Formula One race at Circuit Zandvoort since 2021 revival
A roundup of recent Formula 1 coverage shows drivers pushing back on 2026 regulation changes, arguing the 50/50 power split and energy-management tech disrupts on-track racing. Editors stress the sport’s growth goals clash with drivers’ call for more direct control and traditional racing dynamics.
Lando Norris wins the Hungarian Grand Prix for McLaren, ahead of Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli. Oscar Piastri retires with gearbox trouble after leading for a stretch. Lewis Hamilton finishes fifth following a pit-lane speed penalty, while the championship gap widens to 50 points.
Domenicali has said a mid-September decision will determine whether Qatar and Abu Dhabi host the season’s finale, with Europe as a fallback if the Middle East situation cannot be resolved. Malaysia’s race replaces Bahrain, and 24 Grands Prix remain the target for 2027, with Imola and Las Vegas in play for potential end-of-year events.
Cadillac has announced a leadership transition for its Formula 1 project, with Marcin Budkowski taking over as team principal. Graeme Lowdon has departed after guiding the American entrant through its debuts this season, which have featured reliability issues and no points after 11 races.
Max Verstappen has extended his Red Bull contract to 2030 as Formula 1 implements new engine regulations. The move follows months of speculation about his future and reflects a commitment to the team despite dissatisfaction with the sport’s energy-management rules.
Mercedes are limiting upgrades under the 2026 cost cap while rivals press ahead, widening the performance gap at the front. Norris has won twice in a row for McLaren, with Antonelli leading the standings and Russell close behind. Monza looms as a crucial test for Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes.
Lando Norris and McLaren have won the Dutch Grand Prix after a bold tyre strategy and strong pace, overtaking Antonelli who started from pole. Verstappen suffered a dramatic first-lap crash but escaped unharmed. Norris now narrows the gap to the championship leader and shows McLaren’s upgrades are paying off.
Lando Norris has moved within striking distance in the title race after a strategic masterclass in Zandvoort. Norris has overtaken rivals to win the Dutch Grand Prix, with Antonelli still leading the standings and Russell closing in. Verstappen’s dramatic Lap 1 crash disrupted the race and reshaped the podium picture.
Alpine has extended Franco Colapinto’s contract through 2028, keeping the Argentine driver alongside Pierre Gasly. Colapinto has earned a career-best sixth at the Canadian Grand Prix and sits on 19 points this season as Alpine solidifies its driver lineup amid a push to improve performance.
Lando Norris has extended his McLaren contract to at least 2030, with a multi-year option beyond that date. The 26-year-old world champion has delivered McLaren’s first drivers’ title since 2008 and has won back-to-back races in the current season. He says he is “home” at McLaren and aims to keep winning with a team that has rebuilt to the front of Formula 1.