Sign in

Thomas Maher

@thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social
9K followers 93 following 1.2K posts

F1 editor/Journalist @PlanetF1com.bsky.social FIA-accredited. Irish. Email: thomas.maher@planetsport.com Have a story/tip? Message me!

PostsRepliesMedia
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Here's the full story, and everything Graeme Lowdon had to say about the rumours: #F1 www.planetf1.com/news/valtter...
planetf1.com
Cadillac chief explodes ‘complete fabrication’ claims over Valtteri Bottas future
Cadillac has had enough of the Bottas rumours, and Graeme Lowdon made that crystal clear...
040
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Those Valtteri Bottas rumours... Cadillac boss Graeme Lowdon has just explained to PlanetF1 and other select media what's actually going on... #F1 “I’ll make it really, really clear: factually, they’re completely incorrect. There’s no basis of truth whatsoever in any of them."
1143
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
A positive meeting between the #F1 drivers with the FIA is said to have resulted in agreement, in principle, on rules tweaks. However, this doesn’t mean change is guaranteed: the GPDA does not have a voice in governance. #F1 www.planetf1.com/news/f1-2026...
planetf1.com
F1 showdown looms as drivers win ground before crucial rules vote
Drivers and the FIA are understood to have found common ground, setting up a pivotal Monday decision...
040
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Red Bull has announced a change in leadership structure: - Ben Waterhouse will step up as chief performance and design engineer, reporting to Pierre Waché. - Andrea Landi will join as head of performance from July 1, reporting to Waterhouse. #F1
051
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Karin was one of the journalists to talk to me and offer advice when I first appeared in the media centre 10 years ago. Her passion for F1 was evident, and she also talked with plenty of excitement about space missions! A lovely person, what sad news to hear.
1120
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
India will not feature on the #F1 2027 calendar, following reports suggesting the country could return as early as next year. #F1 www.planetf1.com/news/f1-indi...
planetf1.com
F1 shuts down India 2027 race talk after bold government claim
Big plans, bold claims, but F1 has made its stance clear on India 2027...
272
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Sources with knowledge of the situation suggest Wheatley is likely facing at least one year of gardening leave, but this can be expedited to a significant extent – it all depends on the finances on offer, and the strength of the relationships. #F1 www.planetf1.com/news/jonatha...
planetf1.com
Jonathan Wheatley’s sudden Audi exit explained as Aston Martin rumours intensify
A shock split, backstage politics, and a possible next move already in motion...
082
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Formal confirmation has arrived that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix have been cancelled. "While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April," an FIA spokesperson told PlanetF1. #F1 #ChineseGP
074
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Red Bull has confirmed Isack Hadjar's retirement in Australia was down to a power unit failure. Investigations ongoing to understand what can be kept in his pool for the year. #F1
0181
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
The stewards have ruled that there is no further action to be taken against Franco Colapinto regarding the incident with Lewis Hamilton in FP2. #F1 #AustralianGP www.planetf1.com/news/franco-...
planetf1.com
Lewis Hamilton swerves past crawling Alpine as Franco Colapinto summoned by stewards
Lewis Hamilton took to team radio after encountering a “crazy slow” Alpine on the straight, and stewards are now involved.
050
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Honda: "We were able to gather the necessary data to determine that the items we implemented first on the dyno at HRC Sakura are working at the track. "As a result, there are less battery vibrations occurring according to our analysis gathered during the session." #F1 #AustralianGP
090
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
George Russell is facing two FIA investigations after the first day of #F1 action in Australia... #AustralianGP www.planetf1.com/news/george-...
planetf1.com
George Russell under double FIA investigation at Australian GP
George Russell is facing a double investigation at the Australian Grand Prix, following a pair of potential practice infringements.
150
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Cadillac confirm a suspected hydraulic issue for Sergio Perez, to be checked out fully when the car is returned. #F1 #AustralianGP
0110
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Big off for Max Verstappen as he has a snap of oversteer through T10. He keeps it all pointing in the right direction and recovers to the track, but bits have snapped off the car. Whew, that could have been a lot worse. #F1 #AustralianGP
080
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Williams confirm an issue on Carlos Sainz's car, and he will not be returning to the track in FP2. No word on what the issue is related to. #F1 #AustralianGP
130
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Alpine has confirmed the renewal of Argentine sponsor, Mercado Libre, which continues its support of Franco Colapinto for 2026. #F1
060
