Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, we have the end of a contract for a driver with his beloved home team, the exciting contract extension for a driver that many counted out, and a set date for the announcement of the FIA 2026 Formula One regulation changes.
President of the FIA, Ben Salyuem now advises Andretti to buy out a team rather than start an eleventh team.
Following the Andretti bid denial, the team has shown no intention of slowing down the development of their team in hopes of joining the grid in 2026, despite the team’s bid being turned down due to “technical issues.”.
Last week, FIA President Ben Salyuem spoke to Reuters in Monaco regarding the American team, saying, “I would advise [Andretti] to go and buy another team, not to come as the 11th team… I still believe we should have more teams, but not any teams. The right teams. It’s not about the number; it’s about the quality.”
In an update on driver contracts:
Estaban Ocon will not return to the Alpine Line-Up in 2025. This week, It was announced that the Frenchman will conclude his driver duties with the team at the end of the current campaign. Tensions with the team have been high following the Monaco Grand Prix, which involved a collision with his teammate, Pierre Gasly. However, it is important to note that this untimely incident did not spark his departure.
Sergio Perez of Red Bull has announced his two-year contract extension with the team. During his tenure with the team, Perez has brought the team 5 race wins and contributed to two constructors’ titles.
Rookies are on track.
Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan will be racing the car of Estaban Ocon in FP1 at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix. As a reminder, the teams must have a rookie race during an FP1 throughout the season, with a rookie being defined as someone who has started two or fewer Grand Prix’s.
Simone Resta has begun his gardening leave.
Former Ferrari Race Designer Simone Restah has officially begun his gardening leave ahead of his arrival as the new Strategic Development Director for Mercedes. Restah was with the Scarlet Red team for more than two decades and took to his personal LinkedIn to say the following regarding his departure:
“2001-2024, last day after 23 years of passion at Ferrari.
Unique professional experience, having been lucky enough to meet exceptional talents.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who believed in me, and to the fans who have never stopped to give their support during all those years.
Onwards and upwards.”
The FIA is set to announce the official 2026 regulation changes.
This week, the FIA announced that on 06.06.2024 at 3.30 PM CEST, they will be announcing the Formula One 2026 regulation changes. These changes are highly anticipated, with fans making predictions on what the changes will include, with some saying that they will be to the size of the cars, the in-wash ground effect, and hoping for the return of the duly missed V-12 engine.
This week, Formula One resumes racing in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix.
