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.
Jacques Villeneuve: Berman has a bright future.
Jacques Villeneuve is impressed by Oliver Bearman's progress and his performance in Mexico, where on the sixth lap he overtook Max Verstappen and ultimately finished fourth…
Jacques Villeneuve: “Oliver started the season very well, then there was a slight dip from which he came out in excellent form. It’s always nice to see a driver come back and get stronger — analyse, study, work with the team and clear everything up. He does that very well. You see progress, and then you always ask yourself: ‘So when will he stop?’
Oliver impressed this weekend because he was fully prepared to fight. He was quick and ignored the pressure.
Bearman is an aggressive driver, but he always controls the situation. He has amazing racecraft, an excellent sense of three-dimensional space. There are few in Formula 1 who can boast that nowadays. Even some drivers from top teams have problems.
Jacques Villeneuve is impressed by Oliver Bearman's progress and his performance in Mexico, where on the sixth lap he overtook Max Verstappen and ultimately finished fourth…
Jacques Villeneuve: “Oliver started the season very well, then there was a slight dip from which he came out in excellent form. It’s always nice to see a driver come back and get stronger — analyse, study, work with the team and clear everything up. He does that very well. You see progress, and then you always ask yourself: ‘So when will he stop?’
Oliver impressed this weekend because he was fully prepared to fight. He was quick and ignored the pressure.
Bearman is an aggressive driver, but he always controls the situation. He has amazing racecraft, an excellent sense of three-dimensional space. There are few in Formula 1 who can boast that nowadays. Even some drivers from top teams have problems.
Another reshuffle in Liberty Media's management.
More reshuffles are expected soon in the leadership of Liberty Media, which owns Formula 1.
Founder and chairman of the board of Liberty Media John Malone will leave his post on January 1, 2026, becoming chairman emeritus. He will be replaced as chairman of the board by vice president Robert Bennett, who has worked at Liberty Media since 1991. The 84-year-old Malone owns 49.5% of the company’s voting shares.
Earlier this year, there were already changes in Liberty Media’s leadership. Derek Chang took the post of chief executive officer, replacing Greg Maffei.
John Malone: "Founding Liberty Media and serving as chairman of the board have been among the most significant events of my professional life.
More reshuffles are expected soon in the leadership of Liberty Media, which owns Formula 1.
Founder and chairman of the board of Liberty Media John Malone will leave his post on January 1, 2026, becoming chairman emeritus. He will be replaced as chairman of the board by vice president Robert Bennett, who has worked at Liberty Media since 1991. The 84-year-old Malone owns 49.5% of the company’s voting shares.
Earlier this year, there were already changes in Liberty Media’s leadership. Derek Chang took the post of chief executive officer, replacing Greg Maffei.
John Malone: "Founding Liberty Media and serving as chairman of the board have been among the most significant events of my professional life.
Realizing that his chances of staying at Red Bull are slim, Yuki Tsunoda is looking for other opportunities to continue his career. Rumor has it he could spend next season in IndyCar.
IndyCar Reported journalist Tony Donohue spoke about this on the Unverified podcast...
“There are rumors that in 2026 Yuki Tsunoda will race for Dale Coyne Racing in the No. 19 car with Honda backing. I think we’ll know about this next week,” Donohue said. “I’ve heard several times from different people that talks are underway. I think Yuki has every chance of taking the second seat at Dale Coyne Racing.”
IndyCar Reported journalist Tony Donohue spoke about this on the Unverified podcast...
“There are rumors that in 2026 Yuki Tsunoda will race for Dale Coyne Racing in the No. 19 car with Honda backing. I think we’ll know about this next week,” Donohue said. “I’ve heard several times from different people that talks are underway. I think Yuki has every chance of taking the second seat at Dale Coyne Racing.”
2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button, who has recently been competing in endurance racing, has decided to end his driving career.
His last race will be the November WEC round, the "8 Hours of Bahrain", where Jenson drives for the Cadillac Hertz Team Jota. His crew currently sits eighth in the championship.
