Edison Motors has introduced a duo of diesel-electric pickup trucks, and a kit is forthcoming.
Edison Motors and Deboss Garage via YouTube
The latest in car news and reviews, no nonsense
Our daily newsletter delivers the most important stories straight to your inbox every weekday.
The team at Edison Motors is doing something noteworthy. They’ve constructed several diesel-electric, series-hybrid semi trucks, and now they’ve added a couple of pickups to their lineup. These vehicles—a second-generation Ram and a 79-Series Toyota Land Cruiser—act as proof of concept for the Canadian company’s future swap kits. The concept is that, with Edison’s technology, any pickup manufactured in the last sixty years can be upgraded to utilize a diesel-electric powertrain.
Chace Barber, Edison’s president and co-founder, is quite resourceful.
Edison Motors and Deboss Garage via YouTube
The latest in car news and reviews, no nonsense
Our daily newsletter delivers the most important stories straight to your inbox every weekday.
The team at Edison Motors is doing something noteworthy. They’ve constructed several diesel-electric, series-hybrid semi trucks, and now they’ve added a couple of pickups to their lineup. These vehicles—a second-generation Ram and a 79-Series Toyota Land Cruiser—act as proof of concept for the Canadian company’s future swap kits. The concept is that, with Edison’s technology, any pickup manufactured in the last sixty years can be upgraded to utilize a diesel-electric powertrain.
Chace Barber, Edison’s president and co-founder, is quite resourceful.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review: The Ideal Truck for Those Who Dislike Pickups
The latest updates and reviews in the automotive world, minus any fluff.
Stay informed with our free daily newsletter delivering the most important stories to you every weekday.
The current new car market has its share of drawbacks, but one silver lining is that buyers today can choose from a variety of truck sizes according to their preferences. There's no longer a one-size-fits-all approach; now we have full-sized and mid-sized trucks, as well as car-based pickups, compact trucks, and even customizable electric pickups on the horizon.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz occupies a unique position in this range. Traditional truck enthusiasts may criticize its unibody construction and 4.3-foot bed, while others may be attracted to its distinctive styling and unexpectedly adept handling on the road.
The latest updates and reviews in the automotive world, minus any fluff.
Stay informed with our free daily newsletter delivering the most important stories to you every weekday.
The current new car market has its share of drawbacks, but one silver lining is that buyers today can choose from a variety of truck sizes according to their preferences. There's no longer a one-size-fits-all approach; now we have full-sized and mid-sized trucks, as well as car-based pickups, compact trucks, and even customizable electric pickups on the horizon.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz occupies a unique position in this range. Traditional truck enthusiasts may criticize its unibody construction and 4.3-foot bed, while others may be attracted to its distinctive styling and unexpectedly adept handling on the road.
This individual is producing homemade 'gasoline' from recycled plastic and solar energy.
Julian Brown/Instagram
The latest car news and reviews, no nonsense
Subscribe to our free daily newsletter to receive the most important stories directly in your inbox every weekday.
It's an intriguing idea: converting plastic waste into gasoline solely using solar power. That’s precisely what serial entrepreneur Julian Brown (@naturejab_ on Instagram) claims to be achieving, employing DIY equipment possibly right in his backyard. He refers to it as “plastoline.” Simple yet elegant. But is it legitimate?
This video lacks specific details, yet it seems that Brown is merging two established processes: extracting ethanol from a petrochemical source (in this case, consumer plastics) and distilling that ethanol into octane (the substances that determine gasoline's rating) for fuel use.
Julian Brown/Instagram
The latest car news and reviews, no nonsense
Subscribe to our free daily newsletter to receive the most important stories directly in your inbox every weekday.
It's an intriguing idea: converting plastic waste into gasoline solely using solar power. That’s precisely what serial entrepreneur Julian Brown (@naturejab_ on Instagram) claims to be achieving, employing DIY equipment possibly right in his backyard. He refers to it as “plastoline.” Simple yet elegant. But is it legitimate?
This video lacks specific details, yet it seems that Brown is merging two established processes: extracting ethanol from a petrochemical source (in this case, consumer plastics) and distilling that ethanol into octane (the substances that determine gasoline's rating) for fuel use.
