Red Bull's Engine Gamble, Mercedes' Title Charge, and F1's Charitable Side: Your Daily F1 Roundup

Christian Horner has opened up about the daunting challenge of building Red Bull's in-house power unit, describing the project as "scary as hell." Speaking after the engine claimed its first race wins in the 2026 season, the former Red Bull team principal — who was axed from the team a year earlier — reflected on the enormity of the undertaking, suggesting the breakthrough vindicated the risk.

On the championship front, Mercedes continues to dominate the 2026 regulations. While driver Kimi Antonelli could technically seal his drivers' title as soon as the upcoming United States Grand Prix, Motorsport.com reports that the constructors' championship will take a little longer to wrap up for the Silver Arrows. Meanwhile, McLaren is already looking ahead, with team principal Andrea Stella revealing after the Singapore Grand Prix that the team's final 2026 upgrades will double as tests for "fundamental concepts" intended to carry over into their 2027 car.

At Cadillac, the mood is more mixed. Sergio Perez has described his debut season with the team as "without a doubt one of my best years," despite the squad yet to score a championship point. Perez came closest at Monaco, where he brought the MAC-10 up to tenth position. Teammate Valtteri Bottas, meanwhile, has been making headlines off the track, raising almost €50,000 for a South African rhino charity by auctioning off the race-worn helmet he used at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Elsewhere in the paddock, Fernando Alonso is auctioning a hot lap experience at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in December, with proceeds benefiting his foundation as part of JOOPITER's The Modern Grid auction. On the fan experience side, the Lewis Hamilton Grandstand is set to return for the 2026 Las Vegas Grand Prix with expanded access, offering ticket holders an assigned seat in the West Harmon Zone, all-inclusive beer, and exclusive merchandise. Haas, not to be outdone, have unveiled a special Monster-themed livery for the United States Grand Prix.