Carlos Sainz has put forward a proposal for a new rule in Formula 1 qualifying sessions. The suggestion aims to address situations where drivers might gain an advantage or where incidents disrupt other competitors’ laps.

The discussion follows an incident during the Austrian Grand Prix qualifying, where Max Verstappen crashed, leading to single-waved yellow flags. Despite this, George Russell secured pole position, having acknowledged the yellow flag zone by lifting off the throttle.

The Austrian Grand Prix Incident

During the Austrian qualifying session, Max Verstappen experienced a crash at a fast left-hander, impacting a barrier towards the end of his lap. This incident resulted in single-waved yellow flags being displayed. Under the existing rules, drivers are required to slow down when passing through a single-waved yellow-flag zone, but they are permitted to improve their lap times if they can demonstrate they acknowledged the flag.

George Russell, who was on a flying lap behind Verstappen, lifted off as he entered the yellow flag zone. His earlier performance on the lap meant his time was still sufficient to secure pole position. This outcome led to some confusion, particularly as Russell’s in-lap was later deleted from the timing screens due to the yellow flags, further intensifying the debate over how such incidents should be managed.

Russell’s teammate, Kimi Antonelli, abandoned his lap after mistakenly identifying the single-waved yellow flag as a double-waved yellow. Double-waved yellow flags require drivers to significantly reduce speed and be prepared to stop, effectively forcing them to abort their lap.

Following the session, Russell acknowledged that the incident might have warranted double yellow flags, though he noted that his actions were within the regulations given the single yellow flag status. The situation has prompted discussions about potential rule adjustments for future qualifying sessions.

Sainz’s Proposed Solution

Carlos Sainz believes that the incident involving Verstappen should have resulted in either a double yellow flag or a red flag. While he commended Russell for adhering perfectly to the rules as they stood, Sainz suggested that drivers should not be allowed to complete a lap under such dangerous conditions.

Sainz’s proposed solution is to implement an automatic three-place grid penalty for any driver who causes a yellow or red flag during qualifying. He argues that this would penalise those who disadvantage other drivers and discourage any potential misuse of the system.

He referenced past scenarios, including an instance in Baku, where he considered the possibility of crashing to secure pole position if he were the first car out. Sainz noted that drivers are aware of how the rulebook operates in these situations.

Sainz, who is a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), intends to present his idea to the group. He mentioned that a proper meeting for discussion might not occur during the current sprint weekend but expressed his belief that it should be considered. He clarified that his comments were made on his own initiative rather than on behalf of the GPDA.

The implementation of such a rule would necessitate careful consideration, particularly regarding how race control handles qualifying incidents. For example, if an incident occurs early in a lap with no cars immediately behind, the impact on other drivers might differ from an incident that happens later in the lap with multiple cars following closely. Sainz highlighted that if a driver behind is affected, it creates an unfair situation by preventing them from completing their lap.

Sainz also pointed out that in certain locations, such as Bahrain and Monaco, drivers have been observed to cause yellow flags in Q1, Q2, and Q3, making it challenging for stewards to manage. He stressed the need for new ideas to resolve these issues.

While Sainz did not suggest that Verstappen’s crash was intentional, he emphasised the need for solutions to address the broader issue of qualifying disruptions. The proposal aims to disincentivise actions that could unfairly impact other competitors’ qualifying efforts.

Source: planetf1.com

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Challenges and Development Focus

Aston Martin Aramco has faced a challenging period, with the team acknowledging that the season has been more difficult than initially anticipated. Early optimism gave way to the reality of late development and an overweight car, leading to a tough start to the season. The team’s Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey, noted that serious work on the 2026 car began in mid-March 2025, with a wind tunnel model not available until mid-April, which placed them several months behind competitors.

Newey also highlighted that the organisation was not operating as cohesively as desired, despite having talented personnel. The car’s weight was a significant issue, partly due to integrating the power unit and addressing vibration problems with Honda, but also from internal weight-saving efforts that fell short. Aerodynamically, the team pursued a bold direction, largely influenced by Newey, without the extensive exploration of multiple concepts due to time constraints, leading to unforeseen challenges.

The scale of the task became clear around the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Due to various power unit issues, the first proper running of the car occurred during Free Practice Three at that event. Prior to this, testing in Barcelona and Bahrain was largely spent in the garage attempting to get the power unit to function correctly with the chassis and gearbox.

Following this realisation, the team focused on two main priorities: delivering a major update before the August break and establishing stronger foundations for future development. This involved long hours at the AMR Technology Campus, with a collective determination to improve performance.

Structural Overhaul and Upgrade Strategy

The team identified that reliance on outdated tools and processes contributed to their difficulties. Some of these systems dated back to the early days of the Jordan team, which was previously based at Silverstone. This structural issue, rather than a problem with individual personnel, led to frustrations such as parts not being ordered efficiently, impacting car build.

