The Italian press writes that the head of the aerodynamics team Sauber Frank Sanchez moves to Ferrari. After the mandatory in the change of the team vacation Sanchez will start work in Maranello in the position of chief aerodynamics specialist and will report directly to the head of the department Diego Tondi, focusing on the project car 2026. Sanchez's move to Maranello has not yet been officially announced. Frank Sanchez began his Formula 1 career at Marussia, where he worked until the summer of 2012. He then moved to Toro Rosso, with whom he spent eight seasons. After Sanchez moved to Sauber, where he rose to the head of aerodynamics.
The FIA's decision on the new fines has been criticized
Changes to the FIA's sporting code for 2025 have been revealed today, which will see Formula 1 drivers start receiving significant fines, as well as disqualifications and points deductions from their personal standings for using profanity or criticizing the FIA. The Formula 1 Drivers' Association (GPDA), which has previously been a harsh critic of FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem, said it was "not commenting on the issue at this time." However, according to BBC Sports many in the FIA were against the adoption of such changes, with one source saying that the new fines were "promoted by electronic voting without any consultation with the stakeholders, either the GPDA or the FIA's own Drivers' Commission.
Changes to the FIA's sporting code for 2025 have been revealed today, which will see Formula 1 drivers start receiving significant fines, as well as disqualifications and points deductions from their personal standings for using profanity or criticizing the FIA. The Formula 1 Drivers' Association (GPDA), which has previously been a harsh critic of FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem, said it was "not commenting on the issue at this time." However, according to BBC Sports many in the FIA were against the adoption of such changes, with one source saying that the new fines were "promoted by electronic voting without any consultation with the stakeholders, either the GPDA or the FIA's own Drivers' Commission.
Hamilton: Changing teams is always a bit of a risk.
In the history of Formula 1 there have been several world champions who have failed to repeat their previous successes when they played for Ferrari - enough to name Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. Now everyone wonders whether Lewis Hamilton will be able to win an eighth title with the Scuderia, or whether he too will be on the list. Of course, the first week of his cooperation with Ferrari does not give ideas about how further events may develop, but it is felt that he has a fighting spirit, and in Maranello also reigns a special atmosphere. Italian team under the leadership of Frederick Wasser for two years has made serious progress and last season until the final Grand Prix Abu Dhabi claimed to win the Constructors' Cup, which in the end still went to McLaren.
In the history of Formula 1 there have been several world champions who have failed to repeat their previous successes when they played for Ferrari - enough to name Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. Now everyone wonders whether Lewis Hamilton will be able to win an eighth title with the Scuderia, or whether he too will be on the list. Of course, the first week of his cooperation with Ferrari does not give ideas about how further events may develop, but it is felt that he has a fighting spirit, and in Maranello also reigns a special atmosphere. Italian team under the leadership of Frederick Wasser for two years has made serious progress and last season until the final Grand Prix Abu Dhabi claimed to win the Constructors' Cup, which in the end still went to McLaren.
Bottas' former sponsor spent €20m on him
In our time, talking about certain stages of the career of Valtteri Bottas, we have repeatedly mentioned the Finnish billionaire Antti Aarnio-Wihuri, co-owner and chairman of the board of Wihuri Corporation, who was his main sponsor.
In particular, it was thanks to the financial support of this man Bottas in 2016 became a Mercedes driver, although Toto Wolff then more inclined to the candidacy of Pascal Wehrlein. In a recent interview with the tabloid Ilta-Sanomat Aarnio-Vihuri named the amount in which he cost him sponsorship: 20 million euros. However, the current behavior of his former protégé surprises the Finnish entrepreneur, who is already over 80. "Bottas was performing quite well and was the best in all the youth championships in which he competed," recalls Aarnio-Vihuri. - But in 2019 we stopped supporting him when his personal earnings exceeded a million euros.
In our time, talking about certain stages of the career of Valtteri Bottas, we have repeatedly mentioned the Finnish billionaire Antti Aarnio-Wihuri, co-owner and chairman of the board of Wihuri Corporation, who was his main sponsor.
In particular, it was thanks to the financial support of this man Bottas in 2016 became a Mercedes driver, although Toto Wolff then more inclined to the candidacy of Pascal Wehrlein. In a recent interview with the tabloid Ilta-Sanomat Aarnio-Vihuri named the amount in which he cost him sponsorship: 20 million euros. However, the current behavior of his former protégé surprises the Finnish entrepreneur, who is already over 80. "Bottas was performing quite well and was the best in all the youth championships in which he competed," recalls Aarnio-Vihuri. - But in 2019 we stopped supporting him when his personal earnings exceeded a million euros.
