Monday\u2019s fast-paced F1 news includes Max Verstappen being branded the \u201cweaker link\u201d in his lineup for the Nurburgring 24 hours as former Audi F1 boss Jonathan Wheatley reveals a \u201clong conversation\u201d with Mattia Binotto over the team\u2019s power unit.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s blast through the day\u2019s main headlines at breakneck speed\u2026<\/p>\n
Max Verstappen the \u2018weaker link\u2019 in Nurburgring 24 hours lineup<\/p>\n
A television commentator has branded Max Verstappen the \u201cweaker link\u201d in his driver lineup for the Nurburgring 24 hours.<\/p>\n
Verstappen announced earlier this month that he will enter the prestigious endurance event at the Nordschleife in May.<\/p>\n
The four-time world champion was disqualified after winning an NLS race at the Nurburgring on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Read more: Max Verstappen labelled \u2018weaker link\u2019 in Nurburgring 24 Hours line-up debate<\/a><\/p>\n Jonathan Wheatley reveals \u2018long conversation\u2019 with Mattia Binotto over Audi PU<\/p>\n Jonathan Wheatley revealed ahead of his Audi F1 exit that he had a \u201clong conversation\u201d with Mattia Binotto over the team\u2019s F1 2026 engine.<\/p>\n It comes ahead of his expected switch to Aston Martin in a move first revealed by PlanetF1.com last week.<\/p>\n Audi F1 announced Wheatley\u2019s departure with immediate effect last Friday, 48 hours after PlanetF1.com revealed that he had emerged as Adrian Newey\u2019s prime target for the Aston Martin job.<\/p>\n Read more: Jonathan Wheatley reveals \u2018long conversation\u2019 with Binotto over Audi PU<\/a><\/p>\n Damon Hill raises fresh doubt over George Russell future<\/p>\n Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, has raised fresh doubt over George Russell\u2019s future at Mercedes.<\/p>\n Russell had to wait until the closing months of last season to secure a new Mercedes contract following the team\u2019s high-profile pursuit of Max Verstappen.<\/p>\n The British driver leads the F1 2026 standings by four points entering this weekend\u2019s Japanese Grand Prix, but Hill fears even a title triumph may not be enough to guarantee his place.<\/p>\n Read more: Damon Hill questions George Russell future despite Mercedes title charge in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n What would it mean if Mercedes invested in Alpine?<\/p>\n Flavio Briatore revealed at the recent Chinese Grand Prix that Mercedes is among the parties interested in purchasing a stake in the Alpine F1 team.<\/p>\n It came after the team revealed in January that Christian Horner, the former Red Bull team principal, has expressed an interest in acquiring a slice of the team.<\/p>\n PlanetF1.com editor Mat Coch looks at what it would mean for F1 if Mercedes ends up buying Otro Capital\u2019s stake in the Enstone-based outfit.<\/p>\n