One of the biggest stories in the F1 world right now is the departure of Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing.
- Horner, who had been the Team Principal for nearly two decades, guided the team through its most successful eras, including multiple Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
- His departure followed internal restructuring and controversy earlier this year. In July, he was already stripped of operational control, and by September 22, 2025, it became official that he had left Red Bull.
- Reports suggest that Horner reached a settlement of around £80 million (≈ US$108 million) as part of his exit deal.
- Red Bull has now appointed Laurent Mekies as the new Team Principal, signaling a fresh start for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
This marks the end of an era, as Horner had been with the team since 2005 and was one of the most recognizable figures in F1 management.
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2025 – Baku Drama
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku (September 21, 2025) delivered high drama and big shifts in the championship fight.
- Max Verstappen capitalized on an early crash by championship leader Oscar Piastri, taking victory and reviving his title challenge.
- George Russell overcame illness to secure a strong P2 finish in his Mercedes. His resilience was widely praised across the paddock.
- Carlos Sainz Jr. grabbed third place, handing Williams their first full-distance podium since 2017 — a massive morale boost for the Grove team.
Piastri’s crash means his commanding lead in the Drivers’ Championship has now been reduced, keeping the title race alive as the season heads into its closing stages. For McLaren, it also delayed a chance to seal the Constructors’ crown, which many thought was just weeks away.
🔵 Williams Back in the Spotlight
The Baku podium for Carlos Sainz Jr. was celebrated not just by Williams fans but across F1, as it signaled a genuine resurgence for the historic team.
- Sainz described it as one of the best results of his career, crediting both the team’s improved strategy and their rapid pace development throughout 2025.
- Williams, once a dominant force in F1, had struggled for many years but is now firmly back in the fight for podiums.
This success is expected to boost their confidence ahead of the final races of the year and also help attract sponsors for 2026, when major regulation changes kick in.
🚘 New Teams and Partnerships for 2026
Looking ahead, Formula 1 is set for some seismic shifts in 2026, when the new engine regulations come into play.
- Cadillac / General Motors
Cadillac has been officially approved to enter F1 as the 11th team from 2026. Backed by General Motors, the American giant is expected to bring big budgets and technological expertise. This marks the first U.S. manufacturer to run a fully independent works team in F1’s modern era. - Honda & Aston Martin
Honda, after briefly stepping away, will return as a full works power unit supplier in partnership with Aston Martin from 2026. This deal could make Aston Martin a genuine championship contender, given Honda’s success with Red Bull in the past.
These changes mean that F1 is heading toward greater manufacturer competition, with more works teams than ever before in the hybrid era.
📅 What’s Next on the Calendar
The 2025 season still has several crucial races left:
- Singapore Grand Prix – October 3–5
- United States GP (Austin) – October 17–19
- Mexico GP – October 24–26
- Brazil GP – November 7–9
- Qatar GP – November 21–23
- Abu Dhabi GP (Season Finale) – December 5–7
With Piastri’s lead cut, Verstappen closing in, and Mercedes showing signs of late-season strength, the title battle looks set to go down to the final rounds.
✅ In summary:
- Horner’s Red Bull exit has shaken up the F1 paddock.
- Verstappen’s Baku win keeps the championship fight alive.
- Williams are back with their first podium in years.
- 2026 is shaping up big with Cadillac entering and Honda returning.
- The final races of 2025 will decide one of the closest championships in years.
