F1 Today | Marko explains agreement with Lauda, Ferrari make changes

Could Mercedes and Red Bull Racing have ever teamed up in Formula One? Helmut Marko explained that could have been the case, and that he had a 'handshake deal' with Niki Lauda, however, it did not materialise. Elsewhere, Ferrari have announced their technical lineup for the foreseeable future. GPblog brings you the best news of the day in the world of Formula One.

According to top advisor Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing were close to agreeing a deal with Mercedes, that would have led to the Germans becoming the team's engine supplier in the hybrid era. Marko explained in the Inside Line F1 Podcast that he also had a "handshake deal" with Niki Lauda, but thanks to Toto Wolff, the deal did not happen.

While Max Verstappen named his ideal teammate for now, the FIA have also announced by when rules would change about the flexible front wing the Austrian team complained about.

As GPblog have previously learned that Adrian Newey is on his way to Aston Martin, Ferrari have announced their technical team after the Italian GP, similarly to what team principal Frederic Vasseur has promised before. The team have announced that Loic Serra from Mercedes will become Enrico Cardile's replacement. The Italian left earlier this year to sign for Aston Martin as well. Moreover, Vasseur has also declared that he is not worried about Lewis Hamilton's qualifying form.

After Toto Wolff and Mercedes announced in Italy that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will become George Russell's teammate in the 2025 season, the German team will now have two academy graduates driving their cars. CEO and team principal Toto Wolff takes great pride in that, he told GPblog among others. The Austrian also explained how he is planning to further prepare the 18-year-old for his full-time debut in 2025, following the "Lewis blueprint".