F1 Today: Qualifying Changes, Brown's Testimony, and Hamilton's Rebuttal

Formula 1 is set for significant changes in its 2026 qualifying format, coinciding with Cadillac's entry as the 11th team. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has testified in a $21 million lawsuit against IndyCar driver Alex Palou over a contract dispute. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has subtly responded to Fernando Alonso's recent radio outburst at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Changes to the F1 qualifying format reflect the sport's ongoing evolution to adapt to a growing grid and maintain competitive excitement. Zak Brown's legal testimony highlights the high stakes and complex contractual battles in motorsport, underscoring the business side of racing. Hamilton's response to Alonso, while subtle, adds another chapter to their long-standing rivalry, fueling fan discussions and illustrating the intense personal dynamics within the paddock.

The details:

• 2026 Qualifying Format Changes: The FIA and Formula 1 will modify the qualifying structure for the 2026 season. With 11 teams on the grid (following Cadillac's addition), six cars will be eliminated in Q1 and Q2, up from the current five. This will preserve the traditional ten-car shootout in Q3.
  • This format was last seen in 2016, the last season featuring 11 teams, indicating a return to a proven structure for a larger grid.
• Zak Brown Testifies in McLaren Lawsuit: McLaren CEO Zak Brown has testified against IndyCar driver Alex Palou in a $21 million lawsuit. McLaren initiated the lawsuit after Palou allegedly reneged on an agreement to join McLaren's IndyCar team for the 2024 season.
  • Brown stated in court, "We should have been focusing on track performance and finding new sponsors, but you cannot focus on that when you do not know who will be in your car," highlighting the disruption caused by the contract dispute.
• Hamilton Responds to Alonso's Outburst: Lewis Hamilton has subtly jabbed back at Fernando Alonso after the Spaniard's expletive-laden radio rant during the Singapore Grand Prix. Alonso's frustration stemmed from Hamilton's car limping home with brake issues, leading to him cutting corners.
  • Hamilton's response came via social media, where he shared clips from the sitcom 'One Foot in the Grave,' featuring the main character exclaiming, "I don’t believe it!" – a clear, if indirect, retort to Alonso's on-track grievances.

The big picture:

The upcoming qualifying format changes demonstrate F1's adaptability to an expanding grid, aiming to maintain the integrity and excitement of the sport's crucial Saturday sessions. The legal battle involving Zak Brown and Alex Palou underscores the immense financial and reputational implications of driver contracts in modern motorsport, where commitments can be worth tens of millions. The ongoing, albeit often indirect, rivalry between Hamilton and Alonso continues to be a compelling narrative, adding personal drama to the competitive landscape of Formula 1.

What's next:

The 2026 qualifying changes will be keenly watched to see their impact on race weekend dynamics. The McLaren-Palou lawsuit will continue to unfold, setting precedents for driver contract disputes in top-tier motorsport. Hamilton and Alonso's interactions, whether on track or off it, will undoubtedly remain a focal point for fans and media, adding spice to the remainder of the season and beyond.