Capelli queries the postponement regarding Hamilton's race engineer.
"I believe Lewis is still open to taking risks."
Former Formula 1 driver Ivan Capelli has expressed his concern about the absence of a formal announcement regarding Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer at Ferrari, labeling the situation as peculiar. In an interview with Sky Italia, Capelli noted that Ferrari seems to be in a strong competitive position for the 2026 season but highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the pitwall arrangement for the seven-time world champion as significant.
"I see Ferrari as competitive. I expect them to challenge the top teams," Capelli stated. "I think Lewis is still inclined to take risks. He had a challenging year and is aware of it. He’s eager for a resurgence. I can’t see him concluding his career on a low note.
"I believe Lewis is still open to taking risks."
Former Formula 1 driver Ivan Capelli has expressed his concern about the absence of a formal announcement regarding Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer at Ferrari, labeling the situation as peculiar. In an interview with Sky Italia, Capelli noted that Ferrari seems to be in a strong competitive position for the 2026 season but highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the pitwall arrangement for the seven-time world champion as significant.
"I see Ferrari as competitive. I expect them to challenge the top teams," Capelli stated. "I think Lewis is still inclined to take risks. He had a challenging year and is aware of it. He’s eager for a resurgence. I can’t see him concluding his career on a low note.
Alpine reaches the 2026 weight limit while competitors face challenges.
"The limit was not established by adding components."
Alpine is reported to have achieved Formula 1's new 2026 minimum weight limit right from the start, marking a significant technical accomplishment following a troubled 2025 season. As per Auto Motor und Sport, Alpine's new A526 is already at the FIA-mandated minimum of 770 kilograms—a target that many in the paddock privately thought would be unattainable for most teams in the first year of the new regulations. The reduced limit, about 30kg lighter than last season, has been a key topic of discussion regarding the 2026 adjustments. Several teams are believed to be considerably overweight, with Williams skipping the entire Barcelona shakedown due to ongoing rumors of unsuccessful FIA crash tests and a weight surplus of up to 30kg.
"The limit was not established by adding components."
Alpine is reported to have achieved Formula 1's new 2026 minimum weight limit right from the start, marking a significant technical accomplishment following a troubled 2025 season. As per Auto Motor und Sport, Alpine's new A526 is already at the FIA-mandated minimum of 770 kilograms—a target that many in the paddock privately thought would be unattainable for most teams in the first year of the new regulations. The reduced limit, about 30kg lighter than last season, has been a key topic of discussion regarding the 2026 adjustments. Several teams are believed to be considerably overweight, with Williams skipping the entire Barcelona shakedown due to ongoing rumors of unsuccessful FIA crash tests and a weight surplus of up to 30kg.
Isola is expected to depart from Pirelli prior to the 2026 season.
Recent changes in Pirelli's internal management
Mario Isola is rumored to be departing from Pirelli prior to the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, coinciding with the ‘shakedown week’ in Barcelona. Isola, who has led Pirelli’s Formula 1 operations at races for nine years and later took on the role of racing director, is expected to transition to the sports division of the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) once his current contract concludes.
Throughout his time at Pirelli, Isola became a highly recognized and respected figure in the F1 paddock, known for his transparent communication with teams and drivers, even amidst consistent criticism regarding tire performance. His responsibilities often included balancing Pirelli’s technical limitations with the demands from Formula 1 and the FIA for more thrilling racing.
Recent changes in Pirelli's internal management
Mario Isola is rumored to be departing from Pirelli prior to the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, coinciding with the ‘shakedown week’ in Barcelona. Isola, who has led Pirelli’s Formula 1 operations at races for nine years and later took on the role of racing director, is expected to transition to the sports division of the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) once his current contract concludes.
Throughout his time at Pirelli, Isola became a highly recognized and respected figure in the F1 paddock, known for his transparent communication with teams and drivers, even amidst consistent criticism regarding tire performance. His responsibilities often included balancing Pirelli’s technical limitations with the demands from Formula 1 and the FIA for more thrilling racing.
Vowles responds as competitors continue to race in Barcelona.
"What you hear is merely hearsay."
