Former Formula 1 and GT driver and stewards’ consultant for FIA TCR Pedro Lamy has been invited to serve as the third steward for the São Paulo Grand Prix.
As at the Mexico round, contentious incidents will be reviewed alongside him by the representative of the German association DMSB, DTM steward Dr. Gerd Ennser, and member of the Australian Rally Commission Matthew Selley.
In 2025 the guest stewards were: Enrique Bernoldi in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Azerbaijan and Austin; Pedro Lamy in China, Japan, the Netherlands and Mexico; Vitantonio Liuzzi in Bahrain, Imola, Monaco, Barcelona, Silverstone and Spa; and Derek Warwick in Miami, Austria, Hungary, Italy and Singapore.
As at the Mexico round, contentious incidents will be reviewed alongside him by the representative of the German association DMSB, DTM steward Dr. Gerd Ennser, and member of the Australian Rally Commission Matthew Selley.
In 2025 the guest stewards were: Enrique Bernoldi in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Azerbaijan and Austin; Pedro Lamy in China, Japan, the Netherlands and Mexico; Vitantonio Liuzzi in Bahrain, Imola, Monaco, Barcelona, Silverstone and Spa; and Derek Warwick in Miami, Austria, Hungary, Italy and Singapore.
Williams revealed the liveries of Carlos Sainz’s and Alex Albon’s cars for the São Paulo Grand Prix. The cars are painted in the colours of the team’s sponsor, Gulf, and are covered with 493 words that fans associate with Williams. Among these words are Legacy, Passion and Teamwork. James Vowles, team principal: “As an iconic Formula 1 team with championship titles to our name and plans for further victories, we know that Williams means a great deal to our millions of fans around the world. The incredible livery has been brought to life in a joint project with Gulf, and it will be an honour for us to drive every lap around the Brazilian circuit, soaking up the passion and emotions of our fans embodied in this beautiful design.”
Zak Brown will maintain driver parity even at the cost of a title.
On the Beyond the Grid podcast, McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown said he is not prepared to compromise his principles by giving an advantage to one of his drivers in the title fight — even if, as a result, the title is won by Verstappen...
Zak Brown: "If Max wins, I'll shake his hand and congratulate him on a job well done. I want to be sure that if we don't win, he beats us — that we don't beat ourselves. That's important.
We remember 2007 well, when two McLaren drivers [Hamilton and Alonso] scored the same number of points, and another [Räikkönen] won. As you can understand, we now again have two drivers dreaming of winning the world championship. We're playing on the attack. We're not playing defense.
On the Beyond the Grid podcast, McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown said he is not prepared to compromise his principles by giving an advantage to one of his drivers in the title fight — even if, as a result, the title is won by Verstappen...
Zak Brown: "If Max wins, I'll shake his hand and congratulate him on a job well done. I want to be sure that if we don't win, he beats us — that we don't beat ourselves. That's important.
We remember 2007 well, when two McLaren drivers [Hamilton and Alonso] scored the same number of points, and another [Räikkönen] won. As you can understand, we now again have two drivers dreaming of winning the world championship. We're playing on the attack. We're not playing defense.
São Paulo Grand Prix: Race preview
A month before the end of the season the fight starts again. McLaren's drivers arrived in Brazil separated by a single point in Lando Norris's favor, and any one of the four remaining races (two of them with a Saturday sprint) could prove decisive.
The third title contender, Max Verstappen of Red Bull, trails the leader by 36 points, and to catch up with Piastri and Norris he would have to make up nine points on them in each race. The task is almost impossible — but not for Max. He has repeatedly shown that in a title fight he is willing to do anything and cares nothing for conventions.
The three are almost the same age. Piastri is 24, Norris is now 25, and Verstappen recently turned 28.
