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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.
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.
Ecclestone states that McLaren is 'clearly' showing favoritism towards Norris.
"McLaren leans towards the English driver"

Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone believes that McLaren has shifted its support to Lando Norris during the latter part of the season, to the detriment of teammate Oscar Piastri. "Yes, that seems to be the case," the 95-year-old stated to RTL. Ecclestone noted that Piastri started the season "clearly faster," but asserted that the Australian has recently been "hindered by various methods." "McLaren favors the English driver Norris. He possesses more star appeal and marketing potential for them, as well as greater visibility in front of the cameras and public. That's likely why it's more advantageous for McLaren," Ecclestone added.

He also criticized McLaren's so-called Papaya Rules, saying they have been detrimental to Piastri.
In an interview with sport.de, former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone said that Frederic Vasseur is "too soft" to run Ferrari.

Bernie Ecclestone: "The problem is that Ferrari needs a dictator at the head of the team, only then will they succeed. Everyone in Italy gives them advice, tells them what to do, everyone is constantly meddling in their affairs. And Frederic Vasseur is too soft. He is not a dictator."
Ecclestone states that Hamilton is 'losing control' at Ferrari.
"I think he will achieve more in the fashion industry going forward."

Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has given a harsh critique of Lewis Hamilton's inaugural season with Ferrari, asserting that the seven-time world champion's transition to Maranello has already fallen short of expectations. "Everything is slipping out of his control there," Ecclestone said to RTL. "He aspired to be world champion there and is now shocked that he isn’t able to."

While Ecclestone recognized Hamilton as "one of the best of the last ten years," he remarked that the Briton is "not the best," adding that his collaboration with Ferrari has turned into "more of a financial marketing venture."

"I think he will accomplish more in fashion in the future," Ecclestone joked.
Documents show that Lance Stroll's salary amounts to $12 million.
"Winning is our primary objective"

Aston Martin's recent financial disclosures have provided a rare glimpse into Lance Stroll's earnings, revealing that the owner’s son received a total compensation of $12.3 million for the 2024 season. The figures, released under related-party reporting regulations, indicate that Aston Martin paid Golden Eagle Racing, the firm managing Stroll’s racing activities, $12.3 million last year, which is more than double the $5.6 million reported for 2023.

The filing specifies that this amount includes not just Stroll’s salary, but also expenses for his trainer, physiotherapist, and other "services rendered." Additionally, it highlights an unusual financial arrangement where Golden Eagle Racing returned approximately $500,000 in sponsorship fees to Aston Martin.
Father and son Doohan seen at Super Formula.
A larger strategy to secure a spot for 26

Jack Doohan and his renowned father, Mick, have been seen in Japan as the Australian driver considers a potential transition to the Super Formula Championship for 2026. As reported by Japan’s as-web.jp, the duo attended the recent Super GT finale at Motegi, where they met with various team representatives to discuss the possibility of a full-season seat in the country’s premier single-seater series. Doohan's contract with Alpine, which saw him replaced by Franco Colapinto earlier in 2025, ends this year. With Colapinto now likely to remain alongside Pierre Gasly at the team for 2026, the 22-year-old Doohan is believed to be exploring new prospects outside of Formula 1.
Delay indicates that Marko is no longer in control, according to the report.
"Marko is not the sole decision-maker"

The postponement of Red Bull's announcement regarding its 2026 driver lineup is perceived as an indication that Dr. Helmut Marko no longer has complete control over significant choices, as stated by esteemed Dutch journalist Erik van Haren.

"Helmut Marko has been claiming for months that they would reveal their driver lineup for next year after the Mexican Grand Prix," Van Haren shared with De Telegraaf. "Now, it likely won't be until late November or early December, just before the Abu Dhabi race."

Although the 82-year-old Marko has been recognized as the mastermind behind Red Bull's driver strategy, Van Haren suggests that recent internal changes—particularly the dismissal of Christian Horner—have weakened his influence.
2026 Polestar 4 Initial Drive Review: Wagering on Design Throughout
Marty Padgett

The latest news and reviews in the automotive world, no nonsense

Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the important stories straight to your inbox each weekday.

