Mekies cautions that Tsunoda's development is still 'not sufficient.'
"Yuki wouldn’t be pleased either if I claimed this was sufficient."
French commentators are urging for calm as Yuki Tsunoda's comeback faces renewed examination alongside Isack Hadjar - while team principal Laurent Mekies emphasizes the significance of the Japanese driver ahead of the Mexico race. Hadjar, the apparent leading candidate to replace Tsunoda in 2026, had a challenging experience in Austin, crashing during qualifying and finishing far down the leaderboard, coinciding with one of Tsunoda's best weekends of the season.
However, the 21-year-old Frenchman has continued to discuss his prospects openly, even suggesting that Red Bull should advance him before the start of 2026. Veteran journalist Jean-Luc Roy expressed to RMC Sport that he has already advised Hadjar to quiet down.
"Yuki wouldn’t be pleased either if I claimed this was sufficient."
French commentators are urging for calm as Yuki Tsunoda's comeback faces renewed examination alongside Isack Hadjar - while team principal Laurent Mekies emphasizes the significance of the Japanese driver ahead of the Mexico race. Hadjar, the apparent leading candidate to replace Tsunoda in 2026, had a challenging experience in Austin, crashing during qualifying and finishing far down the leaderboard, coinciding with one of Tsunoda's best weekends of the season.
However, the 21-year-old Frenchman has continued to discuss his prospects openly, even suggesting that Red Bull should advance him before the start of 2026. Veteran journalist Jean-Luc Roy expressed to RMC Sport that he has already advised Hadjar to quiet down.
McLaren will not be able to match the final car update from Red Bull.
"This will not occur for the remainder of the season."
McLaren is committed to maintaining its position in the title race, despite Red Bull's latest upgrade and the increasing pressure from Max Verstappen. Helmut Marko disclosed in Austin that Red Bull still has "another update for the car" as the championship contest intensifies. "A 40-point deficit makes it a bit of a stretch to label it a striking distance," Marko stated to Sky Deutschland. "However, with five races and two sprints left, it can still become quite thrilling."
While Red Bull seems to be gaining momentum, many in the paddock suspect that McLaren has reached a plateau. Nevertheless, team principal Andrea Stella remarks that the data from Austin was promising.
"This will not occur for the remainder of the season."
McLaren is committed to maintaining its position in the title race, despite Red Bull's latest upgrade and the increasing pressure from Max Verstappen. Helmut Marko disclosed in Austin that Red Bull still has "another update for the car" as the championship contest intensifies. "A 40-point deficit makes it a bit of a stretch to label it a striking distance," Marko stated to Sky Deutschland. "However, with five races and two sprints left, it can still become quite thrilling."
While Red Bull seems to be gaining momentum, many in the paddock suspect that McLaren has reached a plateau. Nevertheless, team principal Andrea Stella remarks that the data from Austin was promising.
Enhance Your Ride with Authentic Jaguar F-Pace Components
Author:
21 October 2025 - 10:49
The Jaguar F-Pace, launched in 2016, transformed the concept of luxury performance SUVs by merging Jaguar’s distinct design with functionality and adaptability. As the brand's inaugural SUV, the F-Pace showcases powerful aesthetics, nimble handling, and state-of-the-art technology, making it a preferred choice for both families and car enthusiasts. Whether navigating urban areas, maneuvering through winding roads, or embarking on lengthy trips, keeping your F-Pace equipped with genuine parts guarantees optimal performance, safety, and sophistication. This guide examines essential Jaguar F-Pace components that can enhance your driving experience, detailing their functions, indicators of wear, and the significance of acquiring authentic replacements.
Author:
21 October 2025 - 10:49
The Jaguar F-Pace, launched in 2016, transformed the concept of luxury performance SUVs by merging Jaguar’s distinct design with functionality and adaptability. As the brand's inaugural SUV, the F-Pace showcases powerful aesthetics, nimble handling, and state-of-the-art technology, making it a preferred choice for both families and car enthusiasts. Whether navigating urban areas, maneuvering through winding roads, or embarking on lengthy trips, keeping your F-Pace equipped with genuine parts guarantees optimal performance, safety, and sophistication. This guide examines essential Jaguar F-Pace components that can enhance your driving experience, detailing their functions, indicators of wear, and the significance of acquiring authentic replacements.
