The Duchess of Sussex’s followers “may desert her”
We could see Meghan Markle make a “big announcement” soon amid her apparent silence on Instagram.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, launched her personal Instagram account at the start of 2025. Since then, she’s used it to share personal family moments with fans as well as updates on her brand, As Ever.
In recent weeks, Meghan has promoted her second As Ever launch, which included a new jam spread, a limited-edition honey, and a restock of her herbal teas, flower sprinkles, and crepe and cookie mixes. Her second batch of products sold out within minutes, just like her first launch did.
On July 1, she also launched her new Napa Valley Rosé wine. However, since then, we’ve only seen a couple of updates from Meghan on her Instagram. And one PR expert thinks something is brewing…
Meghan Markle could risk losing her followers if she stays silent on Instagram, a brand expert has warned (Credit: Cover Images)
Meghan Markle on Instagram
At the time of writing, Meghan’s last Instagram post on her personal account was shared on July 4 to mark Independence Day in the US.
She shared some cupcakes she and her children, Archie and Lilibet, made to mark the holiday.
Meghan wrote: “Our second date was the 4th of July 2016, and H brought me cupcakes to celebrate. Now, all these years later, our two children are in on the tradition.
“Happy Independence Day! May your day be as sweet as these cupcakes.”
Over on her As Ever account, a photo was shared of Meghan with her dog, Mia, on July 14. It read: “Summer afternoons, mint tea, and the sweetest company. (Hi, Mia!).”
I think that it’s a way of building momentum and so she can make a new announcement.
Since then, Meghan has gone quiet on socials. According to brand and culture expert Nick Ede, this could be a sign that Meghan is preparing to make a big announcement.
The Duchess of Sussex launched her Instagram at the start of 2025 (Credit: Cover Images)
Meghan Markle to make ‘big announcement’
Nick told the Express: “I think that it’s a way of building momentum and so she can make a new announcement, which once again will gain column inches.”
Interesting…
But why is Meghan being quieter on her socials lately? Nick reckons she could just be “taking a back seat for a while” following another successful As Ever launch.
However, he warned: “The issue is that we all know with social media it’s about consistency and speaking to your audience, and it doesn’t feel like she’s grasping that side of things.
“It may be that she genuinely doesn’t have anything to actively promote so she’s taking a back seat for a while on that side of things, but her followers may desert her.”
‘You are a wonderful human to be around,’ he complimented her
TV presenter Dan Walker has cheekily ‘clarified’ he has not got hitched to co-star Helen Skelton while addressing their friendship.
Dan, 48, made the quip on Instagram earlier today (Thursday July 24) as 42-year-old Helen shared how the pair have recently been spending time together for a new Channel 5 series.
Former BBC news host Dan’s gag comes amid speculation about Helen and her Morning Live co-host Gethin Jones.
‘You are a wonderful human to be around,’ co-star told Helen Skelton (Credit: BBC iPlayer)
‘The last photo is not a wedding snap’
After Helen shared a carousel of images of the presenting duo appearing to be hiking in a variety of locations, she explained what they had been up to.
“That’s a WRAP,” she began. Helen went on: “Snatched a load of afternoons to wander around Yorkshire with this legend. Met some epic people. Ate some sensational food. Celebrated some stunning landscapes that hopefully give you some ideas for adventures. Laughed A LOT.”
She also noted the telly project they’ve been working on will be on screens in September.
Helen continued her praise by adding: “Thanks to the hardest-working man in the game for always making me belly laugh at the most ridiculous things. Thanks to a crew who have become family over the last few years and for humouring our self-proclaimed glorious nonsense.”
Dan Walker, meanwhile, popped in the comments section to give his take on one pic sitting under an arched door frame together.
“Just for clarity… the last photo is not a wedding snap,” he wrote, also making use of two crying laughing emojis. He’s been married to wife Sarah for more than 20 years.
Thank you my friend for so many fun afternoons.
Dan added: “Thank you my friend for so many fun afternoons. You are a wonderful human to be around.”
Is Helen Skelton dating?