Leclerc: I don't think we can achieve more.
Charles Leclerc finished third in Austin and is happy the weekend ended that way…
Question: Charles, great strategy, a brilliant race. Considering where you were on Friday, are you happy with that result?
Charles Leclerc: Very happy. In first practice there was a gearbox problem which forced the session to end early. I was immediately a step behind and tried to make up for lost time in the sprint qualifying and the sprint. Then in qualifying we fine‑tuned the setup and picked up pace. Considering the whole situation, the result is good.
The second half is not going smoothly. Completely unfounded rumours and speculation are swirling around the team. And it's really nice to show that we can stay focused on our work and earn podiums.
Question: The decisive factor in your success was starting on the Softs and those fifty‑plus laps during which you stayed ahead of Lando.
Charles Leclerc finished third in Austin and is happy the weekend ended that way…
Question: Charles, great strategy, a brilliant race. Considering where you were on Friday, are you happy with that result?
Charles Leclerc: Very happy. In first practice there was a gearbox problem which forced the session to end early. I was immediately a step behind and tried to make up for lost time in the sprint qualifying and the sprint. Then in qualifying we fine‑tuned the setup and picked up pace. Considering the whole situation, the result is good.
The second half is not going smoothly. Completely unfounded rumours and speculation are swirling around the team. And it's really nice to show that we can stay focused on our work and earn podiums.
Question: The decisive factor in your success was starting on the Softs and those fifty‑plus laps during which you stayed ahead of Lando.
At the United States Grand Prix teams successfully employed different tactics; for example, Charles Leclerc was one of the few who risked starting on Soft tyres, and that decision allowed him to make up places at the start, and in the end he finished third.
Most of those who started in the first fifteen positions, including Max Verstappen, who won the race, chose the Medium compound, while three drivers who began the race from the second ten gambled on Hard tyres.
Mario Isola, Pirelli Motorsport Director: "At the start of today's race teams decided not to limit themselves in their choice of strategy options, so they mainly used the Medium compound, which then provided the greatest flexibility.
Leclerc was the only driver from the top ten who preferred to start on Soft tyres, and that decision paid off because the Soft compound provided a grip advantage.
A virtual safety car period was introduced in the early stage of the race, which then allowed everyone who was running on Soft and Medium to extend their first stint by a few laps. The Medium compound worked particularly consistently – probably more consistently than expected.
Also positive were the track temperature being lower than on Saturday and the improved condition of the surface. All of this together allowed teams to extend the first stint as much as possible.
As a result, the ‘Medium–Hard’ plan that was originally envisaged inevitably became a less obvious strategy by the middle phase of the race. After a series of pit stops around lap 30 it became clear that almost all the cars would run the final stint on Soft tyres.
Because rear tyre wear had not reached a critical level, the drivers had no need to look after their tyres and were able to maintain a high pace. This was also aided by the setups chosen by the teams.
We congratulate Max Verstappen on the victory, as he remains one of the title contenders, and also Charles Leclerc, whose special approach to strategy selection allowed him to get onto the podium."
Most of those who started in the first fifteen positions, including Max Verstappen, who won the race, chose the Medium compound, while three drivers who began the race from the second ten gambled on Hard tyres.
Mario Isola, Pirelli Motorsport Director: "At the start of today's race teams decided not to limit themselves in their choice of strategy options, so they mainly used the Medium compound, which then provided the greatest flexibility.
Leclerc was the only driver from the top ten who preferred to start on Soft tyres, and that decision paid off because the Soft compound provided a grip advantage.
A virtual safety car period was introduced in the early stage of the race, which then allowed everyone who was running on Soft and Medium to extend their first stint by a few laps. The Medium compound worked particularly consistently – probably more consistently than expected.
Also positive were the track temperature being lower than on Saturday and the improved condition of the surface. All of this together allowed teams to extend the first stint as much as possible.
As a result, the ‘Medium–Hard’ plan that was originally envisaged inevitably became a less obvious strategy by the middle phase of the race. After a series of pit stops around lap 30 it became clear that almost all the cars would run the final stint on Soft tyres.
