Max Verstappen currently holds the title of the F1 World Champion.
Wednesday’s fast-paced F1 news roundup leads on rumours that Max Verstappen is facing a 10-place grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix and new details about Red Bull’s decision-making process on the future of Sergio Perez.
We will zoom through the day’s major headlines at a fast pace.
F1 news: Max Verstappen penalty, Sergio Perez future and more
Max Verstappen poised for Belgian Grand Prix grid penalty?
It has been claimed that Max Verstappen may face a 10-place grid penalty at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver experienced engine issues during the Canadian Grand Prix earlier this season, resulting in a power unit deficit for F1 2024. Team principal Christian Horner acknowledged that the team would inevitably impose a penalty on him at a later date.
It is highly probable that a similar scenario will occur at Spa, where Verstappen managed to triumph despite starting from unfavorable grid positions in both 2022 (14th on the grid) and 2023 (sixth).
Is he going to score three goals again this weekend?
Read more: Max Verstappen set for big grid penalty at Belgian Grand Prix – report
Sergio Perez future to be decided in crunch Red Bull meeting
A meeting has been scheduled by Red Bull’s senior adviser, Helmut Marko, and team principal, Christian Horner, to discuss their plan of action regarding Sergio Perez.
Perez’s recent poor performance has reignited speculations about his future with Red Bull. The team has further fueled these talks by acknowledging that they cannot persistently rely on a single driver to combat McLaren’s challenge.
Marko has announced his plans to travel to England the day after the Belgian Grand Prix. His purpose is to have a meeting with Horner and discuss Red Bull’s strategies for the second half of the season.
Read more: Sergio Perez Red Bull future update with timeline set for crunch Red Bull meeting
Helmut Marko sheds light on Max Verstappen rage
After the Hungarian Grand Prix, Marko disclosed that Verstappen was extremely frustrated due to the team’s inability to revive their struggling F1 2024 season.
Arriving in Budapest, Red Bull brought along their most extensive upgrade package of the year. However, despite the new and improved RB20, the team was unable to regain their former advantage.
In the last eight races, Verstappen has only managed to secure victory in three.
Read more: Max Verstappen ‘really angry’ as Helmut Marko addresses Red Bull exit speculation
Carlos Sainz: Lewis Hamilton no better than me
Carlos Sainz has expressed his opinion that Lewis Hamilton, who will replace him at Ferrari for F1 2025, is not a superior choice compared to himself. However, Sainz acknowledged that he comprehends the team’s rationale behind signing the seven-time World Champion.
In February, Hamilton made a groundbreaking announcement that shook the F1 community. He revealed his decision to leave Mercedes, with whom he had a longstanding partnership, and join Ferrari starting from F1 2025. The move was secured through a multi-year contract, forever altering the landscape of the sport.
Once he took some time to think about Ferrari’s decision, Sainz remarked that the pain wasn’t as intense.
Read more: Carlos Sainz makes Lewis Hamilton admission after taking his Ferrari seat
Audi line up Aston Martin man as F1 team principal
According to PlanetF1.com, it is understood that Mike Krack might depart Aston Martin to assume the role of team principal for the Audi F1 2026 project.
On Tuesday, Audi revealed notable alterations to their management structure as they prepare to assume control of the current Sauber team for F1’s significant regulation modifications in 2026. Mattia Binotto will succeed Andreas Seidl in this transition.
Aston Martin is preparing to bring Krack on board, indicating that Audi’s modifications might extend beyond that.
Read more: PF1 sources: Current F1 boss set for big move in rival team reshuffle