Aston Martin invites everyone to compare the two photos
The press service of Aston Martin F1 shared two photos of the team's base in Silverstone, taken from a bird's eye view with an interval of several years. The difference is really impressive, because all this time there was a large-scale work on the construction of a new complex, called "Aston Martin Racing Technology Campus" or AMRTC. The caption to the photos is: "How it all started and how it is now" On the first photo you can see several old buildings, where the Jordan team was originally based. After the change of owners, it was briefly called Midland/Spyker, then turned into Force India/Racing Point, and since 2021 is called Aston Martin. The second photo allows you to assess the scale of the transformations that have already taken place and continue to take place at the current stage of the team's history.
The press service of Aston Martin F1 shared two photos of the team's base in Silverstone, taken from a bird's eye view with an interval of several years. The difference is really impressive, because all this time there was a large-scale work on the construction of a new complex, called "Aston Martin Racing Technology Campus" or AMRTC. The caption to the photos is: "How it all started and how it is now" On the first photo you can see several old buildings, where the Jordan team was originally based. After the change of owners, it was briefly called Midland/Spyker, then turned into Force India/Racing Point, and since 2021 is called Aston Martin. The second photo allows you to assess the scale of the transformations that have already taken place and continue to take place at the current stage of the team's history.
Haas won't work in Toyota's wind tunnel
Last October, Haas F1 announced a technical partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, but the American team has no plans to use the Toyota Motorsport wind tunnel in Cologne, but will continue to work with Ferrari. "We have no plans to stop working in the wind tunnel in Maranello for the foreseeable future," explained Ayo Komatsu, head of Haas F1. - It's a win-win situation, because Ferrari and we compete in the same championship. And if in the course of aerodynamic research arises any difficulties, for example, connected with the current technical regulations, on the basis of which are created cars of this generation, Ferrari specialists can conduct their research and deal with this problem. So we can use their solution, and we do not have to conduct such research ourselves. So I don't see the point in stopping to use this modern wind tunnel and switch to work with Toyota.
Last October, Haas F1 announced a technical partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, but the American team has no plans to use the Toyota Motorsport wind tunnel in Cologne, but will continue to work with Ferrari. "We have no plans to stop working in the wind tunnel in Maranello for the foreseeable future," explained Ayo Komatsu, head of Haas F1. - It's a win-win situation, because Ferrari and we compete in the same championship. And if in the course of aerodynamic research arises any difficulties, for example, connected with the current technical regulations, on the basis of which are created cars of this generation, Ferrari specialists can conduct their research and deal with this problem. So we can use their solution, and we do not have to conduct such research ourselves. So I don't see the point in stopping to use this modern wind tunnel and switch to work with Toyota.
Bayer: Riccardo didn't want any farewell ceremony
Racing Bulls still regret that they did not organize a normal farewell ceremony for Daniel Riccardo. In Singapore, where his last race was held, everything was done quietly and unofficially, and the formal confirmation of his parting with the team appeared only a few days later. When Peter Bayer, executive director of the team from Faenza, in an interview with RacingNews365 was asked if he regrets the situation that developed at the end of the Singapore race weekend, he answered in the affirmative. "Yes, - admitted the Austrian. - For example, when Kimi Raikkonen was finishing his career, I was still working in the FIA at that time, and then in Abu Dhabi, he together with his family went to the starting field, and it was a glorious picture. I think that's the kind of farewell you can wish for any driver.
Racing Bulls still regret that they did not organize a normal farewell ceremony for Daniel Riccardo. In Singapore, where his last race was held, everything was done quietly and unofficially, and the formal confirmation of his parting with the team appeared only a few days later. When Peter Bayer, executive director of the team from Faenza, in an interview with RacingNews365 was asked if he regrets the situation that developed at the end of the Singapore race weekend, he answered in the affirmative. "Yes, - admitted the Austrian. - For example, when Kimi Raikkonen was finishing his career, I was still working in the FIA at that time, and then in Abu Dhabi, he together with his family went to the starting field, and it was a glorious picture. I think that's the kind of farewell you can wish for any driver.
Brundle: Ferrari driver has no excuses
Martin Brundle believes that Ferrari have very high expectations of Lewis Hamilton, but he will not have much time to adapt in a new for him team and really prove himself.
