Herta tests F2 car at Monza as his F1 journey commences.
"It’s a significant step in the direction I want my career to take."
Colton Herta’s long-awaited journey to Formula 1 is now in full swing, with reports indicating that the American driver has discreetly completed a private session in an older Formula 2 car at Monza. Sources reveal that the test was arranged by track-day operator Katayama. While neither Cadillac nor F2 have confirmed the session, observers at the circuit noted that Herta’s Gainbridge-sponsored helmet was indeed in the car.
This follows the announcement that Herta will race with Hitech in F2 starting in 2026 while also serving as Cadillac’s F1 test driver. Although he lacks the necessary FIA Super Licence points to make his Formula 1 debut, the 25-year-old views his European campaign as a vital step toward achieving his ultimate aspiration.
"It’s a significant step in the direction I want my career to take."
Colton Herta’s long-awaited journey to Formula 1 is now in full swing, with reports indicating that the American driver has discreetly completed a private session in an older Formula 2 car at Monza. Sources reveal that the test was arranged by track-day operator Katayama. While neither Cadillac nor F2 have confirmed the session, observers at the circuit noted that Herta’s Gainbridge-sponsored helmet was indeed in the car.
This follows the announcement that Herta will race with Hitech in F2 starting in 2026 while also serving as Cadillac’s F1 test driver. Although he lacks the necessary FIA Super Licence points to make his Formula 1 debut, the 25-year-old views his European campaign as a vital step toward achieving his ultimate aspiration.
The preliminary forecast for the São Paulo Grand Prix promises warm but rainy weather during the race weekend.
Rain, turning into thunderstorms, is expected throughout all three days in São Paulo. It will be warm — on Friday and Saturday temperatures will rise to +26°C, and on Sunday to +24°C.
Last year the São Paulo Grand Prix qualifying and race were held in the rain; all other sessions were on a dry track.
Rain, turning into thunderstorms, is expected throughout all three days in São Paulo. It will be warm — on Friday and Saturday temperatures will rise to +26°C, and on Sunday to +24°C.
Last year the São Paulo Grand Prix qualifying and race were held in the rain; all other sessions were on a dry track.
Monaghan: We can implement a couple more small new features.
Paul Monaghan, chief engineer of Red Bull Racing, believes the team has recently been able to make gains primarily thanks to the right approach to upgrading the car as a whole, and this should not be directly linked to any particular technical novelties that appeared on the RB21 during the season.
The team has taken a comprehensive approach aimed at making the chassis more balanced, which allowed Max Verstappen to take several wins in the autumn races starting with the Italian Grand Prix. Among other things, for the Monza round Red Bull prepared an upgraded floor, the effectiveness of which was immediately confirmed on track.
Paul Monaghan: "I think a lot of factors came together. A lot of work has been done; it began at the very first races of the season because we were trying to make the car better.
Paul Monaghan, chief engineer of Red Bull Racing, believes the team has recently been able to make gains primarily thanks to the right approach to upgrading the car as a whole, and this should not be directly linked to any particular technical novelties that appeared on the RB21 during the season.
The team has taken a comprehensive approach aimed at making the chassis more balanced, which allowed Max Verstappen to take several wins in the autumn races starting with the Italian Grand Prix. Among other things, for the Monza round Red Bull prepared an upgraded floor, the effectiveness of which was immediately confirmed on track.
Paul Monaghan: "I think a lot of factors came together. A lot of work has been done; it began at the very first races of the season because we were trying to make the car better.
Carlos Sainz has proposed radically changing the format of those race weekends that include a sprint, hoping to liven up Saturday races that do not always follow an exciting script.
Partly this is because, at the start of the sprint, drivers fit Medium compound tyres to the cars, and, in effect, the short race becomes similar to the first stint of a Grand Prix, when not much happens on track.
The Spanish Williams driver believes the use of soft tyres in sprints should be legalized and that we should not be afraid to experiment — he also made clear he would not be opposed to a reversed grid.
"If it rains in Canada or Singapore, such a sprint could become the best in history," Carlos said, quoted by RacingNews365. "I’m talking primarily about changing the format of that race, and I think that is what needs to be done for the sprint. I think Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, would be willing to go for it.
"At the moment I’m not a big fan of sprints, because such a race shows how the first stint of the Grand Prix will play out. Personally, I have other ideas about the sprint so these races are less like the Sunday race. The simplest idea could be that everyone starts the sprint on soft tyres, because they suffer heavy degradation.