The Polestar 4 electric SUV faces significant competition. The larger, more spacious Polestar 3 SUV, which accommodates five passengers and replicates much of what makes Volvo’s gasoline models enjoyable to drive, casts a long shadow. The 4 must achieve similar qualities within a tighter budget while avoiding overshadowing its larger counterpart.

It takes a different approach by utilizing a unique platform, resulting in less refined handling and incorporating some deliberately unconventional features that amplify its outsider presence.
Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto is set for his first home round in Formula 1; he was born and raised in São Paulo — and hopes to delight his friends and fans...

Nico Hülkenberg: "Interlagos is not like other circuits. It's a true classic event that I always remember fondly. The weather here is often unpredictable, and weekends with a Saturday sprint are packed with action, which gives an extra chance to score points.

After the disappointment in Mexico, where the car was quick but we couldn't convert that speed, we go to São Paulo with confidence and know the problem is solved. We're in for a close fight where every little detail matters. The target for this weekend is to build on the positive trends of recent races."

Gabriel Bortoleto: "I grew up in São Paulo and have always dreamed of taking part in the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Interlagos. And although this week my dream is coming true, I still can't quite believe it.

All the efforts of our family over years of preparation have paid off, and now I'm eagerly looking forward to my first outing on the track in front of my supporters. But none of this changes my mindset for the weekend. I'm ready to fight and want to deliver a strong result.

Ahead is a weekend with a Saturday sprint, where we have less time to prepare, but I hope that won't get in the way. Our goal is to make the most of every opportunity and score points again."
Pierre Gasly: Anything can happen in São Paulo.
The Alpine F1 team sits last, in 10th place in the Constructors’ Championship and has long come to terms with it, since all efforts and resources are being poured into preparing for 2026. Last year at the São Paulo Grand Prix they managed the nearly impossible: circumstances fell into place so that both of their drivers ended up on the podium.

This season Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto will rarely manage to finish even close to the top ten, so there are no hopes of repeating that success, but both have assured that they will do everything they can.

Pierre Gasly: "The team is preparing to return to São Paulo, and this weekend we will be racing in Brazil.
Racing Bulls invites you to an art event.
Racing Bulls invites fans to a special event that, according to the organizers, is meant to be an example of the fusion of visual art and music, allowing everyone to dive into the unique atmosphere of São Paulo. On Wednesday evening at the ZIV gallery in the tourist-favorite Beco do Batman neighborhood, as part of the program called "Creative Platform VCARB," Mari Balbinot, a young local artist known for her bold and expressive graffiti work, will perform for those gathered. Incidentally, people flock to that part of the city specifically to admire the numerous murals and other "wall paintings." At the ZIV gallery Mari will create live in front of the audience, and Racing Bulls promise that her works will reflect motifs related to the upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix.
Sainz Sr.: Confident the race in Madrid will go well
Carlos Sainz, a two-time World Rally Champion and four-time winner of the Dakar Rally, yesterday received a special award — Madrileño of the Year. In other words, the father of the Williams driver became "Madrileño of the Year", and the award ceremony took place in the Royal Palace.

Of course, the guest of honor also spoke there, and since his son Carlos serves as an ambassador for the MadRing circuit under construction, Sainz Sr. also touched on the topic of the Spanish Grand Prix, which will be held in Madrid starting next year.

"I am an ambassador of Madrid, and holding the Grand Prix is wonderful news, first and foremost for those who love motorsport, but also for all the people of Madrid," AS newspaper quoted him as saying. "When I traveled to different countries, I compared our city to others, but there is no place on earth better than your home.
Lawrence Stroll: I will not give up until we win the title.
Lawrence Stroll, the owner of Aston Martin, has owned the team for six years, yet it has so far been unable to reach the top. Nevertheless, the Canadian businessman is not going to abandon his goal — to lead Aston Martin to a championship title in Formula 1.

