Charles Leclerc: I was a bit lucky in Mexico
Charles Leclerc finished second in Mexico, holding off Max Verstappen's attacks in the final laps…
Question: Charles, second place — your best result since Monaco. Are you satisfied with the race result and the weekend overall?
Charles Leclerc: Very pleased. A positive weekend. I don't think we expected to repeat what we achieved in Austin.
We knew that in Austin everything clicked, even though we didn't have the same pace as McLaren or Red Bull. The podium in Austin was a pleasant surprise, but here we managed to climb one step higher.
A really good weekend. We've long since switched focus to the 2026 car, which doesn't help much right now, but thanks to two perfectly executed weekends we managed to score two consecutive podiums. That's nice.
Question: At the end of the race Max was closing in on you.
Charles Leclerc finished second in Mexico, holding off Max Verstappen's attacks in the final laps…
Question: Charles, second place — your best result since Monaco. Are you satisfied with the race result and the weekend overall?
Charles Leclerc: Very pleased. A positive weekend. I don't think we expected to repeat what we achieved in Austin.
We knew that in Austin everything clicked, even though we didn't have the same pace as McLaren or Red Bull. The podium in Austin was a pleasant surprise, but here we managed to climb one step higher.
A really good weekend. We've long since switched focus to the 2026 car, which doesn't help much right now, but thanks to two perfectly executed weekends we managed to score two consecutive podiums. That's nice.
Question: At the end of the race Max was closing in on you.
Ecclestone celebrates his 95th birthday - 'I've never felt this happy'
"My greatest wish has been fulfilled."
Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone celebrates his 95th birthday on Tuesday, and longtime friend and experienced journalist Roger Benoit remarks that the sport's former "tsunami" remains alert, satisfied, and subtly amused by his own longevity. "I don't dwell on it, because at my age, I no longer count in years," Ecclestone chuckled when asked by Blick about his hopes of reaching 100. "Even if I do experience more discomfort these days," he continued, adding with his usual humor that his daily medication "is increasing."
Ecclestone still steers clear of alcohol - "I need milk and fruit juices," he joked - and lives a serene life with his wife Fabiana, 49, and their five-year-old son Ace on their farm in Ampero, near Sao Paulo. "My greatest wish has come true," he told Benoit.
"My greatest wish has been fulfilled."
Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone celebrates his 95th birthday on Tuesday, and longtime friend and experienced journalist Roger Benoit remarks that the sport's former "tsunami" remains alert, satisfied, and subtly amused by his own longevity. "I don't dwell on it, because at my age, I no longer count in years," Ecclestone chuckled when asked by Blick about his hopes of reaching 100. "Even if I do experience more discomfort these days," he continued, adding with his usual humor that his daily medication "is increasing."
Ecclestone still steers clear of alcohol - "I need milk and fruit juices," he joked - and lives a serene life with his wife Fabiana, 49, and their five-year-old son Ace on their farm in Ampero, near Sao Paulo. "My greatest wish has come true," he told Benoit.
Lewis Hamilton: Only I was fined for cutting the corner.
Lewis Hamilton joined Fernando Alonso in criticizing the stewards of the Mexican Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver received a 10-second penalty for going off track and gaining an advantage. Lewis considers it unfair, since rivals who made the same maneuvers were not penalized.
Lewis Hamilton: "I had a great start, braked before the first corner and went through the first, second and third corners without going off track. Others cut the corner, kept their positions and didn't receive penalties. It's just madness.
Max and I had a great fight, and I acted pretty much the same as everyone else around me. Max also cut, but only I got a 10-second penalty. I locked up the front wheels and ended up with my wheels on the dustiest place in the world, went onto the grass, and then returned to the track via the designated path.
Lewis Hamilton joined Fernando Alonso in criticizing the stewards of the Mexican Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver received a 10-second penalty for going off track and gaining an advantage. Lewis considers it unfair, since rivals who made the same maneuvers were not penalized.
