The FIA approved plans to upgrade the Kyalami circuit to Grade 1 status, the level required to host Formula One. The South African circuit is currently certified as a Grade 2 circuit, undergoing significant changes in 2026 as part of an ownership change in 2014. The circuit now has three years to complete the planned upgrades to be eligible for Grade 1 status, which would be a first for any circuit on the continent. The upgrades focus on improvements to runoff areas, barriers, kerbs, and drainage, while leaving the current layout unchanged. The venue last hosted a Formula One race in 1993. Africa is the only continent without a race on the current calendar, and interest in bringing Formula One to the region has grown. Rwanda has been discussed as a potential future race in recent times. Although there’s no sign that Kyalami will return to the F1 calendar in the foreseeable future, an upgraded certification would certainly be a step in the right direction.
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has extended its contract with Formula One, keeping the Canadian Grand Prix on the calendar until at least 2035. The circuit, named after the late Canadian F1 driver Gilles Villeneuve, has been featured on the Formula One calendar since it replaced Mosport Park in 1978. The previous contract with the venue was set to expire in 2031.
Williams has reached a “long-term” deal with James Vowles to continue in his role as Team Principal. The exact duration of his contract has not been disclosed. Vowles left Mercedes at the end of 2022 to take the job at Williams, to restore Williams to its former glory. When he took over, Williams had finished last in the World Constructors’ Championship, as had been the case in three of the previous four seasons. Although the team is far from winning a championship title, they are now consistently finishing within the points, currently earning them fifth in the constructors’ championship.
The FIA said goodbye to another senior figure this week, with Sara Mariani leaving the organization. Mariani has been the FIA’s Sustainability, Diversity, and Inclusion director for the past 18 months. This comes as part of another management restructuring within the organization, which sees her role being eliminated. The responsibilities will now be split between two other managers: with Secretary General for Mobility, Willem Groenewald, taking over sustainability, and Senior Human Resources Director, Alessandra Malhame, taking over diversity and inclusion.
Brad Pitt put his driving skills to the test, running laps around the Circuit of the Americas in a McLaren F1 car. This was part of a private test at the venue, where Lando Norris and Pitt drove the MCL60 from 2023. No details about the test have been published, but McLaren posted an image of a racing suit with “BP” initials with the caption “It’s a Sonny day in Austin,” a nod to Pitt’s character in the upcoming F1 movie.
Rumours were swirling this week, with some reports suggesting Aston Martin may be trying to win over George Russell. The 27-year-old has yet to sign a contract extension with Mercedes for 2026, but has previously stated his intentions to remain at the team he has called home for the past four seasons. However, there are few facts to support such speculation. Fernando Alonso, who turns 44 at the end of July, is currently contracted until the end of 2026. Lance Stroll has a year-to-year contract, although his father owns the team.
It can be challenging for even the most avid fans to keep up with the fast-paced world of Formula One. The Weekly F1 Recap is a series published each Monday that breaks down the action, both on and off the circuit, into bit-sized pieces. It's perfect for casual and experienced fans alike.
