Alternative skid plate material will not be mandatory, How F1 keeps letting Verstappen off the hook, and other big updates

Alternative skid plate material will not be mandatory

Formula 1 has dropped plans to make steel skid blocks mandatory at selected races this year after testing them at the Spanish Grand Prix. The FIA wanted to switch from titanium to steel to reduce the risk of grass fires caused by hot sparks, as happened in Japan. Some teams were worried steel blocks are heavier and wear out faster, which could hurt the car’s performance. So, teams will keep using titanium but must bring steel skid blocks just in case, and more tests will happen during the season.

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

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How F1 keeps letting Verstappen off the hook

Max Verstappen has made many aggressive and dangerous moves on the track that are clearly on purpose, like hitting George Russell in the Spanish Grand Prix after slowing down. Even though it was obvious he did it on purpose, the FIA and F1 stewards gave him only a small punishment and ignored the problem. Verstappen has also engaged in other questionable actions, such as brake-testing Lewis Hamilton and pushing other drivers off the track. The governing body has not stopped him or punished him enough, so he keeps breaking the rules without serious consequences.

Click here to read the full article by Fabien Gaillard (motorsport.com)

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Ferrari not a regular podium threat without SF-25 upgrades

Charles Leclerc said Ferrari still doesn’t have the package to regularly fight for podiums, even though he finished third in the Spanish Grand Prix after a late Safety Car and a mistake by Verstappen. He admitted that without luck, fourth place was more realistic and that the SF-25 car requires extreme setups that make it challenging to drive. Leclerc stressed that Ferrari needs upgrades soon to compete consistently at the front. While he was pleased with the outcome in Spain, he made it clear he’s still frustrated by the team’s overall competitiveness.

Click here to read the full article by Taylor Powling (motorsportweek.com)

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Is Verstappen fed up with Red Bull?

Max Verstappen’s clash with George Russell at the Spanish GP turned heads, but it was his interview afterward in Barcelona that showed how frustrated he was. He’s usually cool under pressure, but something felt off this time. Perhaps he’s starting to see that the title is slipping away. But is he starting to get fed up with Red Bull?

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Maybe a second chance at Mercedes?

Valtteri Bottas isn’t racing in Formula 1 this year for the first time since his debut in 2013. Even so, the 10-time Grand Prix winner says F1 is still the most important thing to him, and he’s focused on making a comeback in 2026. Could he end up with the new Cadillac team next season? Maybe a second chance at Mercedes? Or will a seat open up at Red Bull or Alpine? Click here to watch the video.