Campos Racing, competing in Formula 2, has announced Nikola Tsolov’s teammate for 2026. It is Mexican driver Noel Leon, who will make his debut in the junior series after two seasons in Formula 3.
Over two years in F3, Leon stood on the podium six times and set two fastest laps. His best season result was tenth in the drivers’ standings in 2024. In the recently concluded season he finished seventeenth.
Noel Leon: “It is a great honor for me to take the next step in my career and join Campos Racing in Formula 2. I am sincerely grateful to the team for their trust and to the sponsors for their support, which made my dream come true.
Campos is a team with a rich history and experience, and I am determined to learn from them and to do the very best I can in this new chapter of my career.”
Over two years in F3, Leon stood on the podium six times and set two fastest laps. His best season result was tenth in the drivers’ standings in 2024. In the recently concluded season he finished seventeenth.
Noel Leon: “It is a great honor for me to take the next step in my career and join Campos Racing in Formula 2. I am sincerely grateful to the team for their trust and to the sponsors for their support, which made my dream come true.
Campos is a team with a rich history and experience, and I am determined to learn from them and to do the very best I can in this new chapter of my career.”
Racing Bulls announced an upcoming change for the first free practice session of the Mexico Grand Prix.
Ayumu Iwasa will run the practice, replacing Liam Lawson. The New Zealand driver will return to the wheel of the VCARB 02 for the second practice. For Iwasa this will be his second appearance in free practice this season. In Bahrain he replaced Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.
“Ayumu is preparing for the first practice,” Racing Bulls’ press office wrote. “Reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa will pilot the VCARB 02 in the first free practice session of the Mexico Grand Prix instead of Liam.”
Ayumu Iwasa will run the practice, replacing Liam Lawson. The New Zealand driver will return to the wheel of the VCARB 02 for the second practice. For Iwasa this will be his second appearance in free practice this season. In Bahrain he replaced Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.
“Ayumu is preparing for the first practice,” Racing Bulls’ press office wrote. “Reserve driver Ayumu Iwasa will pilot the VCARB 02 in the first free practice session of the Mexico Grand Prix instead of Liam.”
Ferrari Driver Academy member Dino Beganovic will continue his career in Formula 2 after signing a contract with DAMS for the next season.
Dino Beganovic: "I'm happy to return to DAMS Lucas Oil for another season in Formula 2. Last year I immediately felt a connection with the team — both professionally and personally; together we demonstrated great potential, including a podium in Abu Dhabi. I'm grateful for the trust and continued support from the Ferrari Driver Academy. Our goal is to build on the progress we've made and consistently fight for the lead."
Dino Beganovic: "I'm happy to return to DAMS Lucas Oil for another season in Formula 2. Last year I immediately felt a connection with the team — both professionally and personally; together we demonstrated great potential, including a podium in Abu Dhabi. I'm grateful for the trust and continued support from the Ferrari Driver Academy. Our goal is to build on the progress we've made and consistently fight for the lead."
Max Verstappen's victory in Austin noticeably lifted Helmut Marko's spirits. Red Bull's motorsport advisor said the team still expects technical upgrades before the end of the season that will make the car faster.
Helmut Marko: "There is really a good atmosphere in the team now. But I must admit that Charles Leclerc made our task easier in the race. Clearly, McLaren will not be as easy an opponent as before. Oscar Piastri also had a tougher weekend than usual. I hope it continues that way. There are no remaining tracks this season where we might have problems with competitiveness. And when our car is fast, it is Max who becomes the deciding factor. In addition, we still have some updates planned, but I don't know exactly at what stage they will appear."
