Author: bang7

Who knows what the future holds?

Prince William and Kate Middleton are preparing for their futures as king and queen consort, but her parents Carole and Michael could receive an honour when that day eventually happens in terms of titles.

While the Princess of Wales‘ parents have rubbed shoulders with the royal family for years, they don’t hold any titles – but William could step in to make that change for Carole and Michael Middleton one day.

They have become integrated with the royals, often seen embracing and enjoying each other’s company at family events or public appearances. For example, William himself was seen hugging Carole at Royal Ascot last month.

Therefore, if Prince William wanted to make a decision over their titles – could he when he becomes king?
Carole and Michael Middleton (Credit: Ray Tang/Cover Images)

Do Carole and Michael Middleton have titles?

No, even thought their daughter is poised to become Queen Consort Catherine one day – which will likely drop consort similarly to Queen Camilla – they do not have any titles.

They were not born into royalty, nor marry into the family themselves.

When it comes to Earls, Ladies and Dukedoms, these are typically passed down through bloodlines.

There are cases that monarchs bestow these to members of The Firm, but it’s on a case-by-case basis, usually their children. For example, Prince Edward first rejected the Duke of Cambridge title and instead asked his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II to create the Duke of Wessex one.
Prince William will have more powers as monarch (Credit: Cover Images)

Royal protocol over titles

New titles have been dished out in the past, many times throughout Queen Elizabeth II’s record-breaking reign. She handed out Harry and Meghan, and William and Kate’s for their wedding day as gifts.

This is also why Harry and Meghan are still Sussex, despite leaving The Firm in 2020.

Prince Harry was made the Duke of Sussex on his wedding day. Although the title was first created in 1801, it wasn’t passed on in 1843. Elizabeth brought it back for Harry and Meghan, who became the Duchess of Sussex, in 2018.

Prince William could award Kate Middleton’s parents new titles

Family friend Sir John Madejski previously made calls for Prince William to grant titles for Carole and Michael Middleton.

He said in 2014: “They should be the Earl and Countess of Bucklebury.

“They deserve it. They are great people and really good role models.”

Whether the future king will listen to the advice, remains to be seen.

Due to their close relationship, he could see fit to give them a title, seeing as they themselves are grandparents of a future king.

There has only be one other grandpa without a title within the royals over the past millennium. The father of Edward VI’s wife Elizabeth, who had an earldom bestowed on him.

The prince has a close relationship with his in-laws (Credit: Cover Images)

Close relationship with the Middletons

It’s no secret Prince William and Kate have a close relationship with her parents Carole and Michael Middleton – so new titles wouldn’t be out the question.

When the Princess of Wales was seen for the first time following her surgery in 2023, she was with her mum in a car.

Then, in a personal video the royal released in September of that year to reveal she had finished chemotherapy treatment, they also made an appearance. Carole and Michael were seen playing card games with the family and their three children around their table in their Norfolk home.

Their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have also bonded with their grandparents.

In December, Prince Louis was seen with a handwritten note of thanks to Carole and Michael at Kate’s Together at Christmas Carol Service. The youngster’s note said: “Thank you Granny and Grandpa because they have played games with me.”

Lorraine has a new show

Lorraine Kelly has sparked concern that her daytime show on ITV could be coming to an end, amid reports she’s worked with Channel 4 on a new show.

The star, who has hosted her self-titled show since 2010, has been keen to do “something different”, according to reports.

Lorraine has worked with ITV since the 80s (Credit: ITV)

Lorraine Kelly set to front Channel 4 travel series

According to The Sun, Lorraine has signed a deal to front a new Channel 4 travel series.

The Scottish presenter, 65, reportedly jetted off to Norway to film the new series last month.

The news comes after ITV announced that her show would be airing just 30 weeks of the year, and will be cut down to just 30 minutes, from 2026. At present, the show airs every weekday, all year round, and is an hour long.

Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “Channel 4 were delighted to have Lorraine on board. It was exciting for Lorraine to do something different and be on location again.”

Lorraine Kelly to quit ITV?

The source then continued.

“Despite the apparent slight in the ITV daytime shake-up, Lorraine’s loyal fanbase isn’t to be underestimated and they will follow her wherever she goes. She’s survived in this business a long time, and she’s a master at rolling with the punches,” they then said.

“This latest shake-up and slimming-down of Lorraine’s dedicated team casts further doubt on the long-term future of the show after her contract finishes next year. She’s opening her eyes up to the many options available to her,” they then added.

