The FIA have suspended Derek Warwick as an F1 steward for this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix with immediate effect.
Warwick, 70, was due to be on the stewarding panel for this weekend’s action in Montreal.
However, the sport’s governing body have made the decision to suspend the former British racing driver following recent comments he provided to the media.
“Following recent unauthorised media comments, the FIA has taken the decision to suspend Derek Warwick from his duties as driver steward for this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix,” an official statement read.
“He will be replaced by Enrique Bernoldi who will be officiating from the Remote Operations Centre in Geneva for the remainder of the event.
“After discussion, Derek acknowledges that his comments were ill-advised in his role as an FIA steward and has apologised. Derek will resume his duties as a steward in the forthcoming Austrian Grand Prix.”
What did Derek Warwick say?
Warwick had provided quotes to a betting company that were then sent on to a handful of media outlets allowing them to use the quotes with credit to the gambling site(s).
In a similar vein to Johnny Herbert, the FIA have acknowledged that this crosses the line in his role as an active F1 steward to be commenting on drivers participating in races that he will have some say over whether or not they get a penalty.
Warwick has been an active FIA race steward for several years, but is only picked to steward certain races, in a rotation with other FIA personnel.
On Verstappen’s controversial collision with Russell, Warwick said to Plejmo: “Should he have done what he did at turn five with George Russell? Absolutely not. Did he get a penalty for it? Yes. He got a 10-second time penalty and 3 penalty points, which now puts him within one point of a race ban.
“Some people compare it to Vettel, who got a 10-second drive-through penalty in Baku for deliberately making contact with Lewis Hamilton. But if you look at the footage carefully, you can see that Max – although he made a late attempt to overtake – then steered away from George. It’s just that the speed carried him into George anyway.
“I’m not condoning it, I’m not saying it was right – it was absolutely wrong, and the FIA were right to give a penalty.
“Should the punishment have been more severe? I actually think they were spot on,” Warwick continued. “Some people think he should have been suspended, as an example to young karters, and that is understandable. But I think the punishment is appropriate.
“You have to judge each incident on its own merits, this was very questionable, it is not the kind of action I like to see. I am doing Canada this weekend, so I think I will be busy,” he concluded, confirming his involvement in Montreal.
Brazilian model Kelly Piquet is a successful social media influencer, with over two million followers on her Instagram account.
She is also the partner of four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen, and the pair have recently welcomed their first child into the world, with baby Lily Piquet-Verstappen joining the family.
But the pair have actually been together since 2020, making their relationship public in 2021, and Piquet has been seen at various F1 races since then.
Here are five things that you might not know about the 36-year-old, as she confirmed to publication SELFIE in a recent exclusive interview.
Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen have been together since 2020
Find out more about Kelly Piquet
When asked by the above publication to give readers five pieces of information that they might not know about her, Piquet decided to skip over her career as a model and influencer, as well as her relationship with Verstappen.
Instead, she focused on some food choices: “I like hamburgers much more than pizza,” she revealed, before moving onto point number two: “I love bread with butter and jam.”
While those first two won’t exactly excite her plethora of followers, she then started to give a little bit more away in her next few points.
“3. I’m terrified of flying. People know I travel a lot, but I’m really scared of flying.
“4. I’m crazy about hand creams. I carry I don’t know how many creams in my bag.
“5. I love reading horoscopes and star signs… I follow them very closely… As soon as my two daughters were born, I started reading them straight away and I love them.”
Is Sebastian Vettel Set to Replace Helmut Marko at Red Bull? A Major Shift Brewing in Formula 1’s Most Successful Junior Program
Red Bull Racing could be on the cusp of a significant transformation as rumors swirl about Sebastian Vettel potentially stepping into a key leadership role within the Austrian outfit. For years, Helmut Marko — the veteran Austrian who has been the mastermind behind Red Bull’s meteoric rise in Formula 1 — has managed the team’s junior driver program with ruthless efficiency. Now, as Marko’s twilight years approach, the four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel is emerging as a strong contender to take over Marko’s influential position.
The Unfolding Scenario
At first glance, Vettel’s transition from driver to team advisor might seem unusual, but a deeper look reveals it could be the perfect fit. Vettel retired from Formula 1 with immense respect, yet he has openly admitted that he misses the thrill of racing. However, his next role in F1 likely won’t involve racing — instead, it might see him shaping the future of the sport from behind the scenes.
This potential appointment has gained further traction after Vettel completed a specialized four-day course at Harvard Business School aimed at agents and managers. While the program’s brief duration may raise eyebrows, the fact that Vettel took the initiative to pursue formal education in management signals his serious intent to carve out a meaningful post-racing career. The certificate from Harvard is a clear indicator that Vettel wants to approach his next chapter professionally and thoughtfully.
