How Kyle Larson can secure the title

Motorsport.com - All - Stories http://au.motorsport.com/ Motorsport.com | Racing News, Race Results - F1, NASCAR, IndyCar and more Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:38:03 +0000 How Kyle Larson can lose the NASCAR Cup championship at Homestead https://au.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/how-kyle-larson-can-lose-the-nascar-cup-championship-at-homestead/10871596/ Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin need near-perfect finales — and significant trouble for Larson — to overcome deficits of 67 and 70 points Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin need near-perfect finales — and significant trouble for Larson — to overcome deficits of 67 and 70 points

A third NASCAR Cup Series championship is directly ahead of Kyle Larson, and he just needs to stay out of trouble at Homestead-Miami Speedway. However, he can still lose it if he's not careful.

Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin face a very narrow path to the title, but there is still a path there.

Larson leads Bell by 67 points and Hamlin by 70, but a driver can score a maximum of 76 points at Homestead, while every starter is awarded one point. Because Larson holds the tiebreaker over both drivers, nine points guarantees him the championship.

For context, keep in mind that Hamlin has never scored more than 43 points over Larson in any race this year (Indianapolis), while Bells' largest gain was 46 point swing at Phoenix.

Here’s what each contender needs at Homestead:

How Kyle Larson can secure the title

If Larson scores eight stage points, he guarantees himself at least nine total points and clinches the championship. He can do that by finishing third in Stage 1 or 2, or as low as seventh in both stages. Larson can clinch the title by finishing 28th or higher, regardless of stage pointsThe fastest-lap bonus reduces either requirement by one point, meaning seven stage points or a 29th-place finish would also be enoughLarson holds the championship tiebreaker over both Bell and Hamlin Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Photo by: Chris Graythen - Getty Images

What Christopher Bell must do if Larson falters

Bell must score at least 14 stage points if he wins the race, unless he also earns the fastest-lap bonusBell must win the race and score at least 14 of a possible 20 stage points, or 13 stage points plus the fastest-lap bonusBell will be eliminated from contention if he doesn't finish eighth or higher in Stage 1None of this matters if Larson finishes 28th or higher, or scores at least eight stage points

What Denny Hamlin must do if Larson falters

Hamlin must score at least 17 stage points if he wins the race, unless he also earns the fastest-lap bonusHamlin must win the race and score at least 17 of a possible 20 stage points, or 16 stage points plus the fastest-lap bonusHamlin will be eliminated from contention if he doesn't finish fifth or higher in Stage 1None of this matters if Larson finishes 28th or higher, or scores at least eight stage points Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing, Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing

Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing, Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing

Photo by: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images

How to earn points

A race win awards 55 pointsRunner-up finisher scores 35 points, decreasing by one for every position until 36th gets one point36th - 40th all score one point eachA stage win awards 10 points, decreasing by one for every position until tenth gets oneThe fastest lap awards one bonus pointRead Also:It's all over but the dog and pony show as Kyle Larson nears third Cup How to watch NASCAR season finale at Homestead: Schedule, start time, entry list, TV Homestead NASCAR Viewer's Guide: Everything you need to know for the season finale]]> 10871596-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:13:26 +0000 Nick DeGroot Signatech exploring options to remain in Hypercar after Alpine/Geely deal falls through https://au.motorsport.com/wec/news/signatech-alpine-exploring-options-to-remain-in-hypercar-after-geely-deal-falls-through/10871832/ The Geely deal may have fallen through but Sinault’s team remains determined to secure its Hypercar future The Geely deal may have fallen through but Sinault’s team remains determined to secure its Hypercar future

Signatech hasn’t given up hope of contesting the 2027 World Endurance Championship with a rebadged version of the Alpine A424, despite negotiations with Geely collapsing at the 11th hour.

Team principal Philippe Sinault says he is considering all options to safeguard the team’s future, with talks continuing at pace with other manufacturers about taking over Renault’s Hypercar programme.

However, Sinault acknowledged that he and the French manufacturer are racing against time to find a suitable buyer, with the deadline for registration for 2027 WEC set for late November.

“We are still fighting. We have until the end of this month to find a solution. So we still have some options, but it's not an easy situation, because time is running out,” Sinault told Motorsport.com.

“We will let you know if [the outcome] will be positive, but we are pushing really, really hard to continue and then to have a good expectation for next year.”

Renault had been in advanced negotiations with Chinese car major Geely since the summer, and Sinault expected to finalise a deal shortly after the Fuji 6 Hours in September.

However, the talks with the company ended abruptly in the first week of October, plunging the future of its factory partner Signatech into doubt.

But Sinault stressed that Geely was never the only option for his team, saying discussions continue with other brands in the hope of securing a last-minute deal.

“Since the announcement in February about Alpine stopping, we talked with some other [manufacturers]. We continue to talk with some of them,” he said.

“When I say we have some options, it's because we continue to talk with some of them.”

He added: “If one of these options wants to help us to compete in WEC in 2027, we are ready.

“My nature is to be positive each morning. We are a strong team, we are ready. It’s still not 23 November. I'm crossing my fingers.”

Philippe Sinault, Alpine Endurance Team

Photo by: Nikolaz Godet

Asked how he would use the time between the end of the 2026 WEC season and the registration deadline later this month, Sinault replied: “To spend each second, minute and hour to find a way to continue.”

Pressed further about rating Signatech’s chances of remaining on the grid, he said: “In my mind, 100%” before adding: “It's difficult to say.

“I want to see my face in the mirror on the 23rd of November to say, I have pushed like hell. We have pushed all together like hell and we will find a good solution, and we are happy with that.”

Sinault wouldn’t be drawn on why the Geely deal did not go through, saying: “You have to ask Geely. We were ready. We are ready to continue in hypercars.

“Geely's decision is Geely's decision. It's not my job to comment on this decision. For sure, it was a really good option. But it's like this.”

Backup options

Should Signatech’s efforts to race in Hypercar next year fail to materialise, Sinault said he would target a comeback in Hypercar the following year.

However, that prospect would also present significant challenges, not least when it comes to retaining engineering and driving talent during a year away from the top class.

“If you want to create a team and if you want to keep the team, you need to have some projects - a strong project. It's the only way to keep the team alive and at a high-level of performance,” he said.

“So my job is to find a strong project. So the reason why they [staff] are so committed to us is because they trust that we are able to find a strong project to continue together.”

A move back to LMP2 in 2026, where Signatech enjoyed considerable success in the past, also remains a possibility, but Sinault stressed that “priority is Hypercar”.

He further clarified that Belgian firm Dumarey Group’s purchase of Renault’s engine facility at Viry does not include Signatech’s operations.

Read Also:WEC title showdown: How Toyota’s two crews can win the crown at Monza Belgian firm to take over Renault/Alpine engine facility in Viry]]> 10871832-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:09:21 +0000 Rachit Thukral Marc Marquez on Qatar GP: 'I would rather be somewhere else' https://au.motorsport.com/motogp/news/marc-marquez-on-qatar-gp-i-would-rather-be-somewhere-else-/10871820/ Marquez plans to spend no more time in Qatar than strictly necessary; Raul Fernandez says the paddock feels tense Marquez plans to spend no more time in Qatar than strictly necessary; Raul Fernandez says the paddock feels tense

MotoGP world championship leader Marc Marquez has admitted he would rather be somewhere other than Doha on the eve of the Qatar Grand Prix.

While the riders now appear fully resigned to racing in the unpopular event this weekend, and some chose to take a positive stance on Thursday's media day, Marquez did not pretend to be happy about being on the fringes of a conflict zone.

During the pre-event press conference, which was sparsely attended due to very few journalists travelling to the event, Marquez was asked if he was worried about being on the ground in Qatar.

