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.
Isack Hadjar sparked debate by suggesting Max Verstappen would have won the Singapore Grand Prix by a larger margin if he had driven a Ferrari. Verstappen and Charles Leclerc dismissed the comments as nonsense, noting the driver's lack of familiarity with the Ferrari car.
Adrian Newey addressed Christian Horner's claims in the autobiography Drive regarding Newey's desire to leave Red Bull during the difficult 2014 Renault power unit era. Newey explained his frustration with the manufacturer's performance issues while noting he and Horner remain friends.
Adrian Newey reports that Honda is struggling to match previous performance levels during its first year back in Formula 1. Despite internal progress at the Silverstone factory, the team faces reliability issues and technical deficits within the Aston Martin-Honda package.
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen report significant physical discomfort due to track bumps at the Circuit of the Americas. Verstappen noted experiencing vertical loads exceeding 9G on his spine, highlighting how modern ground effect cars exacerbate surface issues.
Christian Horner alleged that George Russell, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri used Red Bull's simulator through payments made by their families. Both Russell and Norris addressed the claims, stating the sessions were used for early career preparation and gaining experience.
Formula 2 leader Rafael Camara and Haas driver Oliver Bearman face a direct rivalry for a future Scuderia Ferrari seat. The competition intensifies as Charles Leclerc remains committed to the team until 2029, leaving Lewis Hamilton's potential 2027 vacancy as the primary target.
Lewis Hamilton plans to prolong his Formula 1 career into his mid-forties to compete in Rwanda following a new ten-year deal for a Grand Prix. The proposed race at the RISE Motordrome near Kigali faces scrutiny due to regional political tensions involving the DR Congo.
Audi junior driver Freddie Slater will make his Formula 1 appearance during practice sessions at the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix. The 18-year-old Trident F3 runner-up will fulfill FIA rookie driver requirements for Audi ahead of his 2027 move to Formula 2.
Max Verstappen reports that extreme vertical loads exceeding 9G caused by shifting clay beneath the Circuit of the Americas threaten driver spinal health. Drivers including George Russell and Lando Norris face physical discomfort due to unpredictable bumps and low ride heights.
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.