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Red Bull-Ford not ready for customer teams - Mekies

GMM — 2026-10-27T08:17:00Z

Red Bull says its new Ford-backed power unit program is not yet ready to supply customer teams, despite apparent interest from elsewhere on the grid.
Laurent Mekies said Red Bull Powertrains has attracted widespread attention after a stronger-than-expected first season under the complex new regulations.
"We have received a lot of unsolicited positive publicity regarding the performance of our engine," the Frenchman said.
"And that has naturally led to interest from many teams."
But (…)

Cadillac admits Herta could replace Bottas

GMM — 2026-10-27T07:13:00Z

Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss has admitted Colton Herta still has a chance of landing a race seat in 2027 as questions intensify around Valtteri Bottas' form.
New team principal Marcin Budkowski had already refused in Austin to confirm Cadillac's 2027 driver lineup, despite Bottas and Sergio Perez previously being presented as long-term signings.
Towriss has now gone further, telling Racer that Bottas' recent race pace is under discussion inside the team.
"Obviously we've got Checo and (…)

Wolff relieved after son's frightening kart crash

GMM — 2026-10-27T06:26:00Z

Toto Wolff says his nine-year-old son Jack is unharmed after a frightening karting accident in Italy.
The Mercedes team principal was in Austin when footage emerged of the crash at the IAME Warriors Final in Viterbo.
Jack Wolff was fighting for the lead late in the race when contact triggered a multi-kart accident and another kart was launched into the air, striking him around the helmet and shoulder area.
The race was immediately stopped, but young Wolff was able to climb from the (…)

Bottas dismisses latest Cadillac exit rumours

GMM — 2026-10-26T12:33:00Z

Valtteri Bottas says he is not concerned by growing speculation that Cadillac could replace him for 2027.
The Finn has recently been linked with losing his seat as names including Colton Herta, Esteban Ocon and Yuki Tsunoda emerge around the new American team.
New Cadillac boss Marcin Budkowski has also declined to publicly confirm Bottas' 2027 contract status.
When asked about the rumours in Austin, however, 37-year-old Bottas was relaxed.
"No," said the former Mercedes driver.
"I (…)

New engineer praised despite Verstappen problems

GMM — 2026-10-26T10:14:00Z

Tom Hart's first full race weekend as Max Verstappen's planned next race engineer ended with praise from Red Bull - despite more radio trouble and a few closely watched mistakes.
Hart, who has worked at Red Bull since 2012 and has been part of Verstappen's engineering group since 2020, is being prepared to replace the McLaren-bound Gianpiero Lambiase full-time - probably from 2027.
He took over Verstappen's radio in Austin as part of that transition, with Lambiase still supporting from (…)

Alonso slams 'quality of drivers' after Albon clash

GMM — 2026-10-26T09:33:00Z

Fernando Alonso has launched a surprisingly harsh attack on Alex Albon after first-lap contact ruined what he felt was Aston Martin's strongest race of the season.
The pair touched at Turn 11, leaving Alonso with heavy floor and sidepod damage, although the stewards took no action against Albon.
Alonso nevertheless made his feelings extraordinarily clear.
"Albon forgot that turn 11 was there and he had to turn left," said the Spaniard.
Later, he went even further.
"I think starting (…)

Antonelli on verge of EUR 10m title bonus

GMM — 2026-10-26T08:48:00Z

Kimi Antonelli is now within touching distance of becoming the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history after converting pole into victory in Austin.
The Mercedes driver only narrowly missed sealing the championship in Texas, with George Russell finishing eighth - one place too high for Antonelli to clinch the title.
Antonelli now needs only P9 in Mexico this weekend to secure the title and break Sebastian Vettel's record as the youngest champion.
"Kimi has won the World (…)

