F1 Silly Season 2026 is now in full swing and we have all the latest news and rumours as we wait for the biggest chips to fall this summer.
Our latest edition includes updates on the future of Max Verstappen, a huge contract offer for Carlos Sainz and the first casualty of the sack race this year.
Max Verstappen to McLaren: Red Bull have one key advantage
Red Bull having their own power unit is a major advantage over McLaren in the race to secure Verstappen’s future, according to former Haas F1 chief Guenther Steiner.
With Red Bull having been unable to provide Verstappen with a competitive car worthy of his talents so far this season, there have been strong rumours linking him with an exit from the team.
The 28-year-old Dutchman’s much-publicised exit clause at Red Bull was reportedly triggered when the four-time world champion went into the summer break outside the top two in the championship standings, and McLaren have been one of the big teams linked.
Carlos Sainz deal closes as Wiliams talks enter decisive phase
Carlos Sainz has been strongly linked with an exit from Williams for 2027 – but it now appears likely he will be going nowhere.
But now, according to respected Madrid outlet Marca, Sainz is deep in the final stages of negotiations with Williams for a new one-year contract.
The terms should easily outstrip his current reported 13million Euro salary but recent reports of 30million Euro per year have not been verified by the Spanish outlet.
The 36-year-old Mexican has been linked with Williams in recent days, but it sounds like talk of a Cadillac exit could be premature.
New team principal Marcin Budkowski said: “Checo’s been an asset to the team and so have both drivers, to be honest, because there’s been a lot of talk about taking two very experienced drivers.
“But I think it’s crucial in a young team like this to provide that experience and that stability. If you have a driver learning and the whole team learning at the same time, that’s too many variables. So I think it’s important to have a driver like Checo on board.”
He added: “From what I know, because of the conversations I’ve had with Dan [Towriss, CEO], but also with other people from the team, he’s not only been driving exceptionally well, but he’s been pushing the team very, very hard in the background.
“That’s to be expected from a driver like him, who’s been at Red Bull for years and with the best. I think that’s the kind of mindset that we want and that’s also the kind of mindset that I will bring. So I’m sure we’ll be aligned completely on the mindset and on the drive.”
Cadillac chief first as F1 sack race claims first 2026 victim
Never forget that the F1 paddock is the most brutal of habitats, and we got a reminder this week with the firing of Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon.
Despite the fact that Lowdon built a new team from scratch for its rookie campaign, he is OUT after just 11 races in charge.
A Cadillac statement said: “The Cadillac Formula 1 team today announced Marcin Budkowski has been appointed as its new team principal strengthening the organization’s leadership team as it continues its inaugural Formula 1 season.
“Budkowski joins the team with more than two decades of F1 experience and will help lead the team’s continued growth and long-term competitive development.
“His appointment follows a planned leadership transition as the organisation evolves from this initial build phase into the next stage of racing performance.”
Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss thanked Lowdon for his contribution to the team, and indicated that the former Manor F1 chief had also exited the team.
He said: “We’re grateful to Graeme Lowdon for his leadership and the role he played in forming the Cadillac Formula 1 team from the ground up.
“His contributions helped establish a strong foundation in our build-up phase, and we thank him for his commitment and wish him well.”
Cadillac swoop for ‘Polish Newey’
Cadillac moved swiftly to replace Lowdon with Marcin Budkowski – the man once described by a media outlet as the ‘Polish Newey’. High praise.