Oct 29, 2025 | Formula 1
Brief overview
Colton Herta is expanding his 2026 programme. He is leaving IndyCar and focusing on the road to Formula 1. In addition to his role as Cadillac test driver, he will drive in Formula 2 for Hitech. That will now be joined by three major IMSA endurance races.
Which races is Herta racing?
Cadillac announced that Herta will compete with Wayne Taylor Racing in a V-Series.R in the three main IMSA events. They are the following races in 2026:
- Daytona 24 Hours - 24-25 January
- Sebring 12 Hours - 21 March
- Petit Le Mans (Road Atlanta) - October 3
Herta joins teammates Jordan Taylor and Louis Delétraz. With them, he already achieved success in 2024: a win at Sebring and a third-place finish at Daytona.
How does this fit into his F2 programme?
The F2 calendar starts in March and runs through December. Herta expects to drive in Melbourne in early March and then has a round in Bahrain in April. Between those weekends, the Sebring endurance fits. There is also a longer break later in the season, followed by Petit Le Mans in October. The IMSA races do not disrupt that schedule dramatically.
Why does this mix make sense?
The combination makes a lot of sense athletically. Endurance races keep Herta race fit in the long intervals. He gets extra testing days, such as the ‘Roar before the 24’ before Daytona and other tests. Moreover, he gathers more experience in different cars and sessions.
Experience and expectations
Herta already has a lot of experience in endurance racing. He started several times in Daytona. In 2019 he won in GTLM and in 2022 he did not lose - then he took an LMP2 victory. That experience makes him a valuable asset for Wayne Taylor Racing.
Comparisons and trend
The dual role of test driver and endurance driver is no exception. Many F1 test and reserve drivers combine it with WEC or IMSA. Names of recent examples show that teams are increasingly using young talent broadly. This keeps young drivers getting valuable mileage outside sprint calendars.
Important consequence
Herta is making a clear move towards Formula 1. His role at Cadillac and the extra races help him stay sharp and gain experience. At the same time, he is accumulating the superlicence points needed to start in F1.
Oct 28, 2025 | DTM
What do the test pictures show?
Mercedes-AMG has released images of the Concept AMG GT Track Sport during track testing for the first time. The pictures show a heavily camouflaged bolide reminiscent of test runs on Bilster Berg. In the press statement, Mercedes talks about ‘first fahrdynamic challenges’ and calls the vehicle a concept, not the final racing vehicle.
Interestingly, the test vehicle wears parts similar to the future model, but at the same time still shows many elements of the current GT3 model. This suits a so-called mule car: a test vehicle that combines new components with familiar ones.
Engineering, mule-car and looks
According to sources within Mercedes-AMG, Affalterbach Racing GmbH is working on the successor to the Mercedes-AMG GT3. That project began after HWA would no longer handle construction and development. A V8 turbo engine and an all-carbon monocoque are assumed for the new car.
An insider described the test vehicle as a “Frankenstein car” - not as a swear word, but as a technical description: mix of old and new. The roof, windows and wing mirrors, for instance, look a lot like the current model, but the nose section differs markedly. The grille is a lot smaller and the front splitter has a different structure. The bonnet now shows an air intake where previously there was an exhaust vent; this indicates air supply to an upper turbocharger.
Mercedes itself stresses that the concept focuses on maximum driving dynamics, intelligent lightweighting and optimised weight balance. The manufacturer also mentions ‚AMG-typical V8 antenna technology’ and a complex aerodynamic design.
- Development by: Affalterbach Racing GmbH
- Powered by: V8 turbo engine (AMG)
- Chassis: full carbon monocoque
- Test runs: visible on circuits such as Bilster Berg
Planning and statements of leadership
Mercedes-amg says it sees 2026 as a pure development year. A 2027 delivery to customer teams is considered ambitious; 2028 sounds more realistic. Thomas Jäger, responsible for DTM activities at Mercedes-AMG, says that this is a concept and that Mercedes will reveal when the time comes: «Until then, we will keep the excitement going.»