Meanwhile, reports have claimed in recent months that Helen and Gethin Jones, 47, may be more than just good pals.
Back in June, according to The Sun, the pair’s “flirty antics” took onlookers by surprise after they were spotted “looking loved up” at a country club and spa.
An unnamed insider was said to have alleged at the time: “Gethin and Helen were all over each other. They are clearly super comfortable with each other and it wasn’t just like two friends hanging out.”
However, neither Gethin nor Helen have indicated or confirmed they are in a relationship with one another.
Has the friendship between Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones ‘blossomed into a deeper connection’? (Credit: BBC iPlayer)
Nonetheless, tabloid claims made the headlines after they appeared to attend the TV BAFTAs together. An anonymous insider claimed to MailOnline in May: “Helen and Gethin have an extremely close working relationship and there’s a feeling in recent months their friendship has blossomed into a deeper connection.”
The source was also said to have alleged at the time: “They’re both keen to keep a lid on it to avoid public scrutiny but there’s no denying their closeness both on and off screen.”
The daughter of Amanda Holden, Lexi, looked stunning in a string bikini as she shared a cheeky smooch with her boyfriend.
Lexi, 19, is currently on a family holiday in Greece with her famous mum and boyfriend – who she debuted at the New Year.
And, taking a leaf out of her mother’s book, Lexi opted for a sizzling bikini as she soaked up the sun with her hunky beau on a yacht.
Lexi posed up a storm in the yellow bikini (Credit: InstagramStory)
Daughter of Amanda Holden, Lexi, wows in bikini
On Wednesday (July 23), model Lexi took to her Instagram Story and shared a slew of snaps from her holiday.
In one photo, the model could be seen holding the wheel of a yacht while wearing a yellow string bikini. Posing for the camera, Lexi wore her blonde locks up in a bun and accessories with a stylish pair of shades.
In another photo shared to her profile, Lexi packed on the PDA with her unnamed boyfriend as they laid on the back of the boat, while kissing one another.
“Vitamin D and a little PDA,” she captioned the post.
Lexi’s post sparked Amanda to re-post the photo on her own Instagram Story. She joked: “Mmm I wonder what Daddy will think… [laughing face emoji].”
Lexi went Instagram official with her new beau over New Year (Credit: InstagramStory)
How many children does Amanda Holden have?
Amanda Holden is a proud mum to two daughters.
While engaged to record producer Chris Hughes in 2006, Amanda gave birth to their first child, a daughter Lexi. Amanda and Chris tied the knot two years later at Babington House in Somerset.
After wanting more kids, sadly in February 2011, they lost their baby son, Theo, after he was stillborn at seven months. In 2012, Amanda and Chris welcomed their second daughter Hollie.
Amanda’s daughter is following in her footsteps (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Amanda’s daughter Lexi
Lexi, Amanda‘s daughter, may only be 19, but she’s already carving out a successful modelling career.
The stunning teen has become something of a red carpet regularly, often appearing alongside her famous mum at high-profile events.
Lexi is on the books of Storm Management, one of the best modelling agencies in the country.
The agency kick started the careers of Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford and Cara Delevingne. Storm is understood to have made a beeline for Lexi after seeing her out and about with Amanda.
Nicola Peltz has been called out by angry fans over an “irresponsible” photo she shared online.
The actress is no stranger to sending her fans into a frenzy thanks to her sizzling social media snaps. Just this week, Nicola stripped off for a cheeky bath selfie.
And the model was back at it again when she shared a slew of snaps from her trip to St Tropez, with husband Brooklyn.
However, Nicola has now landed herself in hot water after she uploaded a photo of herself posing with a cigarette.
Nicola has come under fire (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Nicola Peltz poses with cigarette
On Wednesday (July 23) Nicola took to her Instagram and gave fans another look inside her holiday with her hubby.
In one snap, Nicola could be seen cosying up next to Brooklyn – who is reportedly embroiled in a family feud with his parents David and Victoria.
However, in another photo, she left plenty of people impressed as she posed with a cigarette.
