Formula 1 3 Days

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Red Bull and Verstappen Face Wing Woes, Investigation Underway

Max Verstappen experienced a rear wing failure for the second race in a row, leading to a crash at the British Grand Prix. The team is exploring "all options" for the upcoming Spa race, with the FIA also looking into Red Bull and Ferrari's rotating wing designs following Verstappen's incident. While Red Bull initially topped internal combustion engine rankings, their performance has been questioned, with speculation that similar struggles might continue at Spa.

Ferrari's Mixed Fortunes and Leclerc's Adjustments

Charles Leclerc secured a near-victory at the British Grand Prix, but the win was almost a moment of relief as he sought answers to set-up changes made after the sprint race. Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, is hesitant to discuss championship aspirations due to the team's inconsistent performances, despite a significant upgrade package in Spain. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz received an unusual penalty at the British Grand Prix for incorrectly unlapping himself under a late safety car.

Mercedes' Qualifying Edge and FIA's Future Power Unit Considerations

Mercedes drivers employed a clever electrical maneuver during qualifying at the British Grand Prix weekend, lifting off the accelerator just before the finish line to gain an advantage. the FIA is considering moving away from customer power units starting in 2031, potentially introducing third-party supplied V8 engines. The complexity of the 2026 regulations may also hinder customer teams, as the FIA guarantees them the same power unit specification as works outfits, but experience is becoming paramount.

British Grand Prix Safety Car and Hamilton's Setback

The conclusion of the British Grand Prix was anticlimactic, with drivers crossing the finish line under safety car conditions, leading to boos from the Silverstone crowd. A pre-race adjustment also hampered Lewis Hamilton's performance at the British Grand Prix, with Ferrari engineers estimating a six-tenths deficit to Mercedes on the straights.