Ecclestone puts Verstappen top of revised all-time list

GMM — 2026-10-25T14:56:00Z

Bernie Ecclestone has reportedly revised his personal ranking of Formula 1's greatest ever drivers, placing Max Verstappen above Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
German journalist Ralf Bach said on f1-insider.com that he spoke with the former F1 supremo last week and that Ecclestone now wants to expand his previous top five into a top six.
Bach recalled that Ecclestone had previously ranked Jochen Rindt fifth, Niki Lauda fourth, Schumacher third, Senna second and Prost (…)

Hockenheim not open to one-off F1 return only

GMM — 2026-10-25T14:07:00Z

Hockenheim says it would consider stepping in if Formula 1 needs another replacement race because of the Middle East conflict - but only if it helps secure a proper return to the calendar.
Sepang already replaced Bahrain earlier this month, while uncertainty remains around the scheduled Qatar and Abu Dhabi races - with Imola quietly making preparations in the meantime.
Hockenheimring managing director Jorn Teske told formel1.de that the German circuit could be interested if a late (…)

Mekies backs Vasseur amid renewed Ferrari speculation

GMM — 2026-10-25T13:12:00Z

Laurent Mekies has backed Frederic Vasseur as renewed speculation continues around the Ferrari team principal's future. Vasseur has again faced questions over whether he could be replaced, while Ralf Schumacher even suggested the strain on his health could prompt him to step away from F1.
Mekies, who worked alongside Vasseur at Ferrari during part of 2023 before leaving for Red Bull's sister team, told Corriere della Sera that his fellow Frenchman deserves more stability.
"I think Fred (…)

Alonso invited to IndyCar race, Ford wants Verstappen for GT program

GMM — 2026-10-25T12:19:00Z

Fernando Alonso has emerged as the obvious candidate for a possible guest entry when IndyCar races in Barcelona next year. Ford wants to bring Max Verstappen into its GT racing activities in the future.
Spanish reports say Penske Entertainment is considering whether to relax its normal 25-car limit for the Barcelona round and allow an additional local guest driver.
IndyCar president Doug Boles was quoted by Spanish publication Motor.es as saying the idea has already been discussed (…)

Alpine distances itself from Colapinto joke

GMM — 2026-10-25T11:28:00Z

Alpine has distanced itself from a joke by former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson about Franco Colapinto's nationality.
Clarkson, a longstanding Alpine supporter who has collaborated commercially with the Enstone-based team through his Oxfordshire farming business, was a guest of Alpine in Austin and appeared on Sky ahead of qualifying.
Discussing Colapinto's actual 10-place grid penalty for a power unit component change, Clarkson joked: "Franco's got a grid penalty for being (…)

Herta emerges as contender for Bottas' seat

GMM — 2026-10-25T09:54:00Z

Colton Herta has emerged as a serious candidate to replace Valtteri Bottas at Cadillac in 2027, despite his difficult Formula 2 season and the fact he still lacks a Formula 1 super licence.
Paddock reports in Austin suggest Cadillac is considering giving Herta an additional FP1 appearance before the end of the season specifically to secure the final super licence point he needs.
The American currently has 39 of the required 40 points after his IndyCar results and F1 practice appearances. (…)

Verstappen hits back at COTA boss over bumps

GMM — 2026-10-25T09:41:00Z

Max Verstappen has hit back at Circuit of The Americas boss Bobby Epstein after the US GP promoter played down concerns about Austin's extreme bumps.
Epstein told ESPN that the track was generally in "really good shape" apart from one dip near Turn 1, and suggested Verstappen might be pleasantly surprised once he drove it.
He was not.
"Well, I invite him to drive my car," Verstappen told Viaplay.
"Then I'd see him get out within five laps, because he doesn't want to do it anymore." (…)

Antonelli takes control of Austin title chance

GMM — 2026-10-25T09:27:00Z

Kimi Antonelli has put himself in position to become Formula 1 world champion on Sunday after taking pole in Austin for his first title match point.
The Mercedes driver will start ahead of Max Verstappen, while Lewis Hamilton qualified fifth and George Russell only sixth.
That keeps the championship scenario alive, although Antonelli still needs to win the race, with Russell finishing no higher than ninth and Hamilton no higher than fifth.
Verstappen said the title for Antonelli is (…)

