F1 off-track news

Four years after Oscar Piastri's famous tweet denying his Alpine seat, fans and media reflect on the saga that reshaped his career and the team's fortunes.

Lightning McQueen appeared at the Italian Grand Prix paddock for the 20th anniversary of Cars, with ESPN covering the takeover and F1 posting a video of the character pre-race.

Thousands of fans missed Saturday's Dutch Grand Prix action due to train station issues at Amsterdam, overshadowing Zandvoort's final F1 weekend. Drivers mourned the circuit's loss, with coverage focusing on travel disruption and the event's farewell.

Fernando Alonso turns 45 on 29 July. Fans and Formula1.com mark the occasion with tributes and a look back at his funniest moments.

Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is stopped by police at a Portuguese airport for carrying a shotgun intended for clay pigeon shooting. Reports vary on arrest status.

A new film about F1 legend Gilles Villeneuve premieres at Toronto, featuring insights from Jean Alesi and Jacques Villeneuve on his life and fatal crash.

Carlos Sainz appeared at the 83rd Venice Film Festival as an Armani fragrance ambassador ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. The Williams driver's attendance was covered by Motorsport.com and social media, highlighting his off-track commitments.

Sebastian Vettel will return to a Ferrari F1 car at Monza this weekend for a tribute run honouring Michael Schumacher, alongside Rubens Barrichello, delighting the tifosi with a V10 demo.

Qatar's circuit and federation reaffirmed safety and continued preparations for upcoming F1 and MotoGP grands prix, despite regional geopolitical uncertainty that has already disrupted other championships like WEC. The statement aims to reassure fans and stakeholders amid ongoing conflict.

Filming for the Ocean's Eleven prequel takes place in Monaco, recreating the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix with replica vintage Formula 1 cars and Bradley Cooper on set.

Three unrelated items cover F1 fan culture and driver backgrounds: a 3D-printed track collection ends, Max Verstappen uses No. 33 in a karting stream, and a feature profiles a karting kid from Nastola. No race or official ruling is involved.

Reigning F1 champion Lando Norris announced a three-part Prime Video docuseries, produced by Box to Box Films, tracking his 2026 title defence. The series, working title 'Lando', is scheduled for release in 2027.

George Russell revealed his engagement to Carmen Montero Mundt during F1's summer break, sharing details in the Dutch Grand Prix press conference. He joked it might bring him a couple of tenths of performance.

Christian Horner, former Red Bull team principal, announced a UK speaking tour to promote his memoir Drive, following his exit from the team. The tour covers his 20-year F1 career, highs, lows, and rivalries.

Former Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer discussed how he warned colleagues about Netflix's Drive to Survive microphones, using a bizarre method to protect privacy. He also left the door open for an F1 return on his own terms.

Former Sky Sports F1 reporter Rachel Brookes has announced her next venture following her June departure from the broadcaster. The news was confirmed across multiple outlets, detailing her new role.

Gabriel Bortoleto joins Amelia Dimoldenberg for a Passenger Princess episode, featuring skydiving and playful banter. The videos promote the series on YouTube.

George Russell announced his engagement to long-term partner Montero Mundt during the summer break, sharing the news across outlets. The personal milestone comes as F1 pauses between races, with coverage focusing on the couple's beachside proposal and Russell's off-track life.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff spoke about supporting son Jack's karting championship lead in Italy, and separately accused Ferrari of complaining about F1 2026 power unit rules. The comments came in recent interviews.

Formula 1 released a summer break postcard video, prompting fan reactions on Reddit about its hidden references. The video highlights Easter eggs, with fans sharing their favourite details during the mid-season pause.

Otmar Szafnauer recalled Jeremy Clarkson's amusing comment after Alpine's 2023 Monaco GP podium, including an offer to give Clarkson his pub under a condition. The story revisits the past event.

A 45-minute tribute video celebrating Sebastian Vettel's finest Formula 1 drives was shared on YouTube and Reddit, showcasing his career from young talent to veteran racecraft. The video highlights his iconic moments and lasting legacy in the sport.

Formula 1 released a Passenger Princess episode featuring Alex Albon, where Amelia Dimoldenberg learns about his pets and driving. The video is part of Series 2, Episode 3, now available on YouTube.

Formula 1 is in its summer recess after the Hungarian Grand Prix. Coverage explains the mandatory shutdown's purpose, while Valtteri Bottas qualified for the UCI Gravel World Championship during the break.

Social posts and articles highlight Fernando Alonso's enduring F1 career, from his 2020 Renault R25 reunion to his luxury car collection, with no new race event.

Former F1 team boss Eric Boullier becomes CEO of the WRC Promoter after Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital acquire the commercial rights. FIA president calls it 'deal of the century'.

Former Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes discussed her sudden departure, revealing emotional support from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, and denied rumors involving Max Verstappen.

Former Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant announces his engagement to long-time partner Riley Whittall, sharing the news on social media.

George Russell said he needs Formula 1's summer shutdown after describing the worst run of his racing career. The Mercedes driver spoke ahead of the break.

Kimi Antonelli faces a lawsuit from his former manager over alleged unpaid compensation, adding an off-track complication to his 2026 F1 season. The story is two days old.