Max Verstappen is contemplating designing his next house to incorporate a significantly larger and more advanced racing simulator, inspired by Red Bull's professional rig. The four-time F1 champion views simulator work as crucial for performance, using it for extensive setup correlation and race drills. This ambition highlights his deep commitment to virtual racing, which he believes directly enhances his real-world driving skills and has even influenced motorsport licensing criteria.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella suggests the current F1 driver lineup is the most competitive in history, citing the remarkably tight São Paulo GP qualifying and a grid featuring multiple champions and podium finishers. He attributes this to improved junior categories and advanced training, predicting an even more intense future for Formula 1.
The F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix will challenge drivers with significantly colder night-time temperatures, contrasting sharply with recent hot and humid races. Forecasts indicate potential rain for Thursday's FP2 session and cool conditions throughout the weekend, with race day expected to be dry and clear. Managing tire performance and car setup in the cold will be critical for teams aiming for success on this unique street circuit.
Max Verstappen was reportedly 'impressed' during a visit to Red Bull Powertrains, where he witnessed the development of the team's in-house 2026 F1 power unit. Technical director Ben Hodgkinson revealed Verstappen's keen interest and 'technical brain' as he explored the new engine, which will feature increased battery power and present new energy management challenges for drivers. This project marks a significant step for Red Bull's long-term F1 strategy.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has called four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen a "bruiser" and claimed he has "crossed the line" with aggressive driving. Brown specifically referenced Verstappen's battles with Lewis Hamilton in Brazil 2021 as examples. These comments heighten tensions ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Verstappen is trailing Lando Norris, putting his championship bid under intense scrutiny.
Las Vegas is facing unexpected torrential rainfall and flood warnings just days before the highly anticipated Formula 1 Grand Prix. Videos show flooded streets and water accumulation around the Strip, including minor standing water on parts of the F1 track. Despite the chaos, organizers are confident the race weekend will proceed as planned, though the unseasonal weather adds an unpredictable element to F1's glamorous return to Las Vegas.
Despite a challenging debut season with Ferrari in 2025, former deputy team principal Claire Williams is confident Lewis Hamilton will eventually succeed with the Scuderia. Hamilton's move from Mercedes has seen him struggle for wins and podiums, but Williams believes his caliber and experience will allow him to overcome the cultural and operational differences and turn his fortunes around, fulfilling his 'childhood dream' in red.
Lando Norris holds a commanding lead in the F1 Drivers' Championship after a dominant Sao Paulo Sprint weekend, positioning him strongly ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. With a 24-point gap to teammate Oscar Piastri and 49 to Max Verstappen, Norris could secure the title without another win, needing consistent strong finishes in the remaining three race weekends. However, a single bad race could still turn the tide, keeping the championship battle intensely alive.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has confirmed the team has taken "decisive actions" to address its poor performance at the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Following a thorough review, McLaren identified issues with tire behavior, aerodynamic efficiency, and car setup, and has implemented changes to improve for this season's race. This comeback effort is crucial for their championship aspirations, especially for drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as they aim to solidify their positions against rivals.
F1 star Charles Leclerc's private garage reveals a fascinating car collection, from high-performance Ferraris like the 488 Pista Spider and SF90 Stradale to a classic 275 GTB. Surprisingly, his daily driver includes a compact Fiat 500, showcasing a diverse taste that bridges extreme speed with charming practicality, offering a unique insight into the Monegasque driver's personal preferences off the track.
Max Verstappen is reportedly 'impressed' after experiencing early test runs of Red Bull's 2026 F1 engine, according to technical director Ben Hodgkinson. This positive feedback comes as Red Bull ambitiously develops its own power unit in collaboration with Ford for the upcoming regulatory changes. Verstappen's engagement and optimism are crucial for the team's high-stakes project to maintain its competitive edge in Formula 1.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, believes Max Verstappen's 2025 F1 title hopes are over due to Lando Norris's 24-point lead over Oscar Piastri. Wolff praised McLaren's management of their drivers, allowing them to race freely, which has set up an intense intra-team battle for the championship in the final three races, with Verstappen now out of contention.
