The cooperation between Red Bull Racing and Helmut Marko has ended. On December 19 they officially severed ties, which is now confirmed in the United Kingdom’s official companies register, Companies House.
Marko has been relieved of his director positions at Red Bull Technology, Red Bull Advanced Technologies, Red Bull Advanced Services, and Red Bull Powertrains.
On the same day a new director was registered at all of these companies — Alistair David Rew, Chief Financial Officer of Red Bull GmbH.
Marko has been relieved of his director positions at Red Bull Technology, Red Bull Advanced Technologies, Red Bull Advanced Services, and Red Bull Powertrains.
On the same day a new director was registered at all of these companies — Alistair David Rew, Chief Financial Officer of Red Bull GmbH.
Gasly: So far, the results are far from our expectations.
Last winter Pierre Gasly hoped that the 2025 season would be successful for Alpine, but then he himself asked the team to focus on 2026…
Pierre Gasly: "It's hard to believe I've only been racing for Alpine for three years — so many changes have happened in that time, both in management and in the team's structure. And every time we had to start all over again.
There were some clear high points, like the podium in Brazil, third place in qualifying in Las Vegas last year, podiums in Zandvoort and during the Spa sprint in 2023, but overall the results are far from what we expected.
At the start of the year, when the team outlined its approach and desire to focus on preparing for 2026, I was the first to say: 'Forget about this season and focus on the future.'
The reality is that we ended up last in the Constructors' Championship.
Last winter Pierre Gasly hoped that the 2025 season would be successful for Alpine, but then he himself asked the team to focus on 2026…
Pierre Gasly: "It's hard to believe I've only been racing for Alpine for three years — so many changes have happened in that time, both in management and in the team's structure. And every time we had to start all over again.
There were some clear high points, like the podium in Brazil, third place in qualifying in Las Vegas last year, podiums in Zandvoort and during the Spa sprint in 2023, but overall the results are far from what we expected.
At the start of the year, when the team outlined its approach and desire to focus on preparing for 2026, I was the first to say: 'Forget about this season and focus on the future.'
The reality is that we ended up last in the Constructors' Championship.
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Marko's departure raises concerns about an F1 'character crisis'.
"Eight out of the ten team leaders are former engineers."
The exit of Dr. Helmut Marko is viewed by commentators as a concern that extends beyond Red Bull, with fears that Formula 1 is losing some of its last notable personalities. Recent filings from UK companies indicate that Marko, aged 82, has been removed as a director from several Red Bull companies, including Red Bull Racing Limited, Red Bull Advanced Technologies, and Red Bull Powertrains, marking his complete departure from the organization after two decades.
In an article for Bild, Michel Milewski suggests that Marko’s exit could present a broader issue for the sport. "What is meant to be a (partial) solution for Red Bull in its quest to regain dominance in Formula 1 risks becoming a problem for the racing series itself," he states.
"Eight out of the ten team leaders are former engineers."
The exit of Dr. Helmut Marko is viewed by commentators as a concern that extends beyond Red Bull, with fears that Formula 1 is losing some of its last notable personalities. Recent filings from UK companies indicate that Marko, aged 82, has been removed as a director from several Red Bull companies, including Red Bull Racing Limited, Red Bull Advanced Technologies, and Red Bull Powertrains, marking his complete departure from the organization after two decades.
In an article for Bild, Michel Milewski suggests that Marko’s exit could present a broader issue for the sport. "What is meant to be a (partial) solution for Red Bull in its quest to regain dominance in Formula 1 risks becoming a problem for the racing series itself," he states.
Cadillac named the race engineers for Bottas and Perez
Cadillac has taken another important step toward its Formula 1 debut, which is two and a half months away. The American team announced the names of the race engineers for Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, as well as the name of the chief race engineer. Cadillac's chief race engineer role was filled by Charles Leclerc's former race engineer, Xavi Marcos. The Spanish specialist had worked with the Ferrari driver since 2019, but in 2024, ahead of the Imola round, Ferrari decided to replace him with Bryan Bocci. Before joining the Scuderia, Marcos worked as an engineer in Formula 1 for HRT and Williams. At the start of 2025, Marcos was appointed Cadillac's technical director for endurance racing, responsible for projects in the IMSA series in the GTP class and in the FIA WEC in the Hypercar class.