Helmut Marko: "There is really a good atmosphere in the team now. But I must admit that Charles Leclerc made our task easier in the race. Clearly, McLaren will not be as easy an opponent as before. Oscar Piastri also had a tougher weekend than usual. I hope it continues that way. There are no remaining tracks this season where we might have problems with competitiveness. And when our car is fast, it is Max who becomes the deciding factor. In addition, we still have some updates planned, but I don't know exactly at what stage they will appear."
Button: Webber will help Piastri stay positive
Commenting on the championship situation on Sky Sport, Jenson Button compared it to 2009, when he won almost every race driving the dominant Brawn GP car in the first half of the season and none in the second…
Jenson Button: "Oscar Piastri has found himself in a very difficult situation. The car is not behaving as he hoped, and as it did at the start of the year. Back then it was so fast they were impossible to beat. Now the car is down on pace and he is forced to think about the championship situation, about how not to lose points, how not to make mistakes, and sometimes mistakes happen.
I remember in 2009 I made too many mistakes when I was fighting for the championship at the end of the season. I put myself under too much pressure and couldn't cope with it. I hope Oscar has learned a lesson from other people's mistakes.
Commenting on the championship situation on Sky Sport, Jenson Button compared it to 2009, when he won almost every race driving the dominant Brawn GP car in the first half of the season and none in the second…
Jenson Button: "Oscar Piastri has found himself in a very difficult situation. The car is not behaving as he hoped, and as it did at the start of the year. Back then it was so fast they were impossible to beat. Now the car is down on pace and he is forced to think about the championship situation, about how not to lose points, how not to make mistakes, and sometimes mistakes happen.
I remember in 2009 I made too many mistakes when I was fighting for the championship at the end of the season. I put myself under too much pressure and couldn't cope with it. I hope Oscar has learned a lesson from other people's mistakes.
In the first free practice session of the Mexico Grand Prix, nine teams will immediately replace their main drivers with reserve drivers. Only Sauber has its main drivers scheduled to take part in the morning session.
At Alpine, Paul Aron will take the wheel of Pierre Gasly’s car; at Haas, Rio Hirakawa will replace Oliver Berman for sixty minutes. Pato O’Ward will return to the McLaren cockpit, running the session in place of Lando Norris.
Frederik Vesti will take George Russell’s Mercedes, Liam Lawson will replace Ayumu Iwasa at Racing Bulls, Arvid Lindblad will stand in for Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, and Luke Browning will replace Carlos Sainz at Williams.
Two drivers will make their Formula 1 debuts during an official race weekend session. At Ferrari, Antonio Fuoco will replace Lewis Hamilton, and Jack Crawford will take Lance Stroll’s seat at Aston Martin.
At Alpine, Paul Aron will take the wheel of Pierre Gasly’s car; at Haas, Rio Hirakawa will replace Oliver Berman for sixty minutes. Pato O’Ward will return to the McLaren cockpit, running the session in place of Lando Norris.
Frederik Vesti will take George Russell’s Mercedes, Liam Lawson will replace Ayumu Iwasa at Racing Bulls, Arvid Lindblad will stand in for Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, and Luke Browning will replace Carlos Sainz at Williams.
Two drivers will make their Formula 1 debuts during an official race weekend session. At Ferrari, Antonio Fuoco will replace Lewis Hamilton, and Jack Crawford will take Lance Stroll’s seat at Aston Martin.
The Aston Martin Formula 1 team has published its financial report for 2024. Compared with the previous year, revenue increased by 14.7% to £280.7 million (US$374 million). However, the team finished the year with losses of £45.8 million (US$61 million). Since 2020, Aston Martin's cumulative losses have amounted to £189.5 million (US$252.5 million). Throughout these years, Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll has invested huge sums in the team to elevate it to championship level. Over the past years a new base at Silverstone and a state-of-the-art wind tunnel have been built, and a large number of experienced engineers, led by Adrian Newey, have joined the team. Aston Martin expects that all these investments will pay off, that the team will become one of Formula 1's frontrunners and will regularly compete for victories and titles.
Work has begun on reconstructing the pit complex at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, which hosts the Austrian Grand Prix.
In 2026 the Cadillac team will make its Formula 1 debut, and the pit expansion at the Austrian circuit is related to this, so that in the new season all eleven teams can be comfortably accommodated on the pit lane.
