F1 today: Verstappen’s Red Bull revival explained as GT3 setback hits and Haas reveals Câmara deal

Max Verstappen dominates the Formula 1 headlines on Friday, October 16, 2026, as Red Bull reveals more details about the technical recovery that has delivered consecutive victories in Malaysia and Singapore. The four-time world champion has also been competing at Portimão during Formula 1’s weekend off, although his GT3 appearance has produced a difficult qualifying result.

Meanwhile, Haas has disclosed the behind-the-scenes discussions involving Toyota before confirming Rafael Câmara for 2027, Ferrari continues to face scrutiny despite its improved competitiveness, and Mercedes prepares for the possibility of Kimi Antonelli clinching the championship at the United States Grand Prix.

Here are the main developments from Friday’s motorsport coverage.

Verstappen’s extraordinary Red Bull recovery revealed in qualifying numbers

Max Verstappen has transformed Red Bull’s competitive position in just a few races, going from qualifying 1.52% off pole position in Azerbaijan to securing consecutive poles and victories in Malaysia and Singapore.

The improvement has been particularly significant because the two victories came at circuits with very different characteristics. Sepang placed greater emphasis on high-speed performance, while Marina Bay demanded mechanical grip, traction and precision through slower corners.

Red Bull’s turnaround has therefore raised questions about whether the team has finally addressed the fundamental weaknesses that affected the RB22 throughout the first half of 2026.

An analysis by GRANDE PRÊMIO compares the team’s qualifying performance against Mercedes and McLaren, examining the scale of the improvement and whether it can be sustained across the remaining races.

The recovery has also increased pressure on McLaren, which now faces a serious challenge from Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.

Read the complete analysis: Verstappen was 1.52% off pole in Baku. How Red Bull is winning again?

Red Bull explains how its Ford-backed F1 engine improved without upgrades

Red Bull Powertrains technical director Ben Hodgkinson has revealed that the team’s power-unit performance improved through calibration and energy-management work, rather than the introduction of a new homologated engine specification.

The development helps explain how Red Bull has become more competitive under Formula 1’s 2026 technical regulations, which introduced a much greater reliance on electrical energy deployment.

Hodgkinson acknowledged that delayed decisions during the engine’s development programme had limited the team’s preparation before the season began.

However, engineers have continued refining how the power unit operates, improving its efficiency and the way electrical energy is deployed throughout a lap.

Those changes have contributed to Verstappen’s recent resurgence, although Red Bull’s chassis development has also played an important role.

Read how Red Bull improved its F1 engine without introducing a new specification.

Verstappen qualifies only 15th at Portimão after Mercedes struggles

Verstappen will start 15th in Saturday’s GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup finale at Portimão, after his Mercedes-AMG GT3 struggled with handling problems during Friday’s qualifying session.

The Dutchman shares the No. 3 Mercedes with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat. Their combined qualifying average of 1:42.624 left the crew 0.553 seconds behind the pole-sitting Boutsen VDS Porsche.

The result was disappointing after Verstappen Racing had finished fourth in the second free practice session, just 0.241 seconds behind the fastest car.

Barnicoat encountered difficulties in the opening qualifying segment, while Lulham was unable to recover enough ground before Verstappen completed the final part of the session.

Verstappen recorded a personal best of 1:42.093, but the endurance qualifying format uses the combined performances of all three drivers, leaving the team in the midfield.

The setback followed an earlier incident in which Verstappen received a reprimand for contact with another competitor during first practice.

The three-hour race takes place on Saturday, October 17, giving Formula 1 fans an opportunity to follow Verstappen in competition during the championship’s scheduled break.

Read how Verstappen’s Mercedes struggled in Portimão qualifying as Porsche secured pole.

Haas reveals Toyota talks before choosing Rafael Câmara for 2027

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed that he personally travelled to Japan to discuss the team’s driver plans with Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, before confirming Rafael Câmara as Esteban Ocon’s replacement for the 2027 Formula 1 season.

Toyota had been interested in securing a race opportunity for a driver associated with its development programme, creating a delicate situation for Haas as it evaluated candidates for the seat.

Komatsu’s discussions with Toyoda reflected the importance of the technical relationship between the American team and the Japanese manufacturer.

Ultimately, Haas selected Câmara, the 21-year-old Brazilian supported by the Ferrari Driver Academy, following an evaluation process that included testing at Portimão.

Câmara will race alongside Oliver Bearman in 2027, giving Brazil two full-time Formula 1 drivers, with Gabriel Bortoleto continuing at Audi.

The decision also raises questions about the future opportunities available to Toyota-backed drivers within the Haas organisation.

Read why Komatsu had to explain Haas’s decision to Toyota before signing Câmara.

Ferrari’s progress increases pressure on Vasseur

Ferrari has moved closer to Formula 1’s leading teams during the 2026 season, but Frédéric Vasseur remains under pressure as the Italian manufacturer attempts to turn improved performance into consistent victories.

Charles Leclerc finished second at the Singapore Grand Prix, while Lewis Hamilton has demonstrated competitive pace at several recent events. Nevertheless, strategic mistakes and inconsistent race execution have continued to attract criticism.

The contrast between Ferrari’s stronger competitiveness and its failure to challenge regularly for victories has increased scrutiny of Vasseur’s leadership.

The team has also faced technical questions following Leclerc’s revelation that his car began braking unexpectedly during the Singapore Grand Prix.

With six races remaining, Ferrari must maintain its position ahead of McLaren and Red Bull while attempting to reduce the gap to Mercedes.

Read the analysis: Ferrari is closer to F1’s top in 2026. So why is Vasseur under more pressure?

No F1 race this weekend as Antonelli prepares for Austin title opportunity

Formula 1 will not race on October 17–18, with the championship taking a scheduled break between the Singapore and United States Grands Prix.

The next round takes place at Circuit of The Americas in Austin on October 23–25, beginning a sequence of three consecutive race weekends in the Americas.

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship with 340 points, holding a 102-point advantage over teammate George Russell. Lewis Hamilton is third on 229 points, followed by Verstappen on 221.

Antonelli could mathematically secure his first world championship in Austin, depending on the results of his closest rivals.

Verstappen, meanwhile, will attempt to extend his winning streak to three consecutive Grands Prix after his victories in Malaysia and Singapore.

McLaren is also preparing updates for the United States Grand Prix, where it faces growing pressure from Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.

For readers wondering whether Formula 1 is racing this weekend, GRANDE PRÊMIO has published a complete explanation of the calendar break and the next race date.

When is the next F1 race?

The 2026 United States Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, October 25, at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.

The Austin weekend will follow the traditional Grand Prix format, with three practice sessions, qualifying and Sunday’s 56-lap race. There will be no sprint.

GRANDE PRÊMIO will provide complete coverage of the United States Grand Prix, including practice, qualifying, the starting grid, race results and championship developments, through its Formula 1 section.