Oscar Piastri second on grid behind teammate Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc third

The Belgian Grand Prix begins the second half of the F1 season, nonetheless the bigest moments to this point have arguably come from the low season.

In case you’ve been residing beneath a rock, Pink Bull abruptly fired their long-term crew principal Christian Horner after a 20-year stint that included eight Formulation 1 drivers’ titles, six constructors’ titles, and 124 race wins.

Pink Bull didn’t give a cause for the choice, however thanked Horner for his work and stated he’ll “perpetually stay an necessary a part of our crew historical past”. The announcement comes greater than a 12 months after Horner was accused of misconduct towards a crew worker.

So what truly occurred?

The announcement follows a interval of tense inner politics inside Pink Bull in addition to a lacklustre efficiency on monitor throughout the 2025 season. Learn extra right here. 

Will Max Verstappen go to Mercedes?

When you weren’t swept up within the Horner saga, it’s seemingly you’ve been occupied by the rumour-mill regarding Max Verstappen and a possible transfer to Mercedes.

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Verstappen presently sits in third place within the driver’s championship, and whereas the Dutchman’s expertise and drive to win stays unquestionable, it’s clear that McLaren have the higher automotive and tempo.

Mercedes driver George Russell’s contract expires this 12 months and a contract renewal has not been introduced. This probably opens the door for Verstappen to modify groups.

That hypothesis hit a fever pitch when information broke Verstappen and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff occurred to be within the Italian island of Sardinia on the identical time just a few weeks in the past.

To date, no bulletins have been made, however a sometimes wry Verstappen has remained tight-lipped throughout press conferences.

He batted away journalists persistent questions round a Mercedes transfer and quipped,“There’s additionally a chance I don’t get up tomorrow!” he stated. “So then, there isn’t any driving in any respect. Life is unpredictable.”