Wolff admits Mercedes succession plan taking shape

GMM — 2026-10-25T09:07:00Z

Toto Wolff has admitted he is already planning how Mercedes will eventually operate without him at the helm.
Speaking on the Cheeky Pint podcast, the Mercedes team boss and major shareholder said the goal is to build a structure that can survive his eventual step back.
"For me, it's important to do what's best for the family and to do what's best for the team," said the 54-year-old Austrian.
"That means looking at the structure going forward where this team can live without me." (…)

Russell says Horner talks were 'mind games'

GMM — 2026-10-25T08:18:00Z

George Russell has played down Christian Horner's claim that Red Bull seriously explored signing him, saying the contact was mainly part of the former team boss' political games with Toto Wolff.
Horner wrote in his new book Drive that he contacted Russell's management while Wolff was openly courting Max Verstappen.
Russell says it never went far.
"Not serious at all, to be honest," he said in Austin.
"I had no intention whatsoever of driving anywhere other than at Mercedes."
He (…)

Marko defends Rwanda's place on F1 calendar

GMM — 2026-10-24T14:17:00Z

Dr Helmut Marko has defended Formula 1's decision to bring Rwanda onto the calendar, despite a growing backlash over human rights and the war in neighbouring Congo.
The new 10-year African GP deal has already drawn strong criticism from Amnesty International, which described it as a "sportswashing prize for the Rwandan authorities".
Human Rights Watch has also raised concerns about repression, media freedom and Rwanda's alleged role in the conflict in eastern Congo.
The Democratic (…)

Verstappen says online abuse 'doesn't bother me'

GMM — 2026-10-24T09:28:00Z

Max Verstappen says he personally ignores social media abuse, but felt compelled to intervene when it was directed at his young GT3 teammate Chris Lulham.
Lulham, the sim racer turned real-world competitor in Verstappen's GT program, was heavily criticised online after making contact with a rival at Portimao and receiving a drive-through penalty.
Verstappen subsequently issued a rare social media statement defending the 23-year-old.
When asked about it in Austin, the four-time world (…)

Newey backs Honda despite Aston Martin doubts

GMM — 2026-10-24T08:51:00Z

Adrian Newey has backed Honda to recover from its difficult 2026 season amid continuing speculation that Aston Martin could reconsider its long-term engine partnership.
Honda's new role as Aston Martin's works supplier has been troubled, with reliability, vibration and performance problems prompting repeated scrutiny and even rumours that Lawrence Stroll has explored alternatives.
Stroll also travelled to Honda's Sakura base after Singapore, although Newey said the visit was part of a (…)

Superstitious Antonelli refuses to tempt fate

GMM — 2026-10-24T07:39:00Z

Kimi Antonelli is trying hard not to talk about his first Formula 1 title match point in Austin - and admits superstition is part of the reason.
Asked by Corriere della Sera whether he had fully realised he could become world champion on Sunday, Antonelli immediately pushed back.
"Again?" he smiled, exasperated at the ongoing talk about his mathematical chance of winning his first drivers' title so early.
"They've thrown so many curses at me these days. I never mention it."
"Yeah, (…)

Cadillac refuses to rule out Ocon for 2027

GMM — 2026-10-24T07:07:00Z

Esteban Ocon's Formula 1 future may not be over, with new Cadillac boss Marcin Budkowski refusing to rule out talks with the outgoing Haas driver - or even confirm that Valtteri Bottas is contracted for 2027.
The comments come as Ralf Schumacher has openly urged Cadillac to replace Bottas with Ocon.
When asked in Austin whether Cadillac would consider Ocon, potentially even in a reserve role, Budkowski said drivers and managers across the market have already been making contact.
"There (…)

Leclerc will not miss race for baby's birth

GMM — 2026-10-24T05:09:00Z

Charles Leclerc says he does not expect the imminent birth of his first child to force him to miss a Formula 1 race.
The Ferrari driver and wife Alexandra are expecting their first child in the coming weeks, although no exact due date has been made public.
"No, I don't think I'll miss a race," he insisted in Austin.
"I doubt I'll have to miss any, but of course I'll do my best to stay home as much as possible between races."
Leclerc said that could mean changing his usual travel (…)