"I mean, I would like to be in another place," replied the Spaniard, who could potentially seal the world title on Sunday. "But for that reason, I arrived on the latest flight possible and I will leave on the earliest flight possible.

"But we are here, ready to race and fully concentrated."

Marquez's fellow Spaniard Raul Fernandez said there was a feeling of tension in the paddock. His comments during his Spanish media session offered a different perspective from those of Pedro Acosta and Francesco Bagnaia, who said things felt normal.

Fernandez has been passed fit to take part in the weekend, but his broken index finger remains a question mark. He may still have to adapt his braking and use a different finger, as he did a day after the original accident in Indonesia.

"This is a strange weekend, to be honest," said the Trackhouse Aprilia rider. "I’m not 100% on form, and the situation is a bit tricky. Because the tension we’re all feeling isn’t exactly ideal."

Fernandez said the vibe in the paddock was down to the fact that most people, like Marquez, would prefer to be elsewhere.

Raul Fernandez, Trackhouse Racing

Photo by: Qian Jun / MB Media via Getty Images

"It’s no longer about the pressure you put on them," said the man from Madrid. "In the end, I think it’s the pressure felt by the people who come along and don’t really feel like coming.

"Nothing will happen, but the tension of there being a war going on and you being right in the thick of it… for the people working there, it’s not exactly the ideal atmosphere. Especially when you’re under so much pressure over a weekend.

"I think we’ve been very lucky that things have changed a bit on the political front," he said, likely referring to the results of Tuesday's mid-term election in the United States. "In the end, there isn’t really that much cause for alarm."

]]> 10871820-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:53:47 +0000 Richard Asher How raw talent Rafa Camara feels ahead of 'very surprising' F1 home debut in Brazil https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-raw-diamond-rafa-camara-feels-ahead-of-very-surprising-f1-home-debut-in-brazil/10871810/ Several months ahead of schedule, 2027 Haas Formula 1 debutant Rafa Camara intends to soak in a "very surprising" home debut without succumbing to the Brazilian pressure Several months ahead of schedule, 2027 Haas Formula 1 debutant Rafa Camara intends to soak in a "very surprising" home debut without succumbing to the Brazilian pressure

If Rafa Camara felt any nerves about making his F1 debut earlier than expected, on home soil no less, then he didn't show it.

The Ferrari junior has been drafted in to replace Esteban Ocon at Haas next year, and already starts that journey this weekend after Ocon's high-profile split with the team halfway through the Mexico weekend.

Counting against Camara this weekend, the 21-year-old Brazilian has never driven a 2026 F1 car before with all its quirks, has never raced at Interlagos before and is coming into the weekend with few opportunities to prepare. Camara was actually slated to conduct FP1 for Ferrari, so he had at least completed some simulator work in Maranello.

What's counting for the current F2 championship leader is his immense potential. During a private test with Haas in Portimao, Camara was so quick that regular driver Oliver Bearman struggled to match his times and that blew Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu away enough to hand him the keys for next season. Camara has always been seen as a future star by Ferrari, perhaps the biggest raw talent coming through the driver program but one needing a layer of polish.

Whether or not that varnish has had a chance to set remains to be seen. But in front of throngs of international and local media, both in his print huddle and in the FIA's press conference, the somewhat shy and even-keeled Camara looked anything but overawed by the occasion.

"I was very surprised," Camara said when asked by Motorsport.com about receiving the phone call to jump into the VF-26 this weekend. "Definitely not a place where I would expect to make my debut in Formula 1, but just very happy for the opportunity, very grateful as well for the team to put trust in me this week. So I'm just trying to enjoy the home race and have some fun out there."

A home debut, especially on short notice with little preparation time, is always a baptism of fire. It wasn't all that long ago when recently crowned world champions Kimi Antonelli crashed in Friday practice at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, and was left drained by the attention around his Imola homecoming last season.

Rafael Camara, Haas F1 Team

Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images

"There will be a lot of things going on," Camara acknowledged the surge in media and attention since his drive was announced. "But I think it should be all right. Whatever people are speaking [about] or what's happening outside, it's never been a real problem. I always try to just focus on my side, focus on things that I can control, and whatever is happening outside is not really under my control. So I just really try to go there and do what I know what to do."

What helps is that with a 2027 drive already in the bag, Camara knows he can focus on kickstarting his preparation for next year, rather than feeling the urge to go out and prove himself, or be tempted to do too much.

"I'm just really trying to learn as much as I can," the reigning FIA F3 champion said. "There will be a lot of things going on, but I think on my side I just try to see it as a positive note. Just driving at home is something that I didn't do for a long time. So I'm just really trying to enjoy this weekend and just have some fun. Obviously it will be not easy, but I think what always helps for me is just really focus on my side, focus on my job, and make sure that every time you're learning and moving forwards."

As well as filling his experience back for 2027, Camara is trying to make sure he doesn't forget to stop and soak it in the occasion, too.

"Once I joined F3, where you get more exposed, the support from the Brazilian fans was really big. And it's always been nice to see how much they cheer and how much they support you," he said.

"Just being able to do my first F1 race here in front of everyone, would be something very special. For sure, I'll try to give them a nice weekend."

]]> 10871810-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:27:37 +0000 Filip Cleeren How to watch NASCAR season finale at Homestead: Schedule, start time, entry list, TV https://au.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/how-to-watch-nascar-season-finale-at-homestead-schedule-start-time-entry-list-tv/10871801/ Three NASCAR champions will be crowned this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway Three NASCAR champions will be crowned this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Homestead-Miami Speedway reclaims its spot as the NASCAR season finale for the first time since 2019, crowning the champion for the Cup, O'Reilly, and Craftsman Truck Series.

In Cup, Kyle Larson just needs to stay out of trouble to become champion, holding a 67-point lead over Christopher Bell and a 70-point lead over Denny Hamlin. However, Layne Riggs is just 20 points behind Kaden Honeycutt in the Truck battle, while the O'Reilly Series will feature a true dogdight with five drivers within 42 points of each other. Justin Allgaier leads the way, with Jesse Love 22 points behind.

NASCAR hasn't raced at Homestead in 1.5 years, but Larson won the most recent Cup race there.

In this story, you can find all the information you need to watch all the action at Homestead, from the full weekend schedule to where to watch, and even the full entry list. You can also CLICK HERE for a complete viewer's guide ahead of Homestead.

Recent Headlines

Thursday, November 5

6:30pm EST -- NASCAR Truck Series practice -- NASCAR Channel

Friday, November 6

2:30pm EST -- NASCAR Truck Series qualifying -- FOX SPORTS 2 / FOX ONE

4:00pm EST -- NASCAR O'Reilly Series practice -- ESPN UNLIMITED

5:30pm EST -- NASCAR Cup Series practice -- TRUTV / HBO MAX

7:30pm EST -- NASCAR Truck Series finale -- FOX SPORTS 1 / FOX ONE

Saturday, November 7

1:00pm EST -- NASCAR O'Reilly Series qualifying -- ESPN UNLIMITED

2:30pm EST -- NASCAR Cup Series qualifying -- TRUTV / HBO MAX

5:00pm EST -- NASCAR O'Reilly Series finale -- THE CW / ESPN UNLIMITED

Sunday, November 8

2:00pm EST -- NASCAR Cup finale pre-race show -- NBC

3:00pm EST -- NASCAR Cup Series finale at Homestead -- NBC

Homestead-Miami Speedway

Photo by: Chris Graythen - Getty Images

How can I watch the NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead?

