German luxury automaker; part of Mercedes-Benz Group
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.
A crash on Los Alisos Boulevard in Mission Viejo has claimed one life and left another person in critical condition. Police say a racing scenario involving two Nissan Infiniti drivers led to the fatal collision. A GoFundMe has been launched to cover funeral costs, while a memorial has formed at the crash site.
Manufacturers have unveiled or trialled several new electric and hybrid family cars. Mercedes-Benz has launched a seven-seat GLB EV in the UK with an 85kWh battery, claimed range up to 379 miles and prices from £46,100. Bentley has previewed its Torcal EV with about 300 miles EPA range and up to 850+ PS calibration; Honda has reintroduced the Prelude as a hybrid coupe and compared it with Toyota's GR86.
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.
Consumer Voice has launched legal challenges against the FCA over its motor finance compensation scheme, arguing the plan short-changes consumers. The claims centre on the 3% minimum interest paid on redress and the decision not to add an 8% uplift. The Upper Tribunal will hear disputes in December or February, with rulings expected in the following months.
Max Verstappen has criticized the 2026 F1 car design, saying the machines are numb to driver input and forcing earlier braking for optimal exits. Liam Lawson has stepped in for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, with Yuki Tsunoda occupying Lawson’s Racing Bulls seat. Norris launches LN4 Fusion to back young drivers. Read how these shifts shape Madrid and Monza Grand Prix entries.
The Monaco Grand Prix penalties for pit-lane speeding have been overturned, restoring a podium to Gasly’s rivals and altering the final standings. The Court of Appeal has ruled that prior penalties were applied due to a timekeeping error, affecting several drivers and prompting fresh controversy as Briatore accuses a judge of bias.
Kimi Antonelli has extended his lead in the drivers’ standings after winning Monza from 19th on the grid, while Hamilton finishes sixth as Ferrari’s strategy and team dynamics come under renewed scrutiny. Russell remains in contention; Leclerc suffers a high-speed crash.
Kimi Antonelli has won the Monza Grand Prix after passing teammate George Russell with three laps to go, extending his lead in the drivers’ standings to 66 points. Russell finished second as Verstappen completed the podium. Ferrari endured a difficult day, with Leclerc crashing out early and Hamilton finishing sixth.
Volkswagen has approved its Future Plan 2030, a wide-ranging restructuring that will cut about 50,000 additional jobs — bringing total reductions to roughly 100,000 by 2030 — halve the model range by 2035 and end car production at four German plants between 2031 and 2034. The company has pledged a three‑figure billion euro investment to strengthen brands while simplifying offerings.
Ferrari's Leclerc and Hamilton have clashed at Monza, forcing Leclerc into the gravel and leaving Hamilton sixth. With the Spanish Grand Prix approaching in Madrid, Hamilton says there are no rules of engagement at Ferrari, while Leclerc accepts responsibility for the first-lap incident. The teams are under pressure to address internal dynamics and performance gaps ahead of the next race.
The Guardian and The Scotsman analyze the evolving role of culture and arts funding in the UK. They highlight investments like Freelands’ £1.5m over five years to nurture art education and warn that cutting arts education infrastructure risks undermining community renewal and creative opportunity.
Algeria has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, accusing Abu Dhabi of repeated "provocative and hostile" actions and giving the UAE ambassador 48 hours to leave. Algeria has closed its airspace to UAE-registered aircraft while allowing commercial flights to and from Algiers until the end of 2026. The UAE has said it hopes the move will be temporary.
Kimi Antonelli has extended his championship lead after winning at Madrid’s Madring circuit, where overtaking proved difficult and for many the race failed to live up to expectations. Norris faced misfortune under a virtual safety car, while drivers call for changes to improve racing at the controversial street circuit.
Kimi Antonelli takes an eighth win from 14 races as McLaren’s Lando Norris suffers late misfortune under the Virtual Safety Car. Norris leads at pole but a VSC timing costs him the race; Antonelli capitalises to extend his championship margin.
Young Italian driver Antonelli has delivered a standout drive to win at Monza, extending his lead in the world championship and leaving teammate George Russell in second. Wolff compares Antonelli’s progress to an AI that continuously self-improves, underscoring a pivotal moment in the season.
Kimi Antonelli has won the Madrid street race amid criticisms of the circuit’s value for overtaking. Verstappen finished second, Norris missed out on victory after a late pit under yellow flags, and Hamilton retired with brake trouble as the race failed to deliver high-octane action.
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Ceer has unveiled its Exobot sedan and SUV at a ceremony in King Abdullah Economic City, marking the first two vehicles from Saudi Arabia’s homegrown electric-vehicle brand. The launch signals a broader push under Vision 2030 to localize manufacturing, create jobs, and position the Kingdom as a regional EV hub.
Esteban Ocon has been told Haas will part ways with him at year’s end. He has been racing in F1 since 2016 and has previously won the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Ocon says he remains motivated and will push for strong results in the remaining races while seeking future opportunities. Haas thanks him for his professionalism as they move to appoint a replacement.
Factory AI and Cognition remain at odds over confidential information and board-level conflicts. Vinod Khosla has publicly criticized Factory while investors debate the implications for valuations and competitive dynamics in AI coding tools.
Verstappen has claimed pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix sprint after a weather-affected, incident-packed qualifying session. Leclerc and Hamilton finish close behind, with Russell facing penalties that could shape Sunday’s race. Several front-runners struggle on the final runs as track conditions vary.
Mercedes motorsport chief has denied bias allegations between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli after Russell’s Malaysia engine failure left him on the back foot for Singapore. The team is pressing on with parallel development tracks as Antonelli gains ground in the title race.
The UK has signalled it may align with EU tariff moves on Chinese electric vehicles as part of the Made in Europe package, while Beijing warns such steps would be discriminatory. Downing Street seeks inclusion in the bloc’s framework, aiming to safeguard its automotive sector as EU rules expand amid China’s market surge.
Germany is accelerating its adoption of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and industry, with Nvidia investments and German startup backing spanning robotics, healthcare, satellites and manufacturing software. Leaders say AI will augment, not replace, existing capability, and data/ manufacturing know-how are Germany’s natural resources to leverage.
Kimi Antonelli has dominated this season and is poised to become the youngest Formula 1 world champion if he finishes ninth or better in Mexico City. Russell and Hamilton trail, with Mercedes scrambling to tune the upgrade package as the championship remains in reach for the Italian driver.
Kylian Mbappe’s comments about a Chinese meme have triggered a broad backlash in China. State media, broadcasters, and sponsors are pausing or ending cooperation as officials respond. Real Madrid and La Liga have apologised, while Beijing’s channels will not show some games this weekend.
Hamilton has reaffirmed his desire to race into his mid‑forties and says an African Grand Prix could keep him competing at the highest level. F1 has struck a 10‑year deal with Rwanda for a first Africa race since 1993, targeting the early 2030s; Hamilton contends he is a special case and remains fully committed.
Kimi Antonelli has become Formula 1’s youngest world champion after finishing third in Mexico City; Max Verstappen wins, with Hamilton second amid a dramatic race featuring crashes and a long red flag. Antonio’s triumph follows a season built on early support from Mercedes’ junior programme and a family-driven pursuit of racing excellence.