Bearman says Ferrari role is delaying Haas deal

GMM — 2026-10-24T04:31:00Z

Oliver Bearman says his expected new Haas contract is being held up by details involving Ferrari rather than any doubt about whether he will remain with the team.
Haas has already confirmed Rafael Camara - another Ferrari junior - for 2027, while team boss Ayao Komatsu has made clear that Bearman is also expected to stay.
"For my part, and I think for Ayao as well, if I'm not mistaken, we are quite sure that we want to continue together," Bearman said in Austin.
"The only points of (…)

Williams clarifies Sainz comments on Gulf races

GMM — 2026-10-24T03:53:00Z

Williams has issued a clarification on behalf of Carlos Sainz after the GPDA director sounded notably cautious about Formula 1's confidence that the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will go ahead.
Sainz had said on Thursday that it was "relatively premature" to be so convinced while the political and security situation in the Middle East could still change quickly.
Later the same day, Williams issued a further statement in his name.
"Following some reporting of my comments in the press (…)

Hamilton unrepentant over Singapore strategy gamble

GMM — 2026-10-24T03:12:00Z

Lewis Hamilton says he will not stop challenging Ferrari's strategy calls despite admitting his decision to stay out in Singapore was a mistake.
Hamilton stayed on track rather than following Ferrari's preferred pit sequence during the race.
Asked in Austin whether the outcome would make him less willing to take the initiative from the cockpit going forwards, Hamilton said no.
"I'm always looking at ways to win," he said.
"I wanted to be on a different strategy, not just the same (…)

Leclerc fast as Wolff admits Merc upgrade mistake

GMM — 2026-10-23T23:21:00Z

Charles Leclerc topped both Friday practice sessions in Austin as Kimi Antonelli began his first Formula 1 title match-point weekend with Mercedes still wrestling with its latest upgrade package.
Ferrari has brought its final significant aerodynamic update of the season to Texas, and Leclerc immediately set the pace in both sessions.
But the Monegasque played down the significance of Friday's times.
"Kimi and Max looked very strong and will definitely be up there in qualifying," he (…)

Schumacher doubts Antonelli to win title in Austin

GMM — 2026-10-23T19:48:00Z

Ralf Schumacher doubts Kimi Antonelli will actually clinch the world championship in Austin, even though the Mercedes driver arrives with his first mathematical match point.
To secure it this weekend, Antonelli must win, with George Russell no higher than ninth and Lewis Hamilton no higher than fifth.
Schumacher thinks that is unlikely, especially with Max Verstappen back in strong form. He told Sky Deutschland that the title is "more likely around the time of Brazil".
But his (…)

Marko backs Tsolov over Lawson for 2027 seat

GMM — 2026-10-23T16:27:00Z

Dr Helmut Marko believes Racing Bulls should replace Liam Lawson with Nikola Tsolov for 2027.
"I agree with Mateschitz's phrase," said Red Bull's former junior driver program chief. "We don't buy stars, we create them'."
"We've always strived to rely on our drivers to win Grand Prix races," he told Krone newspaper.
"With a few exceptions, the system worked."
And with Racing Bulls still facing a choice for 2027, Marko made his preference clear.
"If we stick to this philosophy, the (…)

Cadillac should sign Ocon for 2027 - Ralf

GMM — 2026-10-23T08:21:00Z

Ralf Schumacher has gone further in his criticism of Valtteri Bottas, urging Cadillac to replace the Finn with the now-available Esteban Ocon.
"I would definitely sign Ocon immediately," Schumacher told Sky Deutschland.
The former F1 driver stressed the criticism was sporting rather than personal.
"I think the Bottas story is over now," he insisted.
"He's a really nice guy, so this shouldn't be taken personally, but from a purely sporting point of view I would definitely choose (…)