Apologies for a bit of a late rolling news today, but 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.
Apple has confirmed its interest in an F1: The Movie sequel – Updated 21:25 UK
Apple CEO Tim Cook has revealed that discussions are underway for a sequel to the film, which was released earlier this year and enjoyed huge global success. Starring Brad Pitt as veteran driver Sonny Hayes and co-produced by Lewis Hamilton, the film became Pitt’s biggest opening of his career. It was also praised for integrating real F1 action by featuring the fictional APXGP team in the live paddock.
Director Joseph Kosinski has confirmed that conceptual work on a “next chapter” for Hayes and APXGP is underway, stating that the film’s positive reception worldwide makes a sequel appealing.
The film will begin streaming on Apple TV+ on 12 December. Cook said that the blockbuster performance and star power involved make a sequel highly likely. Pitt has also expressed his enthusiasm, saying that he “had the time of my life” filming the movie and that he would “love to see a sequel”, even joking that he might be too old to play the role again.
Pérez calls Red Bull exit a ‘dream scenario’ as he gears up for F1 return
Sergio Pérez says that being forced out of Red Bull and spending a year away from Formula 1 ultimately turned out to be a ‘dream scenario’, providing the reset that he did not realise he needed. Despite being under contract for 2025, Pérez was dropped in favour of Liam Lawson and spent the season on the sidelines — but soon realised that he still missed Formula 1.
“I kept waking up for the races… I realised that I missed it more than I thought,” he told Formula 1, revealing that he had stayed closely connected through friends in the paddock.
Now aged 35, Pérez will return to the sport full-time in 2026, partnering Valtteri Bottas as the new American team prepares for its grid debut. Having tested the SF-23 at Imola as part of Cadillac’s early development work, he says that the year off has left him feeling refreshed and fully motivated.
“Looking back, it was like a dream scenario — being able to take a year out and then get that refreshment,” he said. “After 15 years in Formula 1, I have all the energy again for what I see as my final stint in the sport.”
Pérez says he is ready to throw himself into building Cadillac from the ground up. “It’s a new team, so we’re basically starting from zero.”
Piastri’s early title fight ‘pretty unprecedented’ – Updated 20:40 UK
Mark Webber says that Piastri is on an “incredible journey” in 2025, drawing a rare comparison with Lewis Hamilton’s rookie-era title challenge. With three races remaining, Piastri is engaged in a tight championship battle with his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. However, he arrives in Las Vegas in need of a reset after failing to secure a podium finish in the last five races.
Webber, Piastri’s manager, said that fighting for a world title in a third season of Formula 1 is “pretty unprecedented”, adding: “I think it was Lewis. There haven’t been many people who have done this so early.” Webber described this phase as striking the right balance between support and pressure: “It’s a delicate balance — a bit of everything: an arm around him, encouragement… He’s still working hard, and it’s early in his career.”
Comparing the situation to his own 2010 title battle, Webber admitted that managing from the sidelines is more difficult. ‘In the car, you’ve got more control. Now it’s surreal seeing him so young in his third year, fighting for a world title.”
Appearing alongside Webber, Sebastian Vettel reflected on his own championship highs and lows, saying that nervous energy is inevitable: ‘Constantly reminding myself that this is the position I always dreamt of helped me calm down.’
Meanwhile, Piastri has slipped from a 34-point lead to a 24-point deficit behind Norris, with Verstappen 49 points adrift. Webber says the final stretch will be a test of resilience: ‘This is about character… He’s got to find that character to come back.’
Racing Bulls unveil holographic Las Vegas GP livery – Updated 18:45 UK
The Racing Bulls team has unveiled a striking new ‘holographic’ livery for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, marking their fourth and final special design of the season. Created in partnership with title sponsor Cash App, the shimmering finish on the VCARB02 promotes the launch of the company’s new Holo Card and is inspired by the bold, high-energy aesthetic of Las Vegas nightlife.
The iridescent look extends beyond the car to include a full garage takeover and bespoke race suits, boots, and gloves for drivers Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar. “Each design has become a statement of creativity and expression,” said CEO Peter Bayer. “Finishing the year with this eye-catching Las Vegas design feels like the perfect way to round off an incredible season of innovation and collaboration.”
Following previous one-offs in Miami, Silverstone and Austin, the team has leaned heavily into unique liveries in 2025. Bayer said that this creative direction aligns with a broader shift within the team as it embraces a more youthful and energetic identity. ‘We’re trying to re-inject some of those original Red Bull values — don’t take yourself too seriously, work hard, party hard.’
The Racing Bulls will join Alpine, Sauber and Williams in sporting special designs for the Las Vegas weekend, further reinforcing the event’s growing status as a showcase for brand creativity in Formula 1.
Las Vegas GP 2025: Key changes – Updated 16:25 UK
Formula 1 returns to the Las Vegas Strip for the third edition of its showcase night race, with only three rounds remaining in the 2025 championship. The late-November slot continues to generate significant commercial success for the city, and Formula 1 hopes that the event will now establish long-term roots following its highly successful debut in 2023 and its strong follow-up in 2024.
