Thursday, May 7, 2026

Red Bull-Dominated Formula 1 Season Ends With Expansion Unsettled

  • Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his 19th race of the year at the season finale.
  • It is still unknown whether an 11th expansion team will be permitted.
Red Bull Racing/X

The 2023 Formula 1 season concluded on Sunday in Abu Dhabi as Red Bull and Max Verstappen finished off the most dominant single-year run in the sport’s history.

Verstappen won his record 19th race of the season, finishing first in all but three grand prix. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez easily finished second in the drivers standings — with a 51-point gap between him and third place.

Red Bull earns an estimated $140 million for the constructors’ championship.

Mercedes — with third- and ninth-place finishes from George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, respectively — secured second in the constructors’ championship and an estimated $131 million. Ferrari’s third-place finish will likely be good for about $122 million.

Current prize money figures are based off last season’s revenue and could vary slightly.

More The Merrier?

With some on-track changes set to come in 2024 — like a new sprint race format — the biggest question for the sport is whether an 11th team will be permitted to join the grid come 2026.

General Motors has agreed to build engines for a team led by Michael Andretti and Cadillac. That bid has received approval from the FIA but is awaiting the final green light from F1 parent company Liberty Media.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.

Max Verstappen’s Future Looms Over F1’s Return to Miami

F1 returns after a monthlong hiatus due to two canceled races.

F1’s New Era Hits Reset in Miami: How Will Teams Adjust to Rules?

Drivers have been unhappy about F1’s new regulations.

Featured Today

May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League
May 5, 2026

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) prepares to take a shot on goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period in game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena.

NHL Salary Cap Increases by $8.5M to Hit $104M

Next season’s salary cap confirmed bullish projections from the league and union.
Mar 7, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) bring the ball up court against the Utah Jazz at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
May 7, 2026

Jimmy Haslam Wants Giannis’s Fate Decided Before NBA Draft

The two-time MVP is entering the final year of his contract.
May 7, 2026

Lexie Hull Thinks Offseason Basketball Leagues Could Eventually Merge

Hull has played in Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 7, 2026

Swin Cash Defends 2022 WNBA Stake Sale: ‘The League Is Growing’

Cash will be a studio analyst on Amazon Prime Video this year.
May 6, 2026

NFL Nears Referee Deal to Avoid Another ‘Fail Mary’ Disaster

The public vitriol between the two sides has lessened considerably.
May 6, 2026

Midge Purce on NWSL’s Rodman Rule: ‘I Hate It So Much’

The rule helped keep Trinity Rodman in the NWSL.
Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May talks with his team Monday, April 6, 2026, during the NCAA men's basketball tournament national championship game against the UConn Huskies at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
May 5, 2026

Dusty May Draws Interest From Multiple NBA Teams

May coached Michigan to the national title in April.