by Wednesday’s fast-paced F1 news includes one prominent one FIA steward takes aim at Max Verstappen as Fernando Alonso’s mysterious illness is confirmed to be an intestinal infection.
It’s time to scroll through the day’s biggest headlines at breakneck speed…
F1 news: Max Verstappen under fire, Fernando Alonso infection and more
Johnny Herbert takes aim at Max Verstappen’s ‘terrible mindset’
FIA steward Johnny Herbert has criticized Max Verstappen’s “terrible attitude” after handing the Red Bull driver a 20-second penalty in Mexico.
Verstappen was hit with two separate 10-second penalties for incidents with McLaren’s Lando Norris at last weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, with the Red Bull driver’s behavior in the wheel-to-wheel battle coming under scrutiny.
Herbert was a member of the four-member commission that decided on Verstappen’s punishment. The former F1 driver described the reigning world champion’s escapades with Lando Norris as “absolutely taboo”.
Read more: Johnny Herbert criticizes Max Verstappen’s “terrible way of thinking” in his “absolute no-no” verdict
Fernando Alonso goes to a specialist because of an intestinal infection
Aston Martin has confirmed that Fernando Alonso will once again forego his media activities at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Thursday as the 43-year-old will see a specialist for an intestinal infection.
This comes after the two-time world champion had to miss media day in Mexico last weekend due to an unspecified illness.
In a brief statement, Aston Martin said Alonso had returned to Europe for “further treatment” with an extra day to “ensure” he is fit to compete in Sao Paulo this weekend.
Read more: Fernando Alonso is receiving specialist treatment while Aston Martin confirms an infection
Helmut Marko confirms the upcoming starting penalty for Max Verstappen
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen will have to serve a grid penalty at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
Verstappen was forced to switch to an older unit after he was plagued by engine problems in Mexico. Marko estimated that the reigning world champion was 3-8 km/h behind on the straights.
Marko says Red Bull “cannot avoid” Verstappen installing a new engine and incurring a penalty in Brazil. A decrease of five starting positions is expected.
Read more: Max Verstappen’s grid penalty was confirmed while Mexico’s engine problems were explained
Audi F1 announces new hires and restructures as F1 2026 plans progress
Audi F1 has announced the new signings of Giampaolo Dall’Ara and Ignacio Rueda. Sauber star Beat Zehnder takes on a new role as preparations get underway for the team’s 2026 F1 start.
Dall’Ara was appointed head of racing technology, while former Ferrari driver Rueda took over the position of sports director. Zehnder, meanwhile, is set to become director of signature programs and operations.
In July, Audi F1 confirmed the appointment of former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto as chief operating and technical officer, followed by the appointment of Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who will start work as team boss next year.
Read more: Audi makes important announcement as preparations for F1 2026 continue
Lewis Hamilton drives Ayrton Senna McLaren at the Brazilian GP
Lewis Hamilton will drive Ayrton Senna’s title-winning 1990 McLaren F1 car at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix as a tribute to the late three-time world champion.
The Brazilian GP is expected to be an emotional event as the 2024 F1 season marks the 30th anniversary of Senna’s death.
Hamilton has made no secret of his admiration for the Brazilian icon over the years and will drive a classic Senna F1 car for the first time at Interlagos after qualifying on Saturday.
Read more: Lewis Hamilton will reunite with McLaren at the Brazilian GP to pay tribute to Ayrton Senna
