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.
Marko: Lindblad made a good impression
Arvid Lindblad — the only one of the nine rookies who took part in the first free practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix — finished ahead of his experienced teammate. Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko was pleased with the young Briton's work, but refused to confirm a contract with him for next season, although his smile made it clear that the matter with Arvid was practically settled.
Helmut Marko: "Arvid was in a difficult situation. Before the session we told him that he must not make mistakes and must not crash the car. And under that pressure he still delivered, finishing as the fastest of the rookies. I should note that his feedback on the car also made a good impression. So we are happy with his performance. In the session we got answers to some questions, but right now I won't say what our lineup will be next year! We need a little more time to make a final decision.
Arvid Lindblad — the only one of the nine rookies who took part in the first free practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix — finished ahead of his experienced teammate. Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko was pleased with the young Briton's work, but refused to confirm a contract with him for next season, although his smile made it clear that the matter with Arvid was practically settled.
Helmut Marko: "Arvid was in a difficult situation. Before the session we told him that he must not make mistakes and must not crash the car. And under that pressure he still delivered, finishing as the fastest of the rookies. I should note that his feedback on the car also made a good impression. So we are happy with his performance. In the session we got answers to some questions, but right now I won't say what our lineup will be next year! We need a little more time to make a final decision.
Laurent Mekis: There is pressing, but it's positive pressing.
After the end of the first practice in Mexico, Laurent Mekies, head of Red Bull Racing, commented on the session in which rookie Arvid Lindblad set his best lap faster than Yuki Tsunoda and moved up to sixth on the timesheets.
Question: Arvid Lindblad was called to the stewards, right?
Laurent Mekies: Yes, that's correct, and although I haven't yet watched the video of the incident, I suppose it wasn't too serious. But it was probably noticeable even from the outside that during the session everyone's GPS systems went down, so it was particularly difficult for the rookies to navigate the traffic.
After the end of the first practice in Mexico, Laurent Mekies, head of Red Bull Racing, commented on the session in which rookie Arvid Lindblad set his best lap faster than Yuki Tsunoda and moved up to sixth on the timesheets.
Question: Arvid Lindblad was called to the stewards, right?
Laurent Mekies: Yes, that's correct, and although I haven't yet watched the video of the incident, I suppose it wasn't too serious. But it was probably noticeable even from the outside that during the session everyone's GPS systems went down, so it was particularly difficult for the rookies to navigate the traffic.
We wrote that, as part of preparations for their debut season, the Cadillac team agreed with Ferrari to conduct tests in which Sergio Pérez will take the wheel. In Mexico the driver spoke about the upcoming tests — they will be two days long and will take place in Imola…
Sergio Pérez: “In November we will carry out tests that are very important for the team. We will work through the program with the engineers and mechanics so that we are 100% prepared for the new car’s testing program, which will begin in January.
These tests will also help me get back into shape. No matter how much I train in the gym, certain muscle groups can only be prepared on track — I need time and miles in the car. These two days of testing in Imola behind the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari will help me a lot.”
Sergio Pérez: “In November we will carry out tests that are very important for the team. We will work through the program with the engineers and mechanics so that we are 100% prepared for the new car’s testing program, which will begin in January.
These tests will also help me get back into shape. No matter how much I train in the gym, certain muscle groups can only be prepared on track — I need time and miles in the car. These two days of testing in Imola behind the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari will help me a lot.”
Permain: Marco's words should not be taken literally.
After the end of the first practice in Mexico, Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permain praised Ayumu Iwasa, the reserve driver working with the Red Bull teams, who drove Liam Lawson's car and set the 17th-fastest time.
However, the Sky Sports interview with Permain was not only about the 24-year-old Japanese driver, whose chances of getting into a race seat at any championship team shouldn't be overstated…
Alan Permain: "It's hard to compare Ayumu's result with the 11th-fastest time set by Isack Hadjar, but on the Medium tyres toward the end of the session he did a fairly respectable lap. We have something of a rookie pool, Ayumu is working with us this year, and we plan to give him another session — that will be in Abu Dhabi.
After the end of the first practice in Mexico, Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permain praised Ayumu Iwasa, the reserve driver working with the Red Bull teams, who drove Liam Lawson's car and set the 17th-fastest time.
However, the Sky Sports interview with Permain was not only about the 24-year-old Japanese driver, whose chances of getting into a race seat at any championship team shouldn't be overstated…
Alan Permain: "It's hard to compare Ayumu's result with the 11th-fastest time set by Isack Hadjar, but on the Medium tyres toward the end of the session he did a fairly respectable lap. We have something of a rookie pool, Ayumu is working with us this year, and we plan to give him another session — that will be in Abu Dhabi.
