The Formula 1 season is nearing its conclusion with the Brazilian Grand Prix set to take place this weekend, marking the penultimate triple-header of the year. As the excitement builds, significant news updates are emerging, ranging from stewarding decisions to opinions on driver behavior, particularly concerning reigning champion Max Verstappen. The narrative surrounding these updates reflects the intense scrutiny that comes with high-stakes racing and the broader implications for drivers and teams.
One of the key stories is the FIA’s decision not to alter the steward lineup for the Brazilian Grand Prix, despite recent allegations of bias against British drivers, particularly aimed at Verstappen. Johnny Herbert, a former F1 driver, dismissed the claims of bias and confirmed that the stewards’ panel would remain unchanged. This follows a tumultuous couple of weeks, during which stewards faced backlash for their penalties handed out to drivers like Lando Norris at the U.S. Grand Prix and Verstappen in Mexico, where he received two 10-second penalties for his aggressive driving tactics.
In a related development, Lewis Hamilton, while no longer in contention for the championship, has made his feelings about Verstappen’s driving style clear. As a seasoned driver and a significant figure in the sport, Hamilton’s perspective is often sought after, particularly regarding competitive dynamics between drivers. He referenced his past comments during the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi race to emphasize that his views on aggressive racing have remained consistent, indicating that fans and observers can glean his stance by listening to his radio messages from that season.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has responded to criticism from 1996 World Champion Damon Hill, asserting that he is ignoring detractors. Hill’s remarks came after Verstappen’s controversial maneuvers in the recent Mexican Grand Prix, which led to penalties for the champion. Verstappen’s dismissive attitude toward the criticism highlights the ongoing tension and rivalry within the sport, particularly as he continues to navigate his role as a leading figure in Formula 1.
Lastly, speculation surrounding Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull has been addressed by Helmut Marko, the team’s senior advisor, who clarified that no decisions regarding Perez’s career will be made until the season concludes. Despite concerns about Perez’s recent performance and Red Bull’s drop to third in the championship standings, the team appears committed to evaluating their options after the Brazilian Grand Prix, indicating that the competitive situation remains fluid as the season wraps up.