Cadillac has taken another important step toward its Formula 1 debut, which is two and a half months away. The American team announced the names of the race engineers for Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, as well as the name of the chief race engineer. Cadillac's chief race engineer role was filled by Charles Leclerc's former race engineer, Xavi Marcos. The Spanish specialist had worked with the Ferrari driver since 2019, but in 2024, ahead of the Imola round, Ferrari decided to replace him with Bryan Bocci. Before joining the Scuderia, Marcos worked as an engineer in Formula 1 for HRT and Williams. At the start of 2025, Marcos was appointed Cadillac's technical director for endurance racing, responsible for projects in the IMSA series in the GTP class and in the FIA WEC in the Hypercar class.
Antonelli: I'm especially pleased by Max's compliments.
Kimi Antonelli’s rookie season was uneven, but the 19-year-old Formula 1 debutant still managed to reach the podium three times and finished the championship seventh in the drivers’ standings, just six points behind Lewis Hamilton, whom he replaced at Mercedes.
Kimi summed up his first year in the top tier of motorsport in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
Question: What did you not yet know about Formula 1 a year ago?
Kimi Antonelli: I didn’t know how to trust my instincts. I’m learning to listen to myself more and to stay focused without thinking about the final result. During the season I sometimes got upset, and at some important moments I had the wrong mindset, thinking more about defence than attack.
Kimi Antonelli’s rookie season was uneven, but the 19-year-old Formula 1 debutant still managed to reach the podium three times and finished the championship seventh in the drivers’ standings, just six points behind Lewis Hamilton, whom he replaced at Mercedes.
Kimi summed up his first year in the top tier of motorsport in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
Question: What did you not yet know about Formula 1 a year ago?
Kimi Antonelli: I didn’t know how to trust my instincts. I’m learning to listen to myself more and to stay focused without thinking about the final result. During the season I sometimes got upset, and at some important moments I had the wrong mindset, thinking more about defence than attack.
Dakar 2026: Less than two weeks remain until the start.
Less than two weeks remain until the start of the Dakar rally-raid, and in January 2026 interest in the legendary supermarathon will, as always, be very high — that is beyond doubt.
Among other reasons, Carlos Sainz Sr., the father of the Williams driver and a four-time Dakar winner, will take part in the event for the last time in his illustrious career — as he did last year, together with his long-time co-driver Lucas Cruz he will line up at the start in a race-prepared Ford Raptor off‑road vehicle.
The rally-raid is being held in Saudi Arabia for the seventh time, and its main events will begin on January 3 with the ceremonial start and the prologue. The race will finish on January 17 in the same coastal city of Yanbu where it begins.
Less than two weeks remain until the start of the Dakar rally-raid, and in January 2026 interest in the legendary supermarathon will, as always, be very high — that is beyond doubt.
Among other reasons, Carlos Sainz Sr., the father of the Williams driver and a four-time Dakar winner, will take part in the event for the last time in his illustrious career — as he did last year, together with his long-time co-driver Lucas Cruz he will line up at the start in a race-prepared Ford Raptor off‑road vehicle.
The rally-raid is being held in Saudi Arabia for the seventh time, and its main events will begin on January 3 with the ceremonial start and the prologue. The race will finish on January 17 in the same coastal city of Yanbu where it begins.
Red Bull co-owner Mark Mateschitz and his partner Victoria Swarovski will take part in the Dakar Rally 2026, which will be held from January 3 to 17.
The only son of Dietrich Mateschitz usually avoids public attention, and this time he is registered as "Mark Mustermann", while Swarovski is listed as "Vik Flip."
Their birth dates match the real ones, as do the photos in the timing system from the Rally of Morocco in October. But the rich have their quirks.