The pit reconstruction will entail additional construction work, as the circuit’s medical center will have to be relocated and rebuilt at a new site. The total cost of the work will be around €13 million.
Construction work is to be completed at the end of May 2026 — one month before the Austrian Grand Prix.
In 2026 the Cadillac team will make its Formula 1 debut, and the pit expansion at the Austrian circuit is related to this, so that in the new season all eleven teams can be comfortably accommodated on the pit lane.
The pit reconstruction will entail additional construction work, as the circuit’s medical center will have to be relocated and rebuilt at a new site. The total cost of the work will be around €13 million.
Construction work is to be completed at the end of May 2026 — one month before the Austrian Grand Prix.
Alonso: I'm in the best shape I've ever been.
Next year Fernando Alonso will enter his 23rd season in Formula 1, and he thinks he is in better shape now than before…
Fernando Alonso: "I'm in better shape now than ever. This year the car is worse than the position we hold in the Constructors' Championship. We have problems, we're working on fixing weak points that aren't very noticeable from the outside, but personally I believe that some of the results from this year and last year would have been impossible twenty years ago. That's my opinion. So I'm calm, happy and looking to the future with confidence.
Drivers get better over time because they gain experience, tackle a wide variety of tasks, learn from their own and others' mistakes, and do their job faster and to a higher standard. You use different driving techniques with many different tyre models and everything else, and you interact effectively with the team.
Next year Fernando Alonso will enter his 23rd season in Formula 1, and he thinks he is in better shape now than before…
Fernando Alonso: "I'm in better shape now than ever. This year the car is worse than the position we hold in the Constructors' Championship. We have problems, we're working on fixing weak points that aren't very noticeable from the outside, but personally I believe that some of the results from this year and last year would have been impossible twenty years ago. That's my opinion. So I'm calm, happy and looking to the future with confidence.
Drivers get better over time because they gain experience, tackle a wide variety of tasks, learn from their own and others' mistakes, and do their job faster and to a higher standard. You use different driving techniques with many different tyre models and everything else, and you interact effectively with the team.
This Friday Rio Hirakawa will return behind the wheel of the Haas in the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix. The Japanese driver will replace Oliver Bearman for one hour, and it will be his fourth appearance in a practice session this season after the rounds in Japan, Bahrain and Spain.
As part of preparations for the upcoming sessions, Rio worked with the team on Tuesday in private testing at Zandvoort under the TPC program (Testing of a Previous Car). However, not everything went smoothly, and on the classic Dutch circuit Hirakawa lost control of the VF-23 and crashed the car.
The driver was not injured and is expected to travel to Mexico to take part in the practice as planned.
As part of preparations for the upcoming sessions, Rio worked with the team on Tuesday in private testing at Zandvoort under the TPC program (Testing of a Previous Car). However, not everything went smoothly, and on the classic Dutch circuit Hirakawa lost control of the VF-23 and crashed the car.
The driver was not injured and is expected to travel to Mexico to take part in the practice as planned.
Horner aims for 1.5 billion pound F1 comeback - report
"All that occupies your mind is the thought of his return."
Christian Horner may be on the verge of an impressive Formula 1 comeback by leading a new or acquired team valued at over 1.5 billion pounds, as reported by The Times of London. The publication indicates that the former Red Bull leader has been approached by affluent investors "keen to partner," providing him with sufficient funds to buy a complete team - though not one of the top four most expensive established teams.
After his departure from Red Bull, Horner reportedly desires ownership control instead of a team principal position, and he has dismissed the idea of relocating to Italy full-time despite recent associations with Ferrari.
"All that occupies your mind is the thought of his return."
Christian Horner may be on the verge of an impressive Formula 1 comeback by leading a new or acquired team valued at over 1.5 billion pounds, as reported by The Times of London. The publication indicates that the former Red Bull leader has been approached by affluent investors "keen to partner," providing him with sufficient funds to buy a complete team - though not one of the top four most expensive established teams.