Piastri is a bright star. It is extremely rare even for the best to win championship titles in Formula Renault, Formula 3 and Formula 2 on the first try in successive years, as Oscar did in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
A month before the end of the season the fight starts again. McLaren's drivers arrived in Brazil separated by a single point in Lando Norris's favor, and any one of the four remaining races (two of them with a Saturday sprint) could prove decisive.
The third title contender, Max Verstappen of Red Bull, trails the leader by 36 points, and to catch up with Piastri and Norris he would have to make up nine points on them in each race. The task is almost impossible — but not for Max. He has repeatedly shown that in a title fight he is willing to do anything and cares nothing for conventions.
The three are almost the same age. Piastri is 24, Norris is now 25, and Verstappen recently turned 28.
Piastri is a bright star. It is extremely rare even for the best to win championship titles in Formula Renault, Formula 3 and Formula 2 on the first try in successive years, as Oscar did in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
F1's schedule includes two-stop races and sprints on soft tyres.
"Two pitstops enhance the spectacle"
Formula 1 may undergo significant format changes starting in 2026, with discussions about mandatory two-stop races and updated sprint tyre regulations. According to Kurier, the FIA presented a proposal to drivers in Mexico, suggesting that two pitstops be made compulsory at every grand prix. This regulation aims to increase on-track excitement and diminish strategic predictability.
This concept was previously experimented with in Monaco earlier this year, where Lando Norris achieved a lights-to-flag victory, failing to win over the skeptics. Nonetheless, Pirelli's motorsport chief, Mario Isola, sees potential in the idea. "Two pitstops enhance the spectacle because they introduce more unpredictability," stated Isola.
"Two pitstops enhance the spectacle"
Formula 1 may undergo significant format changes starting in 2026, with discussions about mandatory two-stop races and updated sprint tyre regulations. According to Kurier, the FIA presented a proposal to drivers in Mexico, suggesting that two pitstops be made compulsory at every grand prix. This regulation aims to increase on-track excitement and diminish strategic predictability.
This concept was previously experimented with in Monaco earlier this year, where Lando Norris achieved a lights-to-flag victory, failing to win over the skeptics. Nonetheless, Pirelli's motorsport chief, Mario Isola, sees potential in the idea. "Two pitstops enhance the spectacle because they introduce more unpredictability," stated Isola.
Berger says there's 'pressure on' Piastri and Norris.
"When two teammates are of comparable skill, the pressure intensifies."
McLaren's CEO Zak Brown has refuted increasing speculation that the team is giving preference to Lando Norris in the championship race at the expense of his struggling teammate, Oscar Piastri. In an appearance on F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, Brown rejected the notion that one driver was being favored over the other. "I would rather have another driver overtake our drivers, who are tied in points, than have to tell one of them, 'I know you aspire to win the world championship, but we’ve decided you’re not going to achieve it this year. Just give up,'" he stated. Citing McLaren’s own past, Brown expressed a preference for a scenario similar to 2007, when Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton clashed internally while Kimi Raikkonen captured the title for Ferrari.
"When two teammates are of comparable skill, the pressure intensifies."
McLaren's CEO Zak Brown has refuted increasing speculation that the team is giving preference to Lando Norris in the championship race at the expense of his struggling teammate, Oscar Piastri. In an appearance on F1’s Beyond the Grid podcast, Brown rejected the notion that one driver was being favored over the other. "I would rather have another driver overtake our drivers, who are tied in points, than have to tell one of them, 'I know you aspire to win the world championship, but we’ve decided you’re not going to achieve it this year. Just give up,'" he stated. Citing McLaren’s own past, Brown expressed a preference for a scenario similar to 2007, when Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton clashed internally while Kimi Raikkonen captured the title for Ferrari.
Piquet wishes for rain to maintain Verstappen's chances.
"We're currently speculating, but for me, it really needs to rain."
