The second race of the 2025 F1 season, the Chinese Grand Prix, is getting closer. Media day starts early on Thursday for fans in Europe, but here are the latest updates from the F1 paddock. Zak Brown thinks Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull, some teams face freight issues in Shanghai, and there are questions about Honda’s future in Formula 1.
Brown Thinks Verstappen Will Leave Red Bull
McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, believes this is Max Verstappen’s last season with Red Bull. He thinks the Dutch driver might join Mercedes when the new F1 rules start in 2026. Brown noted that George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s contracts with Mercedes will end after this season, possibly leaving a spot open for Verstappen.
He told The Telegraph, “I think he’ll leave at the end of this year, probably to Mercedes. There are rumors about Aston Martin too, but building a winning team takes more than just a great designer like Adrian Newey.”
McLaren has already secured their drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, with long-term deals. However, that doesn’t stop Verstappen from making a move.
Will Honda Quit Formula 1?
New engine rules are coming to F1 next year. Some people worry that one engine maker might dominate, and others are concerned about the high costs of building competitive engines.
There were talks about bringing back the V10 engines, but it seemed unlikely. However, a German newspaper reported that the FIA is looking into the idea. Half of the F1 teams reportedly support it.
Audi and Honda are not in favor of this change. Audi joined F1 because of the hybrid engines, and Honda stayed for the electric technology. If those disappear, Honda might leave F1.
Shipping Delays in Shanghai
F1 photographer Kym Illman said that some teams like Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin had issues with their equipment arriving late in Shanghai. However, the teams confirmed that their equipment reached the circuit by Wednesday afternoon.
Since there’s a sprint race planned, any delay could be a problem. The FIA has allowed an extra 90 minutes before the curfew, just in case teams need more time.
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