Last Updated on December 12 2025, 12:29 am
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.
PepsiCo’s Grand Return to F1: Doritos, Gatorade – Updated 10:00 UK
PepsiCo is making a turbo-charged comeback to Formula 1 after more than three decades away, and it’s doing so with all the subtlety of a Doritos-branded safety car and the hydration strategy of a Gatorade fountain in the Mercedes garage. In a move that screams, “Why choose one brand when you can plaster three?”, PepsiCo has partnered with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS to unleash Gatorade, Sting, and Doritos on the sport, starting in 2026.
Officially, this is about performance, innovation, and “shared values.”
Unofficially, it’s about making sure George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are the first drivers in F1 history to be both properly hydrated and covered in powdered cheese dust before a race. (Aero gains are aero gains.)
Front and centre in this high-speed collaboration is Gatorade, whose Sports Science Institute will now attempt to solve Mercedes’ biggest problem: not downforce, not tyre deg, but apparently, fluids.
Since drivers can lose nearly four kilos of sweat in a race, Mercedes is hoping the same drink that fuels high-school athletes everywhere will propel its stars back to championship glory. Expect to see Gatorade-branded telemetry, Gatorade-coloured race suits, and possibly a new FIA hydration regulation if Mercedes takes this too far.
PepsiCo executives insist the deal is not just marketing — it’s a cultural moment. They want to bring F1 to fans “beyond race attendance,” which loosely translates to: ‘Even if your country doesn’t host a Grand Prix, you can still buy Doritos shaped vaguely like the Silver Arrows.’
Mercedes’ comms chief promises “experiential activations,” which almost certainly means at least one giant Dorito-themed fan zone, and possibly a Sting energy drink pit-stop challenge nobody asked for.
The partnership is being framed as inevitable due to “shared beliefs,” which appears to mean both companies enjoy performance, innovation, and reminding the world they exist. Mercedes points to its eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships; PepsiCo notes it invented both Cool Ranch and Flamin’ Hot varieties. achievements of similar cultural significance.
What can fans expect? Global events, exclusive content, driver appearances, and enough snack-food tie-ins to feed an entire paddock. Imagine Russell sipping a Gatorade while analysing tyre wear, or Antonelli launching a Doritos Special Edition livery with a straight face. Big moments are coming, or at least, big brand activations.
In short: fast cars, salty snacks, bright-orange triangles, ‘hydration science’, and one very enthusiastic partnership. PepsiCo is back in Formula 1… whether the grid was asking for it or not.
CTFK Accuses PMI of Targeting Youth Through F1 Sponsorship – Updated 21:00 UK
Here is something TJ13 reported on just before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and worth a look: (How can Hamilton race for this team with his ‘healthy living ethics and brand?) – Updated today: The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) has sharply criticised Philip Morris International’s partnership with Ferrari, arguing that placing Zyn nicotine pouch branding on Formula 1 cars is a deliberate attempt to expose young fans to tobacco marketing. CTFK president and CEO Yolonda C. Richardson dismissed PMI’s claims that the sponsorship is aimed solely at adults, calling the argument “laughable”.
Richardson highlighted that F1’s own demographic data recognises the huge influence of Gen Z, and revealed that more than four million children aged 8 to 12 now form part of the sport’s global audience. She also pointed to F1’s collaborations with kid-focused brands, such as Disney, Lego, and Hot Wheels, as evidence that the sport is heavily consumed by younger viewers.
According to CTFK, featuring Zyn logos on Ferrari cars risks linking nicotine products with the high-energy glamour of Formula 1, thereby normalising and glamorising nicotine use for millions of children and teens. The organisation has called on F1 and its commercial partners to end the sponsorship, and urged policymakers to step in to prevent the tobacco industry from cultivating a new generation of nicotine users.
Nico Rosberg says Zak Brown “lacks empathy” in message to heartbroken Piastri – Updated 10:55 UK
Nico Rosberg has taken aim at McLaren CEO Zak Brown after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, arguing that Brown’s post-race radio message to Oscar Piastri showed a lack of sensitivity at a crucial emotional moment.
The season finale saw Max Verstappen win the race, Piastri finish second, and Lando Norris take third — enough for Norris to secure the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship by two points. Piastri, meanwhile, ended the year third in the standings, missing out on a title he had fought for until the final laps of the season.
During the cool-down lap, Brown delivered what he intended as praise to both McLaren drivers. He lauded Norris for his seven wins and thanked Piastri for his performance and teamwork throughout the year, telling him: “Thank you, Oscar, for everything you’ve done. What a year. Oscar, I’m so proud of you… What a team player. We’ll try again next year.”
Rosberg, watching live as a Sky Sports pundit, was stunned by the tone. He argued that Piastri needed comfort, not corporate positivity, in a moment he described as “one of the worst of Oscar’s racing career.”
The 2016 World Champion said Brown should have shown more emotional intelligence, suggesting something more empathetic, such as “Next year is your year,” rather than focusing on gratitude and teamwork immediately after Piastri’s title hopes had evaporated.
Rosberg’s critique adds to an already heated debate around perceived favouritism at McLaren during the tightly contested season — a topic that has dominated discussion both inside and outside the paddock.
