Word on the beat
Max & Merc, 2026 PU talks and FIA resignation
Norris leaves the Jeddah medical centre after his qualifying crash
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- “No I wouldn’t say that,” said Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff on whether he was planning to negotiate with Max Verstappen. “I always say I don’t flirt outside if I’m happy in the relationship, professionally. I’m super-happy with the line-up that we have. I couldn’t wish for anything better, and Max is at Red Bull, we haven’t had a conversation, we’re continuing our trajectory.” George Russell’s contract with the team runs only until the end of this season.
Race re-start at the Saudi GP
DPPI
- Robert Reid, FIA deputy president of sport, has resigned his position citing “a fundamental breakdown in governance standards”. This is in reference to recent actions of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. In a statement Reid – former WRC co-driver of the late Richard Burns – said he had experienced “growing alarm over critical decisions being made without due process or proper consultation. When I took this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members, not to serve power.”
- Ongoing discussions regarding the 2026 power units are focusing on freeing-up the homologation freeze for any manufacturers struggling to be competitive – and to reduce the electrical contribution to the total power from 50% to 36% (it is currently 15%) in races. Red Bull’s Christian Horner is in favour of this change but Mercedes’ Toto Wolff is opposed.
- Stefano Domenicali has re-committed to his role as president and CEO of F1. The Italian has extended his deal with rights holder Liberty Media for another five years. “Stefano has been an excellent steward of the business, building on its successful foundation and accelerating Formula 1’s rate of growth both commercially and in fan engagement,” said Liberty Media president and CEO Derek Chang.