After his departure from Red Bull, Horner reportedly desires ownership control instead of a team principal position, and he has dismissed the idea of relocating to Italy full-time despite recent associations with Ferrari.
Domenicali advocates for the balance of showmanship in F1.
"We’ve aimed to innovate in every area."
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has defended the contemporary presentation of the sport, asserting that innovation and effective communication are crucial, despite concerns from some purists that F1 may be turning into a mere "show." The discussion was reignited when Carlos Sainz criticized the broadcast of the Singapore GP for emphasizing celebrities and drivers’ partners rather than significant on-track action. F1’s media department responded by stating that "the focus is always on providing fans with the best possible images of the race," and emphasized that there were "no compromises regarding what happens on the track."
In contrast, Auto Motor und Sport observed that the broadcast of the US Grand Prix in Austin last weekend intentionally steered clear of celebrity shots.
"We’ve aimed to innovate in every area."
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has defended the contemporary presentation of the sport, asserting that innovation and effective communication are crucial, despite concerns from some purists that F1 may be turning into a mere "show." The discussion was reignited when Carlos Sainz criticized the broadcast of the Singapore GP for emphasizing celebrities and drivers’ partners rather than significant on-track action. F1’s media department responded by stating that "the focus is always on providing fans with the best possible images of the race," and emphasized that there were "no compromises regarding what happens on the track."
In contrast, Auto Motor und Sport observed that the broadcast of the US Grand Prix in Austin last weekend intentionally steered clear of celebrity shots.
Ricciardo acknowledges that his career has come to an end: 'No more neck workouts.'
"My neck isn’t as strong as it used to be anymore."
Daniel Ricciardo has officially announced his retirement from professional racing, humorously noting that one of the best aspects of retirement is that he no longer has to work on his neck muscles. The Australian driver, who lost his seat at McLaren, returned to Red Bull’s junior team, suffered a hand injury, and was subsequently let go again due to subpar performance, confirmed his retirement recently while being introduced as a Ford Racing ambassador. "Although my racing career has ended, my passion for anything with wheels will always be strong," he remarked at that time.
Ford will collaborate with Red Bull on its 2026 Formula 1 power unit project.
"My neck isn’t as strong as it used to be anymore."
Daniel Ricciardo has officially announced his retirement from professional racing, humorously noting that one of the best aspects of retirement is that he no longer has to work on his neck muscles. The Australian driver, who lost his seat at McLaren, returned to Red Bull’s junior team, suffered a hand injury, and was subsequently let go again due to subpar performance, confirmed his retirement recently while being introduced as a Ford Racing ambassador. "Although my racing career has ended, my passion for anything with wheels will always be strong," he remarked at that time.
Ford will collaborate with Red Bull on its 2026 Formula 1 power unit project.
Lundgaard cautions Herta against underestimating the transition to F1.
"It will likely become apparent at some point."
Christian Lundgaard has cautioned Colton Herta that switching from IndyCar to Formula 2 and the F1 pathway will be more challenging than it appears. The Danish driver, who transitioned from the European single-seater scene to IndyCar, spoke to Ekstra Bladet about Herta's move to Cadillac and eventually to Formula 2 during the United States GP in Austin.
"Good luck," Lundgaard expressed. "Dan Towriss is associated with both Andretti and Cadillac, so we always anticipated this possibility since Colton is his project, similar to how Kevin (Magnussen) was for Anders (Holch). However, I wish him luck because he may not fully grasp the challenge. IndyCar is less mentally taxing, and there’s also the difficulty of managing expectations.
"It will likely become apparent at some point."
Christian Lundgaard has cautioned Colton Herta that switching from IndyCar to Formula 2 and the F1 pathway will be more challenging than it appears. The Danish driver, who transitioned from the European single-seater scene to IndyCar, spoke to Ekstra Bladet about Herta's move to Cadillac and eventually to Formula 2 during the United States GP in Austin.
"Good luck," Lundgaard expressed. "Dan Towriss is associated with both Andretti and Cadillac, so we always anticipated this possibility since Colton is his project, similar to how Kevin (Magnussen) was for Anders (Holch). However, I wish him luck because he may not fully grasp the challenge. IndyCar is less mentally taxing, and there’s also the difficulty of managing expectations.