Because rear tyre wear had not reached a critical level, the drivers had no need to look after their tyres and were able to maintain a high pace. This was also aided by the setups chosen by the teams.
We congratulate Max Verstappen on the victory, as he remains one of the title contenders, and also Charles Leclerc, whose special approach to strategy selection allowed him to get onto the podium."
Statistics of past Grands Prix: Qualifying
Drivers' qualifying performance statistics, sorted by average position in the final classification and excluding subsequent penalties.
Driver
Team
Average
Best
Worst
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Score
O. Piastri
McLaren
2.74
1
9
19
19
19
10 - 9
M. Verstappen
Red Bull
3
1
8
19
19
19
19 - 0
L. Norris
McLaren
3.37
1
10
19
19
19
9 - 10
D. Russell
Mercedes
4.37
1
14
19
19
18
17 - 2
C. Leclerc
Ferrari
5.37
1
11
19
19
18
14 - 5
L. Hamilton
Ferrari
7.74
4
16
19
18
14
5 - 14
K. Antonelli
Mercedes
8.53
3
18
19
17
13
2 - 17
A. Hadjar
Racing Bulls
10.3
4
20
19
17
11
13 - 6
F. Alonso
Aston Martin
10.7
5
19
19
17
10
19 - 0
C.
Drivers' qualifying performance statistics, sorted by average position in the final classification and excluding subsequent penalties.
Driver
Team
Average
Best
Worst
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Score
O. Piastri
McLaren
2.74
1
9
19
19
19
10 - 9
M. Verstappen
Red Bull
3
1
8
19
19
19
19 - 0
L. Norris
McLaren
3.37
1
10
19
19
19
9 - 10
D. Russell
Mercedes
4.37
1
14
19
19
18
17 - 2
C. Leclerc
Ferrari
5.37
1
11
19
19
18
14 - 5
L. Hamilton
Ferrari
7.74
4
16
19
18
14
5 - 14
K. Antonelli
Mercedes
8.53
3
18
19
17
13
2 - 17
A. Hadjar
Racing Bulls
10.3
4
20
19
17
11
13 - 6
F. Alonso
Aston Martin
10.7
5
19
19
17
10
19 - 0
C.
Mekis: History is being made before our eyes!
Major upgrades to the car, including a new floor, that Red Bull Racing brought to the Italian Grand Prix in September allowed the team to turn things around. Of the four races since then Max Verstappen has won three and now has a real chance of a fifth championship title, although as recently as Zandvoort he was 104 points behind Oscar Piastri.
Team principal Laurent Mekies effusively praises his leader and modestly credits the engineers who managed to make the RB21 the best car at the end of the season.
Laurent Mekies: "Watching Max's victories, we see history being made before our eyes. He amazes us every time he goes out on track. He amazes us by how much he motivates us between sessions, by how sensitive he is to things that sometimes go unnoticed by us.
We still avoid making predictions. At least in the engineering department.
Major upgrades to the car, including a new floor, that Red Bull Racing brought to the Italian Grand Prix in September allowed the team to turn things around. Of the four races since then Max Verstappen has won three and now has a real chance of a fifth championship title, although as recently as Zandvoort he was 104 points behind Oscar Piastri.
Team principal Laurent Mekies effusively praises his leader and modestly credits the engineers who managed to make the RB21 the best car at the end of the season.
Laurent Mekies: "Watching Max's victories, we see history being made before our eyes. He amazes us every time he goes out on track. He amazes us by how much he motivates us between sessions, by how sensitive he is to things that sometimes go unnoticed by us.
We still avoid making predictions. At least in the engineering department.
Red Bull tried to hinder McLaren before the start.
After the United States Grand Prix, later that night, it emerged that Red Bull Racing had been fined €50,000 for breaching the FIA International Sporting Code.
It turned out that a member of the team had gone onto the grid after the formation lap had begun, but the question is: why did he do it? According to The Race, this person was trying to remove a marker from the trackside barrier that McLaren had left for Lando Norris.
The British team had marked the exact spot where Norris should stop his car on the grid — the marker was placed so that Lando could see it from the cockpit. In this way McLaren wanted to make it easier for their driver to position the car so he could get as far forward as possible within the permissible limits.