Lewis Hamilton: "I had a great start, braked before the first corner and went through the first, second and third corners without going off track. Others cut the corner, kept their positions and didn't receive penalties. It's just madness.
Max and I had a great fight, and I acted pretty much the same as everyone else around me. Max also cut, but only I got a 10-second penalty. I locked up the front wheels and ended up with my wheels on the dustiest place in the world, went onto the grass, and then returned to the track via the designated path.
One of the reasons for the lengthy talks over George Russell's contract with Mercedes was Toto Wolff's desire to limit its duration to one season in case Max Verstappen decides to change teams next year. In the end the contract was signed on a 1+1 basis, and George told The Telegraph that it guarantees his future.
George Russell: "I hadn't spoken about this before, but there's a clause in the contract — if next year I reach a certain target, it automatically extends into 2027. So my future is in my own hands.
Now I'm sure I won't be in the same situation as six months ago. If I succeed. I don't want to go into details, but if I succeed, I'll stay 100%. Now I'm sure I won't be lied to.
Everything is falling into place. Actually I wanted to sign the contract back in October 2024, but this contract is considerably better than the one I could have signed then. So yes, you just have to believe in yourself."
George Russell: "I hadn't spoken about this before, but there's a clause in the contract — if next year I reach a certain target, it automatically extends into 2027. So my future is in my own hands.
Now I'm sure I won't be in the same situation as six months ago. If I succeed. I don't want to go into details, but if I succeed, I'll stay 100%. Now I'm sure I won't be lied to.
Everything is falling into place. Actually I wanted to sign the contract back in October 2024, but this contract is considerably better than the one I could have signed then. So yes, you just have to believe in yourself."
Otmar Szafnauer on the challenges of Lewis Hamilton's adaptation
On The Team Principal Podcast, former Racing Point/Aston Martin and Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer spoke about the problems Lewis Hamilton encountered after moving to Ferrari…
Otmar Szafnauer: "I'm not surprised. To me Lewis is the best driver of the period when I worked in Formula 1 — fast and successful — but I'm not surprised that adapting to a new team, especially when it's Ferrari, takes a long time, particularly after he spent many years at another team.
At Mercedes he knew everything. The entire technical team, the strategist, the technical director, the designers, the chief engineer — he knew everything and everyone. It's like a football team; I don't want to compare, but it's a bit similar.
On The Team Principal Podcast, former Racing Point/Aston Martin and Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer spoke about the problems Lewis Hamilton encountered after moving to Ferrari…
Otmar Szafnauer: "I'm not surprised. To me Lewis is the best driver of the period when I worked in Formula 1 — fast and successful — but I'm not surprised that adapting to a new team, especially when it's Ferrari, takes a long time, particularly after he spent many years at another team.
At Mercedes he knew everything. The entire technical team, the strategist, the technical director, the designers, the chief engineer — he knew everything and everyone. It's like a football team; I don't want to compare, but it's a bit similar.
Oscar Piastri last stood on the podium in early September in Monza. Over the four Grands Prix since then, the Australian McLaren driver has slipped from first to second in the drivers' standings. 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve believes Oscar's chances in the title fight have diminished.
"Piastri lost the lead in the drivers' standings, and Max Verstappen has also taken a few points off him," says Jacques Villeneuve. "The next race will be in Brazil, and that track suits Max. It might rain, and then the race will turn into chaos.
Now is not the time to lose form. The season is long and it's understandable that the drivers are tired. When such a drop in results happens at the start of the season, you're full of energy to fight back, you have the summer break. Now Piastri does not have the opportunity to rest. He's worn out, tired, and it will be tough for him."
"Piastri lost the lead in the drivers' standings, and Max Verstappen has also taken a few points off him," says Jacques Villeneuve. "The next race will be in Brazil, and that track suits Max. It might rain, and then the race will turn into chaos.