Williams team principal James Vowles has sought to dispel mounting speculation regarding the team's absence from Formula 1's Barcelona shakedown week, asserting that the FW48 has successfully passed all required crash tests and dismissing allegations that it is significantly overweight.
The team has faced intense scrutiny after missing the entire closed-door test, with reports indicating several failed FIA crash tests and suggestions that the car could be as much as 30 kilograms over the new minimum weight for 2026. Vowles characterized these claims as baseless.
"There is currently no information about the weight because the car has not yet been weighed in its final configuration," Vowles stated. "What you hear is just hearsay.
"What you hear is merely hearsay."
Williams team principal James Vowles has sought to dispel mounting speculation regarding the team's absence from Formula 1's Barcelona shakedown week, asserting that the FW48 has successfully passed all required crash tests and dismissing allegations that it is significantly overweight.
The team has faced intense scrutiny after missing the entire closed-door test, with reports indicating several failed FIA crash tests and suggestions that the car could be as much as 30 kilograms over the new minimum weight for 2026. Vowles characterized these claims as baseless.
"There is currently no information about the weight because the car has not yet been weighed in its final configuration," Vowles stated. "What you hear is just hearsay.
Ralf advises Ferrari to 'keep quiet' regarding the dispute over the Mercedes engine.
"In the past, fuel also originated from sources where it shouldn't have."
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has advised Ferrari to remain silent amidst speculation that the Italian team is planning to file an official protest regarding an alleged loophole concerning Mercedes engines. Speaking on Sky Deutschland’s Backstage Boxengasse, Schumacher responded to reports suggesting that Ferrari, possibly with Honda and Audi, might dispute Mercedes at the season-opening Australian GP over an alleged advantage related to engine compression.
"I think Ferrari, among all the teams, should refrain from speaking out," Schumacher remarked. "I vividly remember that in the past, fuel also came from sources it shouldn't have.
"In the past, fuel also originated from sources where it shouldn't have."
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has advised Ferrari to remain silent amidst speculation that the Italian team is planning to file an official protest regarding an alleged loophole concerning Mercedes engines. Speaking on Sky Deutschland’s Backstage Boxengasse, Schumacher responded to reports suggesting that Ferrari, possibly with Honda and Audi, might dispute Mercedes at the season-opening Australian GP over an alleged advantage related to engine compression.
"I think Ferrari, among all the teams, should refrain from speaking out," Schumacher remarked. "I vividly remember that in the past, fuel also came from sources it shouldn't have.
Alpine has eliminated the 'driver change button' - Briatore
"I’ve misplaced it, it has vanished."
Flavio Briatore has addressed the speculation surrounding Franco Colapinto’s future with Alpine, humorously claiming that he has "misplaced" the button for driver changes. Colapinto faced challenges during the 2025 season after being promoted mid-season, replacing Jack Doohan, who has since departed Alpine and is moving to Super Formula in Japan. As reserve Paul Aron awaits his opportunity, rumors of another driver change began to emerge. In an interview with RTVE, Briatore mentioned that those concerns have decreased.
"I think I’ve forgotten where the driver change button is," he joked. "I’ve misplaced it, it has vanished." Briatore noted that Colapinto's primary challenge lies in qualifying, rather than race pace. "Franco's issue is qualifying. He is competitive during the race," he explained.
"I’ve misplaced it, it has vanished."
Flavio Briatore has addressed the speculation surrounding Franco Colapinto’s future with Alpine, humorously claiming that he has "misplaced" the button for driver changes. Colapinto faced challenges during the 2025 season after being promoted mid-season, replacing Jack Doohan, who has since departed Alpine and is moving to Super Formula in Japan. As reserve Paul Aron awaits his opportunity, rumors of another driver change began to emerge. In an interview with RTVE, Briatore mentioned that those concerns have decreased.
"I think I’ve forgotten where the driver change button is," he joked. "I’ve misplaced it, it has vanished." Briatore noted that Colapinto's primary challenge lies in qualifying, rather than race pace. "Franco's issue is qualifying. He is competitive during the race," he explained.
Antonelli discloses that he received psychological support following a challenging rookie season.
"The Kimi of 2026 is better prepared"
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has disclosed that he collaborated with a psychologist over the winter following a challenging rookie season in Formula 1, which included a mid-season slump and some emotional public moments. Now 19 and entering his second season with Mercedes, he mentioned that the break was valuable for reflection and regrouping after the pressures of 2025.
