Breaking from the paddock
The latest Formula 1 news as it breaks: team announcements, driver updates, FIA decisions and everything moving in the paddock, updated daily.
Carlos Sainz and the GPDA expressed hesitation regarding the 2026 season finale in Qatar and Abu Dhabi due to Middle East conflicts. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem insists the races will proceed as scheduled, though the FIA is prepared to move the finale to Imola if necessary.
Jasper van Schaick has joined Scuderia Ferrari as a chassis vehicle system specialist following eight years at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. The appointment reunites the engineer with Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari seeks to close a power deficit ahead of the 2027 season.
Helmut Marko dismissed Christian Horner's memoir Drive as a collection of untruths, addressing accusations regarding driver promotions and internal Red Bull power struggles. The book details Horner's 2025 dismissal and his claims that Marko prematurely promoted drivers like Alex Albon.
Mercedes will deploy updated aerodynamic packages on both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at the United States Grand Prix. The team aims to regain competitiveness in Austin following data gathered from recent testing in Singapore to help Antonelli potentially clinch the championship.
Toto Wolff is vetting multiple candidates to manage Mercedes F1 responsibilities as his three-year contract extension expires at the end of 2026. The 28.33 per cent owner aims to build a management structure that ensures the team survives his eventual departure.
Retired U.S. Navy Captain Reid Wiseman, who commanded the Artemis II lunar mission, has been appointed as an official Mercedes F1 ambassador. He will work with team stakeholders to share perspectives on high-performance culture, teamwork, and technical excellence.
Max Verstappen expressed his desire for Isack Hadjar to eventually take over his role at Red Bull. The four-time world champion noted that finding new talent is essential for the team, especially as Hadjar continues to develop within the Red Bull program.
Red Bull technical director Pierre Waché reveals that the 2027 RB23 will feature a new chassis and gearbox to address current car limitations. The team aims to maximize performance through new aerodynamic and mechanical parts while managing the budget cap constraints.
The FIA World Motor Sport Council has introduced new 2027 regulations requiring physical and IT segregation for teams like Red Bull and Mercedes. These rules target non-F1 divisions to prevent personnel and information from being used to circumvent spending limits.
Christian Horner reveals in his memoir Drive that Niki Lauda attempted to poach him from Red Bull with a Mercedes team principal offer in 2012. Horner rejected the proposal due to his loyalty to Dietrich Mateschitz despite the lucrative salary figures presented by Lauda.
Formula 1 will reduce race distances to 290km for the 2027 season to help teams manage component redesigns under new fuel flow limits. The FIA confirmed that standard grand prix distances will return to exceeding 305km in 2028, though Monaco will maintain its 260km length.
Christian Horner disclosed that Lewis Hamilton held a secret meeting with Adrian Newey regarding a potential move to Red Bull before joining Mercedes. Separately, Alisha Palmowski will debut a Mobil-inspired livery for her Red Bull Academy car at the United States Grand Prix.
Formula 1 will revert to the 305 kilometre race distance in 2028 following a temporary reduction to 290 kilometres in 2027. This change follows shifts in power unit ratios that increase combustion engine reliance and fuel consumption requirements for teams.