Colapinto avoids answering contract inquiries amid Alpine tensions.
"I believe we've handled the team's decisions effectively."
Franco Colapinto has dismissed speculation regarding his future, yet his indirect responses in Mexico did little to quell rumors that he has already secured a seat with Alpine for 2026. The Argentine rookie has been at the center of reports in recent days suggesting that Jack Doohan was close to being called back to take his place mid-season. Many within the paddock think this talk was encouraged by Flavio Briatore as a tactic to apply pressure on Colapinto’s sponsors, whose bright yellow branding is now prominently featured on the Alpine.
Colapinto’s bold disregard for team orders in Austin only further fueled the belief that his position for the future is secure.
"I believe we've handled the team's decisions effectively."
Franco Colapinto has dismissed speculation regarding his future, yet his indirect responses in Mexico did little to quell rumors that he has already secured a seat with Alpine for 2026. The Argentine rookie has been at the center of reports in recent days suggesting that Jack Doohan was close to being called back to take his place mid-season. Many within the paddock think this talk was encouraged by Flavio Briatore as a tactic to apply pressure on Colapinto’s sponsors, whose bright yellow branding is now prominently featured on the Alpine.
Colapinto’s bold disregard for team orders in Austin only further fueled the belief that his position for the future is secure.
Hadjar dismisses the possibility of an early switch to Red Bull.
"I’m confident that I’ll be in Formula 1 next year"
Despite experiencing a decline in performance since the summer, Isack Hadjar remains optimistic about his chances for elevation to Red Bull Racing in 2026, even as tensions rise within the current Racing Bulls team. The 21-year-old French driver had a lackluster weekend in Austin but expressed to Sky Italia his eagerness to improve in Mexico.
"I'm really excited to get back in the car," Hadjar stated. "I believe I can be the top rookie of the season, but it's difficult to make a fair comparison, as my car isn't the same as those of Antonelli, Bortoleto, or Bearman."
Hadjar acknowledged that his ultimate aspiration is clear. "My aim is to join Red Bull and become Verstappen’s teammate," he said. "I would feel disappointed if that doesn’t happen.
"I’m confident that I’ll be in Formula 1 next year"
Despite experiencing a decline in performance since the summer, Isack Hadjar remains optimistic about his chances for elevation to Red Bull Racing in 2026, even as tensions rise within the current Racing Bulls team. The 21-year-old French driver had a lackluster weekend in Austin but expressed to Sky Italia his eagerness to improve in Mexico.
"I'm really excited to get back in the car," Hadjar stated. "I believe I can be the top rookie of the season, but it's difficult to make a fair comparison, as my car isn't the same as those of Antonelli, Bortoleto, or Bearman."
Hadjar acknowledged that his ultimate aspiration is clear. "My aim is to join Red Bull and become Verstappen’s teammate," he said. "I would feel disappointed if that doesn’t happen.
Verstappen and Norris dismiss the 'tape-gate' controversy.
"It was rather entertaining to see them attempt and fail."
The 'tape-gate' controversy that started on the Austin grid has continued in Mexico City, but Max Verstappen is keeping himself away from the drama and from McLaren's increasing internal tensions. Red Bull faced a fine after one of its mechanics disregarded marshals to remove a piece of tape McLaren had placed on the pitwall to denote Lando Norris' grid position. Since that incident, discussions about sportsmanship have taken center stage in the paddock. "Anyone who needs this kind of tape should utilize it," Verstappen remarked. "I don't require it."
Carlos Sainz from Williams, a former member of the Red Bull team, was less lenient. "Clearly, someone saw a competitive edge by attempting to take that away from him," the Spaniard stated.
"It was rather entertaining to see them attempt and fail."
The 'tape-gate' controversy that started on the Austin grid has continued in Mexico City, but Max Verstappen is keeping himself away from the drama and from McLaren's increasing internal tensions. Red Bull faced a fine after one of its mechanics disregarded marshals to remove a piece of tape McLaren had placed on the pitwall to denote Lando Norris' grid position. Since that incident, discussions about sportsmanship have taken center stage in the paddock. "Anyone who needs this kind of tape should utilize it," Verstappen remarked. "I don't require it."
Carlos Sainz from Williams, a former member of the Red Bull team, was less lenient. "Clearly, someone saw a competitive edge by attempting to take that away from him," the Spaniard stated.
Leclerc supports Ferrari staff in light of viral memes.
"We're not yet where we aspire to be."