"I had several sessions with my psychologist," Antonelli stated. "We reviewed what went right and what went wrong in 2025, which helped us set objectives for this year. The Kimi of 2026 is more prepared.
"The Kimi of 2026 is better prepared"
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has disclosed that he collaborated with a psychologist over the winter following a challenging rookie season in Formula 1, which included a mid-season slump and some emotional public moments. Now 19 and entering his second season with Mercedes, he mentioned that the break was valuable for reflection and regrouping after the pressures of 2025.
"I had several sessions with my psychologist," Antonelli stated. "We reviewed what went right and what went wrong in 2025, which helped us set objectives for this year. The Kimi of 2026 is more prepared.
The new IIHS whiplash crash test could protect your neck.
IIHS via YouTube
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Neck strains and sprains are the most common injuries reported in auto insurance claims across the United States. Consequently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)—the nonprofit safety organization backed by the insurance sector—is implementing a more comprehensive test to tackle the primary causes of these injuries.
The IIHS began assessing seats and head restraints for whiplash prevention alongside crash tests around 20 years ago. In fact, it stopped the original version of the test in 2022 because automakers had enhanced seat designs to the extent that nearly every new car achieved a top rating.
IIHS via YouTube
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Neck strains and sprains are the most common injuries reported in auto insurance claims across the United States. Consequently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)—the nonprofit safety organization backed by the insurance sector—is implementing a more comprehensive test to tackle the primary causes of these injuries.
The IIHS began assessing seats and head restraints for whiplash prevention alongside crash tests around 20 years ago. In fact, it stopped the original version of the test in 2022 because automakers had enhanced seat designs to the extent that nearly every new car achieved a top rating.
The Bentley Bentayga X Concept is the luxurious off-road vehicle we desire.
Bentley
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With abundant speed and luxury, the Bentayga stands out as the premier Bentley SUV. However, there’s still room for further innovation, as showcased by a new off-road concept.
Unveiled at the FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, the Bentayga X was designed to "generate feedback for an upgraded off-road capable Bentayga,” according to a Bentley press statement. This serves as a third option for diversifying the Bentayga range, alongside the performance-focused Bentayga Speed and the chauffeur-oriented Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, as explained by the automotive manufacturer.
Bentley
The latest in car news and reviews, without the fluff.
Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter to receive the most important stories directly in your inbox every weekday.
With abundant speed and luxury, the Bentayga stands out as the premier Bentley SUV. However, there’s still room for further innovation, as showcased by a new off-road concept.
Unveiled at the FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, the Bentayga X was designed to "generate feedback for an upgraded off-road capable Bentayga,” according to a Bentley press statement. This serves as a third option for diversifying the Bentayga range, alongside the performance-focused Bentayga Speed and the chauffeur-oriented Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, as explained by the automotive manufacturer.
Honda Aims for Its Vehicles to Assist in Repairing Damaged Infrastructure
**Honda**
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Modern vehicles are equipped with an array of sensors for safety and driver assistance. Honda is leveraging these sensors to enhance road safety and driving experience. The automaker has recently concluded a two-year pilot program for its Proactive Roadway Maintenance System, which employs cameras and lidar to identify potholes, deteriorating signs, damaged guardrails, and other potential issues for highway departments to address (whether they actually act on these findings is a different question).
**Honda**
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Modern vehicles are equipped with an array of sensors for safety and driver assistance. Honda is leveraging these sensors to enhance road safety and driving experience. The automaker has recently concluded a two-year pilot program for its Proactive Roadway Maintenance System, which employs cameras and lidar to identify potholes, deteriorating signs, damaged guardrails, and other potential issues for highway departments to address (whether they actually act on these findings is a different question).
This aerospace technology may assist vehicles in identifying ice and freezing rain before it presents an issue.
Nilton Renno/University of Michigan
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Ice racing is entertaining, yet there are times when you prefer to commute without the increased risk of an accident. To enhance warnings for drivers about icy conditions, researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) have developed two new sensors, inspired by a location that experiences much colder temperatures than Earth.
Nilton Renno/University of Michigan
The most significant news and reviews about cars, no nonsense.