"Once I appealed to Ferrari with a request to allow me to sit behind the wheel of any of their cars, but they responded with a refusal, - recalled Brandl in the air channel Sky Sports, regularly showing stories, in which the former racer of Formula 1, and now a popular commentator pilots technique of different teams, released in different years. - Because there is something special about Ferrari, the brand with the galloping stallion on its emblem, the Scuderia driver represents a whole country, not just a team. This explains all the expectations associated with it, all the political sentiment, and the attention of the Italian press. All of this can create additional complications.
Martin Brundle believes that Ferrari have very high expectations of Lewis Hamilton, but he will not have much time to adapt in a new for him team and really prove himself.
"Once I appealed to Ferrari with a request to allow me to sit behind the wheel of any of their cars, but they responded with a refusal, - recalled Brandl in the air channel Sky Sports, regularly showing stories, in which the former racer of Formula 1, and now a popular commentator pilots technique of different teams, released in different years. - Because there is something special about Ferrari, the brand with the galloping stallion on its emblem, the Scuderia driver represents a whole country, not just a team. This explains all the expectations associated with it, all the political sentiment, and the attention of the Italian press. All of this can create additional complications.
Norris wants it to be a little easier to win races
Lando Norris was already considered one of the title contenders last season and in the end lost to Max Verstappen not so much. But, in his opinion, to win the championship, in McLaren should try to make his task a little easier, so that to win races was not as difficult as last year. "I think, together with the team, we realize that now that we are fighting for victories, we would like to make it easier, - shared Norris, taking part in the World Economic Forum in Davos. - We want to continue to perform at this level, but in such a way that winning races will be easier than last year. The team remains as focused as possible, although we could easily relax, telling ourselves that we are good enough, and the task is completed.
Lando Norris was already considered one of the title contenders last season and in the end lost to Max Verstappen not so much. But, in his opinion, to win the championship, in McLaren should try to make his task a little easier, so that to win races was not as difficult as last year. "I think, together with the team, we realize that now that we are fighting for victories, we would like to make it easier, - shared Norris, taking part in the World Economic Forum in Davos. - We want to continue to perform at this level, but in such a way that winning races will be easier than last year. The team remains as focused as possible, although we could easily relax, telling ourselves that we are good enough, and the task is completed.
Vasser: Sainz is distinguished by his ability to adapt
With the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, a new chapter begins in Ferrari's history, but Frédéric Vasseur still remembers with gratitude the period of cooperation with Carlos Sainz. The Italian team principal was one of those approached for comments by the creators of the documentary about Fernando Alonso, which we told you about, but Vasseur also noted the other Spanish driver, who from 2025 will drive for Williams. "For us, the important thing was the influence of the human factor and their effective cooperation with Charles Leclair, but even more important was cooperation - Over the years he has been able to establish a good relationship with literally everyone. Carlos always gives 100%, and he is a very stable driver. For Ferrari this was a great advantage: when he showed not the highest results, it meant that it was about the car.
With the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, a new chapter begins in Ferrari's history, but Frédéric Vasseur still remembers with gratitude the period of cooperation with Carlos Sainz. The Italian team principal was one of those approached for comments by the creators of the documentary about Fernando Alonso, which we told you about, but Vasseur also noted the other Spanish driver, who from 2025 will drive for Williams. "For us, the important thing was the influence of the human factor and their effective cooperation with Charles Leclair, but even more important was cooperation - Over the years he has been able to establish a good relationship with literally everyone. Carlos always gives 100%, and he is a very stable driver. For Ferrari this was a great advantage: when he showed not the highest results, it meant that it was about the car.
Williams is very proud of the team's historical heritage
Williams is a team with a very rich history and by the number of Constructors' Cups won, it ranks second, second only to Ferrari. Jim Barker - one of those responsible for the restoration of historical equipment, told the official site of the championship, how difficult it is. "I started working at Williams when I was 19 years old, and now I'm over 50, so more than half of my life I have devoted to these cars, - said Jim. - I was lucky, I had a very close relationship with Frank Williams, and he was an amazing man. And although he is no longer with us, and the team belongs to other people, but for me the atmosphere in Williams remains the same. For us, the famous historical cars - the most important asset of the company, we are very proud of them, and working with them inspires us ...