Norris started in Austin from second position, which is on the inside of the track next to exit No. 1 leading to the pit lane.
After the United States Grand Prix, later that night, it emerged that Red Bull Racing had been fined €50,000 for breaching the FIA International Sporting Code.
It turned out that a member of the team had gone onto the grid after the formation lap had begun, but the question is: why did he do it? According to The Race, this person was trying to remove a marker from the trackside barrier that McLaren had left for Lando Norris.
The British team had marked the exact spot where Norris should stop his car on the grid — the marker was placed so that Lando could see it from the cockpit. In this way McLaren wanted to make it easier for their driver to position the car so he could get as far forward as possible within the permissible limits.
Norris started in Austin from second position, which is on the inside of the track next to exit No. 1 leading to the pit lane.
The winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Antonio Fuoco, will take part in the first free practice session in Mexico behind the wheel of a Ferrari.
You wouldn't call Fuoco a young driver — the Italian is 29 years old, but he formally meets FIA criteria. He has already taken part in Ferrari tests several times; the first took place in 2015 in Spielberg, and later he worked on tyre tests in Abu Dhabi.
Fuoco will sit in Lewis Hamilton's car for the first practice, and in the second the seven-time champion will return to the cockpit.
You wouldn't call Fuoco a young driver — the Italian is 29 years old, but he formally meets FIA criteria. He has already taken part in Ferrari tests several times; the first took place in 2015 in Spielberg, and later he worked on tyre tests in Abu Dhabi.
Fuoco will sit in Lewis Hamilton's car for the first practice, and in the second the seven-time champion will return to the cockpit.
George Russell on which tyres Formula 1 needs
Commenting on the outcome of the race in Austin, George Russell said with regret that overtaking in Formula 1 has become very difficult, as has making up positions through strategy — almost all races are run with a single pit stop, but he did not blame Pirelli for this.
George Russell: "Pirelli have it tough either way. If the tyres wear a lot, people say the drivers can't attack and are saving the tyres, and the spectators don't like that. And when the tyres don't wear, we say the race is boring. It seems they don't win either way.
If we're being realistic, we need tyres that allow attacking but then wear out after about 15 laps, so you'd have to make two or three pit stops in a race.
Ideally the Soft tyres should last 12 laps, the Medium 15, and the Hard 20, and then fall off sharply. But that's easier said than done. As I said, Pirelli have it really tough.
Commenting on the outcome of the race in Austin, George Russell said with regret that overtaking in Formula 1 has become very difficult, as has making up positions through strategy — almost all races are run with a single pit stop, but he did not blame Pirelli for this.
George Russell: "Pirelli have it tough either way. If the tyres wear a lot, people say the drivers can't attack and are saving the tyres, and the spectators don't like that. And when the tyres don't wear, we say the race is boring. It seems they don't win either way.
If we're being realistic, we need tyres that allow attacking but then wear out after about 15 laps, so you'd have to make two or three pit stops in a race.
Ideally the Soft tyres should last 12 laps, the Medium 15, and the Hard 20, and then fall off sharply. But that's easier said than done. As I said, Pirelli have it really tough.
Jonathan Whitley: Zak Brown sent me his apologies
Zak Brown apologized to the Sauber team and to Nico Hülkenberg, admitting he was wrong to blame the German driver for the pile-up at the first corner after the start of the sprint in Austin, when both McLaren cars retired within the first seconds of Saturday’s race. At the time, during the sprint, the executive director of McLaren Racing told Sky Sports that the incident was “the result of maneuvers by some drivers who acted like amateurs, taking both our guys off the track.” But then, after watching footage of the episode, Brown admitted his initial reaction was mistaken: “I think I changed my mind. I can’t blame Nico.” He also later personally apologized to Jonathan Wheatley, Sauber’s team principal, and to the team’s driver.
Zak Brown apologized to the Sauber team and to Nico Hülkenberg, admitting he was wrong to blame the German driver for the pile-up at the first corner after the start of the sprint in Austin, when both McLaren cars retired within the first seconds of Saturday’s race. At the time, during the sprint, the executive director of McLaren Racing told Sky Sports that the incident was “the result of maneuvers by some drivers who acted like amateurs, taking both our guys off the track.” But then, after watching footage of the episode, Brown admitted his initial reaction was mistaken: “I think I changed my mind. I can’t blame Nico.” He also later personally apologized to Jonathan Wheatley, Sauber’s team principal, and to the team’s driver.
