FIA cautions about plank wear as the championship race intensifies.
The FIA has reportedly delivered an "official warning" to teams regarding plank wear ahead of this weekend’s Qatar GP, following McLaren’s dual disqualification in Las Vegas. Austria’s Osterreich newspaper indicates that the governing body will "closely monitor" the racing pace and ride-height behavior of both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, after their violations regarding skid blocks altered the championship race.
This follows recent discussions about methods such as heat-treating titanium skids and other innovative plank-protection strategies, initially mentioned after Interlagos. The scenario sets the stage for an exciting conclusion - Norris could mathematically secure the 2025 world title in Qatar, while Verstappen and Piastri are tied for second place, just 24 points behind.
The FIA has reportedly delivered an "official warning" to teams regarding plank wear ahead of this weekend’s Qatar GP, following McLaren’s dual disqualification in Las Vegas. Austria’s Osterreich newspaper indicates that the governing body will "closely monitor" the racing pace and ride-height behavior of both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, after their violations regarding skid blocks altered the championship race.
This follows recent discussions about methods such as heat-treating titanium skids and other innovative plank-protection strategies, initially mentioned after Interlagos. The scenario sets the stage for an exciting conclusion - Norris could mathematically secure the 2025 world title in Qatar, while Verstappen and Piastri are tied for second place, just 24 points behind.
Ferrari cancels the 'F44' project linked to Hamilton due to rising tensions.
"I believe Ferrari is making the right choice."
Recent tensions have surfaced at Ferrari as reports from Italy indicate that the team has abandoned a unique road-car project associated with Lewis Hamilton - referred to as the "F44." According to the Terruzzi Racconta podcast, Hamilton had privately requested a customized special-edition model that had initially received approval but was later quietly shelved.
Giorgio Terruzzi, a prominent Italian F1 journalist, mentioned that this decision left the seven-time world champion "furious." Terruzzi stated that the project had been promised before being "abandoned or at least paused." Another well-known Italian journalist, Pino Allievi, was straightforward in his remarks. "The F40 was a car that celebrated Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, as envisioned by Enzo Ferrari.
"I believe Ferrari is making the right choice."
Recent tensions have surfaced at Ferrari as reports from Italy indicate that the team has abandoned a unique road-car project associated with Lewis Hamilton - referred to as the "F44." According to the Terruzzi Racconta podcast, Hamilton had privately requested a customized special-edition model that had initially received approval but was later quietly shelved.
Giorgio Terruzzi, a prominent Italian F1 journalist, mentioned that this decision left the seven-time world champion "furious." Terruzzi stated that the project had been promised before being "abandoned or at least paused." Another well-known Italian journalist, Pino Allievi, was straightforward in his remarks. "The F40 was a car that celebrated Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, as envisioned by Enzo Ferrari.
Surprise as Newey takes the helm of Aston Martin team.
"A calm, clever tinkerer"
Aston Martin has surprised the paddock by announcing that Adrian Newey will become the team principal starting in 2026, while Andy Cowell will transition into a new strategic position. This shift comes after weeks of internal strain and notable exits within the Silverstone team.
Tobias Gruner from Auto Motor und Sport reported that "seven crucial engineers," including aerodynamic chief Eric Blandin, were reportedly "on the chopping block," supposedly at Newey’s suggestion, with the team largely recruiting from Newey’s previous organization, Red Bull. Gruner also noted that tensions had escalated between Newey and Cowell, mentioning that "rumors circulated in Las Vegas about increasing tensions," linking figures like Horner and Seidl to Cowell’s position.
Ultimately, Lawrence Stroll decided to appoint Newey directly.
"A calm, clever tinkerer"
Aston Martin has surprised the paddock by announcing that Adrian Newey will become the team principal starting in 2026, while Andy Cowell will transition into a new strategic position. This shift comes after weeks of internal strain and notable exits within the Silverstone team.
Tobias Gruner from Auto Motor und Sport reported that "seven crucial engineers," including aerodynamic chief Eric Blandin, were reportedly "on the chopping block," supposedly at Newey’s suggestion, with the team largely recruiting from Newey’s previous organization, Red Bull. Gruner also noted that tensions had escalated between Newey and Cowell, mentioning that "rumors circulated in Las Vegas about increasing tensions," linking figures like Horner and Seidl to Cowell’s position.
