Mercedes Withdraws from Alpine Buy-In Talks — Latest F1 Update

Comment of the day

Yesterday’s Comment of the Day suggested Formula 1 could loosen technical regulations now that a cost cap exists. Rprp warned that relaxing rules could open loopholes for teams to develop technology outside the cap and then transfer it into F1:

If anything then during a cost cap environment, restrictions are needed even more. Ferrari have a Hypercar programme, and there’s a lot of transferable technology. What’s to stop them spending what they can in Hypercars, and getting free development in F1? That’s exactly why, for example, the turbo charger has a minimum weight well in excess of what’s quite easily achievable.

If that wasn’t stipulated, Ferrari (as an example) could use their road and Hypercar programme to develop very light turbos with no cost cap, and inherit that technology into F1.
Rprp

Social media and links

Mercedes pull out of talks over Alpine buy-in (BBC)

Reports say Otro wanted $720m for its shareholding, valuing the team at $3bn. Otro paid €200m for its stake in June 2023. A Renault source said discussions have stopped.

Schumacher, classé secret médical (L’Equipe – French)

Verstappen is open about fatherhood and confirms he will continue in Formula 1 (De Telegraaf – Dutch)

Verstappen discussed possible plans outside F1, such as the 24 Hours of Daytona, noting it would require major changes to his training schedule and family discussions. He described the idea as appealing but not yet concrete, and said he would prefer to race in a GT3 car rather than the fastest GTP class.

110th Indy 500 nets an average of 6.6 million viewers (Racer)

FOX’s broadcast of the 110th Indianapolis 500 averaged 6,635,000 viewers. Felix Rosenqvist’s victory over David Malukas drew a peak audience of 8,349,000 during the closing stages, slightly down from last year’s average.

Practice one highlights (IndyCar via YouTube)

Straight outta Detroit and straight onto the grid.

The SiriusXM Shade 45 takeover hits the Detroit Grand Prix this weekend with DJ Whoo Kid joining us trackside all weekend long.

— Meyer Shank Racing (@MeyerShankRac) May 27, 2026

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On this day in motorsport

• Born today in 1999: Cadillac Formula 1 reserve driver Zhou Guanyu
• 50 years ago, Niki Lauda won the Monaco Grand Prix ahead of the two six-wheeled Tyrrells of Jody Scheckter and Patrick Depailler
• 41 years ago, Arrows driver Marc Surer crashed heavily while contesting the Hessen Rally in a Ford RS200. He was badly injured and his co-driver, Michel Wyder, was killed.