F1 Today | Zandvoort off the calendar, Ferrari making history in Abu Dhabi
F1 News
We're edging close to the final Grand Prix of the season this weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Daily, we're bringing you the top stories from around the world of F1. Today, it was announced that the Dutch Grand Prix will be removed after 2026, Ferrari is making history with two brothers driving in a session, and we provide a rundown on the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's recent controversy. See it all below!
Dutch Grand Prix removed from calendar:
The Dutch Grand Prix will disappear from the Formula 1 calendar after 2026. Zandvoort has extended its contract by one year, after which it will end its period in Formula 1. Zandvoort's contract ran until 2025, and for a long time, there was talk of a new contract with rotation possibilities. This would see Zandvoort alternate with other European circuits, such as Spa and Imola. That is now not going to happen, as Zandvoort would like to stop. The Dutch Grand Prix returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, and it was an instant success. Max Verstappen won the race in the Dutch dunes that year, also managing to win another two editions after that in his own country. In 2024, victory went to Lando Norris, but the party in the stands continued. Catch all the info by clicking here!
Ferrari makes history with all-brother lineup:
Something unprecedented will happen this Grand Prix weekend in Formula 1. Arthur Leclerc will drive Carlos Sainz's Ferrari during FP1 in Abu Dhabi. As a result, together with Charles, the Leclerc brothers will drive the two SF-24 cars at the Yas Marina Circuit! Arthur Leclerc is no longer a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, but he is still connected to the Italian team as a development driver. In Abu Dhabi, he will have the chance to drive the SF-24 during the final weekend of the 2024 season.
Charles' younger brother has been competing in the Italian GT Endurance Championship (GT3) and the European Le Mans Series (LMP2) this season. On Friday, however, he will be in a Formula 1 car. Previously, brothers have competed together in Formula 1, like Michael and Ralf Schumacher, but not as teammates in the same session. Read Charles Leclerc's proud response by clicking here.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's proposal:
Teams in Formula 1 are worried, according to Sky Sports News. It was recently leaked that the FIA is planning to limit its ability to hold the federation's leadership accountable.
Sky Sports News has learned that the proposed changes have caused concern among executives from F1 teams and members of the World Motorsport Council. Meanwhile, several people within F1 have already reportedly indicated that the proposals are contrary to the transparency and credibility that the sport should display when it comes to moral or ethical issues.
The British Medium claims to have asked the FIA for a response, but it does not want to comment as yet. This is because, according to a spokesperson, it is not appropriate to comment on a proposal that is still under vote. See the FULL story with this link!
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!