Ultimately, Lawrence Stroll decided to appoint Newey directly.
Bottas acknowledges that Mercedes is restricting Cadillac's preparations.
Valtteri Bottas states that his unusual year as a reserve for Mercedes has provided him with valuable insights for Cadillac's 2026 Formula 1 debut, but he acknowledges that it would have been beneficial to integrate earlier. In an interview with Goodwood.com, Bottas remarked that while his time away from racing has been useful, it has also been limiting.
"If I had the chance, I would have probably engaged more with the team, as there is much to prepare," he confessed when discussing his upcoming return to the grid with Cadillac. "I’m involved, but not as much as Checo since I can’t. I’m here with Mercedes. It is what it is."
Bottas, who last competed in 2024 for Sauber, will only be able to join Cadillac full-time after the Abu Dhabi finale due to his ongoing commitments with Mercedes.
Valtteri Bottas states that his unusual year as a reserve for Mercedes has provided him with valuable insights for Cadillac's 2026 Formula 1 debut, but he acknowledges that it would have been beneficial to integrate earlier. In an interview with Goodwood.com, Bottas remarked that while his time away from racing has been useful, it has also been limiting.
"If I had the chance, I would have probably engaged more with the team, as there is much to prepare," he confessed when discussing his upcoming return to the grid with Cadillac. "I’m involved, but not as much as Checo since I can’t. I’m here with Mercedes. It is what it is."
Bottas, who last competed in 2024 for Sauber, will only be able to join Cadillac full-time after the Abu Dhabi finale due to his ongoing commitments with Mercedes.
James Vowles will compete in the 12-hour race in Abu Dhabi.
The Formula 1 season will conclude on December 7, but Williams Racing boss James Vowles will not return to Europe with everyone else; he will stay in Abu Dhabi to start the 12-hour endurance race on December 14.
The Gulf 12 Hours marathon will be held at the same Yas Marina Circuit, and Vowles is set to pilot a McLaren 720S GT3 alongside his Garage 59 teammates, competing in the Pro-Am category. They are Briton Mark Sansom, Italian Marco Pulcini and Swedish-born-in-Helsinki Alexander West. The three of them have considerable experience in competitions such as GT Open, GT World Challenge and Ferrari Challenge.
“I’ll be delighted to put on a racing helmet again if the opportunity arises!’’ Vowles commented. “I know the Garage 59 team well from competing together in 2022, and the upcoming 12-hour race is a great event with a fairly strong field.
The Formula 1 season will conclude on December 7, but Williams Racing boss James Vowles will not return to Europe with everyone else; he will stay in Abu Dhabi to start the 12-hour endurance race on December 14.
The Gulf 12 Hours marathon will be held at the same Yas Marina Circuit, and Vowles is set to pilot a McLaren 720S GT3 alongside his Garage 59 teammates, competing in the Pro-Am category. They are Briton Mark Sansom, Italian Marco Pulcini and Swedish-born-in-Helsinki Alexander West. The three of them have considerable experience in competitions such as GT Open, GT World Challenge and Ferrari Challenge.
“I’ll be delighted to put on a racing helmet again if the opportunity arises!’’ Vowles commented. “I know the Garage 59 team well from competing together in 2022, and the upcoming 12-hour race is a great event with a fairly strong field.
McLaren explained the reason for the disqualification.
After the Las Vegas race both McLaren drivers were disqualified for breaching the technical regulations — skid plank wear exceeded the permitted limits. Ahead of the round in Qatar, team principal Andrea Stella explained the reasons.
Andrea Stella: “The immediate cause of the excessive skid plank wear was the unexpected onset of intense porpoising, which produced large vertical oscillations of the car. The problem was exacerbated by the conditions in which the car ran during the race and was unforeseen — after practice we did not expect anything like this in the race.
Based on the data gathered in practice, we do not believe we took an excessive risk in terms of reducing ride height. On the contrary, we increased it somewhat for qualifying and the race, creating the necessary margin.