Our daily newsletter, which is free, delivers the stories that truly matter to you every weekday.
Ice racing is entertaining, yet there are times when you prefer to commute without the increased risk of an accident. To enhance warnings for drivers about icy conditions, researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) have developed two new sensors, inspired by a location that experiences much colder temperatures than Earth.
$50K Polaris RZR Pro R Ultra Edition Introduces Hydraulic Active Sway Bar Links
Polaris
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The Polaris RZR Pro R excels in so many areas that it nearly stands alone in a category between traditional side-by-sides and desert-racing trucks. However, Polaris has still managed to enhance it further—if you're willing to invest.
The RZR Pro R Ultra Edition elevates the already-impressive suspension of the RZR Pro R with what Polaris describes as the Dynamix DVS system. According to Polaris, this is the first and only side-by-side suspension system featuring hydraulic locking sway bar links available from the factory. This feature, developed in partnership with Suspension Direct Inc.
Polaris
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The Polaris RZR Pro R excels in so many areas that it nearly stands alone in a category between traditional side-by-sides and desert-racing trucks. However, Polaris has still managed to enhance it further—if you're willing to invest.
The RZR Pro R Ultra Edition elevates the already-impressive suspension of the RZR Pro R with what Polaris describes as the Dynamix DVS system. According to Polaris, this is the first and only side-by-side suspension system featuring hydraulic locking sway bar links available from the factory. This feature, developed in partnership with Suspension Direct Inc.
Scout's CEO Discloses That Almost All Buyers of Its Electric Truck Prefer a Gas Engine: TDS
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Our daily newsletter, delivered free every weekday, brings you the most important stories directly to your inbox.
Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short.
Concise, informative, and quick, TDS collects the most recent automotive news from around the world and presents it in one place. Each story is summarized in a single sentence with a link for those wanting to learn more.
🔈 If you were on vacation last week, here’s a reminder that The Drive debuted its first podcast, The Drivecast, with episode 1 now available on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The latest automotive news and reviews, with no fluff.
Our daily newsletter, delivered free every weekday, brings you the most important stories directly to your inbox.
Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short.
Concise, informative, and quick, TDS collects the most recent automotive news from around the world and presents it in one place. Each story is summarized in a single sentence with a link for those wanting to learn more.
🔈 If you were on vacation last week, here’s a reminder that The Drive debuted its first podcast, The Drivecast, with episode 1 now available on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The Drive Awards 2026: Honoring the Top Cars We Tested
Andrew P. Collins
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The past year has been quite eventful in the auto industry. It seems like only yesterday that nearly every car manufacturer was proclaiming their commitment and financial backing for electric vehicles, while moving away from gasoline engines. At the same time, it feels as though the chaos of 2020 and 2021 was a lifetime ago, considering all that has transpired in the automotive realm since then; for example, many automakers have completely revised their EV strategies.
The current landscape influences how we navigate our everyday lives. It impacts our vehicle choices and dictates which cars we can realistically acquire.
Andrew P. Collins
The most significant automotive news and reviews, straight to the point
Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the important stories right to your inbox, every weekday.
The past year has been quite eventful in the auto industry. It seems like only yesterday that nearly every car manufacturer was proclaiming their commitment and financial backing for electric vehicles, while moving away from gasoline engines. At the same time, it feels as though the chaos of 2020 and 2021 was a lifetime ago, considering all that has transpired in the automotive realm since then; for example, many automakers have completely revised their EV strategies.
The current landscape influences how we navigate our everyday lives. It impacts our vehicle choices and dictates which cars we can realistically acquire.
The Drive Awards: The Top Truck of 2026 Is the Rivian R1T Quad
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While America may be stepping back from electric vehicles for a bit, there's no doubt that the reigning pickup truck champion is a startup offering: The Rivian R1T Quad.
This second-gen R1T won our pickup truck showdown decisively, earning The Drive’s Best Truck title for 2026. Why? Simply put, it exemplifies the ideal combination of excellence coming together to create perfection.
The Rivian R1T Quad strikes the perfect balance more than any other truck we drove in the past year, covering the needs for work and play while bringing smiles-per-mile, all while remaining practical and capable.
