Formula Fanatics #9 - Summer Break, Silly Season and the Second Half!

Formula Fanatics #9 covers rumors that Mercedes’ onboard AI mislearned George Russell’s energy deployment, contributing to issues like his anti-stall start in Budapest. We discuss the 2026 calendar changes, including Barcelona potentially rotating with Spa while Madrid becomes the Spanish GP, and debate why classic venues like Germany and France aren’t prioritized; Hockenheim’s possible return is linked to a $250M rehab. We recap a pit-stop-heavy Hungarian GP where Lando Norris takes his first win of the year ahead of Verstappen, Antonelli, Leclerc, and Hamilton; Russell recovers to seventh, Audi scores points again, and Aston’s upgrades yield 13th/14th. After criticizing Lance Stroll, we question Audi and Cadillac’s long-term competitiveness, touch on wing/DRS-style activation, discuss benign silly-season notes (Alonso extension talk, multiple driver engagements/marriage, contract renewals), a Formula E viewing, and look ahead to Zandvoort and race-cancellation minimums.