Smouldering to the camera, Nicola looked stunning in a purple crop top that showed off her toned abs, while holding a lit cigarette.
Fans slam Nicola for ‘irresponsible’ snap
Rushing to the comments section, fans were quick to call out Nicola for “glamourising smoking”.
One person fumed: “How to get the ick within a second of seeing a picture. I feel it’s very irresponsible to take pictures holding a cigarette and glamourising it too.”
Another fan agreed: “Why are you glamourising smoking? If you want to smoke, that’s up to you. But be mindful how many young girls watch you.”
Her followers were not impressed (Credit: SplashNews.com)
What else did fans say?
A third chimed in: “Honestly I thought the same! She is an idol that girls look up to! Very bad taste the pictures with cigarettes.”
A fourth also declared: “Wow.. this could be seriously harmful for other young people looking up to this girl.”
However other fans were quick to defend Nicola, with someone writing: “Women don’t exist to be role models 24/7. She can live her life without having to carry the weight of everyone’s expectations.”
Another also penned: “There are worse things. @nicolaannepeltzbeckham why don’t you have your comments on limited?”
Prince Philip held the role until his death in 2021
Princess Beatrice has said it’s a “real honour” to take up the role as patron of the Chartered College of Teaching.
The role was once held by her beloved late grandfather, Prince Philip. The Chartered College of Teaching is the professional body for teachers. Its mission is to “empower a knowledgeable and respected teaching profession”.
Prince Philip was patron up until his death in 2021. Now, Beatrice, 36, is taking over the role after showing her support for education for young people through her charity work.
Beatrice has become patron of The Chartered College of Teaching (Credit: Cover Images)
Princess Beatrice ‘honoured’ as she becomes patron of The Chartered College of Teaching
In a statement, Beatrice said: “To me, the power that teachers have on shaping lives and transforming futures makes it one of the most commendable and highly regarded professions.
“I’m a passionate believer in the vital role that teachers play every day and know firsthand the impact that great teaching can leave on a child and their family.”
She added: “It’s a real honour to take up the role as Patron of the Chartered College of Teaching, a role previously held by my grandfather.
“I’m really excited to support the College’s mission to champion excellence in teaching and to celebrate the impact of this incredible profession.”
Meanwhile, Dame Alison Peacock, CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching, said: “I am delighted to welcome HRH Princess Beatrice as our Patron and as an advocate for the teaching profession.
“I am extremely grateful for her recognition of the important work that the Chartered College of Teaching does to empower the profession, and look forward to her involvement with us.” Prince Philip previously held the patron role up until his death in 2021 (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Princess Beatrice’s role within the royal family
Beatrice is the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. She’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s granddaughter.
Despite being a member of the monarchy, Beatrice is not a working royal. She has her own career away from the royal family, working for a tech firm.
It’s a real honour to take up the role as Patron of the Chartered College of Teaching.
As well as her career, Beatrice has many royal patronages and charity work remains a big part of her life.
In her personal life, Beatrice is married to her husband, property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Beatrice and Edoardo have two daughters, Sienna, three, and Athena, born in January 2025.
Could Eugenie and Beatrice end up having bigger roles within the monarchy? (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Princess Beatrice could become working royal when Prince William is king
Recently, reports have suggested that Beatrice could take on a bigger role within the monarchy. But only when her cousin, Prince William, becomes king.
The Prince of Wales is heir to the throne. While there are no signs that William will become monarch any time soon, many royal experts have been making predictions about his reign.
Many think William will bring a more modern approach to the royal family. And, he could call on his cousins, Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, for support.
Royal commentator Richard Eden shared his thoughts in a piece for the Daily Mail in May. He penned: “Beatrice and Eugenie are non-working members of the royal family, who are not funded by the taxpayer. Royal sources tell me that, with a smaller family after Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in 2020, that may change in time.”
Richard explained that a royal courtier allegedly told him: “Although Prince William still believes in a slimmed-down monarchy, he is increasingly aware of his extended family.”
