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McLaren won't rule out Verstappen as Red Bull steps up talks

GMM — 2026-06-29T10:29:00Z

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has declined to completely rule out a move for Max Verstappen as speculation about the Dutchman's future continued throughout the Austrian GP weekend.
Red Bull arrived at its home race under intense pressure to convince Verstappen to stay, amid reports of several high-level meetings involving his management.
According to the Austrian newspaper Osterreich, Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen met "several times" during the weekend with Red Bull's senior leadership, (…)

Ferrari upgrade raises eyebrows under budget cap

GMM — 2026-06-29T08:33:00Z

Ferrari's development program is raising fresh questions from rival teams about how the Italian outfit is operating within Formula 1's budget cap.
After Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz expressed surprise at the number of upgrades being introduced by the leading teams, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has now singled out Ferrari.
"We're a little surprised that Ferrari can throw such massive upgrades at the car the way they do," he said.
"In my opinion, they're about to run out of budget (…)

Fornaroli emerging as favourite for Ocon's 2027 seat

GMM — 2026-06-29T07:44:00Z

Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has emerged as perhaps the leading candidate for a Haas race seat in 2027 as speculation about Esteban Ocon's future continues to grow.
The Italian joins an increasingly crowded list of names linked with Haas, including Toyota-backed Jack Doohan, Ferrari junior Rafael Camara and Red Bull reserve Yuki Tsunoda, whose Japanese ties would also fit the team's Toyota partnership.
Now, Denmark's Ekstra Bladet reports that reigning Formula 2 champion (…)

Silverstone to expose F1's battery problem again - Verstappen

GMM — 2026-06-29T07:06:00Z

Max Verstappen thinks Formula 1's controversial 2026 regulations will come under renewed scrutiny at Silverstone this weekend despite recent tweaks to improve the racing.
The Dutchman has been one of the biggest critics of the new hybrid era, likening some of the energy management demands to 'Mario Kart'.
After Red Bull's major upgrade helped him finish second in Austria, Verstappen warned the next circuit will expose the remaining shortcomings of the regulations.
"I love Silverstone," (…)

Russell wins as rivals joke about FIA yellow flags

GMM — 2026-06-29T06:25:00Z

George Russell's Austrian GP victory did not end the paddock debate about the controversial yellow flag call that secured his pole position.
The Mercedes driver kept pole after lifting by just a tenth of a second for single waved yellows in qualifying following Max Verstappen's Q3 crash, even though some rivals questioned why double yellows were not shown for an incident serious enough to later involve the medical car.
Verstappen, who finished a strong second after Red Bull's major (…)

'Incredible' Lawson backed again amid Tsolov speculation

GMM — 2026-06-28T10:56:00Z

Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane has again defended Liam Lawson's place amid continued speculation linking Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov with a Formula 1 seat.
Recent reports have suggested the Formula 2 frontrunner could replace Lawson alongside Arvid Lindblad in 2027, although Permane insisted in Austria that no decisions have been made.
Now, still speaking at the Red Bull Ring but this time to El Mundo Deportivo newspaper, he again praised Lawson's performances.
"Liam has been (…)

Sainz joins Alonso in questioning rivals' upgrades

GMM — 2026-06-28T10:18:00Z

Carlos Sainz has echoed fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso's bemusement at how Formula 1's top teams continue to introduce upgrades almost every race despite the budget cap.
Alonso joked earlier in Austria that the leading teams must have a "money machine in the minus one floor in the factory" after seeing yet another lengthy FIA upgrades list.
Sainz, meanwhile, is growing increasingly frustrated by Williams' stalled progress amid mounting speculation about his future beyond 2026.
"I (…)

FIA reveals full 2027 rules, drivers welcome progress

GMM — 2026-06-28T08:20:00Z

The FIA has published the full technical regulations for Formula 1's 2027 season, confirming sweeping changes aimed at improving the controversial new hybrid era.
After months of debate, the World Motor Sport Council formally approved the rules last week before the FIA released the complete 278-page regulations.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, the biggest changes further boost both the combustion engine and hybrid system after widespread criticism of the 2026 regulations.
Maximum (…)