An ITV spokesperson said: “We have always said that from January 2026, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women will be three editorially distinct shows which will be produced by one team.  These changes are not about the performance of the shows or the staff who produce them, with Lorraine only last month achieving its highest audience share in four years. We can assure our viewers that their favourite daytime shows will remain familiar to them on screen.”

ED! has contacted Channel 4 and Lorraine’s representatives for comment.

Lorraine reportedly wasn’t happy with plans for her show (Credit: ITV)

Lorraine ‘offended’ by plans to ‘merge’ GMB and Lorraine

Back in May, it was reported that Lorraine was “offended’ by plans to “merge” her show with the last 30 minutes of Good Morning Britain.

Lorraine is said to have rejected the plans and was reportedly “offended” by the suggestion.

“She told them no and said it wasn’t even a possibility. Fast forward two weeks, and the channel announced her show would be cut from an hour to 30 minutes…,” a source told the MailOnline at the time.

“The entire thing has been an insult, and she’s certain to leave when the year-long contract ends.”

She doesn’t want to ‘rock the boat’ on their ‘healthy’ relationship by saying ‘I do’ again

Davina McCall won’t marry her hairdresser boyfriend Michael Douglas, it’s been claimed, after fearing history will repeat itself and their romance will end in divorce.

TV presenter Davina has been married twice before, while Michael has also been through a divorce.

And, following the end of her marriage to Pet Rescue presenter Matthew Robertson, with whom she shares three children, Davina is sworn off walking down the aisle for a third time.

Davina McCall was accompanied by boyfriend Michael at the recent NTAs (Credit: Splash News)

Davina McCall ‘rules out marriage to boyfriend Michael

Speaking to OK!, a source claimed Davina has “vowed” not to say “I do” for the third time.

“After her marriage to Matthew ended, Davina vowed she wouldn’t get married again, especially as it was her second divorce – and she wants to stick to that. There were many reasons she split with Matthew, ones she’ll never go properly into. But it made her realise that marriage is not for her and didn’t make her happy in the end.”

The source continued: “There was so much heartache when they split, as not only did they have to deal with the breakdown of their relationship, they had to do all the horrible legal stuff. It’s hard to stay amicable, even if they’d both wanted to. Divorce lawyers are nasty and she just can’t go through that again.”

‘She refuses to ruin it’

They also said that Davina “doesn’t want to rock the boat” by tying the knot again. And she’s worried that they might “marry then split” and she “refuses to ruin” things with Michael, who is the resident hairdresser on Katie Piper’s Weekend Escape.

“Davina herself admits that they don’t want to rock the boat by getting married again. It’s such a healthy and happy relationship and they can’t stand the thought of ever hurting each other, which is what might happen if they marry and then split. It would be no benefit to anyone. This is the happiest she’s been and she refuses to ruin it.”

Davina McCall won’t marry boyfriend Michael after two divorces (Credit: Splash News)

‘Let’s not rock the boat’

The presenter recently opened up about the prospect of marrying Michael. She said it’s “not even on the table”.

She explained: “That’s not even on the table, it’s just not. He’s been [married before] so we both just feel like we are happy, let’s not rock the boat. Let’s just keep things on the down-low.”

Mercedes have been inconsistent performers so far during the 2025 Formula 1 season and their form shows no signs of becoming any more predictable.

After winning the Canadian Grand Prix, they’ve picked up just 11 points from the next two races. They haven’t picked up any momentum.

With rumours tying Mercedes to Max Verstappen now starting to fizzle a bit, they can begin to focus on maximising their on-track performance again.

Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are out of contract at the end of the season, but following the next race in Spa, a summer break should allow the opportunity for discussions.

‘Sources within Mercedes’ insist Verstappen didn’t hold talks with team boss Toto Wolff, and that no further progress on a deal has been made.

Who would make way for the potential signing of the Dutchman is fascinating. Guenther Steiner thinks Mercedes are making one crucial error, and believes that Antonelli should be dropped over Russell.

Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Mercedes face ‘challenge’ to validate upgrade package with one practice session at Spa

The Formula 1 calendar is 24 races long in 2025, and six of those events are considered ‘sprint’ weekends, with just one practice session.

It’s a bit of a nightmare for the teams, who have little time to prepare their cars and setups for Sunday, but it does help mix things up a little.

Russell’s Mercedes deal has reached an ‘impasse’ as he seeks more long-term security, but it seems his team may not be willing to offer it. They continue to press on the track for the time being.