Williams is a team with a very rich history and by the number of Constructors' Cups won, it ranks second, second only to Ferrari. Jim Barker - one of those responsible for the restoration of historical equipment, told the official site of the championship, how difficult it is. "I started working at Williams when I was 19 years old, and now I'm over 50, so more than half of my life I have devoted to these cars, - said Jim. - I was lucky, I had a very close relationship with Frank Williams, and he was an amazing man. And although he is no longer with us, and the team belongs to other people, but for me the atmosphere in Williams remains the same. For us, the famous historical cars - the most important asset of the company, we are very proud of them, and working with them inspires us ...
Krak: Last season was the best of Verstappen's career
Mike Crack, race director and former Aston Martin team principal, believes that the 2024 season was the best of Max Verstappen's career, as the world champion had to face serious difficulties, but he successfully overcame them. "Last season was probably his best season in our memory, because he became champion, although Red Bull Racing had a problematic car," Crack told RacingNews365. - It was seen with what serious difficulties at times faced Sergio Perez, because, in my opinion, the RB20 was not even second or third in speed. But Max showed a great example of piloting, and his champion qualities were manifested just when the real difficulties began.
Mike Crack, race director and former Aston Martin team principal, believes that the 2024 season was the best of Max Verstappen's career, as the world champion had to face serious difficulties, but he successfully overcame them. "Last season was probably his best season in our memory, because he became champion, although Red Bull Racing had a problematic car," Crack told RacingNews365. - It was seen with what serious difficulties at times faced Sergio Perez, because, in my opinion, the RB20 was not even second or third in speed. But Max showed a great example of piloting, and his champion qualities were manifested just when the real difficulties began.
McLaren is ready to reconcile the parties in the litigation with Palou
In McLaren Racing are preparing for a legal battle against Alex Palou, who is accused of breach of contractual obligations and filed a lawsuit against the champion IndyCar for $ 30 million. But, according to AP News, the British team is ready to go to the conciliation procedure, the so-called "mediation", if it is possible to agree with the lawyers of Palou.
This weekend Alex acts in the "24 Hours of Daytona" for the team Acura Meyer Shank Racing, although he was unlucky, on the fifth hour of the race on the hypercar #93 had serious technical problems. Palou signed a contract with McLaren in 2022, but did not honor it and continued to compete in IndyCar for Chip Ganassi Racing.
In McLaren Racing are preparing for a legal battle against Alex Palou, who is accused of breach of contractual obligations and filed a lawsuit against the champion IndyCar for $ 30 million. But, according to AP News, the British team is ready to go to the conciliation procedure, the so-called "mediation", if it is possible to agree with the lawyers of Palou.
This weekend Alex acts in the "24 Hours of Daytona" for the team Acura Meyer Shank Racing, although he was unlucky, on the fifth hour of the race on the hypercar #93 had serious technical problems. Palou signed a contract with McLaren in 2022, but did not honor it and continued to compete in IndyCar for Chip Ganassi Racing.
Ayo Komatsu is impressed with Oliver Berman's mature approach
Oliver Berman is facing his first full season in Formula 1 with Haas, but the American team has no doubts about the potential of its debutant and that he is destined for a successful future.
Ayo Komatsu, head of Haas F1, likes the approach to business, characteristic of the young British driver, and it became obvious after the first practice, which Berman spent at the wheel of the car VF-23 on Friday before the Grand Prix of Mexico in the fall of 2023. "I immediately realized how good he is, - quotes Komatsu publication The Race. - And it's about all his qualities in combination, not just speed, and I've said that many times. I have seen many newcomers who spent Friday training and drove fast, but then many of them had to make a very serious effort to confirm their speed. But Oliver is not like that.
Oliver Berman is facing his first full season in Formula 1 with Haas, but the American team has no doubts about the potential of its debutant and that he is destined for a successful future.
Ayo Komatsu, head of Haas F1, likes the approach to business, characteristic of the young British driver, and it became obvious after the first practice, which Berman spent at the wheel of the car VF-23 on Friday before the Grand Prix of Mexico in the fall of 2023. "I immediately realized how good he is, - quotes Komatsu publication The Race. - And it's about all his qualities in combination, not just speed, and I've said that many times. I have seen many newcomers who spent Friday training and drove fast, but then many of them had to make a very serious effort to confirm their speed. But Oliver is not like that.
