Formula 1 Saturday again had Rafael Câmara in the spotlight for 2027. The Brazilian combines performance in Formula 2, support from the Ferrari Driver Academy, and good results in tests with Haas, but the team has not yet confirmed its lineup for the next season. The scenario points to a real possibility of promotion, although still without an official announcement.
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Charles Leclerc also became a highlight before the Azerbaijan GP. Ferrari is considering the possibility of again changing components of the Monegasque’s power unit after the heavy crash in Monza, which could result in a grid penalty in Baku. Frederic Vasseur admitted that Azerbaijan might be a suitable place to absorb the penalty, while the team is still analyzing the engine’s condition.
At 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 sees Kimi Antonelli dominating the season with eight wins and an 81-point lead. Wolff stated that there is also a psychological component and reinforced that Russell still has the level to compete for championships.
Antonelli, in turn, revealed that he receives frequent messages from Sebastian Vettel during his campaign for the first title. The 20-year-old Italian said that the support from the four-time world champion makes a difference before and after race weekends. Andrea Stella also praised the championship leader and described his evolution as an asset for the category.
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In the midfield pack, Allan McNish warned that Audi needs to evolve the car again to avoid losing ground. The last major update arrived in Austria and, after 14 rounds, the team occupies eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship, with 17 points, four behind Haas.
The discussion about power units also gained space. Max Verstappen downplayed the reading that the Red Bull-Ford engine is clearly superior to Mercedes’, claiming that the FIA’s analysis considers only the combustion engine and not the entire hybrid system output. Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, again pointed out Mercedes’ advantage and described Ferrari’s situation as a “vicious circle” caused by the concept adopted for its power unit.
Outside the direct championship fight, Verstappen also spoke about his future. Even with a contract renewed with Red Bull until 2030, the Dutchman said he does not necessarily intend to follow Fernando Alonso’s path and stay on the grid near 40 years old: his intention is to continue in Formula 1 as long as he still enjoys competing.
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