Brundle breaks rank on Liam Lawson, Hamilton vs Leclerc latest, Racing Bulls contract announcement – roundup

Oliver Harden

06 Nov 2026 10:31 PM

A close-up shot of Martin Brundle with an inset of Liam Lawson

Martin Brundle on Liam Lawson: 'If that’s a factor in him getting the heave-ho, that’s pathetic'

Friday’s fast-paced F1 news wrap includes Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle responding to the “childish” suggestion that Liam Lawson’s clash with Max Verstappen in Mexico could have an impact on his Racing Bulls future.

With the FIA stewards kept busy on the opening day of running at the Brazilian Grand Prix, here’s today’s roundup…

Martin Brundle responds to ‘pathetic’ Liam Lawson theory

Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle says it would be “pathetic” and “childish” if Liam Lawson’s clash with Max Verstappen in Mexico has a direct impact on his F1 future.

Lawson and Verstappen were each handed a one-place grid penalty after a collision in practice at the Mexican Grand Prix, with Verstappen arguing that it was “not very smart behaviour” at a time the New Zealander is fighting for a new deal at Racing Bulls.

Lawson later conceded that “it shouldn’t have happened and I’ll learn from it.”

Ferrari confirms Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc talks after Mexican Grand Prix

Fred Vasseur, the Ferrari team principal, has revealed that he held clear-the-air talks with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc on Thursday following an ill-tempered Mexican Grand Prix.

Leclerc was hit with a five-second time penalty in Mexico for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage in battle with Hamilton, who made his displeasure with the situation clear.

Vasseur added that Ferrari’s so-called “guidelines” when it comes to on-track battles between the pair remain unchanged.

Alan Permane signs long-term Racing Bulls contract extension

Racing Bulls has announced that team principal Alan Permane has signed a new contract until the end of the 2031 season.

Permane joined Racing Bulls as racing director in 2024 following his departure from the Alpine team, with the British engineer promoted to the role of team boss after Laurent Mekies replaced Christian Horner at Red Bull last year.

Racing Bulls holds fifth place in the constructors’ championship ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Faenza-based team has finished no higher than sixth in the standings since Red Bull bought and rebranded the former Minardi outfit in 2006.

George Russell facing Brazilian Grand Prix grid penalty

Mercedes driver George Russell will serve a five-place grid penalty at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

Russell has moved on to a sixth internal combustion engine of the season in Sao Paulo, triggering a five-place grid drop.

Mercedes can win the F1 2026 constructors’ title this weekend if it outscores Ferrari by three points or more.

Rafael Camara reprimanded by FIA stewards after Charles Leclerc incident

Haas debutant Rafael Camara has been handed a reprimand by the FIA stewards following a close call with Charles Leclerc in FP2 at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Leclerc was forced to take to the painted run-off area after encountering a slow-moving Camara at Turn 15, the final left kink on the approach to the main straight at Interlagos.

Meanwhile, Cadillac test driver Colton Herta avoided further action following an alleged red flag infringement in FP1.

Racing Bulls Lewis Hamilton Liam Lawson Martin Brundle