Mercedes-Benz is in the news for tariff hits and industry shakeups hitting luxury automakers. Mercedes-Benz AG, German car maker founded 1926.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz traveled to China for a two-day visit, aiming to balance economic ties and strategic interests. He discussed trade, China's role in global conflicts, and Europe's need for independence from US and Chinese influence, amid ongoing tensions over trade imbalance and geopolitical issues.
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.
FIA, F1 and teams have moved to fast-track changes to power-unit regulations after a Miami weekend marked by energy-management concerns. Officials aim to tilt the balance toward the internal-combustion engine, with new talks about larger fuel tanks and possible future V8s to restore flat-out racing. The shift comes as teams upgrade ahead of the 2027 rules and long-term engine plans are debated.
The Pentagon has announced a plan to pull about 5,000 US troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months as tensions over the Iran war intensify with European partners. NATO says it is studying the details of the move, while German officials say Europe must bolster its own defence capacity.