Date: Sunday, November 8Green flag: 3:13pm ESTLaps: 267 lapsStages: 80 / 85 / 102Sets of tires: 9 sets TV channel: NBC | TSN (Canada) | Other international viewing optionsLive stream: NBCRadio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Watch: Race Rewind: Byron reprises fall win at Martinsville

Complete entry list for Homestead NASCAR Cup race

There will be a full field of 40 entries for the NASCAR Cup Series finale. Among the open entries, J.J. Yeley will make his 400th career NASCAR Cup start in the No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet, while Casey Mears finally hits career start 500 in the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet. Chad Finchum is back in the No. 66 'Garage 66' Ford, and Corey Heim returns to drive the No. 67 23XI Racing entry.

No.DriverTeam****Manufacturer 1Ross ChastainTrackhouse RacingChevrolet2Austin Cindric Team PenskeFord3Austin Dillon Richard Childress RacingChevrolet4Noah Gragson Front Row MotorsportsFord5Kyle LarsonHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet6Brad KeselowskiRFK RacingFord7Daniel SuarezSpire MotorsportsChevrolet9Chase ElliottHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet10Ty Dillon Kaulig RacingChevrolet11Denny HamlinJoe Gibbs RacingToyota12Ryan BlaneyTeam PenskeFord16AJ AllmendingerKaulig RacingChevrolet17Chris BuescherRFK RacingFord19Chase BriscoeJoe Gibbs RacingToyota20Christopher BellJoe Gibbs RacingToyota21Josh Berry Wood Brothers RacingFord22Joey LoganoTeam PenskeFord23Bubba Wallace23XI RacingToyota24William ByronHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet33Austin HillRichard Childress RacingChevrolet34Todd GillilandFront Row MotorsportsFord35Riley Herbst23XI RacingToyota38Zane SmithFront Row MotorsportsFord41Cole CusterHaas Factory TeamChevrolet42John Hunter NemechekLegacy Motor ClubToyota43Erik JonesLegacy Motor ClubToyota44JJ YeleyNY Racing Team**Chevrolet45Tyler Reddick23XI RacingToyota47Ricky Stenhouse Jr.Hyak MotorsportsChevrolet48Alex BowmanHendrick MotorsportsChevrolet51Cody Ware Rick Ware RacingChevrolet54Ty GibbsJoe Gibbs RacingToyota60Ryan PreeceRFK RacingFord62Casey MearsBeard MotorsportsChevrolet66**Chad FinchumGarage 66Ford67Corey Heim23XI RacingToyota71Michael McDowellSpire MotorsportsChevrolet77Justin HaleySpire MotorsportsChevrolet88Connor ZilischTrackhouse RacingChevrolet97Shane van GisbergenTrackhouse RacingChevrolet

Open entries italicized

]]> 10871801-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:13:01 +0000 Nick DeGroot Ferrari confirms Charles Leclerc's Brazilian GP schedule after birth of first child https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-confirms-charles-leclercs-brazilian-gp-schedule-after-birth-of-first-child/10871799/ Ferrari has confirmed Charles Leclerc will miss Thursday's media commitments at the Brazilian Grand Prix following the birth of his daughter Ferrari has confirmed Charles Leclerc will miss Thursday's media commitments at the Brazilian Grand Prix following the birth of his daughter

Ferrari has confirmed that Charles Leclerc will miss Thursday's media day ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix following the birth of his first child.

The Monegasque driver and his wife, Alexandra, announced earlier this week that they had welcomed their daughter, Bianca, and Ferrari has now explained what this means for his race weekend in São Paulo.

Drivers' Thursday media commitments are normally mandatory, but an absence like this would be treated as an approved exemption rather than a breach of the regulations.

"Charles has been exempt of attending media activities today in São Paulo, following the birth of his daughter," the team posted on social media.

The Maranello outfit added that Leclerc will arrive at the track in time to take part in the remainder of the race weekend. "He will resume regular track activities from tomorrow morning," Ferrari added.

Leclerc is already due to be replaced by Dino Beganovic in the first practice session as part of the mandatory rookie outings, so Leclerc's first on-track session this weekend will be FP2.

This will be Beganovic's third FP1 session of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The team had initially planned to run Rafael Camara for the practice session. But plans for his practice debut changed when Haas announced he would replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the season.

There are just four rounds remaining in the 2026 season. While Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli claimed his maiden championship title at the Mexican Grand Prix, the fight for second in the standings continues. Leclerc currently sits fifth in the championship, but only 16 points separate the 29-year-old and Red Bull's Max Verstappen in second.

The Brazilian Grand Prix will take place at Interlagos on Sunday 8 November at 2pm local time (5pm UK time).

]]> 10871799-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:12:25 +0000 Lydia Mee Legacy Motor Club adds even more investors, including Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan https://au.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/legacy-motor-club-adds-even-more-investors-including-indy-500-winner-danny-sullivan/10871793/ Legacy Motor Club utilizes an impressive list of investors to form its ownership group and serve as the backbone of the Jimmie Johnson-led team Legacy Motor Club utilizes an impressive list of investors to form its ownership group and serve as the backbone of the Jimmie Johnson-led team

Legacy Motor Club, co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, has added even more investors to its ownership group.

“I wanted to bring together people who know what it takes to build something exceptional and sustain it,” said Johnson in a release from the team. “They’ve competed, created, taken risks and led people. They bring different experiences but share a belief in what LEGACY can become. Winning is the ambition, and this group brings valuable perspective to building the organization that makes it possible.”

Danny Sullivan — Indianapolis 500 winner and CART champion

Ben Lovett — Founding member of Mumford & Sons

Michael Wystrach — Co-Founder of Freshly and Petfolk

Nat Zilkha — Executive Chairman of Gibson, Inc. and Co-Founder of Firebird Music

Tim Headington — Entrepreneur across hospitality, real estate and film

Johnathan Crocker — Co-Founder of Frank August and Thousand Acres

Others: Jim Brown, Ellie Franchitti, Nick Hanauer, John T. McCoy, Bart Proctor, Andy Reiner, Tommaso Sandretto, Richie Schmock, Alex Song, Jamie Tisch

They join an existing group that includes IndyCar legends Dario Franchitt, Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon, country singer Darius Rucker, celebrity chef Guy Fieri, sporting legends Chase Utley and Andy Roddick, and several others.

“Some of the most powerful communities begin with a shared passion,” said Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons. “I’ve experienced that through music and through creating places where people come together. What excites me about LEGACY is the opportunity to help build that sense of connection around racing. There’s an extraordinary world behind the race itself, and so much potential to invite people into it.”

Legacy Motor Club will expand into a three-car organization in 2027. They will field the No. 42 of Josh Berry, the No. 43 of Erik Jones, and the No. 84 of Riley Herbst, while Jimmie Johnson himself will make his final Daytona 500 appearance in the No. 48.

Read Also:Legacy Motor Club announces new investors, including Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan]]> 10871793-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:59:29 +0000 Nick DeGroot Aston Martin knew before Mexico GP it would not finish, Honda brings new countermeasures https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-knew-before-mexico-gp-it-would-not-finish-honda-brings-new-countermeasures/10871785/ Mike Krack admits it was already clear on Sunday morning that it would be extremely difficult for Honda to complete the race at high altitude. The Japanese manufacturer is primarily hoping to learn from the experience for next year Mike Krack admits it was already clear on Sunday morning that it would be extremely difficult for Honda to complete the race at high altitude. The Japanese manufacturer is primarily hoping to learn from the experience for next year

Ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, Honda had already acknowledged that the race weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez – at 2,286 metres above sea level, the highest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar – would be a considerable challenge.

At that point, the main concern was extreme turbo lag, which had already been a problem in Singapore, although Honda added that reliability would also come under pressure.

