F1 plans catch-up rule for 2026 power units, Perez in talks with Alpine for potential seat, and other big updates

F1 plans catch-up rule for 2026 power units

F1 is adding a catch-up rule for the 2026 power unit changes to stop teams from falling too far behind, like Mercedes did in 2014. New teams, like Audi and Alpine, want extra chances to improve without giving an unfair boost to their engines. FIA's Nikolas Tombazis said teams that are behind need more development chances under the cost cap to keep up. The catch-up rule could involve more testing and bigger budgets, but the details are still being worked out to make sure it's fair.

Click here to read the full article by Stuart Codling (motorsport.com)

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Perez in talks with Alpine for potential seat

Sergio Perez has had early talks with Alpine about a potential F1 seat after his departure from Red Bull in 2024. His results had deteriorated before he was replaced by Liam Lawson, and now he's considering a return to the grid. Perez is in discussions with multiple teams, including Cadillac, which could benefit from his experience and commercial value. Alpine is also a possibility, though they are evaluating their current roster, and Perez would be a more competitive short-term option for them.

Click here to read the full article by Scott Mitchell-Malm (the-race.com)

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Senna's iconic helmet fetches £750,000 at auction

A helmet worn by Ayrton Senna in his last season with McLaren-Honda sold for nearly £750,000, breaking the record for the most expensive F1 helmet. The Shoei helmet was part of an auction featuring items from the 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell. Senna wore the helmet at the 1992 Spa Grand Prix, where he finished fifth, and it marked a year before his tragic death in 1994. Other items from the 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell, like his championship trophy, were also sold at the auction.

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

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Inside F1's most chaotic team

Alpine's F1 team boss has stepped down, Jack Doohan has been demoted immediately, and Franco Colapinto is set to replace him, but only for five races. Alpine has become the most chaotic team in F1, caught up in a new controversy that shows just how much trouble they've caused themselves.

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Hamilton steals the show at the Met Gala

Lewis Hamilton’s Met Gala outfit is being hailed as one of the most iconic of the night. He made sure we won’t forget his Met Gala moment anytime soon. Co-chairing this year’s event, the F1 champ went all in with a look that was a nod to both Black culture and high fashion.