Welcome to Saturday’s edition of the RaceFans round-up.
Social media and links
Is Verstappen ready to quit? (Up to Speed)
‘It’s probably not something that, on reflection, Max will feel good about because – even though he’s absolutely at rights, you don’t have to answer the question – it is unusual to ask somebody to leave from that environment. And I’m actually a little bit surprised the FIA didn’t take a stance on it. I didn’t see anything that there was any sort of reprimand because basically if he was to say the word ‘shit’ in there, he’d get fined. (…) I can only liken it to when I was racing – and I never won the world championships that Max has, of course – but I was definitely open to some criticism from from various journalists and it’s very difficult not to take it personally. So I’m sure you don’t look at the comments on some of the social feeds because there’ll be some who love you and there’ll be some that just don’t like you and that’s the way it is. So I certainly did get some criticism and there was always an underlying… let’s say, if they were questioning my qualifying ability, It was a fair question, but of course it wasn’t easy to be asked the same question time and time again. And some journalists would be a lot more dismissive. And it is their right as a journalist to say what they see, but it is difficult not to take it personally. And none of the drivers are exempt from that.’
No fourth Indy 500 entry for Andretti Global (Racer)
‘The decision comes as a result of Colton Herta being newly unavailable due to the rescheduling of two Formula 2 races to May, including the Canadian Grand Prix, which holds an F2 event on the same day as the Indianapolis 500. Although Herta was never formally confirmed to drive the fourth car, he was meant to have made his Indy 500 return until the F2 date clash became a reality.’
British Kart Championships highlights to be broadcast on Sky Sports F1 (Motorsport UK)
‘In a significant milestone for the British Kart Championships and the sport, every round of the 2026 championships will be shown in an hour-long highlights show on Sky Sports F1.’
Regarding the number of rounds for the 2026 Super GT series (Super GT)
‘The Malaysia round, previously scheduled to be held during the period from 2025 to 2027, will be postponed to 2027 or later. In light of the current global situation, including energy issues and geopolitical risks, no replacement event will be organised in Japan in conjunction with the postponement of the Malaysia round.’
‘The report concludes with several recommendations to further enhance the volunteer experience and maintain the healthy retention rate. A centre of excellence would act as a learning hub to recruit and train volunteers and officials using world-leading innovation and global best practice whilst an expansion of the FIA Officials Department, including a new volunteer charter, would outline the minimum standards required to support and value volunteers during an FIA Formula One World Championship round.’
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Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Aniket Garg!
45 years ago today Nelson Piquet put his Brabham on pole position for Argentinian Grand Prix amid accusations the car’s hydro-pneumatic suspension contravened the rules