The latter proved to be the case on both Saturday and Sunday. During qualifying, Fernando Alonso was instructed to park his car in the Foro Sol despite showing highly promising pace, and things did not go much better for Aston Martin during the race. Both Alonso and Lance Stroll were forced to retire after five laps, with what the team described as "abnormal pressure levels in the PU systems".

During the media day ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the final leg of the American triple-header, Honda's chief engineer Shintaro Orihara explains what went wrong.

"I can't explain it in too much detail, but I can give you some ideas. In the race, we have the laps to the grid, that is a kind of unique point. And also in qualifying, we have a tyre preparation lap. We have the same laps in practice, but always in different situations.

"So in those special circumstances our engine behaved a little bit abnormal, not as expected. We got some stress on our ERS cooling from the engine, and then we got some failure on our MGU-K that happened in qualifying and during the race in these special circumstances", Orihara explained.

"That's because of the high-altitude condition in Mexico. Here in Brazil, it’s not the same as in Mexico, but still high altitude. So we are bringing some countermeasures for this event, not only on the hardware side, but also on the software side to improve our robustness in that condition."

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images

Aston Martin's chief trackside engineer Mike Krack reveals that the team already knew before the race that neither car would be able to reach the finish in Mexico.

"Yeah, we knew that a bit earlier than Sunday morning."

Ahead of the Grand Prix, Aston Martin and Honda nevertheless went through various scenarios to see how they could keep the cars running for as long as possible.

"I think you need to be realistic when you prepare, you need to discuss what are the possibilities that you have in the race. There are not many, but there are still a few, so we discussed together what the different levels of escalation could be", Krack said.

"The first one is obviously free air, but then you also have gear usage, you can also turn the power down, there are many options that you have to discuss. We have discussed those thing, but we didn't get that far", Krack said, referring to the fact that each car completed just five laps.

"You have a list of options that you can pull, but we quickly realised that they were insufficient, and then there is nothing you can do."

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images

Although the countermeasures should already improve matters somewhat in Brazil – where the thin air is less of an extreme factor – Honda makes it clear that the learning process is primarily focused on next year. By then, the Japanese manufacturer hopes to make a significant step forward not only in terms of outright performance, but also in terms of reliability.

"That was a hard race for Honda’s side, so I understand how frustrated that event was for the drivers. The learning point is that our engine, in special circumstances, there's some lack of robustness", Orihara admitted.

"So we can always learn something from that type of problem and we bring these learnings back to the factory, to see how we can prevent those things from happening again in the future.

"At this moment our factory is focusing on the 2027 power unit, so we can apply this experience to improve our robustness of next year's engine. That was a tough race for us, but we bring those experiences into next year's engine."

Read Also:The unexpected problem Honda encountered despite its second F1 power unit upgrade How Honda plans a return to being an F1 powerhouse]]> 10871785-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:50:49 +0000 Ronald Vording MotoGP riders open up on controversial Qatar GP: 'I was a bit worried' https://au.motorsport.com/motogp/news/riders-play-nice-at-controversial-motogp-qatar-gp-everything-feels-normal/10871765/ There was no sign of rider resistance on Thursday at Losail, with Pecco Bagnaia and Pedro Acosta taking a friendly stance with the organisers There was no sign of rider resistance on Thursday at Losail, with Pecco Bagnaia and Pedro Acosta taking a friendly stance with the organisers

Following their last-minute arrivals in Doha, top MotoGP riders have adopted a conciliatory tone about this weekend's hotly-debated Qatar Grand Prix.

Given the ongoing conflict in the region, most riders were reluctant to travel to the event, almost resulting in a standoff with series owners MGPSEG. Yamaha's withdrawal from the event and riders adopting a fly-in-late approach made for an unclear situation as Thursday began.

But with the riders now on the ground and fulfilling their media commitments, they are choosing to be positive about the situation - at least in terms of their comments to the press.

While most riders did not reference the unusual circumstances around the race at all, both Pedro Acosta and Francesco Bagnaia offered lines perfect for burying the hatchet with the organisers.

"It's true that I was a bit worried," said factory Ducati rider Bagnaia. "I cannot hide about my feeling about arriving here.

"But I decided to fully trust Dorna [MGPSEG], the organisers, IRTA and the government. I think they are all working for our safety. They have provided us with almost everything we asked for.

"We need to work together. It's better to work together. I think it's the correct thing."

The Italian added that the paddock felt as he had expected and that he was not afraid now that he was in the Gulf nation.

"I was expecting that the atmosphere in the paddock would [be like] normal. I feel that we [don't need to] be afraid of a bombardment here. The only fear we can have is that they close the airport."

Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / Getty Images

KTM factory rider Acosta took a very similar line to that of his Ducati counterpart.

"If they [the organisers] decided at the time to come [here], I understand it was because everything was under control," he said in his Spanish briefing.

"The arrival here was normal," he added in his English interview. "Everything was looking quite normal.

"I understand that if you start to read all the media, maybe you can get quite afraid of everything. But in the end, we have to do what our contractual things say.

"And also, we have to be professional with the championship, with the team and with the brand."

Read Also:What does Yamaha’s shock MotoGP boycott mean for F1 in Qatar and Abu Dhabi?]]> 10871765-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:33:25 +0000 Richard Asher Jorge Martin passed fit to practice at Qatar Grand Prix https://au.motorsport.com/motogp/news/jorge-martin-passed-fit-to-practice-at-qatar-grand-prix/10871714/ While Martin has a final fitness test to pass on Friday morning, two fellow Spaniards have been cleared for the weekend While Martin has a final fitness test to pass on Friday morning, two fellow Spaniards have been cleared for the weekend

Jorge Martin has been declared fit to take part in Free Practice 1 at the Qatar Grand Prix on Friday, giving the Aprilia rider a chance of prolonging his world championship hopes.

Martin broke his wrist at last month's Australian Grand Prix and the ongoing pain forced him to pull out of an attempt to race at the Malaysian Grand Prix last weekend.

Following a brief return to Spain after the Malaysian event, Martin will have another stab at competing at Losail this weekend. But participation beyond FP1 will be subject to a MotoGP medical assessment.

With three race weekends remaining, Martin's hopes of stopping Marc Marquez from claiming an eighth MotoGP title are slim. He faces a 44-point deficit coming into the Qatar weekend, and Marc could seal the championship if he stretches his advantage by 30 points by the end of Sunday's action.

Meanwhile, two other Spaniards have been cleared to take part in the entire weekend at Losail.

Gresini Ducati's Fermin Aldeguer will return to MotoGP action after breaking his hand in Indonesia, while Trackhouse Aprilia rider Raul Fernandez will make another attempt to complete a full weekend following his finger injury at the same race.

Both Fernandez and Aldeguer have been in the injury wars this year. This first-corner incident at Balaton Park was a lowlight for each of them

Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / Getty Images

Fernandez pulled out of both the Australian and Malaysian events after limited running.

A team statement summed up the situation as follows: "Raul Fernandez has completed the medical assessment on his right index finger which was fractured in the Indonesia Sprint race, conducted by the Championship medical team, at Lusail International Circuit and has been declared fit to ride at the Grand Prix of Qatar."

Not present in the Gresini pit will be Fernandez's team-mate, Alex Marquez, who has taken the opportunity to undergo surgery on the right collarbone he broke at Barcelona in May.

Iker Lecuona, who stood in for Aldeguer in Australia and Malaysia, will thus switch to the other side of the garage to take the reins of Marquez's Ducati.

