Is the magic missing? What 2026 has taken from Verstappen
Max Verstappen’s driving standards haven’t dipped at all, but in a formula built on energy management over instinct, even the four-time F1 champion appears unable to out-drive his car anymore
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Kimi Antonelli delivered his sixth F1 victory of 2026 at the Belgian Grand Prix, writes Mark Hughes. But this year’s cars and their energy limitations made Spa-Francorchamps a shadow of the challenge it usually is
This year’s F1 cars have never raced in the rain – which Spa’s unpredictable mini-climate could deliver at the Belgian GP. Is the combination of high-torque, low downforce cars a recipe for disaster, or a chance for wet-weather aces to shine?
Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
Formula 1’s silly season is in full swing. But suggestions of a shock move by Max Verstappen don’t seem that daft: see the latest episode to find out why
Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso’s dreams of fighting for the F1 title were shattered by their underperforming cars. It could mean both leave Formula 1 at the end of the season, but Mark Hughes wonders whether silly season could see them involved in a shock deal
Belgian GP briefing
Mercedes protecting a lead, Ferrari aiming for a second win in a row, Red Bull bracing for more pain – Spa’s demands look set to punish whoever’s weakest
Watch F1 via live stream or on TV: dates and start time for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix
Through the pouring rain of a 1961 British GP headed by Ferrari’s stunning ‘Sharknoses’, Formula 1 said farewell to one era and welcomed another, writes Matt Bishop. Not that anyone at Aintree knew it at the time.
FIA president Ben Sulayem wants to bring back an independent engine supplier, but the question is whether any team actually wants to wear the B-team label that comes with it
Max Verstappen’s driving standards haven’t dipped at all, but in a formula built on energy management over instinct, even the four-time F1 champion appears unable to out-drive his car anymore
Kimi Antonelli delivered his sixth F1 victory of 2026 at the Belgian Grand Prix, writes Mark Hughes. But this year’s cars and their energy limitations made Spa-Francorchamps a shadow of the challenge it usually is
This year’s F1 cars have never raced in the rain – which Spa’s unpredictable mini-climate could deliver at the Belgian GP. Is the combination of high-torque, low downforce cars a recipe for disaster, or a chance for wet-weather aces to shine?
Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
Formula 1’s silly season is in full swing. But suggestions of a shock move by Max Verstappen don’t seem that daft: see the latest episode to find out why
Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso’s dreams of fighting for the F1 title were shattered by their underperforming cars. It could mean both leave Formula 1 at the end of the season, but Mark Hughes wonders whether silly season could see them involved in a shock deal
Belgian GP briefing
Mercedes protecting a lead, Ferrari aiming for a second win in a row, Red Bull bracing for more pain – Spa’s demands look set to punish whoever’s weakest
Watch F1 via live stream or on TV: dates and start time for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix
Through the pouring rain of a 1961 British GP headed by Ferrari’s stunning ‘Sharknoses’, Formula 1 said farewell to one era and welcomed another, writes Matt Bishop. Not that anyone at Aintree knew it at the time.
FIA president Ben Sulayem wants to bring back an independent engine supplier, but the question is whether any team actually wants to wear the B-team label that comes with it
Kimi Antonelli delivered his sixth F1 victory of 2026 at the Belgian Grand Prix, writes Mark Hughes. But this year’s cars and their energy limitations made Spa-Francorchamps a shadow of the challenge it usually is
This year’s F1 cars have never raced in the rain – which Spa’s unpredictable mini-climate could deliver at the Belgian GP. Is the combination of high-torque, low downforce cars a recipe for disaster, or a chance for wet-weather aces to shine?
Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso’s dreams of fighting for the F1 title were shattered by their underperforming cars. It could mean both leave Formula 1 at the end of the season, but Mark Hughes wonders whether silly season could see them involved in a shock deal
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Max Verstappen’s driving standards haven’t dipped at all, but in a formula built on energy management over instinct, even the four-time F1 champion appears unable to out-drive his car anymore
Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
Formula 1’s silly season is in full swing. But suggestions of a shock move by Max Verstappen don’t seem that daft: see the latest episode to find out why
Belgian GP briefing
Mercedes protecting a lead, Ferrari aiming for a second win in a row, Red Bull bracing for more pain – Spa’s demands look set to punish whoever’s weakest
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