F1 news roundup: Brundle on Liam Lawson, Hamilton vs Leclerc, Racing Bulls contract, Digi Mart USA News: Friday’s fast-paced Formula 1 news wrap includes Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle responding to a suggestion that Liam Lawson’s clash with Max Verstappen in Mexico could affect his Racing Bulls future. With FIA stewards kept busy on the opening day of running at the Brazilian Grand Prix, here is today’s roundup.
Brundle said it would be “pathetic” and “childish” if Lawson’s clash with Verstappen at the Mexican Grand Prix had a direct impact on his F1 future. Lawson and Verstappen were each handed a one-place grid penalty after a collision in practice.
Verstappen said it was “not very smart behaviour” at a time when the New Zealander is fighting for a new deal at Racing Bulls. Lawson later conceded that “it shouldn’t have happened and I’ll learn from it.”
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur revealed that he held clear-the-air talks with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc on Thursday following an ill-tempered Mexican Grand Prix. Leclerc received a five-second time penalty in Mexico for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage in a battle with Hamilton, who made his displeasure with the situation clear.
Vasseur added that Ferrari’s so-called “guidelines” for on-track battles between the pair remain unchanged.
Racing Bulls has announced that team principal Alan Permane has signed a new contract through the end of the 2031 season. Permane joined the team as racing director in 2024 after leaving Alpine and was promoted to team boss after Laurent Mekies replaced Christian Horner at Red Bull last year.
Racing Bulls holds fifth place in the constructors’ championship ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Faenza-based team has finished no higher than sixth in the standings since Red Bull bought and rebranded the former Minardi outfit in 2006.
Mercedes driver George Russell will serve a five-place grid penalty at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix after moving on to a sixth internal combustion engine of the season in Sao Paulo. Mercedes can win the 2026 constructors’ title this weekend if it outscores Ferrari by three points or more.
Haas debutant Rafael Camara has been reprimanded by the FIA stewards following a close call with Charles Leclerc in FP2. Leclerc was forced onto the painted run-off area after encountering a slow-moving Camara at Turn 15, the final left kink on the approach to the main straight at Interlagos.
Meanwhile, Cadillac test driver Colton Herta avoided further action following an alleged red flag infringement in FP1.