]]> 10871714-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:59:12 +0000 Richard Asher Pedro Acosta signs Monster as personal sponsor https://au.motorsport.com/motogp/news/acosta-signs-monster-as-personal-sponsor/10871710/ Acosta makes the move from KTM to Ducati for 2027 Acosta makes the move from KTM to Ducati for 2027

Pedro Acosta has signed Monster Energy as a personal sponsor ahead of his switch to Ducati for the 2027 MotoGP season.

A social media post with a video showing images of the open sea and a new logo playing with the profile of a shark and the word 'Acosta' confirmed as much ahead of the start of the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.

Acosta, who has competed in the colours of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and with Red Bull sponsorship across different series, will bring that partnership to an end after six years with the marque in the world championship - the last three in the premier class.

He was runner-up in the Red Bull Rookies Cup in 2019 before winning the title in 2020. In 2021, he moved up to the Moto3 World Championship with the Ajo KTM Red Bull team, winning the championship and moving to Moto2 in 2022 with the same structure, again winning the title with seven wins and 14 podiums.

In 2024, he made his MotoGP debut with the satellite Tech 3 KTM Red Bull team, moving to the factory team last year.

Throughout his tenure, Red Bull has never been Acosta's personal sponsor, nor has it paid him to carry its logo on his cap, helmet or leathers; being subject throughout this time to an agreement with KTM to display the Mattighofen manufacturer's sponsors.

But with his move to Ducati, Acosta has been able to sign a personal sponsorship contract with one of Red Bull's main competitors. Monster sponsors the Ducati team and has a contract with it until the end of 2027, at which point both the Italian team and the rider will have to make a move.

Acosta will team up with Marc Marquez at Ducati, the Spanish champion who had to give up the personal sponsorship he had with Red Bull - from when he was a Honda HRC rider - in order to be able to sign for Ducati.

Rumours suggest that Red Bull could arrive at the Bologna team in two years' time, information that has not been confirmed.

]]> 10871710-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:45:13 +0000 Germán Garcia Casanova Toto Wolff on the moment Lewis Hamilton’s exit decided Antonelli’s future https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/kimis-in-the-car-toto-wolff-on-the-moment-lewis-hamiltons-exit-decided-antonellis-future/10871606/ Toto Wolff details the morning Lewis Hamilton quit Mercedes and the immediate phone call that put Kimi Antonelli in the car Toto Wolff details the morning Lewis Hamilton quit Mercedes and the immediate phone call that put Kimi Antonelli in the car

Replacing a seven-time World Champion is arguably the most daunting task in modern motorsport. For Mercedes, the decision was made in a matter of seconds.

Lewis Hamilton’s shock defection to Ferrari sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, but the Brackley war room was already looking ahead. Following Kimi Antonelli's historic world championship clinch at the Mexico City Grand Prix, team principal Toto Wolff peeled back the curtain on the exact morning his veteran driver walked away.

"When Lewis came to my house that morning, I obviously knew what was happening," Wolff revealed during his post-race media duties. "The moment he confirmed that he was going to Ferrari, it was instinctively I knew that Kimi is going to go in the car."

"What are you even talking about?"

Promoting a teenager directly into a factory Silver Arrow was universally viewed as a massive gamble by outside pundits. The Austrian executive, however, viewed it purely as a calculated risk where the worst possible outcome would not fundamentally destroy the team.

His own senior leadership required a bit more convincing. Long before Antonelli had properly established himself in Formula 2, the billionaire co-owner was already locking in the succession plan.

"I called Bradley [Lord] and James Allison, and I said, 'Kimi’s in the car,' and they said, 'What are you even talking about?'" Wolff laughed.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Michael Potts / LAT images via Getty Images

Internal telemetry provided all the necessary justification. The team boss had tracked the Italian prodigy's explosive success through the Formula 4 and Formula Regional categories, deciding that traditional junior formula seasoning was a waste of time.

"We had the data," the Mercedes chief explained. "There was no confirmation needed anymore. He confirmed it by his success in cars in F4 and in Regional. The rest was just clear. It never seemed to be a risk for me. Go for it. Undercut."

The championship realisation

That aggressive promotion strategy ultimately paid off with a 2026 World Drivers' Championship. Asked exactly when he realised his newly minted superstar was destined to take the crown, Wolff pointed to a staggering mid-season hot streak rather than a single defining corner.

"I’m so bad at remembering which race did I think he’s going to do it. I think there was no particular moment," he admitted. "It’s just when he was able to put race weekend after race weekend... I think how many consecutive races did he win, four? Five. Five."

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images

Watching the young charger string together those dominant weekends convinced the Brackley pitwall the title was inevitable.

"Eventually I knew that if we are able to provide him with the car, that he’s going to win the championship," Wolff concluded.

]]> 10871606-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:42:52 +0000 Rahaan Mazumder How young can a Formula 1 world champion actually be? https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-young-can-a-formula-1-world-champion-actually-be/10871703/ Could a driver become Formula 1 world champion at just 17 years old? It may sound impossible, but under certain circumstances, the FIA regulations actually allow it Could a driver become Formula 1 world champion at just 17 years old? It may sound impossible, but under certain circumstances, the FIA regulations actually allow it

Kimi Antonelli became Formula 1 world champion in 2026 at 20 years and 68 days old, breaking Sebastian Vettel's previous age record by more than three years. But does that make Antonelli the youngest Formula 1 world champion of all time? So far yes, but there is room for someone to come and usurp the Italian.

But how young can a Formula 1 world champion actually be, and what are the chances of Antonelli losing his age record to an even younger driver?

Part of the answer can be found in Appendix L of the FIA's International Sporting Code. Section 13.1 ("Qualifications for the full Super Licence"), Article 13.1.2, states: "The driver must be at least 18 years old at the start of the event of his first F1 competition."

Driving in Formula 1 at 17: Theoretically possible

However, that does not mean only drivers aged 18 or over are allowed to compete in Formula 1. Article 13.1.2 also includes an exception, introduced in 2024, which reads:
"At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a Super Licence at the age of 17 years old."

In theory, then, a 17-year-old could become Formula 1 world champion and beat Antonelli's age record by more than two years – provided they managed to win the title in their very first F1 season.

Under-18s in Formula 1

There has already been a 17-year-old Formula 1 driver: Max Verstappen was just 17 years and 166 days old when he made his debut in Australia in 2015, making him the youngest driver in Formula 1 history.

Verstappen had already completed his first Formula 1 test runs in 2014 at the age of 16. Later that year, shortly after his 17th birthday, he made his first appearance at a Formula 1 race weekend as a Friday practice driver.

Franz Tost, Team Principal, Toro Rosso, and Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

But Verstappen's remarkably early F1 debut had consequences: The FIA tightened its Super Licence requirements and raised the minimum age to 18 from 2016. Young drivers were also required to have competed in single-seater championships for at least two years and accumulated 40 Super Licence points - Verstappen would not have met those criteria.

Following the introduction of the age exemption, Antonelli (2024) and Arvid Lindblad (2025) both received their Super Licences at the age of 17. However, both were over 18 by the time they made their Grand Prix debuts – as was Lance Stroll, who debuted in 2017 at the age of 18 years and 148 days, making him the second-youngest Formula 1 driver after Verstappen.

In theory, Antonelli's age record could therefore be broken one day. But to achieve that, a driver would probably have to become world champion in their first or second season. How likely is that?

Winning the world championship as a rookie: Has it ever happened?

F1 history records only one driver who won the title in his very first world championship season – and that was a special case: Giuseppe Farina won the inaugural world drivers' championship in 1950.

Since then, the earliest any driver has won the title has been in their second world championship season. This has happened just four times: Juan Manuel Fangio (1951), Jacques Villeneuve (1997), Lewis Hamilton (2008) and Antonelli (2026).

