In a whirlwind of F1 developments, fans witnessed a surge of team statements and decisions.
- Ferrari’s boss, Fred Vasseur, throws unwavering support behind Lewis Hamilton amidst his challenging start.
- Max Verstappen’s penalty decision from the Saudi Arabian GP stands firm as Red Bull chooses peace over appeal.
- Hamilton labels F1’s new ground-effect rules as a tough transition, impacting his performance with Ferrari.
- Red Bull quietly dispels rumors of Verstappen’s team switch, planning to retain him for the 2026 season.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, has expressed full confidence in Lewis Hamilton, dismissing criticisms and rumors of declining performance as ‘f***ing bull***t.’ Despite a rocky start with Ferrari, Hamilton’s career accolades speak volumes, and Vasseur remains steadfast in his support. This comes as Hamilton navigates a challenging era with new rules that have limited his Grand Prix victories.
Red Bull, on the other hand, has opted to let sleeping dogs lie regarding Max Verstappen’s penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Refusing to pursue an appeal, Red Bull’s decision followed team principal Christian Horner’s comments on the ‘harsh’ punishment for Verstappen’s track advantage during a skirmish with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. The team decides to focus on future races instead of dwelling on past penalties.
Meanwhile, Hamilton didn’t mince words about F1’s ground-effect era, labeling it ‘the worst.’ This sentiment echoes his struggle with the updated regulations since 2022, having claimed just two Grand Prix wins and a sprint race victory in China this year. Known for his winning prowess, Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari continues to be a headline story.
Rumors of Max Verstappen’s potential move to other teams were laid to rest by Red Bull’s Oliver Mintzlaff, who confirmed Verstappen’s commitment to the team through the 2026 season. Despite the competitive challenges this season, Red Bull aims to keep their star driver focused and in place, putting speculation of any impending transfers to bed.
In the realm of F1 team dynamics, Martin Brundle voiced that Sebastian Vettel could bring a fresh approach if he takes over from Helmut Marko at Red Bull. Marko, eyeing eventual retirement, sees Vettel as an ‘ideal successor,’ pointing to Vettel’s past championship wins with the team as credentials.
The fast-paced world of F1 continues to turn heads with decisive moves and comments from teams and drivers alike, leaving fans eager for what’s next.
