Welcome to Tuesday’s edition of the RaceFans round-up.
Comment of the day
Did the Virtual Safety Car deny us a more thrilling finish to Sunday’s grand prix?
It reminded me of those classic races where a driver chose an alternate strategy to chase down Verstappen, and made me wonder how much of the plan was driven by Hamilton and how much by Mercedes.
It would have been fascinating to see how the final seven laps played out: Hamilton on older medium tyres against Mercedes on new hards. I thought Hamilton might lose four or five seconds initially, then pit for fresh hards and attempt to close the roughly 10-second gap over 20 laps.
The VSC robbed us of a potential classic, but as others have noted, Hamilton’s pace on the hards was remarkable.
Rprp
Social media and links
Mohammed Ben Sulayem on the future of F1: ‘The V8 is a done deal, the decision has been made.’ (Auto Hebdo)
Ben Sulayem outlined plans for a return to V8 engines with 10% hybridisation and sustainable fuel, describing a base output of around 760 horsepower rising to roughly 880hp with hybrid assistance. The proposal emphasises simplicity, reduced costs and improved sound, with engine costs expected to fall significantly.
Nineteen US attorneys general voice concerns to F1, FIA over tobacco industry sponsorship (The New York Times)
A group of US attorneys general sent a detailed letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressing concerns about tobacco-related sponsorship in the sport. McLaren and Ferrari were copied on the correspondence due to their links with sponsors associated with tobacco.
Indy 500 and IndyCar series team owner Dennis Reinbold dies at 65 (IndyCar)
Dennis Reinbold, owner of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, passed away on June 13 at age 65. His team competed in the IndyCar series and the Indianapolis 500 for more than 25 years.
Race Report Nuerburgring: Williams’ debut and Soldavini’s maiden victory (BOSS GP)
Williams F1 Team Heritage made its BOSS GP debut with the FW25, driven by Phil Stratford. After early teething problems, the car returned to the Nuerburgring grid and took part in a weekend that revived memories of the team’s early-2000s success.
FW25 returns to the grid, as Williams Heritage makes its competitive racing debut at BOSS GP (Williams)
The race-winning FW25 will compete in the 2026 BOSS GP series across four rounds, beginning at the Nuerburgring on June 12. Phil Stratford will drive the historic car at Magny-Cours, Red Bull Ring and Mugello as well.
Lots of talk in yesterday’s coverage about how Hamilton’s first Ferrari win would be front-page news in the UK. The Telegraph obliged with a big picture and some others ran puffs. #F1 #BarcelonaCatalunyaGP #RaceFans
— Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine.bsky.social) 2026-06-15T08:10:00.066Z
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Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Plushpile and JenniKate Wallace!
On this day in motorsport
- 30 years ago today Damon Hill won the Canadian Grand Prix, denying team mate Jacques Villeneuve victory in his first home race.
- 35 years ago today Riccardo Patrese led a Williams one-two at the Mexican Grand Prix after passing team mate Nigel Mansell. Ayrton Senna finished almost a minute behind and was the only other driver on the lead lap.
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