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.
FIA exonerates all teams as rumors regarding the budget cap fall apart.
The FIA has officially concluded its review of the 2024 cost cap, confirming that all ten Formula 1 teams adhered to the financial limits, thereby alleviating concerns regarding alleged overspending by McLaren and Mercedes.
In a detailed statement, the governing body described the review as "a very thorough and intensive process spanning seven months," involving "complex technical assessments" related to both team and power unit operations.
Ultimately, only Aston Martin was identified as having committed a minor procedural breach for failing to submit a signed document on time due to "exceptional and unpredictable circumstances." The FIA noted that the team acted "cooperatively and in good faith throughout the process" and did not gain "any undue advantage."
No financial or sporting penalties were imposed.
The FIA has officially concluded its review of the 2024 cost cap, confirming that all ten Formula 1 teams adhered to the financial limits, thereby alleviating concerns regarding alleged overspending by McLaren and Mercedes.
In a detailed statement, the governing body described the review as "a very thorough and intensive process spanning seven months," involving "complex technical assessments" related to both team and power unit operations.
Ultimately, only Aston Martin was identified as having committed a minor procedural breach for failing to submit a signed document on time due to "exceptional and unpredictable circumstances." The FIA noted that the team acted "cooperatively and in good faith throughout the process" and did not gain "any undue advantage."
No financial or sporting penalties were imposed.
Reports indicate that Colapinto's deal for 2026 is "finalized."
"He has made considerable progress lately."
Franco Colapinto's future in Formula 1 seems to be assured, with several sources now indicating that the Argentine has completed a new agreement to remain with Alpine for the 2026 season.
Recent speculation suggests that the announcement was postponed due to Colapinto's noncompliance with team orders during the US GP in Austin, just before the Mexican GP—a situation that angered Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore.
"Franco had to apologize to Gasly and then to the whole racing team," Briatore stated to Auto Motor und Sport, after the team first issued and later retracted a public statement criticizing the rookie's actions.
Despite the incident, the German outlet reports that Colapinto has been retained.
"He has made considerable progress lately."
Franco Colapinto's future in Formula 1 seems to be assured, with several sources now indicating that the Argentine has completed a new agreement to remain with Alpine for the 2026 season.
Recent speculation suggests that the announcement was postponed due to Colapinto's noncompliance with team orders during the US GP in Austin, just before the Mexican GP—a situation that angered Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore.
"Franco had to apologize to Gasly and then to the whole racing team," Briatore stated to Auto Motor und Sport, after the team first issued and later retracted a public statement criticizing the rookie's actions.
Despite the incident, the German outlet reports that Colapinto has been retained.
No change of direction as FOM prioritizes racing-first coverage.
"The broadcast concentrated solely on the racing."
Formula 1's TV coverage has significantly changed in recent races, with the Mexico Grand Prix demonstrating that FOM has notably minimized its previously controversial emphasis on celebrity guests and drivers' partners. After strong criticism following the Singapore race, particularly from Carlos Sainz, who criticized the numerous "girlfriend" shots aired during live broadcasts, F1's television directors seem to have quietly adjusted their approach.
At both Austin and Mexico, cameras steered clear of the usual close-ups of celebrities and team garages, concentrating instead on the action on the track.
"The broadcast concentrated solely on the racing."
Formula 1's TV coverage has significantly changed in recent races, with the Mexico Grand Prix demonstrating that FOM has notably minimized its previously controversial emphasis on celebrity guests and drivers' partners. After strong criticism following the Singapore race, particularly from Carlos Sainz, who criticized the numerous "girlfriend" shots aired during live broadcasts, F1's television directors seem to have quietly adjusted their approach.
At both Austin and Mexico, cameras steered clear of the usual close-ups of celebrities and team garages, concentrating instead on the action on the track.
Bottas and Vesti worked on the second day of Pirelli tests.
Valtteri Bottas and Frederik Vesti worked with 2026 tyre prototypes on the second day of Pirelli testing in Mexico.
Bottas was the first out on track; driving a specially modified W16 chassis he tested softer compounds from C3 to C6. The tyre engineers spent most time on the C3 compound, which is most often selected for race weekends during the season.
After several quick laps, each preceded by a warm‑up lap, Bottas evaluated the new C3 tyres on a long run. He followed the same programme with the other compounds, assessing differences in characteristics and levels of wear.
In the second half of the day Frederik Vesti (who took part in the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix for Mercedes) got behind the wheel and tested tyres with different construction options.
