Word on the beat : November 2025
FIA presidential race, Gasly’s Alpine deal and Herta set for F2
- Ligier European Series driver Laura Villars has announced herself as a surprise third candidate for the FIA presidency vote in December in addition to sitting president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and challenger Tim Mayer. The 28-year-old Swiss said, “I want to establish an FIA Young Leaders Academy for women and young people, which will prepare the next generation to take on leading roles in motor sport. And, of course, I want to pave the way for women into Formula 1. To achieve this, transparency in decision-making and financial matters is important to me.” At the time of writing it wasn’t clear if she had met all the criteria for her bid to be accepted.
- Pierre Gasly has reached a multi-year agreement to continue with Alpine in F1. Flavio Briatore confirmed in Baku that there are only two drivers in consideration for the seat alongside Gasly in 2026: the incumbent Franco Colapinto and Alpine Academy former F2 racer Paul Aron.
- Fernando Alonso was talking about his future at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and was quoted as saying, “If the [2026 Aston Martin] goes well, there’s a good chance it will be my last year… It’s the differentiating factor – it’s the last chance to try to win another grand prix, enjoy the good times, get on the podium and fight for a Formula 1 championship… If the car goes badly, there’s a chance I’ll stay for another year to finish on a positive note.”
- Cadillac has confirmed IndyCar star Colton Herta as its official reserve driver in F1. Although he has yet to acquire the necessary superlicence points to race in the category, he will be doing a full season of F2 in 2026.
×