The latest F1 news roundup features key insights from Max Verstappen, Toto Wolff, and updates on the Sepang International Circuit. McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella has confirmed Max Verstappen's recent assessment of their car, following a dominant season for the Woking-based squad.
The Big Picture
- Verstappen's Dominance & McLaren's Rise: McLaren's strong performance, securing 11 wins in 14 Grands Prix, validates Verstappen's assessment of their car.
- Horner's Departure Aftermath: Christian Horner's unexpected exit from Red Bull continues to be a major talking point within the paddock, with rivals reflecting on his impact.
- Future of F1 Calendar: The potential return of a classic circuit like Sepang highlights ongoing discussions about F1's global footprint and historical venues.
Key Developments
- McLaren's Agreement with Verstappen: Andrea Stella acknowledged Max Verstappen's accurate observation regarding the McLaren car's capabilities.
- Wolff on Horner: Mercedes boss Toto Wolff humorously expressed missing Christian Horner, calling him a "real personality" and joking about who to "hate" now that Horner is gone from F1. Horner departed Red Bull three days after the British Grand Prix.
- Verstappen Dismisses Mercedes Rumors: Max Verstappen addressed speculation linking him to Mercedes, stating he didn't feel the need to comment amidst earlier uncertainty about his Red Bull future.
- Sepang Seeks F1 Return: The CEO of the Sepang International Circuit admitted that stopping F1 races was a "mistake" and is actively seeking to bring the Malaysian Grand Prix back to the calendar, highlighting its popular layout and unpredictable weather.
- Mekies on Red Bull Role: Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's new team principal following Horner's dismissal, explained the significant differences between managing a top F1 team compared to a midfield outfit.
- Norris Warns Against 'Fake' F1: Lando Norris voiced concerns about F1 becoming too "fake," advocating for the preservation of traditional racing methods, especially with major technical regulation changes planned for 2026.