Former Formula 1 racer, FIA steward Johnny Herbert does not expect a decrease in the heat of the fight on the track because of the change in the rules of this fight. We are talking about the assessment of the location of the car on the apex and permissible actions when overtaking on the inner and outer radius in 2025 - the rules were clarified at the request of racers. Johnny Herbert: "From the point of view of the work of the steward, I do not expect any changes at the first stage of the new season in Australia. Everything that has happened before will happen now. We will see incidents, we will hear complaints from drivers and teams, we will have to solve these problems as usual. The changes in the rules of the fight for position will make it closer to karting. In karting, we didn't push the opponent off the track like in Formula 1 in recent years. The one who is faster is the one who is ahead, and the one who did not have time, has to give way. Now the overtaking must be earned!"
Sauber selects a reserve driver
Not all teams have decided on reserve drivers who could replace one of the drivers in the main squad if necessary - as we have seen in previous years, such a need can arise, and the reasons can be different.
In 2022 at Monza, Alex Elbon needed emergency surgery to remove his Apedix, and that weekend his Williams was piloted by Nick de Vries, and last season his debut race in Formula 1 was conducted by Oliver Berman, because at the beginning of the race weekend in Saudi Arabia Carlos Sainz was out of action, and with the same diagnosis.
Berman did well, driving the Ferrari to a 7th place finish at the very difficult city circuit in Jeddah, which also helped him to get a contract prize Haas driver for 2025. But he had his first race for the American team earlier, last September in Baku, when Kevin Magnussen was disqualified for one stage, because he scored too many penalty points.
Not all teams have decided on reserve drivers who could replace one of the drivers in the main squad if necessary - as we have seen in previous years, such a need can arise, and the reasons can be different.
In 2022 at Monza, Alex Elbon needed emergency surgery to remove his Apedix, and that weekend his Williams was piloted by Nick de Vries, and last season his debut race in Formula 1 was conducted by Oliver Berman, because at the beginning of the race weekend in Saudi Arabia Carlos Sainz was out of action, and with the same diagnosis.
Berman did well, driving the Ferrari to a 7th place finish at the very difficult city circuit in Jeddah, which also helped him to get a contract prize Haas driver for 2025. But he had his first race for the American team earlier, last September in Baku, when Kevin Magnussen was disqualified for one stage, because he scored too many penalty points.
A group of excavators was required to clear away 85 abandoned vehicles located near railroad tracks in California.
@joshuagrading via Instagram
The issue of abandoned cars in Oakland has transformed a piece of land that separates a residential area from a railroad into a trash site. Officials requested a private company to clear it, and an Instagram video illustrates the process of removing approximately 85 damaged, burnt, and wrecked vehicles.
This piece of land is situated in East Oakland, and local news sources report that residents have been illicitly dumping abandoned cars, scrap metal, and other debris there for years. While disposing of a mattress might be straightforward, getting rid of a GMT800-generation Chevy Tahoe without any wheels presents a more complex challenge.
@joshuagrading via Instagram
The issue of abandoned cars in Oakland has transformed a piece of land that separates a residential area from a railroad into a trash site. Officials requested a private company to clear it, and an Instagram video illustrates the process of removing approximately 85 damaged, burnt, and wrecked vehicles.
This piece of land is situated in East Oakland, and local news sources report that residents have been illicitly dumping abandoned cars, scrap metal, and other debris there for years. While disposing of a mattress might be straightforward, getting rid of a GMT800-generation Chevy Tahoe without any wheels presents a more complex challenge.
Mitsubishi May Operate Independently Without Honda or Nissan
Mitsubishi
Did Mitsubishi executives miss out on playing The Legend of Zelda? Don't they realize that "it's dangerous to go alone?" Apparently, they haven't, as a recent report from the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, relayed by Automotive News, indicates that Mitsubishi intends to observe the Honda/Nissan merger from a distance while remaining an independent entity.
According to the report, Mitsubishi will maintain collaboration with both Honda and Nissan—though the extent of this collaboration is still unclear—yet will operate as a standalone manufacturer. While Nissan holds a significant stake in Mitsubishi, it seems to be letting the smaller automaker chart its own path.
Mitsubishi
Did Mitsubishi executives miss out on playing The Legend of Zelda? Don't they realize that "it's dangerous to go alone?" Apparently, they haven't, as a recent report from the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, relayed by Automotive News, indicates that Mitsubishi intends to observe the Honda/Nissan merger from a distance while remaining an independent entity.
