Alpine rookie Franco Colapinto fiercely criticized Lance Stroll after an on-track incident ended Gabriel Bortoleto's race in Sao Paulo. Colapinto accused Stroll of reckless driving, claiming he "always" takes people out. This outburst starkly contrasts with Bortoleto's own measured view, who deemed it a "racing incident," sparking debate about driver conduct and blame in Formula 1.
A video showing a Racing Bulls crew member making a 'thumbs-down' gesture at Lando Norris during the Brazilian GP podium ceremony went viral, prompting the team to issue a statement. Racing Bulls clarified that the action does not reflect their values and that the matter has been handled internally, emphasizing their commitment to respect within the sport.
Ralf Schumacher has launched a scathing attack on Oscar Piastri's manager, Mark Webber, accusing him of immaturity and unfairness in the F1 title fight, drawing parallels to Webber's own past championship loss. Schumacher also called on Piastri to improve his public image and acknowledge Lando Norris's superior performance, as Norris now holds a 24-point lead.
Pierre Gasly secured points in both the São Paulo Sprint and Grand Prix, marking Alpine's first double-points weekend since the summer break. Despite the positive results and a significant performance boost for the car, Gasly admitted the team is puzzled by the sudden improvement, highlighting the mystery behind their Interlagos pace. The team is now focused on understanding these gains to build consistency for future races.
Toto Wolff is reportedly in talks to sell a 5% stake in the Mercedes F1 team, valuing the outfit at a staggering £4.6 billion. While Wolff would reduce his personal holding from one-third to 28%, he is expected to retain his crucial roles as Team Principal and CEO, ensuring stability amidst this significant financial move. The development underscores Formula 1's soaring commercial value and increasing investor interest, even as Mercedes works to regain its past championship dominance.
Australian burger chain Grill'd has cleverly engaged with the 'Oscar Piastri Burger curse' narrative, issuing a playful apology while reaffirming support for the F1 driver. The promotion, which initially offered free burgers for podium finishes, became linked to Piastri's recent slump in form by fans. Grill'd embraced the online buzz with a humorous campaign, including mock merchandise and a Spotify playlist, turning a viral joke into a smart marketing move.
Toto Wolff is reportedly in talks to sell a minor stake in his Mercedes F1 team shares, a deal that could value the team at a record-breaking $6 billion USD. This potential transaction highlights the surging financial health and investor confidence in Formula 1, dwarfing McLaren's recent $4.7 billion valuation. Mercedes, a dominant force with significant profits, remains committed to its F1 success despite the ongoing ownership discussions.
Australian burger chain Grill'd has humorously responded to social media claims that its 'Oscar Piastri 81 burger' 'cursed' the F1 driver's championship bid. After Piastri's performance dipped and a free burger promotion was quietly changed, fans created a viral 'burger curse' conspiracy. Grill'd, while not apologizing for backing their 'homegrown Aussie hero,' leaned into the fun, stating they merely made a burger 'so delicious it could change the course of F1 history.'
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff lauded Kimi Antonelli's exceptional performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where the 19-year-old secured two second-place finishes and notably held off Max Verstappen. Wolff views this strong showing, particularly after a challenging European leg, as a critical indicator of Antonelli's future potential and growing maturity in Formula 1, validating Mercedes' decision to fast-track him into the sport.
Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will hold a joint livery launch for their 2026 cars on January 15 in Detroit, marking the official start of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains partnership. This event signals Ford's return to Formula 1 and Red Bull's debut as a full power unit manufacturer, coinciding with major technical regulation changes for the 2026 season. The collaboration aims to leverage Ford's expertise and give Red Bull more control over its engine development.
Ferrari President John Elkann's public call for drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to "talk less" and for parts of the F1 team to improve has sparked controversy. Former F1 World Champion Jenson Button swiftly criticized Elkann, suggesting he "should lead by example," a sentiment widely supported by fans. The incident highlights internal pressures at Ferrari amid its lengthy championship drought, raising questions about leadership strategy and team morale as they push to finish strong in the 2025 season.
McLaren's Andrea Stella received an answer regarding Red Bull's cost cap compliance after a new power unit for Max Verstappen in Brazil, confirming its inclusion. Concurrently, Martin Brundle hailed Verstappen's masterful drive from the pit lane to a podium finish as a historic performance, emphasizing his exceptional skill and racecraft over luck.