Charles Leclerc strongly believes that Ferrari has the right individuals in place, even amid another disappointing season that has made the team a subject of ridicule online. Although he secured a podium finish in Austin, a series of missed chances has caused the Scuderia to fall behind its competitors in both speed and results, leading to a surge of memes mocking Ferrari's performance and speculation about the need for external changes within the team. Nevertheless, the Monegasque driver asserts that the solution lies internally.
"We’re not where we want to be yet," he stated in Mexico. "However, I am confident that the right people are in the right positions. This gives me reassurance for what’s ahead."
"I know the team and how hard we are working to enhance our processes and methods," he continued.
"We're not yet where we aspire to be."
Charles Leclerc strongly believes that Ferrari has the right individuals in place, even amid another disappointing season that has made the team a subject of ridicule online. Although he secured a podium finish in Austin, a series of missed chances has caused the Scuderia to fall behind its competitors in both speed and results, leading to a surge of memes mocking Ferrari's performance and speculation about the need for external changes within the team. Nevertheless, the Monegasque driver asserts that the solution lies internally.
"We’re not where we want to be yet," he stated in Mexico. "However, I am confident that the right people are in the right positions. This gives me reassurance for what’s ahead."
"I know the team and how hard we are working to enhance our processes and methods," he continued.
We are still accepting predictions for the results of the Mexico City Grand Prix in our contest. After the race in Austin, the participant "Alex1444" scored the highest number of points — four exactly predicted positions, including the top two, and 190 points for the round. Congratulations to the winner of the previous round, and good luck to the participants in the upcoming Grand Prix!
In the last four Grands Prix Max Verstappen has scored 101 points out of a possible 108. Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto is impressed by how the reigning world champion has managed to get back into the title fight.
"I don't exactly make a secret of the fact that I think everything Max does is incredible," Gabriel Bortoleto said in Mexico. "Let's put it this way: right now, in my view, we're witnessing one of the greatest comebacks in history. We'll see what result he can achieve. Lately he's been winning a lot.
McLaren are strong too, but perhaps not as strong as they were at the start of the season, when they were scoring one-two finishes at every race. Anything can happen, but Max is already doing an outstanding job.
For most of the year he didn't have the best car, or even a car in the top three, yet he still remained in the title fight for a long time. Now Red Bull have managed to improve, and Max is already making history."
"I don't exactly make a secret of the fact that I think everything Max does is incredible," Gabriel Bortoleto said in Mexico. "Let's put it this way: right now, in my view, we're witnessing one of the greatest comebacks in history. We'll see what result he can achieve. Lately he's been winning a lot.
McLaren are strong too, but perhaps not as strong as they were at the start of the season, when they were scoring one-two finishes at every race. Anything can happen, but Max is already doing an outstanding job.
For most of the year he didn't have the best car, or even a car in the top three, yet he still remained in the title fight for a long time. Now Red Bull have managed to improve, and Max is already making history."
Ocon will be following Kalle Rovanperä's career with interest.
When Colton Herta decided to move from IndyCar, where he once finished as runner-up, to Formula 2 solely to obtain an FIA superlicense and, consequently, a chance to move to Formula 1, that could be considered an interesting piece of news.
But when Finnish rally driver Kalle Rovanperä, who at 25 already holds two WRC titles and this season could well become world champion for a third time, announced that he also intends to continue his career in F2, that was almost a sensation. However, he plans first to gain experience in the Japanese Super Formula series.
Of course, his decision drew considerable interest in the Formula 1 paddock, where all talented drivers are treated with due respect regardless of what category they compete in.
When Colton Herta decided to move from IndyCar, where he once finished as runner-up, to Formula 2 solely to obtain an FIA superlicense and, consequently, a chance to move to Formula 1, that could be considered an interesting piece of news.
But when Finnish rally driver Kalle Rovanperä, who at 25 already holds two WRC titles and this season could well become world champion for a third time, announced that he also intends to continue his career in F2, that was almost a sensation. However, he plans first to gain experience in the Japanese Super Formula series.
Of course, his decision drew considerable interest in the Formula 1 paddock, where all talented drivers are treated with due respect regardless of what category they compete in.
Franco Colapinto has repeatedly apologized for failing to follow a team order in Austin and overtaking his teammate, but on Thursday in Mexico City he denied that the contract situation influenced his actions…
Franco Colapinto: “Previously we worked well with the team, although in Austin I received a different instruction than I have been getting lately, so a difficult situation arose. But we discussed everything after the race, put the matter to rest, everything is fine.
I don’t have a contract, and I don’t know how I would have reacted if I did. We knew that 2025 would be a transition year for the team, but it turned out to be more complicated than we expected.
