Audi has unveiled its R26 Concept car, revealing the design and livery for its 2026 Formula 1 debut, showcasing a 'Silver Arrow' inspired look. The German manufacturer has set an ambitious goal to fight for the world championship title by 2030, leveraging F1 as a strategic platform for innovation and brand transformation. With key partnerships and experienced leadership, Audi is poised to make a significant impact on the sport.
Liam Lawson is calling for a return to "old school" F1 track limits, advocating for grass or gravel instead of extensive run-off areas. This demand comes after his car was severely damaged at the Mexican Grand Prix when Carlos Sainz cut Turn 1, highlighting a growing trend of drivers exploiting track boundaries without adequate penalty. Lawson argues that harsher consequences for going off-track would deter such incidents, improving race integrity and driver awareness.
Oscar Piastri's former trainer, Kim Keedle, has debunked 'conspiracy theories' alleging McLaren favors Lando Norris. Keedle attributes Piastri's recent performance dip to increased competition and potential confidence issues, rather than internal bias. He emphasized McLaren's fair operations, highlighting the complex balance of team-first culture and individual driver ambitions in Formula 1.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has cautioned his squad against complacency despite securing second place in the Constructors' Championship after a strong showing in Brazil and Ferrari's double DNF. With a 32-point lead over Red Bull and three races remaining, Wolff emphasized the volatility of F1, urging the team to stay grounded and consolidate their position to achieve their minimum goal of P2.
Ferrari Chairman John Elkann's blunt remarks, urging F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to "talk less" and acknowledging team shortcomings, have ignited debate within the F1 community. These comments followed a disappointing Sao Paulo GP where Ferrari dropped to fourth in the Constructors' Championship. Analysts are divided on whether Elkann's intervention was a motivational "spark" or a public "slap," highlighting the internal struggles and high expectations at the legendary Italian team amidst their quest for a championship return.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann's recent comments, suggesting drivers should prioritize the team less, have drawn sharp criticism from Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz. Kravitz argued that both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are already committed to the team's success, with their feedback aimed at improvement. Elkann's tenure has seen Ferrari struggle, adding pressure on leadership to foster unity as the team prepares for Lewis Hamilton's arrival.
Karun Chandhok, a former F1 driver, argues that Ferrari's main problem is the SF-25 car's lack of speed, not its drivers. This directly challenges Ferrari president John Elkann's remarks, who urged drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to "talk less" and focused on other "not up to par" aspects of the team. Chandhok believes a faster car would make Leclerc and Hamilton title contenders.
Williams academy driver Luke Browning, currently third in the F2 championship, will get a major opportunity to participate in FP1 and the post-season young driver test in Abu Dhabi. This move highlights Williams' focus on developing its junior talent and offers Browning a critical chance to showcase his potential in an F1 car while simultaneously battling for the F2 title.
Lando Norris's recent dominant performances in Mexico and Brazil, where he consistently topped every session, signify a new level of consistency previously lacking in his career. Despite facing boos in Brazil, his ability to deliver back-to-back exceptional weekends should be celebrated as a significant personal breakthrough, demonstrating he's addressing past criticisms about fluctuating form and is ready to challenge at the sport's pinnacle.
Williams junior driver Luke Browning will get his third FP1 outing of the season in Abu Dhabi, driving the 2025 car. This opportunity, combined with his Formula 2 championship battle and a post-season young driver test, highlights Williams' investment in his development and his growing potential for a future F1 seat.
Australian burger chain Grill'd has launched a 'Sorry Not Sorry' merchandise line, fully embracing the viral 'cursed burger' meme that emerged after fans playfully blamed their Oscar Piastri promotion for the F1 driver's recent struggles. What started as a free burger offer for podiums turned into a social media sensation, with Grill'd cleverly pivoting to capitalize on the online chatter and show cheeky support for their 'Aussie hero,' Piastri.
The F1 São Paulo Grand Prix recorded 784,000 viewers on ESPN2, marking its second-lowest US TV audience this season and the fifth-lowest for any current race since 2018. Despite this dip, attributed partly to NFL overlap, F1's overall season viewership is averaging 1.3 million, up from last year, putting it on track for a record-breaking year ahead of its move to Apple as a broadcast partner.
