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.
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.
Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula 1 world champion at age 20, ending a 73-year wait for an Italian winner. Guenther Steiner predicts a Ferrari move in about 10 years, but Antonelli remains loyal to Mercedes.
Mercedes secured its ninth constructors championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix, following Kimi Antonelli's record-breaking drivers title. Team principal Toto Wolff defended the 2022 to 2025 period, noting the team finished in the top four each year despite a lack of wins.
Kimi Antonelli secured his first world title with three races left but identifies Max Verstappen as the biggest threat for 2027. The Italian driver expects a tight championship fight involving five top rivals, including teammate George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
The International Court of Appeal will hear Audi's challenge to the Italian Grand Prix stewards' decision not to penalize Yuki Tsunoda for causing an extra formation lap.
Nikola Tsolov will serve as the official reserve driver for Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2027, following the confirmation that Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad retain their race seats. The 19-year-old Bulgarian joins an extensive development program to prepare for F1 while finishing his F2 campaign.
George Russell opened the GR63 Karting Academy at Silverstone to identify young talent for a fully funded championship. The program targets drivers aged eight and nine, starting with £25 sessions and culminating in a complete 2028 campaign for the winner.
Lando Norris won the São Paulo Grand Prix from pole position, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen. His celebration was marred when his champagne bottle shattered and he stumbled into fireworks, though he confirmed his ear was unharmed.
Kimi Antonelli leads the 2026 Formula 1 championship by 111 points over Max Verstappen as geopolitical tensions ease. The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix are expected to proceed, with Las Vegas serving as a backup if security concerns arise.
Mercedes secured its ninth constructors championship at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, ending a four-year drought. George Russell credits Toto Wolff's decision to maintain staff stability during the 2022 to 2025 struggles as the key factor in the team's return to Formula 1 dominance.
Racing Bulls has not confirmed Liam Lawson for next season despite his ninth-place finish with 89 points. CEO Laurent Mekies deflects responsibility to shareholders, while team principal Alan Permane admits the delay causes driver frustration.
Lewis Hamilton fell to 22nd in the 2026 SportsPro marketability list, dropping behind Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who rose to ninth.
Charles Leclerc was penalized five seconds for contact with Liam Lawson at the Brazilian Grand Prix, dropping him behind his rival in the final classification. Drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen criticized the ruling as overly strict for a minor interaction.