The 3.8-mile circuit layout remains unchanged for 2025, including the spectacular 1.2-mile blast down Las Vegas Boulevard past landmarks such as the Venetian, the Bellagio fountains, and the Paris Eiffel Tower. However, the weekend schedule has been adjusted: both qualifying and the race now start two hours earlier at 8 pm local time (4 am UK time), bringing the event into line with the timing of Singapore’s night race and offering teams and fans slightly warmer conditions in the early evening.
The fan experience is expanding too, with cheaper ticket options, upgraded hospitality and major entertainment acts — including Shaggy this year — spread across the venue. The F1 Academy will also be joining the support bill for the first time, with its all-female championship concluding in Las Vegas, where Doriane Pin and Maya Weug will be competing for the title.
With the final stretch of the season underway, the spotlight intensifies on the Drivers’ Championship — especially on Lando Norris, who now appears to have the momentum. Meanwhile, questions linger over Ferrari’s trajectory in the closing races, adding further intrigue to what is set to be another dramatic Vegas weekend under the neon lights.
Jamie Chadwick makes history as first female Hypercar reserve driver – Updated 10:33 UK
In 2026, Jamie Chadwick will become the first woman to serve as a Hypercar reserve driver in the World Endurance Championship, joining Genesis Magma Racing. The three-time W-Series champion will also take on development responsibilities with the team, building on her experience of driving a Hypercar for the first time at a recent test in Magny-Cours, France.
Chadwick, who is also a Sky Sports F1 pundit, described the opportunity as a “huge progression” in her career and a chance to enhance her racing skills. “The development role can also be a huge help to my racing. You can take what you learn from the constant testing and working with the engineers back to other categories and series.”
Reflecting on her first experience in the GMR-001 Hypercar, she added, ‘My first laps were amazing. It’s an impressive car, and it’s so fast in a straight line. There are a lot of different systems available to you as a driver — tools that you can use to make a difference.’ Chadwick’s full racing programme for 2026 will be revealed at a later date.
Zak Brown claims Christian Horner was ‘changed by fame’
The McLaren CEO has reignited his long-standing feud with the former Red Bull team principal, suggesting that his success and rising Formula 1 fame have altered his personality. Speaking to The Telegraph, Brown said: “I’ve known Christian for over 30 years. We used to get on. His results are amazing. So, hats off. But he’s changed. I think the fame from Drive to Survive, the money, the glory, it all got a bit much.”
The pair have clashed on several occasions, most notably after Red Bull’s 2021 cost cap breach. Tensions resurfaced this season when Horner questioned McLaren’s tyre performance. Brown dismissed the allegations as disruptive rather than technical, adding: “Christian is a four-wheels-off guy. He made allegations against our team. I can’t imagine he believed them. It was simply intended to disrupt us.”
Brown also calls Max Verstappen a ‘bruiser’ on the track
In a candid assessment of the Dutchman’s driving style, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has described Max Verstappen as a “bruiser”. Speaking to The Telegraph, Brown said: “I don’t want to disparage Max…. He’s a four-time world champion. He can be a bruiser; too aggressive on the track. His arrogance comes out.” He added that such traits are not unusual for Formula 1 greats, noting that some of the greatest champions have had an air of arrogance about them. They get their elbows out.”
Brown also highlighted instances where Verstappen’s aggression went beyond the bounds of fairness, pointing to the 2021 battle with Lewis Hamilton in Interlagos. “Max has crossed the line on track at times. In Brazil against Lewis Hamilton, for example. A handful of his overtaking manoeuvres on Lewis were overly aggressive,” he said.
These comments come as McLaren reflects on its intense rivalry with Red Bull in recent seasons, with Verstappen often proving to be a formidable opponent for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Brown’s remarks emphasise both his respect for Verstappen’s achievements and his acknowledgement of his uncompromising and sometimes forceful approach on the circuit.
Mercedes cautious about repeating Las Vegas GP success
Despite George Russell’s dominant victory in last year’s event, the team is tempering expectations ahead of this year’s race. Team boss Toto Wolff explained that changes to the W16 and different conditions this year make predicting performance difficult, urging the squad to be open-minded about the weekend rather than expecting a repeat of last year’s 1–2 finish.
Several factors are influencing Mercedes’ caution. Last year, the W15’s strengths were complemented by smooth track surfaces and cooler night temperatures, allowing the tyres to reach optimal temperature and enabling the car to perform exceptionally well. This year, however, the race starts earlier, at 8 pm local time, which will alter ambient temperatures and potentially affect tyre performance and balance.
Mercedes has also made significant changes to the W16, aiming to address slow-corner understeer and generate more consistent downforce. While these updates have improved certain areas, the new rear-suspension geometry trialled earlier in the season had to be removed, leaving the team with a different performance envelope and less confidence in predicting results.
Deputy technical director Simone Resta acknowledged the challenge of comparing this year with last, given the variety of race results throughout the season. Wolff echoed this sentiment, citing races such as those in Spa and Brazil where the team’s performance differed dramatically from expectations. He emphasised that past success in Vegas does not guarantee a repeat performance.
Overall, Mercedes is prioritising preparation and adaptability over assumptions, focusing on maximising performance under the specific conditions of the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix rather than relying on last year’s success.
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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.
Oh dear me, Zak … your grapes have soured! But your comments won’t bother CH or MV, I’m sure, though maybe it’s time for YOU to step back from the sport of F1