The Walking Dead star blasts Zak Brown in fiery post-race rant – Updated 09:55 UK
Jeffrey Dean Morgan unleashed a blistering attack on McLaren CEO Zak Brown following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, venting his frustration on social media as Lando Norris sealed the 2025 world championship. The American actor — famous for *The Walking Dead* — is an avid Formula 1 follower, and he let his emotions run wild during and after the title decider.
Morgan labelled Brown “a weenie” and accused him of mismanaging McLaren while complaining about rivals. His anger centred on what fans have dubbed the “Papaya Rules,” arguing that Oscar Piastri was disadvantaged throughout the season. In a series of raw posts, he wrote that he felt sorry for Piastri and hoped the Australian would leave the team, adding that Brown deserved “a trophy for boning Oscar.” He contrasted his criticism by praising Max Verstappen, calling him the greatest driver since Ayrton Senna and lauding the Dutchman’s extraordinary late-season charge.
The debate over Piastri’s treatment extended far beyond the paddock, even reaching the Australian Senate. During a committee hearing, Senator Matt Canavan jokingly suggested McLaren may have cost Piastri the title. His comment went viral, prompting Brown to respond directly. Speaking to Sky Sports, the McLaren boss dismissed the remark as coming from someone “uninformed and uneducated” about Formula 1, insisting the team has treated both drivers fairly, and that Piastri himself has always backed that stance.
The storm of reactions underscores how emotionally charged McLaren’s title-deciding season became — both on track and online — and how closely fans and public figures are scrutinising the team’s internal dynamics as F1 heads into 2026.
Lando Norris nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year – Updated 09:30 UK
Newly crowned Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris has been shortlisted for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, joining a diverse list of standout British athletes from across 2024. The McLaren driver earned his nomination after edging out Max Verstappen and team-mate Oscar Piastri in one of the closest and most dramatic F1 title fights in 15 years.
He is joined on the six-person shortlist by England football stars Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, whose combined heroics were pivotal in England’s Euro 2025 triumph. Kelly delivered the winning penalty in the final, while Hampton produced two crucial saves and later went on to win the Yashin Trophy for the world’s best female goalkeeper.
Darts sensation Luke Littler, who at just 17 became the youngest world champion and went on to complete the PDC Triple Crown, also features among the nominees. Golf icon Rory McIlroy earned his place thanks to a landmark year that included completing the Career Grand Slam at the Masters and contributing decisively to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory. Rounding out the list is Ellie Kildunne, who delivered five tries during England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup–winning campaign.
The winner of the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year will be announced during the live ceremony in Salford on December 18, where viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite.
Lando Norris’ girlfriend Magui Corceiro opens up on their romance for the first time – Updated 09:00 UK
Lando Norris’s model girlfriend, Magui Corceiro, has spoken publicly for the first time about their relationship, describing the pair as “very happy” after the McLaren star’s dramatic capture of the 2025 Formula 1 World Title in Abu Dhabi reports the Daily Mail. The Portuguese actress shared an emotional embrace — and a rare public kiss — with Norris moments after he sealed the championship, a scene that quickly made headlines worldwide.
Corceiro, 23, admitted the intense moment made her forget about the cameras entirely. Speaking to TV Guia, she said the kiss felt natural and unplanned: “At that moment, I forgot the cameras were there. It was such an important moment that I didn’t even remember that.”
The couple first drew public attention in 2023, after she was spotted in Norris’s Fiat, but only made their relationship official earlier this year. According to Corceiro, there was “no rule” about when to go public; they simply chose a moment that felt right.
She joined Norris and his family for the champion’s post-race celebrations, which reportedly continued until 6 a.m. and included an eye-watering bill of around £100,000 across several hotel bars. Witnesses described Norris as the “life and soul of the party,” singing with friends and celebrating with his McLaren team and family long into the morning. The 26-year-old later joked that “a lifetime of work went into this hangover.”
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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.
Well – I’ve always liked Jeffrey Dean Morgan – LOVE HIM now!! Agree with everything he said there.
And PLEASE – let’s NOT vote LN the Sports Personality of the year; his car, maybe. But otherwise he’d be BOTTOM on MY list of those six (though actually he wouldn’t appear on it at all if I were to compile one)
Haha, Mr Brown really hasn’t gained many friends this year has he
The problem was that Zak Brown and the McLaren management sold Lando Norris as the 2025 world champion to their promoters on his 2024 preference and the cars improvement. Only problem was they McLaren and Zak Brown underestimated Piastri’s ability. Zak was seen confused and frustrated on the McLaren pit wall. Zak was always anamatedly excited when Norris won and always frustrated when Pasteri won. Did Piastri suddenly forget how to drive???? No!! Sabotaged by McLaren lead by Zak Brown.
BS
Why would they “underestimate his ability” when they chose to invest in him, put him in the car, and risk all the possible fallout as a result of the Alpine split?
Seriously, one should stop and think before regurgitating unfounded BS comments that one reads on the internet
Anyone care to comment on the latest update at 9pm UK?? How can Lewis Hamilton be driving for a team that has such close ties with PMI? Jury please let us know your thoughts.