Overview
- At Zandvoort, Flavio Briatore said he is not considering Christian Horner joining Alpine "in this moment" and described Horner as not in the team's picture right now.
- Reports of Horner meeting Briatore and speculation about a potential Alpine buy‑in with Bernie Ecclestone persist, but none of these scenarios has been confirmed.
- Briatore admitted Alpine misjudged Franco Colapinto's promotion and failed to develop its 2025 car, reaffirming a pivot to 2026 as incoming managing director Steve Nielsen begins before Monza.
- Max Verstappen confirmed he will remain with Red Bull for 2026, and Laurent Mekies said the decision on Verstappen's team‑mate will be made later in the season with no rush.
- Mercedes boss Toto Wolff acknowledged placing rookie Kimi Antonelli under "maximum pressure" but reiterated the 19‑year‑old is a long‑term investment as contract plans progress.