Why Vettel Fits the Role
Helmut Marko’s role is pivotal — he is more than just an advisor; he’s a talent scout, mentor, and strategic overseer of Red Bull’s junior driver program, which has produced champions like Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo. Marko’s influence has extended to guiding young drivers through the pressures of F1, balancing performance with personal development.
Vettel is no stranger to this world. Throughout his career, he has been a vocal ambassador for the sport, admired for his strategic mind and calm demeanor under pressure. Since retiring, he’s been involved in nurturing young talents, including female karting drivers in Saudi Arabia, indicating his passion for developing the next generation.
Marko himself has endorsed Vettel as the ideal successor, praising his understanding of motor racing and leadership skills. Marko has even stated that Vettel would only need a couple of races to get up to speed in managing the driver program, a testament to his readiness and capability.
What Could Vettel Bring to Red Bull?
One of the most significant shifts Vettel could introduce is a more empathetic and supportive approach to driver management. Red Bull has historically been known for its high-pressure environment — a “perform or perish” culture that has seen talented drivers struggle to live up to the expectations set by Max Verstappen’s dominance. The likes of Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly faced immense pressure, with inconsistent performances often resulting in rapid demotions.
Vettel’s outlook on driver welfare contrasts sharply with some existing perspectives within the team. For example, Helmut Marko recently commented on Lando Norris’s mental health struggles, suggesting they might cost him a championship. Vettel, on the other hand, praised Norris’s openness and resilience, viewing him as a role model. This mindset could foster a more nurturing environment, helping drivers unlock their full potential without the crippling fear of immediate failure.
The Internal Dynamics at Red Bull
While the potential handover from Marko to Vettel appears smooth on the surface, it coincides with whispers of internal power struggles within Red Bull. Reports suggest that tensions between Marko and other key figures, such as team principal Christian Horner, have been simmering. Horner’s strong relationship with Vettel might be influencing this change behind the scenes, positioning Vettel as a preferred figure to lead the junior program into the future.
Marko, who is now well into his 80s, remains actively involved in races and the junior program, but it’s clear that a succession plan is needed. His legacy includes discovering and developing drivers like Vettel himself, Ricciardo, Verstappen, Albon, and others. His honesty and straightforward style have been both praised and criticized, but no one can deny his effectiveness.
Max Verstappen has publicly expressed loyalty to Marko, once warning that if Marko were removed from his position, he might consider leaving the sport. This illustrates how integral Marko remains to the team’s cohesion and culture — any replacement would have to navigate these strong internal relationships carefully.
Could Vettel Change Red Bull’s Driver Program Philosophy?
Vettel’s potential appointment could mean a shift away from Red Bull’s sometimes harsh approach toward its junior drivers. The current model emphasizes immediate results and ruthlessly cutting those who do not perform instantly, as was evident with Liam Lawson’s swift demotion after just two underwhelming races.
If Vettel assumes leadership, he might look to balance performance expectations with individual driver development, possibly adjusting car setups to better suit different driving styles, rather than heavily favoring the lead driver, Verstappen. The struggles of Sergio Pérez and Liam Lawson to adapt to Red Bull’s car hint that a more flexible approach could yield better results from a broader pool of talent.
The Road Ahead
For Red Bull, the decision to pass the torch from Marko to Vettel represents more than just a change of personnel — it could signify an evolution in how the team nurtures its future champions. With Vettel’s racing pedigree, global profile, and fresh perspective, he could bring a new era of driver management that balances competitive ruthlessness with psychological support and personalized coaching.
However, stepping into Marko’s shoes won’t be easy. The junior program is a massive undertaking, with numerous young drivers competing for a limited number of F1 seats. Vettel would need to quickly establish authority and navigate the complex internal politics of the team, as well as the broader F1 landscape.
Still, with his recent management training and strong relationships within the sport, Vettel appears well-prepared for this challenge. Whether Red Bull officially announces his appointment remains to be seen, but the signs point toward a future where Vettel could play a vital role in shaping the next generation of Formula 1 champions.
What Do You Think?
Is Sebastian Vettel the right person to take over Helmut Marko’s role at Red Bull? Could his leadership style revolutionize the junior program, creating a more supportive environment that helps young talents thrive? Or is this a risky move that might disrupt the current balance within the team?
Inside Ferrari’s Turmoil: How Hamilton’s Defense of Vasseur Could Shape the Team’s Future
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, where milliseconds decide glory or failure, Ferrari’s 2025 season has become a storm of uncertainty, tension, and looming upheaval. Once the undisputed powerhouse of racing, the legendary Italian outfit now finds itself grappling not only with a disappointing car and a winless run but with internal chaos that threatens to dismantle the very foundations of its future.
A Team in Crisis
The 2025 season has been nothing short of a nightmare for Ferrari. The much-anticipated SF25, designed to restore the team’s dominance, has struggled miserably against rivals like McLaren and Aston Martin. Strategy errors have repeatedly cost precious points, and the press has been flooded with leaks exposing cracks behind the scenes.