Max Verstappen approaches one of his preferred tracks this weekend, aware that the Formula 1 championship could be significantly affected at Interlagos. The Red Bull driver trails Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri by 36 points as he enters the race near Sao Paulo, with only three races left after Brazil. However, with rain predicted once again, Verstappen's fans believe the weather could work to his advantage.
"Hopefully it rains," remarked Nelson Piquet Jr., brother of Verstappen’s partner Kelly, during the Pelas Pistas podcast. "The forecast currently indicates Sunday will be dry, but we're just speculating. For me, it absolutely has to rain. It must! That would make things really thrilling.
"We're currently speculating, but for me, it really needs to rain."
Max Verstappen approaches one of his preferred tracks this weekend, aware that the Formula 1 championship could be significantly affected at Interlagos. The Red Bull driver trails Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri by 36 points as he enters the race near Sao Paulo, with only three races left after Brazil. However, with rain predicted once again, Verstappen's fans believe the weather could work to his advantage.
"Hopefully it rains," remarked Nelson Piquet Jr., brother of Verstappen’s partner Kelly, during the Pelas Pistas podcast. "The forecast currently indicates Sunday will be dry, but we're just speculating. For me, it absolutely has to rain. It must! That would make things really thrilling.
2026 BMW M2 CS Initial Driving Review: Priced at $108K and Delivers Impressive Performance on the Track
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The shudder of tire edges on asphalt signals a slight warning. I deftly steer to the right and then to the left as the rear end begins to slide, and the drama quickly resolves. The scuffing noise transitions into the growl of a turbocharged six-cylinder and the sound of a cold brake rotor waking up its pads. Although the weather today is dreary and rainy, maneuvering the 2026 BMW M2 CS around a drenched track is still more enjoyable than sitting at my desk writing emails.
The M2 is not new; it has been on the market since the 2024 model year and follows a thrilling first generation.
BMW
The latest automotive news and reviews, straight to the point.
Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most important stories directly to you, every weekday.
The shudder of tire edges on asphalt signals a slight warning. I deftly steer to the right and then to the left as the rear end begins to slide, and the drama quickly resolves. The scuffing noise transitions into the growl of a turbocharged six-cylinder and the sound of a cold brake rotor waking up its pads. Although the weather today is dreary and rainy, maneuvering the 2026 BMW M2 CS around a drenched track is still more enjoyable than sitting at my desk writing emails.
The M2 is not new; it has been on the market since the 2024 model year and follows a thrilling first generation.
Helmut Marko: I hope we'll see a repeat of 2010.
Red Bull's motorsport consultant Helmut Marko saw a parallel between the fight for the drivers' title this season and in 2010. Back then Sebastian Vettel was in third place up until the finale in Abu Dhabi, as Max Verstappen is now, but he ultimately won the title.
Helmut Marko: "It's incredible that 15 years have already passed since then. That success benefited the whole team. Every title has its own story, but the decisive factor has always been success in the drivers' standings.
Looking back to 2010, Sebastian arrived in Abu Dhabi third in the standings, behind Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber. But it was Sebastian who became champion that year. I hope we'll see a similar scenario this season.
Although things didn't go perfectly in Singapore and very recently in Mexico, Max still managed to claw back points from the leaders.
Red Bull's motorsport consultant Helmut Marko saw a parallel between the fight for the drivers' title this season and in 2010. Back then Sebastian Vettel was in third place up until the finale in Abu Dhabi, as Max Verstappen is now, but he ultimately won the title.
Helmut Marko: "It's incredible that 15 years have already passed since then. That success benefited the whole team. Every title has its own story, but the decisive factor has always been success in the drivers' standings.
Looking back to 2010, Sebastian arrived in Abu Dhabi third in the standings, behind Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber. But it was Sebastian who became champion that year. I hope we'll see a similar scenario this season.
Although things didn't go perfectly in Singapore and very recently in Mexico, Max still managed to claw back points from the leaders.