That includes new upgrades at the upcoming sprint weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix, with the format offering both drivers a challenge to make sure that their additions are meaningful.

“We’ve got some performance updates coming in both Spa and Hungary. Opportunities to make step forwards there,” said Mercedes’ Chief Communications Officer, Bradley Lord.

“Likewise, we’ve got a sprint weekend in Spa, so just one practice session and then we’ve got to be right on it and straight into qualifying. It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re hopeful of being able to give a much better showing than we did either in Silverstone or in Austria last week.”

Why Mercedes still have a lot to fight for in the 2025 F1 season

With Mercedes being in a tight race for second place in the constructors’ championship, there’s a lot of prize money on offer for managing to beat Ferrari to second-best honours.

Mercedes’ chairman has given the ‘green light’ for Verstappen, but the team also has to be quick enough to convince him to join.

In other words, they have some very strong reasons to be doing well currently. With the 2026 F1 regulations rapidly approaching, they want to carry as much momentum as possible.

It’s rare for a front-running team to have no contracted drivers for the following year heading into the summer break, but it’s an ordeal that will be sorted in the coming months, with a fascinating conclusion.

A Seismic Shift in Formula 1: How Honda, Aston Martin, and Max Verstappen Could Reshape the Grid

For years, Honda has oscillated between central protagonist and shadowy enabler in Formula 1. Once dismissed as a quiet supplier in Aston Martin’s 2026 plans, the Japanese titan now appears to be plotting a monumental return to the forefront. And if rumors morph into reality, it could be the most shocking driver-market shakeup in modern F1: Max Verstappen, draped in Aston green, potentially paired with Fernando Alonso.

It sounds outrageous — a fantasy — but in F1, where fortunes turn faster than a pit stop, the improbable often becomes the inevitable.

Honda’s Resurgence: More Than Just Engines

Since announcing its long-term power unit partnership with Aston Martin for the 2026 regulations, Honda has dropped the quiet approach. Koji Watanabe, Honda’s president, has publicly emphasized that this isn’t a mere engine supply deal — it’s a strategic partnership. And central to that strategy is a seat at the table when it comes to driver decisions.

This marks a major philosophical shift. Unlike their restrained role with Red Bull Racing — where Christian Horner and Helmut Marko held the reins — Honda now wants influence. They want input on the cockpit. And they’re not shy about who they want: Max Verstappen.

It’s not hard to see why. Together, Honda and Verstappen secured four titles and etched their names into F1 history. The chemistry, communication, and shared success remain vivid in the minds of Honda executives. They see 2026 as an opportunity to rekindle that fire — and this time, on their terms.

Why Verstappen Might Walk Away

Under normal circumstances, Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull would be unthinkable. He’s the face of the team, the reigning champion, and signed through 2028. But Red Bull is no longer the fortress of stability it once was. Behind the scenes, the Horner controversy, corporate turbulence, and waning development momentum are starting to show cracks.

Despite Verstappen’s Herculean efforts in 2025, the RB21 hasn’t matched its predecessors. He’s still winning races, but it’s a struggle. He’s third in the standings — impressive given the car, but a reminder that even Max can’t defy physics forever.

Enter Aston Martin.

With Adrian Newey expected to join the team in 2025, Aston isn’t merely building a car — they’re building a contender. Add Honda’s PU expertise, the new Silverstone campus, and financial backing from Lawrence Stroll, and suddenly, Aston Martin isn’t a midfield darling anymore. They’re a sleeping giant — and Verstappen knows it.

The Alonso Variable

If Verstappen does make the jump, who makes way?

Conventional wisdom points to Lance Stroll. Despite some flashes of competence, he’s never been considered a future world champion. However, his father owns the team — a dynamic that complicates any lineup change. But not even nepotism may withstand the gravitational pull of Verstappen.

Then there’s Fernando Alonso.

The veteran has been a cornerstone of Aston Martin’s revival. His feedback, leadership, and unwavering hunger have pushed the team forward. He’s flirted with retirement beyond 2025 but has also made it clear: he’ll stay if given a title-worthy car and teammate.

Paradoxically, Verstappen might be both the reason Alonso stays — and the reason he leaves. A pairing with Max could reignite Alonso’s fire for one final title push. But if the team feels that Max needs a more pliable partner — or if Fernando doesn’t want to play co-star — the Spaniard could bow out, content with the resurgence he helped build.