Michael Schiebe, who will soon switch to Mercedes-Benz AG as board member for production, quality and supply-chain, praised the team and said of the concept: «The future is going to be extreme.» Mercedes stressed that the tests are intended to validate systems and complex components under harsh conditions, without revealing further details.
In a nutshell, the released photos show a clear move towards a new GT3 car, but for now it remains a prototype with both existing and new parts. Don't expect final specifications yet until Mercedes fully reveals its plans.
Oct 28, 2025 | Formula 1
What happened
Mercedes lost valuable places in Mexico due to a controversial team order midway through the race. George Russell and Kimi Antonelli were driving around places five to seven at that point. An early collision between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton immediately changed the order. Russell had to run wide and dropped back to spot seven. Antonelli took advantage and became the leading Mercedes.
Key moments in a row
- Lap opening stage: Verstappen and Hamilton caused chaos, causing Russell to lose positions.
- Lap 22: Antonelli pitted first.
- Lap 25: Russell followed and by lap 30 they were riding close together again.
- Lap 41: Mercedes instructed a reversal of positions (swap).
- Final situation: Both cars crossed the line sixth and seventh.
Radio and voltages in the car
On the board radio, the frustrations sounded clear. Russell reported several times that he had more pace and wanted to attack. The team warned him about high brake and tyre temperatures. Russell replied that he had a faster car right behind him and that standing still was destroying his tyres. Eventually, the team instructed him to switch positions. Antonelli reacted with surprise and asked why. The engineer said it was a team decision and mentioned Turn 4 as the place to do the change.
Why the switch failed
The timing of the changeover proved fatal. Russell said he already had worn out brakes, tyres and engine, and therefore could not pass Bearman. While they were changing, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen also passed. As a result, Mercedes drivers finished lower than they hoped: P6 and P7 instead of possibly P4 and P5.
Drivers' reactions
Kimi Antonelli said after the race that the instruction surprised him. He wanted to look back with the team. Antonelli felt he was close to Russell and needed to push more. That made his race vulnerable to Piastri. He said if they had held positions, they could have possibly undercut Ollie Bearman and finished higher.
Russell put the frustration on rivals who he said took advantage by cutting a corner on the opening lap. He said that if he had come third out of turn one, they could also have finished third. He also called the team's decision-making awkward: either you perform a change immediately or you don't. According to him, the decision came too late.
What the team said
Team boss Toto Wolff was not physically present in Mexico but followed from a distance. A team representative said Wolff wants the pit wall to make decisions and not direct from above. The team said it is difficult to say whether an earlier instruction would have changed the result. They pointed out that it was difficult to overtake that day due to dirty air and long DRS trains. Final analysis was yet to take place.
Consequences and next steps
Mercedes lost valuable points in Mexico in the battle for constructor position. Both drivers want a thorough evaluation of race decisions. The team faces the choice of making clearer rules for team orders. Otherwise, it risks seeing more frequent friction within the team.
In a nutshell
- Team order caused dissatisfaction among both drivers.
- Timing of the swap proved wrong.
- Mercedes loses points in the constructors' classification.
- There will be a team review before the race in Brazil.
Oct 28, 2025 | Formula 1
FIA investigation and conclusion
The FIA has published the outcome of its investigation into the 2024 cost cap reports. The investigation lasted seven months. Most teams and engine manufacturers were given full confidence.
Only Aston Martin on offense
Aston Martin itself already acknowledged a procedural error. The team had to enter into a so-called “Accepted Breach Agreement”. According to the FIA, this was a very minor breach. Aston Martin had submitted unsigned versions of the reports before the deadline on 31 March. The required signature of the independent auditor was not obtained until 15 April.
The FIA called the circumstances exceptional and unforeseen. Exact details have not been made public. As Aston Martin gained no benefit from the error, the Cost Cap Administration (CCA) deemed that additional sanctions were not necessary. The team will, however, pay the costs of dealing with the violation.
Other teams and engine manufacturers acquitted
The remaining nine teams have not been charged with any offence. So were the five relevant engine manufacturers. The CCA gave them the green light after assessment.
