Ferrari Fined, Horner to Aston Martin Rumors Intensify, Red Bull and Cadillac Updates

Ferrari has been hit with a €10,000 fine by the FIA for an unsafe pit lane release during FP2 at the Singapore Grand Prix, following Charles Leclerc's collision with Lando Norris. Meanwhile, speculation about Christian Horner's potential return to F1 is heating up, with Aston Martin not ruling out a future role for the former Red Bull boss.

Why it matters:

• Ferrari's Fine: An unsafe release is a serious safety infraction in the pit lane, highlighting the high-stakes environment and the FIA's strict enforcement of rules, especially during critical practice sessions. This incident affected Lando Norris, who had to wipe out his front wing against the pitwall, underscoring the potential for significant damage and injury.
• Horner's Future: Christian Horner's rumored F1 comeback, potentially with Aston Martin, could significantly shift team dynamics. His departure from Red Bull was controversial, and his return to a rival team would be one of the sport's biggest stories, indicating that a highly experienced and successful team principal is back in the mix.

The Details:

• Ferrari's Penalty: The FIA announced a €10,000 fine for Ferrari's unsafe release during FP2, where Charles Leclerc was sent directly into Lando Norris's path. This immediately triggered an investigation, emphasizing the FIA's swift action on safety violations.
• Horner to Aston Martin?: Aston Martin team principal Andy Cowell has not dismissed the possibility of Christian Horner joining the team. This comes after Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu revealed that Horner had "approached" the American outfit, suggesting Horner is actively seeking an F1 return.
• Red Bull Updates for Verstappen: Red Bull has introduced updates to its RB21 for the Singapore Grand Prix. These revisions aim to boost Max Verstappen's performance as he continues to challenge McLaren in the title fight, showing Red Bull's commitment to maximizing their chances.
• Alex Dunne to Red Bull: Helmut Marko has confirmed that Red Bull is in active discussions with Alex Dunne. The Irish driver recently became available after a surprise split from McLaren, with Marko describing Dunne as "very much like a Red Bull driver," hinting at a promising future for the young talent within the Red Bull ecosystem.
• Cadillac's F1 Investment: The new Cadillac F1 team significantly increased its investment, spending over £46 million last year. This substantial expenditure, well ahead of their official 2026 entry, underlines their serious commitment and financial backing to become a competitive force in Formula 1.

The big picture:

Friday's practice sessions at the Singapore Grand Prix were eventful, with Fernando Alonso surprising in FP1 and Oscar Piastri topping a crash-strewn FP2, which included incidents involving Norris, Leclerc, and Russell. These sessions underscore the challenging nature of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, notorious for its demanding street layout and potential for unexpected outcomes.

What's next:

As the Singapore Grand Prix weekend continues, all eyes will be on how Ferrari responds to their penalty and whether Red Bull's updates provide the desired edge for Verstappen. Further developments on Christian Horner's potential return and Alex Dunne's future will also be closely watched as the F1 silly season and preparations for upcoming seasons continue to unfold. The substantial investment by Cadillac also signals exciting times ahead for the sport with a new manufacturer on the horizon.