Your Daily Formula 1 Briefing

Verstappen's Red Bull Exit Clause Triggered; Ferrari Debuts Madring Circuit

• Max Verstappen's future at Red Bull is highly uncertain, as reports confirm his contract's exit clause has been triggered, making it mathematically impossible for him to be in the top two of the drivers' championship by the mid-season break. This development intensifies speculation of a potential move to McLaren, possibly impacting Oscar Piastri's seat. Verstappen himself declined to discuss his future after experiencing a "super dangerous" car issue at the British Grand Prix.

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• Ferrari made history on Thursday, July 9, as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed the first laps of the new Madring circuit in Madrid with their SF-26 car during a filming day. This marks the debut of a current-generation F1 car on the hybrid street and purpose-built track, which will host the Spanish Grand Prix from September 11-13, 2026. Notably, Leclerc's recent resurgence, including his British GP victory, came after his mental coach revealed he stopped trying to mirror Lewis Hamilton's setup choices, which had been hindering his performance.

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• The FIA is advancing plans for its 2031 regulations, which include the return of naturally aspirated V8 engines and the potential reintroduction of in-race refueling to reduce car weight. Furthermore, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed intentions to increase Sprint races from 2027, citing their success in boosting fan engagement and record attendances, with a potential expansion to nine or ten events per season.

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