Wolff lashes out at 'maniac' as Sainz issued Audi 'ultimatum' - RacingNews365 Review

Wolff's 'maniac'

It is safe to say that Toto Wolff is still not the biggest fan of former race director Michael Masi for how the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Masi made a human-error in his handling of the late race safety car that allowed Max Verstappen to steal the title away from Lewis Hamilton on the final lap, with long-established safety car procedures not followed.

Masi left his position as race director in the aftermath of the race, and has since returned to Australian Supercars, and has been present in the F1 paddock for the 2023 and 2024 Grands Prix in that role.

But Wolff has certainly not forgotten, labelling Masi as an "utter pathological egomaniac."

READ MORE: Wolff lashes out at 'utter pathological egomaniac'

Sainz issued Audi 'ultimatum'

Carlos Sainz is a key cog in the F1 driver market for 2025, with seats potentially open at Mercedes, Red Bull, Aston Martin and Stake, before it becomes Audi in 2026.

The current Ferrari driver is in no rush to decide as he evaluates the options before him, but Audi is keen to have its driver pairing settled quickly.

Incumbents Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are both on the list, but Andreas Seidl is keen for Sainz to make a decision, one way or the other, soon, with an 'ultimatum' delivered by the former McLaren boss to his one-time driver.

Aaron Deckers has the full lowdown below.

READ MORE: 'Sainz delivered Audi ultimatum' as team keen to snare 2026 F1 drivers early

Turkey return?

Ever since it stepped in for the COVID-19 hit 2020 and 2021 seasons, Turkey has been angling for a full-time return to the F1 calendar.

Unfortunately, it was not able to secure the funds needed for a spot and so fell away after the two-year comeback, but Istanbul Park is targeting a return for 2026.

A new owner of the circuit has been tasked with returning Grand Prix racing full-time - with links to F1 already present...

READ MORE: Turkish GP venue in takeover as 2026 F1 return lined up

Horner's fine-line

The new series of Drive to Survive will have to cover the ongoing Christian Horner investigation, the executive producer has said.

In early February, Horner was placed under investigation by Red Bull after a complaint from a female member of staff about his conduct.

The Red Bull GmbH dismissed the grievance but this then unleashed trouble within Red Bull with Jos Verstappen keen to see Horner removed from his post as CEO and Team Principal.

The woman has been suspended by Red Bull for alleged 'dishonesty' as Horner continues on, with a leak of claimed WhatsApp messages on the eve of the new season proving further trouble.

Horner has denied all the allegations against him as James Gay-Rees touched on the subject for the first time.

READ MORE: Horner scandal to pose difficulties for Netflix