Adrian Newey: The Missing Puzzle Piece

Perhaps the most intriguing figure in this entire saga is Adrian Newey. The legendary designer has reportedly voiced concerns about Aston Martin’s driver lineup, allegedly telling Lawrence Stroll that Lance isn’t the man to lead the team into its next phase. Coming from Newey, that critique carries weight.

If Newey truly does sign on with Aston Martin and builds a car capable of titles, he’ll want drivers who can extract every millisecond. That likely means Verstappen. And possibly Alonso. A dream duo.

But if only one can stay, who will it be?

Red Bull’s Dilemma

The longer this narrative lingers, the more uneasy Red Bull must feel.

They know what Max brings — speed, consistency, and the intangible magic that makes champions. Losing him, even hypothetically, is a blow not easily absorbed. Even with a talent like Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson in the wings, there is no “next Max.”

Yet Honda is offering something Red Bull no longer can: a blank canvas. A chance to build a project around Verstappen. To recreate the magic that defined a dominant era.

And Max has taken notice. He’s spoken warmly about Honda, hinting at a possible reunion. “You never know what happens in the future,” he said recently. “It’s not goodbye. It’s just, for now.”

That’s not closure. That’s a cliffhanger.

The Stroll Factor

No conversation about Aston Martin’s future is complete without addressing its most complicated variable: Lance Stroll.

He’s not a bad driver, but he’s also not the kind who tilts championships. And in F1, good isn’t good enough. The decision to bench or demote Lance isn’t just a tactical one — it’s deeply personal. It challenges the very fabric of the team’s ownership model.

But here’s the brutal truth: F1 doesn’t care about family. It cares about results. And Lawrence Stroll, despite all his investments, will eventually face the toughest choice of all — loyalty or legacy?

What Happens Next?

With so many moving pieces — Honda’s ambitions, Verstappen’s frustrations, Newey’s influence, Alonso’s timeline, and the Stroll dynamic — the next 18 months could define the next decade of Formula 1.

If Aston Martin does pull off the impossible — landing Verstappen, keeping or replacing Alonso strategically, maximizing Newey’s genius, and giving Honda its voice — it could dethrone Red Bull and reshape the championship battle.

And if not? Well, at the very least, it’s a glimpse into how F1 is evolving. It’s no longer just about who builds the fastest car. It’s about control, partnerships, and strategic vision.

Aston Martin and Honda believe they have that vision. The only question now is whether Max Verstappen shares it.

Because if he does — buckle up. 2026 could be the start of a new Formula 1 era.

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Legendary Formula 1 driver Nigel Mansell knows exactly what it takes to race for Ferrari.

Nigel Mansell spent two seasons racing for Ferrari in 1989 and 1990 before rejoining his beloved Williams.

He won three races and secured 11 podiums during his time with the team, before going on to win his only drivers’ championship with Williams in 1992.

Eddie Irvine and, briefly, Oliver Bearman followed in Mansell’s footsteps as British Ferrari drivers in F1, but Lewis Hamilton has taken up the mantle this season.

However, after the first half of the 2025 F1 season, it’s been a much more frustrating start to life at Maranello than Hamilton would have hoped for.

Aside from a Sprint Race victory in China and a podium in the same format in Miami, Ferrari haven’t lived up to Hamilton’s expectations since his move from Mercedes.

Damon Hill has backed Hamilton to help solve Ferrari’s issues, but Fred Vasseur’s outfit are notorious for developing their car and working in a certain way.

It’s left the 40-year-old still waiting for his first trip to the podium in Ferrari colours, and while Mansell has backed Hamilton to succeed during his time with the team, he’s worried about the progress they’ve failed to make since last season.

Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Nigel Mansell wishes Ferrari would ‘get something back’ after Lewis Hamilton signing

Mansell was speaking on the famous Goodwood Balcony on day three of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

He was joined by the likes of Jackie Stewart, Mika Hakkinen, Alain Prost and Bernie Ecclestone to greet the crowd who had gathered to watch them take on Goodwood’s famous hill climb.

Mansell was asked about Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and whether he believes it will be a success.

He said: “I think it’s fantastic, he earns in one year what I got, well, I needed another ten years to earn!

“No, Lewis is fantastic, a great world champion, and I wish him and Ferrari well.

“I just wish Ferrari would get something back that they had last year, because they should be competing at the top, and they’ve lost something this winter.”

Ferrari planning updates to Lewis Hamilton’s car before the end of the 2025 F1 season

Ferrari currently sit second in the constructors’ championship, with a narrow lead over Mercedes and Red Bull.

Red Bull’s success relies heavily on whether new team principal Laurent Mekies can help Yuki Tsunoda overcome his issues with the car.

