A really tough one for McLaren and Oscar Piastri. First time there has been no McLaren on track since San Marino 1982 (not counting US 2005). Before that, Belgium 1966. But it's worse for Piastri - he is the first driver in F1 hostory to DNS from consecutive races. #F1
With no need to run events to meet broadcast agreements minimums, no revenue, and increased costs, replacement events simply weren't viable. And after a busy start to 2026, the paddock is tired and could use the break. #F1
Here's the full story: www.planetf1.com/new...
3/3
Racing with no hosting fee means F1 covers all costs. Rather than making money, it is spending it. For the teams, no income for FOM means the prize money fund reduces as there's no revenue. That means these races would be an outright cost to teams, too. #F1
2/3
The cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi GPs was inevitable and predictable. The decision not to hold replacement races is a financial decision. After losing out on the hosting fees from those events, any replacements would be a cost, not profit, to all involved. #F1
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Between then and now, engineers check correlation, refine the design, and produce enough examples to race the wing without reliability/damage concerns. Given the time and resources invested, it's difficult to imagine we won't see it race at some point. #F1
3/3
In a cost cap environment, no team will develop parts for fun, they just can't afford it. Friday's practice running had a very clear goal, likely correlation, as part of ongoing development. Suggestion is it'll be back around Canada, which in reality isn't far away. #F1
2/3
Ferrari's 'Macarena' wing is an expensive bit of kit, likely $100k or more each. But the real cost is the staff developing it, and the resources used in that process. That can be up to $5 million based on complexity and the number of iterations etc it goes through.
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Teams often have performance bonuses, and being at the front makes sponsorship deals easier tonsign. So sorting out the current on-track energy recovery mess has deep commercial and financial implications. Unsurprisingly, some teams are more cautious than others. #F1
3/3
Should they agree to change the rules (it requires a unanimous vote at the F1 Commission), it could have a significant financial impact if a team becomes less competitive as a result. That's before considering the marketing impact. #F1
2/3
A post-Chinese GP change to energy recovery rules has the potential to have significant impact both on track and off it. That's because teams receive significant prize money based on the finishing order of the constructors' championship. #F1
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In reality, a new F1 team is a $2 billion project before ever getting on track. And that's when the hard work begins, as Cadillac is demonstrating. BYD posted net profit of $3.3 billion last year. International sales were key in that. #F1
3/3
However, start up costs are significant. The anti dilution fee alone has increased, it's now linked to FOM revenues, and that saw record highs last year. Then there's facilities, recruitment, development, etc.
2/3
Bloomberg has reported BYD is looking at motorsport, potentially F1. There is space on the grid, and OEM backing is favourable for new entries. Chinese involvement has been murmured for some time and F1 is a great way to raise a brand's profile. #F1
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So, should Otro want to sell, Renault can buy back full control. I believe Renault can also block a sale. So while it is Otro selling, it is Renault in the driver's seat in terms of what happens next. #F1
Full story: www.planetf1.com/new...
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A little more on Alpine, Toto Wolff, and Christian Horner. The Otro Capital stake cannot be sold without Renault's approval prior to September. I understand Renault has first right of refusal for any subsequent sale too. #F1
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It has been a problem for years with Red Bull. It has voting/governance implications and transfer of staff/information. Red Bull saved a team in 2005 but that's not the same for Alpine. An ownership in slice in a second, OEM-owned team, worth billions... That's different. #F1
3/3
Alpine has strong growth potential but needs investment. Otro has contributed next to nothing. Renault likely wants a Motorsport partner more than an investor. Wolff and Horner both tick that box. But it also raises questions around multi-team ownership. #F1
2/3
News that Toto Wolff has submitted a bid to acquire a slice of Alpine is a fascinating development given Christian Horner is also known to be in the market. One must immediately question the intent of the bid- genuine interest, or a blocking move? #F1
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That can be done fairly quickly once F1 Commission agrees. The FIA can also force things through on safety and cost grounds, but neither are really applicable here. Technical directives are different, they're a reinterpretation of the rules, not a change. #F1
3/3
In reality, a fair amount, provided the concept receives unanimous support from the F1 Commission. That's all teams, FOM, and FIA. From there, the FIA World Motor Sport Council votes it through into the regulations. #F1
2/3
A post-China review is planned to look at the rules and decide if changes are needed. It's been suggested to me that this will be delayed a little, likely until after Japan. But, what can actually be done? #F1
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Australian GP Corp reported AUD $140.6m event revenue in 2025. An estimated $100m of that came from the 465,500 that turned up last year (Albert Park capacity was expanded for 2026). This is just gate takings, not economic impact etc. #F1
3/3
Australian GP Corp reported AUD $140.6m event revenue in 2025. An estimated $100m of that came from the 465,500 that turned up last year (Albert Park capacity was expanded for 2026). This is just gate takings, not economic impact etc. #F1
3/3
Best estimate is about 270,000 individual spectators across the four days, with an average ticket price of about AUD $400. Makes for gate takings of about AUD $110 million. Hosting fees are about AUD $60 million. #F1
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Best estimate is about 270,000 individual spectators across the four days, with an average ticket price of about AUD $400. Makes for gate takings of about AUD $110 million. Hosting fees are about AUD $60 million. #F1
2/3
Some rough maths on the Australian GP. Total attendance across four days was 484,000. Average ticket price is around AUD $700. It's not as simple as multiplying them together, as there were single and multi-day passes. #F1
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Some rough maths on the Australian GP. Total attendance across four days was 484,000. Average ticket price is around AUD $700. It's not as simple as multiplying them together, as there were single and multi-day passes. #F1
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The issue will be governance processes if fixes are needed. It's deliberately difficult to change the rules in F1 mid-season. The FIA sets the rules, it does not have ultimate authority to act unilaterally; the teams and FOM have votes in the conversation, too. #F1
3/3
What we now have are aero regs designed to solve fundamental power unit issues. The basic product is compromised from its core. But we're also stuck with it. F1 and the FIA now need to find a way to make the best of the platform while planning beyond it. #F1
2/3
The 2026 F1 regulations are built on a flawed premise, a compromise to attract OEMs. They were written at a time when the sport was not as healthy as it is now, and car companies were seen as critical to its survival. #F1
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