During today’s (July 23) episode of This Morning, Alison Hammond was grossed out after Ashley James revealed she recently had head lice.
For Thursday’s show, Alison Hammond hosted alongside Dermot O’Leary. While covering the latest topics of the day, the pair were joined by Ashley James and Nick Ferrari.
While discussing a separate topic, Nick joked that he didn’t want to hug Ashley, explaining all would become clear…
Alison and Dermot confronted Ashley James about her head lice (Credit: ITV)
Alison Hammond grossed out by Ashley James having head lice
When viewers finally found out why, Ashley announced she recently had nits in her hair due to her children – Ada, two, and four-year-old Alfie.
“I was banned from the hair and make-up room today,” she said, to which Dermot asked: “You don’t still have them, do you?!”
You don’t still have them, do you?!
“NO!” Ashley responded, stating she had them on Sunday. Trying to persuade Dermot and Alison that she is nit-free, she added: “Guys, I’ve done three treatments!”
After Ashley documented the experience with her Instagram followers, Alison couldn’t help but tell her that she was grossed out, stating: “I could literally see the insect. That was the moment Alison Hammond turned off her camera. I actually saw it and it really made me gag!”
“Why on earth did you post this?!” she asked as the camera panned to Ashley posting her lice moving around on her comb.
Ashley insisted it was a “reality” and that “head lice have always loved me”. She said she used to always catch nits at school. However, this was her first experience as a mum.
Ashley explained that despite not having nits any more, she is cautious of hugging others.
“No one wants to hug you either, not at the minute!” Alison joked.
Ashley said she had head lice over the weekend (Credit: ITV)
‘People have no shame’
Following the discussion with Ashley, viewers reacted online.
“People have no shame any more, you need to share your nits on social media for likes…” one user wrote on X.
“Ashley went from showing her [bleep]s to showing her nits,” another shared.
“Oh how I would prefer Ashley to present this programme,” a third said in a more positive light.
He suffered months of ill health recently, it’s claimed…
Tributes are flooding in following the death of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan at the age of 71.
News reports of the WWE star’s death broke late this afternoon (July 24), after first responders responded to a call from his Clearwater, Florida home. His death comes after reports of ill health and hospitalisation over the past couple of months.
The death of Hulk Hogan has sent fresh shockwaves through the showbiz world (Credit: Cover Images)
Hulk Hogan death aged 71
It was reported that emergency services were called to the star’s home on Thursday morning, US time. It’s claimed first responders were despatched after receiving a call about a “cardiac arrest,” according to TMZ.
Paramedics and police patrol were reportedly parked outside of the star’s home. He was reportedly wheeled out of his home on a stretcher and into an ambulance, TMZ reported.
The shock death comes just weeks after his third wife Sky denied rumours he was on his deathbed in a coma. She claimed his heart was “strong” after he underwent a routine neck surgery. His representative also said in a statement last month: “He’s had problems with his back for years but there’s no emergency.”
Reports claim he suffered a cardiac arrest (Credit: Cover Images)
Tributes pour in
Twitter was awash with tributes within minutes of the news breaking.
One said: “Hulk Hogan was a genuine, uniquely American creation. Fearlessly original. Flawed but unbowed. He had the courage to stand on his own principles, and he never stopped fighting for his country. An American icon. He will be missed.”
Impossible to describe what Hulk Hogan meant to kids like me as we grew up in the 1980s.
Another added: “REST IN PEACE, Hulk Hogan!”
“Rest easy brother,” said a third. “Impossible to describe what Hulk Hogan meant to kids like me as we grew up in the 1980s. He was every bit as big of an icon as Michael Jackson, Madonna, or any other pop culture figure at the time. Larger than life. RIP Brother,” said another.
Career highs
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hulk Hogan found fame in 1983, where he headlined eight of the first nine editions of the WWF’s flagship annual event WrestleMania.
He transformed professional wrestling into a family entertainment sport. His theatrics in the ring were magnetic for children and their parents, and it supercharged the sport. Hogan became a fan-favourite, famed for ripping off his iconic yellow T-shirt after he entered the ring.
