Max Verstappen is in the news after a strong F1 season, with recent wins and team shake-ups. The Dutch-Belgian driver, born 1997, races for Red Bull.
Formula 1 teams are in the midst of testing ahead of the 2026 season, with Mercedes and Ferrari showing mixed results. Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton tested the entire day, while rival teams faced reliability issues. The upcoming Bahrain tests will be crucial for performance and reliability before the season opener in Australia on March 8.
UEFA is evaluating whether to move the March 27 soccer game between Argentina and Spain from Doha due to security concerns. No alternative venues have been confirmed, with a decision expected by the end of next week. The match is set at Lusail Stadium, site of the 2022 World Cup final.
F1 has postponed or canceled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia scheduled for April due to escalating Iran-US-Israel conflicts. The decision follows recent Iranian missile and drone attacks affecting regional infrastructure and safety concerns. The season may proceed with 22 races, pending safety assessments.
At the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli became the youngest F1 race winner and pole-sitter, leading Mercedes to a dominant one-two finish. Ferrari showed promise but fell short. Audi replaced team principal Andreas Wheatley with Mattia Binotto, signaling leadership changes. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen refused to speak to a Guardian reporter over a past question, highlighting tensions in the paddock.
The Qatar Grand Prix has been rescheduled to November due to regional instability. Similarly, F1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are canceled amid ongoing Middle East conflicts, affecting the early season calendar. The decision reflects safety concerns linked to Iran-U.S. tensions.