Audi continues to prepare for its Formula 1 debut in 2026. A countdown has appeared on the team's official website showing the time until the concept car's presentation. This is not about showing the 2026 car yet. At the concept presentation the team will most likely unveil the car's livery that Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will race next season. The concept presentation is scheduled for November 12, starting at 11:00 p.m. Moscow time.
Many drivers during the Brazilian weekend will pay tribute to the legendary Ayrton Senna. One of the first to do so was Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who was born twelve years after Ayrton's crash at Imola. How time flies.
On Wednesday Antonelli visited Ayrton Senna's gravesite at the Morumbi cemetery, spent some time there with a book about Ayrton, and laid flowers.
On Wednesday Antonelli visited Ayrton Senna's gravesite at the Morumbi cemetery, spent some time there with a book about Ayrton, and laid flowers.
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Pierre Gasly: I hope our decisions will pay off in 2026.
At an FIA press conference in Brazil, Pierre Gasly admitted that he's finding the end of the season difficult. Because of Alpine's decision to stop upgrading the A525 fairly early, the team is currently uncompetitive, but Pierre hopes the decisions made will pay off next year.
Pierre Gasly: "I don't think we'll be more competitive at this track than at previous rounds. We fully understand our capabilities, but we still try to do our best every weekend. At Interlagos the weather can interfere with how things unfold — in the past we've already seen some crazy races here.
The team knows that in terms of car speed we've taken a step back, since we stopped developing the car several months ago. But we're okay and we know there are four race weekends ahead in which we'll try to fight, and then we'll fully switch to next year's car project.
At an FIA press conference in Brazil, Pierre Gasly admitted that he's finding the end of the season difficult. Because of Alpine's decision to stop upgrading the A525 fairly early, the team is currently uncompetitive, but Pierre hopes the decisions made will pay off next year.
Pierre Gasly: "I don't think we'll be more competitive at this track than at previous rounds. We fully understand our capabilities, but we still try to do our best every weekend. At Interlagos the weather can interfere with how things unfold — in the past we've already seen some crazy races here.
The team knows that in terms of car speed we've taken a step back, since we stopped developing the car several months ago. But we're okay and we know there are four race weekends ahead in which we'll try to fight, and then we'll fully switch to next year's car project.
Leclerc: In 2026 we'll set ourselves a higher goal.
At the FIA press conference in São Paulo, Charles Leclerc was asked to what extent Ferrari would be satisfied with the season's results if it managed to stay ahead of Mercedes and, as a year ago, finish the championship in 2nd place in the Constructors' Championship.
Charles Leclerc: "No, that would not be enough, because when you race for a team like this, only victory can be considered a sufficiently good result. But you also have to admit that we have to face very strong opponents, and some teams also have a very rich historical heritage in Formula 1, so we have difficult tasks ahead.
I believe Ferrari should aim only for wins, but if you take into account how we started the championship and the level we have reached now, the season is going quite well.
At the FIA press conference in São Paulo, Charles Leclerc was asked to what extent Ferrari would be satisfied with the season's results if it managed to stay ahead of Mercedes and, as a year ago, finish the championship in 2nd place in the Constructors' Championship.
Charles Leclerc: "No, that would not be enough, because when you race for a team like this, only victory can be considered a sufficiently good result. But you also have to admit that we have to face very strong opponents, and some teams also have a very rich historical heritage in Formula 1, so we have difficult tasks ahead.
I believe Ferrari should aim only for wins, but if you take into account how we started the championship and the level we have reached now, the season is going quite well.
On Thursday in São Paulo Fernando Alonso was positive but not overly optimistic...
Fernando Alonso: "It's always nice to return to Brazil. I've always done well here — I've stood on the podium nine times. I think this is the best circuit of my career. And the two titles I won here will stay in the memory forever.
In recent months we haven't been very competitive, and I don't think that will change this weekend. But we are still fighting for points. I think the maximum is to score a few points this weekend.
