News Summary
- Hamilton denied asking Ferrari to replace members of his trackside team
- Mercedes began moving resources to its 2027 car while preparing one final major W17 upgrade
- Norris backed the challenge created by Monaco’s Sprint, but the expanded format remains controversial
Formula 1’s attention shifted between the immediate future and the longer-term shape of the championship on Thursday. Hamilton responded to renewed reports of tension inside Ferrari, teams adjusted their development structures and the implications of the recently announced 2027 calendar continued to emerge.
Here are the main stories from Formula 1 today.
Hamilton responds to fresh Ferrari tension reports
Hamilton issued a direct response after an Italian newspaper claimed he had requested changes to the personnel working with him during race weekends.
The seven-time world champion said he had “never asked for anyone” within his team to be replaced and defended the commitment of Ferrari’s employees. However, Hamilton’s statement did not address a separate report suggesting that his relationship with team principal Frédéric Vasseur had become strained.
The denial follows a difficult Spanish GP in which Hamilton retired with a brake problem, ending his remaining mathematical hopes of winning the 2026 title.
Mercedes turns towards 2027 as Alpine recruits Elliott
Mercedes has begun transferring resources to the development of its 2027 car, although the championship leader still plans to introduce one final substantial W17 update. Work on the next Mercedes F1 car began before the summer break, while the final significant 2026 package is expected later in the season.
Elsewhere, Alpine strengthened its technical structure by appointing former Mercedes technical director Mike Elliott as chief technical officer. Elliott will oversee Alpine’s engineering and technical operations at Enstone as the team attempts to move closer to F1’s leading group.
Norris backs Monaco challenge as Sprint debate intensifies
Lando Norris believes the compressed Monaco Sprint weekend will require drivers to take risks earlier because they will have only one practice session before competitive running begins. The McLaren driver argued that the reduced preparation time could expose differences in how quickly competitors build confidence around the street circuit.
However, Norris’s support for the additional Monaco challenge does not resolve concerns over the circuit’s limited overtaking opportunities.
The wider expansion from six to ten Sprint events has also attracted criticism. GRANDE PRÊMIO argued that F1’s promise of “more action” disguises the limitations of the format, particularly when it is applied to circuits where passing is already difficult.
F1 will also retain three triple-headers in 2027, although the revised calendar removes the exhausting three-race sequence from the end of the season.
Australia warns against another calendar change
The Australian GP has played down the possibility of moving forward in the 2027 calendar if uncertainty affects the opening races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Albert Park is scheduled to host round three from April 1–4, but redevelopment work on its pit building and the timing of Australia’s school holidays limit the event’s flexibility. Organisers consequently said bringing the Australian GP forward would be difficult.
Melbourne will also stage its first Sprint in 2027 as part of the format’s record ten-round schedule.
Norris praises Antonelli as F1’s hierarchy changes
Norris described Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s second F1 season as “pretty scary” after the Mercedes driver extended his championship lead to 81 points in Madrid. The reigning champion said Antonelli’s performances no longer resemble those of a second-year driver.
George Russell believes the characteristics of the 2026 cars have altered the competitive order between drivers. He used Max Verstappen’s experience as an example while explaining how the new generation of machinery changed F1’s driver hierarchy.
Pressure grows around Piastri and Tsunoda
Oscar Piastri’s difficult Madrid weekend reopened questions about his long-term position at McLaren. The Australian finished eighth while Norris took pole and fought for victory, adding to a season in which the performance gap between the teammates has become increasingly visible. Piastri’s position is now under greater scrutiny as McLaren evaluates its future.
Yuki Tsunoda also reflected on his difficult spell at Red Bull and admitted he had stopped enjoying his life while attempting to reproduce Verstappen’s approach. Tsunoda identified that imitation as his biggest mistake during his time with the team.
Audi targets progress before demanding triple-header
Audi expects to make another step at the Azerbaijan GP but warned that the forthcoming Baku–Malaysia–Singapore triple-header will place teams under considerable operational pressure.
The manufacturer scored in Madrid through Nico Hülkenberg and is targeting further progress before the schedule intensifies. Audi described the three consecutive race weekends as “intense and demanding”.
Away from the championship, Verstappen returned to karting at Silverstone and passed 100 rivals after starting 101st. The four-time F1 champion described the event as a welcome “back to basics” experience.
FAQ
What are the biggest changes to the 2027 F1 calendar?
The 2027 season will feature 24 Grands Prix and a record ten Sprint weekends. Portugal and Türkiye return, Bahrain opens the championship, Australia moves to round three and Abu Dhabi remains the finale.
Which races will host F1 Sprints in 2027?
Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Canada, Monaco, Great Britain, Italy, São Paulo, Qatar and Abu Dhabi will host Sprints. Bahrain, Australia, Japan, Monaco and Abu Dhabi are new to the format.
When is the next F1 race?
The next race is the Azerbaijan GP in Baku. Practice begins on Thursday, September 24, qualifying takes place on Friday and the race will be held on Saturday, September 26.
FAQ
When is the next F1 race?
The next Formula 1 race is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, with the weekend running from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, September 26. Unlike a conventional F1 weekend, the race takes place on Saturday.
Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan GP on Saturday?
The Azerbaijan GP takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday, September 27 is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire weekend has moved forward: FP1 and FP2 are on Thursday, while FP3 and qualifying take place on Friday.
What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan GP start?
The Azerbaijan GP starts at 15:00 local time in Baku and 12:00 UK time on Saturday, September 26. Qualifying begins at 16:00 local time and 13:00 UK on Friday.