Whispers in the paddock have evolved into open discussions about drastic changes. At the heart of the turmoil is Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, who faces increasing pressure from the boardroom. Reports from Italy suggest that Vasseur could be dismissed within days—an extraordinary move, given the investment and trust placed in him just weeks into the season.
This internal strife isn’t just about a series of poor race results. It signals a deeper fracture in Ferrari’s management and leadership. The SF25’s underperformance has sparked a growing rift among key figures, with some still backing Vasseur’s long-term vision, while others demand immediate action and a change in direction.
Montreal: The Crucible of Ferrari’s Future
All eyes now turn to the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a circuit notorious for demanding flawless execution from both car and team. For Ferrari, this race is more than just a battle for points—it is a potential turning point that could define the team’s trajectory for the rest of the season and beyond.
Mistakes here would not only exacerbate the growing doubts about Vasseur’s leadership but could also accelerate his exit. Sources close to Ferrari’s inner circle reveal that plans to replace the team principal are already in motion, underscoring just how dire the situation has become.
Hamilton’s Unexpected Intervention
Amidst this turmoil, a surprising voice has emerged: Lewis Hamilton. In a press conference that caught everyone off guard, the seven-time world champion broke his silence on the swirling rumors surrounding Vasseur. Rather than joining the chorus of criticism, Hamilton issued a bold defense, declaring, “Fred’s not the problem; he’s the plan.”
These words carry significant weight. Hamilton isn’t just defending a colleague; he’s advocating for patience and stability in a team desperate for both. His statement challenges the prevailing narrative of quick fixes and scapegoating. Instead, it points to a larger issue—the instability and lack of faith from Ferrari’s upper management.
Hamilton’s defense highlights the risks of constant upheaval. Having experienced dynasties built on trust and consistency, he knows firsthand how premature changes can destroy a team’s potential. In his view, Vasseur represents continuity and the slow, difficult path to rebuilding Ferrari’s former glory.
The Boardroom Battle
Hamilton’s public support for Vasseur has added a new dimension to Ferrari’s internal power struggle. It has shifted conversations from “Can Fred fix this?” to “What influence does Hamilton have?” With such a high-profile endorsement, Hamilton is no longer just a driver but a key player in Ferrari’s political chess game.
The split inside Ferrari’s boardroom has never been more apparent. Some executives back Vasseur’s vision, influenced in part by Hamilton’s unwavering stance, while others push for immediate leadership change. This tug-of-war could redefine the team’s structure, strategy, and even its star driver lineup moving forward.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s homegrown talent and once the undisputed centerpiece of their future, now faces the challenge of navigating a team where Hamilton’s clout is rapidly growing. How this dynamic evolves may well determine not just who leads Ferrari, but how the team rebuilds itself.
Stakes Beyond Racing
The Canadian Grand Prix is more than a race; it’s a litmus test for Ferrari’s strategy and identity. A strong performance could validate Hamilton’s defense of Vasseur, suggesting that patience and belief in the current leadership can pay off. It might calm the storm in the boardroom and restore a fragile sense of unity.
Conversely, failure in Montreal could spell disaster. If Ferrari’s strategy falters or the SF25 continues to underperform, the call for change will become deafening. In that scenario, Hamilton’s outspoken loyalty might backfire, seen by some as defiance against the board and a driver overstepping his role.
Either way, the stakes have never been higher. The outcome of this weekend’s race could decide the fate of a team struggling not only for wins but for cohesion and clear direction.
Hamilton’s Real Game: Loyalty or Leadership?
Beyond the surface, Hamilton’s defense of Vasseur reveals a deeper game at play. With years of experience inside Formula 1’s most powerful teams, Hamilton understands the delicate balance of politics, power, and performance.
By publicly backing Vasseur, Hamilton may be staking a claim as more than just a driver. He’s positioning himself as a leader, a stabilizing voice amid chaos, and possibly a key influencer in Ferrari’s future direction. His words were not just emotional—they were strategic.
Is Hamilton simply showing loyalty to a colleague, or is he maneuvering to shape Ferrari’s future from within? This question adds an intriguing layer to the drama unfolding at Maranello.
What’s Next for Ferrari?
As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, Ferrari stands at a crossroads. The team’s next moves could either preserve a fragile foundation or force a dramatic reset. Will they rally behind Vasseur and Hamilton’s call for stability, or will impatience and internal conflict trigger sweeping changes?
What’s clear is that Ferrari’s story this season isn’t just about cars or drivers—it’s about leadership, resilience, and the fight to protect a legacy that means more than just championships.
For fans and insiders alike, the upcoming weeks promise to be some of the most compelling and decisive in recent memory. Ferrari’s fate is on the line, and the world is watching.