Now is not the time to lose form. The season is long and it's understandable that the drivers are tired. When such a drop in results happens at the start of the season, you're full of energy to fight back, you have the summer break. Now Piastri does not have the opportunity to rest. He's worn out, tired, and it will be tough for him."
Penalty points after the Mexican Grand Prix
The FIA uses a penalty-point system on the superlicence to reduce the number of infringements. Each infringement is punished with a certain number of points; their total over 12 months must not exceed twelve — otherwise a driver is suspended for one race, as happened in 2024 with Kevin Magnussen. Penalty points expire 12 months after they are awarded.
The next points to expire will be on 02/11/25 — that’s one point for Verstappen and two points for Piastri and Berman, received during last year’s São Paulo Grand Prix.
After the Mexican Grand Prix, fifteen active drivers have unexpired penalty points. The leader in their number is Oliver Berman.
Penalty points after the Mexican Grand Prix
Driver
Team
Points
When the next points will expire
O. Berman
Haas F1
10
02/11/25 - 2 points
M. Verstappen
Red Bull Racing
7
02/11/25 - 1 point
L.
The FIA uses a penalty-point system on the superlicence to reduce the number of infringements. Each infringement is punished with a certain number of points; their total over 12 months must not exceed twelve — otherwise a driver is suspended for one race, as happened in 2024 with Kevin Magnussen. Penalty points expire 12 months after they are awarded.
The next points to expire will be on 02/11/25 — that’s one point for Verstappen and two points for Piastri and Berman, received during last year’s São Paulo Grand Prix.
After the Mexican Grand Prix, fifteen active drivers have unexpired penalty points. The leader in their number is Oliver Berman.
Penalty points after the Mexican Grand Prix
Driver
Team
Points
When the next points will expire
O. Berman
Haas F1
10
02/11/25 - 2 points
M. Verstappen
Red Bull Racing
7
02/11/25 - 1 point
L.
Max Verstappen revealed the helmet livery he will use during the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend. Talking about the new design on social media, Max explained that he considers Interlagos a special track, given his wins at this venue and the fact that Kelly Piquet was born in Brazil. The helmet design combines the colors of Red Bull and the Brazilian national flag.
For Alex Albon the season feels like it consists of two parts — before the summer break he was performing noticeably better than Carlos Sainz, but now his teammate more often finishes in the top ten while Alex ends up behind — and he doesn't understand the reasons for this slump.
Alex Albon: "We need to figure out what's going on. In some races I run into trouble, and we don't know the cause. We can see it in the telemetry, we see there are problems with the car, but we can't say where they're coming from.
These problems are hard to put into words. At some point the car's behavior changes and it loses its previous pace. It's not that we haven't had upgrades for a long time. It's strange — the car remains the same, but the feel has changed, the old speed is gone.
It's confusing. We need to analyze everything carefully and draw conclusions so that in Brazil we get back into rhythm and get the maximum out of both cars."
Alex Albon: "We need to figure out what's going on. In some races I run into trouble, and we don't know the cause. We can see it in the telemetry, we see there are problems with the car, but we can't say where they're coming from.
These problems are hard to put into words. At some point the car's behavior changes and it loses its previous pace. It's not that we haven't had upgrades for a long time. It's strange — the car remains the same, but the feel has changed, the old speed is gone.
It's confusing. We need to analyze everything carefully and draw conclusions so that in Brazil we get back into rhythm and get the maximum out of both cars."
Aston Martin confirmed the contract with Jack Crawford.
Aston Martin have confirmed a contract with Jack Crawford for 2026. Next season the 20-year-old American driver will be the third driver for the Silverstone-based team.
Aston Martin separately stressed that Jack Crawford will be the reserve driver at all rounds of the 2026 season.
Jack Crawford: “I am incredibly proud to have been confirmed as the third driver for 2026. This is an important moment in my Aston Martin career and a huge motivation to keep learning and to contribute.
Over the past two seasons I have learned a lot in Formula 1, working at the factory and on track. I will do everything I can to help the team and continue my own development.”