Lawrence Stroll: "I am unyielding and will not give up until I have completed my mission. In this case my mission is to become world champions. I have been lucky and have succeeded in all my undertakings. The Formula 1 project is the most passionate and most sincere, inspiring me more than anything else. It is also the thing that frustrates me the most.

Disappointments hurt deeply, and there are many disappointments in this business. In Formula 1, before you achieve success, you have to go through many falls.
Pat Simonds: My wife convinced me to take on a new challenge.
Renowned engineer Pat Symonds worked for many teams, then spent seven years as Formula 1's technical director, took part in developing the technical regulations, and has now decided to return to working with a team after accepting an offer from Cadillac.
In an interview with RacingNews365 the 72-year-old engineer admitted that his wife persuaded him to take on the new challenge...
Pat Symonds: "At first I wasn't particularly keen on doing it. I liked my job at FOM; we had several good projects. But I missed the sense of competition, so I was considering Cadillac's offer, not least because Graham Loudon and Nick Chester, with whom I have worked a lot in the past, were involved in the project.
And then my wife said to me, 'Come on, you can be a champion again.' She is very optimistic. She probably doesn't want me to retire.
Formula 1 and Heineken have extended their contract.
Formula 1 has announced the extension of its contract with Heineken, which has been a global partner of the championship since 2016.
The new partnership is set to run for several more years; each season Heineken will be the title sponsor of three Grands Prix and will continue to run campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption.
In addition, the company will start giving away season passes, the holders of which, together with a guest, will receive passes to all of the season’s Grands Prix, as well as paid travel and accommodation.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1: “For almost ten years Heineken has supported Formula 1, sharing a common passion for creating unparalleled experiences for fans. I am grateful to the Heineken family and the whole company for their unwavering support.
Ralf Schumacher is waiting for Piastri and Leclerc at Aston Martin.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes that Oscar Piastri is seriously considering the option of an early departure from McLaren. In Ralf’s view, the Australian driver could move to Aston Martin in the foreseeable future.
Ralf Schumacher: "I believe that if a driver has lost confidence in the team, or vice versa, which also happens, there will be clear consequences, and the driver may even leave.
Unmistakable rumors are circulating in the paddock: Aston Martin is urgently looking for options to replace its lineup as early as 2026, but certainly no later than 2027. I have the impression that Oscar has grown tired of putting up with everything that is happening to him in the team.
Aston Martin are looking for two strong drivers. The first candidate we've already talked about is Oscar Piastri.
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna urges the team to finish a difficult season with a respectable result…

Benedetto Vigna: "The season is not unfolding as we expected. For some other teams, things seem to be going more smoothly. It's important to ensure that all the components necessary for victory are functioning properly. The podium in Mexico pleases us, but we must remain realistic. We need to continue working together cohesively and in a coordinated way; there are four races ahead in which we will give our all to achieve a respectable result."
Unknown individuals desecrated the graves of Bruce McLaren and members of his family at Waikumete Cemetery in West Auckland.
According to New Zealand outlet Stuff, the damage was discovered by George Stewart-Dalzell of Grave Guardians, a company that repairs and restores graves.
Unknown individuals poured gold paint over the headstones of Bruce and his wife, as well as his parents, and attached toy cars to them.
Restoration work is underway.
Bruce McLaren died in June 1970 during tests of a Can-Am car in the United Kingdom; his wife Patricia died in 2016.
Esteban Ocon unveiled the helmet he will wear at the São Paulo Grand Prix. The helmet’s design was created by a fan of the Haas driver named Fernanda.

The updated design retains Esteban’s customary red-and-black tones, livened up with the colors of the Brazilian flag, Ayrton Senna’s logo and a Senna Forever motif (Senna forever).

On social media Esteban Ocon thanked everyone who sent in their sketches and admitted that he “found it difficult to choose just one option from true works of art.”

“Fernanda, thank you for your beautiful design,” Esteban added. “I really like it, and I can’t wait to race in this helmet on the track in Brazil.”
Aston Martin's published financial report shed light on the size of Lance Stroll's salary, the son of the team's owner.