Aston Martin F1 star Lance Stroll has provided an update on his health ahead of his home race in Montreal.
Stroll confirmed in a statement earlier this week that he would be able to take part in the Canadian Grand Prix, having had to miss the Spanish GP due to feeling pain in his hand and wrist, a legacy from a nasty cycling incident in 2023.
The 26-year-old competed in qualifying in Spain, but then had to withdraw from the race, meaning Aston Martin had to contest the race with just one car due to FIA rules.
However, Stroll is confident that won’t be the case again in Canada, providing an update on his ‘brutal’ injury to the media, and revealing that he is feeling much better.
“It’s good to be here. It’s good to be home, racing in Montreal, the wrist is feeling good,” he said in an official FIA press conference during Thursday’s media day.
When asked how confident he was that there wouldn’t be a recurrence of the problem he suffered in Spain, Stroll replied positively: “Pretty confident. Should be good.”
The 26-year-old further explained his pain and the subsequent procedure he underwent, saying: “It was bothering me for a few weeks, over in Imola, Monaco, and then Barcelona was just really brutal throughout the weekend. I got a procedure done and drove this week, and I was feeling pretty good, so I’m confident.
“It was just the old injury that I had a couple years ago. Just started to bug me again, so just got it sorted.
“I’m feeling good about the weekend for sure. I think historically we’ve been good here as a team. We scored points here the last few times we came, and it’s a track I always enjoy coming back to. So yeah, just looking forward to it,” he concluded.
Aston Martin grateful for Stroll F1 return
Aston Martin will be mightily relieved to see Stroll back, and not just because they want to ensure they have two drivers in their cars to try and better their current ninth-place constructors’ championship position.
Lance Stroll will return at the Canadian GP
Stroll has scored 14 of the team’s 16 points so far in 2025 and has been carrying the team’s hopes at most race weekends due to Fernando Alonso’s poor early season form.
On top of this, Stroll’s return has prevented the team from having an almighty driver lineup headache due to the commitments of others.
Both of their test and reserve drivers – Stoffel Vandoorne and Felipe Drugovich – are due to compete in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race this weekend, whilst young driver Jak Crawford does not have enough points on his super licence to be able to compete in F1.
However, that will no longer be an issue, with Stroll and Alonso both set to take to the track in Montreal, with Stroll in particular looking to put on a show in front of his home fans.
Max Verstappen has been involved in yet another heated Sky Sports exchange, this time with F1 pundit Ted Kravitz.
Verstappen and Kravitz have had their fair share of awkward moments in the past, with the Dutchman boycotting Sky Sports at the 2022 Mexican Grand Prix after Kravitz said Lewis Hamilton was ‘robbed’ of the 2021 title.
The four-time world champion has also taken issue with other Sky Sports pundits in more recent times, with Rachel Brookes on the receiving end of a feisty post-race interview from the 27-year-old at the Spanish GP last time out.
That happened following a dramatic incident at the Barcelona race, when Verstappen appeared to intentionally crash into Mercedes star George Russell, something which landed him a 10-second time penalty, and three penalty points.
In the lead-up to the incident in Barcelona, Verstappen had become frustrated after being asked on team radio to give fourth place back to Russell, following a previous incident in which the Dutchman had ventured off-track.
However, in the aftermath of the race, FIA stewards confirmed Verstappen did not need to give the position back to Russell, ruling that no further action would be taken.
Verstappen was asked by Kravitz whether he would be talking to the person currently conducting sporting director duties at Red Bull, Stephen Knowles, about the decision to let Russell through.
That question led to a heated exchange, with Verstappen clearly not happy with Kravitz for singling out Knowles.
“I think it’s not really nice to try and single out a person to be honest,” the champion said. “Because that’s never the case so I think we just look at it as a team, we always can do better, and that’s also how we look at it in Barcelona, but it’s not fair to single out one single person.” Max Verstappen and Ted Kravitz endured a tense exchange in Canada
Kravitz then attempted to defend his question, suggesting he was talking about Knowles because he is a well-recognised member of the team who has replaced Jonathan Wheatley and sits on the pit wall, but Verstappen was still not happy.
“Well I do not need to discuss that anyway here. If we can ever look at things we can do better then we do that like every other team, but I’m not going to stand here in front of the camera and say who was at fault exactly, we all live and learn.”
Verstappen on best behaviour in Canada
While tense interviews have become a habit for Verstappen in recent weeks as he tries to keep his championship challenge alive, the Dutchman will need to be faultless on the track in Canada.
Not only is he now 49 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, but Verstappen is also now just one penalty point away from triggering an automatic one-race ban.
FIA rules state that if a driver picks up 12 penalty points in 12 months, they will receive a ban, and Verstappen is currently on 11 with the first two of those not set to expire until June 30.
