Zandvoort bows out in 2026, F1 could welcome a 12th team, and other big updates

Zandvoort bows out in 2026

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will end after 2026, as the organizers decided not to renew its place on the Formula 1 calendar. The race made a stunning return in 2021, driven by Max Verstappen’s success, with fans embracing its challenging layout and unique atmosphere. Despite rumors of alternating with the Belgian Grand Prix, the promoters confirmed that the 2025 and 2026 events would be the last, citing the need to balance opportunities and risks. Both F1 and the organizers thanked fans and celebrated the event’s success since its comeback.

Click here to read the full article by Joe Holding (topgear.com)

‍

F1 could welcome a 12th team

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants Formula 1 to expand to 12 teams, saying the sport can handle it. F1 first rejected Michael Andretti’s bid for 2026 but later accepted it when General Motors took charge and added Cadillac as an OEM. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said new teams need to bring more value, and GM met this requirement with a full works entry. Ben Sulayem defended the FIA's transparency during a U.S. Department of Justice probe into potential anti-competitive behavior regarding Andretti's rejection.

Click here to read the full article by Dan Lawrence (motorsportweek.com)

‍

Why junior drivers struggle to make it to F1

Formula 2 and 3 are meant to help drivers move to Formula 1, but many struggle because there aren’t enough F1 seats. This has led to frustration, especially when successful drivers like Logan Sargent can't adjust to F1's challenges. While some drivers, like Piastri and Bearman, have made the jump faster, the system still has problems. With only a few seats available each season and differences between F2 and F1 cars, drivers often need luck and good timing to make it to F1.

Click here to read the full article by Sam Hall (motorsport.com)

‍

Pulling's title under threat after schedule change

Abbi Pulling was initially crowned F1 Academy champion after securing a second-place finish in Qatar, giving her an unassailable lead over Doriane Pin. However, her title is no longer secure after a third race was added to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. The extra race, which follows the F1-points system, means Pin has a chance to overtake Pulling if she scores maximum points and Pulling fails to score. Pulling currently leads by just 83 points, with 84 points up for grabs in the final weekend.

Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol & Samuel Coop (racingnews365.com)

‍

McLaren rear wing in ‘grey area’

Pierre Wache from Red Bull accused McLaren of breaking the rules with their "more than grey" rear wing, which hurt Red Bull’s chances in the Constructors’ Championship. The "mini-DRS" rear wing, which was seen in Baku, seemed to help McLaren by reducing drag. McLaren said the wing was legal but offered to change it after talking to the FIA. Wache believes McLaren wouldn't have won in Baku without the wing, which could have changed the title race.

Click here to read the full article by Jamie Woodhouse (planetf1.com)