Every session, every upgrade, every rumour checked.
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.
Breaking from the paddock
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.
Practice, qualifying, race
2026 World Championship
| Pos | Driver | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | 340 |
| 2 | George Russell | 238 |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | 229 |
| 4 | Max Verstappen | 221 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | 215 |
| 6 | Lando Norris | 201 |
| 7 | Oscar Piastri | 138 |
| 8 | Isack Hadjar | 97 |
| 9 | Liam Lawson | 75 |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly | 41 |
| Pos | Team | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes-AMG Petronas | 578 |
| 2 | Scuderia Ferrari | 444 |
| 3 | McLaren Racing | 339 |
| 4 | Red Bull Racing | 332 |
| 5 | Racing Bulls | 100 |
| 6 | Alpine F1 Team | 68 |
| 7 | Haas F1 Team | 30 |
| 8 | Audi Revolut F1 Team | 23 |
| 9 | Williams F1 Team | 12 |
| 10 | Aston Martin F1 Team | 7 |
Beyond the lap times
Oscar Piastri believes McLaren will not find magic answers for its performance issues before the 2026 season ends. Team principal Andrea Stella suggests underlying problems with the MCL40 may not be resolved until the 2027 car, leaving McLaren with a narrow 7 point lead over Red Bull.
Aero, power units, rules
The FIA is intervening in a technical dispute by mandating uniform rim cover shapes to stop teams like Red Bull and Mercedes from manipulating airflow. This standardization aims to reduce tire-induced turbulence and improve racing quality by stabilizing airflow for following cars.
In their own words