In response, Aston Martin has used this challenging period to overhaul its working methods. Significant improvements are being made to in-house facilities and production capabilities. More components, including the gearbox casing and floor patterns, are now manufactured internally. This shift aims to enhance cost control, flexibility, and responsiveness, creating a tighter feedback loop from research to design and manufacturing.

The decision was made to introduce one large upgrade package rather than smaller, incremental updates. While this meant the team appeared to be standing still in relative terms compared to competitors adding performance, it was deemed the correct long-term investment. Partners such as Aramco, Valvoline, and Honda are understood to support this strategy, viewing it as a necessary phase for the team to emerge stronger.

Chief Trackside Officer Mike Krack echoed this sentiment, stating there is “light at the end of the tunnel” for the team. He acknowledged that Lance Stroll retired from the recent race in Austria due to reliability issues, and Fernando Alonso finished several laps down. Despite these results, Krack believes the team has managed the situation effectively and learned valuable lessons.

Upcoming Upgrade and Team Cohesion

The major upgrade package is planned for introduction in Hungary on both cars. This strategic decision was influenced by Adrian Newey, who opted for a significant batch of upgrades over a continuous stream of smaller parts. The team’s pre-season testing and initial Grand Prix events were hampered by reliability problems, limiting track time. However, drivers are now consistently completing more laps, allowing for greater learning about the AMR26.

Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are providing similar feedback regarding areas for car improvement, including procedures and operations. This consistent feedback is seen as a positive, enabling quicker progress for the team. Aston Martin currently holds tenth position in the Teams’ Championship, ahead of Cadillac, following Alonso’s tenth-place finish in Monaco.

Adrian Newey also confirmed that he has been dealing with health issues in recent months, which led to a period of absence from day-to-day operations. He stated that he was not at full health last year, requiring a careful balance between health and work. Despite this, he maintained a strong relationship with the engineers, and the team adapted well to the situation.

The team’s focus remains on solving immediate aerodynamic and mechanical issues, while also implementing improved systems and processes for car design and construction. The upgrade package is anticipated to be a substantial structural change for the car.

Source: astonmartinf1.com

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The race was originally scheduled to begin at 4pm local time. However, discussions between the FIA, Formula 1, and the Miami promoter led to this decision.

Kimi Antonelli, currently the world championship leader, will take the pole position for this race. Mercedes has dominated the early part of the season, winning the first three races.

The Miami Grand Prix has been part of the Formula 1 calendar since 2022. It has quickly become a highlight for fans and teams alike.

Key facts:

• The race will now start at 6pm UK time (1pm local).
• The original start time was set for 4pm local time.
• Kimi Antonelli is leading the championship and starting from pole position.

Officials expect that moving the race earlier will help avoid potential disruptions caused by inclement weather later in the day. The FIA emphasized that safety remains their top priority.

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Toto Wolff commented on Antonelli’s performance, saying, “He did a Kimi,” referring to a mistake made during the final Q3 lap. Despite this, Antonelli currently leads the F1 drivers’ standings.

Mercedes faced challenges in Miami, bringing just two updated parts to the race. Competitors like McLaren and Ferrari introduced more significant upgrades.

Wolff admitted that Mercedes is out of sync with their rivals regarding upgrade schedules. He noted, “We know that we are a little out of sync with our upgrades compared to other teams.” This situation places them at a disadvantage in the ongoing development race.

Despite these hurdles, Wolff remains cautiously optimistic about Antonelli’s future. He stated, “I hope he can continue on this positive slope. Most important is not to be carried away.” The team is aware that this season will be a pure development race.

Antonelli made history by converting each of his first three consecutive pole positions into race wins. This remarkable feat underscores his potential as an emerging star in Formula 1.

Mercedes struggled during the Miami sprint race, failing to secure a front-row lockout or place a car in the top three. The next races will be critical for the team as they aim to catch up with their competitors.

The pressure is mounting as teams prepare for upcoming events, with every tenth of a second proving crucial for success.

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Russell collided with Max Verstappen during a tense battle, damaging his front wing. He finished the race ahead of Leclerc, who dropped to sixth place following a spin.

The stewards are looking into two investigations involving Russell. One is related to his contact with Verstappen, while Leclerc is under scrutiny for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

Verstappen himself is also being investigated for crossing the pit exit line. He finished fifth after a series of aggressive overtakes.

Kimi Antonelli won the Miami Grand Prix, extending his championship lead over Russell to 20 points. This victory marks Antonelli’s third consecutive win.

Key incidents from the final lap include:

• Russell’s collision with Verstappen at Turn 17.
• Leclerc’s spin that caused damage to his car after hitting the wall.
• The overall chaos that involved several top drivers battling for position.