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Max Verstappen: You can't win the race with a problem like that.
Max Verstappen topped the timesheets in the second free practice session of the Mexico Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing driver, who handed his car to Arvid Lindblad in the first practice, said he was unhappy with the long-run pace, and that if the problem isn't solved on Saturday, Sunday will be difficult for him.
Yuki Tsunoda ran both practice sessions and was seventh in the second, almost half a second behind his teammate.
Max Verstappen (1st): "I had to wait before getting behind the wheel today. On a fast lap on the Soft tyres I managed to post a good time. Everything else was rather poor. The fast lap on the Medium didn't come together very well, but the main problem was the long-run pace, and that's our main concern ahead of the race.
There's no issue with the balance, but the car simply has no grip with the track.
Max Verstappen topped the timesheets in the second free practice session of the Mexico Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing driver, who handed his car to Arvid Lindblad in the first practice, said he was unhappy with the long-run pace, and that if the problem isn't solved on Saturday, Sunday will be difficult for him.
Yuki Tsunoda ran both practice sessions and was seventh in the second, almost half a second behind his teammate.
Max Verstappen (1st): "I had to wait before getting behind the wheel today. On a fast lap on the Soft tyres I managed to post a good time. Everything else was rather poor. The fast lap on the Medium didn't come together very well, but the main problem was the long-run pace, and that's our main concern ahead of the race.
There's no issue with the balance, but the car simply has no grip with the track.
Norris: We're having some difficulties on the fast lap.
After the practice sessions in Mexico, Lando Norris was fourth on Friday's timesheet, while his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri was only 12th, after which he admitted he hadn’t done the best lap on the soft tyres with a light fuel load.
Lando Norris (4th): “I watched the first practice from the sidelines, and it was quite interesting. But during that session we couldn't see the on-board camera footage, so there wasn't much information, and generally I was just trying to understand what was happening with the grip and what the car's behaviour felt like — that's about it.
From the second session I can say that overall we're at a decent level, and I was even surprised I managed to find the right speed so quickly, because the very first lap was pretty good, and I was able to improve on the second.
After the practice sessions in Mexico, Lando Norris was fourth on Friday's timesheet, while his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri was only 12th, after which he admitted he hadn’t done the best lap on the soft tyres with a light fuel load.
Lando Norris (4th): “I watched the first practice from the sidelines, and it was quite interesting. But during that session we couldn't see the on-board camera footage, so there wasn't much information, and generally I was just trying to understand what was happening with the grip and what the car's behaviour felt like — that's about it.
From the second session I can say that overall we're at a decent level, and I was even surprised I managed to find the right speed so quickly, because the very first lap was pretty good, and I was able to improve on the second.
On Friday in Mexico City Jack Crawford sat behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car in an official session for the first time. The American driver ran the first practice in place of Lance Stroll and was pleased with his performance.
Fernando Alonso ran both practice sessions in the Aston Martin. The Spanish driver finished the second session in the top ten but urges not to rush to conclusions about the pecking order.
Fernando Alonso (8th): "After the first practice we changed a few things on the car, and in the second session it handled better. Friday practice results don't reflect the real picture, so let's see if we can improve overnight and fight for good positions on Saturday."
Lance Stroll (10th): "I always enjoy coming back to Mexico because they put on great race weekends here. The fans create an incredible energy, and I like the circuit.
In the second practice the car handled fine, so I found a rhythm fairly quickly. We have some things to work on overnight. Let's see what we can achieve on Saturday."
Jack Crawford (19th in the first session): "I really enjoyed my first official practice in Formula 1, and I'm pleased with what we managed to achieve in an hour.
We completed the planned program in full. The priority was to try different things and compare the real car with the base simulator.
I'm happy with the number of laps I completed and how quickly I found pace in the AMR25. I now have a two-month break from racing in Formula 2, so it's nice to be back in the cockpit."
Fernando Alonso ran both practice sessions in the Aston Martin. The Spanish driver finished the second session in the top ten but urges not to rush to conclusions about the pecking order.
Fernando Alonso (8th): "After the first practice we changed a few things on the car, and in the second session it handled better. Friday practice results don't reflect the real picture, so let's see if we can improve overnight and fight for good positions on Saturday."
Lance Stroll (10th): "I always enjoy coming back to Mexico because they put on great race weekends here. The fans create an incredible energy, and I like the circuit.
