LIVE: 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed — Thursday

The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed is hosting live Thursday action, but Formula 1 headlines are generating the real buzz with fresh speculation around Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull and new clarity on Oscar Piastri’s contractual status.

Why it matters:

The gap between the British Grand Prix and the upcoming Belgian round has done little to slow silly season chatter. Verstappen’s standing at Red Bull is now the sport’s most scrutinized storyline, with former insiders publicly questioning whether the partnership can survive the season. His next move will ripple through every major negotiation on the grid.

The details:

• Red Bull tension: Ralf Schumacher claims the relationship between Red Bull and Verstappen is breaking down, fueling speculation the Dutchman could be eyeing an exit.
• Selfish approach: Pundits are urging Verstappen to prioritize his own interests, while Red Bull has reportedly issued an explanation for the ongoing friction.
• Piastri clarified: McLaren has clarified Oscar Piastri’s F1 future, distancing him from the Red Bull rumor mill as the driver market heats up.
• Lawson on Tsolov: Liam Lawson insists speculation linking Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov to a race seat has been “stirred up,” pushing back on replacement theories.
• Antonelli’s stat: Kimi Antonelli continues to edge Max Verstappen in an impressive F1 metric, underlining the rookie’s strong transition.
• McLaren humor: One McLaren star lightened the mood by jokingly asking to be “fired from F1 services,” offering levity amid mid-season tension.

What's next:

With Spa-Francorchamps on July 19 and Hungary on July 26 approaching, teams have little time to digest these distractions. Until the paddock reconvenes, the Verstappen saga will remain at the center of every F1 conversation.