Mar.29 (GMM) Toto Wolff admits he hopes Max Verstappen does not walk away from Formula 1, amid growing signs the Dutchman is losing motivation. The four-time world champion cut a beyond-dejected figure after qualifying at Suzuka, where Red Bull’s struggles and Verstappen’s frustration with the 2026 regulations continue to mount. “I am not even frustrated […]
Antonelli closes on Russell as Italian media asks big question
Mar.29 (GMM) Pressure is mounting on championship leader George Russell at Mercedes as teammate Kimi Antonelli continues his rapid rise in the opening phase of 2026. After his breakthrough win in China, the 19-year-old secured a second consecutive pole at Suzuka, with La Gazzetta dello Sport now asking: “Has the overtaking of Russell begun?” Russell, […]
Drivers slam ‘heartbreaking’ rules as Suzuka exposes F1 slowdown
Mar.29 (GMM) Formula 1’s 2026 regulations are facing growing backlash after qualifying at Suzuka starkly exposed the extent of the sport’s energy management problem. Asked whether the FIA’s minor tweak to qualifying energy usage had helped, Carlos Sainz simply smiled: “No.” The issue was highlighted during Kimi Antonelli’s pole lap, which Formula 1 attempted to […]
Alonso hints at F1 extension, Honda talks ‘new engine’
Mar.29 (GMM) Fernando Alonso has hinted he could extend his Formula 1 career beyond 2026, insisting he does not want to leave the sport on a low note. The 44-year-old, who has just become a father for the first time, told L’Equipe he still feels as competitive as ever. “I still feel competitive, I still […]
‘Daddy’ Alonso comments on birth of first child
Mar.28 (GMM) Fernando Alonso has confirmed the birth of his first child after arriving late at Suzuka, following his absence on Thursday. The news was actually broken in the paddock by fellow driver Franco Colapinto before Alonso had even landed in Japan. “Alonso is a dad! I have all the gossip,” the Alpine driver joked. […]
Mekies holds talks with Verstappen after media clash
Mar.28 (GMM) Laurent Mekies held talks with Max Verstappen after the Dutchman’s decision to eject a journalist from his Suzuka press session sparked internal unease at Red Bull. According to Germany’s Bild newspaper, Mekies sought out Verstappen in the paddock on Friday morning, listening to his explanation but also making clear the team does not […]
Jos fears son Max could ‘lose motivation’ under new rules
Mar.28 (GMM) Jos Verstappen admits he fears his son Max could lose motivation in Formula 1 under the current regulations. The Dutchman, speaking to De Telegraaf and De Limburger, echoed his son’s growing frustration with the 2026 cars – and warned it could have longer-term consequences. “Racing in these cars doesn’t challenge him,” Jos said. […]
FIA plays down Mercedes ‘two-phase’ wing row
Mar.28 (GMM) The FIA has moved to calm the controversy over Mercedes’ so-called “two-phase” front wing, insisting the issue was minor and not worthy of formal action. The system drew attention after the Chinese GP, when Ferrari queried whether the transition between straight-line and cornering modes was occurring in two stages rather than one continuous […]
Tsunoda eyeing F1 return after choosing reserve role
Mar.28 (GMM) Yuki Tsunoda says he has no regrets about stepping back into a reserve role in 2026 – insisting it was a deliberate decision to stay within the Formula 1 paddock. The Japanese driver, speaking to local media at Suzuka, is attending his home race this weekend not as a race driver but as […]
Binotto admits Wheatley surprise, hints at replacement
Mar.28 (GMM) Mattia Binotto has insisted he was caught off guard by Jonathan Wheatley’s sudden departure, as Audi begins considering how to reorganise its leadership structure. The former Red Bull sporting director left the Hinwil-based team just two races into its full works Audi era, with the decision coming abruptly ahead of Suzuka. “Everything happened […]
Aston plays down rumours as Horner talk resurfaces
Mar.28 (GMM) Aston Martin has played down speculation linking Jonathan Wheatley with a move to the team, amid wider uncertainty about its leadership structure. Following Wheatley’s sudden departure from Audi, reports have suggested he could join Aston Martin, potentially in a role that would allow Adrian Newey to step back from day-to-day leadership duties to […]
Antonelli can beat ‘non-champion’ Russell – Patrese
Mar.28 (GMM) Riccardo Patrese believes Kimi Antonelli has a real shot at beating his more experienced teammate George Russell to the 2026 world championship. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the F1 legend said Mercedes’ bold decision to promote the teenaged Antonelli last year is already paying off. “Definitely,” the Italian said when asked if […]
Hadjar shines while Tsunoda questions 2026 gap
Mar.28 (GMM) Isack Hadjar is already showing signs of becoming the first teammate in years able to consistently support Max Verstappen at Red Bull. After struggles from drivers including Sergio Perez and Yuki Tsunoda in recent seasons, Red Bull appears to have finally found a more competitive second car presence. “It’s a very tough challenge, […]
Team to speak with Verstappen after ‘get out’ incident
Mar.27 (GMM) Max Verstappen refused to begin his Suzuka media session on Thursday until a British journalist left the room, in an extraordinary press conference standoff. The Red Bull driver singled out Giles Richards of The Guardian, telling the gaggle of reporters: “I’m not speaking before he’s leaving.” And after an extended back-and-forth, Verstappen snapped: […]
Hulk shocked by Wheatley exit, teammate hints at reasons
Mar.27 (GMM) Nico Hulkenberg admits he was taken completely by surprise by former team boss Jonathan Wheatley’s sudden departure – learning of the news from an unlikely source. “I was in the simulator that day,” the German said at Suzuka. “Between two runs I looked at my phone – and my mother had sent me […]
Tension grows over Aston-Honda issues amid Suzuka strain
Mar.27 (GMM) Confusion and tension appear to be growing between Aston Martin and engine partner Honda, as both sides offered conflicting views on reliability ahead of Suzuka. At Honda’s home race, chief engineer Shintaro Orihara insisted progress has been made on the severe vibration issue that plagued the car in China and Australia. “From a […]
Sainz stunned by slump, Norris backs McLaren recovery
Mar.27 (GMM) Carlos Sainz admits he has been left shocked by Williams’ dramatic drop in form at the start of the 2026 season. Having joined Williams from Ferrari after 2024, the Spaniard had expected progress following a reasonably promising debut year – but instead finds himself fighting at the back of the field. “Honestly, we […]
Russell shrugs off Mercedes scrutiny as rivals push back
Mar.27 (GMM) George Russell says growing scrutiny of Mercedes’ early-season dominance is simply “how the sport works”, amid fresh technical controversies in Suzuka. Rival teams – led by Ferrari – have so far raised questions over Mercedes’ engine behaviour and now the active front wing system, prompting both rule tweaks and clarification requests. But Russell […]
Hamilton and Verstappen ‘stirring things up’ – Steiner
Mar.27 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton says he is enjoying Formula 1 more than ever under the controversial 2026 regulations – despite ongoing criticism from Max Verstappen. While Verstappen has repeatedly slammed the new era for its heavy energy management and lift-and-coast characteristics, Hamilton says the on-track product reminds him of his early racing days. “If you […]
Perez rejects ‘rusty’ claim as Cadillac duo settle in
Mar.27 (GMM) Sergio Perez has pushed back at suggestions he and teammate Valtteri Bottas are “rusty” after their return to Formula 1 with Cadillac. The ‘rusty’ comment came from F1 legend Mario Andretti, the team’s ambassador, amid a difficult start to the 2026 season for the new outfit. But former Red Bull driver Perez insists […]