Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff says the manufacturer plans to reduce its number of customer teams from four to two or three after 2030. The move is motivated by the high logistical costs and developmental focus required for the new 2026 power unit era.
New Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies details the 'complete reset' needed after his mid-season promotion from Racing Bulls, replacing Christian Horner. He credits the team's unified focus for the remarkable late-season turnaround that nearly won the 2025 title, while downplaying his own impact and explaining the strategic decision to prioritize understanding the current car over early work on the 2026 project.
Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan crashed twice during a Super Formula test at Suzuka's Degner corner, repeating errors from his F1 debut there in April. The incidents come as he vies for a 2025 seat in the Japanese series, a potential pathway back to Formula 1.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff argues Max Verstappen's extensive simulator experience gives him a key advantage for F1's 2026 rules. The new cars will require complex energy management, a skill Wolff believes is best developed in the virtual world by drivers like Verstappen and George Russell.
The FIA has finalized new rules allowing F1 drivers to change race numbers, paving the way for Max Verstappen to adopt his preferred number three in 2026. In a separate strategic move, Mercedes' Toto Wolff announced plans to reduce the number of customer teams the manufacturer supplies, putting McLaren, Williams, and Alpine on notice.
Ex-Haas boss Guenther Steiner argues Yuki Tsunoda's penalty for defending against Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi was unjust, calling it "fair racing" that fans want to see. He criticizes stewards for over-officiating and sanitizing wheel-to-wheel battles.
A roundup of key F1 stories sees Max Verstappen sign a major merchandise deal, Toto Wolff highlight Verstappen's inherent advantage for 2026, and Lewis Hamilton's tough first Ferrari season spark legacy concerns. Fernando Alonso's clever tactics and Lando Norris's award nomination complete the off-season headlines.
2016 champion Nico Rosberg has taken McLaren CEO Zak Brown to task for not offering more empathetic public support to Oscar Piastri after the Australian narrowly lost the 2025 world title to teammate Lando Norris. Rosberg, speaking from experience as a former runner-up, believes Piastri deserved clearer recognition for his strong season during the post-race moment.
Damon Hill has launched a fierce defense of new F1 champion Lando Norris after a BBC satirical show mocked Norris's privileged background. Hill called the joke "pathetic," arguing Norris's dedication and work ethic, not his wealth, define his title win, sparking debate about privilege and access in motorsport.
Max Verstappen has entered an exclusive multi-year merchandise partnership with Fanatics, launching a global online shop for fans. The deal highlights his commercial power as he also prepares to choose a new race number for 2026.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella credits the unique "McLaren way" for the team's 2025 double championship, which ended Max Verstappen's four-year title reign. Lando Norris secured the drivers' crown by two points in Abu Dhabi, marking the team's first since 2008.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff predicts the 2026 F1 power unit rules, with a 50/50 electric-combustion split, will favor drivers skilled in simulator racing like Max Verstappen. He believes managing energy deployment will become a strategic "chess" game, giving an edge to the generation for whom virtual training is second nature.
