FIA wants Chinese automaker as 12th team, Red Bull senior technician calls out racist abuse, and other big updates

FIA wants Chinese automaker for 12th team

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants a Chinese manufacturer to join Formula 1 as a 12th team, following Cadillac’s confirmed entry as the 11th team in 2026. Michael Andretti’s bid initially passed FIA scrutiny but failed to secure a deal with Formula One Management until it was rebranded as General Motors’ Cadillac entry. With China’s huge car market and Zhou Guanyu already in F1, a brand like Geely could be a strong choice, especially since it works with Renault on engines. Former Alpine boss Otmar Szafnauer said he is working with American investors and carmakers on a possible 12th team.

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

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Red Bull senior technician calls out racist abuse

Calum Nicholas, a senior engine technician at Red Bull, said he has faced racist abuse online, especially in 2021 and 2022. He explained that the hate comes from anonymous social media users and that no fan has ever confronted him in person. When he was younger, friends told him F1 was a "white man’s game" and that he wouldn’t get in, but he was determined to prove them wrong. Seeing only Lewis Hamilton and his father in the paddock, Nicholas made it his goal to help change the sport’s lack of diversity.

Click here to read the full article by Fergal Walsh (racingnews365.com)

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Vowles confirms Colapinto will return to Williams

James Vowles believes Franco Colapinto will return to Williams, even though he is now Alpine’s reserve driver. Colapinto did well in 2024 after replacing Logan Sargeant, but Williams had already signed Carlos Sainz for 2025. Williams strategically allowed him to join Alpine on a long-term deal to keep him active in Formula 1. While the timeline is uncertain, Vowles is confident Colapinto will eventually reclaim a seat at Williams.

Click here to read the full article by Phillip van Osten (f1i.com)

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Time for the Williams Boys to roll!

There's been a lot of chitchat around round tables, but it's time for the Williams boys to unite for the first time on track. Williams recently presented the FW47, the car that the Grove team will take to the track this season with Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon. How do you rate their potential as a duo?

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Can Norris go all the way this season?

This Morning’s favorite F1 star is back, and after his strongest season yet in 2024, the question remains—does he have what it takes to go all the way this time? Norris believes he didn’t do a completely good job in securing the Drivers championship and looks ahead to what this season holds for him.