Mercedes star George Russell has already won a race this season and stood on the podium a further four times, potentially making Hamilton question whether he made the right choice to leave.

However, the Scuderia still have a slight advantage thanks to Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

Ferrari are planning on bringing a new rear suspension to the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.

This could help improve Ferrari’s ride height issues and make the car more stable, especially at high speeds.

Mansell is right to suggest that Ferrari have ‘lost something’ over the winter, given how close they were to McLaren last year.

Hamilton will hope that the work going into their 2026 car could see them rise to the top once again.

Carlos Sainz has had a very frustrating start to his time at Williams this season.

Williams are the fifth Formula 1 team Carlos Sainz has driven for since his debut in 2015.

After spells at Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren and Ferrari, team principal James Vowles convinced the Spaniard to join his team alongside Alex Albon.

Vowles told Sainz that Williams were sacrificing this season to concentrate on the upcoming regulation changes in 2026.

However, that hasn’t stopped Williams from climbing to fifth in the constructors’ championship this season.

Unfortunately for Sainz, he’s failed to match Albon’s points scoring this year, with the Thai driver currently eighth in the standings on 46 points.

Sainz is seven places below him, sitting on 13 points, although he’s had a lot of bad luck, including former teammate Charles Leclerc crashing into him during the closing stages of the British Grand Prix, denying him another top 10 finish.

Guenther Steiner has been looking at Sainz’s start to the season and believes he might now be regretting his move to Williams.

The 30-year-old had offers from plenty of teams up and down the paddock, and Steiner thinks he’ll be looking longingly at Sauber and Nico Hulkenberg’s remarkable Silverstone podium.

Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Guenther Steiner thinks Carlos Sainz will regret choosing Williams over Sauber this season

Steiner was asked on The Red Flags Podcast during their ‘Gas or Brake’ feature whether he believes Sainz regrets choosing Williams over Sauber.

He replied: “Gas. But, not only because of the performance, [but] also because he was driving at Ferrari when Mattia was there.

“And I think he, in general, is not having a good experience in the moment at Williams.

“I mean, he’s struggling a lot, and Carlos is a very good driver.

“So they had a very good beginning of the year, but mainly with Albon and not with Carlos. Carlos never had any really good results.

“So, obviously, a little bit of frustration will have set in. And thinking back, I said, I should have gone with Audi. But hey, you make the decision, you live by your choices.”

Carlos Sainz is missing fighting for pole positions at Ferrari since Williams move

Sainz’s average qualifying position this season is outside the top 10, and he once again narrowly missed out on Q3 at the British Grand Prix.

The Spaniard has six pole positions to his name during his career, but is unlikely to be challenging for them again until next season at the earliest.

Sainz admitted he misses competing for pole positions in qualifying, something he was regularly doing at Ferrari.

Leclerc is known as one of F1’s best qualifiers, but Sainz challenged him on a regular basis when they were teammates.

However, the 30-year-old is struggling to beat Albon over one lap, but both drivers are outperforming their Sauber counterparts on Saturdays.

The trouble is, Williams’ lack of investment in their 2025 car is beginning to catch up with them, and on race day, Sauber now appear to have the advantage.

Audi demanded a quick answer from Sainz over his future last season, even though they confirmed Gabriel Bortoleto months after the Spaniard signed his Williams deal.

Sauber have the backing of Audi for next season, and while the lure of racing a works team wasn’t enough to convince Sainz last year, he may be wondering whether or not he made the right choice.

Christian Horner’s Shocking Departure from Red Bull: Ferrari, Alpine, or a New Dynasty?

Christian Horner’s abrupt exit from Red Bull Racing after more than two decades wasn’t just a leadership change—it sent shockwaves through the entire Formula 1 world. As the man who transformed Red Bull from a mid-tier outfit into one of the sport’s most formidable dynasties, Horner’s next move could reshape the balance of power in F1 for years to come. Will he take the reins at Ferrari, return to his British roots with Alpine, or surprise everyone with a different path?

A Legacy Built on Dominance

When Horner took charge of Red Bull Racing in 2005, he was a 31-year-old with little managerial experience at the top level. At the time, Red Bull was essentially the rebranded Jaguar team, devoid of success, lacking resources, and steeped in skepticism. But under Horner’s leadership, Red Bull rose to unprecedented heights.

