Aston Martin denies £1billion offer to Verstappen, Red Bull’s setback that could spark its 2025 revival, and other big updates

Aston Martin denies £1billion offer to Verstappen

Aston Martin has reportedly offered Max Verstappen a £1 billion deal amid rumors linking him to the team, especially after Adrian Newey's move to Aston Martin. Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but speculation has swirled after Newey's exit and Verstappen's admission that he'd leave if Red Bull's Helmut Marko were removed. Despite the rumors, Aston Martin denies offering such a deal, but it’s clear that the team sees Verstappen as a key target. Red Bull's Christian Horner believes Verstappen will stay in F1 as long as he enjoys it, but hints that he might pursue other motorsport interests if his passion for F1 fades.

Click here to read the full article by Saajan Jogia (si.com)

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Red Bull’s setback that could spark its 2025 revival

Red Bull’s Formula 1 dominance ended unexpectedly in Miami last year, with the team unable to explain the drastic change in performance. The introduction of McLaren’s flexi wings helped them balance their car better, giving them an advantage over Red Bull, who had relied on other methods to achieve balance. Red Bull, along with Ferrari, tried to challenge the flexi-wing design, but the FIA allowed the current regulation to stay. Moving into 2025, Red Bull is investing more in flexi wings, as they understand that improving in this area is crucial to staying competitive.

Click here to read the full article by Jon Noble & Mark Hughes (the-race.com)

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Mercedes set to deliver top engine for 2026

The 2026 F1 regulations will test which teams can quickly adapt, especially in terms of aerodynamics and power unit efficiency. Mercedes is seen as a favorite, given their consistent performance with power units, though balancing 2025 competitiveness with 2026 development is a key challenge. Teams like Audi may struggle, while Mercedes' superior engine has led Alpine to switch to their power units for the next generation. Customer teams like Williams also trust Mercedes to stay ahead of the competition, especially with upcoming regulatory changes.

Click here to read the full article by Jaden Diaz-Ndisang (lastwordonsports.com)

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How Bottas feels about his reserve role

Even though Valtteri Bottas still wants to be on the grid, he has now become the reserve driver for Mercedes after parting ways with Alfa Romeo Sauber following the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But how does he really feel about it? Join F1 photographer Kym Illman as he catches up with Bottas, who shares his reaction and talks about life outside F1.

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Verstappen trades wheels for wickets

Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen puts on his pads and helmet, then steps into the crease to face three England cricket stars, Reece Topley, Will Jacks, and Issy Wong, in the Castore Cricket Challenge. These athletes come from two completely different sports, so it's unclear who will come out on top, but you can always count on Max to bring his A-game.