Martin Brundle has criticized Red Bull's team radio messages to Yuki Tsunoda during the Abu Dhabi GP, describing instructions like 'you know what to do' as nearly threatening. The calls came as Lando Norris, battling Max Verstappen for the title, approached Tsunoda, who later received a penalty for forcing Norris off track.
Lando Norris clinched his first Formula 1 world title in Abu Dhabi, cementing a journey defined not by a ruthless 'badass' persona but by his openness about self-doubt and mental health. His victory challenges the traditional champion stereotype, proving success can come from authenticity and emotional honesty in a high-pressure sport.
All ten F1 teams gathered in Abu Dhabi for a crucial 2026 tire test using 'mule cars,' offering the first glimpse of next-gen prototypes, movable front wings, and narrower tires. The session provided vital real-world data for Pirelli and teams, though the cars remain a distant preview of the 2026 challengers.
Mercedes provided the first real-world glimpse of F1's 2026 active aerodynamics era during the Abu Dhabi tire test, showcasing a fully movable front wing system. The radical design, which replaces traditional DRS, allows both front and rear wings to open on straights to reduce drag and boost speed.
The final track action of the 2025 F1 season concluded at Yas Marina with a post-season test, blending evaluations of young drivers with crucial early running on Pirelli's prototype 2026 tires for all ten teams.
Sponsorship and marketing consultancy Right Formula has acquired specialist motorsport agency Crunch Communications, aiming to create the 'most complete and capable independent consultancy in global motorsport.' The combined group already works with every F1 team and over 40 international brands.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has revealed Helmut Marko was instrumental in his appointment, calling the advisor's departure 'very sad news' that will leave a void. Marko, a key architect of Red Bull's success for over two decades, is stepping down after the 2025 season.
Red Bull's long-time motorsport advisor and talent scout, Helmut Marko, will leave his role at the end of the year. The 82-year-old Austrian, instrumental in discovering champions like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, says the time is right to end his 'extraordinary and extremely successful journey' with the team.
Helmut Marko's announced departure from Red Bull as 'voluntary' obscures deep tensions following Dietrich Mateschitz's death. Internal clashes over driver decisions, controversial remarks, and shifting corporate oversight reveal a fractured relationship beneath the official narrative of a graceful exit.
Lando Norris will run No. 1 on his McLaren next season following his maiden F1 title win, honoring tradition while Max Verstappen eyes a switch to No. 3 if he loses the championship. The change marks McLaren's return to the top number after 30 years and reshapes grid identity dynamics.
Max Verstappen will part ways with race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase after 2025 following an eight-year partnership that delivered four world titles. Lambiase steps down due to personal circumstances but remains at Red Bull's base, marking another major shift for the team amid speculation about Helmut Marko's future.
Valtteri Bottas transitioned from Mercedes' Yas Marina farewell to Cadillac duties within hours, marking the start of his 2026 F1 comeback. The 36-year-old Finn begins seat fitting and technical preparations immediately, pairing with Sergio Pérez for Cadillac's ambitious debut season.