Jenson Button: "I've always enjoyed Bahrain. It's an interesting circuit, and I want to get the most enjoyment out of it, since that's where I'll conclude my professional racing career. It will be my last race.
I've really enjoyed working with Jota in the WEC, but my life has become too busy, and it would be unfair to the team and to myself to start next season thinking I'd have the time for it.
My children are four and six years old; when I'm away for a week I miss a lot, and that time can't be recovered. I feel that over the past couple of years I've missed a lot. And that's okay, because I knew it would be like that. But I'm not prepared to repeat it next season."
His last race will be the November WEC round, the "8 Hours of Bahrain", where Jenson drives for the Cadillac Hertz Team Jota. His crew currently sits eighth in the championship.
Jenson Button: "I've always enjoyed Bahrain. It's an interesting circuit, and I want to get the most enjoyment out of it, since that's where I'll conclude my professional racing career. It will be my last race.
I've really enjoyed working with Jota in the WEC, but my life has become too busy, and it would be unfair to the team and to myself to start next season thinking I'd have the time for it.
My children are four and six years old; when I'm away for a week I miss a lot, and that time can't be recovered. I feel that over the past couple of years I've missed a lot. And that's okay, because I knew it would be like that. But I'm not prepared to repeat it next season."
Felipe Massa testified in court.
Proceedings continue in the High Court of London in Felipe Massa's lawsuit against the FIA, FOM and Bernie Ecclestone, whom he accuses of conspiracy and criminal inaction after Nelson Piquet Jr.'s deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
The Brazilian driver gave testimony in which he described the events that occurred after Piquet's crash and recounted his actions when it became known that the crash had been staged.
"Soon after the finish of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix Jean Todt [at the time Chief Executive of Ferrari] called me into his office to discuss the race," Felipe Massa said. "Stefano Domenicali [at the time Ferrari team principal] was also at that meeting. Jean Todt said he was sure Nelson had deliberately crashed the car.
I didn't believe him, because I knew Todt disliked Flavio Briatore [at the time Renault team principal]. They had a personal rivalry.
Proceedings continue in the High Court of London in Felipe Massa's lawsuit against the FIA, FOM and Bernie Ecclestone, whom he accuses of conspiracy and criminal inaction after Nelson Piquet Jr.'s deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
The Brazilian driver gave testimony in which he described the events that occurred after Piquet's crash and recounted his actions when it became known that the crash had been staged.
"Soon after the finish of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix Jean Todt [at the time Chief Executive of Ferrari] called me into his office to discuss the race," Felipe Massa said. "Stefano Domenicali [at the time Ferrari team principal] was also at that meeting. Jean Todt said he was sure Nelson had deliberately crashed the car.
I didn't believe him, because I knew Todt disliked Flavio Briatore [at the time Renault team principal]. They had a personal rivalry.
Crawford appointed as Aston reserve with Tsunoda's options dwindling.
"It's a significant moment in my journey"
Aston Martin has announced that young American Jak Crawford will be its third and reserve driver for 2026, a decision that may indirectly influence Yuki Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1. The Silverstone-based team revealed that the 20-year-old, currently in second place in the Formula 2 standings, will assume the reserve role next season after spending two years in the team's junior program. Crawford made his debut during a Grand Prix weekend in Mexico, driving Lance Stroll’s AMR25 during Friday practice, and has already logged over 2000km of testing in Formula 1 cars. "It's a significant moment in my journey and a great motivation to continue learning and contributing," Crawford stated.
"It's a significant moment in my journey"
Aston Martin has announced that young American Jak Crawford will be its third and reserve driver for 2026, a decision that may indirectly influence Yuki Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1. The Silverstone-based team revealed that the 20-year-old, currently in second place in the Formula 2 standings, will assume the reserve role next season after spending two years in the team's junior program. Crawford made his debut during a Grand Prix weekend in Mexico, driving Lance Stroll’s AMR25 during Friday practice, and has already logged over 2000km of testing in Formula 1 cars. "It's a significant moment in my journey and a great motivation to continue learning and contributing," Crawford stated.