Frederik Vesti will get behind the wheel of a Mercedes on Friday in Mexico City.
Frederik Vesti, Mercedes’ test and reserve driver, will run the first Friday practice in Mexico, during which he will drive George Russell’s car.
At the April round of the season in Bahrain the 23-year-old Dane drove the W16 for the first time, and then he also replaced Russell and will now again take the wheel of his car.
According to Formula 1 rules, each World Championship entrant must twice per season give up their cockpit seat to a rookie, defined as any driver who has competed in fewer than two Grands Prix. Kimi Antonelli will not have to do this, since at the start of the year he himself was such a rookie when he contested his first races in Australia and China.
Frederik Vesti: “I’m very happy this weekend to return to the wheel of the W16 in the first practice in Mexico.
Frederik Vesti, Mercedes’ test and reserve driver, will run the first Friday practice in Mexico, during which he will drive George Russell’s car.
At the April round of the season in Bahrain the 23-year-old Dane drove the W16 for the first time, and then he also replaced Russell and will now again take the wheel of his car.
According to Formula 1 rules, each World Championship entrant must twice per season give up their cockpit seat to a rookie, defined as any driver who has competed in fewer than two Grands Prix. Kimi Antonelli will not have to do this, since at the start of the year he himself was such a rookie when he contested his first races in Australia and China.
Frederik Vesti: “I’m very happy this weekend to return to the wheel of the W16 in the first practice in Mexico.
Ricciardo: Max is so good it's almost funny!
Daniel Ricciardo believes that performances like the one we saw from Max Verstappen in Austin make the 2025 World Championship even more exciting, as the Dutch Red Bull Racing driver can once again be considered a genuine title contender. Convincing wins in both races of the American weekend earned Max 33 points, and because the leader in the drivers' standings, Oscar Piastri, scored only 10, the Australian's lead was cut by 23 points. There are still five Grands Prix and two sprints to run before the end of the season. If things continue like this and Piastri does not return to the form he showed in the first half of the season, his title chances will become remote. After the Dutch round he had a 104-point lead over Verstappen, and now that margin has been reduced to 40. The same can be said of Lando Norris, who is only 26 points behind Verstappen.
Daniel Ricciardo believes that performances like the one we saw from Max Verstappen in Austin make the 2025 World Championship even more exciting, as the Dutch Red Bull Racing driver can once again be considered a genuine title contender. Convincing wins in both races of the American weekend earned Max 33 points, and because the leader in the drivers' standings, Oscar Piastri, scored only 10, the Australian's lead was cut by 23 points. There are still five Grands Prix and two sprints to run before the end of the season. If things continue like this and Piastri does not return to the form he showed in the first half of the season, his title chances will become remote. After the Dutch round he had a 104-point lead over Verstappen, and now that margin has been reduced to 40. The same can be said of Lando Norris, who is only 26 points behind Verstappen.
Haas expect to fight for points in Mexico
The Haas team continues the fight for eighth place in the Constructors' Championship. In the previous two rounds Oliver Bearman scored four points, and the team is hoping to continue the scoring run in Mexico.
Ayo Komatsu, team principal: "The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a truly unique circuit. It is located at a very high altitude above sea level, which means that aero packages designed for high downforce actually produce low downforce, and on top of that there are serious cooling problems.
Assessing the VF‑25 high‑downforce package, and given that we are largely doing everything right, I see no reason why we shouldn't be able to fight for points.
I'm not fixated on the result itself — it will be what it will be — but we need to focus on the process, on what exactly we are doing and what approach we are taking."
Oliver Bearman: "I'm glad to be returning to Mexico.
The Haas team continues the fight for eighth place in the Constructors' Championship. In the previous two rounds Oliver Bearman scored four points, and the team is hoping to continue the scoring run in Mexico.