The latest in car news and reviews, no nonsense
Our free daily newsletter delivers the most important stories straight to you every weekday.
While America may be stepping back from electric vehicles for a bit, there's no doubt that the reigning pickup truck champion is a startup offering: The Rivian R1T Quad.
This second-gen R1T won our pickup truck showdown decisively, earning The Drive’s Best Truck title for 2026. Why? Simply put, it exemplifies the ideal combination of excellence coming together to create perfection.
The Rivian R1T Quad strikes the perfect balance more than any other truck we drove in the past year, covering the needs for work and play while bringing smiles-per-mile, all while remaining practical and capable.
Aston unveils revolutionary car designed by Newey, while Mercedes delivers a 'surprise'.
"The W17 is performing well."
Aston Martin made its entry into Formula 1's Barcelona shakedown late Thursday, revealing a remarkably innovative 2026 car that stands in stark contrast to the completely absent Williams team. The Silverstone-based squad arrived late Wednesday night, and their car took to the track late Thursday in a bare carbon finish with no sponsorship decals. Lance Stroll managed to complete what a team spokesperson described as "a handful" of laps, although this included a breakdown.
Despite the limited running, the design attracted attention.
"The W17 is performing well."
Aston Martin made its entry into Formula 1's Barcelona shakedown late Thursday, revealing a remarkably innovative 2026 car that stands in stark contrast to the completely absent Williams team. The Silverstone-based squad arrived late Wednesday night, and their car took to the track late Thursday in a bare carbon finish with no sponsorship decals. Lance Stroll managed to complete what a team spokesperson described as "a handful" of laps, although this included a breakdown.
Despite the limited running, the design attracted attention.
Red Bull cautions that regulations might secure an engine advantage.
"Certain components require 12 weeks for production."
Ben Hodgkinson has cautioned that the 2026 power unit regulations in Formula 1 may inadvertently entrench an early competitive advantage, as there is an increasing sense in the paddock that Mercedes could already be establishing a clear standard. As 'shakedown week' in Barcelona nears its conclusion, the head of the Red Bull-Ford engine division stated that the FIA's homologation rules might unintentionally favor manufacturers that start off strong, offering limited chances for others to catch up.
"I would personally prefer to eliminate the homologation system and compete at full capacity without any restrictions," Hodgkinson remarked. "That is my genuine wish. With existing cost caps and limits on dyno time, I believe there are sufficient constraints already in place.
"Certain components require 12 weeks for production."
Ben Hodgkinson has cautioned that the 2026 power unit regulations in Formula 1 may inadvertently entrench an early competitive advantage, as there is an increasing sense in the paddock that Mercedes could already be establishing a clear standard. As 'shakedown week' in Barcelona nears its conclusion, the head of the Red Bull-Ford engine division stated that the FIA's homologation rules might unintentionally favor manufacturers that start off strong, offering limited chances for others to catch up.
"I would personally prefer to eliminate the homologation system and compete at full capacity without any restrictions," Hodgkinson remarked. "That is my genuine wish. With existing cost caps and limits on dyno time, I believe there are sufficient constraints already in place.
Horner goes to FIA, Ralf believes Alpine agreement is 'finalized'
"Someone like Christian would desire a genuine role."
Christian Horner has sparked further speculation regarding his Formula 1 future after being seen at the FIA’s Paris headquarters for discussions with president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This meeting comes shortly after Flavio Briatore revealed that Horner and his supporters are among those looking into acquiring the 24 percent stake in Otro Capital related to Alpine.
While some rumors hint that the former Red Bull boss might contemplate other paths back into Formula 1—like an improbable scenario involving Racing Bulls, or even talks concerning a potential future 12th team slot—the Alpine situation continues to gain traction.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes the decision has already been made.
"Someone like Christian would desire a genuine role."
Christian Horner has sparked further speculation regarding his Formula 1 future after being seen at the FIA’s Paris headquarters for discussions with president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This meeting comes shortly after Flavio Briatore revealed that Horner and his supporters are among those looking into acquiring the 24 percent stake in Otro Capital related to Alpine.
While some rumors hint that the former Red Bull boss might contemplate other paths back into Formula 1—like an improbable scenario involving Racing Bulls, or even talks concerning a potential future 12th team slot—the Alpine situation continues to gain traction.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes the decision has already been made.