Three of those four drivers had already come remarkably close in their rookie seasons: Fangio lost the 1950 championship to his Alfa Romeo team-mate Farina by just three points; Villeneuve lost the 1996 title to his Williams team-mate Damon Hill at the final Grand Prix and Hamilton finished runner-up in 2007, just one point behind Kimi Raikkonen.

Not impossible for Antonelli record to be broken

These examples show that it is not impossible. But the circumstances have to be right – above all, a competitive car, as Fangio (Alfa Romeo), Villeneuve (Williams), Hamilton (McLaren) and Antonelli (Mercedes) all had at their disposal. Very few young drivers, however, enter Formula 1 with a frontrunning team straight away, as Antonelli did with Mercedes.

It would therefore take an exceptional set of circumstances for a driver under 20 to become F1 world champion. But such a scenario could certainly happen.

]]> 10871703-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:20:02 +0000 Stefan Ehlen Sebastien Ogier tipped for partial WRC 2027 programme https://au.motorsport.com/wrc/news/sebastien-ogier-tipped-for-partial-wrc-2027-programme/10871684/ The nine-time world rally champion’s WRC future is yet to be determined The nine-time world rally champion’s WRC future is yet to be determined

Sebastien Ogier’s World Rally Championship programme for 2027 is yet to be finalised but Toyota expects the nine-time world champion to contest no more than three rallies.

Ogier was absent from Toyota’s 2027 driver line-up launch in Finland on Tuesday, where it was revealed that the reigning WRC manufacturers champions will field an expanded six car line-up, split into two distinct teams and two car models next year.

Defending world champion Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg and Sami Pajari will pilot the new GR Celica under the Toyota Racing banner, while returning world champions Ott Tanak and Kalle Rovanpera will join Takamoto Katsuta in piloting a new GR Yaris for Gazoo Racing Toyota.

Toyota confirmed that two-time world champion Rovanpera will contest only a partial campaign which will effectively free up drives across the 15-round season. Toyota mentioned in its launch press release that this seat could be filled by young rising stars or the experienced Ogier for selected rounds.

Speaking at the season finale in Sardinia last month, Ogier was unable to provide much clarity on his future, but did confirm that he would be absent from the January curtain raiser in Monte Carlo for the first time since 2011.

“Probably you won’t see me often, but it’s not impossible that I’m back sometimes,” Ogier said at the time.

Sebastien Ogier, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Toyota Racing

Speaking to Motorsport.com at the driver launch Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala admitted it is likely that Ogier could feature in only two or three events next year.

“Definitely, Seb will be doing less than any other season. We haven't actually agreed on the exact amount [of events]. Let's say for me, the maximum is three but probably two,” said Latvala.

“So that gives us an opportunity, and we can look at the other younger drivers. Young talents can be offered the opportunity to drive the rally car.”

Toyota has an array of aspiring talents as part of its WRC Challenge Programme, which includes WRC2 podium finisher Yuki Yamamoto, and rising stars Jaspar Vaher and Takumi Matsushita, who are both set for WRC2 outings next year.

Latvala did also confirm that the team will evaluate Toyota Yaris Rally2 drivers operating outside of the manufacturer's development driver programme as potential candidates to fill the Rally1 seat next year when Rovanpera and Ogier are absent.

"It doesn't need to be a challenge program driver. But if you have been running in Rally2 with the Yaris then that is also an opportunity,” he added.

Read Also:Toyota explains call to run Celica and Yaris models in WRC 2027 Why Kalle Rovanpera and Ott Tanak are returning to the WRC]]> 10871684-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 11:20:02 +0000 Tom Howard Max Verstappen jokes about key difference with Kimi Antonelli at 20: “He speaks Italian!” https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-jokes-about-key-difference-with-kimi-antonelli-at-20-he-speaks-italian/10871671/ Max Verstappen responds in typical fashion when asked about the biggest difference between himself and the youngest F1 world champion. On a more serious note, the Dutchman appreciates how down-to-earth Kimi Antonelli is Max Verstappen responds in typical fashion when asked about the biggest difference between himself and the youngest F1 world champion. On a more serious note, the Dutchman appreciates how down-to-earth Kimi Antonelli is

Following the Mexico Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli has entered the history books as Formula 1’s youngest-ever world champion. The Italian has taken the record from Sebastian Vettel, who had already said at Monza that he would be delighted for Antonelli to break it and that records are there to be broken.

Under the current superlicence rules, it will be an enormous challenge to lower Antonelli's record (20 years, two months and seven days) any further, as someone would have to clinch a maiden world title while a teenager.

All of this underlines just how special Antonelli's achievement is, although Verstappen gave a rather matter-of-fact response shortly before the Italian secured the title when asked what exactly sets the Mercedes protege apart from most young drivers: “More talent.”

Asked whether it really is that simple, the four-time world champion continued: “Well, that certainly helps a lot. And of course, he's also had proper guidance from a very young age with his father. His dad knows a lot more about racing than the average father, and if your son then has a huge amount of talent, that already helps a lot.”

Alongside Marco Antonelli's guidance, there is naturally also the trust and support of Mercedes, something Antonelli himself regularly highlights. Team principal Toto Wolff has always stood by his protege, even during the difficult moments last year, and with the experienced Peter Bonnington among those working alongside him, Antonelli could hardly wish for a better environment.

When Verstappen is asked what quality Antonelli possesses that Verstappen himself did not have at the age of 20, the Dutchman raises a laugh by responding with a completely straight face: “Well, he speaks Italian…”

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Alex Bierens de Haan / LAT Images via Getty Images

Aside from the fact that Verstappen's Italian vocabulary is significantly less impressive, the Red Bull driver stresses that the two situations cannot really be compared.

“You can't compare it. I started in Formula 1 when I was 17, and for a very long time I wasn't driving a car with which I could fight for the championship,” Verstappen said. “That was obviously the biggest problem, but the fact that Kimi is doing so well at that age is very impressive.”

With those words, Verstappen is naturally referring to his start at Toro Rosso and his first years at Red Bull, which were particularly difficult because of the underperforming Renault engine. As a result, Verstappen could only fight for individual race wins and did not have the machinery to challenge for the title for the first time until 2021, his seventh F1 season.

Although the preceding years were understandably frustrating because of the lack of competitive machinery, they did give the Dutchman the opportunity to develop relatively away from the spotlight. According to Verstappen, Antonelli did not have that opportunity because he stepped straight into a top team.

“I think last year was difficult for him at certain moments. But of course, you learn from that as well, and those things also need to happen to grow. That's normal in a rookie season,” Verstappen said.

“When you drive for a top team, everything gets scrutinised more closely. You can't really develop away from the spotlight, but he handled that very well heading into this year. He was right there from the very beginning of this season.”

Aside from Antonelli's qualities as a driver, Verstappen considers one other aspect even more important: how the 20-year-old Italian conducts himself as a person and how he is seemingly unaffected by fame. Antonelli is down-to-earth, and Verstappen says that is what he appreciates most: “He's just a normal guy. He doesn't act like he's a rock star or a superstar. He's just very genuine. He has a good heart, and I really appreciate that.”

]]> 10871671-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 11:00:03 +0000 Ronald Vording Kimi Antonelli almost had to retire in Mexico due to an oil leak https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/kimi-antonelli-almost-had-to-retire-in-mexico-due-to-an-oil-leak/10871668/ What now appears to have been a perfect Sunday could easily have ended very differently. Just a few laps from his first Formula 1 world title, Kimi Antonelli came close to retirement after an oil leak began compromising his engine What now appears to have been a perfect Sunday could easily have ended very differently. Just a few laps from his first Formula 1 world title, Kimi Antonelli came close to retirement after an oil leak began compromising his engine

In Mexico, Kimi Antonelli wrote a remarkable chapter in both Formula 1 and Italian sporting history. He clinched his first world championship in a campaign defined not only by his speed, but also by the consistency and maturity he displayed all year.

