From Lawson’s near-miss review to Câmara’s F2 promotion and Weug’s Bahrain sweep, the sport’s next chapter is forming fast. Off track, Malone’s transition frames Liberty’s long game.
Lawson–marshals near-miss: investigation widens
During the early laps of the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, Lawson exited the pits after repairing front-wing damage and encountered a harrowing scene at Turn 1. Two marshals were crossing the racing line while the car rejoined, prompting Lawson to radio, “I could have f*ing killed them, mate.”
The governing body Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) confirmed it is investigating and issued a rare declaration that Lawson was “not at fault”, stating telemetry showed he slowed earlier than in other laps and reacted correctly to the double-yellow flags.
Meanwhile the Mexican federation Organización Mexicana De Automovilismo Internacional (OMDAI) publicly blamed Lawson for the incident, arguing he maintained his line despite marshals being visible and did not alter his trajectory under the double-yellow protocol.
The incident exposes a major procedural flaw: marshals entering a live racing line without full clearance and a driver re-joining out of sequence. Consequently, the investigation will probe not only Lawson’s actions but more importantly the processes that allowed marshals onto the track at the wrong time. The findings could trigger changes in flag-zone protocols and debris-clearance procedures.
Lawson’s team and many in the paddock believe this near-miss must serve as a wake-up call. As the FIA closes in on its full report, the role of marshals during live conditions and a driver’s re-entry sequence are under renewed scrutiny.
Rafael Câmara graduates to F2 with Invicta Racing (2026)
2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship champion Rafael Câmara will step up to FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2026 with Invicta Racing, the team announcing the move after his dominant title campaign.
Câmara clinched the F3 crown with a round to spare, thanks to four wins, five poles and a record breaking season. He is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and joins the long list of Ferrari-backed talents upward-mobilising through the ladder.
Invicta has proven its ability to develop young entrants in F2 and its choice of Câmara highlights its ambition to fight for the frontrunner status. “I am very proud to be joining Invicta,” Câmara said, emphasising his readiness for the next challenge.
For Câmara the step is not routine. The spec-series nature of F2 demands adaptation, from tyre management to race-pace consistency. Meanwhile Invicta will aim to convert this momentum into podiums and wins. Looking ahead, the 2026 campaign is already shaping up as a crucial test of whether Câmara can carry the dominant F3 form into F2 success.
His arrival also adds another layer to the evolving 2026 F2 grid, which already features high-profile storylines such as Colton Herta’s anticipated entry into the series.
Jak Crawford confirmed as Aston Martin reserve driver for 2026
Jak Crawford has been confirmed as third driver for Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team in the 2026 season, completing his ascent from F2 contender to full-time reserve role.
At 20 years old Crawford has accumulated over 2,000 km in F1 machinery, and made his FP1 debut in Mexico City this year. He has been part of the team’s Young Driver Programme since 2024 and now enters a role of elevated responsibility behind race drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.
“A huge moment in my journey,” Crawford said. “I’ll be doing everything I can to support the team.”
Team principal Andy Cowell praised his technical feedback and simulator work, highlighting its value in the AMR’s 2026 challenger development.
The move signals Aston Martin’s long-term strategy: secure a young talent, give him track exposure now and keep him ready for full race duties. For Crawford, the reserve slot offers a spring-board. He will continue his 2025 F2 campaign, while technical feedback, FP outings and ready-driver status deepen his integration into F1. The 2026 season thus becomes a dual test—both for the young American and the Silverstone squad.
He replaces Felipe Drugovich, who leaves Aston Martin after three seasons as reserve. The Brazilian is moving to Andretti in Formula E for 2025–26, marking a full-time return to racing.
Boardroom shift: Malone steps down as Liberty chair, retains strategic grip
At age 84, John C. Malone announced his decision to step down as Chairman of Liberty Media effective 1 January 2026, transitioning into the role of Chairman Emeritus.
The company revealed that longtime executive Robert R. Bennett will succeed Malone as Chairman of the Board, while Malone retains his status as the largest voting shareholder and will continue offering strategic advice.
Malone called the timing right, saying he believed the business and its assets, especially the Formula 1 Group were in a strong position. Meanwhile he plans to reduce his travel and day-to-day involvement.
For Liberty Media, which holds major stakes in motorsport, live entertainment and media assets, the change signals a generational governance shift while preserving continuity. Investors and industry watchers are now focusing on how the board under Bennett will steer F1’s expansion, digital rights and global growth.
In short, Malone’s transition is more evolution than exit: he passes the operational baton, yet remains deeply embedded in Liberty’s future and retains influence over the company’s motorsport strategy.
Maya Weug sweeps Bahrain testing for F1 Academy
Maya Weug delivered a flawless three-day sweep at the Bahrain International Circuit, topping all six sessions of in-season testing. On Day 1, she set the tone with a morning best of 2:04.930, then lowered the mark again in the afternoon to underline her outright pace.
The momentum carried into Day 2. Weug posted 2:04.567 in the morning to head an MP Motorsport one-two, then improved to 2:04.517 after lunch to complete another clean sweep. Joanne Ciconte and Alba Larsen trailed by mere hundredths, which highlighted how small gains mattered in Sakhir.
On the final day, she closed the test on top once more, making it six from six and confirming class-leading form over both single-lap and long-run work. The official wrap credited her with the fastest overall time of the test and a commanding consistency profile. Weug ends Bahrain as the driver to beat.
The headline was speed, yet the detail was repeatability. Weug found time in the final sector, protected rear-tyre life, and adapted quickly to evolving grip. Meanwhile, rivals stayed close. Ciconte and Larsen repeatedly featured within a tenth, which kept pressure on through each segment.
As a result, Bahrain reframed the competitive picture before the run-in. Weug’s clean sweep signals a psychological edge, and the lap-time ladder suggests MP Motorsport holds a small baseline advantage. However, the margins are tight, and cooler evening conditions could reshuffle the order when racing returns.
Legacy Note: Jenson Button to End Professional Racing Career at Bahrain
Jenson Button, the 2009 World Champion, has confirmed that the upcoming 8 Hours of Bahrain will mark his final professional race. He stated emphatically, “This will be my last race,” and added that Bahrain holds special value in his career.
After a career that began in 2000 and spanned 306 Grand Prix starts in Formula 1, with 15 wins and a world title aboard Brawn GP, Button shifted into endurance racing in recent years with Cadillac Hertz Team Jota in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Now aged 45, Button said that the demands of full-time racing and a growing family prompted the decision. He noted that missing time at home with his young children had become untenable.
Beyond motorsport, his legacy is defined by versatility, moving from F1 to Super GT, Le Mans, and WEC, while remaining a respected voice as a broadcaster. With this farewell, Button closes a chapter that inspired many drivers for adaptability and longevity. In short, his final lap in Bahrain will not just end a career, it will celebrate a rare blend of speed, evolution and endurance.
Feature Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool