Author: bang7

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, silence is often as loud as the screaming V6 engines, but when Ross Brawn chooses to speak, the entire paddock falls quiet. The former technical genius, the architect behind Michael Schumacher’s dominance and the man who laid the foundation for the Mercedes empire, has finally broken his silence on what is arguably the most painful narrative of the 2025 season: Lewis Hamilton’s heartbreaking struggle at Ferrari.

For months, fans and critics alike have watched in dismay as the seven-time world champion has endured a season defined by “catastrophic” lows, emotional exhaustion, and a car that seems fundamentally at odds with his talent. Following a particularly devastating collapse at the Las Vegas Grand Prix—a weekend Hamilton described as the nadir of his career—rumors of retirement and decline have swirled viciously. But Ross Brawn has stepped in to shatter those narratives, delivering a message that is less of a defense and more of a “brutal truth” directed squarely at the heart of Maranello.

The Verdict: Innocence Amidst Chaos

The core of Brawn’s intervention is startlingly simple yet profound: stop looking at the driver. In a sport quick to blame the person in the cockpit, Brawn, with the “calm authority of a man who has built champions,” has absolved Hamilton of the primary blame for his disastrous start in red. He didn’t offer platitudes or cheap sympathy; instead, he dissected the situation with clinical precision, pointing out that Hamilton’s struggles are not a symptom of age or declining reflex, but the predictable result of a “project that isn’t delivering”.

The psychological toll on Hamilton has been visible to everyone. The sight of him despondent after qualifying, or his open admission that he “wasn’t looking forward to next year,” paints a picture of a driver pushed to the brink. Yet, Brawn interprets these not as signs of weakness, but as the natural reaction of a winner trapped in a losing environment. He notes that drivers, especially those clad in Ferrari red, rarely speak so openly, and Hamilton’s need to deny quitting rumors highlights just how heavy the burden has become. By shifting the focus, Brawn forces us to ask the uncomfortable question: Is Ferrari failing Lewis Hamilton?

The 2026 Ultimatum

What elevates Brawn’s commentary from mere opinion to a strategic bombshell is his fixation on the future. He didn’t just analyze the current failure; he placed a massive condition on Hamilton’s potential revival. According to Brawn, Hamilton can succeed, but “only if the team gets 2026 absolutely right”.

This isn’t just speculation; it’s a warning from the man who famously anticipated the 2014 regulatory changes to launch Mercedes into the stratosphere. Brawn knows better than anyone that the upcoming 2026 regulations—which will reset aerodynamics, electrification, and engine philosophy—represent a singular, fleeting window of opportunity. He argues that everything depends on this shift. His message implies that while Hamilton’s speed remains “elite,” as evidenced by flashes of pace in Mexico and Austin, it is “meaningless without a team that can execute clean weekends”.

Brawn’s skepticism of Ferrari’s readiness is palpable. He seemingly questions whether the team is truly prepared for the “biggest technical overhaul in a decade,” noting that while he has seen teams rise on such tides, he has also seen them collapse. The inference is clear: Ferrari is running out of time. If they botch the 2026 car (Project 678), they won’t just lose a season; they will have wasted the final chapter of the greatest driver in the sport’s history.

Culture Clash: Emotion vs. Silence

Perhaps the most stinging part of Brawn’s critique was his subtle dismantling of Ferrari’s current leadership approach. Recently, Ferrari Chairman John Elkann reportedly told drivers to “talk less,” a directive aimed at curbing the public airing of grievances. Brawn, however, championed the opposite. He defended Hamilton’s right to express frustration, arguing that “silence isn’t leadership, honesty is”.

In Brawn’s view, Hamilton isn’t harming the team by speaking out; he is performing a crucial diagnostic function by “highlighting exactly where the cracks are forming”. From the team’s inability to nail tire warm-ups to their inconsistency between practice and qualifying, Hamilton’s complaints are data points that a healthy organization would use to improve, not suppress. Brawn’s defense challenges the stoic, corporate culture of Ferrari, suggesting that it is this very rigidity that is preventing them from building the “stable environment” Hamilton needs to thrive.

A Warning Disguised as Optimism

Ultimately, Ross Brawn’s message serves as a terrifying reality check for the Scuderia. He views Hamilton not as a driver in decline, but as a “competitor who rises when the environment around him is aligned,” a phenomenon Brawn witnessed firsthand in 2013 and 2014. He knows the potential is there, waiting to be unlocked. But he also knows that at 40 years old, Hamilton does not have the luxury of time.

The ball, as Brawn puts it, is entirely in Maranello’s court. The “predictable outcome” of the current chaos is not a mystery to him; it is a structural failure that must be corrected immediately. By framing the narrative this way, Brawn has put the pressure squarely on the team’s engineers and strategists. The 2026 regulations are a “clean slate,” but “opportunity means nothing without execution”.

As the F1 world looks toward the off-season and the looming shadow of the new regulations, Brawn’s words ring out as a final notice. Ferrari must address their operational inconsistencies and provide a car worthy of a seven-time champion. If they listen, they could write a glorious final act with Lewis Hamilton. If they ignore him, they risk confirming the fears of millions: that the Prancing Horse was simply not strong enough to carry the weight of the GOAT. As Brawn concluded, the world is watching to see “if they can deliver when it matters”.

In the suffocating heat of the Qatari evening, the simmering tension within the McLaren garage finally boiled over, sending shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock that could alter the course of history. With just two race weekends remaining in the 2025 season and a mere 58 points left on the table, the question circling the Woking-based team was simple yet explosive: Would Oscar Piastri step aside to guarantee Lando Norris the World Championship?

The answer, delivered with the icy calm of a seasoned veteran rather than a sophomore driver, was a resounding, unequivocal “No.”

The Bombshell in the Desert

The setting couldn’t have been more dramatic. The championship picture has tightened like a vice. Lando Norris holds a precarious 24-point lead, a cushion that feels increasingly thin against the backdrop of Max Verstappen’s relentless resurgence. Piastri, sitting tied on points with the reigning champion Verstappen, found himself at a crossroads. The logical, team-centric play was obvious: play the rear gunner, block the Dutchman, and shepherd Norris to his maiden title.

But logic has no place in the heart of a racer who still sees a glimmer of gold on the horizon.

“The answer is no,” Piastri stated, his voice devoid of wavering, cutting through the murmurs of the gathered press. It wasn’t a tantrum; it was a declaration of war. Despite a mathematical probability that shrinks by the lap, the Australian refuses to extinguish his own title flame. “I’m still equal on points with Max and have a decent shot at still winning it if things go my way,” he insisted.

A Gamble on Chaos

Piastri’s defiance isn’t born of delusion but of a cold, hard calculation. He acknowledges the reality: he needs a miracle. He needs the universe to shift, rivals to stumble, and chaos to reign. But to surrender now, to voluntarily relegate himself to a “number two” role while mathematically in the hunt, is a psychological concession he is unwilling to make.

“I need other things to go my way,” he admitted, the weight of the championship mathematics heavy in the air. Yet, he framed this narrowing path not as a dead end, but as an unpredictable battlefield. He knows that in Formula 1, the script can be rewritten in a single corner. A DNF for Norris, a collision for Verstappen—suddenly, the outsider becomes the favorite. By refusing to yield, Piastri is keeping himself positioned to walk through that door if fate dares to crack it open.

The McLaren Headache

For the McLaren pit wall, this is the nightmare scenario. They have nurtured a lineup of two alpha drivers, and now, at the critical moment, that strength has become their greatest vulnerability. The “Papaya Rules” of engagement are being tested to their breaking point. If Piastri races Norris hard, he risks taking points off the championship leader. Every point denied to Norris is a gift wrapped in orange ribbon for Max Verstappen.

The dynamic is further complicated by the form book. Verstappen has been a bulldozer since the summer break, racking up 179 points in eight rounds—a tally that eclipses the combined efforts of both McLaren drivers in the same period. In contrast, Piastri has been in a slump, enduring a seven-race podium drought dating back to his victory at the Dutch Grand Prix. Logic dictates he should support the faster driver. But Piastri’s ego and competitive spirit refuse to accept the narrative of a slump defining his season’s end.

The Swarm of Wild Cards

Piastri’s refusal to play the team game also highlights his awareness of the broader threat. The grid is no longer a simple duel; it’s a “swarm of wild cards.” Mercedes has found late-season surges; Ferrari flickers with dangerous inconsistency. Piastri knows that he cannot rely on anyone to make his life easy, nor can he afford to be charitable.

“I’m not expecting anyone to make life easy,” he said, a statement that doubles as a warning to his teammate. In his eyes, the paddock is a chaotic ecosystem where mercy is a weakness. If he slows down to help Norris, he risks being swallowed by the pack himself, jeopardizing not just his own slim title hopes but his standing in the final drivers’ rankings. Tied with Verstappen, every position matters for his own legacy.

The Psychology of a Future Champion

Perhaps the most revealing aspect of this saga is what it tells us about Oscar Piastri’s psyche. There is a surgical honesty to his approach. He doesn’t hide behind PR-friendly platitudes about “doing what’s best for the team.” He speaks of his “outside shot” with a stoic acceptance, recognizing that while the odds are stacked against him, the fight is the only thing that matters.

“It’s a bit of an outside shot,” he conceded. “Not surrender, but recognition.”

This is the mindset of a future world champion. He has tasted victory this season; he knows the view from the top step. To ask him to look away from that view is to ask him to stop being a racing driver. He refuses to let the narrative force him into a supporting role. He is not the backup plan. He is not the wingman.

The Final Showdown

As the sun sets over Qatar and the floodlights flicker to life, the stage is set for a civil war. McLaren’s dream of a seamless march to the title has been shattered by the ambition of their own prodigy. Norris must now fight on two fronts: against the relentless pressure of Max Verstappen behind him, and the stubborn defiance of Oscar Piastri beside him.

The web of the championship is delicate, stretching to its limit, ready to snap with the slightest shock. Piastri stands right in the center of it, refusing to move. He may not be the favorite, and he may not have the momentum, but in refusing to kneel, he has ensured that the final chapter of the 2025 season will be written in sweat, tension, and perhaps, a little bit of bad blood.

“We’re heading toward the final lap of the story,” the narrative goes. And thanks to Oscar Piastri, no one has a clue how it will end. One thing is certain: he won’t be waving Lando Norris through. If the Briton wants this title, he’s going to have to take it—from Max, and from Oscar.

Lewis Hamilton has endured a tough first season at Ferrari, with the F1 icon yet to finish in a podium place

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Frederic Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton have different opinions on how Ferrari’s season has unfolded(Image: Sam Bagnall/Sutton Images)

The Formula One season is set to continue with the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend, following a thrilling race in Las Vegas last week. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen emerged victorious, closing the gap on Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship standings.

Despite his team-mate Oscar Piastri and Verstappen trailing him by 24 points, McLaren’s Norris saw his lead threatened after both McLaren drivers were disqualified in the USA. With Verstappen having won last year’s Qatar GP, he’ll be looking to replicate his success as the title race intensifies ahead of the second-to-last race of the season.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton will hope to change his fortunes this weekend as he waits for his first podium place with Ferrari. Mirror Sport looks at some of the key stories surrounding F1.

Lewis Hamilton disagreement

Lewis Hamilton has endured a disappointing debut season with Ferrari. He qualified in last position for the Las Vegas GP before fighting back to eighth and recently branded it “the worst season ever”.

However, team boss Frederic Vasseur disagreed with his driver’s assessment and provided an alternative view. “It’s difficult, but if you have a look at the last couple of races it’s a matter of penalty as he was able to be on the podium,” Vasseur said.

“I don’t think that we have to change completely. It’s more a matter of putting everything together. We are struggling to have a clean weekend.

“It’s not only pure performance. For sure we have to improve on performance, this is clear, but it’s more about the way you build up the weekend and how you manage expectations and track operations.”

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Hamilton discussed his disappointing season during the Las Vegas GP(Image: Peter Fox/Getty Images)

Max Verstappen’s dad makes Lando Norris claim

Jos Verstappen has suggested that McLaren will start feeling the heat as the season draws to a close. He pointed out that his son Max cannot clinch the title if Norris finishes second in the remaining races. However, Verstappen Snr also thinks McLaren are making an error that could prove costly.

“The pressure at McLaren is now on and they will feel it,” he said. “It is still the case that if Max wins the remaining races and Norris finishes second every time, Norris will become world champion.

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Lando Norris was disqualified at the recent Las Vegas GP(Image: Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

“But Oscar Piastri is also still there and he won’t be very happy at the moment either. You can see a clear difference between the two McLarens on the track.

“This is a big mistake by McLaren, a huge blunder, yes. Because why would you really sit on the limit like that? Maybe it was really a mistake, but maybe the car just doesn’t work as well and they have to do this.”

In what is undoubtedly the most seismic shift the Formula 1 paddock has witnessed in years, Adrian Newey—the sport’s preeminent technical wizard and the “man who can see air”—has been announced as the incoming Team Principal of Aston Martin for the 2026 season.

For decades, Newey has been the architect behind the scenes, the silent genius hunched over a drafting board, sketching lines that turn into world championships. He has been the weapon that team principals like Christian Horner and Ron Dennis wielded to crush their opposition. But now, in a move that has left pundits, rivals, and fans utterly stunned, Newey is stepping out of the shadows to wield the weapon himself.

This isn’t just a promotion; it is a fundamental restructuring of how a modern Formula 1 super-team operates, and it represents a gamble of colossal proportions by Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll.

The Ruthless Shuffle at Silverstone

To understand the magnitude of this announcement, one must look at the trail of elite personnel left in its wake. The headline casualty is Andy Cowell, a man whose résumé is nothing short of legendary. As the former engine guru at Mercedes, Cowell was the architect of the hybrid power units that powered Lewis Hamilton to six titles. When he joined Aston Martin as CEO in October 2024 and subsequently took over as Team Principal in January 2025, it felt like the final piece of the puzzle. Cowell was the steady hand, the experienced leader who would steer the ship while Newey designed the rocket.

Yet, less than a year later, Cowell has been moved aside.

In a ruthlessly efficient corporate restructure, Cowell has been transitioned to the role of “Chief Strategy Officer,” a position that, while important, is undeniably a step down from the captain’s chair. He will now focus on the technical integration of Honda, Aramco, and Valvoline—crucial work, certainly, but not the leadership role he was hired for.

This rapid turnover signals one undeniable truth: Lawrence Stroll has given Adrian Newey the “keys to the kingdom.” Since Newey’s arrival in March 2025, it appears he has done far more than just look at wind tunnel data. He has been auditing the entire organization, identifying weaknesses in personnel placement, simulation tools, and workflow. The fact that Cowell is moving aside suggests that Newey’s vision for the team required absolute authority—a level of control that could not be shared.

The Paradox of the “Political” Newey

The most baffling aspect of this appointment is the nature of the Team Principal role itself. Historically, this job is 50% management and 50% politics. It is about lobbying the FIA, warring with rival teams in the media, managing driver egos, and handling the commercial demands of sponsors.

Adrian Newey has famously despised this side of the sport.

Throughout his illustrious career at Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, Newey has shied away from the spotlight. He is an engineer, a purist who wants to find the unfair advantage within the regulations, not argue about budget caps in a press conference. We all remember the explosive 2021 season, where Christian Horner and Toto Wolff engaged in a toxic war of words. It is almost impossible to visualize the soft-spoken, thoughtful Newey engaging in that kind of Machiavellian mudslinging.

So, why take the job?

The answer likely lies in the unique structure Aston Martin is building—a structure that seems heavily inspired by the current success of McLaren. At McLaren, Zak Brown handles the commercial and “loud” side of the business, while Andrea Stella—an engineer by trade—runs the racing team with a calm, technical focus.

Lawrence Stroll seems poised to play the Zak Brown role. By explicitly stating that he will continue to lead the commercial and business functions of the team, Stroll is essentially building a protective bubble around Newey. This arrangement theoretically frees Newey to be a “Technical Team Principal,” a leader whose authority comes from engineering brilliance rather than administrative prowess. He won’t be chasing sponsors; he will be chasing lap time, but with the added power to hire, fire, and restructure the team instantly to achieve it.

A “Big Ideas” Leader

While the political fit is questionable, the technical logic is sound. Newey has always been a “big picture” thinker. He doesn’t just design a front wing; he conceptualizes how the air flows over the entire car, from the nose to the diffuser.

By making him Team Principal, Aston Martin is allowing him to apply that same holistic philosophy to the human machine. He can now design the team just as he designs the car. If the simulation department isn’t communicating effectively with the aero department, Newey doesn’t have to ask permission to fix it—he can just order it done.

We saw glimpses of this friction earlier in the year. Reports of seven staff members exiting in early November 2025 were the first tremors of the earthquake Newey was generating. He identified that talent was in the wrong places, and he wasted no time in correcting it. This promotion validates those moves. It is Stroll doubling down, betting the entire house that Newey’s judgment on people is as flawless as his judgment on aerodynamics.

The Stakes for 2026

The timing of this move is laser-focused on one thing: the 2026 regulation changes.

2026 represents a hard reset for Formula 1. New engines, new chassis rules, and a completely blank slate. It is the kind of environment where Adrian Newey thrives. By installing him as Team Principal now, Aston Martin ensures that every single decision made regarding the 2026 challenger—from the concept phase to the trackside operations—filters through Newey’s brain.

However, the pressure is now suffocating. Aston Martin has arguably the best facilities in the sport, a brand-new factory, a wind tunnel, a legendary driver in Fernando Alonso, and now the greatest designer in history as their boss. There are no more excuses. The “building phase” is over.

If this experiment fails—if Newey finds himself bogged down by the administrative burden, or if the team lacks the political sharp elbows needed to survive a title fight—the fallout will be spectacular. But if it works? If Newey can mold the team into a perfectly efficient extension of his own will?

Then the rest of the grid should be terrified.

We are witnessing the final evolution of Adrian Newey. He is no longer just a weapon for others to use. He has become the general of the army. And as we head toward 2026, the question isn’t just about how fast the Aston Martin car will be—it’s about how formidable the Aston Martin machine will become under his command.

The strange gamble has been made. The chips are all in. Now, we wait to see if the house wins.

The air in the paddock at the Lusail International Circuit was thick with tension on Thursday, but it wasn’t the humidity of the Persian Gulf that had everyone sweating. It was a single, icy answer from McLaren’s sophomore sensation, Oscar Piastri.

When asked the question that has been on every Formula 1 fan’s lips since the dramatic fallout of Las Vegas—would he help his teammate Lando Norris secure the World Championship?—Piastri didn’t flinch. He didn’t offer a PR-sanctioned non-answer. He looked the media dead in the eye and delivered a bombshell that has effectively shattered the fragile peace within the Woking-based team.

“We’ve had a very brief discussion, and the answer is no,” Piastri declared.

With those four words, the 2025 Driver’s Championship has transformed from a team-focused coronation into a chaotic, three-way free-for-all. And sitting on the sidelines, watching with a predatory grin, is Max Verstappen.

The Math Behind the Mutiny

To understand why Piastri is drawing a line in the sand now, with only two race weekends remaining, you have to look at the numbers. They are tantalizingly close, yet agonizingly distant.

Following the chaotic disqualifications in Las Vegas—which saw Norris lose a massive chunk of his lead and Verstappen surge back into contention—the standings are a statistician’s nightmare. Lando Norris leads the pack, but his cushion has evaporated. Sitting exactly 24 points behind him is a deadlock between three-time champion Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri himself.

With 58 points still on the table across the Qatar Sprint, the Qatar Grand Prix, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the door is not just cracked open for Piastri; it’s arguably wide open.

“I’m still equal on points with Max and got a decent shot of still winning it if things go my way,” Piastri reasoned. “That’s how we play it.”

His logic is sound, even if it’s ruthless. According to the championship permutations, if Piastri were to produce a perfect run—winning every remaining sprint and race with the fastest laps—and Norris were to finish second in every single instance, Piastri would steal the World Championship by a single point.

Is it likely? No. Is it impossible? Absolutely not. And in the high-stakes world of Formula 1, “not impossible” is all a driver like Piastri needs to justify going rogue.

The Mark Webber Factor

This defiant stance doesn’t just come from Piastri’s own ambition; it carries the distinct fingerprint of his manager and mentor, Mark Webber.

Webber, a veteran of the sport, knows the bitter taste of a championship slipping away due to team politics and internal strife. In 2010, Webber went into the final race leading the championship, only to lose it in a strategic meltdown. He has seen firsthand how quickly the “unlikely” can become reality.

“He’s seen firsthand that championships can flip in unexpected ways,” sources close to the management team suggest. “His manager lost one that way; maybe Piastri can win one that way.”

The psychological influence here is undeniable. Webber knows that in F1, you don’t ask for permission to win; you take it. By advising Piastri to reject the “number two” role, they are betting on chaos. They are betting that Norris might falter, that Verstappen might crash, or that the unpredictable nature of the sport will deal them a winning hand.

McLaren’s Nightmare Scenario

For McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella, Piastri’s declaration is a strategic nightmare.

The team has prided itself all season on its “Papaya Rules”—a philosophy of letting their drivers race freely without a designated number one. It was a noble approach when they were dominating the constructor’s standings and building a massive lead. But now? Now it looks like a liability.

The team is facing a terrifying possibility: winning the Constructor’s Championship with the fastest car on the grid (the dominant MCL39), yet losing the Driver’s Championship because their own pilots cannibalized each other’s points.

Every point that Piastri takes away from Norris is a gift to Max Verstappen. If Piastri wins in Qatar and Norris finishes second, the gap to Verstappen likely shrinks. The Red Bull driver, currently tied with Piastri, doesn’t need to beat both McLarens to win; he just needs the McLarens to trip over each other enough to let him sneak through.

“It’s a net negative,” Piastri admitted regarding the recent results, acknowledging that while he gained ground on Norris, bringing Verstappen back into the fight complicates everything. “Instead of a two-way McLaren fight, it’s a three-way battle.”

The “Las Vegas” Effect

The context of this refusal is heavily colored by the events of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The disqualifications there were a game-changer. Had the results stood, Norris would be sitting on a comfortable 30-point cushion over Piastri. In that scenario, Piastri admitted he likely would have accepted the supporting role.

But the FIA’s ruling changed history. Norris lost 18 points; Piastri lost 12. The gap remained at 24, but the momentum shifted violently. Verstappen, who had been 42 points adrift, was suddenly breathing down their necks, tied for second.

That stewards’ decision reignited Piastri’s belief. It reminded him that nothing in this sport is guaranteed until the trophy is in your hands. Why sacrifice your own “outside shot” for a teammate when the sport itself can turn on a dime?

Racing for History

There is also the weight of national history on Piastri’s young shoulders. Australia hasn’t had a Formula 1 World Champion since Alan Jones in 1980. That is a 45-year drought.

Piastri knows that opportunities like this are rare. You can’t assume the car will be this good next year. You can’t assume you’ll be in the title fight again. When you have a car capable of winning, you have to capitalize.

“I’m just going to try and have the best weekends I can… and see what happens to everyone else,” Piastri said. It’s a statement of intent. He isn’t driving to sabotage Norris; he is driving to fulfill his own destiny.

The Verdict

As the paddock prepares for the lights to go out in Qatar, the dynamic within the McLaren garage has fundamentally shifted. The “happy family” facade is gone, replaced by the cold, hard reality of elite competition.

Lando Norris now knows he is on his own. He cannot rely on his teammate for protection against Verstappen or the Ferraris and Mercedes drivers who are desperate to spoil the party. He has to beat Verstappen, and he has to beat Piastri.

For the fans, it’s the perfect end to a dramatic season. For McLaren, it’s a high-wire act with no safety net. Oscar Piastri has rolled the dice. He has chosen himself over the team’s easy route. Whether that decision makes him a legend or the villain who cost McLaren the title remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: come Sunday, no one will be lifting off for anyone.

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, silence is rarely empty; it is usually the deep breath before a seismic shift. Since September 2025, when Christian Horner made his dramatic and expensive exit from Red Bull Racing—the dynasty he built from the ground up—the paddock has been awash with speculation. The man who orchestrated eight Drivers’ Championships and six Constructors’ Titles was officially on the market. For months, the narrative seemed written in stone: Horner would join forces with Lawrence Stroll at Aston Martin, creating a “super team” to rival the very juggernaut he left behind. But in a sport defined by split-second decisions and ruthless maneuvering, the script has been rewritten in the most unexpected way.

The Aston Martin Snub

To understand the magnitude of the current rumors, one must first appreciate the sting of recent events. The entire F1 community had practically printed the press release: Christian Horner to Aston Martin. It made sense. A team with a billionaire owner, sky-high ambitions, and a vacancy at the top seemed the natural landing spot for the sport’s most successful modern team principal.

However, the “Green Team” had other ideas. In a twist that left insiders reeling, Lawrence Stroll bypassed Horner entirely, handing the keys to the kingdom—specifically the Team Principal role—to none other than Adrian Newey. Newey, Horner’s former colleague and the design genius behind Red Bull’s dominance, was the chosen one. Reports suggest that while Horner’s track record is unimpeachable, his demands for a significant shareholding and total control may have clashed with Stroll’s own iron grip on the team. It was a public snub, a rejection that left Horner on the sidelines while his former technical wizard took the spotlight.

But if there is one thing we have learned from two decades of Christian Horner, it is that he does not stay down for long.

The Alpine Bombshell

Just as the dust was settling on the Aston Martin announcement, a new and far more explosive rumor emerged from the shadows. It wasn’t Ferrari. It wasn’t Audi. It was Alpine.

According to explosive claims from former F1 driver Robert Doornbos, Horner is not merely interviewing for a job at the struggling French outfit; he is plotting a takeover. “I heard that Christian is forming a consortium of investors to buy Alpine,” Doornbos revealed on the Pit Talk podcast. This intel aligns perfectly with Horner’s known ambitions. After building Red Bull into a powerhouse, he has arguably outgrown the role of a salaried employee. He seeks what Toto Wolff has at Mercedes: ownership, equity, and absolute destiny over his own future.

This development changes the complexion of his return entirely. He isn’t looking to be hired; he is looking to buy. By assembling a consortium of high-profile investors, Horner could bypass the astronomical costs and bureaucratic nightmare of establishing a new 12th team, instead acquiring an existing entity that—despite its current woes—has the infrastructure of a works team.

A Team in Desperate Need of a Savior

Why Alpine? On the surface, it looks like a career suicide mission. The 2025 season has been nothing short of catastrophic for the French team. They are currently languishing at the very bottom of the Constructors’ Championship, a humiliating fall from their respectable mid-field finishes of the past. The car is uncompetitive, the management structure has been a revolving door of firing and hiring, and the on-track performance has been abysmal.

Franco Colapinto, brought in to replace Jack Doohan, has struggled to score a single point, highlighting the machinery’s severe deficiencies. Furthermore, the team has made the humbling decision to abandon their own Renault power units, opting to become a Mercedes customer team starting in 2026. For a manufacturer team to admit defeat on its own engine program is unprecedented and signals a complete collapse of their original factory aspirations.

Yet, in the brutal economics of F1, chaos creates opportunity. A team in crisis is a team that can be bought at a discount. Alpine is screaming for strong leadership, the kind of ruthless, singular vision that Horner provided at Red Bull for twenty years. Renault has previously shown a willingness to dilute their ownership, having sold a 24% stake to a group involving stars like Rory McIlroy and Patrick Mahomes. With the team’s valuation soaring alongside the sport’s popularity, but its reputation tanking, a Horner-led buyout could be the golden parachute the French manufacturer needs.

The Briatore Connection and the Wolff Irony

The credibility of this rumor is bolstered by one significant figure: Flavio Briatore. The flamboyant former Renault boss made a surprise return to Alpine in an executive capacity last year. Briatore and Horner are known to be close friends, sharing a pragmatic and aggressive approach to the sport. Many insiders believe Briatore was brought back specifically to prepare the team for a sale or major restructuring. Who better to hand the keys to than his old ally?

Steve Nielsen, Alpine’s current sporting director, admitted he couldn’t rule out such an alliance, noting, “Horner and Briatore are old friends, and what they talk about is their own business.”

If the deal goes through, it sets the stage for one of the most delicious ironies in F1 history. Since Alpine will use Mercedes engines in 2026, a Horner-owned team would be a client of Mercedes. This would force Horner into a direct working relationship with his arch-nemesis, Toto Wolff. After years of verbal sparring, broken headsets, and fierce rivalry, the idea of Wolff having to supply engines to Horner’s team—while having absolutely no control over how Horner runs it—adds a layer of drama that Netflix writers could only dream of.

