Alpine is set to use Mercedes engines from 2026, ending its long-standing relationship with Renault. Despite paddock rumors hinting at Mercedes' potential dominance with the new power unit, Alpine's Managing Director Steve Nielsen cautions against high expectations, stating that past successes, like Mercedes' 2014 engine advantage, do not guarantee a repeat performance in the upcoming regulatory cycle. The true pecking order will only be revealed once the cars hit the track.
Lando Norris expresses significant concern about McLaren's performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, fearing a repeat of last year's struggles with the cold conditions despite recent wins. While Team Principal Andrea Stella is more optimistic about lessons learned, Mercedes, last year's dominant force in Vegas, harbors doubts about replicating their success. The race is a critical test for McLaren's adaptability and Mercedes' unpredictable season.
Lando Norris, despite a strong performance in Brazil, cannot mathematically clinch the 2025 F1 title in the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. With a 24-point lead over teammate Oscar Piastri and 83 points still available, the championship battle will extend at least until the Qatar Sprint race, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem is the only confirmed candidate for the FIA Presidency, virtually ensuring his re-election after no other contenders met the strict electoral criteria. However, the process faces legal challenges and ethical complaints, with critics arguing the rules unfairly favor the incumbent and limit competition, highlighting a contentious period for motorsport's governing body.
Sergio Perez revealed how his unexpected break from Formula 1 in 2025 profoundly shifted his perspective on racing. After losing his Red Bull seat, stepping away from the sport allowed him to gain valuable insights, moving beyond the 'automatic mode' of constant competition. This newfound appreciation for the joy of racing ultimately reignited his passion, leading him to sign with Cadillac for their 2026 debut, eager to return to the grid with a revitalized mindset.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has issued a stark warning about the F1 Constructors' Championship, urging against complacency despite recent gains. Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg has detailed his mid-season resurgence, and questions are emerging regarding the authenticity of Lewis Hamilton's significant social media following and associated earnings. This review also touches on Max Verstappen's 2025 title hopes and Ferrari's internal issues.
Max Verstappen revealed he advised Red Bull to 'keep an eye' on Gabriel Bortoleto before the promising young driver signed with Sauber. Bortoleto, a back-to-back F3 and F2 champion, earned Verstappen's praise, highlighting his potential. Despite a challenging start in F1, Verstappen hopes Bortoleto will soon be fighting for podiums, even hinting at a potential future partnership, underscoring the high regard for the Brazilian's talent.
Liam Lawson's F1 future for 2026 hinges on Red Bull's driver decisions, with radical new regulations making experience a critical asset. As Racing Bulls historically struggles at the start of new rule cycles, a Lawson-Tsunoda pairing offers vital stability, potentially delaying rookie Arvid Lindblad's full-time F1 debut. This strategic approach aims to leverage seasoned drivers to navigate the challenges of the upcoming era.
Toto Wolff is tempering expectations for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, acknowledging that Mercedes' dominant 2024 performance can't be automatically replicated. Despite wishing to keep the same car, regulation changes make this impossible. The team will approach the race with an open mind, focusing on adaptability in the unpredictable world of F1. This cautious outlook comes as Wolff is also in advanced talks to sell a 5% stake in the Mercedes F1 team to CrowdStrike.
Juan Pablo Montoya warns that the intense championship battle between McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will inevitably strain their relationship and internal team harmony. He suggests the losing driver might feel a lack of support, presenting McLaren with a 'million-dollar question' on how to keep both stars content. Montoya eyes the Las Vegas Grand Prix as a critical psychological showdown, potentially defining Piastri's mental resilience.
Valtteri Bottas defends ex-teammate Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari performance, attributing perceived struggles to the challenge of adapting to a new team and the underestimated talent of Charles Leclerc. Bottas suggests the narrative of Hamilton's slump is 'exaggerated,' emphasizing the cultural and technical shifts Hamilton faces while highlighting Leclerc's strength. He believes Hamilton will prove his speed next season.
Despite the Malaysian government's refusal to fund its return, the Sepang International Circuit CEO states a long-term Formula 1 comeback is "not impossible." Facing a reported $70 million hosting fee and fierce competition for calendar slots, Sepang hopes corporate partners can eventually revive the Malaysian Grand Prix, acknowledging the immediate focus remains on MotoGP. The circuit's infrastructure is ready, but securing a spot on F1's crowded schedule and private funding are key hurdles.
