Aston Martin lures ex-Red Bull expert back to F1, What Ferrari can learn from Mercedes' big weekend, and other big updates

Aston Martin lures ex-Red Bull expert back to F1

Aston Martin has hired Giles Wood, a former Red Bull simulation expert who worked closely with Adrian Newey during Red Bull's dominant Vettel era, to lead its simulation and vehicle modeling department. Wood returns to F1 after a stint at Apple, and his expertise is expected to fast-track fixes to Aston Martin's simulator tools, which Newey recently criticized as being far behind. The team has also brought in Gioacchino' Jack' Vino, a former Mercedes chief aerodynamicist, to strengthen its aerodynamics department. Team principal Andy Cowell says both new hires are already energizing the team as Newey drives efforts to close performance gaps.

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

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What Ferrari can learn from Mercedes' big weekend

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur said the team made too many mistakes in Canada and missed a big chance to get a better result. Leclerc crashed in practice, had problems in qualifying, and got upset when the team changed his race plan to two pit stops. Hamilton also struggled after hitting a groundhog, and both drivers finished far from the front. Vasseur said Ferrari needs to learn from Mercedes, who did everything right and got both cars on the podium.

Click here to read the full article by Filip Cleeren (motorsport.com)

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FIA approves Kyalami upgrade for potential F1 return

The FIA has approved plans to upgrade South Africa's Kyalami Circuit to Grade 1 status, a key requirement for hosting Formula 1 races. This paves the way for F1's potential return to the African continent for the first time since 1993 when the last grand prix was held at Kyalami. The upgrades won't change the track layout but will focus on safety improvements like run-off areas, barriers, fencing, and drainage. Track owner Toby Venter and design partner Apex Circuit Design have three years to finish the work, and they say this is a big moment for motorsport in South Africa.

Click here to read the full article by Samuel Coop (racingnews365.com)

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This could be the season of post-race protests

Less than halfway into the 2025 F1 season, Red Bull has already filed more protests, three in total than were seen in full previous seasons, and all have targeted George Russell. These protests, made in Miami and twice in Canada, were based on Max Verstappen’s radio complaints, accusing Russell of rule-breaking under yellow flags and Safety Car conditions, but none led to penalties. Red Bull themselves dropped one of the Canadian protests, while the other was rejected after the FIA confirmed Russell had acted within the rules. These protests seem to be driven by Verstappen’s rivalry with Russell, and Red Bull may continue if more chances come up.

Click here to read the full article by Keith Collantine (racefans.net)

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Gasly calls for unity after Renault CEO quits 

Pierre Gasly has urged unity within the Alpine F1 team following the resignation of Renault CEO Luca de Meo, who played a key role in reviving the brand and had a strong relationship with both Gasly and Flavio Briatore. De Meo’s departure adds more uncertainty to a team already dealing with instability, including the recent exit of Team Principal Oliver Oakes and another disappointing weekend in Canada, where both cars finished outside the top 10. Gasly expressed sadness at de Meo’s exit but stressed the need to focus on the positives at the factory and prepare for a better performance in 2026. Gasly said he plans to meet with team management for clarity and urged everyone to stick together and focus on long-term progress heading into 2026.

Click here to read the full article by Jack Oliver Smith (motorsportweek.com)