Unfortunately, we're not fast enough, but a weekend with a Saturday sprint gives extra opportunities to score points. Only one practice, then straight into qualifying, and it could rain on Saturday.
I don't think the top four teams will have any problems here. So all that's left for us is ninth and tenth place. Let's see if we can fight for them."
Fernando Alonso: "It's always nice to return to Brazil. I've always done well here — I've stood on the podium nine times. I think this is the best circuit of my career. And the two titles I won here will stay in the memory forever.
In recent months we haven't been very competitive, and I don't think that will change this weekend. But we are still fighting for points. I think the maximum is to score a few points this weekend.
Unfortunately, we're not fast enough, but a weekend with a Saturday sprint gives extra opportunities to score points. Only one practice, then straight into qualifying, and it could rain on Saturday.
I don't think the top four teams will have any problems here. So all that's left for us is ninth and tenth place. Let's see if we can fight for them."
Gabriel Bortoleto is confidently enjoying his debut season in Formula 1, having scored 19 points. At his home track Interlagos, the Sauber driver was asked how he himself evaluates his performances this year compared to the other rookies.
Gabriel Bortoleto: “It’s very hard to compare rookies with each other, since we all have different cars. Some have better ones, some worse, and it will always be like that. The only way to assess performances is to compare results with your teammate and evaluate individual outings.
I’m proud of how I approached the season. It turned out very positive. The start of the season was difficult because of the car, but gradually we brought upgrades that allowed us to fight for points. I reached Q3 four or five times. I’m quite satisfied and think I had a pretty good season.
If I had to pick the best rookie, I would name myself. But in the same way Isack Hadjar will name himself the best rookie, and that doesn’t change anything. We don’t have our own mini-championship for the title of best newcomer.
Isack is having a very strong year, but in the last three or four races Oliver Bearman has performed excellently. His Mexico weekend was incredible. If it weren’t for the last three races I would have rated Isack higher, but now Oliver is good too.”
Gabriel Bortoleto: “It’s very hard to compare rookies with each other, since we all have different cars. Some have better ones, some worse, and it will always be like that. The only way to assess performances is to compare results with your teammate and evaluate individual outings.
I’m proud of how I approached the season. It turned out very positive. The start of the season was difficult because of the car, but gradually we brought upgrades that allowed us to fight for points. I reached Q3 four or five times. I’m quite satisfied and think I had a pretty good season.
If I had to pick the best rookie, I would name myself. But in the same way Isack Hadjar will name himself the best rookie, and that doesn’t change anything. We don’t have our own mini-championship for the title of best newcomer.
Isack is having a very strong year, but in the last three or four races Oliver Bearman has performed excellently. His Mexico weekend was incredible. If it weren’t for the last three races I would have rated Isack higher, but now Oliver is good too.”
Yuki Tsunoda: I'm gradually reaching the required level.
According to Yuki Tsunoda, he has a fairly confident mindset ahead of the Brazilian weekend — partly because he performed well at the two previous rounds. The Japanese Red Bull Racing driver understands that any good result would be very welcome, since it’s still unclear how the next stage of his career will unfold.
Yuki Tsunoda: “I’m gradually reaching the right level — I mean both in terms of confidence and everything else. In Mexico I would definitely have scored points if everything had gone smoothly, but in motorsport anything can happen, so I’m just pleased with how the previous race weekend went.
Right now I’m just trying to make that trend continue, and even better if the results get higher. In Brazil I intend to score points in both races of the weekend.
According to Yuki Tsunoda, he has a fairly confident mindset ahead of the Brazilian weekend — partly because he performed well at the two previous rounds. The Japanese Red Bull Racing driver understands that any good result would be very welcome, since it’s still unclear how the next stage of his career will unfold.
Yuki Tsunoda: “I’m gradually reaching the right level — I mean both in terms of confidence and everything else. In Mexico I would definitely have scored points if everything had gone smoothly, but in motorsport anything can happen, so I’m just pleased with how the previous race weekend went.