It means he has to survive both the Canadian and Austrian grands prix without picking up anymore penalty points, with a race ban likely to be fatal to his chances of challenging for a fifth consecutive world title at this stage.
Ferrari at a Crossroads: Could Le Mans Legend Antonello Coletta Be the Next F1 Team Boss?
In a season packed with expectation and faltering results, Ferrari’s Formula 1 operation finds itself staring down a familiar but no less critical question: stick or twist? With the team trailing second-place McLaren by a staggering 197 points in the Constructors’ Championship just nine races into the 2025 campaign, pressure is mounting on current team principal Frédéric Vasseur. And, in a surprising twist, reports suggest that Ferrari may be looking not to the traditional F1 pipeline for a replacement—but to their Le Mans-winning endurance chief, Antonello Coletta.
The Crisis at Maranello
Coming into 2025, Ferrari looked poised for resurgence. A redesigned SF-25 car, powered by a hybrid system optimized for efficiency and top-end speed, was coupled with a dream driver pairing: Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque hometown hero, and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Vasseur, entering his second full year in charge, had the benefit of continuity and a bolstered technical department behind him.
But reality has not matched expectation. Technical issues with the SF-25—especially surrounding its new pull-rod front suspension—have undermined performance across multiple race weekends. Persistent ride height inconsistencies and a rear suspension that struggles under certain aerodynamic loads have left Ferrari unable to consistently challenge Red Bull or the resurgent McLaren.
The triple-header of Canada, Austria, and Silverstone could prove pivotal. These three races, each testing different aspects of the car’s performance—ride stability in Montreal, engine power in Austria, and mechanical grip at Silverstone—will offer a litmus test of whether Ferrari’s 2025 season can be salvaged.
Internal Pressure and External Rumors
According to Corriere della Sera, Ferrari’s upper management—led by chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna—has grown increasingly restless. While the official word from Maranello calls the rumors of Vasseur’s potential ouster “fantasy,” insiders note that the pattern bears an eerie resemblance to the late 2022 shakeup that saw Mattia Binotto removed.
Despite the mounting pressure, key figures within Ferrari remain supportive of Vasseur. Hamilton has spoken out in his defense, stating, “Fred is the main reason I’m here. It’s not nice to read these stories.” Leclerc, too, voiced his backing, urging unity and patience. But public support and boardroom confidence are not always aligned in F1—and Ferrari’s leadership is known for acting decisively, sometimes ruthlessly, when the headlines turn sour.
Enter Antonello Coletta
So who is Antonello Coletta, and why is his name suddenly being mentioned as a candidate to take over one of the most high-pressure roles in motorsport?
Coletta is the architect of Ferrari’s stunning return to endurance racing success. Under his leadership, the 499P Hypercar has not only competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans—it has dominated. Ferrari claimed back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024 and leads the 2025 WEC standings with three wins already this season.
He is, in every sense, a proven winner. Calm under pressure, technically fluent, and fiercely analytical, Coletta has restored Ferrari’s reputation in long-distance racing. More importantly, he’s built a program that thrives on stability, precision, and measured progress—qualities Ferrari’s F1 team has too often lacked.
The question is whether those skills translate to the ultra-reactive world of Formula 1, where engineering timelines are tighter, media scrutiny unrelenting, and political games far more complex.
A Clash of Philosophies
Frédéric Vasseur, with prior stints at ART Grand Prix, Renault, and Alfa Romeo, is no stranger to F1’s inner workings. His experience managing multi-faceted organizations and navigating the intricate web of F1 politics gives him an edge in the short term. His defenders point out that he is building for the long haul, particularly as Ferrari gears up for the sweeping regulation changes of 2026.
Sources close to the team say Project 678—the code name for Ferrari’s 2026 car—is already deep in development, with cutting-edge simulation work, a lighter chassis design, and revamped suspension geometry. Vasseur’s fingerprints are all over it, and removing him mid-season could risk derailing a program critical to Ferrari’s long-term ambitions.
But Coletta represents something different. A fresh approach. A break from the traditional F1 carousel of team bosses. His potential appointment could mark a strategic integration of Ferrari’s racing divisions—endurance and F1—something that could bring cohesion and cross-disciplinary innovation to Maranello’s broader motorsport effort.
What’s at Stake
If Ferrari does replace Vasseur with Coletta, the implications are enormous. Hamilton may feel destabilized, having chosen Ferrari in part due to his strong working relationship with Vasseur. Leclerc, meanwhile, could hesitate to commit long-term if the team appears directionless.
From a technical standpoint, a new boss mid-season could shift philosophies, interrupt development cycles, or cause friction among key personnel. Project 678, despite its promise, could lose the momentum built under Vasseur’s tenure.
