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.
Mark Walter is considering a $3bn sale of the Cadillac F1 team through TWG Global, with Fenway Sports Group emerging as a potential suitor. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez has announced his retirement from racing to spend more time with his four children.
Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli met with President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale to discuss his recent championship victory. During the meeting, Antonelli explained the intense physical demands of racing and the weight loss drivers experience during sessions.
Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' championship with 390 points, leading Mercedes to a constructors' title. Max Verstappen finished second with 279 points, while George Russell placed third after struggling with mechanical setbacks and pace compared to his teammate.
The FIA expanded its United Against Online Abuse initiative by adding seven new categories of digital harm, including impersonation and surveillance. Drivers Franco Colapinto and Gabriel Bortleto praised the proactive measures following incidents like the 13,000 death threats sent to Pierre Gasly.
Kimi Antonelli became the youngest champion in history with 390 points, prompting Lewis Hamilton to defend new talents against criticism from former drivers. Meanwhile, Felipe Massa criticized Ferrari management regarding the driver rivalry between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
The FIA aims to mandate a significant reduction in Formula 1 downforce for the 2027 season to improve racing. Meanwhile, Williams boss James Vowles has proposed the ADUO mechanism to help teams outside the top four manage cost cap constraints.
Christian Horner expresses uncertainty regarding a return to the Formula 1 paddock after leaving Red Bull. The former team principal seeks equity in a future project but faces limited options due to the 11-team grid and financial hurdles involving teams like Cadillac and Alpine.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella expects upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix upgrades to complement the team's São Paulo package and establish a foundation for the 2027 car. The team currently sits fourth in the standings as they attempt to challenge Red Bull for third place.
The Daily Mail will boycott Formula One coverage for the final three races of the 2026 season following the FIA's decision to revoke journalist Jonathan McEvoy's accreditation. The news outlet condemned the move as an attack on press freedom after McEvoy criticized driver Charles Leclerc.
Former Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei predicts Formula 1 could be taken private within two years in a deal potentially valuing the series at $30 billion. Maffei suggests the opportunity to cash out is imminent as significant growth in EBITDA begins to stabilize.
Toto Wolff revealed at the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel awards that he offered his resignation to Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius multiple times during the team's performance slump.
Jonathan McEvoy lost his Formula One media accreditation after criticizing Charles Leclerc, barring him from the final three races of the 2026 season. The FIA cited professional standards, though McEvoy claims Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur influenced the decision.
Ralf Schumacher argues that Lewis Hamilton lacks the speed to lead Ferrari, citing Charles Leclerc's recent dominance. Despite a tense clash in Mexico, team principal Fred Vasseur says the drivers resolved their issues, leaving both in close championship contention.