He even fought Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice.
Marriage lows
The star was married three times.
On December 18, 1983, Hogan married Linda Claridge. They have a daughter Brooke (born May 5, 1988) and a son Nick (born July 27, 1990). They split in 2009, amid allegations he cheated.
He wed Jennifer McDaniel in 2010. They divorced 12 years later. Hogan married third wife – Sky Daily – in September 2023.
Hulk Hogan’s health concerns
His death comes after months of ill health.
Last month, friend and former WCW exec Eric Bischoff confirmed the star had undergone surgery. However, he said: “Hulk Hogan had a very successful cervical surgery and is experiencing some adverse reaction. He’s doing well and should be home later today. Doctors are expecting a full recovery.”
Rumours were doing the rounds last week, though, that the star was “on his deathbed” and his friends and family had started gathering to say goodbye.
Hogan had previously opened up about undergoing “25 surgeries in the past decade”. He told Jake Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast last year: “10 of them were back surgeries. I’ve had both knees and hips replaced, shoulders — everything.”
EastEnders star Heather Peace has declared it is ‘time to piece herself back together’ after completing chemotherapy.
The Eve Unwin actress, 50, revealed her breast cancer diagnosis last October. And, earlier this month, Heather shared the devastating news her partner Ellie Dickinson was told she has breast cancer, too.
However, today (Thursday July 24), Heather has taken to social media to give a further update about her health – and thanked followers for their support.
EastEnders actress Heather Peace received a breast cancer diagnosis last year (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Heather Peace shares cancer news
Uploading a snap showing her giving a thumbs up to the camera to her Stories account, Heather offered her fans a smile as she shared her latest news.
She wrote in her post: “Final round of 15 radiotherapy sessions just completed. This marks the end of a long nine months of diagnosis, surgery, chemo and radio.”
This marks the end of a long nine months.
The Bradford-born actress, who has also appeared in Waterloo Road, also added: “Time to piece myself back together. Thanks for the beautiful support.”
She also encouraged social media users to be vigilant about their own wellbeing, including the hashtags “#checkyourbreasts” and “#breastcancerawareness”.
Heather Peace gave fans a thumbs up after finishing treatment (Credit: Instagram)
EastEnders star Heather Peace and her cancer diagnosis
Mum-of-three Heather underwent a mastectomy on her left breast in November, just weeks after her diagnosis. She had reportedly been putting off seeing her doctor for a while after noticing a change to her nipple.
Then, in June of this year, she shared a video showing herself having a wig fitted, which she had decided on after losing her hair due to chemotherapy.
Likening her treatment to an endurance event, she said at the time: “I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I’d turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock and the finish line.
“To conclude – I’ve just picked up my medal.”
However, Heather told the Mirror at the start of July that partner Ellie had also been suffering. Her diagnosis came a few months before Heather’s.
“Her breast cancer was a smaller, aggressive lump, so she had a lumpectomy and then radiotherapy,” Heather explained.
“Of course then I come along with my 12cm lump, absolutely ginormous, and mastectomy, chemotherapy, just about to go into radiotherapy.
“She’s like: ‘Even that you have to do bigger.’ It’s like: ‘Hold my beer.’”
Heather’s gratitude: ‘You gave me dignity and showed me kindness’ (Credit: Splashnews.com)
‘Thank you to the NHS’
Heather, who has continued working on the BBC One soap throughout parts of her treatment, has previously given emotional thanks to the EastEnders team, her family and the NHS for helping her.
“Thank you to the NHS. You are wonderful, skilled people – you treated me efficiently. You gave me dignity and showed me kindness. It’s so appreciated,” she has said on social media.
‘We don’t know what she will do or how she will cope’
Friends are said to be worried for Sharon Osbourne, following the heartbreaking death of her husband, Ozzy.
