Carlos Sainz predicts a major shift in performance at the Las Vegas GP, expecting teams strong in Brazil to struggle in Vegas and vice versa. After a points-less weekend in Interlagos, the Ferrari driver hopes the unique, cold conditions of the Las Vegas street circuit will favor his team, challenging their known weakness in long, low-speed corners amidst early week flood warnings.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly criticized his drivers after a double DNF, urging them to "talk less." F1 champion Jenson Button advised Elkann to "lead by example," emphasizing the unique pressures at Ferrari and advocating for private, constructive communication over public admonishment to foster trust and improve team performance.
EA Sports is changing its F1 game release strategy, planning to launch the F1 2026 title as an expansion of F1 2025. This move allows for a focused development on a significantly revamped F1 2027 game, which promises a "new and more expansive" experience. The 2026 update will include all new cars, regulations, teams, and drivers, setting the stage for a major overhaul in 2027 designed to redefine the F1 gaming experience.
Jason Somerville, the FIA's Head of Aerodynamics and a key architect of the 2026 F1 regulations, is reportedly leaving the governing body to join Cadillac. This move is highly significant as Somerville possesses intimate knowledge of the upcoming rules, potentially giving the new F1 entrant a substantial advantage. The transfer highlights concerns about the movement of critical personnel between the FIA and F1 teams, raising questions about competitive fairness and future regulatory oversight.
For the first time since 2008, the official F1 video game will skip its annual release in 2026. Instead, F1 25 will receive a paid expansion covering the 2026 season's technical overhaul, including new cars and teams like Audi. This "strategic reset" allows developers Codemasters to reimagine the franchise, with the next full title in 2027 promising a fundamentally different and more expansive F1 gaming experience.
Guenther Steiner suggests Oscar Piastri should leave McLaren if he fails to win the F1 championship, following a significant dip in form after leading the standings. Piastri now trails teammate Lando Norris and faces a resurgent Max Verstappen. While some speculate about McLaren favoring Norris, former F1 champion Alan Jones vehemently denies these claims, asserting equal treatment for both drivers as Piastri heads into a critical triple-header to salvage his season.
Jamie Chadwick makes history as the first female Hypercar reserve driver in WEC, while Lewis Hamilton hints at a long-term future with Ferrari. Stake and Alpine reveal special liveries for the Las Vegas GP, where Ferrari's Fred Vasseur believes the changed start time could be crucial. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is dubbed a "cannibal" in his pursuit of the McLarens, and Lando Norris gains a "pressure" edge over Oscar Piastri.
Sergio Perez, after being unexpectedly released by Red Bull despite a 2025 contract, has reflected on his year out of Formula 1 as a "dream scenario." He's set to return in 2026 with the new Cadillac F1 team alongside Valtteri Bottas, viewing his break as a crucial "refreshment" that reignited his passion for the sport and provided renewed energy for what he considers his final F1 stint.
Pirelli is addressing persistent tire graining at the Las Vegas Grand Prix by excluding the problematic C6 compound for 2025, a move welcomed by drivers like Max Verstappen. The company will use C3, C4, and C5 compounds, the same as previous years, and will also hold the race earlier to combat cool night temperatures, aiming for better tire performance and a more competitive event.
Racing Bulls has unveiled a striking 'holographic' livery for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a collaboration with Cash App that features iridescent colors inspired by the city's vibrant nightlife. This is the team's final special livery of the 2025 season, joining Williams, Alpine, and Sauber in presenting unique designs for the high-profile event, highlighting a growing trend of F1 teams leveraging artistic collaborations and bespoke liveries for enhanced brand visibility and fan engagement.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has openly criticized Max Verstappen, labeling the four-time F1 champion as "arrogant" and "too aggressive" on the track. Brown cited the controversial 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix incident with Lewis Hamilton as an example where Verstappen "crossed the line," sparking renewed debate about the Red Bull driver's on-track conduct despite his own recent admission of fault in a separate incident with George Russell. This commentary from a prominent team principal underscores ongoing concerns about fair play and driving standards in Formula 1.
Toto Wolff is enthusiastic about Mercedes' return to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, eyeing not only a strong F1 performance to secure P2 in the Constructors' Championship but also a potential F1 Academy title for junior driver Doriane Pin. Wolff highlighted the competitive nature of the F1 season and the iconic status of the Las Vegas circuit, while also cheering on Pin in her championship bid against Ferrari's Maya Weug.
