Aug.28 (GMM) George Russell and Kimi Antonelli walked back into the Formula 1 paddock at Zandvoort this week noticeably more relaxed – with both knowing that Max Verstappen will not be moving to Mercedes in 2026. The speculation over Verstappen’s contract exit clauses had put particular pressure on Mercedes’ young Italian rookie, but for now […]
Perez-Bottas ‘conservative’ call sparks debate
Aug.28 (GMM) Cadillac’s decision to launch its Formula 1 program with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas is dividing opinion in the paddock. Dr Helmut Marko, part of the decision to axe Perez after 2024, told Kleine Zeitung that the pairing is solid but cautious. “They’ve chosen the conservative route,” the Red Bull advisor said. “So […]
Hamilton denies physical struggle behind ‘useless’ comment
Aug.28 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton says he has returned from Formula 1’s summer shutdown with a new outlook after branding himself “useless” before the break. “In the heat of the moment, it can happen to anyone, and that’s how I felt,” the seven-time champion admitted at Zandvoort. “There was so much pressure in the first half […]
Red Bull denies Palou link as ’26 race heats up
Aug.28 (GMM) Red Bull has moved to shut down speculation that Indycar champion Alex Palou could be drafted in to partner Max Verstappen next season. “That’s not true,” Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s long-time motorsport advisor, told Kleine Zeitung when asked about the rumours. Palou, 28, is a four-time Indycar title winner and has dominated […]
Verstappen ‘tone has changed’ since Horner axe
Aug.28 (GMM) Max Verstappen returns from the August break seemingly recharged, though no longer a central figure in the 2025 world championship fight. “What did I miss? Not the media – that was nice,” the four-time champion smiled at Zandvoort. “I didn’t even race. I just had a vacation and meetings.” When asked if slipping […]
Herta dodges F2 rumours amid Cadillac speculation
Aug.28 (GMM) Colton Herta has declined to confirm or deny mounting speculation that he could be placed in Formula 2 next year to secure the Super License points required for a potential Cadillac Formula 1 seat from 2027. “Oh boy, I don’t really have any comments for any of that stuff, to be honest,” the […]
2026 F1 rules becoming even more complex – report
Aug.28 (GMM) Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport has revealed the extraordinary complexity of Formula 1’s incoming 2026 regulations – raising concerns the sport is straying even further from its racing roots. Journalist Michael Schmidt was given access to the FIA’s confidential energy management charts, which outline how power use will be individually restricted at every […]
Ecclestone warns Verstappen against Ferrari move
Aug.28 (GMM) Max Verstappen has been warned not to join Ferrari after 2026 by former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. “If he goes to Ferrari, that would be the end of his career. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen,” the 94-year-old told sport.de. Ecclestone, a frequent critic of both Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton, said Verstappen can succeed […]
Audi at ‘base camp’, Hulkenberg central to climb
Aug.28 (GMM) Audi’s Formula 1 project is still at “base camp” as it prepares to fully take over Sauber next year, according to project head Mattia Binotto. “There are still many goals,” he told the German news agency SID ahead of the Dutch GP. “More podiums, even victories. “In the end, we want to win […]
McLaren livery to stay ‘recognisable’ – CEO Brown
Aug.28 (GMM) McLaren has unveiled Mastercard as its first title sponsor in more than a decade – but CEO Zak Brown insists the famous papaya livery will remain. “Don’t worry, the car will remain recognisable,” he told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad at the Amsterdam launch. The deal, thought to be worth a whopping $100 million […]
Russian GP organisers sue F1 over unpaid fee
Aug.27 (GMM) The promoters of Formula 1’s axed Russian Grand Prix have launched legal action against the sport’s commercial rights holder in the UK High Court. According to the state-owned Tass news agency, Rosgonki – the company that organised the Sochi race – is seeking repayment of its pre-paid 2022 fee, believed to be the […]
Madrid F1 track designer wanted ‘more extreme’ banking
Aug.27 (GMM) Zandvoort’s famous steep corners helped inspire Madrid’s new Formula 1 circuit – with its designer admitting he wanted to go even further. As F1 returns this weekend for the Dutch GP, the seaside venue is preparing for its second-last race before exiting the calendar after 2026. Zandvoort’s return in 2021 was marked by […]
Ganassi, Palou dismiss Red Bull F1 rumours
Aug.27 (GMM) Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi have both firmly denied reports linking the four-time Indycar champion to a Red Bull Formula 1 seat. The 28-year-old Spaniard, who secured titles in 2021, 2023, 2024 and again this season with dominant consistency at Chip Ganassi Racing, was suddenly thrust into the F1 rumour mill this week. […]
‘Smarter’ Piastri has mental edge over Norris – Jones
Aug.27 (GMM) As Formula 1 returns from its summer shutdown, McLaren is bracing for a straight fight between its own drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris for the 2025 world championship. Just 9 points separate the Australian and the Briton at the top of the standings, with Max Verstappen no longer a serious contender and […]
Salo backs Bottas as right choice for Cadillac
Aug.27 (GMM) Former Finnish Formula 1 driver Mika Salo has endorsed Cadillac’s decision to sign compatriot Valtteri Bottas as one of its two drivers for 2026. Speaking to Iltalehti – a Finnish daily newspaper – Salo said: “It was expected and good news. Valtteri did exactly the right thing by staying with Mercedes as a […]
Cadillac defends Bottas-Perez driver lineup
Aug.27 (GMM) Cadillac has defended its decision to launch its Formula 1 program with experienced and non-American duo Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, following criticism that the team overlooked younger options. The New York announcement confirmed that Bottas and Perez, both 35, will form the all-new lineup from 2026. Some observers, however, noted that while […]
Mercedes clears Bottas for early Cadillac work
Aug.27 (GMM) Valtteri Bottas will begin contributing to Cadillac’s new Formula 1 project this year despite remaining under contract as Mercedes’ reserve driver. The Finn was unveiled alongside Sergio Perez as Cadillac’s first F1 lineup at a New York event, with team boss Graeme Lowdon emphasising Mercedes’ willingness to be flexible. “I would like to […]
Verstappen could reconsider after 2026 – Marko
Aug.26 (GMM) Dr Helmut Marko admits Max Verstappen may still decide to leave Red Bull after 2026, despite having recently reaffirmed his commitment to the team. The quadruple world champion has a contract through 2028, but persistent speculation over 2024 and 2025 suggested exit clauses could allow him to depart early. Christian Horner’s dismissal earlier […]
Red Bull linked with Indycar star Palou for 2026
Aug.26 (GMM) A surprising new name has suddenly returned to the Formula 1 driver market rumour mill – dominant multiple Indycar champion Alex Palou. According to Indy Star journalist Nathan Brown, “sources with direct knowledge of the talks” claim Red Bull has expressed interest in the four-time title winner, who currently drives for Chip Ganassi […]
Komatsu meets Toyota chairman as partnership grows
Aug.26 (GMM) Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu has revealed he recently held extended discussions with countryman and Toyota Motor Corporation chairman Akio Toyoda during a special Haas-Toyota event at Fuji Speedway. The event saw Japanese drivers sample the American team’s Formula 1 car as part of the new Toyota-funded Haas ‘TPC’ program. While Toyota has […]