Formula 1: Oscar Piastri has extended his championship lead over teammate Lando Norris, following his victory in Spain, while drama unfolded behind them thanks to Max Verstappen and George Russell.
Oscar reigns supreme in Spain amid drama | 04:26In 2024 the Formula 1 season started with no new faces on the grid for the first time in its history, with the same 20 drivers who lined up at the season finale of 2023 turning up again for the season opener the following year.
But despite the big boost to F1’s next generation, the key to the 2026 driver market won’t be youthful potential.Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, marshalling 527 starts and 16 wins between them, are the headliners of the impending silly season. “At the end of last year, some qualifying, some races, I felt like I was performing at my best ever. I haven’t felt any degradation in myself yet. That’s why I just want to keep going.”
“That’s why I’ve given myself at least six months to get all my options on the table and make a decision on what I do next with my career. Cadillac — formerly Michael Andretti’s bid to join the sport — intends to bring an American driver into F1, but as its debut draws nearer, it’s clear there are no viable options to fulfil that mission.
If Andretti intends on combining experience and youth, Bottas’s biggest competitor for the drive is Pérez. Perez was also a winner before he moved to Milton Keynes, having collected 10 podiums between his stints at Sauber and Force India/Racing Point. “I know my timeline, when I want to know about next year and what plans I need to make — I think August more or less is a pretty good target for that.ALPINE EMERGES AS POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE
Perhaps it’s no coincidence that rumours of talks between the team and Pérez surfaced last month, with The Race reporting initial contact in early May. “It depends on the team. I do have some personal partners that could potentially join me, but still not to the extent of some others.” Both Mercedes drivers are out of contract this season, and Christian Horner has reportedly sounded out George Russell over his availability for 2026.“Realistically, I think Mercedes as a team and Toto, are quite content with their pairing at the moment,” he said.
Mercedes arch rival Red Bull Racing looms as the only other frontrunning team with a seat available. Yuki Tsunoda is out of contract, and if he can’t find form, it’s inconceivable he’ll be retained next season.
Eastern Europe Experienced Drivers North America Cold Water Melbourne Almighty Shake-Up Historic Power Unit George Russell Midfield Car Clive Rose Jack Doohan Wide Open Lando Norris Hungary Impending Silly Season Europe Victoria Race Drive Team Principal Negotiating Tactic Florida Mid-Season Deadlines Appeared Agnostic Helmut Marko Yuki Tsunoda Qualifying Session American Driver Northern America Christian Horner Max & Russell Sergio Pérez Southern Europe Struggle Street Time Offer Long-Term Relationship Power Unit Division Young Guns Knocking Driver Market Season Opener United States Of America Frontrunning Team Young Guns Agence France Presse Oceania German Marque Max Verstappen Race Seat Franco Colapinto America Season Finale American Team Post-Season Sacking Learning Curve Getty Images Inc. Debut Draws Respective Title Tables Mario Andretti Australia And New Zealand Motorsport Adviser Confidence Crisis Sudden Elevation Power Unit Miami Spain Pole Positions First-Turn Crash Massive Overcorrection Team Manager Management Team Reserve Driver Experienced Reserve Driver Australia Race Conditions Grand Prix Wins
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2026 Toyota RAV4 interior shown ahead of launch next week7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Koyo Kouoh, art curator due to lead 2026 Venice Biennale, dies at 57Groundbreaking Swiss-Cameroonian curator would have been the first African woman to head up the art event
Read more »
2026 Fiat 500 Hybrid revealed for city car fans who don't want EVs or automatics7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Rory McIlroy to play 2025 and 2026 Australian Open at Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Rory McIlroy to play Australian Open in 2025 and 2026 after Masters winNewly minted career grand slam winner Rory McIlroy will play the Australian Open for the first time in 11 years in December, and back up in 2026.
Read more »
Four teams locked in for 2026 Las Vegas NRL season opener as major cut also revealedNRL: The NRL are set to announce that Knights vs. Cowboys and Dragons vs. Bulldogs will be the opening games of the 2026 season, set to be played in in Las Vegas.
Read more »