Verstappen jokes about Tibet after latest Red Bull setback

GMM — 2026-06-28T07:45:05Z

Max Verstappen joked he may need a two-month retreat to Tibet after another frustrating setback in Red Bull's difficult 2026 campaign.
Amid intense speculation about his future and hopes that Red Bull's biggest upgrade package of the season would close the gap to the front, the Dutchman crashed in Q3 while looking capable of at least a front-row challenge.
Initial suspicions pointed to driver error, but the team later concluded the incident was likely caused by a problem with the rear (…)

Would be 'wrong' to oust Russell at Mercedes - Wolff

GMM — 2026-06-28T07:09:00Z

Toto Wolff has all but confirmed George Russell will remain at Mercedes in 2027, appearing to draw a line under months of speculation linking Max Verstappen with the Brackley team.
Russell, now taking pole position for the Austrian GP, had already declared at the Red Bull Ring: "There will be no announcement, but I will be racing here next year, 100 percent."
Now Mercedes boss Wolff has effectively confirmed it.
"Our plan is not to change the driver lineup," he told Austria's APA news (…)

Ecclestone backs Ben Sulayem amid FIA controversy

GMM — 2026-06-28T06:31:00Z

Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has thrown his support behind controversial FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, insisting the Emirati is doing "a fantastic job".
Ben Sulayem has faced mounting criticism in recent months, most recently after FIA members voted to remove term limits for office bearers, potentially allowing him to remain president beyond the previous 12-year maximum.
But Ecclestone, who worked closely with former FIA presidents Jean-Marie Balestre, Max Mosley and (…)

Marko denies snubbing Red Bull, wants Verstappen to stay

GMM — 2026-06-27T10:37:00Z

Dr Helmut Marko has denied reports he is deliberately skipping Red Bull's home grand prix to avoid an uncomfortable reunion with the team's current leadership.
Germany's Bild had claimed the retired Red Bull motorsport adviser is staying away from Spielberg to avoid a confrontation with Mark Mateschitz, Chalerm Yoovidhya and Oliver Mintzlaff amid growing concern over Max Verstappen's future.
"I don't avoid anyone," the 83-year-old insisted.
Marko, who lives just an hour from the Red (…)

F1 waits on Middle East peace before deciding 2026 calendar

GMM — 2026-06-27T09:29:00Z

Formula 1 is delaying any decision on the fate of its cancelled and forthcoming Middle East races despite tentative signs of easing tensions in the region.
Earlier this season, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix were cancelled because of the regional conflict.
Now, following a tentative US-Iran ceasefire and with the security situation still being closely monitored, Formula 1 is waiting before deciding whether either race can be reinstated later this year.
According to Mundo (…)

Ferrari customers wait as ADUO engine debuts in Austria

GMM — 2026-06-27T08:38:00Z

Ferrari's customer teams have delayed introducing the Scuderia's upgraded power unit despite regulations requiring manufacturers to make new specifications available to their customers.
Ferrari debuted the first stage of its ADUO engine upgrade at the Austrian GP, hoping to close the remaining gap to championship leader Mercedes.
However, neither Haas nor Cadillac has fitted the revised engine.
When asked why, Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu initially appeared reluctant to discuss the (…)

Perez laughs off Austrian GP heat concerns

GMM — 2026-06-27T07:55:00Z

Sergio Perez has laughed off Formula 1's concerns about the hot conditions at the Austrian GP.
With temperatures forecast to reach the mid-30s at the Red Bull Ring for the remainder of the weekend, the FIA has declared a heat hazard, meaning all cars must carry the components for the new cooling vest system, even if drivers choose not to wear it.
"I don't want to use it, I'm Mexican so for me this isn't very hot," Perez smiled.
"The truth is that it makes me laugh that Europeans are (…)