"Usually we choose the soft tyre for the first stint of the main race at only a few tracks, and there are very few of those. This approach could be a very simple temporary solution also because we have to throw away up to five sets of tyres. At every round we do one lap on softs in qualifying, then we return them, and I don’t know where Pirelli stores them afterwards. But we think those tyres are only good for one fast lap. In short, that would be the simplest way out.
"Although maybe other measures will be needed to sharpen the on-track fight, and the sprint gives good opportunities to experiment with different formats. So we should be bolder, and if something works — great; if not — then you change the format again. That’s what we’ve done in the past.
"I’m not a fan of a reversed grid, but I wouldn’t categorically oppose trying something completely different; for example, you could run the sprint qualifying final as a superpole. We need to keep experimenting, not be afraid of that, and to abandon approaches that don’t work and be able to admit it."
Partly this is because, at the start of the sprint, drivers fit Medium compound tyres to the cars, and, in effect, the short race becomes similar to the first stint of a Grand Prix, when not much happens on track.
The Spanish Williams driver believes the use of soft tyres in sprints should be legalized and that we should not be afraid to experiment — he also made clear he would not be opposed to a reversed grid.
"If it rains in Canada or Singapore, such a sprint could become the best in history," Carlos said, quoted by RacingNews365. "I’m talking primarily about changing the format of that race, and I think that is what needs to be done for the sprint. I think Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1, would be willing to go for it.
"At the moment I’m not a big fan of sprints, because such a race shows how the first stint of the Grand Prix will play out. Personally, I have other ideas about the sprint so these races are less like the Sunday race. The simplest idea could be that everyone starts the sprint on soft tyres, because they suffer heavy degradation.
"Usually we choose the soft tyre for the first stint of the main race at only a few tracks, and there are very few of those. This approach could be a very simple temporary solution also because we have to throw away up to five sets of tyres. At every round we do one lap on softs in qualifying, then we return them, and I don’t know where Pirelli stores them afterwards. But we think those tyres are only good for one fast lap. In short, that would be the simplest way out.
"Although maybe other measures will be needed to sharpen the on-track fight, and the sprint gives good opportunities to experiment with different formats. So we should be bolder, and if something works — great; if not — then you change the format again. That’s what we’ve done in the past.
"I’m not a fan of a reversed grid, but I wouldn’t categorically oppose trying something completely different; for example, you could run the sprint qualifying final as a superpole. We need to keep experimenting, not be afraid of that, and to abandon approaches that don’t work and be able to admit it."
Johnny Herbert: Norris has absolutely the right attitude.
Johnny Herbert believes that Lando Norris’s calm, relaxed mindset is helping him a lot in his fight with his teammate for the championship. And this is aided by the fact that the British McLaren driver, having won the Mexico Grand Prix, has moved into the lead of the drivers’ standings. Not so long ago, after retiring at Zandvoort due to a technical problem, Lando trailed Oscar Piastri by 34 points.
But since then Norris has performed better than his teammate at every round this season, and Oscar had an extremely poor Azerbaijan Grand Prix: he committed a false start and then crashed on the very first lap of the race.
“Strangely enough, in the Netherlands Lando was let down by the car. But after that difficult weekend he bounced back brilliantly,” the former Formula 1 driver said while taking part in the Stay on Track podcast.
Johnny Herbert believes that Lando Norris’s calm, relaxed mindset is helping him a lot in his fight with his teammate for the championship. And this is aided by the fact that the British McLaren driver, having won the Mexico Grand Prix, has moved into the lead of the drivers’ standings. Not so long ago, after retiring at Zandvoort due to a technical problem, Lando trailed Oscar Piastri by 34 points.
But since then Norris has performed better than his teammate at every round this season, and Oscar had an extremely poor Azerbaijan Grand Prix: he committed a false start and then crashed on the very first lap of the race.
“Strangely enough, in the Netherlands Lando was let down by the car. But after that difficult weekend he bounced back brilliantly,” the former Formula 1 driver said while taking part in the Stay on Track podcast.
GM and Allison Transmission Will Separate After This Year.
