Last Updated on December 13 2025, 7:51 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.
Mercedes’ Wolff on Horner: ‘Sense of entitlement’ cost him his job — Updated 14:08 UK
Toto Wolff has launched one of his most pointed critiques yet at former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, claiming a long-standing “sense of entitlement” ultimately led to Horner’s dismissal after two decades in charge. The pair were fierce rivals at the height of the Mercedes–Red Bull title fights, particularly during the controversial 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Wolff told *The Telegraph* that he and Lewis Hamilton “think about it every day,” insisting Michael Masi’s misapplication of the rules cost Hamilton an eighth world title. While Wolff acknowledged both teams had strong claims to the championship that year, he said Horner was “never able to admit” the injustice of the final-lap decision — and that a lack of empathy was a defining flaw.
According to Wolff, Horner’s downfall at Red Bull stemmed from that same attitude. He believes the former team boss felt “entitled to all the power” within the organisation, something the company ultimately refused to tolerate.
Ben Sulayem Unopposed: F1’s 2026 Shake-Up Looms – Updated 11:55 UK
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has secured a second four-year term as FIA President, after running unopposed in the federation’s General Assembly in Tashkent. His re-election keeps the existing leadership structure fully intact through to the end of 2029, with Malcolm Wilson, Tim Shearman, and Carmelo Sanz de Barros all retaining their senior roles. Ben Sulayem thanked Member Clubs for their backing, describing the FIA as “stronger than ever” after a period of financial recovery and internal reform.
His first term has been defined by restructuring the organisation’s operations and steering Formula 1 toward its major 2026 overhaul. The FIA has already set the regulatory framework for the sport’s next era, from chassis changes to hybrid power units — a shift that will require intense oversight as teams convert rules into competitive machinery. Ben Sulayem’s visible presence on race weekends, including the introduction of a President’s Medal during podium ceremonies, has also been seen as a hallmark of his leadership.
The second term now arrives at a pivotal moment: the countdown to 2026 is tightening, and the FIA will be judged on its ability to deliver a smooth transition, maintain consistent stewardship of the rules, and uphold strong governance. Continuity may bring stability as the sport enters one of its biggest transformations in decades. With the political landscape settled until 2029, attention now turns to execution — quietly, competently, and with fewer surprises — as Formula 1 approaches its next big reset.
Hamilton’s Abu Dhabi words ‘felt like a farewell speech’, says Johnny Herbert – Updated 10:40 UK
Lewis Hamilton’s reflective and sombre comments after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have sparked speculation about his Formula 1 future, with former FIA steward Johnny Herbert suggesting they sounded “more like a farewell speech” than a routine end-of-season message.
Hamilton told reporters he plans to disconnect entirely over the winter — even joking that he might throw his phone away — after completing his toughest ever season: no wins, no poles, and no podiums in his maiden year with Ferrari. Despite thanking the team over the radio for their efforts, the seven-time champion appeared drained, often giving minimal or one-word answers throughout the closing months of the campaign.
Herbert believes that tone is significant. “You’ve got to be honest with yourself,” he said. “If you feel you have no idea what you need to do to get out of the doldrums, then why carry on?” He added that Hamilton, once defined by resilience and constant fight, no longer seems able to find that spark — raising the possibility he may walk away while still content with one of the most successful careers in F1 history.
Herbert suggested Hamilton may soon sit down with his family to evaluate his future, noting how uncharacteristically “dark” and uncomfortable his recent interviews have been. After a season filled with setbacks on and off the track, Herbert believes the signs point to a driver seriously weighing whether this chapter may be his last.
Lewis Hamilton’s Unwanted Record: Leclerc Defends Struggling Ferrari Teammate – Updated 10:00 UK
Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari ended with an unwanted milestone: for the first time in his 19-year Formula 1 career, he failed to score a single Grand Prix podium. But while the seven-time world champion has faced intense scrutiny, teammate Charles Leclerc has stepped forward to defend him — stressing that the SF-25 was a nightmare to drive at the limit.
Leclerc said the car often forced drivers into a brutal choice between risking “putting it in the wall” or squeezing out enough speed to progress through qualifying. The Monegasque explained that achieving a competitive lap required total commitment in every session — Q1, Q2, and Q3 — leaving virtually no margin for error.
Hamilton’s 2025 season has been overshadowed by visible frustration, tense radio messages, and a series of downbeat TV interviews. The pressure of joining Ferrari with world title expectations only made the situation heavier. Despite his struggles, he has not expressed doubts about returning for 2026, instead saying he plans to disconnect entirely over winter — even joking about throwing his phone away.
While speculation continues about Hamilton’s state of mind and long-term future, Leclerc’s comments offer the clearest insight yet: the car, not the driver, was the real culprit.
COMMENT BELOW & CHECK BACK ON THIS PAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY FOR UPDATED NEWS
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.