Mike Krack, team principal: “It’s great to see Jack’s progress, who will become our third driver in 2026.
Aston Martin have confirmed a contract with Jack Crawford for 2026. Next season the 20-year-old American driver will be the third driver for the Silverstone-based team.
Aston Martin separately stressed that Jack Crawford will be the reserve driver at all rounds of the 2026 season.
Jack Crawford: “I am incredibly proud to have been confirmed as the third driver for 2026. This is an important moment in my Aston Martin career and a huge motivation to keep learning and to contribute.
Over the past two seasons I have learned a lot in Formula 1, working at the factory and on track. I will do everything I can to help the team and continue my own development.”
Mike Krack, team principal: “It’s great to see Jack’s progress, who will become our third driver in 2026.
Gutiérrez: Ferrari is a well-organized mess
Esteban Gutiérrez ended his Formula 1 career in 2016 but continues to work with Mercedes, and last weekend he attended the Mexican Grand Prix. After the race, Esteban commented on Lewis Hamilton’s performances this season, and unlike some other experts, he did not criticize the seven-time world champion.
Esteban Gutiérrez: “Judging by what Lewis said, he felt more comfortable in the car this weekend. Although after the race he was probably less satisfied, progress is certainly being made.
I worked with Ferrari and understand the difference between the English and the Italian teams. I’ll be straight: there’s a lot of passion at Ferrari, but they have a well-organized mess. I don’t want to say anything bad about Ferrari, because I love them. We all love them.
Esteban Gutiérrez ended his Formula 1 career in 2016 but continues to work with Mercedes, and last weekend he attended the Mexican Grand Prix. After the race, Esteban commented on Lewis Hamilton’s performances this season, and unlike some other experts, he did not criticize the seven-time world champion.
Esteban Gutiérrez: “Judging by what Lewis said, he felt more comfortable in the car this weekend. Although after the race he was probably less satisfied, progress is certainly being made.
I worked with Ferrari and understand the difference between the English and the Italian teams. I’ll be straight: there’s a lot of passion at Ferrari, but they have a well-organized mess. I don’t want to say anything bad about Ferrari, because I love them. We all love them.
David Berman: It's all starting to come together!
In Mexico, Oliver Bearman achieved the best result of his career, finishing fourth. In the pits his father — David Bearman — was watching his performance; he told Racingnews365 about his impressions.
David Bearman: "When Oliver pulled into the pits in response to Mercedes and McLaren's actions, my heart leapt out of my chest.
The whole team works together, in the same rhythm, and now everything is starting to come together. They understand Ollie, Ollie understands them. It was a good choice, the right decision. Great teamwork and a well-deserved result.
This year Oliver is doing very well. Moving from Formula 2 to Formula 1 is very difficult. It's a completely different format. Everything is different there: one practice session and then straight into battle, you have to act quickly.
In Mexico, Oliver Bearman achieved the best result of his career, finishing fourth. In the pits his father — David Bearman — was watching his performance; he told Racingnews365 about his impressions.
David Bearman: "When Oliver pulled into the pits in response to Mercedes and McLaren's actions, my heart leapt out of my chest.
The whole team works together, in the same rhythm, and now everything is starting to come together. They understand Ollie, Ollie understands them. It was a good choice, the right decision. Great teamwork and a well-deserved result.
This year Oliver is doing very well. Moving from Formula 2 to Formula 1 is very difficult. It's a completely different format. Everything is different there: one practice session and then straight into battle, you have to act quickly.
Hearings on Felipe Massa's lawsuit have begun in London.
On Tuesday in London, court hearings began on Felipe Massa's lawsuit against the FIA, Formula 1 and Bernie Ecclestone, whom he accuses of conspiracy and criminal negligence after the deliberate crash by Nelson Piquet Jr. at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
Massa's claim is that the FIA and FOM deliberately took no action after it became known that Piquet Jr. intentionally crashed his car to help his Renault team‑mate Fernando Alonso win the race. Massa is convinced that, because the FIA and FOM sought to avoid a scandal, he was deprived of the championship title and tens of millions of euros, and also suffered moral and reputational losses.