The reality is that over the last six races Pierre and I have had very closely matched results. I’m in good form, I had a strong pace, but sometimes we don’t have the chance to show our true speed — the car doesn’t allow it.”
Franco Colapinto: “Previously we worked well with the team, although in Austin I received a different instruction than I have been getting lately, so a difficult situation arose. But we discussed everything after the race, put the matter to rest, everything is fine.
I don’t have a contract, and I don’t know how I would have reacted if I did. We knew that 2025 would be a transition year for the team, but it turned out to be more complicated than we expected.
The reality is that over the last six races Pierre and I have had very closely matched results. I’m in good form, I had a strong pace, but sometimes we don’t have the chance to show our true speed — the car doesn’t allow it.”
On Thursday in Mexico City, Charles Leclerc spoke about the podium in Austin and his desire to build on that success...
Most of his life, Swedishman Stefan Johansson has devoted himself to motorsport: he raced in 79 Formula One Grands Prix, driving for, among others, Ferrari and McLaren, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans behind the wheel of a Porsche, and this week returned to the Mexican Grand Prix paddock as an artist.
Johansson has always been interested in painting and design, and when his close friend and colleague Elio de Angelis was killed in testing at Le Castellet in 1986, he picked up a paintbrush to paint something in his honor.
He now devotes most of his time to painting and design, working in his studio in Santa Monica, California. Stefan creates not only paintings and prints but also watches, clothing, and home accessories united by a love of racing — many of them are named after sporting heroes, circuits, or individual corners.
In Mexico, Stefan came with an exhibition of prints called The Flow State, which includes the series "Memories of a Past Life." His work can be viewed on his website.
Johansson has always been interested in painting and design, and when his close friend and colleague Elio de Angelis was killed in testing at Le Castellet in 1986, he picked up a paintbrush to paint something in his honor.
He now devotes most of his time to painting and design, working in his studio in Santa Monica, California. Stefan creates not only paintings and prints but also watches, clothing, and home accessories united by a love of racing — many of them are named after sporting heroes, circuits, or individual corners.
In Mexico, Stefan came with an exhibition of prints called The Flow State, which includes the series "Memories of a Past Life." His work can be viewed on his website.
Piastri: If I worry, it won't help.
After a disappointing weekend in Austin for McLaren and, above all, for Oscar Piastri, the situation in the championship has become even more intense, because the Australian driver now has another formidable rival — Max Verstappen. Of course the four-time champion has always been formidable, but right now he’s on the rise, showing excellent form and taking victory after victory.
If Oscar keeps dropping points, his lead in the drivers’ standings, which was much more substantial at the end of the summer, could finally melt away. Piastri, however, insisted he will try not to let that happen.
At an FIA press conference in Mexico he was asked to what extent the events at this stage of the season remind him of the times when he was fighting for wins in junior categories.
After a disappointing weekend in Austin for McLaren and, above all, for Oscar Piastri, the situation in the championship has become even more intense, because the Australian driver now has another formidable rival — Max Verstappen. Of course the four-time champion has always been formidable, but right now he’s on the rise, showing excellent form and taking victory after victory.
If Oscar keeps dropping points, his lead in the drivers’ standings, which was much more substantial at the end of the summer, could finally melt away. Piastri, however, insisted he will try not to let that happen.
At an FIA press conference in Mexico he was asked to what extent the events at this stage of the season remind him of the times when he was fighting for wins in junior categories.
Russell: I'm not really concerned about which of the three will win the title.
When George Russell is reminded that he still remains among the title contenders, he just smiles and refuses to elaborate on the subject, because he believes the championship will be won by one of the drivers from the top three. At the same time, according to the British Mercedes driver, he is not very concerned about who exactly will take the title.
George Russell: "I wouldn't say I'm proud of being fourth in the standings, but still, in almost every race we have managed to achieve the best possible result, and that's already a reason to be proud. However, this past weekend we performed worse, so I left Austin feeling some disappointment.
But with such tight results you can never be certain of success.
When George Russell is reminded that he still remains among the title contenders, he just smiles and refuses to elaborate on the subject, because he believes the championship will be won by one of the drivers from the top three. At the same time, according to the British Mercedes driver, he is not very concerned about who exactly will take the title.
George Russell: "I wouldn't say I'm proud of being fourth in the standings, but still, in almost every race we have managed to achieve the best possible result, and that's already a reason to be proud. However, this past weekend we performed worse, so I left Austin feeling some disappointment.