After a successful outing in Austin, Ferrari hopes to build on that success in Mexico…
Frédéric Vasseur, team principal: "In Austin, thanks to the coordinated work of the team and the support of the staff at the factory, we had one of the most successful weekends of the season. It is important to maintain this high level of focus and determination to succeed in the final part of the season.
In Mexico we will be facing completely different challenges. One of the key characteristics of this circuit is the high altitude above sea level, which affects cooling, the power of the power unit, aerodynamics and the behaviour of the tyres. The key factor will be finding the optimal balance between all of these elements.
Thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of the fans, the atmosphere in Mexico is always incredible."
Frédéric Vasseur, team principal: "In Austin, thanks to the coordinated work of the team and the support of the staff at the factory, we had one of the most successful weekends of the season. It is important to maintain this high level of focus and determination to succeed in the final part of the season.
In Mexico we will be facing completely different challenges. One of the key characteristics of this circuit is the high altitude above sea level, which affects cooling, the power of the power unit, aerodynamics and the behaviour of the tyres. The key factor will be finding the optimal balance between all of these elements.
Thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of the fans, the atmosphere in Mexico is always incredible."
Formula 2 team Invicta Racing has announced the signing of Joshua Dürksen for 2026.
The upcoming season will be the Paraguayan driver's third in Formula 2. In 2024 and 2025 Dürksen is racing for AIX Racing and has taken three victories. With two rounds remaining in the season, Joshua sits twelfth in the drivers' standings.
Joshua Dürksen: "I am incredibly proud to be representing Invicta Racing in Formula 2 in 2026. The team has, over several years, proven itself to be one of the best in the championship, and I am very pleased to have been given this opportunity.
I have already learned a lot in Formula 2 and I feel ready to fight at the front every weekend and show what Paraguay is capable of. I look forward to getting to work with the team and am confident that together we can achieve a lot next year."
The upcoming season will be the Paraguayan driver's third in Formula 2. In 2024 and 2025 Dürksen is racing for AIX Racing and has taken three victories. With two rounds remaining in the season, Joshua sits twelfth in the drivers' standings.
Joshua Dürksen: "I am incredibly proud to be representing Invicta Racing in Formula 2 in 2026. The team has, over several years, proven itself to be one of the best in the championship, and I am very pleased to have been given this opportunity.
I have already learned a lot in Formula 2 and I feel ready to fight at the front every weekend and show what Paraguay is capable of. I look forward to getting to work with the team and am confident that together we can achieve a lot next year."
Jack Crawford: A new experience awaits me in Mexico City.
In Mexico Jack Crawford will make his debut behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car during the race weekend. The American driver will run the first practice session, replacing Lance Stroll. In an interview with the Aston Martin press office Jack talked about his preparations for the upcoming sessions.
Question: What do you think about taking part in the first practice behind the wheel of the AMR25?
Jack Crawford: I’m very excited. Last year I took part in tests in Abu Dhabi after the season ended and did several TPC tests in a car from previous years. Now I’m facing a new experience, considering there will be many other cars on track, so traffic will be one of the factors I’ll have to deal with.
We have a packed schedule ahead, as we’ll need to work on the car’s setup for the weekend. I’m looking forward to taking part in that.
In Mexico Jack Crawford will make his debut behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car during the race weekend. The American driver will run the first practice session, replacing Lance Stroll. In an interview with the Aston Martin press office Jack talked about his preparations for the upcoming sessions.
Question: What do you think about taking part in the first practice behind the wheel of the AMR25?
Jack Crawford: I’m very excited. Last year I took part in tests in Abu Dhabi after the season ended and did several TPC tests in a car from previous years. Now I’m facing a new experience, considering there will be many other cars on track, so traffic will be one of the factors I’ll have to deal with.
We have a packed schedule ahead, as we’ll need to work on the car’s setup for the weekend. I’m looking forward to taking part in that.