On the other hand, Ferrari’s window to strike in 2026 is narrow. Red Bull and Mercedes are both expected to be formidable once again, and McLaren’s rise has added another layer of competitive tension. If Ferrari feels that bold leadership is required to maximize this opportunity, they may view Coletta as a necessary gamble.
The Bigger Picture
This is about more than just wins and podiums—it’s about the direction of Ferrari’s racing DNA. Do they stay the course with Vasseur, betting on stability and long-term planning? Or do they pivot to Coletta, hoping that his golden touch in endurance racing can spark a similar revival in F1?
Ferrari fans have seen this drama before. Team bosses come and go. Promises of long-term vision give way to short-term panic. But what sets 2025 apart is the looming 2026 revolution. Ferrari’s choice now will shape their competitive future for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Frédéric Vasseur: steady, experienced, and aligned with Ferrari’s 2026 vision. Antonello Coletta: a proven winner, respected, and perhaps the bold change Ferrari needs.
As the red cars head to Canada, Austria, and Silverstone, the next few weeks may write the script for Ferrari’s next chapter. Is continuity the key to unlocking glory—or is it time to embrace disruption?
Only one thing is certain: the world will be watching.
Ferrari in Crisis: Leclerc’s Montreal Crash and the Weekend That Could Shape Their Season
What just happened in Montreal has left Ferrari not just shaken—but deeply stunned. In a moment that could define not just a race weekend but potentially Ferrari’s entire Formula 1 campaign, Charles Leclerc suffered a crash during Free Practice 1 (FP1) at the Canadian Grand Prix that sent shockwaves through the paddock. And while the accident itself might not have appeared catastrophic at first glance, its ripple effects are enormous, affecting both Leclerc’s and Lewis Hamilton’s weekends and threatening to derail Ferrari’s fragile 2025 momentum.
Let’s unpack everything—what happened, what it means, and where Ferrari goes from here.
The Crash That Changed Everything
It was early in FP1 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a fast, tight, and punishing track that rewards aggression but severely punishes misjudgment. Charles Leclerc, ever the razor-edged talent, entered Turn 3 with just a fraction too much speed. A lock-up followed, he ran wide over the chicane, and what initially seemed like a manageable off quickly turned into something far more severe: the Ferrari SF-25 clipped the wall.
No red flags. No dramatic crash visuals. But beneath the surface, the damage was serious.
When Ferrari rolled the car back into the garage, the engineers made a grim discovery—the survival cell had been compromised. For those unfamiliar, this is the car’s monocoque—the structural shell designed to protect the driver in severe impacts. Under FIA regulations, any damage to this part mandates a full chassis change. It’s not repairable. That means a complete rebuild of the car and the loss of significant track time.
Ferrari confirmed Leclerc would not run in FP2. And just like that, the team’s weekend was turned on its head.
Why It’s Worse Than It Looks
Missing an entire practice session is brutal for any driver, but at a circuit like Montreal—where precision and confidence are critical—it’s borderline disastrous. With just one hour left in FP3 before qualifying, Leclerc will be flying blind. No race simulations, no long-run pace analysis, no tire comparison data—nothing. He’ll go into qualifying with a car that’s had minimal setup time and a completely rebuilt chassis.
And this setback doesn’t just impact Leclerc.
In a modern F1 team like Ferrari, both drivers play a crucial role in gathering data and refining car setup. Lewis Hamilton, still adapting to life in red and hunting for his first win of the season, now bears the full burden of data collection. Every tire compound test, every balance tweak, every fuel load experiment—Hamilton must do it all, alone.
Martin Brundle, speaking during FP2 coverage, summed it up perfectly: “That was actually a big crash in terms of damage. It compromises Lewis and Charles through the weekend.”
The Bigger Picture: Ferrari Under Pressure
This couldn’t come at a worse time for Ferrari.
The team has struggled in 2025. Winless so far, they trail McLaren by nearly 200 points in the Constructors’ Championship. While Leclerc has shown glimpses of brilliance and Hamilton has brought renewed optimism, the results haven’t come. Canada was supposed to be a bounce-back weekend—a circuit that could suit their package, offering a much-needed reset.
Now? It’s a salvage mission.
Leclerc must somehow find rhythm, confidence, and pace in just one hour of running before qualifying. That’s a Herculean task, even for someone with his raw speed and talent. As for Hamilton, the pressure is mounting. With Leclerc out of FP2, his car setup becomes the foundation for Ferrari’s entire weekend. That means more risk, more responsibility, and less room for error.
Strategic Chaos and Engineering Strain
This crash doesn’t just affect the drivers. Ferrari’s engineers are now under immense strain. With one car out of action for most of Friday, the workload on the remaining car doubles. Every experimental setup change, every strategy simulation, now rides on Hamilton’s shoulders.
And this is where the real danger lies. Ferrari will now approach FP3 as their one and only full-session test. Any issues—be it a mechanical gremlin, unexpected rain, or a red flag—could leave them flying blind into qualifying. The margin for error has evaporated.