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For years, General Motors trucks have featured Allison Transmission branding, but this will come to an end on December 31, 2025. The two companies could not agree on renewing their long-standing licensing arrangement into the next year and beyond. As a result, the well-known badge will disappear; however, all Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks with a 2500 rating and above will continue to use the same 10-speed automatic transmissions as before.
This is because GM manufacturers these transmissions, which have simply carried the Allison name until now.
Chevrolet
The latest automotive news and reviews without the fluff.
Subscribe to our free daily newsletter to receive the most important stories directly in your inbox every weekday.
For years, General Motors trucks have featured Allison Transmission branding, but this will come to an end on December 31, 2025. The two companies could not agree on renewing their long-standing licensing arrangement into the next year and beyond. As a result, the well-known badge will disappear; however, all Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks with a 2500 rating and above will continue to use the same 10-speed automatic transmissions as before.
This is because GM manufacturers these transmissions, which have simply carried the Allison name until now.
Williams is preparing for forthcoming glorious achievements and believes that everything should match the scale of those plans, including the team's logo.
Therefore, in 2026 it will get a new logo that evokes direct associations with the times when it regularly won races and championships and was rightly considered one of Formula 1's top teams. In addition, the word Racing has disappeared from its official name, and it is now called Atlassian Williams F1 Team — of course, with mention of the title sponsor.
The famous logo, which first appeared in 1977 and adorned Williams cars in all nine seasons when the team won the Constructors' Championship, has been reimagined and given updated lettering. As stated in the press release dedicated to this, it is meant to symbolize "clear intent to once again regain its former strength and power in this new era of Formula 1 history."
The team is already on the right trajectory, gradually gaining momentum and sits 5th in the 2025 Constructors' Championship, having scored 111 points across 20 completed rounds — more than in the previous seven seasons combined.
James Vowles, team principal: "I am proud that from next year the team will be called Williams F1 Team, and that our cars will feature a logo connected with the heritage of our founder, Sir Frank Williams, and with decades of past successes.
The team is inspired by our past and energized by the future — we intend to write the next chapter in Williams' history dedicated to new victories. The new logo reflects both our roots and our ambitions, and also tells Formula 1's growing audience about our historical legacy, about those glorious times when fans of the new generation were not yet following the championship."
Therefore, in 2026 it will get a new logo that evokes direct associations with the times when it regularly won races and championships and was rightly considered one of Formula 1's top teams. In addition, the word Racing has disappeared from its official name, and it is now called Atlassian Williams F1 Team — of course, with mention of the title sponsor.
The famous logo, which first appeared in 1977 and adorned Williams cars in all nine seasons when the team won the Constructors' Championship, has been reimagined and given updated lettering. As stated in the press release dedicated to this, it is meant to symbolize "clear intent to once again regain its former strength and power in this new era of Formula 1 history."
The team is already on the right trajectory, gradually gaining momentum and sits 5th in the 2025 Constructors' Championship, having scored 111 points across 20 completed rounds — more than in the previous seven seasons combined.
James Vowles, team principal: "I am proud that from next year the team will be called Williams F1 Team, and that our cars will feature a logo connected with the heritage of our founder, Sir Frank Williams, and with decades of past successes.
The team is inspired by our past and energized by the future — we intend to write the next chapter in Williams' history dedicated to new victories. The new logo reflects both our roots and our ambitions, and also tells Formula 1's growing audience about our historical legacy, about those glorious times when fans of the new generation were not yet following the championship."
Norris: I'll try to score as many points as possible in São Paulo
After his victory in Mexico, McLaren driver Lando Norris has reclaimed the lead in the drivers' standings. At the São Paulo Grand Prix Lando aims to score the maximum number of points, but his teammate Oscar Piastri is aiming for the same.
Lando Norris: "I'm happy to be back racing at Interlagos. Race weekends in São Paulo are always fun, and it's nice to be in the city itself. Also, the weekend is run in a sprint format, so I'm aiming to score the maximum number of points.
Last week I returned to Woking with the team. We debriefed the double-header of rounds, and I worked on the simulator to prepare for this weekend. I'm in good spirits and can't wait to get back on track. Let's go!"
Oscar Piastri: "In Brazil we'll have a great opportunity to score a lot of points, given the sprint.
After his victory in Mexico, McLaren driver Lando Norris has reclaimed the lead in the drivers' standings. At the São Paulo Grand Prix Lando aims to score the maximum number of points, but his teammate Oscar Piastri is aiming for the same.
