What Team Has Surprised You The Most This Year?

🌎 Around Formula 1

🫣 FIA Influenced by Select Few Teams Over 2026 Regulations? - Adrian Newey has criticized the FIA for allowing disproportionate influence from a few manufacturers on the 2026 F1 technical regulations. Arguing that this bias could undermine competition quality and fairness. He highlighted concerns over the 50/50 electric-to-traditional power split, which poses significant design challenges not adequately considered by the FIA. Newey also questioned if the concessions made to attract manufacturers like Audi are worth the broader compromises, emphasizing the need to maintain the sport's core appeal and competitive variety​. Read

🤑 Newey’s $105M Ferrari Move Already Done? - He has reportedly signed a three-year, $105 million deal with Ferrari starting in 2025. This agreement was allegedly brokered by Eddie Jordan. The deal comes after Newey’s departure from Red Bull, motivated by dissatisfaction with team changes post-Dietrich Mateschitz's death​. Read

🪪 FIA Lowers Super License Age, Clearing Path for Antonelli - The FIA has revised its regulations, allowing drivers to earn a Super License at 17, potentially enabling Kimi Antonelli to participate in F1 practice sessions before he turns 18. This change follows Williams' request for special dispensation for Antonelli. The updated rules also remove the requirement for a valid driving license when applying for a Super License for the first time​. Read

🛞 Drivers

💨 Sainz Seeks Quick Decision on 2025 Team - He wants to finalize his 2025 F1 team decision soon. With his Ferrari seat gone, his choices are narrowed to Williams and Sauber. Long-shot options at Red Bull and Mercedes have faded. Sainz aims to avoid prolonged uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of 2025 performance amid unpredictable 2026 regulations​. Read

🔮 Magnussen’s Haas Future in Jeopardy - His only viable path to staying in F1 is a new deal with Haas, but his chances are slim due to strong competition for the 2025 seats. Despite Haas’s improved performance this season, Magnussen has struggled to match Hulkenberg, making it harder to secure a contract extension. With Oliver Bearman likely joining the team and Esteban Ocon as a possibility, Magnussen must consistently outperform Hulkenberg and avoid errors to retain his seat​. Read

✋ Hamilton Responds to Mercedes 'Sabotage' Claims - He has addressed theories suggesting sabotage at Mercedes, calling for support for the team and teammate. Amid a tough season with trailing Russell 1-8 in qualifying, he’s emphasized the importance of unity and dismissed sabotage claims. Russell acknowledged social media's mixed impact, highlighting the negativity public figures face​. Read

🏎 Teams

🤺 Norris Anticipates Close Fight at Spanish GP - Expects a tight battle between Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari in Spain. Despite Leclerc's claims favoring Red Bull, Norris remains confident due to McLaren's consistent performance since his maiden win in Miami. Verstappen, who has won the last two Spanish GPs, also anticipates a strong showing from Red Bull, highlighting the track's aerodynamic demands that suit their car. The race promises fierce competition with Mercedes and Ferrari bringing upgrades​. Read

✈️ Major RB Aero Upgrade for Spanish GP - Ricciardo and Tsunoda will debut a significant aerodynamic update on their cars in Spain. The upgrade includes new floor, bodywork, and rear wing elements, aiming to boost performance. The team will focus on gathering data during Friday's sessions to optimize the setup​. Read

😳 Albon Prefers Williams 2025 Sacrifice for 2026 Gains - Rcently extending his contract with Williams, supports focusing on long-term gains for the 2026 regulations rather than short-term success in 2025. Albon believes sacrificing next year's performance will better position the team for future competitiveness under the new rules​. Read

💨 Fast Laps

5 storylines we're excited for as F1 ACADEMY battle it out in Barcelona. Read

Brad Pitt’s F1 movie set for June 2025 release. Read

F1 CEO not worried about 2026 rules controversy. Read

Marko questions if Stroll really wants to be a Formula 1 driver. Read

Albon says weight handicap masked strength of Williams car. Read

F1 CEO teases huge potential calendar changes including race rotation. Read

Formula 1 could scrap hybrids in next rules change after 2026. Read

🇪🇸 Spanish Grand Prix

📊 Standings