Permane plays down Tsolov-Racing Bulls rumours

GMM — 2026-06-27T07:13:00Z

Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane has played down growing speculation linking Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov with a 2027 Formula 1 seat.
Recent reports have suggested the Formula 2 title contender is in line to replace Liam Lawson alongside Arvid Lindblad next season.
"These are just rumours," Permane said.
"Honestly, we haven't even discussed the team's lineup for 2027 yet. At all.
"Is Tsolov on the radar? Of course. He's in the Red Bull program, he's doing very well in Formula 2, but (…)

Verstappen camp says 'nothing to' McLaren rumours

GMM — 2026-06-27T06:22:00Z

Red Bull's efforts to convince Max Verstappen to remain with the team have intensified amid growing speculation linking the four-time world champion with McLaren.
Rumours swept through the Austrian GP paddock on Friday that Verstappen has been in talks about a sensational 2027 switch to McLaren, involving Oscar Piastri moving the other way.
Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen dismissed the claims.
"There's nothing to it," he told Bild newspaper.
"There were no negotiations. As I (…)

FIA removes presidential term limits after Macau vote

GMM — 2026-06-26T13:11:00Z

Mohammed Ben Sulayem can now remain FIA president beyond the previous 12-year limit after the governing body's members voted overwhelmingly to scrap presidential term limits.
The controversial proposal was approved at the FIA's extraordinary general assembly in Macau, with an FIA spokesman confirming more than 90 percent of members voted in favour.
The move removes the three four-year term limit introduced under former FIA president Jean Todt after his predecessor, Max Mosley, served (…)

Sainz keeps Williams waiting as 2027 rumours gather pace

GMM — 2026-06-26T11:19:00Z

Carlos Sainz says he has put thoughts about his Formula 1 future on hold for now, even as speculation linking him with a move away from Williams continues to intensify.
The Spaniard has been linked with several potential destinations for 2027, including a surprise return to the Red Bull family if Max Verstappen departs, while Sergio Perez is among those rumoured as a possible replacement at Williams.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes Sainz would be one of the most sought-after (…)

Leclerc shrugs off Hamilton pressure as Ferrari form shifts

GMM — 2026-06-26T09:50:00Z

Charles Leclerc has rejected suggestions Lewis Hamilton is turning Ferrari into 'his' team after the seven-time world champion's breakthrough victory in Barcelona.
Hamilton's resurgence, coupled with Leclerc's recent crashes, has fuelled speculation the Monegasque risks slipping into a supporting role alongside his famous teammate.
But speaking at the Red Bull Ring, Leclerc insisted the Ferrari still suits him.
"I don't feel particularly stressed," he said.
"The last few races (…)

Lawson plays down Racing Bulls exit rumours

GMM — 2026-06-26T09:11:00Z

Liam Lawson has brushed aside growing speculation that he could lose his Racing Bulls seat at the end of the season.
Reports over recent days have increasingly linked Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov with a 2027 promotion, with the Bulgarian tipped to partner Arvid Lindblad as Red Bull's latest new generation takes shape.
Swiss journalist Roger Benoit, writing for Blick, believes Tsolov is firmly in the frame.
"With the protege of (Fernando) Alonso, they have a good in-house alternative," (…)

Marko: 'Discussions are inevitable' as Verstappen future talks continue

GMM — 2026-06-26T08:25:00Z

Dr Helmut Marko will not as earlier expected attend Red Bull's home Formula 1 race this weekend, amid reports he is avoiding an awkward reunion with the team's current leadership.
Germany's Bild newspaper claims the 83-year-old, who retired as Red Bull's long-time motorsport adviser at the end of last year, chose to stay away from the Austrian GP to "avoid confrontation" with the senior executives who are rumoured to have forced him out.
The newspaper also says Red Bull's key (…)