Horner - I still have goals to achieve in Formula 1.
"I would like to be a partner, rather than merely a hired hand."
Christian Horner has publicly addressed his recent departure from Red Bull for the first time, stating that he is keen on a return to Formula 1, but only on his own conditions. At the European Motor Show in Dublin, Horner expressed that he feels his journey in F1 is not yet finished. "I believe I have unfinished business in Formula 1," he remarked. "It did not conclude in the way I had hoped." He went on to emphasize that he would only return for a winning opportunity. "I have no interest in a symbolic or advisory role," he stated. "I don’t want to return to the paddock unless I have something meaningful to do. I would prefer to be a partner, not just a hired hand.
"I would like to be a partner, rather than merely a hired hand."
Christian Horner has publicly addressed his recent departure from Red Bull for the first time, stating that he is keen on a return to Formula 1, but only on his own conditions. At the European Motor Show in Dublin, Horner expressed that he feels his journey in F1 is not yet finished. "I believe I have unfinished business in Formula 1," he remarked. "It did not conclude in the way I had hoped." He went on to emphasize that he would only return for a winning opportunity. "I have no interest in a symbolic or advisory role," he stated. "I don’t want to return to the paddock unless I have something meaningful to do. I would prefer to be a partner, not just a hired hand.
Colapinto's sponsor disappears from Alpine's branding.
"It’s a group that has put in tremendous effort."
Observers in Barcelona have noted that Mercado Libre, the most significant Argentine supporter of Franco Colapinto, has quietly vanished from the Alpine branding—just days after Flavio Briatore publicly reassured that Colapinto is confirmed for the entire 2026 season. The timing has inevitably attracted attention, especially as the Argentine-backed brand has appeared elsewhere in the paddock. Mercado Libre branding has shown up on Sergio Perez's helmet at Cadillac, with indications that through its Brazilian subsidiary, the company will also back Gabriel Bortoleto at Audi. Sources close to the matter emphasize that discussions between Alpine and Mercado Libre are still in progress. Colapinto himself adopted a composed, forward-looking stance when speaking with Spanish media during the Barcelona shakedown.
"It’s a group that has put in tremendous effort."
Observers in Barcelona have noted that Mercado Libre, the most significant Argentine supporter of Franco Colapinto, has quietly vanished from the Alpine branding—just days after Flavio Briatore publicly reassured that Colapinto is confirmed for the entire 2026 season. The timing has inevitably attracted attention, especially as the Argentine-backed brand has appeared elsewhere in the paddock. Mercado Libre branding has shown up on Sergio Perez's helmet at Cadillac, with indications that through its Brazilian subsidiary, the company will also back Gabriel Bortoleto at Audi. Sources close to the matter emphasize that discussions between Alpine and Mercado Libre are still in progress. Colapinto himself adopted a composed, forward-looking stance when speaking with Spanish media during the Barcelona shakedown.
Shareholders contributed EUR 20 million as the Dutch general partner departs.
"Three consecutive sold-out events are crucial for our profitability."
The decision to terminate the Dutch Grand Prix post-2026 is under fresh scrutiny, as it has come to light that the shareholders supporting the Zandvoort project distributed a EUR 20 million dividend, despite claiming financial uncertainty as a primary reason for not extending their Formula 1 contract. This year marks the final Formula 1 visit to Zandvoort, concluding a highly successful six-race series since the event's return in 2021. Organizers have frequently cited escalating costs, the risk of declining attendance, and the absence of government subsidies as reasons for deeming further continuation beyond this point unfeasible.
"Three consecutive sold-out events are crucial for our profitability."
The decision to terminate the Dutch Grand Prix post-2026 is under fresh scrutiny, as it has come to light that the shareholders supporting the Zandvoort project distributed a EUR 20 million dividend, despite claiming financial uncertainty as a primary reason for not extending their Formula 1 contract. This year marks the final Formula 1 visit to Zandvoort, concluding a highly successful six-race series since the event's return in 2021. Organizers have frequently cited escalating costs, the risk of declining attendance, and the absence of government subsidies as reasons for deeming further continuation beyond this point unfeasible.