F1 Today: Verstappen loses key Red Bull ally as FIA faces newspaper boycott

Max Verstappen is facing another departure from his immediate working environment, with chief mechanic Jon Caller confirming that he will leave Red Bull Racing to join Ford's endurance racing programme. Caller announced his departure after ten years in Formula 1, during which he celebrated four drivers' championships and two constructors' titles.

The Briton took over as Verstappen's chief mechanic earlier this year, replacing his twin brother Matt, who departed Red Bull to join Audi. Jon previously worked on the other side of the garage with Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda.

Caller will now join Ford's preparations for its return to the top class of the World Endurance Championship in 2027, when the American manufacturer plans to compete in the Hypercar category. His departure represents another change within Verstappen's Red Bull team, with the four-time world champion losing another familiar figure from his garage.

The Daily Mail has announced a boycott of Formula 1 after the FIA revoked the accreditation of its long-serving correspondent Jonathan McEvoy following a controversial column about Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

The British newspaper will not cover races or press conferences during the final three Grands Prix of the 2026 season in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

McEvoy, who has covered Formula 1 for 21 years, received the suspension after describing Leclerc in offensive terms following the controversy involving the Monegasque and Lewis Hamilton at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The journalist subsequently criticised Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, suggesting that the Frenchman had played a role in the decision. However, there is no evidence that Ferrari or Vasseur was involved in the suspension.

The FIA justified its decision by arguing that McEvoy's column failed to meet the professional standards expected of accredited journalists. Daily Mail head of sport Chris Dean condemned the move as an attack on press freedom, with the newspaper maintaining its boycott for the remainder of the season.