Antonelli celebrated the championship alongside Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who later lifted him onto their shoulders on the podium in a symbolic image that seemed to capture both the present and the future of Formula 1.

Yet the celebrations could easily have looked very different, as Antonelli came dangerously close to retiring just a few laps before the chequered flag.

During the closing stages of the race, the Italian was forced to manage a power unit issue on his W17 and came close to retirement, as revealed by Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord on the High Performance podcast.

"We got the car back after the race and took the floor off the bottom, covered in oil," said Lord.

“The sump cracked and Kimi said he thinks about four laps to the end he could feel the engine just starting to struggle. So, he was right on the edge of retirement of the race and yet it held together."

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Alex Bierens de Haan / LAT Images via Getty Images

It was another sign of the maturity Antonelli has shown all season. When the pressure was high, the Italian kept his cool, even with his lifelong dream just a few laps away.

Realistically, Antonelli would have wrapped up the title regardless, even if he had retired.

To keep the title fight mathematically alive, Hamilton needed to win the race, which meant finding a way to overtake Verstappen. A scenario that proved extremely difficult due to an MGU-K power limitation on the long main straight, which made overtaking nearly impossible once cars exceeded a certain speed threshold.

Yet, celebrating the title in Mexico, standing on the podium beside Hamilton and Verstappen, gave the moment a whole new meaning. The photo of the three drivers together is destined to become one of the defining images not just of this season, but in the history of Formula 1. A champion among champions. It would be hard to imagine a better way for Antonelli to seal his first world title.

Read Also:How Mercedes can win F1’s world constructors’ title at Brazil GP]]> 10871668-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 10:22:12 +0000 Gianluca D'Alessandro How Mercedes can win F1’s world constructors’ title at Brazil GP https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mercedes-can-win-f1s-world-constructors-title-at-brazil-gp/10871497/ The Sao Paulo round will be another opportunity for the Silver Arrows to clinch the 2026 crown The Sao Paulo round will be another opportunity for the Silver Arrows to clinch the 2026 crown

After Kimi Antonelli earned his maiden Formula 1 world title at the Mexico Grand Prix, Mercedes can add a ninth constructors’ trophy to its record in Brazil.

The Silver Arrows have won 12 out of 19 grands prix so far this season, meaning they comfortably lead the championship. Only Ferrari can mathematically catch them, but that’s a tall order with a 126-point deficit.

Mercedes had a first opportunity to triumph in Mexico, but that required a 1-2 and for Ferrari to score no more than four points. This time, the gap means the Brackley-based outfit just needs to outscore the Scuderia by at least three points in Sao Paulo.

Non-exhaustive ways Mercedes can win the title at the Brazil GP

Both Mercedes cars finish in the points and ahead of the FerrarisMercedes takes a 1-2, 1-3 or 1-4Mercedes finishes 2-3 or 2-4 and Ferrari doesn’t winBoth Mercedes cars finish in the top five, no Ferrari on the podiumAntonelli or Russell finishes in the top eight, both Ferraris retire

Across the opening 19 rounds of the season (discounting sprint races), Mercedes has outscored Ferrari by three points or more on 10 occasions.

Antonelli taking over from Hamilton as Mercedes’ hero

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Alex Bierens de Haan / LAT Images via Getty Images

The 2026 season marks the first time Mercedes has won world titles without Lewis Hamilton since 1955, with the youthful Antonelli stepping up.

“The championships with Lewis were absolutely incredible and rewarding,” team principal Toto Wolff said.

“I felt that we all were part of Lewis' history, of the greatest champion, and that we would look back many years to come and say, ‘We've been world champions with Lewis Hamilton’. And this is something I'm very much still thinking about. He is one that stayed relevant and is very much culturally relevant beyond Formula 1.

“So that was very, very special championships that I will have for my whole life with me, and this one is different. As I said before, for me [Kimi] is still the kid that hasn't even changed visually a lot.

“It's so refreshing. I tried to get hold of him a few weeks ago and said, ‘Where's Kimi?’. Kimi, for his birthday, he's in the water park. Great! And as long as we can all help to preserve it, he's intertwined with Mercedes, and that's also great to see.”

Additional reporting by Roberto Chinchero and Ronald Vording

Read Also:Toto Wolff: Two sponsors left Mercedes after promoting Kimi Antonelli into F1]]> 10871497-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 09:49:47 +0000 Ben Vinel 1980 F1 world champion Alan Jones dies aged 80 https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/1980-f1-world-champion-alan-jones-dies-aged-80/10871640/ Alan Jones has died aged 80 following a short illness, leaving behind a legacy that includes the 1980 F1 world championship and 12 grand prix victories Alan Jones has died aged 80 following a short illness, leaving behind a legacy that includes the 1980 F1 world championship and 12 grand prix victories

Alan Jones, the 1980 Formula 1 world champion, has died on the Gold Coast at the age of 80.

In a statement released on behalf of Jones's family, his wife, Amanda Butler-Davis, said he died following a short illness on Thursday.

“We are extremely saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Alan, who passed away on 5 November following a short illness,” Butler-Davis said. “He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those closest to him, as well as the many fans whose support he was always grateful for.

“Alan dedicated his life to motorsport, building a legacy that will live on through the countless people he touched along the way.

“Through his achievements, passion and unmistakable character, both on and off the track, Alan left an enduring mark on the sport both nationally and across the globe.

“As a family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was part of Alan's journey for the many years of friendship, love and support. He was incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful people around him.”

Jones was born in Melbourne in 1946, the son of businessman and racer Stan Jones, and watched from the sidelines when his father won the 1959 Australian Grand Prix at Longford. The younger Jones repeated the feat at Calder Park in 1980 and remains the last Australian driver to have won the race, which is considered the second-oldest grand prix in the world.

Frank Dernie, Frank Williams and Alan Jones

Photo by: Motorsport Images

Jones dabbled in racing in the UK in the 1960s before returning to Australia, before he moved to London in 1970. It took three years for him to establish himself, winning his first Formula 3 race at Silverstone in 1973, the same year he took second in the British F3 championship in a GRD.

In 1975 he made his Formula 1 debut at the Spanish Grand Prix, in a Hesketh, and when that team shut at the end of the season he moved to Graham Hill’s team, then to Surtees.

That team also was to close and Jones’s career looked to have stalled – until Shadow called, having lost lead driver Tom Pryce in a tragic crash in South Africa. In a fairytale result, Jones won in Austria, after a brilliant drive on a wet track, passing local hero Niki Lauda on the way to the first win for an Australian since the retirement of Sir Jack Brabham.

Ferrari sounded him out for 1978 but, when Enzo Ferrari signed Gilles Villeneuve, Jones was left with an offer from the fledgling Williams operation.

Jones nearly took the Williams FW06 to the win at Long Beach, but for a broken wing, then again at Brands Hatch, where a gearbox broke. In the US Grand Prix, he was second to Carlos Reutemann’s Ferrari while a new car, the FW07, was being finished back at Grove.

Once Jones and new team-mate Clay Regazzoni got their hands on the car, they looked like winners nearly immediately. Jones led by a mile at Silverstone until a water pump failed, allowing the Swiss to take the team’s maiden victory. Jones then took over, winning four of the remaining six GPs, to take third in the championship, behind Jody Scheckter and Gilles Villeneuve.

