Welcome to TJ13’s daily rolling F1 news and comment. Here you’ll find all the latest stories, rumours and paddock whispers. We’ll be updating this page all day as the news breaks, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates straight from the F1 circus. And don’t forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
Is Gianpiero Lambiase leaving Red Bull? – Updated 11:30 UK
Red Bull has moved to shut down swirling rumours that Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, is leaving the team. Speculation grew after the emotional scenes following the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Lando Norris secured the championship and Lambiase was seen in tears on the pit wall. His post-race radio message to Verstappen — and Verstappen’s reflective comments about their relationship — fuelled misunderstanding online.
The team has confirmed, however, that Lambiase is staying. Verstappen described 2025 as an emotionally difficult year, and praised Lambiase not just as an engineer, but as a friend, highlighting their decade-long partnership that has yielded four world titles. Despite challenges, Verstappen stressed his admiration for Lambiase’s resilience and commitment throughout the season.
Lambiase, promoted last year to Red Bull’s head of racing, has been a central figure in the team since joining in 2015. While Red Bull undergoes major structural changes — including the departures of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko — Lambiase’s role remains secure, and his relationship with Verstappen continues as one of the strongest driver–engineer partnerships in modern Formula 1.
F1 highest-paid drivers revealed for 2025 – Updated 11:00 UK
Max Verstappen has finished the 2025 Formula 1 season as the sport’s highest-paid driver according to RN365, even though he narrowly missed out on a fifth consecutive world championship. The Dutchman, who lost the title to Lando Norris by just two points, earned enough in bonuses to push his total income above all other drivers on the grid, according to *Forbes*.
Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, remains the driver with the largest base salary. The seven-time world champion earned a reported **$70 million** in his first season with Ferrari — a figure higher than Verstappen’s fixed pay. However, Verstappen’s sizeable Red Bull performance bonuses ultimately secured him the top spot in the earnings rankings.
Newly crowned world champion Lando Norris sits third overall, boosted by strong McLaren bonus clauses triggered by his title win and consistent podium form. His team-mate Oscar Piastri also earned a significant financial uplift through similar incentives, placing him just behind Norris.
Ferrari star Charles Leclerc completes the top five, reflecting his status as one of the sport’s most bankable drivers heading into the 2026 regulation era.
F1 2025 Top 10 Highest-Paid Drivers
| Driver | Salary | Bonuses | Total earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Verstappen | $65m | $11m | $76m |
| Lewis Hamilton | $70m | $0.5m | $70.5m |
| Lando Norris | $18m | $39.5m | $57.5m |
| Oscar Piastri | $10m | $27.5m | $37.5m |
| Charles Leclerc | $30m | $0 | $30m |
| Fernando Alonso | $24m | $2.5m | $26.5m |
| George Russell | $15m | $11m | $26m |
| Lance Stroll | $12m | $1.5m | $13.5m |
| Carlos Sainz | $10m | $3m | $13m |
| Kimi Antonelli | $5m | $7.5m | $12.5m |
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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.
