F1 safety car driver and Nurburgring expert Bernd Maylander has praised Max Verstappen's performances in GT3 racing, noting the entire motorsport world is watching. He highlighted the pure challenge of the Nordschleife and the skill difference between driving a purpose-built GT3 car and his heavier, more powerful safety car.
Max Verstappen is a wanted man in the World Endurance Championship, with every Hypercar team reportedly keen to sign the F1 star. In related F1 news, Ollie Bearman has slammed Franco Colapinto for an "unacceptable" defensive move that caused his 50G crash in Japan, intensifying safety concerns around the sport's new energy recovery rules.
Liam Lawson has shut down rumors of an impending switch to Australian Supercars during F1's break, calling the story baseless. The Racing Bulls driver expressed his fondness for the series he grew up watching but confirmed his current focus is solely on Formula 1, leaving any potential crossover for a future date.
Following his 2025 F1 title win, Lando Norris has been selected for the TIME 100 Most Influential People list of 2026. Categorized as an 'Innovator,' he was profiled by Paris Hilton, who praised his talent and genuine character. The honor reflects his impact beyond the track as a relatable champion in the sport's cultural mainstream.
Oliver Bearman slammed Franco Colapinto’s defensive move at Suzuka as ‘unacceptable’ after a 50 kph speed delta caused a massive crash, reigniting safety concerns under the new 2026 regulations.
Red Bull's new RB22 is underperforming, but rookie Isack Hadjar scored points in China and made Q3 at all three races. The car’s balance woes leave the team’s season outlook uncertain.
Oliver Bearman survived a 50‑g impact at Suzuka, recovered quickly, and confirmed he’s fully fit. He’s back on the simulator and set to race for Haas in Miami.
BMW’s Robin Frijns believes four‑time F1 champion Max Verstappen will soon swap to the World Endurance Championship, likely targeting the top‑tier Hypercar class after his Nurburgring 24 Hours debut.
Liam Lawson finally hits his stride with points in China and Japan, backed by a surprisingly strong VCARB‑03 engine. Yet team boss Alan Permane warns that cutting qualifying swings and race‑day errors is essential for the Racing Bulls to secure a solid midfield position in 2026.
Lance Stroll enjoyed his GT World Challenge debut in an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 at Paul Ricard, despite his team serving over 465 seconds of penalties and finishing 48th. He’s open to more GT races.
Ex-F1 racer David Coulthard claims the sport has lost its edge, arguing that increased safety and polished professionalism have eroded the raw "anger, hunger, and fight" that defined drivers in his more dangerous era. He suggests today's friendly, media-savvy grid may lack the cutthroat "killer instinct" needed to seize fleeting opportunities, warning that success is never guaranteed.
FIA Single‑Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis says the Bearman crash highlighted known risks of closing speeds, but more data is needed before changes. He stresses safety remains top priority and that the new rules are not fundamentally broken.
