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.
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.
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.