F1 Daily: Ferrari's Upgrades in Austin, Verstappen's GT Heroics, and Alonso's Dakar Test

With one week before the 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, teams are already preparing their upgrade packages. Mercedes said that they'll finally provide George Russell with the new specifications of the W17, which could help the team bring the fight against the streaking Red Bull.

But Mercedes and Red Bull should be wary of another front-running team that's bringing a significant upgrade package to Austin.

Ferrari is coming off a decent haul of points in the last two races. They had a 3-4 finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, then Charles Leclerc took the checkered flag in P2 in the Singapore Grand Prix. 

But the Prancing Horse is aiming for more in the upcoming United States Grand Prix. The team is reportedly bringing a new floor to Austin, forming one part of their aerodynamic upgrades in the said race. 

However, their upgrade package in Austin could be their final one this season. It's understood that Ferrari is shifting their developmental focus to their 2027 challenger.

Starting the race at 15th, #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing worked their way to the Top 10 and finished P9. Ben Barnicoat, the first of the three runners, had a solid opening stint that saw him put the car in the Top 10. However, Chris Lulham incurred a drive-through penalty for causing a collision.

By the time that Max Verstappen took over the wheel for the final 45 minutes, they were 24th in the Pro class. Still, the Dutchman impressed with his usual heroics and stormed through the pack for a ninth-place finish.

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso is reportedly testing a Prodrive rally-raid prototype in Morocco. The session is connected to the expected Aston Martin Dakar project. 

This isn't the first time that Alonso has participated in a session connected to a rally-raid event. In 2020, when he was away from Formula 1, Alonso competed in the iconic Dakar Rally and finished 13th overall in his class.

Persistent rumors say that Alonso is returning to the event soon, but the two-time F1 World Champion has denied speculations of him entering the 2027 Dakar Rally.

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson is performing on and off the track. Lawson is reportedly headlining the team's Garage Sessions music event in Austin on October 22. The performance promotes Lawson's new collaboration with Taylor Guitars. Liam's brother, Marcos Lawson, and his childhood friends join him in the performance.

Marcos is a talented acoustic guitarist who achieved Grade 8 in Acoustic Guitar. Meanwhile, Liam reached Grade 7 before he focused his full-time efforts on building a racing career.