But with such tight results you can never be certain of success.
Audi encounters uncertainties regarding its engine, while Perez is set to test a Ferrari.
"It’s still premature to discuss performance."
Alarming reports regarding Audi’s preparations for 2026 are surfacing from Germany. According to f1-insider.com, Audi’s newly developed power unit may already be lagging behind the competition before even hitting the track. Early dyno results are said to indicate a deficit of up to 30 horsepower compared to Mercedes’ benchmark hybrid engine, reflecting a gap similar to Renault’s shortcomings during the initial turbo-hybrid phase.
Italian media have even suggested that the difference might surpass 100 horsepower compared to the best early prototypes, although insiders think this figure might be overstated. Nonetheless, these rumors have overshadowed Audi’s acquisition of the Sauber team.
"It’s still premature to discuss performance."
Alarming reports regarding Audi’s preparations for 2026 are surfacing from Germany. According to f1-insider.com, Audi’s newly developed power unit may already be lagging behind the competition before even hitting the track. Early dyno results are said to indicate a deficit of up to 30 horsepower compared to Mercedes’ benchmark hybrid engine, reflecting a gap similar to Renault’s shortcomings during the initial turbo-hybrid phase.
Italian media have even suggested that the difference might surpass 100 horsepower compared to the best early prototypes, although insiders think this figure might be overstated. Nonetheless, these rumors have overshadowed Audi’s acquisition of the Sauber team.
On October 24, a meeting of the regional interagency commission on supporting participants in the special military operation and their family members took place at the Nizhny Novgorod branch of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Foundation. 24.10.2025. NTA-Privolzhye. Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. Nizhny Novgorod.
Red Bull Racing has confirmed that this weekend Yuki Tsunoda will get a fresh version of the front wing that Max Verstappen has been using since the Singapore Grand Prix.
The front wing Tsunoda has used up until now was, according to Yuki, "three generations older" — it had been on Verstappen's car in Silverstone, and since then the versions have changed twice more.
Red Bull Racing has confirmed that this weekend Yuki Tsunoda will get a fresh version of the front wing that Max Verstappen has been using since the Singapore Grand Prix.
The front wing Tsunoda has used up until now was, according to Yuki, "three generations older" — it had been on Verstappen's car in Silverstone, and since then the versions have changed twice more.
In an interview with De Telegraaf, McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown admitted — in the summer he had been sure that Max Verstappen would accept Mercedes' offer…
Zak Brown: "For a long time I was sure that after the end of the season Max would move to Mercedes; now it's clear that won't happen.
Lately Verstappen's future isn't being discussed at all. They are getting excellent results on track, which shows how good he is. It seems Max is in better shape now than ever. And we consider him a very serious rival in the fight for the title. It would be very foolish of us to think he's out of the game.
The arrival of Laurent Mekies as team principal shook the team up a lot, at least that's how it seems from the outside. We thought the Red Bull team was about to fall apart, but in the end everything is fine there again, and that's bad for us."
Zak Brown: "For a long time I was sure that after the end of the season Max would move to Mercedes; now it's clear that won't happen.
Lately Verstappen's future isn't being discussed at all. They are getting excellent results on track, which shows how good he is. It seems Max is in better shape now than ever. And we consider him a very serious rival in the fight for the title. It would be very foolish of us to think he's out of the game.
The arrival of Laurent Mekies as team principal shook the team up a lot, at least that's how it seems from the outside. We thought the Red Bull team was about to fall apart, but in the end everything is fine there again, and that's bad for us."
At the Finali Mondiali there will be 18 racing Ferraris from previous years.
This weekend at the Mugello circuit Ferrari is holding the traditional Finali Mondiali festival, capping the season in sports car racing that takes place under the aegis of the Italian company.
One of the most striking items on the event’s programme is demonstration runs of past Formula 1 cars. All 18 of these Ferraris, built in Maranello, competed at various times in the World Championship, and among them are cars driven by Michael Schumacher.
These cars are now in private collections, and this coming Sunday their owners will once again bring this unique machinery onto the track — however, there will be no racing; everything will be limited to demonstration runs.
This weekend at the Mugello circuit Ferrari is holding the traditional Finali Mondiali festival, capping the season in sports car racing that takes place under the aegis of the Italian company.
One of the most striking items on the event’s programme is demonstration runs of past Formula 1 cars. All 18 of these Ferraris, built in Maranello, competed at various times in the World Championship, and among them are cars driven by Michael Schumacher.
