Monday (2) brought new developments in Formula 1, especially regarding Esteban Ocon’s situation at Haas, which has yet to confirm the Frenchman’s return for the São Paulo Grand Prix. The day was also marked by a tribute from Kimi Antonelli to Ayrton Senna, explanations from Mercedes about George Russell’s absence after the Mexican GP, and concerns about whether the final rounds of the 2026 season would take place in the Middle East.
With the Formula 1 World Championship arriving at Interlagos this week, Gabriel Bortoleto also drew attention. The Brazilian Audi driver celebrated the four points earned in Mexico, after benefiting from penalties imposed after the race, and showed enthusiasm to compete in front of the home crowd.
The Ocon situation was one of the day’s main topics. Haas chief Ayao Komatsu took full responsibility for the decision to remove the Frenchman from the Mexican GP when he was replaced by Ryo Hirakawa. The executive said the measure was taken after an assessment of various factors and denied reports of a physical altercation or heated dispute with the driver.
Regarding the next round, Komatsu did not guarantee the Frenchman’s return. “For now, the decision covers only the Mexico weekend. I cannot make a definitive comment about Brazil,” he told Canal+.
Meanwhile, Antonelli remains in celebration of winning his first world title. The Mercedes driver confirmed he intends to keep number 12 on his car, even though he could opt for number 1 reserved for the champion. The choice serves as a tribute to Ayrton Senna, a hero for the young driver, and also marks the start of his journey in single-seaters.
Antonelli also revealed that the emotion ran so high in the final laps of the Mexican GP that he ended up losing two seconds while crying at the wheel. The Italian sealed the championship with third place, becoming the youngest world champion in the history of Formula 1.
In Mercedes, the title also came with the disappointment of Russell. The Briton, who finished the race in sixth, left the circuit without meeting the press, violating a regulatory obligation and triggering a €5,000 fine for the team.
On Monday, Mercedes explained that Russell was emotionally shaken by the defeat in the championship battle. Despite the frustration, the driver congratulated his teammate on the achievement. The team also acknowledged an issue with the power supply that hampered the British driver’s performance at the start of the race.
Another relevant topic concerns the Formula 1 calendar. Safety concerns in the Middle East have sparked discussions about hosting the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, scheduled for November 29 and December 6, respectively.
According to GPblog, November 10 would be the deadline for approving a possible substitute race in Imola. Among the options being considered are alterations to the final rounds and even an earlier conclusion of the season in Las Vegas. No changes have been officially confirmed, however.
For Brazilian fans, the week also begins with the expectation of Bortoleto’s return to Interlagos. The Audi driver originally finished the Mexican GP in 11th, but rose to eighth after penalties for Oscar Piastri, Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly, securing four points in the standings.
Excited about the opportunity to race at home, Bortoleto highlighted the desire to reconnect with family and friends before the Brazilian round. “I can’t wait to travel today, I want to leave soon, go to my country, be with my friends, my family,” he told SporTV.
The Formula 1 season returns to the track this Friday (6) at the Interlagos Circuit, with the São Paulo Grand Prix scheduled for Sunday (8). Preparations are underway amid doubts about Haas’ lineup, discussions about the calendar, and celebrations surrounding Antonelli’s world title.
