With Formula 1 currently on its mid-season summer break, it will return on August 23 for the Dutch Grand Prix, it’s time for a news roundup of the latest developments in the ever-evolving world of Formula 1. While the F1 news media often churns out endless speculation and sensationalism—much of which is inaccurate or deliberately misinterpreted just to fill column inches on slow news days—we sift through the BS to bring you the key highlights.

Carlos Sainz To Williams

Carlos Sainz, previously with Ferrari, has found a new home, signing a multi-year contract to join Williams Racing in 2025. Sainz, a top-tier driver, was dropped by Ferrari in favor of the legendary Lewis Hamilton. Williams, once a dominant force in Formula 1, has now become a mid-field team, far from its former glory.

Sainz is at the peak of his driving abilities, and while Williams may have presented a compelling offer, one can’t help but speculate Sainz’s F1 career is facing a period of decline. He could spend the next four years navigating a car that struggles to rise and falls sporadically within the F1 pecking order.

Unless Williams experiences a significant boost in performance, Sainz is likely to find himself in the mid-field. Does Williams have a hidden advantage that persuaded Sainz to sign on the dotted line?

The Adrain Newey Question

Design engineering master Adrian Newey remains a Red Bull employee until early next year, at which point he will be free to offer his services to rival F1 teams. Naturally, there is considerable interest, with initial speculation pointing to Ferrari and then Aston Martin. Now, the focus has shifted to Williams.

Who knows where Newey will end up? If he does sign with Williams, it would mark a sensational return to the team that cemented his reputation for designing championship-winning race cars. Alternatively, he could join Aston Martin, which is reportedly prepared to offer a $100 million contract.

For now, Newey’s future destination remains the subject of wild speculation.

Red Bull Sticks With Sergio Perez

The rise and decline, brief resurrection, and then sudden decline followed by another resurgence is a Sergio Perez speciality, as much as it is a mystery. The gulf in performance between Perez and Verstappen is vast, with speculation suggesting that the Red Bull RB20 is designed around Verstappen’s driving style.

Whatever the reason behind Perez’s inconsistent form, the F1 media lynch mob has been quick to criticize him. Red Bull is known for ruthlessly dispensing underperforming drivers, and “Mad Dog” Marko clearly wants to replace Perez as soon as possible.

However, following crunch talks, Perez will see out his contract, as Christian Horner confirmed recently. It has been reported that Formula One’s owners, Liberty Media, urged Red Bull to retain Perez in order to ensure that the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix is a sell-out.

Esteban Ocon Moves To Hass

Esteban Ocon will join the Haas team in 2025 after a falling out with Alpine following the Monaco Grand Prix. Ocon disobeyed team orders by attempting to overtake teammate Pierre Gasly on the approach to the tunnel.

Ocon’s mid-corner overtaking attempt ended in disaster, infuriating senior team members and leading to his departure from Alpine. Although Ocon will remain with Alpine until the end of the season, his disregard for team orders is a recurring issue.