According to the report, Mitsubishi will maintain collaboration with both Honda and Nissan—though the extent of this collaboration is still unclear—yet will operate as a standalone manufacturer. While Nissan holds a significant stake in Mitsubishi, it seems to be letting the smaller automaker chart its own path.
How Aston Martin intends to address development standstill
Aston Martin’s new team principal might have addressed the challenges that hindered in-season car development over the past few years. This is the perspective of Jefferson Slack, the increasingly prominent commercial director at the Lawrence Stroll-owned team, which has faced difficulties in advancing since early 2023 despite significant investments.
Since the conclusion of last season, Aston Martin appointed former Mercedes engine chief Andy Cowell as the new team principal, succeeding Mike Krack, who will now transition to the role of chief trackside officer. Slack, who started his career managing Michael Jordan's marketing efforts before venturing into European football, describes this as part of a new strategy for the team.
"I’m not someone deeply involved in Formula 1, nor am I a technical expert," Slack shared with DAZN.
Aston Martin’s new team principal might have addressed the challenges that hindered in-season car development over the past few years. This is the perspective of Jefferson Slack, the increasingly prominent commercial director at the Lawrence Stroll-owned team, which has faced difficulties in advancing since early 2023 despite significant investments.
Since the conclusion of last season, Aston Martin appointed former Mercedes engine chief Andy Cowell as the new team principal, succeeding Mike Krack, who will now transition to the role of chief trackside officer. Slack, who started his career managing Michael Jordan's marketing efforts before venturing into European football, describes this as part of a new strategy for the team.
"I’m not someone deeply involved in Formula 1, nor am I a technical expert," Slack shared with DAZN.
Alpine refutes claims that Colapinto put 'pressure' on Doohan.
Alpine has rejected claims that it is exerting additional "pressure" on rookie Jack Doohan as he approaches his Formula 1 debut.
There are speculations that the 22-year-old Australian might only secure the first part of the 2025 season, with newly appointed reserve Franco Colapinto ready to take over. Team advisor Flavio Briatore hasn't dismissed these rumors.
"If a driver doesn’t deliver results or show progress, he will be replaced," he recently stated to Le Parisien. "You can’t afford to be emotional in Formula 1."
Joan Villadelprat, an engineer and manager familiar with Briatore, mentioned that he has witnessed similar situations in the past.
"Briatore knows what he wants," he said on the Duralavita podcast. "He seeks young talent at all costs, reminiscent of his approach with (Michael) Schumacher.
Alpine has rejected claims that it is exerting additional "pressure" on rookie Jack Doohan as he approaches his Formula 1 debut.
There are speculations that the 22-year-old Australian might only secure the first part of the 2025 season, with newly appointed reserve Franco Colapinto ready to take over. Team advisor Flavio Briatore hasn't dismissed these rumors.
"If a driver doesn’t deliver results or show progress, he will be replaced," he recently stated to Le Parisien. "You can’t afford to be emotional in Formula 1."
Joan Villadelprat, an engineer and manager familiar with Briatore, mentioned that he has witnessed similar situations in the past.
"Briatore knows what he wants," he said on the Duralavita podcast. "He seeks young talent at all costs, reminiscent of his approach with (Michael) Schumacher.
Verstappen's management addresses the speculation surrounding Aston Martin.
Max Verstappen's management has reacted positively to reports suggesting that Aston Martin is ready to invest a staggering $1 billion to attract the four-time world champion away from Red Bull. There are rumors that new addition Adrian Newey envisions a Verstappen partnership with current driver Fernando Alonso as an ideal lineup for 2026, although the team has "categorically" denied these claims.
Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, however, recognizes the genuine risk that Verstappen might leave after the upcoming season. "We need to provide him with a car that allows him to win on his own," he stated to Sport1. "It can be one to two tenths of a second slower than the others, but unlike our car last year, it must be competitive throughout the entire season and on every circuit.
Max Verstappen's management has reacted positively to reports suggesting that Aston Martin is ready to invest a staggering $1 billion to attract the four-time world champion away from Red Bull. There are rumors that new addition Adrian Newey envisions a Verstappen partnership with current driver Fernando Alonso as an ideal lineup for 2026, although the team has "categorically" denied these claims.
Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, however, recognizes the genuine risk that Verstappen might leave after the upcoming season. "We need to provide him with a car that allows him to win on his own," he stated to Sport1. "It can be one to two tenths of a second slower than the others, but unlike our car last year, it must be competitive throughout the entire season and on every circuit.