Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner has emphatically declared Oliver Bearman as the ideal successor to Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, citing Bearman's exceptional rookie season with Haas. With Hamilton facing challenges in his debut year at Maranello, Steiner believes Bearman's strong performances and clear superiority over teammate Esteban Ocon make him the obvious choice for Ferrari's future, aligning with the team's history of promoting junior talent. The paddock buzz suggests this transition is a matter of 'when,' not 'if'.
Pirelli has imposed an unprecedented 25-lap maximum usage limit for any single set of tires at the Qatar Grand Prix, mandating at least three pit stops during the 57-lap race. This radical safety measure, driven by concerns over tire wear on the demanding Lusail circuit, will drastically alter race strategies and add a new layer of unpredictability to the championship battle.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has openly criticized Red Bull's Christian Horner, suggesting that the fame from Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' has changed him for the worse, citing "money and glory" as corrupting influences. Brown also referenced Horner's past accusations against McLaren as attempts to disrupt their team, drawing a sharp distinction between healthy ego and detrimental arrogance in leadership.
Kimi Antonelli has cautioned against high expectations for Mercedes at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite last year's dominant one-two finish. He highlighted that the current W16 is a "different car" from its predecessor, meaning previous success in cool conditions doesn't guarantee a repeat performance. Antonelli expressed hope but emphasized the team must work to adapt the new car to the circuit.
McLaren is heading to the Las Vegas Grand Prix having thoroughly reviewed its challenging 2023 performance. Team Principal Andrea Stella confirms the team has "taken action" to address last year's issues with tire management, aerodynamics, and car setup. While confident in their preparation, Stella remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the unique demands of the Strip and the unpredictable nature of F1 racing, emphasizing that only the track will reveal if their improvements are enough.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has revealed that the announcement of their 2026 Formula 1 driver line-up is delayed, possibly until after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The decision stems from Red Bull and Racing Bulls' ongoing fierce battles in the constructors' championship, prioritizing stability over an early decision. Permane emphasized that new regulations are not a factor, while former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya hints at internal political influences complicating the selection process.
Pirelli has imposed a strict 25-lap limit per tire stint for the Qatar Grand Prix, making a two-stop strategy mandatory. This safety measure addresses extreme tire wear and structural fatigue observed at the demanding Lusail circuit in 2023, ensuring driver safety and significantly altering race dynamics for the upcoming F1 weekend.
Sergio Perez, after a year away from Formula 1, reveals a profound personal reset that has rekindled his passion and perspective. His 'biggest lesson' – to genuinely enjoy the sport – now underpins his comeback with Cadillac in 2026, where he aims to leverage his renewed mindset and experience to drive the new team's success.
Formula 1 designers are increasingly nervous about the 2026 regulations, particularly the intricate balance required between new power units and movable aerodynamics. Teams face unprecedented challenges in optimizing downforce, drag, and battery deployment, with the risk of fundamental design errors looming large. The first tests will be crucial as designers brace for unexpected issues, aiming to avoid the pitfalls seen with past rule changes.
The 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to be a crucial, late-season showdown, with Lando Norris currently leading the championship battle. Taking place on a Saturday evening local time, the unique street circuit under the lights of the Strip promises high-stakes action. This guide details the full schedule for all sessions, noting the key GMT times, as teams like Mercedes and Ferrari unveil special merchandise for this highly anticipated event.
Damon Hill believes Max Verstappen's four F1 world titles give him a significant edge in the F1 2025 championship battle, despite Lando Norris currently holding a lead. Hill argues that nothing prepares a driver for the intense pressure of sealing a championship like having done it before, making Verstappen uniquely positioned against the less experienced Norris and Piastri as the season nears its conclusion.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann's recent public criticism of his F1 team, telling drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to "focus on driving, talk less," has drawn a "shocking" reaction from Jacques Villeneuve. The 1997 World Champion warned that such statements can lead to an "out of control" situation, echoing past conflicts between Ferrari and its star drivers, and risks damaging team unity and morale during a crucial championship battle.