The Ultimate Comeback

While a CEO role at Aston Martin or a consultency at Ferrari might still be faint possibilities, neither offers the allure of the Alpine project. Aston Martin is now Newey’s territory. Ferrari is a political minefield. Alpine, however, is a blank canvas disguised as a shipwreck.

Taking a team from dead last to world champions is the ultimate test of a team principal’s mettle. It would prove that Horner’s success at Red Bull wasn’t just about Newey’s designs or Mateschitz’s money, but about his own leadership genius. It is a high-stakes gamble, requiring massive financial backing and years of rebuilding. But for a man with a reported $70-$100 million settlement in his pocket and a point to prove to the world, it might just be the perfect challenge.

As the 2025 season winds down, all eyes are off the track and on the boardroom. Christian Horner promised he wouldn’t be gone for long, and if these reports are true, his return won’t just be a headline—it will be a revolution.

Kate Garraway has left fans stunned with her boldest transformation yet — slipping into skin-tight lycra leggings and a cropped leather jacket as she channeled Grease icon Sandy Olsson for Global Radio’s Make Some Noise Day on Friday.

The 58-year-old presenter completely embraced her inner movie star, finishing the look with tight blonde curls, red stilettos, and a bold red lipstick, giving off major Olivia Newton-John vibes in the most glamorous way possible.

And while the makeover was for charity, sources close to Kate say there’s more to her new look than meets the eye.

“Kate’s been feeling more confident and adventurous than ever,” one friend told The Mail. “She’s glowing — and it’s no secret that her new, younger boyfriend has been a huge part of that. They’re really happy together, and he’s encouraged her to have fun and embrace a fresh, youthful style.”

💃 A “Grease” Moment to Remember

Kate wasn’t alone in her transformation — she was joined by co-host Jenni Falconer, who also dressed up as Sandy, while radio colleague Paul Phear embodied Danny Zuko with a slicked-back 1950s look.

Jenni, 49, appeared as the “good Sandy” in a white blouse, yellow A-line skirt, and matching cardigan, while Paul rocked a black T-shirt, PVC trousers, and a quiff wig worthy of John Travolta himself.

Together, the trio brought the Grease magic to life — filling the studio with laughter, nostalgia, and just the right amount of sass.

✨ A New Era for Kate Garraway

Insiders say Kate’s transformation is more than just a costume — it’s a reflection of her new chapter in life.

“She’s having fun again,” a close friend revealed. “After everything she’s been through, Kate deserves this happiness. Her relationship has really lifted her spirits — she’s glowing from the inside out.”

The TV personality has reportedly been enjoying a whirlwind romance with a younger partner, and friends say the couple share an easy chemistry that’s made Kate feel “alive” again.

“They laugh nonstop, and he’s brought a spark back into her life,” another source added. “You can see it in the way she dresses now — she’s bolder, brighter, and more confident than she’s been in years.”

📺 From The Traitors to True Confidence

Kate’s daring new style comes as she continues to appear on The Celebrity Traitors, where her sharp wit and charm have made her one of the standout personalities.

Viewers have been quick to praise her for her humor, warmth, and resilience — with many calling her “the heart of the show.”

And while she’s impressing audiences on screen, it’s her off-screen transformation that has truly captured fans’ hearts.

“Kate’s having fun, she’s embracing life, and she’s finally putting herself first,” one pal shared. “She’s the happiest she’s been in years — and it shows.”

💋 Life, Love, and Lycra

As photos of Kate’s Grease-inspired look flooded social media, fans couldn’t get enough — calling her “iconic,” “radiant,” and “age-defying.”

The presenter later said she loved every second of the experience:

“It was all for a good cause, and if it makes people smile, then it’s totally worth it!”

Whether she’s lighting up the radio studio or stealing the show on The Traitors, Kate Garraway is proving that confidence, joy, and a little bit of leather never go out of style.

UNBELIEVABLE: Lorraine Kelly Shares ASTONISHING NEWS About Her Daughter That Leaves Viewers Completely STUNNED

This week,  Lorraine Kelly’s daughter Rosie made an announcement to her Instagram followers. Daughter of the ITV star, the 31-year-old became a mum for the first time last August.

Lorraine often mentions her granddaughter, Billie, on her show and even brought her on as a special co-star earlier this year.

Now, Rosie is jumping into the spotlight herself as she’s written her very own book, all about navigating motherhood.

Taking to Instagram, she shared a video to inform her followers it’s now available to pre-order. She said: “Ok, Billie is sleeping, I’ve washed my hair and I’ve put some makeup on because I have some very exciting news.

“Look at this! It’s real and there’s a bow on it and everything. I’ve written a book which is insane to say out loud.

