Welcome to TJ13’s daily rolling F1 news and comment. Here you’ll find the latest stories, rumours, and paddock whispers. We’ll be updating this page all day as the news breaks and the drama unfolds, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates straight from the F1 circus, and please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
Piastri hints at ‘other factors’ behind sudden title slide – Updated 20:55 UK
Oscar Piastri has suggested that “other factors” are contributing to his recent decline in form, admitting that he has felt “a bit odd” in his McLaren during the last few races. The Australian, who once led the championship by 34 points, now trails his teammate, Lando Norris, by 24 points with three rounds remaining.
Since winning the Dutch Grand Prix, Piastri has struggled to match Norris, who has achieved two consecutive victories. Piastri highlighted that recent weekends have forced him to drive “very, very differently”, despite these strategies having worked earlier in the season. He also noted unusual tyre behaviour and unpredictable grip, particularly in Brazil, where his strong practice pace disappeared as the weekend progressed.
Part of the divergence between the teammates stems from Norris adopting a revised front suspension introduced in Canada — a change that Piastri tested but chose not to use, regarding it as a matter of preference rather than a clear upgrade.
With 83 points still up for grabs across the final three race weekends, Piastri insists he is adapting and adding “more tools” to his arsenal to help him manage the changing conditions. However, he concedes that external variables have made the fight for the title far more challenging.
Horner’s Mystery New York Trip Sparks F1 Rumours – Updated 07:45 UK
Christian Horner has sparked speculation after being spotted in New York this week, marking his latest low-key trip since leaving Red Bull earlier this year. The former team principal, who is currently on gardening leave, is considering his options for a return to Formula 1 once he becomes eligible to re-enter the sport in mid-2026.
The purpose of Horner’s visit to New York remains unclear, but it comes amid reports that he has already secured substantial financial backing for his next project. With a $100 million exit package and a long history of championship-winning success, investors are reportedly eager to support his next venture.
His future role is expected to go beyond that of a traditional team principal. Instead, Horner is said to be targeting a CEO-level position with strategic authority and potential equity in a team, whether through minority ownership, majority control or even the purchase of an existing outfit. His financial backing is reportedly sufficient to purchase any current team outright amid skyrocketing valuations across the grid.
The most likely scenario appears to be the creation of a brand-new entry, with Horner having already spoken with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and met with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem socially. For now, his movements — and that New York trip — continue to raise eyebrows across the paddock.
Perez Impresses on Imola F1 test as Cadillac Says He “Wasn’t Even Pushing”
Sergio Pérez’s first outing ahead of his 2026 switch to Cadillac appears to have exceeded expectations. After a year away from Formula 1, the Mexican driver completed two full days of private testing at Imola in an all-black Ferrari SF-23, while Cadillac’s own chassis remains in development.
Pérez logged 93 laps on both Thursday and Friday, gaining valuable mileage and rebuilding his confidence following his final appearance for Red Bull in Abu Dhabi last year. The test took place under the supervision of Cadillac team boss Graeme Lowdon and team manager Peter Crolla, and the programme ran smoothly, even including pit stop practice.
Despite the strong pace reported during the sessions, Lowdon stressed that Pérez “wasn’t even pushing”, adding that the main objective was for the team to familiarise themselves with the procedures in preparation for their 2026 entry. Nevertheless, the early signs suggest that Pérez is settling in quickly as Cadillac ramps up its F1 preparations.
Antonelli Targets First F1 Victory After Breakthrough Brazil Performance
Kimi Antonelli believes that his first Formula 1 victory is “very achievable” before the end of the season, provided that Mercedes can reproduce the competitive performance that they displayed in São Paulo. The Italian rookie produced an outstanding performance in Brazil, finishing second after successfully fending off a late challenge from Max Verstappen. This was his best F1 finish to date and his second podium of the year.
With Mercedes now second in the Constructors’ standings, Antonelli says the team must keep pushing to get the most out of the car. He highlighted that the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix could present another strong opportunity, as cooler temperatures are expected to favour the Mercedes package.
Antonelli praised the team’s performance in Brazil and urged them to maintain this level of performance for the remainder of the season, insisting that a breakthrough win is well within reach if they continue to progress.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