Over the next two decades, Horner’s strategic acumen and people management turned the team into an F1 juggernaut. Red Bull claimed eight drivers’ championships, six constructors’ titles, and 124 Grand Prix victories. The Sebastian Vettel era (2010–2013) proved Red Bull’s staying power, while Max Verstappen’s recent dominance further solidified Horner’s legacy. It’s no exaggeration to say that only Ron Dennis has achieved more as a team principal in F1 history.

So why did Red Bull let go of such a colossal figure without any official explanation?

The Ferrari Temptation

Ferrari has long courted Christian Horner. For years, rumors swirled about the Italian team’s desire to lure him to Maranello, hoping he could revitalize their once-great institution. Now, with current team principal Frédéric Vasseur under intense scrutiny and nearing the end of his contract, the stars might finally align.

Ferrari, despite its storied past, has struggled to convert promise into championships. Since Kimi Räikkönen’s title in 2007, the team has endured a near two-decade drought, often falling just short. Their second-place finish in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, narrowly behind McLaren, raised hopes. But 2025 has seen a sharp downturn—battling not for wins, but for podium scraps.

With Vasseur in the crosshairs of the Italian media, Horner’s availability presents a golden opportunity for Ferrari to inject proven leadership. But there’s a catch—and it’s a big one.

Ownership vs. Employment: The Ferrari Dilemma

F1 pundit Martin Brundle raised a key obstacle during a Sky Sports podcast: “I believe Christian will be desperate to have a stake in a team going forward, some ownership rather than just being a hired employee.”

Brundle’s insight points to the heart of the issue. At Red Bull, Horner wielded enormous influence—not just over racing strategy and personnel but also over the commercial and organizational direction of the team. Ferrari, by contrast, is a tightly controlled entity. The Agnelli family and Stellantis Group maintain strict ownership, leaving little room for shared control.

Horner, accustomed to autonomy, may find Ferrari’s deeply entrenched bureaucracy and politics stifling. Yes, Ferrari offers unmatched history and prestige—but would that be enough for a man who’s tasted ultimate control?

Alpine: A Logical, Less Glamorous Alternative?

Then there’s Alpine. Former driver and commentator Karun Chandhok suggested the French manufacturer could be a dark horse in the Horner sweepstakes.

Alpine ticks several boxes. The team is based in the UK, allowing Horner to maintain his family life without uprooting. Additionally, Alpine is in desperate need of a transformative leader—and they’ve made moves indicating readiness for change. The hiring of Steve Nielsen as Executive Director and the presence of Flavio Briatore as an adviser, both of whom have history with Horner, only add fuel to the fire.

Alpine doesn’t carry the weight of Ferrari’s legacy or expectations. Instead, it offers Horner a potential blank slate—an opportunity to replicate the Red Bull story and shape a new powerhouse from scratch. However, it comes with its own risks: limited resources, a smaller fanbase, and the challenge of battling giants like Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren from a weaker starting position.

Other Suitors: A Volatile Market for Team Bosses

This year’s Silly Season isn’t just about drivers. The market for top-tier team principals is unusually active. Beyond Ferrari and Alpine, there are whispers of interest from:

Aston Martin: Having made enormous investments in infrastructure and personnel, they could seek a heavyweight to lead the next phase.

Williams: Showing signs of recovery, they could greatly benefit from Horner’s experience and pedigree.

At 51, Horner is at the height of his managerial powers. The decisions he makes now will define his legacy—not just as a Red Bull icon, but as one of the most influential figures in F1 history.

What Drives Christian Horner?

The big question isn’t just where he’ll go—it’s what he wants.

If Horner seeks prestige, history, and the chance to conquer the most iconic team in motorsport, Ferrari beckons. But he’d need to sacrifice control and accept a rigid hierarchy.

If he desires autonomy, trust, and the ability to mold a team in his vision, Alpine offers a familiar environment with fewer politics—and perhaps even the possibility of long-term ownership or partnership.

There’s also the potential for something entirely different. With the F1 landscape evolving, Horner may even be eyeing a venture outside of team management—perhaps in executive roles at FOM or Liberty Media, or even launching his own racing initiative.

The Verdict: A Defining Crossroads

Christian Horner’s next move won’t just affect his own career—it could shift the competitive axis of Formula 1 itself.

Ferrari could regain its lost glory under his stewardship.

Alpine might become the next great underdog story.

Other teams could pivot their entire strategies depending on his decision.

More than just a team boss, Horner is a builder of dynasties. The only question is: where will he build the next one?

What do you think? Will Horner gamble on Ferrari’s prestige? Or will he opt for control and familiarity at Alpine? One thing is certain—his decision will echo across the paddock for years to come.

