News Summary
- Rafael Câmara drove Ferrari’s 2025 SF-25 at Imola as preparations continue for a possible 2027 Haas opportunity
- McLaren had the fastest car in Madrid but left without victory after the Virtual Safety Car transformed Lando Norris’ race
- George Russell is searching for answers against championship leader Kimi Antonelli after starting 2026 as one of the title favourites
Formula 1 has moved on from Madrid, but the consequences of the Spanish GP are still shaping the championship — while attention is already turning towards 2027.
At Imola, Rafael Câmara completed another Ferrari test as the Italian team continues preparing its junior driver for a potential Formula 1 opportunity. Elsewhere, McLaren has been assessing how a weekend it appeared to control ended without victory, and George Russell’s increasingly difficult battle against Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli has raised questions about one of the biggest reversals of the season.
Here are the main F1 stories from GRANDE PRÊMIO today.
Câmara tests Ferrari as 2027 Haas decision approaches
Rafael Câmara returned to Formula 1 machinery at Imola, driving Ferrari’s 2025 SF-25 as his preparation for a potential Haas opportunity continues.
The Brazilian has now completed Ferrari TPC running at the Hungaroring, Barcelona, Mugello and Imola. Haas is evaluating candidates for 2027, and team principal Ayao Komatsu has publicly included Câmara among the drivers under consideration.
Watch the footage and read the full story: Câmara tests Ferrari SF-25 at Imola as 2027 Haas decision approaches.
McLaren had Madrid’s fastest car — and still lost
Lando Norris appeared to have the Spanish GP under control before a Virtual Safety Car changed the race.
McLaren’s underlying performance was one of Madrid’s clearest conclusions. Norris took pole and established a lead of more than 6s, but the timing of the VSC gave Antonelli, Max Verstappen and Russell cheaper pit stops. Norris stopped after racing resumed and ultimately finished third.
Our analysis looks beyond the result to explain how McLaren had F1’s fastest car in Madrid but still left without a victory.
What’s happened to Russell against Antonelli?
Russell entered 2026 as an obvious championship contender. Nine Grands Prix from the end of the season, he trails team-mate Antonelli by 81 points.
The contrast is particularly striking because Russell began the new regulations as Mercedes’ established leader, while Antonelli was still only entering his second F1 season.
The explanation is more complicated than a simple loss of form. We examined why Russell has struggled against Antonelli and how the characteristics of the 2026 cars have changed their internal battle.
Lawson’s second Red Bull chance changes the picture
Liam Lawson’s return to Red Bull in Madrid looked very different from the experience that damaged his career in 2025.
Called up to replace the injured Isack Hadjar, Lawson finished sixth and delivered a composed performance alongside Verstappen. It does not guarantee him a permanent return, but it provides Red Bull with new evidence as it considers its future line-up.
The bigger question is what happens next. Our analysis examines Lawson’s Red Bull return and what it means for his F1 future.
Alonso wants experienced drivers to help reshape F1
Fernando Alonso believes experienced drivers have a responsibility to help Formula 1 improve its regulations rather than simply wait for the next major rules cycle.
The Aston Martin driver has been among the most vocal critics of the new generation of cars and says the championship cannot simply accept existing problems until 2031.
Read why Alonso believes his experience gives him a responsibility to help F1 fix its rules.
Sainz fires back at Alonso after Madrid clash
The Spanish GP may be over, but the disagreement between Carlos Sainz and Alonso is not.
Alonso criticised Sainz after their contact in Madrid and described the Williams driver’s move as unnecessary. Sainz subsequently responded, arguing that Alonso’s complaints influenced the stewards and contributed to his 5s penalty.
The Williams driver said Alonso “got me a penalty, like always”.
Verstappen prepares to race 100 rivals at Silverstone
Away from the championship, Verstappen is preparing for a very different competition at Silverstone.
The four-time F1 champion will take on 100 rivals in a karting challenge featuring creators and personalities from different markets. TechnoGamerz and Caedrel are among the confirmed names, giving the event particular reach in India and the UK.
See who will take on Verstappen in the 100-rival Silverstone karting challenge.
GRANDE PRÊMIO follows every development from the 2026 season, including the championship fight, driver market and preparations for 2027, in our Formula 1 section.
FAQ
What are today’s biggest F1 stories?
Rafael Câmara has tested Ferrari’s SF-25 at Imola, while the aftermath of the Spanish GP continues with analysis of McLaren’s defeat, Russell’s struggles against Antonelli and Lawson’s Red Bull return.
Why didn’t Lando Norris win the Spanish GP?
Norris had established himself as the race leader before a Virtual Safety Car allowed several rivals to make cheaper pit stops. Norris stopped after racing resumed and eventually finished third.
Why is Rafael Câmara testing Ferrari?
Câmara is part of Ferrari’s driver development programme and is completing TPC mileage in previous F1 machinery. He is also among the candidates being evaluated for a possible Haas seat in 2027.