Lando Norris: "I'm happy to be back racing at Interlagos. Race weekends in São Paulo are always fun, and it's nice to be in the city itself. Also, the weekend is run in a sprint format, so I'm aiming to score the maximum number of points.
Last week I returned to Woking with the team. We debriefed the double-header of rounds, and I worked on the simulator to prepare for this weekend. I'm in good spirits and can't wait to get back on track. Let's go!"
Oscar Piastri: "In Brazil we'll have a great opportunity to score a lot of points, given the sprint.
Pirelli brought harder compounds to São Paulo.
Pirelli have brought tyre compounds to the São Paulo Grand Prix that are one step harder than a year ago, although C2, C3 and C4 were used as Hard, Medium and Soft in 2023.
Last year on Friday and Saturday it became clear that the slicks were subject to intense wear and degradation, particularly on the tyres mounted on the front wheels. Because the asphalt had been completely resurfaced, its surface was very smooth and less abrasive than in previous years, although there were still quite a few bumps around the circuit.
If this year’s weather conditions are the same as then, taking into account the natural ageing of the asphalt, the harder compounds can be expected to be more resistant to wear. Although in 2025 all compounds are less prone to degradation compared with last year’s tyres.
Pirelli have brought tyre compounds to the São Paulo Grand Prix that are one step harder than a year ago, although C2, C3 and C4 were used as Hard, Medium and Soft in 2023.
Last year on Friday and Saturday it became clear that the slicks were subject to intense wear and degradation, particularly on the tyres mounted on the front wheels. Because the asphalt had been completely resurfaced, its surface was very smooth and less abrasive than in previous years, although there were still quite a few bumps around the circuit.
If this year’s weather conditions are the same as then, taking into account the natural ageing of the asphalt, the harder compounds can be expected to be more resistant to wear. Although in 2025 all compounds are less prone to degradation compared with last year’s tyres.
Verstappen will race in São Paulo in a special helmet.
Max Verstappen is preparing for the upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix in high spirits; among other things, he has prepared a specially designed helmet for this weekend. Yuki Tsunoda is encouraged by the fact that at the previous two rounds he managed to find the right approach to the RB 21, so he promised to do everything possible both to score points and to help his teammate.
Max Verstappen: “I consider Brazil a special country — not only because incredibly exciting races have taken place there, which are tied to great memories for us, but also because my girlfriend’s family lives there.
It can rain heavily in São Paulo, so there is a chance the Grand Prix could unfold in the craziest of ways — that’s how last year’s race was, which we won after starting from 17th position.
Max Verstappen is preparing for the upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix in high spirits; among other things, he has prepared a specially designed helmet for this weekend. Yuki Tsunoda is encouraged by the fact that at the previous two rounds he managed to find the right approach to the RB 21, so he promised to do everything possible both to score points and to help his teammate.
Max Verstappen: “I consider Brazil a special country — not only because incredibly exciting races have taken place there, which are tied to great memories for us, but also because my girlfriend’s family lives there.
It can rain heavily in São Paulo, so there is a chance the Grand Prix could unfold in the craziest of ways — that’s how last year’s race was, which we won after starting from 17th position.
Wolff: In Austin and Mexico we lost our advantage
On the eve of the São Paulo Grand Prix Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff commented on the fight for second place in the Constructors' Championship and outlined the tasks facing the team at the Brazilian round.
Toto Wolff: "There are four races left in the season. We and Ferrari are separated by just one point in the Constructors' Championship, and Red Bull are only nine points behind. Our team has had a difficult few weeks, but we continue to fight for second place.
Each of the remaining four rounds will be critical in this battle for second place in the Constructors' Championship. Although we lost ground to our rivals in Austin and Mexico, we can strike back in Brazil.
The penultimate round of the season being a sprint means we must give everything from the opening session.
On the eve of the São Paulo Grand Prix Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff commented on the fight for second place in the Constructors' Championship and outlined the tasks facing the team at the Brazilian round.
Toto Wolff: "There are four races left in the season. We and Ferrari are separated by just one point in the Constructors' Championship, and Red Bull are only nine points behind. Our team has had a difficult few weeks, but we continue to fight for second place.
Each of the remaining four rounds will be critical in this battle for second place in the Constructors' Championship. Although we lost ground to our rivals in Austin and Mexico, we can strike back in Brazil.
