Ex-Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok says he would remove the Chinese Grand Prix from the calendar, calling the Shanghai circuit's paddock "completely soulless" and criticizing its remote location. He instead advocates for the return of Malaysia's Sepang circuit, which he fondly remembers as a fantastic driver's track.
Giancarlo Minardi, the former F1 team owner, has strongly defended Lewis Hamilton after a tough first year at Ferrari, stating the seven-time champion is "not finished." He compared Hamilton to Fernando Alonso, arguing talent doesn't fade but depends on the car, and suggested Hamilton underestimated the challenge of leaving Mercedes.
Arvid Lindblad explains the viral moment from five years ago when he told Lando Norris he would see him in F1, a bold prediction inspired by Lewis Hamilton that is now coming true with his 2026 Racing Bulls seat.
Juan Pablo Montoya claims Oscar Piastri and manager Mark Webber are already speaking with rival F1 teams, fueled by a frustrating 2025 season at McLaren. While Piastri's speed is unquestioned, Montoya warns that internal team dynamics and Webber's own past experiences must be carefully navigated as the Australian plots his championship path.
George Russell has slammed online 'keyboard warriors' for sending death threats to teammate Kimi Antonelli. The abuse followed the Qatar GP, where a Red Bull radio message wrongly suggested Antonelli deliberately let a rival pass. Russell called the behavior 'unacceptable' and a broader societal issue.
Following news of Portugal's F1 return, a fan poll reveals Kyalami in South Africa as the most desired circuit for a calendar comeback, highlighting a strong desire for F1's return to Africa and the revival of classic European tracks like the Nürburgring and Hockenheim.
George Russell admits Mercedes fundamentally misjudged the 2022 F1 regulations, starting "in the wrong place" with its car concept. This early error, contrasted with Red Bull's quick porpoising fix, gave rivals a lasting head start that defined Mercedes' challenging cycle, despite Russell's two 2025 wins. The team now aims for a clean slate with the 2026 rules.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli may need until 2030 to reach his peak in F1, outlining a patient 3-5 year development plan. The team values his challenging 2025 debut season as vital preparation for the major 2026 regulation changes.
Guenther Steiner labeled Zak Brown's congratulatory radio message to Lando Norris after Abu Dhabi as an unfunny joke that missed the mark, highlighting the pitfalls of trying too hard for humor in F1's high-pressure spotlight.
Red Bull Racing has hinted at a 2026 livery change by revealing a new silver-outlined number font for Max Verstappen, who will switch to car number 3. This visual reboot aligns with the team's new era as a power unit manufacturer with Ford under the sport's upcoming technical regulations.
1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve believes Oscar Piastri "must be feeling terrible" after letting the 2025 drivers' title slip from his grasp, having led the standings mid-season before a podium drought cost him the crown to teammate Lando Norris.
Toto Wolff reiterates that F1's 2026 cars could theoretically reach 400 km/h, thanks to new hybrid power units and aerodynamics. However, Mercedes' Hywel Thomas clarifies that such a peak speed would consume crucial electrical energy, forcing earlier power reduction on straights and highlighting the strategic energy management that will define the next era.