Ayo Komatsu, team principal: "The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a truly unique circuit. It is located at a very high altitude above sea level, which means that aero packages designed for high downforce actually produce low downforce, and on top of that there are serious cooling problems.
Assessing the VF‑25 high‑downforce package, and given that we are largely doing everything right, I see no reason why we shouldn't be able to fight for points.
I'm not fixated on the result itself — it will be what it will be — but we need to focus on the process, on what exactly we are doing and what approach we are taking."
Oliver Bearman: "I'm glad to be returning to Mexico.
Piastri: I still believe I can win the title.
Oscar Piastri is confident that his experience fighting for titles in junior series will help him now, as he leads the world championship, but his advantage continues to shrink rapidly.
Last weekend in Austin was fairly unfortunate for him — Oscar retired in the very first seconds of Saturday's sprint, and many tend to consider him the main culprit for the start-line incident; in Sunday's Grand Prix he finished only fifth.
Meanwhile Max Verstappen won both races of the American round, taking all 33 points, while Lando Norris finished second, which allowed him to reduce the gap to his McLaren teammate in the drivers' standings to 14 points.
Oscar Piastri is confident that his experience fighting for titles in junior series will help him now, as he leads the world championship, but his advantage continues to shrink rapidly.
Last weekend in Austin was fairly unfortunate for him — Oscar retired in the very first seconds of Saturday's sprint, and many tend to consider him the main culprit for the start-line incident; in Sunday's Grand Prix he finished only fifth.
Meanwhile Max Verstappen won both races of the American round, taking all 33 points, while Lando Norris finished second, which allowed him to reduce the gap to his McLaren teammate in the drivers' standings to 14 points.
Red Bull penalized for 'tape-gate' altercation with McLaren.
"Currently, there are no prohibitions."
Red Bull's celebrations following Max Verstappen's commanding victory at the United States GP were momentarily interrupted when the FIA called the team regarding an unusual incident in the grid lane, which resulted in a 50,000 euros fine—half of which is suspended. According to the stewards' report released on Sunday, a member of the Red Bull team "re-entered the gate well area near the second grid position after the formation lap had begun," disregarding the marshals' instructions as the pit lane gate was being closed.
"Currently, there are no prohibitions."
Red Bull's celebrations following Max Verstappen's commanding victory at the United States GP were momentarily interrupted when the FIA called the team regarding an unusual incident in the grid lane, which resulted in a 50,000 euros fine—half of which is suspended. According to the stewards' report released on Sunday, a member of the Red Bull team "re-entered the gate well area near the second grid position after the formation lap had begun," disregarding the marshals' instructions as the pit lane gate was being closed.
Stella pushes back against 'number 1' discussions as the pressure increases.
Despite Max Verstappen's title challenge intensifying the championship race, McLaren remains steadfast in their stance that neither Oscar Piastri nor Lando Norris will be designated as the 'number 1' driver. Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies commented after the Austin race that McLaren’s consideration of this issue is "exactly what they should be doing."
"To be completely honest, it's not something I'm focused on at all," the Frenchman stated. "This is the right approach for McLaren. I don’t have an opinion on it—it's up to them." Verstappen's commanding performance in Texas has reduced Piastri's lead to just 40 points, with Norris also closing the gap. However, Piastri dismissed the notion of elevating one driver over the other.
"I don’t think that's the case," the Australian said.
Despite Max Verstappen's title challenge intensifying the championship race, McLaren remains steadfast in their stance that neither Oscar Piastri nor Lando Norris will be designated as the 'number 1' driver. Red Bull’s Laurent Mekies commented after the Austin race that McLaren’s consideration of this issue is "exactly what they should be doing."
"To be completely honest, it's not something I'm focused on at all," the Frenchman stated. "This is the right approach for McLaren. I don’t have an opinion on it—it's up to them." Verstappen's commanding performance in Texas has reduced Piastri's lead to just 40 points, with Norris also closing the gap. However, Piastri dismissed the notion of elevating one driver over the other.
"I don’t think that's the case," the Australian said.
Krack counters Alonso's grim evaluation of Aston.