Ocon shrugs off growing Haas exit speculation

GMM — 2026-06-26T07:42:00Z

Esteban Ocon has brushed aside intensifying speculation that Haas is preparing to replace him for 2027.
The Frenchman is increasingly being linked with an exit as the Formula 1 driver market gathers pace at the Austrian GP, with several names already connected to the seat alongside Oliver Bearman.
Ferrari-backed Rafael Camara is among the contenders, as is reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, who is supported by McLaren and recently tested for Haas at Jerez.
Current Red Bull (…)

Alonso: I'll keep racing, but maybe not in F1

GMM — 2026-06-26T07:07:00Z

Fernando Alonso says he is certain to keep racing beyond 2026, but admits whether that is in Formula 1 remains undecided.
Amid persistent speculation linking the two-time world champion with a shock return to Alpine, Aston Martin boss Mike Krack indicated on Thursday he expects Alonso to stay.
"If you look back, a season or two ago, we clearly said he would stay," Krack said.
"I think Fernando decided he's going to make a decision during the summer break, and we're happy with the (…)

Briatore hints Alpine future with Gasly, Colapinto

GMM — 2026-06-26T06:14:00Z

Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto appear increasingly likely to remain Alpine's race drivers in 2027.
Amid speculation linking Fernando Alonso with a sensational return to the Enstone-based team, executive adviser Flavio Briatore indicated ahead of the Austrian GP that he is planning to stick with his current lineup.
Briatore described Gasly as one of the six best drivers on the Formula 1 grid and suggesting a final decision will be made around the summer break.
Gasly, who this week (…)

Russell: I'll be racing for Mercedes in 2027

GMM — 2026-06-26T05:23:00Z

George Russell has all but confirmed he will remain at Mercedes next year, in a development that appears to end long-running speculation linking Max Verstappen with the Brackley team.
Corriere della Sera reported that an option in Russell's contract had been activated by both parties, with an official announcement expected soon.
The Briton effectively confirmed the report himself on Thursday at the Red Bull Ring.
"There will be no announcement, but I will be racing here next year, 100 (…)

Former French GP criticised over 'flawed' management

GMM — 2026-06-25T09:57:00Z

The organisation of the former French GP has come under renewed scrutiny after a regional audit found what it described as "flawed" management of the event.
A report by France's Regional Chamber of Accounts examined the public interest group that organised the Formula 1 race at Paul Ricard from 2018 until its removal from the calendar after 2023.
The report concluded that 103 million euros in public money was spent staging four grands prix, while questioning whether the economic benefits (…)

Marko hits out at Monaco 'farce', backs V8 return

GMM — 2026-06-25T09:18:00Z

Former Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has criticised Formula 1's handling of the Monaco pitlane speeding controversy while renewing his call for the return of V8 engines.
Speaking ahead of Red Bull's home race in Austria, Marko - to be present this weekend for the first time since retiring - said the fallout from the Monaco GP, where Pierre Gasly successfully overturned a pitlane speeding penalty after timing errors were discovered, exposed weaknesses in the sport's governance.
"The (…)

Monaghan rumours add to pressure on Red Bull

GMM — 2026-06-25T07:56:00Z

Fresh speculation surrounding long-time chief engineer Paul Monaghan has added to the sense of upheaval at Red Bull as the team prepares for a crucial home race in Austria.
According to Ralf Schumacher, Monaghan may be on the way out after recently making rare public comments that appeared to push back against criticism by Max Verstappen.
"Only someone like Monaghan made a slightly critical comment about it," Schumacher told Sky Deutschland.
"But what I hear is that he won't be there (…)

Audi quietly debuted ADUO engine upgrade in Spain

GMM — 2026-06-25T06:58:00Z

Audi has quietly become the first Formula 1 manufacturer to deploy an upgraded power unit under the FIA's controversial ADUO engine development system.
While Ferrari has now confirmed its upgrade for this weekend's Austrian GP, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports Audi actually introduced its first revised engine specification in Barcelona without announcing it publicly.
The changes reportedly focused more on drivability than outright power, addressing issues including throttle (…)