FIA Presidential Candidate Emerges, Verstappen Discusses GT Future, and Driver Reactions

Thursday's F1 news roundup from Baku delivered a mix of political intrigue, driver ambitions, and responses to recent race controversies. A surprise candidate has emerged for the FIA Presidency, while Max Verstappen revealed his GT racing future hinges on Red Bull's 2026 F1 performance. Meanwhile, young hopefuls Isack Hadjar and Kimi Antonelli addressed career rumors and recent criticism, respectively, and Lando Norris shrugged off fan reactions to McLaren's Monza team orders.

Why it matters:

• FIA Leadership: The potential candidacy of Laura Villars adds a new dynamic to the FIA Presidential race, challenging incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Tim Mayer. This could signal a shift in leadership and priorities within motorsport's governing body.
• Verstappen's Future: Max Verstappen's comments highlight the increasing demands on top F1 drivers and how team performance in 2026 could influence their broader racing aspirations, potentially impacting F1's star power and driver engagement in other series.
• Young Talent Under Scrutiny: The reactions from Hadjar and Antonelli underscore the immense pressure on junior drivers in the Red Bull and Mercedes academies, respectively, as they navigate intense scrutiny and high expectations for F1 seats.
• Team Dynamics: Lando Norris's stance on McLaren's team orders in Monza reflects a team-first mentality amid an intra-team championship battle, showcasing how top teams manage public perception versus internal strategy.

The Details:

• FIA Presidential Race: Swiss racing driver Laura Villars, 28, has declared her candidacy for the FIA Presidency. If formally applied, she would be the first female candidate to run for the role.
  • She would challenge current president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Tim Mayer.
  • The deadline for formal applications to the FIA for the World Motorsport Council is September 19th.
• Max Verstappen's GT Ambitions: Verstappen recently gained the necessary license to race at the Nürburgring and participated in a GT event there last weekend.
  • He expressed a strong desire to continue racing outside F1, potentially in the Nürburgring 24-hour race.
  • However, his participation is contingent on the 2026 F1 season's new regulations and Red Bull's competitiveness, indicating that F1 success takes precedence.
• Isack Hadjar on Red Bull Rumors: The F2 driver, rumored for a 2026 Red Bull seat, dismissed speculation.
  • Hadjar emphasized his focus on current performance, stating he 'doesn't care' about the rumors.
  • Red Bull is reportedly aiming to decide its 2026 line-up within the next three races.
• Kimi Antonelli's Monza Performance: Antonelli, a Mercedes junior driver, acknowledged Toto Wolff's 'underwhelming' assessment of his Monza race.
  • He agreed his race performance, particularly on hard tires and a start mistake, wasn't his best, but viewed the criticism as motivation.
  • Antonelli highlighted open communication with Wolff, indicating a clear understanding of the feedback.
• Lando Norris on McLaren's Strategy: Norris responded to criticism regarding McLaren's late team orders in Monza.
  • He stated he was 'not surprised at all' by the negative fan reaction.
  • Norris affirmed McLaren will continue to operate 'their way,' dismissing external opinions as 'not our problem.'

What's next:

• The FIA Presidential race will heat up as the September 19th deadline for formal applications approaches, with all eyes on whether Villars's candidacy materializes.
• Max Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull's 2026 F1 project will be paramount, and his performance will dictate the scope of his extracurricular racing activities.
• The upcoming races will be crucial for Isack Hadjar and Kimi Antonelli as they continue to perform under the intense gaze of F1 team principals, vying for future opportunities.
• McLaren's approach to team strategy, as defended by Norris, will continue to be a key storyline, especially if their drivers remain in close contention for the championship.