F1 Q&A: Albon versus Sainz, Spa rotation, 2026 engines and more
INLIBER Sport correspondent answers fan questions on driver comparisons, Belgian Grand Prix rotation, future engine sounds, track surfaces and team radio jargon.
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Formula 1 resumes after the summer break at Zandvoort this weekend, with ten races remaining in 2025. Oscar Piastri leads the standings by nine points over teammate Lando Norris.
Will Red Bull consider bringing back Alex Albon?
Comparing drivers across different teams is rarely straightforward. While Albon currently outpaces Carlos Sainz at Williams, Sainz has held his own against teammates like Leclerc, Verstappen and Hülkenberg under varying conditions. Performance depends on more than raw pace: team fit, car balance and setup preferences all play a role. With Christian Horner gone and Laurent Mekies working alongside Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s future driver strategy remains unclear. As Marko says, “At Red Bull, we make stars, we don't buy them.”
Which circuit will rotate with Spa-Francorchamps?
Spa’s contract runs until 2031 but excludes 2028 and 2030, when another European venue may fill its slot. Barcelona–Catalunya is keen to stay beyond 2026 despite losing the Spanish GP to Madrid. Imola and Turkey are also contenders. This rotation grants Formula 1 added flexibility in calendar planning.
Will the 2026 power units be louder?
Removing the MGU-H could slightly increase engine noise, but turbos remain the dominant sound source. FIA discussions on returning to naturally aspirated engines are driven partly by noise concerns, yet there is no consensus among fans. While some welcome louder cars, others—especially families and city residents—might oppose higher decibel levels. Any major change could threaten urban events that promised lower noise levels at signing.
How does asphalt affect tyre performance?
Track surfaces vary in abrasiveness. Newer asphalt with higher bitumen content, like Silverstone, reduces tyre wear and overheating. Older surfaces, such as Bahrain’s, raise degradation. Street circuits—Monaco, Baku, Singapore—are smoother but host low-speed corners, making tyre management different from permanent tracks.
Why do drivers say “box, box, box”?
“Box” is clearer than “pit” over the radio amid engine noise. Repeating it three times signals urgency. The term originates from the German “Boxenstopp” for a pit stop.
These answers highlight the complexities of driver evaluation, calendar logistics, technical regulations, track engineering and communication protocols in modern Formula 1.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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