FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN DUTCH GRAND PRIX 2026

The summer break is coming to a close and changes are the order of the day.

Lowden is out at Cadillac. Replaced by Budkowski. Don't worry about it, I didn't know
who either of them were and had to look up both their names to write this. The funny
thing is that this seems to be the first wrong move the over-performing American team
has made this year. It hints at some level of factory interference which has never turned
out well for any team on the grid. Look for short-term driver firings, stunt hirings and
general malaise accompanied by team personnel churning for the rest of the year.
Followed up over the off season by extensive finger pointing and a lack of performance
culminating in several pictures of Michael Andretti looking very smug. (I'm not hoping for
this, just predicting it.)

Aston Martin's upgraded chassis had a successful debut in Hungary. Now we'll get to
see if Honda have managed to match them. If so, Q1 exits are no longer going to be a
forgone conclusion subject to faster teams making mistakes. A lot has been made about
Fernando's future and where he'll be next year if the upgrades don't hint at a more
competitive package next year. The bottom line is that, talented as he is, none of the top
teams are courting him. He'll be on the grid with AM next year or not at all.

Isack Hadjar decided to punch someone with a Coulthardesque jaw and broke his hand. Red Bull, realizing that they hadn't completely destroyed Lawson's spirit yet has decided to move him into the big seat for this race. (Or maybe they just didn't have a booster seat big enough for Yuki.) I (and every other person watching) will be interested to see how the Kiwi does this week. If he holds his own, it'll be a big boost for him and the team over all. However, if he wiffs it... Red Bull might look into booster seats.

The circus is heading to Zandvoort for what might be the last time ever. We'll be back at Doherty's in Apex. Hope to see you there!