Bottas’s best time was 1:18.204; Vesti’s best lap was 1:19.
Valtteri Bottas and Frederik Vesti worked with 2026 tyre prototypes on the second day of Pirelli testing in Mexico.
Bottas was the first out on track; driving a specially modified W16 chassis he tested softer compounds from C3 to C6. The tyre engineers spent most time on the C3 compound, which is most often selected for race weekends during the season.
After several quick laps, each preceded by a warm‑up lap, Bottas evaluated the new C3 tyres on a long run. He followed the same programme with the other compounds, assessing differences in characteristics and levels of wear.
In the second half of the day Frederik Vesti (who took part in the first practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix for Mercedes) got behind the wheel and tested tyres with different construction options.
Bottas’s best time was 1:18.204; Vesti’s best lap was 1:19.
In the middle of the season Alan Permain took over Racing Bulls, replacing Laurent Mekis as team principal. Isack Hadjar said that such reshuffles did not affect the team's performance.
Isack Hadjar: "I didn't feel any changes. Alan has always been with us, so this isn't a case of someone new coming in from another team. Let's put it this way, both Alan and Laurent were simply promoted.
What I like most about their leadership is that they both have engineering experience. Because of that, as a driver you can rely on their decisions. It's a double advantage — our team principal is both a businessman and a technical specialist."
Next year the technical regulations in Formula 1 will change. Hadjar said he is using his debut season as preparation for the next: "Next year we'll face large-scale work on developing the car. Therefore it's important that the feedback I provide to the team allows us to move in the right direction.
I consider this year as training for the next. In 2026 your mind will be decisive."
Isack Hadjar: "I didn't feel any changes. Alan has always been with us, so this isn't a case of someone new coming in from another team. Let's put it this way, both Alan and Laurent were simply promoted.
What I like most about their leadership is that they both have engineering experience. Because of that, as a driver you can rely on their decisions. It's a double advantage — our team principal is both a businessman and a technical specialist."
Next year the technical regulations in Formula 1 will change. Hadjar said he is using his debut season as preparation for the next: "Next year we'll face large-scale work on developing the car. Therefore it's important that the feedback I provide to the team allows us to move in the right direction.
I consider this year as training for the next. In 2026 your mind will be decisive."
The Dutch press has learned the date of the RB22 car presentation by the Red Bull Racing team for the next season. The new car will be unveiled on January 15, 2026 at an event in Detroit, home to Ford’s headquarters, the team’s partner in power unit development.
The new car of the junior team Racing Bulls will also be presented at the same event. However, it is currently unknown whether the presentation will feature genuine new cars or cars from previous years in the current 2026 livery.
The early presentations by Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls are linked to official tests scheduled to take place in Barcelona from January 26 to 30. However, those will be held behind closed doors. Public tests will take place in Bahrain from February 11 to 13 and from February 18 to 20.
The new car of the junior team Racing Bulls will also be presented at the same event. However, it is currently unknown whether the presentation will feature genuine new cars or cars from previous years in the current 2026 livery.
The early presentations by Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls are linked to official tests scheduled to take place in Barcelona from January 26 to 30. However, those will be held behind closed doors. Public tests will take place in Bahrain from February 11 to 13 and from February 18 to 20.
With four races remaining in the season, Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull are separated by just ten points in the battle for second place in the Constructors' Championship. Former Haas team principal Günther Steiner is backing the team from Maranello in that fight.
Günther Steiner: “I think Ferrari will take second place. Do you know why? Because they have the best pair of drivers.
Mercedes also have a good line-up, but one of them is a rookie. We can't be unfair to Kimi Antonelli, but you have to admit that he is a rookie.
As for Red Bull, usually only one driver scores points for them.”
Günther Steiner: “I think Ferrari will take second place. Do you know why? Because they have the best pair of drivers.
Mercedes also have a good line-up, but one of them is a rookie. We can't be unfair to Kimi Antonelli, but you have to admit that he is a rookie.
As for Red Bull, usually only one driver scores points for them.”
During the Mexico City Grand Prix, Liam Lawson was involved in a dangerous incident, nearly hitting marshals who were crossing the track in front of him. The FIA has opened an investigation, while the Automobile Club of Mexico (OMDAI Sport Mexico) issued a statement, accusing the Racing Bulls driver of creating a dangerous incident.
OMDAI Sport Mexico claims that Lawson did not sufficiently reduce his speed in an area where double yellow flags were displayed because of the presence of marshals on the track.