“I was actually looking on my phone to see what I was doing exactly this time last year and it’s when my granny, Billie’s great granny, came down from Scotland to meet her for the first time.”

Rosie told her followers she has ‘no words’ about the book coming to fruition as she explained the reason behind it.

She added: “What’s driven me to write it is that when I was pregnant, I couldn’t find it on the shelves. I wanted something that wasn’t a how to guide.

“I just wanted something that was reassuring and not telling me what to do, but more of how I like to describe the book, is a hand to hold.”

She captioned the post: HUGE NEWS [sic] You can pre-order my new book (mad) at the link in my bio.”

It wasn’t long before people commented on the post, including her mum Lorraine who said: “So so proud of you.”

Someone else shared: “This is AMAZING!! What an accomplishment while being a new Mum [sic] can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!”

Another fan added: “Well done Rosie – such a great idea! Can’t wait to read and give to all my new mum friends.”

While one person wrote: “Oh Rosie I can’t wait to read it. I am honestly so excited and really proud of you.” As another person said: “Can’t wait to read this! Huge congratulations.”

Two stars of Strictly Come Dancing have delighted fans with an announcement about how they’ll ‘keep dancing’ into the coming year. Fans of the beloved BBC programme will already be aware that Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley are amongst the professional dancers set to return for the new series this autumn.

They’ll be back on the dance floor when the competition begins in just a few weeks. They will join fellow professionals Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones and Neil Jones. Also included in this year’s professional line-up are Nikita Kuzmin, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Michelle Tsiakkas, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu and Vito Coppola.

Strictly Come Dancing stars Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley (Image: Donaheys Instagram)

Two new professional dancers will be joining the programme. So You Think You Can Dance champion Alexis Warr and Australia’s Dancing With The Stars’ Julian Caillon, reports the M. E. N.

However, away from the dance competition, Lauren and Kai have revealed some of their plans for next year.

In a video posted to Instagram, dance school Donaheys unveiled a “double announcement”.

This saw the pair confirm they’ll be part of a series of weekend events next year.

The post was accompanied by a message that read: “DOUBLE ANNOUNCEMENT!”.

“We’re absolutely delighted to share that the dynamic duo Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley will be joining us for TWO of our 2026 Donaheys Dancing With The Stars weekends.

“Get ready for phenomenal dance workshops, dance showcases, and fascinating QandA sessions where you can dive deep into their incredible careers.

“These two bring their infectious friendship wherever they go – expect lots of laughs with this pair!”.

“Their playful energy and stunning technique make every moment unforgettable.

“If you’ve been to our Dancing With The Stars weekends before, you know we create pure magic – and with Kai and Lauren, we’re taking it to the next level!”

Their news comes days after pro Gorka Marquez confirmed he would not have a celebrity partner this year due to commitments with another project he is working on.

Strictly’s Dianne Buswell’s beau Joe Sugg says ‘I’m sorry’ in move after baby news (Image: GETTY)

Strictly Come Dancing stars Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg found love on the BBC series when the YouTuber, 34, took part in the programme back in 2018. The couple embarked on a whirlwind romance having been together for the past seven years. They have since shared they are set to welcome their first child together, a baby boy, next year. In a recent vlog Joe issued an apology to his girlfriend Dianne, 36, as he made a candid admission. The presenter has been busy making changes to the couple’s home as they prepare to welcome their new arrival. However, Joe revealed that his partner Dianne would have to move out of one of the bedrooms to make way for a nursery as he issued an apology.

He began: “The plan for the nursery is this… I’m really sorry Dianne. But your bedroom is about to be changed.” Joe went onto clarify that while the couple don’t sleep in separate bedrooms when they first moved into the property, Dianne secured her own space where she can cary out tasks like dying her hair its signature red.

Joe Sugg issued an apology to Dianne Buswell (Image: YOUTUBE JOE SUGG)

He panned the camera around the spare room which had its own ensuite bathroom.

Joe continued: “When I say Dianne’s bedroom I don’t mean her actual bedroom. We do actually share the same bedroom and the same bed funnily enough.

“This room we call it Dianne’s room is one this is where she puts all of her clothes,” as he pointed toward the built-in wardrobes.

Joe went on: “Behind me is where she stores more clothes. And here [pointed to bathroom] is the only shower where she is allowed to do her hair.

“Because as someone who has lived with Dianne for seven years now – it’s a thing where the red hair dye does go everywhere. Particularly the grouting in the shower… it just goes pink.”

He explained it would continue to be Dianne’s bathroom but the room will now be their son’s nursery.

Meanwhile, the professional dancer recently gave fans an update of her own. The Australian-born performer, who is currently competing in this year’s BBC One dance contest with Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, unveiled her baby bump in a gorgeous polka dot dress.

Following her Tuesday (October 7) appearance on It Takes Two, Dianne provided an expectant mother update.

She captured a mirror selfie and whilst standing sideways, revealed her growing baby bump whilst declaring: “Little boy says hi.”