Mateschitz and Swarovski will not compete in the same crew — they will compete in different categories. Mateschitz will get behind the wheel of a Toyota Hilux in the T1+ class, while Swarovski, heiress to the empire, will compete in the Challenger T3.1 class, driving a BRP Can-Am Maverick R.
The only son of Dietrich Mateschitz usually avoids public attention, and this time he is registered as "Mark Mustermann", while Swarovski is listed as "Vik Flip."
Their birth dates match the real ones, as do the photos in the timing system from the Rally of Morocco in October. But the rich have their quirks.
Mateschitz and Swarovski will not compete in the same crew — they will compete in different categories. Mateschitz will get behind the wheel of a Toyota Hilux in the T1+ class, while Swarovski, heiress to the empire, will compete in the Challenger T3.1 class, driving a BRP Can-Am Maverick R.
Williams drivers on the 2026 technical regulations
The Williams team didn’t limit itself to simply summing up the past season; its drivers also shared some comments about the major changes that will take place next year when Formula 1 switches to next-generation machinery.
Car dimensions and shape
Carlos Sainz: The cars in 2026 will be 200 mm shorter — that’s 20 cm — and 100 mm narrower. They will also be 30 kg lighter. Overall, they will become more compact. The tyres will be smaller too — it will be a version of the rubber used now but reduced in size by 5%.
Alex Albon: It’s important that the car weight has been reduced so they become a bit faster. Realistically speaking, I hope the claustrophobic feeling on street circuits will be less obvious. Maybe there will be more overtaking opportunities. I think the current cars are too big.
The Williams team didn’t limit itself to simply summing up the past season; its drivers also shared some comments about the major changes that will take place next year when Formula 1 switches to next-generation machinery.
Car dimensions and shape
Carlos Sainz: The cars in 2026 will be 200 mm shorter — that’s 20 cm — and 100 mm narrower. They will also be 30 kg lighter. Overall, they will become more compact. The tyres will be smaller too — it will be a version of the rubber used now but reduced in size by 5%.
Alex Albon: It’s important that the car weight has been reduced so they become a bit faster. Realistically speaking, I hope the claustrophobic feeling on street circuits will be less obvious. Maybe there will be more overtaking opportunities. I think the current cars are too big.
2025 Audi RSQ8 Advantages and Disadvantages Review: The Ideal Balance of Function and Aesthetics
Jerry Perez
The latest news and reviews on cars, no nonsense.
Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most significant stories straight to you, every weekday.
The phrase “function over form” is frequently used to describe items that may not be aesthetically pleasing but excel in fulfilling their intended purpose. Conversely, saying an item has been designed with form over function indicates that it prioritizes appearance over practicality. Surprisingly, the 2025 Audi RSQ8 balances both function and form, making it one of the most enjoyable SUVs I have driven.
I use the term “surprise” because during my initial test drive of this model at its global unveiling in Spain last October, my impression was merely… good.
Jerry Perez
The latest news and reviews on cars, no nonsense.
Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most significant stories straight to you, every weekday.
The phrase “function over form” is frequently used to describe items that may not be aesthetically pleasing but excel in fulfilling their intended purpose. Conversely, saying an item has been designed with form over function indicates that it prioritizes appearance over practicality. Surprisingly, the 2025 Audi RSQ8 balances both function and form, making it one of the most enjoyable SUVs I have driven.
I use the term “surprise” because during my initial test drive of this model at its global unveiling in Spain last October, my impression was merely… good.
Liam Lawson took part in charity driving events behind the wheel of an Aston Martin Vulcan, a Porsche GT3 and a Chevrolet Camaro Gen3 at the Highlands Motorsport Park circuit in Cromwell, New Zealand.
The Racing Bulls driver completed several demonstration laps and gave rides to the winners of a charity auction, the proceeds of which will go towards the fight against breast cancer. Lawson's participation helped raise $50,000 for Breast Cancer NZ.
Liam Lawson: "I couldn't have imagined so many people would show up and that we'd raise so much money. I've known the people involved for a long time, I'm very happy to help — and, of course, to take a spin in the Vulcan!"