The driver's interests at the hearings are being represented by lawyer Nick de Marco, who will seek £60 million in compensation for his client.
On Tuesday in London, court hearings began on Felipe Massa's lawsuit against the FIA, Formula 1 and Bernie Ecclestone, whom he accuses of conspiracy and criminal negligence after the deliberate crash by Nelson Piquet Jr. at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
Massa's claim is that the FIA and FOM deliberately took no action after it became known that Piquet Jr. intentionally crashed his car to help his Renault team‑mate Fernando Alonso win the race. Massa is convinced that, because the FIA and FOM sought to avoid a scandal, he was deprived of the championship title and tens of millions of euros, and also suffered moral and reputational losses.
The driver's interests at the hearings are being represented by lawyer Nick de Marco, who will seek £60 million in compensation for his client.
At the start of the Mexico Grand Prix several drivers cut the first corner and were not penalized for it. That decision by the stewards drew criticism from Fernando Alonso — the Aston Martin driver promised he would act similarly in the future.
Fernando Alonso: "I went into the first corner quite aggressively, and everything was going well, but then several cars on the straight cut the second and third corners, rejoining the track three or four cars ahead of me.
I have to say that's unfair. For the second race in a row things like this are happening at the first corner on the opening lap, and the FIA is looking the other way. Well, lesson learned.
You can't cut corners and gain two or three positions, because after that you're obliged to give them back. Of course the FIA has more information at its disposal, and they decided there was no need to return the positions. Next time in a similar situation I'll try to gain the advantage myself. I hope it will play into our hands."
Fernando Alonso: "I went into the first corner quite aggressively, and everything was going well, but then several cars on the straight cut the second and third corners, rejoining the track three or four cars ahead of me.
I have to say that's unfair. For the second race in a row things like this are happening at the first corner on the opening lap, and the FIA is looking the other way. Well, lesson learned.
You can't cut corners and gain two or three positions, because after that you're obliged to give them back. Of course the FIA has more information at its disposal, and they decided there was no need to return the positions. Next time in a similar situation I'll try to gain the advantage myself. I hope it will play into our hands."
With a delay of several weeks, the FIA's Cost Cap Administration (CCA) has completed its review of teams' and power unit manufacturers' compliance with the financial regulations for 2024.
The FIA confirms that all Formula 1 teams and all power unit manufacturers provided full support in supplying the necessary information, acting in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation throughout the seven-month process.
Results of the review
Nine teams were found to be compliant for 2024. One procedural breach by Aston Martin Racing was identified.
The CCA confirms that, although Aston Martin Racing was found to have breached procedural requirements, the team did not exceed the prescribed cost cap, and the procedural breach was extremely minor and arose from unforeseeable circumstances not attributable to the team. On 29 September 2025 Aston Martin Racing and the FIA entered into a memorandum of understanding to resolve the matter.
All five power unit manufacturers were found to be compliant for 2024.
The FIA confirms that all Formula 1 teams and all power unit manufacturers provided full support in supplying the necessary information, acting in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation throughout the seven-month process.
Results of the review
Nine teams were found to be compliant for 2024. One procedural breach by Aston Martin Racing was identified.
The CCA confirms that, although Aston Martin Racing was found to have breached procedural requirements, the team did not exceed the prescribed cost cap, and the procedural breach was extremely minor and arose from unforeseeable circumstances not attributable to the team. On 29 September 2025 Aston Martin Racing and the FIA entered into a memorandum of understanding to resolve the matter.
All five power unit manufacturers were found to be compliant for 2024.
In May it was announced that Formula 1 had entered into a partnership with the multinational media corporation The Walt Disney Company. The November Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the first round where this partnership takes on tangible form.
