Max Verstappen Earns Nurburgring Permit as F1 2026 Speed Claims Dismissed

Max Verstappen Secures Nurburgring Nordschleife Permit

Max Verstappen has successfully made his race debut on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, securing the essential Permit ‘A’ license. This achievement allows him to compete in full GT3 racing events on the iconic German circuit. Driving in the CUP3 class, Verstappen and his teammate Chris Lulham finished seventh overall.

Why it matters: This marks a significant step in Verstappen's pursuit of endurance racing, showcasing his versatility and passion beyond Formula 1.

The details:

• Verstappen expressed his satisfaction, noting the valuable experience gained in varying conditions (wet, dry, mixed) and managing race traffic.
• He also navigated a 'code 60' neutralization, double-waved yellows, and a standard yellow flag, which provided crucial insight into race procedures.
• The three-time F1 World Champion described the Nordschleife as "challenging" due to its diverse track surfaces and conditions, adding that contesting a 24-hour GT3 race there "would be amazing."

Red Bull Eyes F1 2025 Title Charge

Despite a 94-point gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri with only eight races left in F1 2025, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko remains optimistic about Max Verstappen's title prospects.

The big picture: Recent performance gains by the team have reignited their confidence for the remainder of the season.

What's next:

• Marko is "very optimistic" for Baku, a high-speed track, and holds "high hopes for Singapore," a circuit where Red Bull has traditionally faced challenges.
• He believes that with their current form, "everything is possible."
• Marko also highlighted Verstappen's renewed motivation, joking that the Dutchman is now solely focused on F1 and "not even talking about GT" racing.

FIA Dispels F1 2026 400km/h Speed Speculation

FIA's Head of Single Seater Technical Matters, Nikolas Tombazis, has firmly rejected Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff's suggestion that F1 cars could reach 400km/h under the new 2026 regulations, which feature enhanced electrical power.

Why it matters: This clarification from the FIA addresses speculative claims about extreme speeds, setting realistic expectations for the upcoming technical era.

The details:

• Tombazis stated unequivocally, "I can assure you there won’t be speeds of 400km/h."
• He confirmed that the FIA would intervene if such speeds became a possibility, but he is "quite sure that the regulations don’t permit those sorts of speeds."
• He explained that such high speeds would only be achievable "if there were no regulations on any management," indicating that the rules are specifically designed to prevent them.

Former Chairman Criticizes Ferrari's 'Lack of Leadership'

Luca di Montezemolo, former chairman of Ferrari, has voiced strong criticism regarding what he perceives as a "lack of leadership" within the Scuderia. His comments come as Ferrari's F1 2025 season continues without a victory.

Why it matters: This high-profile critique from a legendary figure underscores the mounting pressure on Ferrari amid a disappointing season, despite initial high expectations.

The details:

• Montezemolo lamented the team's failure to win a race despite "so many announcements," emphasizing that after many years, Ferrari "must win the World Championship."
• He stated, "The thing I regret today is seeing a Ferrari that has no leader, there is no leadership and above all I see that it lacks a strong, determined soul."
• He also criticized the team for making announcements that "often create excessive expectations."

Remembering Roger Hill

A tribute has been shared for Roger Hill, the highly respected chief mechanic to Sir Jackie Stewart at Tyrrell in the 1970s. Hill was a beloved figure in Formula 1.