After the Las Vegas race both McLaren drivers were disqualified for breaching the technical regulations — skid plank wear exceeded the permitted limits. Ahead of the round in Qatar, team principal Andrea Stella explained the reasons.
Andrea Stella: “The immediate cause of the excessive skid plank wear was the unexpected onset of intense porpoising, which produced large vertical oscillations of the car. The problem was exacerbated by the conditions in which the car ran during the race and was unforeseen — after practice we did not expect anything like this in the race.
Based on the data gathered in practice, we do not believe we took an excessive risk in terms of reducing ride height. On the contrary, we increased it somewhat for qualifying and the race, creating the necessary margin.
Mercedes expects competition from clients.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that if Mercedes engineers once again build the best power unit in 2026, they may not be able to achieve dominance like in 2014 because of competition from customer teams. Especially since their current customer, McLaren, has won the Constructors' Championship for the second year in a row.
Toto Wolff: "If our power unit turns out to be the best, it will help four teams at once. Alpine started work on the new car very early, paying a lot of attention to aerodynamics – this year they are not very quick, so they devoted all their time to the new project. A similar situation applies at Williams – they have the same advantage. So our main rivals are our customers. Next year the simulator will become the most important tool for unlocking the car's maximum speed on the real track.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes that if Mercedes engineers once again build the best power unit in 2026, they may not be able to achieve dominance like in 2014 because of competition from customer teams. Especially since their current customer, McLaren, has won the Constructors' Championship for the second year in a row.
Toto Wolff: "If our power unit turns out to be the best, it will help four teams at once. Alpine started work on the new car very early, paying a lot of attention to aerodynamics – this year they are not very quick, so they devoted all their time to the new project. A similar situation applies at Williams – they have the same advantage. So our main rivals are our customers. Next year the simulator will become the most important tool for unlocking the car's maximum speed on the real track.
The FIA is ready to reconsider the regulatory requirements.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said that the FIA is examining the possibility of changing the regulations after the disqualification of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Las Vegas.
The McLaren drivers were disqualified because the thickness of the skid plank under the floor was less than the 9 millimetre minimum allowed by the regulations. The team could not challenge the stewards' decision because the regulations clearly state that a technical non-compliance automatically leads to disqualification. However, Stella said that the FIA is exploring the possibility of applying less severe sanctions in future depending on the severity of the infringement.
“We, together with the technical delegate, confirmed the correctness of the skid plank thickness measurement,” Andrea Stella said.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said that the FIA is examining the possibility of changing the regulations after the disqualification of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Las Vegas.
The McLaren drivers were disqualified because the thickness of the skid plank under the floor was less than the 9 millimetre minimum allowed by the regulations. The team could not challenge the stewards' decision because the regulations clearly state that a technical non-compliance automatically leads to disqualification. However, Stella said that the FIA is exploring the possibility of applying less severe sanctions in future depending on the severity of the infringement.
“We, together with the technical delegate, confirmed the correctness of the skid plank thickness measurement,” Andrea Stella said.
Newey gave Horner a tour of the Aston Martin base.
The British press reports that Adrian Newey gave Christian Horner a tour of the Aston Martin base "under cover of darkness."
In the days of the Las Vegas Grand Prix there was active discussion in the paddock of a scenario in which Christian Horner would return to Formula 1 in the foreseeable future as team principal at Aston Martin. However, on Wednesday evening the team unexpectedly announced that, instead of Andy Cowell, Adrian Newey would become the team principal next season. But according to BBC Sport, Horner was at the Aston Martin base.
According to their source, Newey gave his former Red Bull colleague a tour of the Aston Martin base on Tuesday evening. BBC Sport adds, citing sources within the team, that Horner will not be given any role at Aston Martin.
The British press reports that Adrian Newey gave Christian Horner a tour of the Aston Martin base "under cover of darkness."
In the days of the Las Vegas Grand Prix there was active discussion in the paddock of a scenario in which Christian Horner would return to Formula 1 in the foreseeable future as team principal at Aston Martin. However, on Wednesday evening the team unexpectedly announced that, instead of Andy Cowell, Adrian Newey would become the team principal next season. But according to BBC Sport, Horner was at the Aston Martin base.