The Hamilton Factor
While this crash didn’t involve Lewis Hamilton directly, its impact on him might be the bigger story. Now in his first season with Ferrari, Hamilton came to Montreal with renewed confidence after recent solid performances. This weekend could have been his breakout moment in red—a chance to stake a claim as the team’s primary threat.
Instead, he’s carrying the full weight of Ferrari’s hopes.
It’s an opportunity—but a perilous one. He must deliver precision feedback, make bold but informed setup decisions, and prepare both himself and the team for qualifying and the race based on incomplete data. If he gets it right, it could be the turning point of his Ferrari career. If not, it risks compounding Ferrari’s growing woes.
Leclerc’s Uphill Battle
Let’s not forget Leclerc’s side of this story. He’s not just dealing with a crash and a missed session. He’s dealing with the psychological blow of a rare misjudgment—one that has serious implications for the team’s weekend. He now must rebuild confidence, adapt to a completely rebuilt chassis, and deliver a qualifying lap worthy of the front rows with less prep time than anyone else on the grid.
That’s a tall order, even for someone as gifted as Leclerc.
But Leclerc thrives under pressure. We’ve seen him bounce back before. The question is, can he do it again, and do it fast enough to keep Ferrari in the game?
What Happens Now?
All eyes now turn to FP3 and qualifying. For Ferrari, every minute of remaining track time is now gold dust. They must maximize setup development, nail their tire strategy, and pray for no further issues.
If Leclerc can rediscover his edge and Hamilton can shoulder the data burden with precision, Ferrari might yet turn this weekend into something respectable. But it’s a steep climb—and the hill is slippery.
Montreal just reminded everyone why Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport: unforgiving, unpredictable, and endlessly dramatic.
And for Ferrari, the next 24 hours might define their entire season.
Not only did Charles Leclerc miss all of first practice after crashing early in the session, but he was unable to drive his Ferrari in the second session of the day because of one lesser-known Formula 1 rule
Charles Leclerc suffered a double blow in Montreal(Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Charles Leclerc is set to miss the second free practice session at the Canadian Grand Prix. That is the unfortunate result of his crash in FP1 earlier on Friday which saw him cause significant damage to his Ferrari.
It damaged both the wheels on the left side of his car and also some of the bodywork. And, crucially, Ferrari mechanics discovered that the impact also damaged the chassis itself, meaning the team’s spare chassis would have been needed if Leclerc was to head out on track in the second session of the day.
But, as team principal Frederic Vasseur said in the press conference held between the two practice sessions, that would be against the rules. And so Leclerc was forced to miss virtually all the running on Friday.
Vasseur said: “When I left the garage, we think that we damaged the chassis and we won’t be able to do FP2, by regulation. We need to do some checks, but I think it’s over for today for Charles.”
The regulation the Frenchman was referring to is the rule which prevents teams from building up too much of their space chassis before it is needed. As part of that regulation, it is clear that an individual chassis will not be homologated by the FIA until the following day.
And if that scrutineering process is not completed, then the chassis cannot be used. That means Leclerc was forced to sit out the second practice session on Friday and will be playing catch up for the rest of his weekend to his rivals who have had almost two hours more behind the wheel than him.
Leclerc was fortunately uninjured as a result of the crash and was quick to jump on the radio and accept responsibility for the crash. “I’m in the wall,” he said, before adding: “Yeah, my bad, I should have gone straight. I thought I would just make it but I clipped the wall.”
The crash saw practice stopped immediately as the damaged Ferrari came to rest in the middle of the track after hitting the barrier. There was a brief pause in proceedings as the stricken car was recovered and the circuit cleared of debris before practice was allowed to resume.
Charles Leclerc crash his Ferrari(Image: Sky Sports)
Max Verstappen topped the timesheets at the end of that first session of the day. Behind him were the two Williams cars with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon proving that the layout of the Montreal track is likely to suit them this weekend.
Unusually, both McLaren cars were outside the top six with Lando Norris seventh fastest and Oscar Piastri some way down the timesheets in 14th. But they were testing a new front wing which the team has brought with them this weekend and so their times are unlikely to be representative of their true pace.
George Russell’s Future at Mercedes Under Threat as Max Verstappen Looms
George Russell finds himself navigating increasingly murky waters with Mercedes. The British driver’s future at the Brackley-based squad is hanging in the balance, especially as contract talks remain unresolved. The looming question now is: could Max Verstappen’s potential availability from 2026 onwards pose an even bigger threat to Russell’s position in the team?
The Competitive Landscape for Mercedes from 2026
Mercedes is well aware that the 2026 Formula 1 regulations promise to shake up the grid drastically. New technical rules will level the playing field, giving rival teams an opportunity to close the gap or even surpass the dominant Brackley outfit. Against this backdrop, Mercedes is strategically exploring options to maintain its edge.
