Former Formula 1 leader reveals the leadership rule that stops teams burning out under pressure
Sebastian Sheppard is a peak performance speaker, strategic advisor and former Formula 1 engineering leader whose work sits at the sharp end of pressure, precision and people management.
In this exclusive interview with the High Performance Speakers Agency, Sebastian Sheppard explains how leaders can keep teams motivated when results are not coming, why discomfort is essential to development, and how executives can build cultures where people are trusted to solve problems rather than wait for instructions.
Remembering Alex Zanardi: F1 driver, paralympian, and an unstoppable spirit
On Friday, May 1, 2026, sport lost a great champion and a great man. Alex Zanardi, aged 59, passed away in Padua, Italy, not far from where he was born in Bologna.
His spirit lives on through his wife, Daniela, and their son, Niccolo.
The Italian was a Formula 1 driver, two-time CART (now IndyCar) champion, and Paralympic medalist in handcycling.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Katie Butler reflects on his legendary career.
F1 opinion: Ferrari’s new era, with one defining question
For nearly two decades, Ferrari’s “racing red” cars have driven towards something that once felt inescapable, writes Sports News Blitz’s Francesca O’Callaghan.
After Kimi Räikkönen delivered Ferrari their last Drivers’ crown in 2007, the narrative has been filled with near-misses and a legacy growing increasingly cumbersome with every passing season.
Even the constructors’ title, absent since 2008, feels like an antique, a time when Ferrari took centre stage, labelling themselves as the kings of motorsport.
This is a team anchored in superiority, shaped by the vision of Enzo Ferrari, and marked by triumph.
F1 news: Kimi Antonelli sets new Formula One record after Miami Grand Prix win
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, finishing 3.264 seconds clear of Lando Norris, while Norris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri secured the final podium position.
The Italian, who started from pole, recorded his third win of the season.
His only non-win this year came in the season opener in Australia, where he finished second behind his team-mate George Russell.
Sunday’s pole position was also his third of the campaign, writes Sports News Blitz’s Katie Butler.
F1 news: Miami GP takeaways - Kimi Antonelli extends championship lead, Red Bull improves with upgrades, Ferrari’s forgettable race, and more
It’s three in a row for Kimi Antonelli as he takes the chequered flag in Miami, surviving the threat from McLaren's improved pace.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Mosaddek Abu discusses the takeaways from an eventful Miami Grand Prix.
F1 returns in Miami after extended break as teams prepare major upgrades
After an unexpected month-long break, Formula 1 is back, with the Miami International Autodrome hosting the sixth edition of the Miami Grand Prix.
This weekend will see the second sprint race of the season, with plenty of action to usher F1 back in.
F1 news: Lewis Hamilton backed for Ferrari success as 2026 title race remains wide open
Former Formula One driver and analyst Martin Brundle has thrown his support behind Lewis Hamilton, insisting the seven time world champion still has what it takes to win races, and potentially fight for a title, with Ferrari.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo takes a closer look at Hamilton’s resurgence at Ferrari, the impact of the new regulations, and what to expect as the 2026 Formula One season heads into the Miami Grand Prix.
F1 news: Formula One arrives in Miami for a pivotal race weekend
Formula One returns to Miami this week after a one-month break.
The paddock heads to Florida for Round 4 of the 2026 season, bringing updated regulations and unanswered questions.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Lucy Armour takes a closer look at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix and what to expect from the sport's return following its five-week break.
F1 news: McLaren to debut ‘completely new car’ in Miami and Canada, confirms Andrea Stella
McLaren will introduce a “completely new car” across the upcoming Miami and Canadian Grands Prix as they look to close the gap to early-season leaders Mercedes.
Team Principal Andrea Stella confirmed that the major upgrade has long been part of the team’s development plan, with a strong focus on aerodynamic improvements.
F1 confirms 2026 rule changes ahead of Miami GP to boost safety and flat-out racing
Formula 1 has agreed a series of refinements to its 2026 regulations following early-season concerns over safety and driving quality, with changes set to be introduced from the Miami Grand Prix.
The updates come after a unanimous agreement between the FIA, Formula 1, teams and engine manufacturers, following complaints from drivers about the new hybrid power units and energy management systems.
F1 analysis: Five things we could see for the rest of the Formula One season
The 2026 Formula One season has already delivered chaos, controversy, and huge shake-ups thanks to the new regulations.
With the Miami Grand Prix still a few weeks away, and a long calendar still ahead, Sports News Blitz writer Tyler Cooke looks at five storylines that could define the rest of the 2026 season.
Johnny Herbert: Max Verstappen to McLaren ‘makes sense’ as Red Bull face losing their biggest asset
Three-time Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert believes Red Bull are heading towards a difficult period, warning that the potential loss of Max Verstappen could leave the team in a “real predicament.”
Why former Williams Racing deputy team principal Claire Williams believes culture decides performance
Claire Williams built her reputation in one of the toughest arenas in world sport, rising through Williams Racing from press officer to deputy team principal before later founding Claire Williams Consulting.
Recognised with an OBE for services to Formula 1, she brings first-hand insight into leadership, pressure, performance and the realities of steering an iconic team through change.
In this exclusive interview with the High Performance Speakers Agency, Claire Williams reflects on leadership, culture, resilience and what sustained success really demands when the margins for error are almost non-existent.
F1 news: A look at Arvid Lindblad, F1’s latest rookie sensation
Arvid Lindblad is F1’s sole rookie for the 2026 season after doing well to make a name for himself across various junior categories.
So far in his brief time in F1, he has impressed with his performances, including scoring points in his debut race in Melbourne.
He is unafraid to push the limits and has demonstrated considerable promise.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer and F1 enthusiast Luca Salmasi examines Lindblad’s career to date, a rookie already hinting at superstar potential.
F1 news: Oscar Piastri confident Mercedes can be caught despite dominant 2026 start
Oscar Piastri has expressed confidence that Mercedes’ early dominance in the 2026 Formula 1 season can be challenged, despite the Silver Arrows winning each of the opening races.
F1 opinion: Ferrari are right to be furious, Mercedes’ ‘innovation’ is just legal cheating
Here we go again. Different regulations, same circus, writes Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
Ferrari spend years preparing for a regulation reset, playing by the book, trying to build something competitive...and then along comes Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team with yet another “clever interpretation” that just happens to give it a massive edge.
F1 news: Toto Wolff addresses Christian Horner future and warns of ‘repercussions’
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has not always had the best relationship with the former Red Bull team principal.
Still, he denies attempting to block Christian Horner from returning to Formula One.
Horner was sacked last July, but tensions with Wolff have always been clear, especially during the 2021 title race between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Wolff’s latest comments tackle the implications of a possible Horner return.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi takes a closer look at Toto Wolff’s thoughts on a potential Christian Horner return.
Ferrari firmly second best as Fred Vasseur outlines clear path for improvement
Three races into the 2026 Formula 1 season, and it’s almost clear where every team stands.
Ferrari have set the pace as the second fastest team behind Mercedes this year, although McLaren were in the mix in Japan.
McLaren show signs of life in Japan after difficult start to 2026 F1 season
It goes without saying that McLaren have had a challenging start to the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Japanese Grand Prix, however, saw a different McLaren.
Haas’ Ollie Bearman reflects on ‘scary’ 50G crash as Suzuka incident sparks safety concerns
The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix was momentarily overshadowed by a frightening crash involving Haas driver Oliver Bearman.
The impact, measured at 50G, almost immediately brought out the Safety Car and left fans and teams fearing the worst.