The penultimate round of the season being a sprint means we must give everything from the opening session.
Marko is convinced that Verstappen can overtake the McLarens.
With just four races left, Max Verstappen remains determined to catch up to McLaren’s leading pair in the world championship. The Red Bull driver is currently third with 321 points, behind Lando Norris (357) and Oscar Piastri (356) as they head into this weekend’s Brazilian GP at Interlagos, a track where Verstappen has had some of his most iconic performances.
"We have accomplished many remarkable feats in Brazil," Dr. Helmut Marko told ntv. "If it rains, our chances of finishing ahead of both McLarens increase. We believe in our opportunity. We have the determination and a slim chance. We managed it in the last race of 2010, again in 2012, and in 2021, when Verstappen became world champion on the last lap. Max has achieved impressive things, but if he pulls off this comeback, it would be especially sensational.
With just four races left, Max Verstappen remains determined to catch up to McLaren’s leading pair in the world championship. The Red Bull driver is currently third with 321 points, behind Lando Norris (357) and Oscar Piastri (356) as they head into this weekend’s Brazilian GP at Interlagos, a track where Verstappen has had some of his most iconic performances.
"We have accomplished many remarkable feats in Brazil," Dr. Helmut Marko told ntv. "If it rains, our chances of finishing ahead of both McLarens increase. We believe in our opportunity. We have the determination and a slim chance. We managed it in the last race of 2010, again in 2012, and in 2021, when Verstappen became world champion on the last lap. Max has achieved impressive things, but if he pulls off this comeback, it would be especially sensational.
The legal dispute involving Felipe Massa, Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Management (FOM), and the FIA regarding the 2008 world championship has been temporarily paused, with the judge deferring his decision. After a three-day hearing in London, Judge Robert Jay stated that a ruling would not be made at this time. "The verdict is reserved and will be announced at a later date," he remarked, without providing additional information. As reported by f1-insider.com, this development indicates that both parties will have to wait longer as the court deliberates on the future of the case. FOM’s attorney Anneliese Day mentioned in court, "Mr. Massa will not achieve the outcome he desires from this lawsuit. The only beneficiaries will be the lawyers."
Ecclestone supports Schumacher's move to IndyCar.
"The IndyCar series might be somewhat simpler."
Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has supported Mick Schumacher's choice to step away from Formula 1 and aim for a career in IndyCar. The 26-year-old German, who recently had a test with the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team, is anticipated to make his debut in the American series in 2026, despite warnings from multiple European figures, including his uncle Ralf Schumacher, about the dangers of the oval-centric championship. Even Dr. Helmut Marko, who lost an eye during the 1972 French GP in his own racing career, expressed his concerns. "That would be too risky for me. With average speeds reaching 340kph, there is a possibility of serious accidents," Marko shared with f1-insider.com. Nevertheless, he remarked, "For Schumacher, transitioning to IndyCar could be a positive move.
"The IndyCar series might be somewhat simpler."
Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has supported Mick Schumacher's choice to step away from Formula 1 and aim for a career in IndyCar. The 26-year-old German, who recently had a test with the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team, is anticipated to make his debut in the American series in 2026, despite warnings from multiple European figures, including his uncle Ralf Schumacher, about the dangers of the oval-centric championship. Even Dr. Helmut Marko, who lost an eye during the 1972 French GP in his own racing career, expressed his concerns. "That would be too risky for me. With average speeds reaching 340kph, there is a possibility of serious accidents," Marko shared with f1-insider.com. Nevertheless, he remarked, "For Schumacher, transitioning to IndyCar could be a positive move.
The verdict on Felipe Massa's lawsuit will have to wait.
British legal proceedings are characterized by a thorough and consequently unhurried approach, and it seems the verdict in Felipe Massa's lawsuit against the FIA, FOM and Bernie Ecclestone will have to wait. We wrote about the preliminary hearings that concluded last week, but on Monday the position of the judicial officer presiding over the case became known: Judge Robert Jay officially confirmed that the delivery of the judgment has been postponed to a later date. Moreover, for now the question is only whether the preliminary hearings will be followed by a full trial in the High Court in London or whether the case will not proceed. The former Ferrari Brazilian driver is insisting on financial compensation in excess of £60 million for lost earnings he could have expected had he become world champion in 2008.