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Ferrari’s SF-25 Suspension Overhaul: The Make-or-Break Moment at Mugello

Next week, when the Ferrari SF-25 rolls out onto the demanding tarmac of Mugello, it won’t just be a routine filming day. It could very well mark a defining turning point in Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 campaign. After months of chasing elusive performance, the Scuderia will debut a major rear suspension upgrade aimed at correcting a fundamental flaw that has plagued the car since its first laps in pre-season testing.

The SF-25 has shown flashes of potential throughout the season, but never with enough consistency to mount a serious challenge to Red Bull or McLaren. A critical flaw in the rear suspension geometry has severely limited the car’s performance window, particularly impacting its ability to maintain optimal ride height, manage tire degradation, and fully exploit the complex aerodynamic floor.

The Suspension Bottleneck

Ferrari’s engineers discovered that under dynamic loads—changes in speed, fuel weight, and cornering—the rear of the car failed to maintain a stable ride height. This inconsistency destabilized the aerodynamic platform, which in turn degraded floor performance and increased plank wear. The compromise: raise the car to avoid scraping, sacrificing downforce and lap time in the process.

To fix this, Ferrari has designed a new rear suspension system that incorporates longer-rated components and revised kinematics. These changes aim to offer a more linear response to load variations and improve mechanical compliance—especially over curbs and uneven surfaces, which have frequently unsettled the SF-25 and cost drivers valuable tenths.

Why Mugello?

Choosing Mugello for this critical test is no accident. Unlike Ferrari’s private Fiorano track, Mugello provides a more punishing and representative test bed for high-speed suspension performance. Its long, sweeping corners and varied camber profiles stress mechanical balance and aerodynamic stability to the limit—exactly what Ferrari needs to validate this update.

Ferrari’s engineers will use this session not merely to log mileage, but to conduct a rigorous data-gathering exercise. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will run a series of tests under varying fuel loads, cornering scenarios, and speed profiles. Engineers will track telemetry data such as damper velocities, load distribution, and heave rates to see if the suspension delivers the expected ride behavior and stability.

The Drivers’ Perspective

The upgrade comes at a pivotal time for both Hamilton and Leclerc. For Hamilton, this season is supposed to be a redemption arc—a chance to reignite his championship hopes after joining Ferrari in a high-profile move. But the SF-25 has forced him to drive conservatively, negotiating instability instead of attacking corners. This has dulled his edge and tested his trust in the machinery.

Leclerc, meanwhile, has often outqualified Hamilton but struggled to maintain pace over long stints. The result: inconsistency, frustration, and a tense relationship with the engineering team. Both drivers see this test not just as a technical opportunity, but as a psychological one—to restore confidence and reclaim agency in shaping the car’s development.

More Than Just a Fix

This suspension update is more than a parts swap. It’s Ferrari’s chance to fix longstanding correlation issues between their simulation tools and real-world performance. For years, data from Ferrari’s wind tunnel and simulator haven’t translated to consistent results on track—a flaw that has derailed multiple development programs.

If the Mugello test produces positive feedback from both drivers, and that feedback aligns with the engineers’ expectations, it could finally close the loop between theory and reality. That alone would be a massive cultural and technical victory for Ferrari’s racing division.

What’s at Stake

As the 2025 season approaches its midpoint, Ferrari finds itself trailing Red Bull and McLaren in both the constructors’ and drivers’ standings. With over half the calendar remaining, there’s still time to turn things around—but the margin for error is shrinking.

The new suspension could unlock crucial performance gains heading into Spa, Monza, and other high-speed circuits where aerodynamic load is king. A consistent rear platform would allow Ferrari to lower ride height, increase floor efficiency, and improve tire wear—key ingredients for podium contention.

If it works, Ferrari could overtake McLaren in the battle for second in the constructors’ standings, and potentially launch a late-season charge to close the gap to Red Bull. More optimistically, it might give Hamilton the machinery he needs to claw back a 50-point deficit to Verstappen and keep his dream of an eighth title alive.

The Bigger Picture: A Pivot for 2026

The significance of this upgrade goes beyond 2025. With sweeping regulation changes coming in 2026, Ferrari is effectively using this test as a proving ground for the core mechanical principles that will define their next-generation car.

A successful suspension redesign would offer a repeatable, reliable blueprint for future chassis architecture—one built not just on theoretical models, but on validated, track-tested feedback. That’s critical if Ferrari wants to regain its status as a technical leader in the sport, rather than a reactive challenger.