"Analyzing the footage from the onboard camera, it can be seen that Liam Lawson, approaching the first corner, begins to turn to take the racing line," the Mexican federation's statement reads. "At that moment it is clearly visible that marshals are on the track, clearing debris left from the previous collision.
The close proximity of the car shows that the marshals were still working in the danger zone, carrying out tasks to clear and secure the track.
The footage clearly shows that Liam Lawson maintains his steering position while passing the first corner and does not change his trajectory, even though the marshals were crossing the track to return to their post.
This happens while personnel are still working on that section of the track, and the driver does not change his trajectory despite the obvious presence of marshals on the circuit.
It is worth noting that the Racing Bulls team warned the driver about debris on the track and that double yellow flags were in effect on that section, so he should exercise extreme caution while driving, be prepared to significantly reduce speed and stop if necessary, in accordance with the applicable safety rules."
OMDAI Sport Mexico claims that Lawson did not sufficiently reduce his speed in an area where double yellow flags were displayed because of the presence of marshals on the track.
"Analyzing the footage from the onboard camera, it can be seen that Liam Lawson, approaching the first corner, begins to turn to take the racing line," the Mexican federation's statement reads. "At that moment it is clearly visible that marshals are on the track, clearing debris left from the previous collision.
The close proximity of the car shows that the marshals were still working in the danger zone, carrying out tasks to clear and secure the track.
The footage clearly shows that Liam Lawson maintains his steering position while passing the first corner and does not change his trajectory, even though the marshals were crossing the track to return to their post.
This happens while personnel are still working on that section of the track, and the driver does not change his trajectory despite the obvious presence of marshals on the circuit.
It is worth noting that the Racing Bulls team warned the driver about debris on the track and that double yellow flags were in effect on that section, so he should exercise extreme caution while driving, be prepared to significantly reduce speed and stop if necessary, in accordance with the applicable safety rules."
Lucas di Grassi: Piquet's crash damaged my career
Former Formula 1 driver Lucas di Grassi of Brazil, now competing in Formula E, said in an interview with Racingnews365 that Nelsinho Piquet's deliberate crash in Singapore '08 negatively affected his career.
He was then Renault's reserve driver and was hoping to take Piquet's seat, but Nelsinho, by agreeing to stage the crash, temporarily saved himself from being sacked.
Lucas di Grassi: "Piquet's crash damaged my career. I was Renault's reserve driver and hoped to take Nelson's seat, who by that time was practically fired — I was next in line for that seat.
But after Singapore they renewed Piquet's contract, and my career came to a standstill. Maybe I should sue as well, but I will never do that.
If it weren't for Piquet's crash, my career could have turned out very differently.
Former Formula 1 driver Lucas di Grassi of Brazil, now competing in Formula E, said in an interview with Racingnews365 that Nelsinho Piquet's deliberate crash in Singapore '08 negatively affected his career.
He was then Renault's reserve driver and was hoping to take Piquet's seat, but Nelsinho, by agreeing to stage the crash, temporarily saved himself from being sacked.
Lucas di Grassi: "Piquet's crash damaged my career. I was Renault's reserve driver and hoped to take Nelson's seat, who by that time was practically fired — I was next in line for that seat.
But after Singapore they renewed Piquet's contract, and my career came to a standstill. Maybe I should sue as well, but I will never do that.
If it weren't for Piquet's crash, my career could have turned out very differently.
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri and former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo made the "Young Rich List" of Australia's wealthiest citizens under forty. Ricciardo ranks 35th, his fortune is estimated at A$194 million, which is A$7 million more than last year. 23-year-old Piastri debuted on this list at 56th with an estimated net worth of A$122 million. His annual salary at McLaren is now £20 million, or A$41 million. In short, want to make money — become a racing driver (just kidding).
The Williams team announced the extension of its sponsorship contract with Vast Data, a company specializing in the development of artificial intelligence software.
Under the new multi-year agreement, Vast Data will remain an official partner of the team, and its logos will be displayed on the Williams cars' rear-view mirrors and nose cones, on the drivers' and mechanics' race suits, and on the uniforms of other team staff.
Sorin Syoran, Director of Williams' Information and Analytics Department: “We are pleased that VAST Data is expanding the collaboration after a year and a half of successful and productive cooperation. Their knowledge and expertise have played an invaluable role in our progress this year and will be important in our fight for future victories. We look forward to continuing the collaboration, including through new initiatives on track and the ongoing expansion of our data storage solutions.”
Under the new multi-year agreement, Vast Data will remain an official partner of the team, and its logos will be displayed on the Williams cars' rear-view mirrors and nose cones, on the drivers' and mechanics' race suits, and on the uniforms of other team staff.