In the second practice the car handled fine, so I found a rhythm fairly quickly. We have some things to work on overnight. Let's see what we can achieve on Saturday."
Jack Crawford (19th in the first session): "I really enjoyed my first official practice in Formula 1, and I'm pleased with what we managed to achieve in an hour.
We completed the planned program in full. The priority was to try different things and compare the real car with the base simulator.
I'm happy with the number of laps I completed and how quickly I found pace in the AMR25. I now have a two-month break from racing in Formula 2, so it's nice to be back in the cockpit."
Haas F1 are pleased with Friday's results.
On Friday in Mexico Ryo Hirakawa piloted Oliver Bearman's car in the first practice, while the two regular drivers ran in the second...
Esteban Ocon (13th): "An interesting day. We learned a lot about the car, tried several setup options and were able to improve. Now we need to settle on a strategy and approach qualifying with confidence. The car update allowed us to gain pace, the team did an excellent job improving the car's balance."
Oliver Bearman (17th): "It's always unpleasant to miss the first practice, but the second went smoothly. On long runs the pace is very good, but on short runs we still need to work on speed. The upgrades are working as we expected; we'll analyze everything overnight to take another step in the third practice."
Ryo Hirakawa (16th in the first session): "I want to thank Haas F1 and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for the opportunity.
On Friday in Mexico Ryo Hirakawa piloted Oliver Bearman's car in the first practice, while the two regular drivers ran in the second...
Esteban Ocon (13th): "An interesting day. We learned a lot about the car, tried several setup options and were able to improve. Now we need to settle on a strategy and approach qualifying with confidence. The car update allowed us to gain pace, the team did an excellent job improving the car's balance."
Oliver Bearman (17th): "It's always unpleasant to miss the first practice, but the second went smoothly. On long runs the pace is very good, but on short runs we still need to work on speed. The upgrades are working as we expected; we'll analyze everything overnight to take another step in the third practice."
Ryo Hirakawa (16th in the first session): "I want to thank Haas F1 and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for the opportunity.
Antonelli: One of the best Fridays in a long time
On Friday in Mexico Kimi Antonelli beat his team-mate in the second practice, but in the first George Russell handed the cockpit to reserve driver Frederik Vesti.
Kimi Antonelli (3rd): The day went well. It’s probably one of the best Fridays in a long time. I immediately felt comfortable and quickly found the right rhythm. The first practice was slightly better than the second – between sessions we changed a few things, and not all the ideas worked. In the evening we will analyse everything and decide what to keep and what to change before the third practice.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow and the rest of the weekend. We have good pace on both low and high fuel, and the track condition will improve. It’s important to progress along with it. We will do everything we can.
On Friday in Mexico Kimi Antonelli beat his team-mate in the second practice, but in the first George Russell handed the cockpit to reserve driver Frederik Vesti.
Kimi Antonelli (3rd): The day went well. It’s probably one of the best Fridays in a long time. I immediately felt comfortable and quickly found the right rhythm. The first practice was slightly better than the second – between sessions we changed a few things, and not all the ideas worked. In the evening we will analyse everything and decide what to keep and what to change before the third practice.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow and the rest of the weekend. We have good pace on both low and high fuel, and the track condition will improve. It’s important to progress along with it. We will do everything we can.
Pierre Gasly: The grip on the track was very low.
Pierre Gasly missed the first practice session of the Mexico Grand Prix, giving the car to the team's reserve driver Paul Aron. In the second practice the French driver returned to the wheel, posted the slowest time and called the session one of the toughest of the season because the car lacked grip on the track.
Franco Colapinto ran both Friday sessions – he had no particular problems with the A525.
Pierre Gasly (20th): “I missed the first session because Paul took the wheel of my car. He worked well through the program and evaluated the setup, gathering useful information for the team to work with.
I returned to the car for the second session, which turned out to be one of the most difficult of the season. For certain reasons I felt uncomfortable in the car.
Pierre Gasly missed the first practice session of the Mexico Grand Prix, giving the car to the team's reserve driver Paul Aron. In the second practice the French driver returned to the wheel, posted the slowest time and called the session one of the toughest of the season because the car lacked grip on the track.
Franco Colapinto ran both Friday sessions – he had no particular problems with the A525.
Pierre Gasly (20th): “I missed the first session because Paul took the wheel of my car. He worked well through the program and evaluated the setup, gathering useful information for the team to work with.
I returned to the car for the second session, which turned out to be one of the most difficult of the season. For certain reasons I felt uncomfortable in the car.