yet ultimately podium-earning stint in the World Endurance Championship, speculation is rife that the former F1 driver is set to transition to IndyCar, having recently completed a test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Felipe Massa's 2008 title dispute is heading to trial, potentially challenging a historic F1 championship outcome. Max Verstappen is exploring a switch to the number '3' for 2026, possibly requiring a rule waiver. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz remains unfazed by recent Ferrari executive criticism, adopting a 'none of my business' stance amid his impending departure. These stories highlight F1's ongoing legal, regulatory, and internal team complexities.
Felipe Massa's £64 million lawsuit against F1, the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone over the controversial 2008 F1 title is proceeding to trial. Massa claims he was unlawfully denied the championship due to the 'Crashgate' scandal. A High Court judge found Massa has a 'real prospect' of proving an 'unlawful means conspiracy,' potentially reshaping F1 history and setting a major precedent for revisiting past results.
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel retired from the sport on November 20, 2022, after a final points finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. His departure marked the end of a dominant era, leaving behind a legacy of 53 wins and four consecutive titles with Red Bull, while also shifting focus to family and environmental advocacy.
Gerhard Berger is strongly advocating for Mick Schumacher to move to IndyCar, dismissing safety concerns raised by Ralf Schumacher. Berger, a former F1 star, believes IndyCar offers a great opportunity for Mick, especially after his impressive test where he posted the third-fastest time. This advice comes as Mick's WEC prospects with Alpine appear to be narrowing, pushing him towards a crucial career decision outside of F1.
As the 2025 F1 title race heats up, Max Verstappen is already eyeing a new race number for 2026, possibly moving away from the champion's #1. He's expressed a strong interest in Daniel Ricciardo's former #3, pending FIA approval, while also playfully considering other unconventional options. This highlights the blend of personal preference, marketing strategy, and regulatory hurdles in a driver's choice of number.
Felipe Massa's £64 million lawsuit concerning the fixed 2008 Singapore Grand Prix and its impact on the F1 championship is heading to trial. A London High Court judge rejected attempts to dismiss the case, stating Massa has a "real prospect of success" on certain claims, especially after Bernie Ecclestone's revelations. While damages could be awarded, the 2008 season results cannot be overturned, yet this legal battle promises to uncover new details about the infamous "Crashgate" scandal.
Felipe Massa's legal claims against the FIA, alleging regulatory breaches during the 2008 'Crashgate' scandal that he believes cost him the F1 title, have been largely dismissed in a summary judgment. The court found no real prospect of his claims succeeding, upholding the FIA's defense and emphasizing Massa's own or Ferrari's errors also contributed to his championship loss, thereby reinforcing the 2008 season's established results.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu criticizes Pirelli's mandated two-pitstop rule for the F1 Qatar Grand Prix, stating it will "destroy" the race. Citing concerns over tire wear, cars will be limited to 25 laps per stint, forcing a two-stop strategy. Komatsu argues these "artificial limits" stifle strategic variety and diminish the excitement, drawing parallels to previous mandated stops that led to predictable and unengaging races. He advocates for tire performance that naturally allows for multiple viable strategies.
Felipe Massa's high-stakes lawsuit over the 2008 'Crashgate' scandal has been greenlit for trial, seeking £64 million in damages. While the court acknowledged Massa's potential success on certain claims, it unequivocally stated that it cannot alter the 2008 F1 Drivers' World Championship result, ensuring Lewis Hamilton's title remains undisputed. This development reopens a controversial chapter in F1 history without impacting the record books.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have jointly requested fewer social media appearances for McLaren, aiming to focus entirely on their intense F1 2025 title battle. Despite their fierce on-track rivalry, Norris confirmed their personal relationship remains strong and built on mutual respect, prioritizing their race performance as the season concludes.
F1 stars Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen are vocal about their readiness to move on from the current ground-effect era, citing cars that are too heavy, too large, and which haven't delivered on the promise of improved racing. With new, lighter, and smaller cars set for 2026, both drivers express anticipation for a change despite some initial simulator concerns, hoping to address issues like difficult overtaking and physical strain caused by the current generation.
