Follow @sportsmole for the latest breaking news stories, and follow @sm_headlines to get every headline from Sports Mole
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2Fabababab-6881df8700f96296423545.jpg)
Fans to hear 'new soundscape' in '26, says Mercedes
Mercedes engine chief Hywel Thomas says Formula 1 fans will need to prepare for an entirely new acoustic experience when the 2026 power unit regulations come into effect.08:50
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F38%2Ftoto-wolff.jpg)
Toto Wolff puts end to Verstappen-to-Mercedes rumours
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has played down fresh speculation linking Max Verstappen to a future seat at Brackley, following viral photos of the pair holidaying in Sardinia.07:50
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F16%2Fmax-verstappen.jpg)
Verstappen back in title hunt as Red Bull rallies under Mekies
Max Verstappen may be back in World Championship contention, just weeks after Red Bull insiders appeared to write off his 2025 campaign.07:30
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2Faaaa-6881617cd195b131730477.jpg)
Mercedes lacks tyre control as McLaren pulls ahead, says Allison
James Allison has identified tyre management as the core weakness behind Mercedes’ inconsistent 2025 season, while pointing to McLaren’s superiority in the same area.21:45
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F31%2Fralf-schumacher.jpg)
Red Bull revival boosts Verstappen retention hopes - Schumacher
Ralf Schumacher believes Red Bull’s leadership overhaul has dramatically improved the odds of Max Verstappen remaining with the team beyond 2025.21:15
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F44%2Fmax-verstappen.jpg)
Piquet Jr softens Mercedes-Verstappen speculation
Max Verstappen’s future remains a key talking point heading into the Belgian Grand Prix, as Red Bull grapples with internal tensions and uncertainty following the mid-season ousting of team principal Christian Horner.Jul 22, 09:00
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Ff1-mv-684d6bd7801ba874857244.jpg)
Marko unfazed by Verstappen's reported Mercedes talks
Dr Helmut Marko appeared either relaxed or deliberately noncommittal when pressed on swirling speculation about Max Verstappen’s possible move to Mercedes.Jul 21, 10:00
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F18%2Fkimi-antonelli.jpg)
Antonelli admits disappointment with first F1 podium
A potential loan to Alpine could represent a detour in Kimi Antonelli’s journey toward his ultimate Formula 1 goal.Jul 21, 09:00
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Ff1-lh-684d6c041ee76076057298.jpg)
Ferrari says 2026 car won’t be built solely for Hamilton
Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 car is not being tailored specifically to Lewis Hamilton’s driving style, insists deputy team principal Jerome d’Ambrosio.Jul 18, 18:30
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F31%2Fralf-schumacher.jpg)
Schumacher says Horner caused his own Red Bull downfall
Ralf Schumacher believes Christian Horner’s actions and leadership decisions directly led to his ousting as Red Bull's Formula 1 team boss.Jul 18, 18:00
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F15%2Ffernando-alonso.jpg)
O’Ward compares Cadillac link to Alonso-Taylor Swift gossip
Pato O’Ward has poured cold water on speculation linking him to Cadillac’s upcoming Formula 1 entry in 2026.Jul 18, 17:30
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F16%2Fmax-verstappen.jpg)
Red Bull reportedly won’t block Verstappen if he chooses Mercedes
Max Verstappen could switch to Mercedes without being blocked by Red Bull, according to two respected Formula 1 sources.Jul 17, 10:00
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Ff1-684d6b690fbaf207493608.jpg)
Honda confirms no possibility of supplying Red Bull in 2026
While FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem continues to leave the door ajar for a return to louder, more visceral V8 engines, Formula 1’s engine manufacturers remain firmly focused on the upcoming 2026 regulations.Jul 17, 09:30
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F44%2Fmax-verstappen.jpg)
Berger says Verstappen-Wolff yacht story was just coincidence
Formula 1 great Gerhard Berger doubts that Max Verstappen is seriously considering a switch to Mercedes, despite the intense speculation surrounding his future.Jul 16, 10:40
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Fvass-6862b305dd4e6719236181.jpg)
Ferrari set to debut new rear suspension at Spa
With internal scrutiny mounting and rivals pulling ahead, Ferrari is pressing ahead with its final major developments for the 2025 Formula 1 season.Jul 16, 10:10
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Ff1-684d6b690fbaf207493608.jpg)
Cadillac to announce first F1 driver as silly season heats up
The 2026 Formula 1 driver market is heating up fast as rumours swirl and teams begin to shape their future lineups.Jul 15, 07:20
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Ff1-mv-684d6bd7801ba874857244.jpg)
Mercedes denies Sardinia yacht meeting with Verstappen
Reports of a face-to-face meeting between Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen off the coast of Sardinia have now been dismissed as false.Jul 14, 06:11
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F37%2Ffranco-colapinto.jpg)
Colapinto safe for rest of 2025 - Renault Argentina
Franco Colapinto may be able to breathe a sigh of relief, as it appears his Alpine race seat is safe for the remainder of the 2025 Formula 1 season.Jul 14, 06:11
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F44%2Fmax-verstappen.jpg)
Verstappen camp responds to Horner’s sudden exit
Christian Horner's sudden dismissal has stunned the Formula 1 paddock, triggering widespread speculation about the reasons behind the Red Bull boss’ abrupt departure.Jul 10, 05:30
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Ff1-hm-684d6b9bf2f70452656604.jpg)
Marko shrugs off Verstappen’s virtual Mercedes drive
Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 future looks set to dominate headlines yet again this week, as tensions continue to rise at Red Bull Racing.Jul 8, 05:20