"Only Alpine trails us"
Former Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has sought to mitigate Fernando Alonso’s increasingly pessimistic view of the team’s performance, emphasizing that the situation isn't as dire as it seems. Alonso referred to the AMR25 as "the ninth fastest car" after barely securing a single point for a tenth-place finish in Austin, cautioning that Aston is currently in a "no man’s land."
"The top four teams are in a different category," Alonso stated. "Williams is in the middle. Haas were quicker, and I can’t even speculate about Sauber, while Racing Bulls were behind us throughout the race - they had a gap. "Only Alpine is behind us. So with the ninth car, we earned a point. I’m pleased with that."
The Spanish driver, now evidently looking ahead to Adrian Newey’s 2026 car, remarked: "A point is better than nothing, but it’s acceptable.
"Only Alpine trails us"
Former Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has sought to mitigate Fernando Alonso’s increasingly pessimistic view of the team’s performance, emphasizing that the situation isn't as dire as it seems. Alonso referred to the AMR25 as "the ninth fastest car" after barely securing a single point for a tenth-place finish in Austin, cautioning that Aston is currently in a "no man’s land."
"The top four teams are in a different category," Alonso stated. "Williams is in the middle. Haas were quicker, and I can’t even speculate about Sauber, while Racing Bulls were behind us throughout the race - they had a gap. "Only Alpine is behind us. So with the ninth car, we earned a point. I’m pleased with that."
The Spanish driver, now evidently looking ahead to Adrian Newey’s 2026 car, remarked: "A point is better than nothing, but it’s acceptable.
Russell describes 'boring' F1 as now being 'a race to Turn 1'.
"You need to make two or three pitstops during a race."
George Russell believes that the current era of Formula 1 has become more predictable, with track position and tire management leaving limited opportunities for competitive racing after the first corner. The Mercedes driver, who placed sixth in Austin after starting from fourth, noted that the United States GP exemplified this issue.
"Before the race even began, I sensed that the placement after the first corner would determine the final positions, and sadly, that turned out to be true," Russell commented. "At this moment, qualifying and the first corner dictate the outcome of the race. There's minimal tire degradation, with only three-tenths of a second separating the fastest and slowest cars in the top six, and typically, gaining an overtake requires at least half a second.
"You need to make two or three pitstops during a race."
George Russell believes that the current era of Formula 1 has become more predictable, with track position and tire management leaving limited opportunities for competitive racing after the first corner. The Mercedes driver, who placed sixth in Austin after starting from fourth, noted that the United States GP exemplified this issue.
"Before the race even began, I sensed that the placement after the first corner would determine the final positions, and sadly, that turned out to be true," Russell commented. "At this moment, qualifying and the first corner dictate the outcome of the race. There's minimal tire degradation, with only three-tenths of a second separating the fastest and slowest cars in the top six, and typically, gaining an overtake requires at least half a second.
Verstappen supports Rovanpera's 'crazy' move to F1.
"Transitioning to Super Formula is a significant step"
Max Verstappen has expressed his full support for Kalle Rovanpera’s surprising choice to leave rally driving in favor of a path toward Formula 1, even if it represents one of the most dramatic career shifts in motorsport in recent years. "It's a bold move, but I admire it," Verstappen shared with Viaplay in Austin. "Naturally, I'd enjoy seeing him continue in rallying as well, since it's a thrilling sport to watch. Moving to Super Formula is a substantial transition."
The reigning four-time world champion mentioned his interest in observing how the Finnish talent adjusts to single-seater racing. "He faces a significant challenge, yet he possesses great skill. I'm eager to see how everything unfolds," Verstappen remarked.
"Transitioning to Super Formula is a significant step"
Max Verstappen has expressed his full support for Kalle Rovanpera’s surprising choice to leave rally driving in favor of a path toward Formula 1, even if it represents one of the most dramatic career shifts in motorsport in recent years. "It's a bold move, but I admire it," Verstappen shared with Viaplay in Austin. "Naturally, I'd enjoy seeing him continue in rallying as well, since it's a thrilling sport to watch. Moving to Super Formula is a substantial transition."
The reigning four-time world champion mentioned his interest in observing how the Finnish talent adjusts to single-seater racing. "He faces a significant challenge, yet he possesses great skill. I'm eager to see how everything unfolds," Verstappen remarked.