- Mercedes
- Ferrari
- Honda
- Red Bull-Ford
- Audi
Why the investigation took a long time
The FIA explains that the investigation took a long time. The financial rules are complex. Technical aspects and the associated cost treatment also had to be carefully examined. As a result, the publication ran later than in previous years.
The FIA's verdict ends speculation in the paddock about more serious overruns. Only Aston Martin received an official finding of a very limited, procedural error.
Oct 28, 2025 | Formula 1
Chaos at the start: cross-border racing
The race in Mexico started chaotically. At the first corner, several drivers went over the grass. That resulted in position gains for some. Others felt it was unjustified.
Hamilton said he was penalised for staying within the limits. Fernando Alonso said he lost several places while opponents seemed to win several rows over the grass. The opening sequence at the circuit has been a source of problems for years. As a result, the stewards face tough decisions.
The near miss with marshals
There was also a dangerous situation with marshal personnel at the exit of Turn 1. A driver passed it just in time as marshals walked across the tarmac to remove debris. The organisers later apologised.
Fortunately, it ended well. But the incident leaves obvious safety questions. Better communication is needed so that something like this cannot happen again.
Piastri struggles, Norris benefits
Oscar Piastri is currently going through a difficult period. His lead in the championship was lost. In Mexico, he was clearly slower than teammate Lando Norris. The difference was not tied to one corner, but sat throughout the lap time.
McLaren thinks the low grip and specific conditions in Austin and Mexico don't suit Piastri. If that is true, the problem may disappear at other circuits. But if the weakness remains, his title ambition is seriously threatened.
Norris has the perfect weekend
Lando Norris, on the other hand, had a complete weekend. He was fast in all sessions, showing how well he can handle the low-grip conditions. An extensive debrief after previous races helped him regain his touch.
That form gives Norris momentum in the title race and strengthens his position within McLaren.
Red Bull praises Tsunoda, result says otherwise
Red Bull praised Yuki Tsunoda for his strong pace in qualifying and early race stages. Technically, he was close to Max Verstappen. Yet he ended up 11th. Team tactics played a role: Tsunoda stayed out longer to support Verstappen's strategy.
In addition, Tsunoda suffered a very slow pit stop, causing him to miss out on points. The team speaks of progress, but his place is not yet secure. The priority remains Verstappen's title fight.
Haas tackles it well
Haas showed in Mexico that it can do the right thing when it counts. The updated VF-25 was strong in race trim. Ollie Bearman drove a flawless race and finished as the best result ever for him and the team.
Haas opted for two pit stops and temporarily lost positions. That was a calculated choice. The risk of losing performance with worn tyres would have been too great. Fourth place also brings important points in the battle for sixth place in the constructors' championship.
Aston Martin and Alpine lag behind
Aston Martin has been struggling in Mexico for years. The circuit does not suit the balance and efficiency of their car. This season yielded no points again. Stroll spun on the opening lap and Alonso had to retire due to overheated brakes.
Alpine had an even worse weekend. Both cars were slow and mostly had to make room for the leaders. The team chose not to intervene with risky team orders. Expectations for Brazil are low, even though that circuit was the model for success last year.
Bortoleto fights back and earns point
Gabriel Bortoleto started low due to problems in qualifying. In the race, he showed fighting spirit. From 16th place, he worked his way to the front and secured a point for Sauber.
His race was tactical and aggressive. A bold overtaking move on an opponent earned him tenth place. That point is valuable in the battle for sixth position among constructors.
Summary: What does this weekend take us through?
- The opening chaos in Mexico highlights the need for better enforcement of track limits and starting behaviour.
- Safety around the track is improvement point number one after the incident with marshals.
- Piastri needs to regain his form soon; otherwise he may lose his title chances.
- Norris shows top form and relies on good communication with his team.
- Red Bull sees progress with Tsunoda, but results remain important.
- Haas made wise choices and is now reaping the benefits.
Mexico was a race with many political and sporting implications. The results change the proportions in the championship. The coming races will determine whether this shift is permanent.
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