According to their source, Newey gave his former Red Bull colleague a tour of the Aston Martin base on Tuesday evening. BBC Sport adds, citing sources within the team, that Horner will not be given any role at Aston Martin.
Piastri is not ready to help his teammate in the fight for the title.
With two races remaining in the season, Oscar Piastri is 24 points behind Lando Norris in the drivers' standings, having the same number of points as Max Verstappen. In Qatar, before the start of the race weekend, Oscar Piastri was asked if he was prepared to help his teammate in the fight against Verstappen for the title.
Oscar Piastri: "We briefly discussed it, and the answer is no. I have as many points as Max, and I still have a shot at the title if everything goes my way. That's how we'll act. As I said, I believe I still have a chance, and in the past others have won from similar situations, so my title is not impossible. Although I understand it's a rather risky scenario for me. Even if I have two perfect final weekends, that still doesn't guarantee anything.
With two races remaining in the season, Oscar Piastri is 24 points behind Lando Norris in the drivers' standings, having the same number of points as Max Verstappen. In Qatar, before the start of the race weekend, Oscar Piastri was asked if he was prepared to help his teammate in the fight against Verstappen for the title.
Oscar Piastri: "We briefly discussed it, and the answer is no. I have as many points as Max, and I still have a shot at the title if everything goes my way. That's how we'll act. As I said, I believe I still have a chance, and in the past others have won from similar situations, so my title is not impossible. Although I understand it's a rather risky scenario for me. Even if I have two perfect final weekends, that still doesn't guarantee anything.
The championship leader, Lando Norris, said on Thursday in Qatar that the disqualification in Vegas was not unexpected…
Lando Norris: "We knew it was possible; what happened didn't shock us and wasn't a surprise. We were prepared for that outcome. After the race we debriefed, talked about what was good, what was bad, and where we can improve. Otherwise we took it all fairly calmly.
Of course it was painful and unpleasant. Every weekend everyone in our team, including me, gives their maximum effort. The mechanics, engineers, management, me — everyone at McLaren was upset, but a few days have passed, I rested, switched my focus to this round and am ready to fight.
Could I have coasted earlier in the race to reduce wear on the skid plank? It's not that simple. Slowing down can sometimes even increase the bouncing. I don't think my actions could have seriously affected the plank's wear."
Lando Norris: "We knew it was possible; what happened didn't shock us and wasn't a surprise. We were prepared for that outcome. After the race we debriefed, talked about what was good, what was bad, and where we can improve. Otherwise we took it all fairly calmly.
Of course it was painful and unpleasant. Every weekend everyone in our team, including me, gives their maximum effort. The mechanics, engineers, management, me — everyone at McLaren was upset, but a few days have passed, I rested, switched my focus to this round and am ready to fight.
Could I have coasted earlier in the race to reduce wear on the skid plank? It's not that simple. Slowing down can sometimes even increase the bouncing. I don't think my actions could have seriously affected the plank's wear."
Isack Hadjar is considered the frontrunner for a seat at Red Bull Racing next season. In Qatar the French driver was asked whether his results this weekend and at the final weekend could affect his future.
"No, absolutely not," Isack Hadjar replied. "Decisions are not made based on the results of the 22nd or 23rd race. The average is taken into account and is considered when making the decision.
So I could have the worst weekend in history, and it would change nothing."
Earlier we quoted Helmut Marko, who said that the decision on the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls line-ups for next season would be made before the Abu Dhabi round.
"No, absolutely not," Isack Hadjar replied. "Decisions are not made based on the results of the 22nd or 23rd race. The average is taken into account and is considered when making the decision.
So I could have the worst weekend in history, and it would change nothing."
Earlier we quoted Helmut Marko, who said that the decision on the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls line-ups for next season would be made before the Abu Dhabi round.
Alex Albon disagrees with Andrea Stella's arguments.
Commenting on the disqualification in Vegas, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said the FIA needs to apply penalties proportionally, and to punish minor breaches of the technical regulations lightly. Williams driver Alex Albon disagrees…
Alex Albon: “In Formula 1, every team has to adhere to the technical limits to the millimetre, but everyone makes mistakes.
