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.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff dismissed accusations of driver bias after Kimi Antonelli holds a 102-point lead over George Russell. Antonelli can mathematically secure the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship at the United States Grand Prix if he outscores Russell by 23 points.
Max Verstappen claims several former drivers provide incorrect analysis regarding 2026 regulations because they fail to study how the new power units function. The Red Bull driver expressed these views during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend following comments from Damon Hill.
Max Verstappen defended teammate Chris Lulham against online abuse following a contact incident during the GT World Challenge Europe finale in Portimao. Lulham faced personal attacks after a mistake at Turn 8 resulted in a drive-through penalty for the #3 Mercedes team.
Christian Horner claims he held discussions with Carlos Sainz regarding a 2026 Red Bull seat and was approached by Fernando Alonso. The former team principal also addressed why Charles Leclerc was ruled out as a candidate to partner Max Verstappen.
Ferrari brings its fourth significant aerodynamic package of the 2026 season to the United States Grand Prix, focusing on floor and sidepod revisions. Engineers aim to increase downforce and widen the operating window of the SF-26 to address performance issues identified at Zandvoort.
Christian Horner admits in his memoir Drive that he pressured race control to allow lapped cars to unlap themselves during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This intervention helped facilitate the final lap battle that allowed Max Verstappen to overtake Lewis Hamilton for the title.
Bruno Michel expects to announce Formula 2 team selections for the 2027 to 2029 seasons within eighteen months. The decision determines if Lando Norris's new racing team, LN4 Fusion, secures a spot on the grid to support young racing talent.
Max Verstappen claims he had no prior knowledge that the Baku upgrade would restore his competitive edge when he signed his two-year Red Bull extension. Team principal Laurent Mekies dismissed suggestions that the performance gains were used to secure the driver's signature.
The relocated Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit attracted 261,000 fans and generated $233 million in revenue. Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari noted that the event drew 50,000 foreign tourists, prompting Malaysia to evaluate a potential return to the F1 calendar.
F1 driver Liam Lawson will perform at the Racing Bulls Garage Sessions in Austin on October 22, 2026. The event features a performance with his brother Marcus and the launch of a limited edition Taylor Guitars LL30 GS Mini signature acoustic guitar.
talkSPORT head Liam Fisher is looking to expand his station's portfolio by potentially acquiring Formula 1 radio rights. The move could end the BBC's exclusive coverage of the sport, which the broadcaster has held since 1994 amidst ongoing budget cuts.
Ferrari will promote junior driver Dino Beganovic to a reserve role for the 2027 season to assist with simulator duties. Meanwhile, Haas has signed Formula 2 leader Rafael Camara to a multi-year deal to replace Esteban Ocon starting in 2027.
Formula 1 has yet to announce if the 2026 season finale will proceed in Qatar and Abu Dhabi due to regional security risks. Ongoing missile strikes in Saudi Arabia and tensions between the US and Iran have forced officials to consider Imola as a fallback option for December 6.