Lando Norris expressed frustration over missed opportunities during the race, stating, “How did we not win this?” The competitive atmosphere heightened as drivers pushed their limits in pursuit of victory.

No timeline has been shared regarding the outcome of these investigations. Observers await further details from the stewards’ decisions.

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Leclerc had initially criticized Antonelli, stating, “Kimi is… so bad on wheel-to-wheel. He moved under braking, it’s unbelievable. We’re going to crash.” His comments came after a tense battle on track.

As of midday, Antonelli received a five-second penalty for excessive track limits breaches during the Sprint. This penalty further complicated his race strategy.

Earlier in the weekend, Leclerc had shown strong performance. He led Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in practice, finishing 0.164 seconds clear of him. However, he faced challenges during qualifying.

After qualifying, Leclerc remarked, “We were just not fast enough today”. His focus now shifts to improving for future races.

Leclerc currently holds third place in the Drivers’ standings with 55 points. Meanwhile, Antonelli has a seven-point lead over him.

The next race will be crucial for both drivers as they aim to gain momentum in the championship. With tensions running high, their rivalry may intensify further.

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As of early Saturday, Hamilton stated, “I don’t feel comfortable in P6, it is not where I want to be, so naturally, I am not happy.” His frustration stems from the simulator sending him in the wrong direction regarding car setup.

Ferrari introduced 11 upgrades for this race weekend. Despite these changes, Hamilton only reduced his qualifying deficit to pole position to five tenths of a second. Previously, he faced a larger gap in earlier sessions.

Hamilton noted that he felt hopeful for better performance but remained ultimately unhappy with his qualifying result. He mentioned that he might cut out simulator running due to its negative impact on setup.

The weather forecast indicates potential rain during the race. Hamilton believes wet conditions could provide an opportunity for improved performance. He stated, “I’m confident with the balance that I have today in wet; hopefully we should be in a good place.”

This situation reflects ongoing challenges for Hamilton and Ferrari as they strive for better results in the 2026 Formula 1 season.

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Hadjar’s car had floorboards protruding 2mm outside the permitted reference volume. This violation led to his disqualification after he qualified in ninth position.

The FIA stewards confirmed the disqualification following an investigation. Red Bull accepted the findings of the technical delegate regarding the legality of the floorboards.

Laurent Mekies, Red Bull team boss, stated, “We made a mistake and we respect the decision of the stewards.” He emphasized that no performance advantage was intended.

As a result of the disqualification, Hadjar will start the Miami Grand Prix from 22nd position, after making changes to his power unit.

The usual penalty for such a violation is disqualification and starting from the pit lane. This incident raises questions about compliance with FIA regulations within Formula 1 teams.

The implications of this disqualification could affect not only Hadjar’s performance but also Red Bull’s overall strategy in upcoming races.

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Bortoleto finished 11th in the sprint race before his disqualification. The FIA found that his car’s intake air pressure exceeded the maximum permitted limit of 4.8 barA.

Audi acknowledged that the FIA measured the pressure above 4.8 barA but claimed it occurred over one lap due to unexpected temperature rises. The FIA stewards ruled that compliance must be maintained at all times, which Bortoleto’s car did not meet.

After the sprint issue, Bortoleto sat out the start of qualifying for the main race. His teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, did not start the sprint race due to a mechanical failure.

Bortoleto’s car was dismantled in the Audi garage during qualifying. It emitted smoke during the cooldown lap after qualifying, indicating a potential brake issue.

Due to his disqualification, Bortoleto started the main race from 22nd position. Hulkenberg managed to qualify for the main race after repairs were made to his car.

This incident marks the third time in five events that an Audi driver has failed to start due to engine problems. “My brakes are on fire man,” Bortoleto reportedly said after experiencing issues with his vehicle.

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The race took place at the Miami International Autodrome on May 3, 2026. Lando Norris finished in second place, while Oscar Piastri secured third.

The race started three hours earlier than scheduled due to potential lightning storms. This decision proved crucial as the weather remained clear throughout the event.

Multiple incidents characterized the race, including crashes involving Isack Hadjar and Pierre Gasly. Notably, Max Verstappen finished fifth after being investigated for a potential pit exit violation.

Key race results:

• Kimi Antonelli – 1st place
• Lando Norris – 2nd place
• Oscar Piastri – 3rd place
• George Russell – 4th place, over 40 seconds behind Antonelli
• Max Verstappen – 5th place
• Charles Leclerc – 6th place, after spinning and hitting the wall

Nico Hulkenberg, Liam Lawson, Pierre Gasly, and Isack Hadjar did not finish the race. The rain teased by forecasts never arrived over the course of the event.

Kimi Antonelli’s achievement of winning three consecutive races is a significant milestone in Formula 1 history. Observers are keen to see how this momentum will affect future races.

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