Formula 1 rookie Kimi Antonelli revealed that a significant mid-season slump during the European rounds was brought to an end after candid interventions from his father and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. This 'kick in the pants' after his home race at Monza served as a crucial reset, helping him overcome mounting pressure and uncharacteristic mistakes, leading to a strong return to form in subsequent races.
Jacques Villeneuve ignited controversy by labeling Franco Colapinto a 'pay driver' after Alpine confirmed his place for the 2026 F1 season. Despite Colapinto's mixed results in a struggling Alpine team, the decision to retain him alongside Pierre Gasly aims for stability amidst major regulation changes and a switch to Mercedes power units. This move highlights the complex balance between driver merit and other factors like team familiarity and financial contributions in Formula 1.
McLaren has signed Ella Häkkinen, the 14-year-old daughter of two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen, to its junior development program. She will begin testing single-seaters from 2026, with the F1 Academy as a potential next step. This move highlights McLaren's commitment to nurturing young female talent, with Ella joining fellow kart racer Ella Stevens and current F1 Academy driver Ella Lloyd in the program.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya suggests that internal 'politics' within Red Bull could be the deciding factor in Yuki Tsunoda retaining his seat for the 2026 season. Despite a significant performance gap to Max Verstappen, Montoya believes shifting power dynamics at Red Bull Austria might override purely merit-based decisions, keeping Tsunoda on the grid over other contenders like Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar.
Williams has become the first F1 team to reveal a special livery for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, featuring a black design with rainbow accents. This bespoke look celebrates title partner Atlassian and its AI solutions partner Rovo, kicking off what's expected to be a visually dynamic race weekend with multiple teams showcasing unique designs. More liveries are anticipated as the event draws closer.
Despite the Malaysian government's financial refusal, Sepang International Circuit's CEO remains hopeful for a future Formula 1 return, acknowledging current financial hurdles and fierce global competition for race slots. The circuit, which last hosted F1 in 2017, believes a return is "not impossible" with the right corporate backing.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, has voiced his opinion on Max Verstappen's driving tactics, characterizing him as a "bruiser" and "too aggressive," particularly referencing the 2021 F1 season. This critique reignites discussions among F1 enthusiasts about whether the four-time world champion's on-track approach has evolved or if his contentious style persists despite his racing maturity. The comments prompt a re-evaluation of how Verstappen's aggressive nature impacts his races and reputation within the sport.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren's Formula 1 driver, has been honored with Australia's prestigious 'Don Award' for the most compelling story in Australian sports, becoming the first F1 driver to receive the accolade. This recognition, accepted by his parents, celebrates his impact despite a recent winless streak in F1, offering a significant boost as he prepares for the Las Vegas Grand Prix amidst a tight championship battle.
Following a disastrous double-DNF at the Brazil GP, former F1 driver Jenson Button and commentator David Croft analyze the turmoil at Ferrari. Chairman John Elkann's controversial comments about drivers needing to "focus on driving and talk less" have intensified scrutiny, raising questions about team morale and cohesion. With Ferrari dropping to fourth in the Constructors' Championship, experts emphasize the need for strong internal communication to manage immense pressure and leverage their top-tier drivers for recovery.
Oscar Piastri has been honored with The Don Award for 2025, Australia's most prestigious sporting accolade, making him the first motorsport athlete to receive it. The award recognizes his inspiring performances and mature conduct in Formula 1. This historic achievement comes as Piastri prepares for the final crucial races of the F1 season, aiming for his maiden World Championship title.
Williams Racing will debut a striking all-black livery with rainbow accents for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, celebrating title partner Atlassian and its new AI platform, Rovo. This sophisticated, one-off design symbolizes Williams' ongoing tech transformation and their ambition to reclaim a competitive edge in Formula 1, setting a bold statement for the team's future.
Red Bull's 2026 driver lineup faces significant delays and internal political complexities, according to Juan Pablo Montoya. While Max Verstappen is secure, the battle for remaining seats at both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls involves Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and Arvid Lindblad. Montoya suggests that changing power dynamics within Red Bull, particularly from 'Red Bull Austria,' are influencing decisions beyond purely performance-based metrics, making the outcome for drivers like Tsunoda less predictable despite his recent progress.
