Formula 1 Saturday put Rafael Câmara back in the spotlight for 2027. The Brazilian combines performance in Formula 2, support from the Ferrari Driver Academy, and strong results in Haas tests, but the team has not yet confirmed its pairing for the next season. The scenario points to a real possibility of promotion, though there is still no official announcement.
Charles Leclerc also became a focal point ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Ferrari is evaluating the possibility of swapping power unit components again for the Monegasque after the severe crash in Monza, which could incur a grid penalty in Baku. Frederic Vasseur admitted that Azerbaijan could be a suitable place to absorb the penalty, while the team continues to analyze the engine’s condition.
In Mercedes, Toto Wolff acknowledged that the team is still trying to understand how to consistently extract the maximum from George Russell. The Briton won twice in 2026, but he sees Kimi Antonelli dominating the season with eight wins and an 81-point lead. Wolff stated that there is also a psychological aspect and reinforced that Russell remains at a level capable of contending for championships.
Antonelli, for his part, revealed that he receives frequent messages from Sebastian Vettel during his campaign for the first title. The 20-year-old Italian said that the four-time champion’s support makes a difference before and after race weekends. Andrea Stella also praised the championship leader and described his progression as a boon for the sport.
No pelotão intermediário, Allan McNish alertou que a Audi precisa voltar a evoluir o carro para não perder terreno. A última grande atualização chegou na Áustria e, depois de 14 etapas, a equipe ocupa a oitava posição no Mundial de Construtores, com 17 pontos, quatro atrás da Haas.
The discussion about power units also gained space. Max Verstappen minimized the interpretation that the Red Bull-Ford engine is clearly superior to Mercedes, arguing that FIA’s analysis only considers the internal combustion engine and not the entire delivery of the hybrid system. Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, again pointed to Mercedes’s advantage and described Ferrari’s situation as a “vicious circle” caused by the concept adopted for its power unit.
Beyond the title fight, Verstappen also spoke about his future. Even with a contract renewed with Red Bull until 2030, the Dutch driver stated that he does not necessarily intend to follow Fernando Alonso’s path and stay on the grid near 40 years old: his aim is to continue in Formula 1 as long as he still enjoys competing.