During the race weekend there will be numerous fan events organized by Disney. Among them is a unique performance in front of the Bellagio fountains featuring Mickey Mouse. In addition, Disney characters will accompany fans during walks along the pit lane.
The climax of Disney’s entertainment program at the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the performance of the national anthem before the start of the race by an orchestra from Disneyland.
Emily Preiser, Formula 1’s commercial director: “The Fuel the Magic project at the Las Vegas Grand Prix will bring together two iconic brands to give fans of all ages a race weekend filled with creativity, entertainment and a touch of magic.”
The Formula 1–Disney partnership will come into full effect in 2026.
During the race weekend there will be numerous fan events organized by Disney. Among them is a unique performance in front of the Bellagio fountains featuring Mickey Mouse. In addition, Disney characters will accompany fans during walks along the pit lane.
The climax of Disney’s entertainment program at the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the performance of the national anthem before the start of the race by an orchestra from Disneyland.
Emily Preiser, Formula 1’s commercial director: “The Fuel the Magic project at the Las Vegas Grand Prix will bring together two iconic brands to give fans of all ages a race weekend filled with creativity, entertainment and a touch of magic.”
The Formula 1–Disney partnership will come into full effect in 2026.
Red Bull may postpone the decision on the lineup until Abu Dhabi.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko said that the decision on the line-ups of Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls would be made after the Mexican Grand Prix. However, now the head of the "senior" team Laurent Mekies suggested that the decision might be postponed until the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Laurent Mekies: "In qualifying in Mexico Yuki Tsunoda was very close to Max Verstappen. In the second session the gap between them was two tenths. In the race Yuki had a very good first stint on the Medium, in which he was behind Max by two to three tenths. However, at the pit stop we made a slight mistake, and because of that he lost time and the chance to score deserved points.
Such a performance is one of the reasons why we want to give ourselves more time before making a decision on the line-up.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko said that the decision on the line-ups of Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls would be made after the Mexican Grand Prix. However, now the head of the "senior" team Laurent Mekies suggested that the decision might be postponed until the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Laurent Mekies: "In qualifying in Mexico Yuki Tsunoda was very close to Max Verstappen. In the second session the gap between them was two tenths. In the race Yuki had a very good first stint on the Medium, in which he was behind Max by two to three tenths. However, at the pit stop we made a slight mistake, and because of that he lost time and the chance to score deserved points.
Such a performance is one of the reasons why we want to give ourselves more time before making a decision on the line-up.
One of the potential candidates for the FIA presidency, Swiss racing driver Laura Villars, after consulting with lawyers filed a lawsuit against the federation in a Paris court.
The aim of the suit is to challenge the current rules that effectively prevent her, as well as Tim Mayer, who recently announced he would not run in the election, from mounting a real challenge to the incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
According to AFP, Villars applied to the Paris Court of First Instance asking to "suspend the FIA presidential election until a decision is made on the merits of this dispute."
The first hearing is scheduled for November 10 — almost exactly a month before the election, which will be held in Uzbekistan on December 12, the day before the FIA's annual awards ceremony.
The aim of the suit is to challenge the current rules that effectively prevent her, as well as Tim Mayer, who recently announced he would not run in the election, from mounting a real challenge to the incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
According to AFP, Villars applied to the Paris Court of First Instance asking to "suspend the FIA presidential election until a decision is made on the merits of this dispute."
The first hearing is scheduled for November 10 — almost exactly a month before the election, which will be held in Uzbekistan on December 12, the day before the FIA's annual awards ceremony.
Digital technologies play a key role in modern Formula 1. With each passing year teams require ever greater computing power, and Aston Martin has decided to build a new data centre at its Silverstone base. The two-storey data centre, covering 1,400 sq m, is planned to be built next to the wind-tunnel building, but it still needs permission from the local authorities—the team has already submitted the relevant application to West Northamptonshire Council.