British legal proceedings are characterized by a thorough and consequently unhurried approach, and it seems the verdict in Felipe Massa's lawsuit against the FIA, FOM and Bernie Ecclestone will have to wait. We wrote about the preliminary hearings that concluded last week, but on Monday the position of the judicial officer presiding over the case became known: Judge Robert Jay officially confirmed that the delivery of the judgment has been postponed to a later date. Moreover, for now the question is only whether the preliminary hearings will be followed by a full trial in the High Court in London or whether the case will not proceed. The former Ferrari Brazilian driver is insisting on financial compensation in excess of £60 million for lost earnings he could have expected had he become world champion in 2008.
Ecclestone: McLaren are clearly backing Norris.
A couple of months ago former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone hinted that McLaren would like to see Lando Norris as champion rather than Oscar Piastri, who was leading the championship at the time, and now in an interview with sport.de he said his opinion hasn't changed, but the title will ultimately be won by Verstappen.
Bernie Ecclestone: "In the second half of the season McLaren are favouring Norris. At the start of the season I thought Piastri would easily win the title, but now something is holding the Australian back.
It gives the impression that the team wants to see the British driver as champion. Lando has a bright image, he loves television, he loves the cameras, he loves talking to journalists. I think he is the best option for McLaren.
Judging by the radio communications, Piastri is upset, tired and unhappy with what is happening.
A couple of months ago former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone hinted that McLaren would like to see Lando Norris as champion rather than Oscar Piastri, who was leading the championship at the time, and now in an interview with sport.de he said his opinion hasn't changed, but the title will ultimately be won by Verstappen.
Bernie Ecclestone: "In the second half of the season McLaren are favouring Norris. At the start of the season I thought Piastri would easily win the title, but now something is holding the Australian back.
It gives the impression that the team wants to see the British driver as champion. Lando has a bright image, he loves television, he loves the cameras, he loves talking to journalists. I think he is the best option for McLaren.
Judging by the radio communications, Piastri is upset, tired and unhappy with what is happening.
In Las Vegas, preparations are underway to amaze the public once again.
The organizers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix say they will once again create a sensation this year — after the 2024 race provoked a relatively muted public reaction.
The first Las Vegas Grand Prix, held on November 18, 2023, was accompanied by an impressive show, and overall the weekend’s program was quite varied; however, the teams' and drivers' work in the very first practice was overshadowed by problems related to the condition of the track.
Las Vegas took that lesson into account and also tried, where possible, to shorten the period during which streets and roads were closed to normal city traffic, which, of course, caused serious dissatisfaction among the local population. The ticketing program was also adjusted — the share of relatively affordable tickets in the general admission areas was increased.
The organizers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix say they will once again create a sensation this year — after the 2024 race provoked a relatively muted public reaction.
The first Las Vegas Grand Prix, held on November 18, 2023, was accompanied by an impressive show, and overall the weekend’s program was quite varied; however, the teams' and drivers' work in the very first practice was overshadowed by problems related to the condition of the track.
Las Vegas took that lesson into account and also tried, where possible, to shorten the period during which streets and roads were closed to normal city traffic, which, of course, caused serious dissatisfaction among the local population. The ticketing program was also adjusted — the share of relatively affordable tickets in the general admission areas was increased.
Brundle: At Red Bull they are currently deciding whether to take the risk.
Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sport F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes the decision on who will be Max Verstappen’s teammate next year will not be an easy one…
Martin Brundle: "Yuki had a chance to stay, but obviously Honda is distancing itself from Red Bull, and the team needs to look to the future.
The problem is that next year we face such radical changes to power units and chassis, the biggest in the history of Formula 1, that experience and knowledge will be needed to work with them. And in this situation, in my opinion, a more suitable option for Red Bull Racing could be Liam Lawson.
They shouldn't rush to call Isack Hadjar up to the main team. He should spend another year in the second team to gain experience; then there's a better chance he can fulfil his potential in a top team.
Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sport F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes the decision on who will be Max Verstappen’s teammate next year will not be an easy one…
Martin Brundle: "Yuki had a chance to stay, but obviously Honda is distancing itself from Red Bull, and the team needs to look to the future.
The problem is that next year we face such radical changes to power units and chassis, the biggest in the history of Formula 1, that experience and knowledge will be needed to work with them. And in this situation, in my opinion, a more suitable option for Red Bull Racing could be Liam Lawson.
