Formula 1's latest questions cover Ferrari's internal driver conflict, the viability of the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Esteban Ocon's sudden departure from Haas, and the long-standing debate over red-flag tyre changes.
Ferrari's Hamilton-Leclerc clash costs potential victory
At the Mexico City Grand Prix on 3 November 2026, Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli became F1's youngest world champion by finishing third. Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the race, with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton second. Hamilton criticised team-mate Charles Leclerc after their first-lap battle allowed Verstappen to pass both drivers. Hamilton said Ferrari "have to have some serious talks behind closed doors" and revealed the team has no formal rules of engagement. Team principal Frederic Vasseur admitted frustration at losing a likely one-two. Leclerc argued the incident was simply hard racing and that both drivers made mistakes at Turn 4. The situation highlights the difficulty of managing two top drivers of equal status, especially if Ferrari becomes a title contender.
Concerns persist over Qatar and Abu Dhabi races
Amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, many within F1 privately question the wisdom of holding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. Williams driver Carlos Sainz publicly expressed doubts, citing the unpredictable geopolitical situation and upcoming US elections. F1 maintains the races will proceed, citing government assurances of safety and lucrative contracts. Qatar co-owns the Audi F1 team; Abu Dhabi co-owns McLaren. Imola is being prepared as a backup for Abu Dhabi, but a decision cannot be delayed much longer. Senior figures worry about the potential PR disaster if personnel become trapped by a sudden escalation.
Ocon dropped by Haas after confrontation
Esteban Ocon was removed from the rest of the Mexico weekend following an apparent confrontation with team boss Ayao Komatsu on Friday, which followed a dispute with race engineer Laura Mueller over tyre choices. Haas have not disclosed details. Ocon issued a statement acknowledging a "difference in viewpoints" but categorically denied any physical violence. With Ocon already set to leave Haas at season's end, the team may run Ryo Hirakawa, who impressed in Mexico, or bring in 2025 signing Rafael Camara for the remaining races.
Red-flag tyre rule unchanged despite criticism
The rule allowing tyre changes during red-flag periods continues to draw criticism for neutralising tyre-strategy battles. The debate dates back to the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix, where a red flag erased a potential grandstand finish between Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, and Jenson Button. The rule exists for safety reasons, such as debris damage, and there is no current appetite to change it.