The Racing Bulls driver completed several demonstration laps and gave rides to the winners of a charity auction, the proceeds of which will go towards the fight against breast cancer. Lawson's participation helped raise $50,000 for Breast Cancer NZ.
Liam Lawson: "I couldn't have imagined so many people would show up and that we'd raise so much money. I've known the people involved for a long time, I'm very happy to help — and, of course, to take a spin in the Vulcan!"
Former Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola also sees positive aspects for the Scuderia in the past season…
Luigi Mazzola: "It's important to learn from any experience, positive or negative. I hope that everything that happened this year will become a subject for analysis and discussion.
What would I like to keep at Ferrari from 2025? First of all, the high reliability. This year the Ferrari car was very reliable. I was pleased with the mechanics — they were consistently the fastest at pit stops and very rarely made mistakes. I was also pleased with Charles Leclerc.
The team improved its strategy, showing more common sense in decision-making. If in some situations the strategy turned out not to be ideal, it wasn't only down to pit-lane decisions. So I would keep exactly those aspects. Otherwise there is nothing to keep."
Luigi Mazzola: "It's important to learn from any experience, positive or negative. I hope that everything that happened this year will become a subject for analysis and discussion.
What would I like to keep at Ferrari from 2025? First of all, the high reliability. This year the Ferrari car was very reliable. I was pleased with the mechanics — they were consistently the fastest at pit stops and very rarely made mistakes. I was also pleased with Charles Leclerc.
The team improved its strategy, showing more common sense in decision-making. If in some situations the strategy turned out not to be ideal, it wasn't only down to pit-lane decisions. So I would keep exactly those aspects. Otherwise there is nothing to keep."
Actor Brad Pitt and racing driver George Russell appeared in Mercedes' new advertising campaign.
The shoot took place at night in Las Vegas in the parking lot of Caesars Palace. In the video, Brad Pitt plays a guest who waits while Russell, in the role of a valet, returns his car from the lot. The Brit returns the car, but not before pulling off a few "donuts."
In fact, the car was not driven by Russell but by Formula Drift champion Samuel Hubinette, who skillfully handled the Mercedes AMG on the cobblestones. George only posed in the car for the close-up shots.
The shoot took place at night in Las Vegas in the parking lot of Caesars Palace. In the video, Brad Pitt plays a guest who waits while Russell, in the role of a valet, returns his car from the lot. The Brit returns the car, but not before pulling off a few "donuts."
In fact, the car was not driven by Russell but by Formula Drift champion Samuel Hubinette, who skillfully handled the Mercedes AMG on the cobblestones. George only posed in the car for the close-up shots.
Season review: McLaren Formula 1 Team
In 2025 McLaren secured the tenth Constructors' Championship in its history — and the 13th drivers' title...
Driver
Grands Prix
Position
Points
Best start
Best finish
L. Norris
24
1
423
1
1
O. Piastri
24
3
410
1
1
McLaren
Grands Prix
Position
Points
Best start
Best finish
2025
24
1
833
1
1
2024
24
1
666
1
1
2023
22
4
302
2
2
2022
22
5
159
3
3
2021
22
4
275
1
1
McLaren had a remarkable season in 2025. In raw numbers — a tenth Constructors' Championship — a clear second place historically in that metric behind Ferrari, and the 13th drivers' title. But what made the season most memorable was the team's loyalty to its principles, the "papaya rules", which were sometimes fiercely criticized.
In 2025 McLaren secured the tenth Constructors' Championship in its history — and the 13th drivers' title...
Driver
Grands Prix
Position
Points
Best start
Best finish
L. Norris
24
1
423
1
1
O. Piastri
24
3
410
1
1
McLaren
Grands Prix
Position
Points
Best start
Best finish
2025
24
1
833
1
1
2024
24
1
666
1
1
2023
22
4
302
2
2
2022
22
5
159
3
3
2021
22
4
275
1
1
McLaren had a remarkable season in 2025. In raw numbers — a tenth Constructors' Championship — a clear second place historically in that metric behind Ferrari, and the 13th drivers' title. But what made the season most memorable was the team's loyalty to its principles, the "papaya rules", which were sometimes fiercely criticized.