They shouldn't rush to call Isack Hadjar up to the main team. He should spend another year in the second team to gain experience; then there's a better chance he can fulfil his potential in a top team.
Next year IndyCar star Colton Herta will combine the role of reserve driver for Cadillac F1 with racing in Formula 2 for Hitech. His colleague, Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward, has no doubt that Herta already has guarantees for a full-time Formula 1 seat in 2027.
Pato O'Ward: "Colton is very talented. He was a great rival in IndyCar, and I wish him all the best in Europe. I'd be surprised if I don't see him as one of the regular Formula 1 drivers in 2027. I don't think he would have made this move without having the necessary assurances. Everyone supports him; everyone expects Herta to have a successful season in Formula 2 and to move up to Formula 1.
It won't be easy for him in Europe. Formula 2 uses completely different tyres than IndyCar, and the car is worse too — he won't have the same technical feel on track that he's used to here. As I said, I'd be very surprised if I found out he was doing this just for the sake of it. I hope this work won't be in vain, and that in the end he ends up in Formula 1, which he truly deserves."
Pato O'Ward: "Colton is very talented. He was a great rival in IndyCar, and I wish him all the best in Europe. I'd be surprised if I don't see him as one of the regular Formula 1 drivers in 2027. I don't think he would have made this move without having the necessary assurances. Everyone supports him; everyone expects Herta to have a successful season in Formula 2 and to move up to Formula 1.
It won't be easy for him in Europe. Formula 2 uses completely different tyres than IndyCar, and the car is worse too — he won't have the same technical feel on track that he's used to here. As I said, I'd be very surprised if I found out he was doing this just for the sake of it. I hope this work won't be in vain, and that in the end he ends up in Formula 1, which he truly deserves."
Ayo Komatsu: The weather will be the key factor.
After a successful race in Mexico, Haas F1 would like to consolidate the result in São Paulo…
Aio Komatsu, team principal: “Everyone in the team is motivated and focused on success. Sixth and ninth in the Constructors’ Championship are separated by only a few points, the fight is very tight. Four rounds remain in the championship, and we are focused on each one individually. In Brazil we face a round with a Saturday sprint, which means two opportunities to score points.
The circuit is amazing, very technical, demanding — drivers love racing there. Last year Oliver learned he would be taking part in this race only five hours before getting into the car — and he did a great job, and Esteban finished on the podium in 2024 — we know he’s also very good at this circuit.
The key factor will be the weather. You never know what to expect in São Paulo.
After a successful race in Mexico, Haas F1 would like to consolidate the result in São Paulo…
Aio Komatsu, team principal: “Everyone in the team is motivated and focused on success. Sixth and ninth in the Constructors’ Championship are separated by only a few points, the fight is very tight. Four rounds remain in the championship, and we are focused on each one individually. In Brazil we face a round with a Saturday sprint, which means two opportunities to score points.
The circuit is amazing, very technical, demanding — drivers love racing there. Last year Oliver learned he would be taking part in this race only five hours before getting into the car — and he did a great job, and Esteban finished on the podium in 2024 — we know he’s also very good at this circuit.
The key factor will be the weather. You never know what to expect in São Paulo.
James Vowles on Williams’ objectives for the remaining races
James Vowles, team principal of Williams Racing, believes that in the remaining races of the season the team should perform better than it did at the Mexico City round, but it is equally important to collect as much useful information as possible to aid preparation for 2026.
After the Mexican Grand Prix Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz were classified 12th and 17th respectively, although the Spanish driver did not reach the finish after crashing his car in the closing laps. Therefore, the primary task is to achieve higher results at the upcoming São Paulo round.
James Vowles: "The most important thing for us was to work out how to set the car up for Alex. I think, as a result of the measures taken after Mexico, we have managed to find the right direction.
James Vowles, team principal of Williams Racing, believes that in the remaining races of the season the team should perform better than it did at the Mexico City round, but it is equally important to collect as much useful information as possible to aid preparation for 2026.
After the Mexican Grand Prix Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz were classified 12th and 17th respectively, although the Spanish driver did not reach the finish after crashing his car in the closing laps. Therefore, the primary task is to achieve higher results at the upcoming São Paulo round.
James Vowles: "The most important thing for us was to work out how to set the car up for Alex. I think, as a result of the measures taken after Mexico, we have managed to find the right direction.