Right now I’m just trying to make that trend continue, and even better if the results get higher. In Brazil I intend to score points in both races of the weekend.
Lando Norris: I have a better mindset now.
Lando Norris arrived in Brazil as the new championship leader – before that he had headed the standings only in the first four rounds of the season, but after the April Saudi Arabian Grand Prix his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri moved ahead.
Since Lando's lead is literally minimal and amounts to just one point, in São Paulo he has a very specific task.
Lando Norris: "Of course, I'd like to perform this weekend at the same level I did in Mexico, although that will be very difficult given the strength of the opponents. So what my personal expectations are and how things will actually turn out are two different things.
But will anything change if I keep thinking about how well things went at the previous round? Of course not. I definitely feel I have a better psychological mindset now than I did at the start of the season, although back then I had far more problems.
Lando Norris arrived in Brazil as the new championship leader – before that he had headed the standings only in the first four rounds of the season, but after the April Saudi Arabian Grand Prix his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri moved ahead.
Since Lando's lead is literally minimal and amounts to just one point, in São Paulo he has a very specific task.
Lando Norris: "Of course, I'd like to perform this weekend at the same level I did in Mexico, although that will be very difficult given the strength of the opponents. So what my personal expectations are and how things will actually turn out are two different things.
But will anything change if I keep thinking about how well things went at the previous round? Of course not. I definitely feel I have a better psychological mindset now than I did at the start of the season, although back then I had far more problems.
Vettel believes that Verstappen is capable of winning the title.
On Thursday Sebastian Vettel appeared in the paddock at the São Paulo circuit, although it wasn't only because he missed the Formula 1 atmosphere. The four-time world champion combines meeting former colleagues and fans with taking part in environmental initiatives.
This time it was an initiative aimed at saving South America's tropical forests, which Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto and Valtteri Bottas also joined. But of course journalists couldn't help but ask Sebastian for his view on the championship situation, where the fight for the title is heating up, since he knows from personal experience what that's like.
On Sky Italia he was asked whether Max Verstappen could this year repeat what Sebastian himself achieved in 2010.
On Thursday Sebastian Vettel appeared in the paddock at the São Paulo circuit, although it wasn't only because he missed the Formula 1 atmosphere. The four-time world champion combines meeting former colleagues and fans with taking part in environmental initiatives.
This time it was an initiative aimed at saving South America's tropical forests, which Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto and Valtteri Bottas also joined. But of course journalists couldn't help but ask Sebastian for his view on the championship situation, where the fight for the title is heating up, since he knows from personal experience what that's like.
On Sky Italia he was asked whether Max Verstappen could this year repeat what Sebastian himself achieved in 2010.
The upcoming 12th season of Formula E will be the last in which the teams of the world electric racing championship use cars of the current GEN3 Evo generation. In 2026–2027, i.e., in the 13th season, Formula E will switch to GEN4 machinery, and the organizers of the electric series together with the FIA unveiled this new electric car with a 600-kilowatt (more than 815 hp — a 50% increase in power) power unit and an active all‑wheel‑drive transmission.
The distinguishing features of the 4th‑generation car begin with its appearance and an efficient aerodynamic package with two configuration options. A high‑downforce configuration can be used in qualifying, while a lower‑downforce version is intended for races.
The new powertrains deliver up to 450 kW of peak power in standard racing mode and up to 600 kW when Attack Mode, designed for overtaking, is activated. The energy recovery system has also been made more efficient.
The distinguishing features of the 4th‑generation car begin with its appearance and an efficient aerodynamic package with two configuration options. A high‑downforce configuration can be used in qualifying, while a lower‑downforce version is intended for races.
The new powertrains deliver up to 450 kW of peak power in standard racing mode and up to 600 kW when Attack Mode, designed for overtaking, is activated. The energy recovery system has also been made more efficient.