F1 LIVE | Wheatley leaves Audi as Verstappen prepares for NLS return
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated: 17:14, 20 Mar
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Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
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Verstappen hit with harsh Schumacher comparison after Red Bull criticism
Throughout the Chinese GP weekend, where Verstappen failed to score a point and retired early due to an ERS problem, the Red Bull driver was vocal in both his criticism of the "Mario Kart" 2026 F1 rules, but also the need for his team to "get our stuff together."
Reacting to Verstappen's outspoken weekend, Ralf Schumacher laid out a "big difference" between brother Michael and the Red Bull driver when each dealing with difficult periods.
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Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher said: “What is very important now, and this is also the big difference with my brother, is that he always stood behind his team and did not bring out criticism."
Schumacher also called on team principal Laurent Mekies to step up in leadership at Red Bull, instead of leaving Verstappen to "take centre stage."
Photo: Race Pictures
Norris to be honoured with Madame Tussauds wax figure in London
Meanwhile, Lando Norris has used the current two-week break between races in Shanghai and Suzuka to get measured head-to-toe by the Madame Tussauds London’s studio team, and will join fellow world champion Lewis Hamilton in the wax museum’s Culture Capital zone.
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Speaking on the Madame Tussauds website, Norris said: “It’s pretty surreal to think I’ll have a figure in Madame Tussauds, it’s such a big honour.
“Working with the artists has been awesome, and seeing all the detail they’ve put into the figure is really impressive. I can’t wait for fans to come and see the finished figure in London this summer.”
Photo: Race Pictures
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Austrian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 26.06.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 27.06.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 28.06.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
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Season
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