We set the ride height depending on the wind direction, and if on the main straight it suddenly becomes a headwind, that will change the ride height. If the wind shifts, you start to get nervous, take precautions and make adjustments. In a weekend with a Saturday sprint, when there is only one practice and you don’t have enough information, you play it safe and choose the more conservative option.
Commenting on the disqualification in Vegas, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said the FIA needs to apply penalties proportionally, and to punish minor breaches of the technical regulations lightly. Williams driver Alex Albon disagrees…
Alex Albon: “In Formula 1, every team has to adhere to the technical limits to the millimetre, but everyone makes mistakes.
We set the ride height depending on the wind direction, and if on the main straight it suddenly becomes a headwind, that will change the ride height. If the wind shifts, you start to get nervous, take precautions and make adjustments. In a weekend with a Saturday sprint, when there is only one practice and you don’t have enough information, you play it safe and choose the more conservative option.
Franco Colapinto is having a difficult season – the Argentine driver replaced Jack Duen behind the wheel of the Alpine at the May round in Imola, but he still hasn't scored any points. In Qatar Franco admitted that he is eagerly awaiting 2026.
"I'm really looking forward to 2026," Franco Colapinto told the press in Qatar. "I hope to have a full year that will start with pre-season testing, and that I will be working with the car from the very beginning. That should help, and it will be radically different from this year's situation.
I got behind the wheel in the middle of the season, knowing little. Moreover, I never really managed to sort out some things that drivers usually figure out at the start of the year. I believe it will help me a lot next year that I'll be able to get to work from the very beginning."
"I'm really looking forward to 2026," Franco Colapinto told the press in Qatar. "I hope to have a full year that will start with pre-season testing, and that I will be working with the car from the very beginning. That should help, and it will be radically different from this year's situation.
I got behind the wheel in the middle of the season, knowing little. Moreover, I never really managed to sort out some things that drivers usually figure out at the start of the year. I believe it will help me a lot next year that I'll be able to get to work from the very beginning."
To avoid tyre damage during the race, Pirelli limited the maximum stint length – on a single set of tyres in Qatar you can do no more than 25 laps. Haas F1 driver Esteban Ocon believes this will remove variability from strategy and make the race boring.
Esteban Ocon: “Because of Pirelli’s decision we’re in for a boring race. Obviously the teams’ strategists are disappointed with this Pirelli decision, which is not in the fans’ interests, but we all have to play by the same rules.
I understand why this is happening. Pirelli have concerns about safety, and they always take a very strict approach to that.”
Esteban Ocon: “Because of Pirelli’s decision we’re in for a boring race. Obviously the teams’ strategists are disappointed with this Pirelli decision, which is not in the fans’ interests, but we all have to play by the same rules.
I understand why this is happening. Pirelli have concerns about safety, and they always take a very strict approach to that.”
Fernando Alonso: Newey's appointment is good news
On the eve of the Qatar Grand Prix Aston Martin underwent an unexpected reshuffle – in 2026 Adrian Newey will become the team's new team principal. On Thursday at the Losail circuit the team's driver Fernando Alonso commented on the appointment of the renowned engineer.
When asked whether he had discussed with Newey the possibility of Adrian becoming team principal, Fernando said: "Not really. We talked more about technical issues related to the car rather than future plans.
But it's good news. Adrian has been leading the car's technical development and the team, and has been responsible for the areas we needed to strengthen. So he was already handling much of the management inside the team, whereas Andy Cowell was more responsible for the engine and its integration with the chassis.
It's probably a logical step with 2026 in mind.
On the eve of the Qatar Grand Prix Aston Martin underwent an unexpected reshuffle – in 2026 Adrian Newey will become the team's new team principal. On Thursday at the Losail circuit the team's driver Fernando Alonso commented on the appointment of the renowned engineer.
When asked whether he had discussed with Newey the possibility of Adrian becoming team principal, Fernando said: "Not really. We talked more about technical issues related to the car rather than future plans.
But it's good news. Adrian has been leading the car's technical development and the team, and has been responsible for the areas we needed to strengthen. So he was already handling much of the management inside the team, whereas Andy Cowell was more responsible for the engine and its integration with the chassis.
It's probably a logical step with 2026 in mind.