The Black Sabbath star died at age 76 on Tuesday (July 22). The news broke after his family shared a statement. Now, friends have revealed they’re concerned about frail Sharon…
There are concerns for Sharon’s health (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Sharon Osbourne ‘not well’ following Ozzy Osbourne death
Ozzy passed away at his family home in Buckinghamshire surrounded by loved ones earlier this week. While the cause of his death has not been confirmed, an insider has alleged to the Daily Mail that there “was no infection that we knew of”.
During Ozzy’s final days, Sharon “barely left his side”. The pair celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary earlier this month.
We don’t know what she will do or how she will cope.
Over the years, Sharon has been vocal about her health issues surrounding body image. After using weight-loss jabs, she lost more than four stone at the beginning of 2023. However, she has struggled to regain a healthy amount of weight after coming off them that same year.
A friend has since expressed concerns for the former talent show judge’s mental and physical health, especially since losing her soulmate.
“Sharon is very, very fragile. She is so thin. She is not well. We are all terrified for her health at this point,” they told the MailOnline. “This is the heaviest blow. Ozzy was her life. The whole point of her life was him. They were each other’s best friend. We don’t know what she will do or how she will cope.”
ED! has contacted Sharon’s reps for comment.
Sharon Osbourne has broken her silence since Ozzy’s death announcement (Credit: Splashnews.com)
Sharon returns to social media
Since announcing Ozzy’s death, Sharon has broken her silence.
Bush frontman, and former coach on The Voice, Gavin Rossdale shared a picture of himself with Ozzy and posted a tribute to the late icon.
It read: “RIP OZZY – a great man – a true legend. I met Ozzy through Jack just a few times but he was so warm and kind and funny and I love that memory. Sending much love to his family at this difficult time. Rest in power.”
Many commented on the post, including Sharon herself. She said: “Bless you,” which was liked by more than 1,500 users.
Max Verstappen’s future has become a huge talking point in F1. The discussion revolves around whether he will stay at Red Bull or move to Mercedes. This decision is not just about where he will race next year, but also about his long-term career. For a driver like Max, whose future could be shaped by the upcoming 2026 regulations, this is a massive decision. It’s not just about the car’s performance, but the engine program’s future as well. Red Bull’s engine program, despite being a key part of their success, faces rumors of struggling to meet its development milestones. This creates an atmosphere of uncertainty that could influence Max’s decision.
Max is also in a unique position where he has access to the inner workings of Red Bull’s engine program. This includes insight into internal projections, development timelines, and dyno results—giving him the power to make a more informed decision. If the engine struggles persist, Red Bull could find itself at a disadvantage in 2026, especially with the new regulations that will emphasize the power unit’s performance. The 2026 engines are expected to be more reliant on electrical power, so even with the best chassis and driver, a weak engine could make the difference between success and failure.
2. The Engine Dilemma: Red Bull’s Struggles and Competition
One of the most critical components in this decision is the engine. The whispers around Red Bull’s engine program point to issues with hitting milestones, causing some doubt over their competitiveness in the 2026 era. While Christian Horner tried to downplay concerns, there’s still a palpable tension within the paddock. Max is not just looking at the current performance of Red Bull’s engine but also evaluating its long-term prospects. If Red Bull cannot deliver a strong engine for the new era, it could put Max’s career in jeopardy.
At the same time, Mercedes, Ferrari, and other teams are all developing their engines for 2026, and they might have a competitive edge if Red Bull’s engine struggles. If Max were to leave, he could join a team like Mercedes, which could have a more reliable engine. However, Toto Wolff and Mercedes would likely want to tie Max down to a multi-year contract, which could include performance clauses—something Max would have to seriously consider when making his decision.
3. Internal Team Politics and Leadership Changes at Red Bull
Max’s future is also tied to the broader changes happening within Red Bull Racing. The departure of Christian Horner, Red Bull’s long-time figurehead, could signify a shift in the team’s internal culture. Max had a strong rapport with Horner’s leadership style, which was known for pushing boundaries and being aggressive with both competitors and FIA regulations. Horner’s exit could signal a change in the team’s philosophy, possibly leading to a more corporate, less aggressive approach.