These cars are now in private collections, and this coming Sunday their owners will once again bring this unique machinery onto the track — however, there will be no racing; everything will be limited to demonstration runs.
During the United States Grand Prix weekend Helmut Marko let slip that at a certain stage of this season Max Verstappen’s interest in Formula 1 had waned, but after the car became more competitive and following the victory on the Nordschleife his motivation returned.
In Mexico Max was asked whether he agreed with Marko’s words, to which the Red Bull Racing driver replied no: “No, I don’t agree. Of course, it’s nicer now to go to race weekends than to events where you know you don’t have a chance of winning. However, I still get in the car every time and try to extract the maximum from it, and I give it my all. It doesn’t matter whether I’m fighting for fourth or ninth place. I always try to do everything I can.”
Speaking about competing in GT races, Max said: “The team and I agreed a long time ago that they would let me race in other series. So this isn’t a case of a sudden opportunity to get behind the wheel that I jumped at. These things are planned well in advance because the preparation takes time. It was known a long time ago that this year I would race in GTs in real life.”
In Mexico Max was asked whether he agreed with Marko’s words, to which the Red Bull Racing driver replied no: “No, I don’t agree. Of course, it’s nicer now to go to race weekends than to events where you know you don’t have a chance of winning. However, I still get in the car every time and try to extract the maximum from it, and I give it my all. It doesn’t matter whether I’m fighting for fourth or ninth place. I always try to do everything I can.”
Speaking about competing in GT races, Max said: “The team and I agreed a long time ago that they would let me race in other series. So this isn’t a case of a sudden opportunity to get behind the wheel that I jumped at. These things are planned well in advance because the preparation takes time. It was known a long time ago that this year I would race in GTs in real life.”
Formula E: Stoffel Vandoorne – Jaguar reserve driver
Stoffel Vandoorne is a very versatile driver, except he has not yet competed in rallying. He has experience driving Formula 1 cars and sports prototypes in various categories, including the modern hypercars of the factory Peugeot team, and in 2022 he became the world champion in electric car racing.
At that time the Belgian was racing in Formula E for Mercedes, then he changed teams a couple of times and last season raced in the electric series for Maserati and won the race in Tokyo. And today it was announced that he has signed a contract with Jaguar Racing, where he will serve as the reserve driver.
Thus, the 33-year-old Vandoorne will become a teammate of Mitch Evans and António Félix da Costa, the main drivers of the factory team of the famous British company. By the way, Tom Dillman also works with the team as a test driver, primarily on the simulator.
Stoffel Vandoorne is a very versatile driver, except he has not yet competed in rallying. He has experience driving Formula 1 cars and sports prototypes in various categories, including the modern hypercars of the factory Peugeot team, and in 2022 he became the world champion in electric car racing.
At that time the Belgian was racing in Formula E for Mercedes, then he changed teams a couple of times and last season raced in the electric series for Maserati and won the race in Tokyo. And today it was announced that he has signed a contract with Jaguar Racing, where he will serve as the reserve driver.
Thus, the 33-year-old Vandoorne will become a teammate of Mitch Evans and António Félix da Costa, the main drivers of the factory team of the famous British company. By the way, Tom Dillman also works with the team as a test driver, primarily on the simulator.
Technical innovations presented by the teams in Mexico City
One of the main features of the Mexican round of the championship is the high altitude of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez above sea level. This affects the operation of all of the car’s systems; in particular, due to lower air density and reduced atmospheric pressure, the cooling process is less efficient.
The purpose of most of the technical upgrades prepared by the teams for the Mexican Grand Prix is, in one way or another, related to addressing this issue.
Ferrari
Additional cooling louvers have appeared on the bodywork of Charles Leclerc’s and Lewis Hamilton’s cars in the area between the engine cover and the sidepods. As acknowledged by the Scuderia, the increase in performance of this system has been achieved at the expense of some reduction in the aerodynamic efficiency of the SF-25 bodywork.
One of the main features of the Mexican round of the championship is the high altitude of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez above sea level. This affects the operation of all of the car’s systems; in particular, due to lower air density and reduced atmospheric pressure, the cooling process is less efficient.
The purpose of most of the technical upgrades prepared by the teams for the Mexican Grand Prix is, in one way or another, related to addressing this issue.
Ferrari
Additional cooling louvers have appeared on the bodywork of Charles Leclerc’s and Lewis Hamilton’s cars in the area between the engine cover and the sidepods. As acknowledged by the Scuderia, the increase in performance of this system has been achieved at the expense of some reduction in the aerodynamic efficiency of the SF-25 bodywork.