Antonelli: The mid-season crisis taught me a lot
On Thursday in Qatar Kimi Antonelli spoke about the Vegas race, the objectives for this weekend and the season as a whole...
Question: Kimi, last weekend's result [3rd place] wasn't the best of your career, but could you call the last race your best?
Kimi Antonelli: I think so. We did a great job. The strategy was risky, but it worked, changing the course of my race. In terms of execution everything was very good. I think, from my side, it was probably the best race of the season so far. I used everything I've learned over the season, carefully managing the tyres' condition. I enjoyed it.
Question: What has your debut season in Formula 1 taught you most?
Kimi Antonelli: A lot, but obviously the process is ongoing. I better understand what I need on track and off it, and I know that a lot depends on getting the setup right before a session.
On Thursday in Qatar Kimi Antonelli spoke about the Vegas race, the objectives for this weekend and the season as a whole...
Question: Kimi, last weekend's result [3rd place] wasn't the best of your career, but could you call the last race your best?
Kimi Antonelli: I think so. We did a great job. The strategy was risky, but it worked, changing the course of my race. In terms of execution everything was very good. I think, from my side, it was probably the best race of the season so far. I used everything I've learned over the season, carefully managing the tyres' condition. I enjoyed it.
Question: What has your debut season in Formula 1 taught you most?
Kimi Antonelli: A lot, but obviously the process is ongoing. I better understand what I need on track and off it, and I know that a lot depends on getting the setup right before a session.
Lewis Hamilton: I don't regret my decision to join Ferrari.
At the FIA press conference in Qatar, Lewis Hamilton was not particularly talkative and answered many questions tersely, although he likes to chat when he's in a good mood. The seven-time world champion was asked to comment on his words in Las Vegas that he isn't particularly looking forward to next season.
"I'd be surprised if it turned out that other drivers are looking forward to next year at the end of the season, because usually by the end of the season you have no energy left," Lewis Hamilton replied. "You usually look forward to the chance to spend time with your family and things like that.
I said those words when I was upset. Often after the finish, especially if the race went badly, you feel strong disappointment. Actually I'm interested in what the team is preparing for next year, and I will continue to develop the car with them.
At the FIA press conference in Qatar, Lewis Hamilton was not particularly talkative and answered many questions tersely, although he likes to chat when he's in a good mood. The seven-time world champion was asked to comment on his words in Las Vegas that he isn't particularly looking forward to next season.
"I'd be surprised if it turned out that other drivers are looking forward to next year at the end of the season, because usually by the end of the season you have no energy left," Lewis Hamilton replied. "You usually look forward to the chance to spend time with your family and things like that.
I said those words when I was upset. Often after the finish, especially if the race went badly, you feel strong disappointment. Actually I'm interested in what the team is preparing for next year, and I will continue to develop the car with them.
Berman: I want to finish the season on a high note.
Oliver Berman scored points in five consecutive races and arrived in Qatar in good spirits…
Oliver Berman: "Since new parts were fitted to the car in Austin, I feel much more comfortable, although even before that we had a decent run. In Mexico we finished 4th, in Brazil 6th, in Las Vegas 12th — and we managed to move up to 10th.
The race in Vegas was a good indication that even on a bad weekend we can fight for points. Yes, we were lucky to score points, but the circuit did not suit our car, and in terms of strategy and my feeling for the car the race didn't go our way. But despite all that, we finished very close to the points, and ultimately scored them after rivals were disqualified. That makes me optimistic ahead of the two final rounds of this year.
Oliver Berman scored points in five consecutive races and arrived in Qatar in good spirits…
Oliver Berman: "Since new parts were fitted to the car in Austin, I feel much more comfortable, although even before that we had a decent run. In Mexico we finished 4th, in Brazil 6th, in Las Vegas 12th — and we managed to move up to 10th.
The race in Vegas was a good indication that even on a bad weekend we can fight for points. Yes, we were lucky to score points, but the circuit did not suit our car, and in terms of strategy and my feeling for the car the race didn't go our way. But despite all that, we finished very close to the points, and ultimately scored them after rivals were disqualified. That makes me optimistic ahead of the two final rounds of this year.