Lance Stroll’s GT3 debut in a Vantage GT3 Evo in France ended 48th after a gearbox issue, but stint delivered third‑best night pace and eighth‑fastest lap, leaving him hopeful for sport‑scar outings.
PlanetF1.com's paddock journalists Mat Coch and Thomas Maher are asking readers to send in their Formula 1 questions. The best submissions will be answered in an exclusive upcoming Q&A, offering fans direct access to insider perspectives during the sport's break.
Helmut Marko says the 2026 title will be a battle between Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, with 19‑year‑old Antonelli leading after three races but must prove himself on Europe’s tracks.
F1’s Liberty Media says the sport’s data shows fan interest is growing, so it won’t overhaul regulations despite vocal critics. Attendance and TV ratings rose at the first three 2026 races, underscoring the strategy.
Michael Schumacher’s 97th Ferrari start at Imola broke Gerhard Berger’s record and secured a 1‑2 finish with Rubens Barrichello, while a heated on‑track exchange between Barrichello and ex‑Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine added drama to the dominant 2002 race.
The FIA has outlawed a qualifying maneuver used by Mercedes and Red Bull that exploited the MGU‑K emergency‑shutdown rule to keep full power longer, after safety incidents at the Japanese GP raised concerns.
Mick Doohan says his son Jack was unfairly dropped by Alpine after six races, with a pre‑planned replacement despite a long‑term contract. Jack now races in Barcelona and is a Haas reserve; Mick eyes LMP2 in 2026.
James Hinchcliffe told George Russell on the F1 Nation podcast to become more ruthless as teammate Kimi Antonelli’s back‑to‑back poles and wins have taken the championship lead, sparking a title fight.
Jenson Button dismissed rumors of a Sky Sports F1 commentary role, saying he’s “happy to pop in” but has enough commitments elsewhere; Sky confirms Brundle remains the lead commentator for 2026.
Jos Verstappen has formally challenged his son Max to try rally driving, countering the F1 champion's safety concerns with a sarcastic jab at Max's own racing activities. Jos insists that experiencing the sport's detailed pace-note system and focused mindset would change Max's view, highlighting a fundamental difference in risk perception between circuit and stage racing.
Former driver Jolyon Palmer says the loss of long‑time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren is a clear indicator that Max Verstappen is growing unhappy at Red Bull and could leave the team before the season ends.
Helmut Marko forecasts the 2026 F1 title will be fought solely between Mercedes' George Russell and rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli, praising the teenager's immediate impact as Mercedes dominates the new regulations. He cautions that Antonelli must prove he can avoid the mid-season slumps seen in his junior career.
