Marko Says Antonelli–Russell Rivalry Is Rivals' Only Hope Against Mercedes Dominance
Red Bull former motorsport advisor Helmut Marko says the only realistic hope for Mercedes' rivals this season is if Kimi Antonelli and George Russell destroy each other's championship prospects. “That they tear each other apart in the process is the only hope. Otherwise Mercedes is gone,” Marko told OE24, adding that the team has “the best engine and also set the tone with the battery.” Mercedes has won all five grands prix to open 2026, with Antonelli holding a 43-point lead over Russell after Canada. Team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the intra-team battles had been “close a few times” and said the team would assess the risk in future.
Sources: PlanetF1
Antonelli's Father Issues Championship Warning to Surging Mercedes Title Leader
Kimi Antonelli is leading the 2026 Formula 1 world championship by 43 points over Mercedes team-mate George Russell, but his father Marco has urged the 19-year-old not to relax. Antonelli became the first driver in F1 history to win his first four races consecutively, taking victories in China, Japan, Miami and Canada. “It's a great moment, of course — but it's also dangerous,” Marco told F1-Insider. “Because now we are at the top. But one mistake and you're down.” Antonelli himself downplayed talk of the title: “I'm not thinking about the championship. I'm just focusing on race by race.”
Sources: PlanetF1
Leclerc Signs Two-Year Contract Extension With Ferrari Through 2028
Ferrari announced a new contract with Charles Leclerc ahead of his home race in Monaco, extending the Monegasque's stay at Maranello through 2028. Sky Sports News understands Leclerc's previous deal was due to expire at the end of this year. The 28-year-old has driven for Ferrari since 2019 and won eight grands prix with the team. “I couldn't be happier to continue this journey,” said Leclerc. “Together we've shared incredible moments and some tougher ones, but I believe in this team more than ever.” Team principal Frederic Vasseur called the renewal “something very natural” as Ferrari sit second in the Constructors' Championship, 72 points behind Mercedes.
Sources: RaceFans, Sky Sports F1
FIA Confirms Unique Power Unit Restrictions for Monaco Grand Prix
The FIA has confirmed unusual power unit restrictions for this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, unlike any seen at other circuits so far in 2026. The FIA said the restrictions are designed to optimise F1's power units for Monaco's unique demands. Drivers will receive the maximum 9MJ recharge per lap in qualifying and in the race with Overtake Mode active, but are limited to 8.5MJ without it. MGU-K deployment scales down from 350kW at 200kph, rather than the usual 290kph threshold. Drivers without Overtake Mode will have less than 50kW available at 290kph, compared to the full 350kW at other tracks this season.
Sources: RaceFans
Aston Martin Debuts Colour-Shifting Iridescent Livery for Monaco Grand Prix
Aston Martin has unveiled a special one-off livery for the Monaco Grand Prix that will visibly change colour as Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll lap the circuit. The team said the AMR26's new look features “a colour-shifting, iridescent finish created using a specialist wrap material.” Matching race suits will be worn by both drivers, while the number one mechanics will also wear specially designed overalls and helmets. It marks Aston Martin's first livery change in 2026; their previous one-off design was at the United States Grand Prix in the second half of 2025. McLaren are also running a special livery this weekend, celebrating their 1000th Formula 1 grand prix start.
Sources: RaceFans
Drivers' Championship
1. Kimi Antonelli — 131 pts
2. George Russell — 88 pts
3. Charles Leclerc — 75 pts
4. Lewis Hamilton — 72 pts
5. Lando Norris — 58 pts
6. Oscar Piastri — 48 pts
7. Max Verstappen — 43 pts
8. Pierre Gasly — 20 pts
9. Oliver Bearman — 18 pts
10. Liam Lawson — 16 pts
11. Franco Colapinto — 15 pts
12. Isack Hadjar — 14 pts
13. Carlos Sainz Jnr — 6 pts
14. Arvid Lindblad — 5 pts
15. Gabriel Bortoleto — 2 pts
16. Esteban Ocon — 1 pts
17. Alexander Albon — 1 pts
18. Nico Hülkenberg — 0 pts
19. Valtteri Bottas — 0 pts
20. Sergio Pérez — 0 pts
21. Lance Stroll — 0 pts
22. Fernando Alonso — 0 pts
Constructors' Championship
1. Mercedes — 219 pts
2. Ferrari — 147 pts
3. McLaren — 106 pts
4. Red Bull — 57 pts
5. Alpine — 35 pts
6. Racing Bulls — 21 pts
7. Haas — 19 pts
8. Williams — 7 pts
9. Audi — 2 pts
10. Cadillac — 0 pts
11. Aston Martin — 0 pts
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