Sorin Syoran, Director of Williams' Information and Analytics Department: “We are pleased that VAST Data is expanding the collaboration after a year and a half of successful and productive cooperation. Their knowledge and expertise have played an invaluable role in our progress this year and will be important in our fight for future victories. We look forward to continuing the collaboration, including through new initiatives on track and the ongoing expansion of our data storage solutions.”
Alpine remains one of the teams that has yet to confirm its lineup for 2026. Pierre Gasly's contract was extended in early September for three years, but the team has not announced the name of his teammate for next season.
However, according to the latest information, Alpine's lineup will remain unchanged — in 2026 the Enstone outfit will field Franco Colapinto. The Argentine driver reacted very calmly in Austin and Mexico City to rumours of his possible replacement by Paul Aron. As it turned out, he had good reason for that.
A delegation of Colapinto's sponsors visited the Mexico City Grand Prix to agree contract terms with Alpine's management for the next season. This has not been officially confirmed yet, but the parties have agreed the terms, and Franco will continue to race for Alpine.
The contract extension is expected to be announced during the São Paulo Grand Prix.
However, according to the latest information, Alpine's lineup will remain unchanged — in 2026 the Enstone outfit will field Franco Colapinto. The Argentine driver reacted very calmly in Austin and Mexico City to rumours of his possible replacement by Paul Aron. As it turned out, he had good reason for that.
A delegation of Colapinto's sponsors visited the Mexico City Grand Prix to agree contract terms with Alpine's management for the next season. This has not been officially confirmed yet, but the parties have agreed the terms, and Franco will continue to race for Alpine.
The contract extension is expected to be announced during the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Conspiracy theories regarding Piastri intensify following Mexico.
Online conspiracy theories suggesting that McLaren is prioritizing Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri are resurfacing, especially as the two drivers now differ by just one point in the championship. Dutch commentator Olav Mol fueled the conversation by remarking that team boss Andrea Stella's recent comments regarding Piastri's declining performance were "not very nice."
"Stella provided an explanation," Mol stated on Ziggo Sport. "He mentioned it was due to experience—suggesting that Piastri has a bit less experience. I found that statement rather unkind." He noted that fans interpret such comments as evidence that McLaren may have a preference for Norris. "There are numerous conspiracy theories circulating online," he said. "Some are claiming that McLaren can tune the car to make it harder for Piastri.
Online conspiracy theories suggesting that McLaren is prioritizing Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri are resurfacing, especially as the two drivers now differ by just one point in the championship. Dutch commentator Olav Mol fueled the conversation by remarking that team boss Andrea Stella's recent comments regarding Piastri's declining performance were "not very nice."
"Stella provided an explanation," Mol stated on Ziggo Sport. "He mentioned it was due to experience—suggesting that Piastri has a bit less experience. I found that statement rather unkind." He noted that fans interpret such comments as evidence that McLaren may have a preference for Norris. "There are numerous conspiracy theories circulating online," he said. "Some are claiming that McLaren can tune the car to make it harder for Piastri.
Massa's $90 million 'crashgate' lawsuit begins in a London court.
The defendants are seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed.
Felipe Massa's long-anticipated legal action against Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA, and Formula One Management (FOM) officially commenced this week at London's Royal Courts of Justice, coincidentally on Ecclestone's 95th birthday. The 44-year-old Brazilian aims to be recognized as the rightful 2008 World Champion and is claiming tens of millions in damages for lost earnings, arguing that the governing bodies of the sport failed to take appropriate action following Nelson Piquet Jr's intentional crash during the 2008 Singapore GP.
Massa's attorneys assert that the FIA "breached its regulations by not promptly investigating" the incident, claiming that he "would have secured the Drivers' Championship that year if the correct procedures had been adhered to.
The defendants are seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed.
Felipe Massa's long-anticipated legal action against Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA, and Formula One Management (FOM) officially commenced this week at London's Royal Courts of Justice, coincidentally on Ecclestone's 95th birthday. The 44-year-old Brazilian aims to be recognized as the rightful 2008 World Champion and is claiming tens of millions in damages for lost earnings, arguing that the governing bodies of the sport failed to take appropriate action following Nelson Piquet Jr's intentional crash during the 2008 Singapore GP.
Massa's attorneys assert that the FIA "breached its regulations by not promptly investigating" the incident, claiming that he "would have secured the Drivers' Championship that year if the correct procedures had been adhered to.