Moreover, a working solution to the rear suspension issue would finally give Ferrari the confidence to pursue more aggressive setup strategies. Instead of constantly hedging against a weak rear end, engineers could focus on race-specific optimizations and weight distribution tweaks. In turn, both Hamilton and Leclerc would be freed to push harder in qualifying and races, knowing the car will support their input.

A Cultural Shift at Maranello

For Ferrari’s technical leadership, this moment represents a chance to rewrite the narrative that has dogged the team for the past decade. From the Rory Byrne-led glory days of the early 2000s—when meticulous mechanical design powered Schumacher to dominance—to the recent struggles with ground effect dynamics and inconsistent aero-platforms, Ferrari’s story has been one of brilliant highs and baffling lows.

Testing at Mugello evokes that sense of heritage. The Tuscan circuit has long been a testing ground for Ferrari’s most ambitious technical ideas. If this new rear suspension proves effective, it won’t just be a functional upgrade. It will signal that Ferrari is once again willing to take bold, risky decisions in pursuit of greatness.

Final Thoughts

As the SF-25 hits the track next week at Mugello, all eyes in the paddock—and at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters—will be watching closely. This isn’t just a shakedown or a data session. It’s Ferrari’s mid-season reckoning. If this suspension delivers as hoped, it could become the keystone of their 2025 resurgence and the foundation of their 2026 revolution.

And if it doesn’t? The questions about Ferrari’s ability to convert potential into performance will grow louder, and the window for Hamilton’s eighth title—and Leclerc’s first—will begin to close.

This is more than a test. It’s a statement of intent. And perhaps, the start of a renaissance.

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Lando Norris won the 2025 F1 British Grand Prix in a McLaren one-two after seizing on teammate Oscar Piastri’s 10-second penalty due to a safety car restart infringement.

But while Norris handed McLaren their first win at Silverstone since Lewis Hamilton secured glory in the 2008 British GP, the Woking outfit introduced one change to their car that could carry greater consequences in future events as they strive to secure a championship double.

McLaren appear on course to win the F1 drivers’ championship and the constructors’ title in the same season for the first time since 1998 this year. Piastri sits atop the drivers’ standings with 234 points over Norris on 226, with Red Bull racer Max Verstappen third with only 165.

The papaya pals both scoring big points also means McLaren boast a 238-point lead against Ferrari in the constructors’ standings. Winning the teams’ title in the 2025 F1 season would also mean McLaren keep the crown and win back-to-back titles for the first time since 1991.

Photo by BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

McLaren introduced a new floor at Silverstone after the FIA’s steel skid block request

McLaren were simply in a class of their own in the rain at Silverstone, and Piastri would have won the British GP without his penalty which handed glory to Norris. But the Woking natives also hit Silverstone with a new floor edge following a request from the FIA before the event.

That is according to Formula1.it, which reports that the FIA sent requests to all teams telling them to be prepared to use steel skid blocks, instead of the usual titanium ones. The FIA has sought to offer the teams notice as it looks to avoid the grass fires seen in Japan and Austria.

It is suggested that McLaren introduced a modified floor in response to the FIA’s request, as the squad had to rethink how the vortices generated in that area are affected by needing to increase their ride height given steel skid blocks wear significantly more than titanium ones.

The changes that McLaren made to their floor edge at the British GP saw the MCL39 feature four trailing edges, rather than the five the team previously adopted. McLaren used to have two larger elements and three smaller ones, but have kept the gradual decrease in height.

Lewis Hamilton has paid the price for Ferrari’s ride height woes in the 2025 F1 season

While Norris and Piastri secured first and second at Silverstone, they will hope that McLaren can now work on finding a solution to avoid needing to increase the ride height of their cars if the FIA does enforce steel skid blocks in future races given it may cost them both lap time.

Ferrari have seen their form swing throughout the 2025 F1 season due to having to increase the ride height of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s cars. It was even thanks to excessive wear on his skid block that Hamilton was disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix in March.

The Scuderia have since been desperately trying to bring an upgrade that will allow them to run the SF-25 lower to the ground, as it maximises the downforce generated by the ground-effect floor and rear diffuser. But Ferrari’s ride height issues relate to their rear suspension.

McLaren would be loath to lose any of their performance, which is set to yield both titles in 2025, due to the FIA forcing the use of steel skid blocks, thus needing to increase their ride height. So, McLaren will hope the floor seen at Silverstone can negate any performance loss.