Jones won five grands prix in 1980 — Argentina, France, Britain, Canada and the USA — to claim the world title, topping off the year with the non-championship win at Calder.

Alan Jones, Williams FW07B Ford

Photo by: Rainer Schlegelmilch / Getty Images

In 1981 he again was in fine form, leading Williams to the world constructors’ title and pushing Nelson Piquet hard in the fight for the drivers’ crown. Jones won only twice, at Long Beach and Las Vegas, and a series of DNFs and the stress of travel led him to announce his retirement at the end of the season.

He raced at home, in GT cars and open-wheelers, but the itch to return was too much. He drove an Arrows at Long Beach in 1983, took the following year off, then returned a year later with the Beatrice-Haas team, first for three GPs and then a full season in 1986. There were no more wins to add to his tally, and he retired at the end of the season.

Back in Australia he raced in what became V8 Supercars, with a best result of second in 1995, and even raced sportscars (including Le Mans) with Porsche and Toyota and CART with Newman-Haas. He made his last start in professional motor racing in 2002, as a Bathurst 1000 co-driver with Dick Johnson Racing.

Alongside his ongoing motorsport career, Jones went on to have a successful media career as a commentator on Australia’s Formula 1 TV coverage. Just as he was when he was in the cockpit, he was not shy, and called things the way he saw them.

Jones was awarded an MBE for services to motor racing in 1980, and inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985.

He is survived by his wife and his six children, Christian, Amber, Zara, Jack, Camilla and Emma.

]]> 10871640-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 08:50:37 +0000 Phil Branagan WEC title showdown: How Toyota’s two crews can win the crown at Monza https://au.motorsport.com/wec/news/wec-title-showdown-how-toyotas-two-crews-can-win-the-crown-at-monza/10871347/ With the Hypercar manufacturers’ title already decided, the battle between Toyota’s two TR010 Hybrids remains wide open ahead of the Monza finale With the Hypercar manufacturers’ title already decided, the battle between Toyota’s two TR010 Hybrids remains wide open ahead of the Monza finale

The #8 Toyota TR010 crew of Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa hold a sizeable advantage over the #7 line-up of Mike Conway, Nyck de Vries and Kamui Kobayashi, as the 2026 World Endurance Championship concludes this weekend with the 6 Hours of Monza..

The only title already secured is the Hypercar manufacturers’ crown, with Toyota Racing having wrapped up the championship thanks to its one-two finish in Barcelona.

However, the battle between the two TR010 Hybrids for the Hypercar drivers' title is still ongoing. Hartley, Hirakawa and Buemi currently lead the standings on 114 points, giving them a 17-point advantage over their team-mates Kobayashi, Conway and de Vries, who are chasing them on 97 points.

As the Monza race is a six-hour event, points will be awarded on the usual 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 scale, with an additional point available in qualifying for the Hyperpole winner. That means a maximum of 26 points are up for grabs.

With that in mind, the situation looks relatively straightforward for the leading trio. Even if they finish level on points with their team-mates, they hold the advantage on countback, having scored three victories so far (Imola, Fuji and Barcelona) compared with the #7 crew’s one (Le Mans). As a result, as few as eight points could be enough for the #8 crew to lift the trophy on Sunday evening.

Here are all the possible outcomes in this all-Toyota battle for the title.

#8 Toyota (114 points) wins the title if...

They win and take pole (140 points)They win (139)They finish second and take pole (133)They finish second (132)They finish third and take pole (130)They finish third (129)They finish fourth and take pole (127)They finish fourth (126)They finish fifth and take pole (125)They finish fifth (124)They finish sixth and take pole (123)They finish sixth (122), if the #7 wins without taking poleThey finish seventh and take pole (121), provided the #7 does not winThey finish seventh (120), provided the #7 does not winThey finish eighth and take pole (119), provided the #7 does not winThey finish eighth (118), provided the #7 does not winThey finish ninth and take pole (117), provided the #7 does not winThey finish ninth (116), provided the #7 does not winThey finish 10th and take pole (116), provided the #7 does not winThey finish 10th (115), provided the #7 doesn't win after scoring poleThey take pole (115) but don't score in the race, provided the #7 doesn't winThey score no points, provided the #7 does not finish first or second

#7 Toyota (97 points) wins the title if

#8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TR010: Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, Ryo Hirakawa

Photo by: JEP

They win and take pole (123 points), provided the #8 finishes sixth or lowerThey win (122), provided the #8 finishes seventh or lower, with or without HyperpoleThey finish second and take pole (116), provided the #8 finishes 10th or scores only the Hyperpole pointThey finish second (115), provided the #8 scores no points in either qualifying or the race

Summary

The #7 Toyota needs to finish at least second to have any chance of winning the title. Meanwhile, the #8 Toyota is guaranteed of the title as long as it finishes inside the top five.

Read Also:Eduardo Barrichello: The second-generation racer forging his own path]]> 10871347-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 08:47:54 +0000 Francesco Corghi Honda names Jake Dixon as Joan Mir's substitute for Qatar GP https://au.motorsport.com/motogp/news/honda-names-jake-dixon-as-joan-mirs-substitute-for-qatar-gp/10871630/ Dixon will be competing in a MotoGP race for the first time in five years Dixon will be competing in a MotoGP race for the first time in five years

Honda HRC has announced that Joan Mir will be absent this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix after his comeback at Sepang was cut short due to another episode of dizziness and partial loss of vision.

British rider Jake Dixon will replace the Spaniard at Losail, returning to the premier class for the first time since he competed two grands prix in 2021 as a substitute for Franco Morbidelli at Petronas SRT. He was classified 19th at Silverstone but was unable to finish the Aragon race.

"Joan Mir continues his recovery process after retiring from Sunday's race in Malaysia," Honda explained in its statement.

Dixon was part of the world championship paddock between 2019 and 2025, scoring seven victories and 22 podiums in Moto2. This season, the Briton moved up to Honda's factory team in the World Superbike Championship, but his season was marred by injuries. His physical recovery in the second half of the year allowed him to finish inside the top 10 on five occasions.

"First of all, I want to thank Honda HRC for this opportunity," Dixon said. "Receiving the call to ride one of these bikes is something fantastic and I'm really looking forward to getting started; I think that, as children, all riders dream of competing for the official Honda MotoGP team.

"It's been a while since I last rode a MotoGP bike, so we need to take the weekend calmly and go step by step. I want to wish Joan all the best and I hope to see him back on the bike very soon. It hasn't been an easy year for me either, so I can really relate to his situation. We are going to make the most of this weekend."

Dixon will join Luca Marini in Honda's official factory team line-up in Qatar, after the Italian rider recovered in time to be able to travel.

"Our goal for this weekend is to build on the performance we showed on Sunday at Sepang. I've been able to spend a few days at home and continue recovering, so my physical condition has improved," said the Italian.

"It's a circuit that hasn't always allowed us to make the most of our strengths, but with only three races left to finish the season with Honda, this is the time to go all out and give our best in each of them. I want to wish Joan all the best; having him in the garage is always a boost for both me and the team."

Dixon could finish the season in Portimao and Valencia if Mir is unable to recover. The 2020 world champion missed four races between Austria and Australia due to health issues, before returning to action in Malaysia last weekend. While he completed much of the weekend without issues after being declared fit, he was forced to retire early from the grand prix on Sunday as the same health issues resurfaced.

Read Also:Jorge Martin confirms he will travel to Qatar to try to race Joan Mir says Marc Marquez’s MotoGP rivals couldn’t cope with title pressure]]> 10871630-au.motorsport.com Thu, 05 Nov 2026 08:36:48 +0000 Germán Garcia Casanova