Max’s loyalty to Red Bull has been deeply connected to the team’s historical “bad boy” image—pushing limits, bending the rules, and being uncompromising. If Red Bull shifts towards a more corporate environment, it might not align with Max’s personality or driving style. This could influence his decision, especially if he feels that the team’s innovation and aggression might soften without Horner’s leadership.
4. The Role of Engine Development in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, the engine is expected to play a massive role in determining the pecking order of teams. Red Bull, despite its dominance in recent years, could face a serious challenge if its engine program doesn’t meet expectations. Meanwhile, other manufacturers like Mercedes, Ferrari, and even Honda (with Aston Martin) are making significant strides in engine development.
Mercedes seems to be in a good position with their engine, with reports suggesting that they are confident about their progress. Ferrari is reportedly not far behind, and Honda, returning with Aston Martin, has put its previous issues behind it. Audi, entering F1 in 2026, might initially struggle to match up to these established players. This could create an opening for Red Bull to lose its edge, especially if their engine struggles in comparison.
This shifting landscape raises an important question: How much can even the best driver (Max Verstappen) or the best chassis (Red Bull) compensate for an underperforming engine? Historically, engine performance has been crucial to success in Formula 1, and a weak engine in 2026 could seriously hamper Red Bull’s ability to maintain its dominance.
5. Spa-Francorchamps: A Weather-Driven Challenge
As always in Formula 1, the weather is a huge factor—especially at tracks like Spa-Francorchamps, which is notorious for its unpredictable conditions. With rain expected this weekend, the teams will need to quickly adapt their strategies. The new sprint race format adds a layer of complexity to this, as teams can now adjust their setups after sprint qualifying. This flexibility might allow some teams to take advantage of different weather conditions, potentially leading to surprising results.
Historically, some teams have performed better in the wet, and this year, Lando Norris has demonstrated exceptional wet-weather skills, which could give McLaren an edge. However, Ferrari and Mercedes have struggled in these conditions. This creates an unpredictable dynamic as the teams prepare for the race, with the rain possibly reshuffling the order.
6. The Future of Tracks: Zandvoort and Structural Issues
Beyond the teams and engines, there’s also uncertainty surrounding some of the tracks in F1. The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, for instance, is facing challenges. A crack in the famous final banked corner has raised questions about the track’s structural integrity. While the Dutch GP organizers have dismissed concerns, the FIA will need to conduct an inspection to determine if this is a safety issue.
If the track is deemed unsafe, it could lead to Zandvoort being removed from the calendar after 2026. This could be a blow to the Dutch Grand Prix, especially considering that other circuits are pushing to get a spot on the calendar. The ongoing uncertainty about the track’s future could have significant implications for the sport.
7. Constructor Battles: Ferrari, McLaren, and Development Upgrades
Lastly, there’s a crucial battle taking place between the constructors, with both Ferrari and McLaren bringing important upgrades to Spa. Ferrari has introduced a new rear suspension system designed to address several ongoing issues, such as difficulty turning the car into corners and problems with rear braking. However, the success of this upgrade, especially in wet conditions, remains uncertain.
McLaren, on the other hand, is bringing a new floor to Spa, a key component that could significantly affect performance. The internal split between Lando Norris, who has adapted to a new front suspension, and Oscar Piastri, who has kept his car consistent to evaluate future upgrades, adds an interesting dynamic to the team. Norris, in particular, could shine in the wet conditions, having shown impressive form in such races earlier this season.
Conclusion: The Strategic Chessboard of Formula 1
The drama unfolding in Formula 1 is akin to a high-stakes chess game, where each move—from engine development to leadership changes to weather conditions—has the potential to reshape the entire sport. Max Verstappen’s decision regarding his future, Red Bull’s engine program, and the ongoing development battles among Ferrari, McLaren, and others are all interconnected. These elements will have far-reaching consequences not only for the 2026 season but also for the championship battles in the coming years.
In Formula 1, anything can happen—and it usually does when you least expect it.
Prince Philip previously held the patron role up until his death in 2021 (Credit: SplashNews.com)
