Statement issued on new race rumours as Martin Brundle speaks out about future

There have been plenty of developments away from the track as competitors in the 2026 Formula 1 season prepare to return to action in May

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Martin Brundle has spoken about his future(Image: Getty Images)

We are only a few weeks into the 2026 Formula 1 season but there have already been plenty of talking points. Last year saw Max Verstappen lose his stranglehold on the title as Lando Norris pipped him to the drivers’ championship and early signs point to an open title race this time.

There have also been rumblings around new races as well as a discussion of what lies ahead for iconic broadcaster Martin Brundle. The 2026 calendar is currently operating on a reduced schedule after the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia stops amid conflict in the Middle East.

Kimi Antonelli has taken an early lead in the drivers’ standings after winning two of the first three grands prix. The Italian sits nine points clear of George Russell, while reigning champion Norris sits fifth as he waits to make a podium for the first time this year.

Those two race cancellations mean there’s no action until early May and the Miami Grand Prix. There’s still plenty going on behind the scenes, though, and here’s the latest.

Indian GP return statement

Indian politician Mansukh Mandaviya claimed Formula 1 would ‘100%’ return to the country in 2027. However, a new statement from the sport has suggested that might be too ambitious a timeline.

“While India is a valuable market for Formula 1’s continued growth with an amazing passionate fanbase, we won’t be racing there in 2027,” an F1 spokesperson said. Express Sport quotes a source who indicated discussions over a return have been ongoing but an agreement is not thought to be close.

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Sebastian Vettel won the Indian Grand Prix on all three previous occasions(Image: Getty Images)

India’s Buddh International Circuit hosted three Formula 1 grands prix, between 2011 and 2013. All three were won by Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel, while Fernando Alonso – then driving for Ferrari – twice finished on the podium.

Brundle addresses future

Martin Brundle shows no signs of planning to dial back on his involvement in Sky’s F1 coverage but reminded fans his commitment to two-thirds of the season is plenty. Brundle was absent from China and Japan but is due to return in Miami.

“I do 16 races a year, so I have to miss some, and they tend to be the early-hours-of-the-morning races,” he said. “I always feel a bit sad when I’m not in Suzuka because I love that track as a driver and as a broadcaster, but I can’t do them all these days.”

Brundle’s 16-race schedule this year is marginally down from his 18 in 2025. However, he made it clear any suggestions of a significant reduction were wide of the mark.

Verstappen team-mate hospitalised

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Jules Gounon is part of Team Verstappen(Image: MARC DE MATTIA/DPPI/Shutterstock)

Jules Gounon, a driver with Max Verstappen’s Team Verstappen, updated fans on his health after passing out at a GT race. Gounon was struggling with food poisoning when he joined colleagues Dani Juncadella and Chris Lulham at the GT World Challenge Europe and was taken to hospital after his exertions took their toll.

“Last night I got food poisoning, lost a lot of fluids and barely slept,” the Frenchman wrote on Instagram. “Big thanks to Dani (as always there for me in the tough moments) for getting me to the medical center at 7am, and to all the doctors and paramedics who made me fit to race.

“I rested as much as I could before the race and I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I still gave everything in the double stint, probably one of the hardest I’ve ever done. I’ve never struggled that much in a race car and pushed myself to a point I didn’t think I could reach.”After the stint, I completely passed out and ended up gaining back another trip at the medical center for a few hours.Massive thanks to the medical team for taking such good care of me, and to the @2seasmotorsport crews who stayed with me there.”