Comedian Jack Whitehall, host of F1's 75th-anniversary event, revealed his script was heavily scrutinized. Jokes about Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore were banned, and a joke about George Russell required the Mercedes driver's direct approval via a voice note. Whitehall noted that drivers generally have a sense of humor, unlike the cautious people around them, highlighting F1's tight control over its public image.
Ferrari president John Elkann is under fire for publicly criticizing Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, telling them to "talk less" after a disappointing F1 season. Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner blasted Elkann's remarks as "bad leadership," arguing that public admonishment is counterproductive and damages team morale. This incident highlights growing internal frustrations at Ferrari as they struggle to live up to championship expectations, potentially impacting driver performance and team cohesion.
Max Verstappen predicts driver frustration and "screaming" if Formula 1 mandates two-stop Grands Prix starting in 2026. This proposal, aimed at preventing dull one-stop races caused by current tire compounds, is under review by the F1 Commission. While designed to enhance racing, Verstappen warns that forcing pit stops could lead to dissatisfaction among drivers, especially with the impending overhaul of car and engine regulations in 2026.
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing's team principal, revealed that Max Verstappen's debut at age 17 directly triggered a significant overhaul of the FIA Super License rules. Then-FIA President Jean Todt commissioned Mekies to restructure the system, ensuring drivers would meet more comprehensive requirements before entering Formula 1, a change spurred by the perceived anomaly of a teenager driving an F1 car before a road car.
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, recently shared his childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut, an F1 driver like Ayrton Senna, or Superman. While he has achieved legendary status in F1, he revealed that his dream of becoming an astronaut is still alive, even recounting a recent FaceTime call with an astronaut on the International Space Station. This glimpse into his personal aspirations highlights a drive for new challenges beyond his illustrious motorsport career.
Adrian Newey, legendary F1 designer, offers aspiring engineers critical advice centered on curiosity and resilience. He stresses the importance of continuous learning, asking questions, and navigating career highs and lows with mental fortitude. His insights come as the sport anticipates significant 2026 regulation changes, emphasizing adaptability for future success in Formula 1.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner revealed that the team eventually banned him from attending F1 stewards' meetings due to his tendency to incur fines and more penalties. Known for his blunt approach, Steiner recounted on _The Red Flags Podcast_ how Haas management concluded his confrontational style was counterproductive, offering a humorous yet insightful look into the complexities of team-steward relations in Formula 1.
Oscar Piastri confirms his relationship with McLaren teammate Lando Norris is stronger than ever, despite their fierce battle for the 2025 drivers' championship. Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Piastri dismissed rumors of tension, crediting their three years as teammates and a shared philosophy of leaving on-track incidents behind for their improved rapport. Norris currently leads the championship by 24 points.
Martin Brundle has hailed Max Verstappen's performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix as a "drive for the ages," after the Red Bull driver climbed from a pitlane start to finish third. This incredible comeback, achieved against a highly competitive field, is seen as crucial for Verstappen's championship hopes in a tight 2025 season.
Haas driver Oliver Bearman highlights his Mexico City Grand Prix battle with Max Verstappen as a crucial confidence booster, affirming Verstappen as his benchmark for F1 success. The young Briton's ability to hold his nerve and temporarily overtake the reigning champion, along with fending off George Russell, validates his potential despite being in a midfield car, setting a clear target for his future in the sport.
The Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) returns for its second season at Yas Marina, showcasing AI-driven single-seaters in a 20-lap showdown. After significant upgrades to safety, reliability, and AI systems, six teams will compete for a $2.25 million prize. This season aims to overcome past technical challenges and demonstrate remarkable advancements in autonomous racing technology, pushing the boundaries of AI in motorsport.
Willi Weber, Michael Schumacher's former manager, draws a compelling comparison between Schumacher and Max Verstappen, highlighting their shared traits of absolute dedication and their identities as pure athletes rather than showmen. While their driving styles differ, Weber believes both champions embody a relentless pursuit of success, distinguishing them from those who seek the spotlight.