The possibility of Verstappen becoming available, either due to internal turmoil at Red Bull or his personal ambitions, is something Mercedes cannot afford to ignore. Rumors linking Verstappen to Mercedes have circulated for some time, with recent statements from Russell himself fueling speculation that a major driver reshuffle could be imminent.
Russell’s Position Is Not Guaranteed
George Russell has openly acknowledged the precarious nature of his spot at Mercedes. He stated, “No, my position in Mercedes is not safe, but if I stay with them next year, it will be my fifth year with the team. Nobody knows when their time will come; you just have to keep performing consistently and delivering. What happens then, only time will tell.”
Such honesty from Russell signals an awareness that Mercedes could look elsewhere if the right opportunity presents itself. Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has made it clear he values his drivers but has also hinted that the team will not hesitate to pursue Verstappen should the Dutchman become available.
Verstappen: The Hottest Commodity on the Market
Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, is arguably the most coveted driver on the grid. Despite recent rumors about Carlos Sainz’s dissatisfaction at Ferrari, Verstappen remains the primary focus for teams like Mercedes. The Dutchman has an infamous exit clause in his Red Bull contract, which keeps his options open and rivals alert.
Internal changes within Red Bull have reportedly unsettled Verstappen. The departure of key personnel such as Newey, Corrane, and Weekly in recent months has raised questions about the team’s long-term stability. Verstappen has publicly stated that his priorities have shifted from chasing titles to finding comfort and stability within his team environment. If Red Bull can no longer provide that, Mercedes could become a highly attractive alternative.
The Impact of 2026 Regulations
The 2026 technical regulations promise a significant reshuffle in Formula 1’s competitive order. Verstappen, known for his exceptional talent, will need a team that offers dominance and reliability under the new rules. Mercedes, with its engineering prowess and resources, could be that team.
This scenario puts George Russell in a challenging position. While he has proven himself capable—winning races even when the car was not the fastest and consistently qualifying well—he still faces stiff competition from Verstappen’s pedigree and reputation.
Toto Wolff’s Balancing Act
Toto Wolff is walking a tightrope. On one hand, he recognizes the potential in young drivers like Russell and the highly rated junior, Oscar Piastri (Antonelli’s teammate). On the other hand, the prospect of signing Verstappen, a proven champion and generational talent, is too enticing to ignore.
Wolff has stated, “So far, we are happy with the lineup we want to take into the future.” However, industry insiders and pundits remain skeptical, knowing that when a better driver becomes available, even the most committed teams will explore every option.
Russell’s Response and Career Outlook
Russell understands the business reality of Formula 1. He has referenced the careers of champions like Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, and Michael Schumacher to illustrate that success does not always come immediately or continuously. Alonso, for example, won two titles early but never reached ten as many expected. Schumacher took five years to win his first Ferrari championship.
This perspective suggests Russell is prepared for the ups and downs that come with racing at a top team. Still, he must stay alert to the evolving situation at Mercedes, especially with Verstappen’s possible availability.
The Role of Mercedes’ Communications Team
Bradley Lord, Mercedes’ Chief of Communications, has emphasized that contract discussions with Russell are not rushed. He noted, “He is fully focused on performance, and when the time is right, discussions will happen.” This statement buys time for Mercedes to explore all avenues without unsettling their current driver lineup prematurely.
The Wider F1 Driver Market Implications
If Verstappen leaves Red Bull, the ripple effect across the driver market will be profound. Russell might need to consider alternatives, including teams like Aston Martin, which has denied rumors but is known to keep its options open behind closed doors.
Mercedes, meanwhile, could leverage Ferrari’s internal struggles, potentially attracting other top talents or even enticing Carlos Sainz, whose future at Ferrari appears uncertain.
Martin Brundle’s Take on the Situation
Former Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle has weighed in, saying, “If Verstappen becomes available, I’d be worried for Russell.” Brundle highlights the presence of emerging talents like Antonelli as the future of Mercedes but acknowledges that Wolff won’t miss a chance to sign Verstappen twice.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Game of Musical Chairs
The next few years promise to be a thrilling period for Formula 1 fans and insiders alike. George Russell, a talented and promising driver, faces uncertainty amid the potential arrival of Max Verstappen at Mercedes. Whether Russell remains the team’s lead driver or is displaced by the Dutch superstar depends on many factors, including contractual negotiations, team dynamics, and the new technical regulations.
What is clear is that Mercedes will seek to remain at the pinnacle of the sport by any means necessary. For Russell, the message is simple: continue performing at the highest level and be ready for anything. As for Verstappen, his next move could trigger one of the biggest driver market shakeups in recent history.
Max Verstappen and Ted Kravitz endured a tense exchange in Canada