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Sources have clarified that these changes with Companies House have been with an aim to clearing up an administrative oversight from 2022, swapping from a PSC to an RLE arrangement.
010
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
A few confirmed tweaks in the ownership structure of Mercedes #F1 team today, following on from CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz purchasing 15 per cent of Toto Wolff's Motorsports Invest company. As of 25/01/2022, MI is now the 'person of significant control', rather than Wolff.
1101
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Adrian Newey has just spoken on the Aston Martin issues, and has revealed race laps are likely to be limited to somewhere between 15 and 25 laps. This is due to the vibrations being so bad, that the drivers risk nerve damage if they drive for longer... #F1 #AustralianGP
3211
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Given he was driving an Alpine Acadamy-branded car in F2 testing, thoroughly unsurprising news this morning. Alex Dunne has joined Enstone for 2026. #F1 #F2 www.planetf1.com/news/alex-du...
planetf1.com
Alex Dunne lands Alpine lifeline after chaotic McLaren and Red Bull spells
From McLaren exit to Red Bull reversal, Alex Dunne’s 2026 path is now confirmed.
140
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Any Irish #F1 fans who follow me, I'll be appearing on RTE Saturday Sport with Des Cahill on Saturday to chat about the Australian GP. I also suspect we'll be discussing the future of Alex Dunne... www.planetf1.com/news/alex-du...
052
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
The Qatar round of the #WEC, scheduled for later this month, has been postponed until the second half of 2026. #F1 www.planetf1.com/news/fia-wec...
planetf1.com
Qatar WEC delay puts focus on Formula 1’s Bahrain and Saudi races
One race is off, and now all eyes are on Formula 1’s Middle East double-header.
050
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Here's my story on this, with further detail: www.planetf1.com/news/aston-m...
planetf1.com
Aston Martin’s Melbourne weekend hinges on Honda battery gamble
From Bahrain breakdowns to battery shake fixes, Aston Martin’s 2026 campaign could pivot on Friday’s first laps in Australia.
020
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Charles Leclerc has confirmed he and Alexandra Saint-Mleux married in a civil ceremony on February 28. #F1
1250
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
There are also plans to introduce a new aerodynamics package to the AMR26, which obviously can't be evaluated without being driven in a variety of conditions and scenarios.
070
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Certainly, there's no plan to show up as merely a box-ticking exercise of participation. There's an awareness of being on the back foot to start the year, but not being on track doesn't fast-track the potential early gains in learning.
160
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
On Friday, these fixes will be rolled out. Should they prove successful, then Aston Martin could be in line for a normal weekend. If they don't work, then it'll be a weekend of data gathering and seeing what can be achieved.
180
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Aston Martin is heading to Australia with its weekend prospects very much dependent on the reliability tweaks Honda is introducing on the PU. With Honda revealing excessive battery pack shaking caused the issues in Bahrain, reliability fixes are being brought to Australia. #F1
2170
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement on the Middle East tensions, saying, “Safety and well-being will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One World Championship." #F1
020
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Homologation isn't really a one-and-done process that only starts now, there are checkpoints in the build-up to today, so the FIA already has a pretty clear picture of what each PUM has been doing.
000
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
What this means: Today is the day the PUMs are required to submit homologation dossiers to the FIA, detailing their components designs and documentation. Provided all is fine, the FIA will then sign off on homologation - this will happen within 14 days.
270
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Happy Formula 1 power unit homologation deadline day, everyone! #F1
1281
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Pirelli has confirmed the cancellation of its two-day Bahrain test, today and tomorrow. "All Pirelli personnel currently in Manama are safe in their hotels. "The company is working to ensure their safety and arrange their return to Italy and the UK as soon as possible." #F1
1296
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Pirelli's tyre test in Bahrain is understood to have been cancelled, while #F1 is keeping a watching brief on the situation in the Middle East. www.planetf1.com/news/f1-bahr...
planetf1.com
F1 and FIA monitoring Gulf tensions, Bahrain and Saudi races still on track
Rising Middle East tensions are under close watch by F1 officials, with no changes yet to Bahrain or Saudi Grand Prix dates.
0100
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Cadillac has named its 2026 car the MAC-26, or the Mario Andretti Cadillac-26, in honour of the 1978 #F1 world champion.
070
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Abnormal levels of battery shake was encountered by Honda in Bahrain, with Koji Watanabe explaining what happened, and what's next, for Aston Martin and Honda. #F1 www.planetf1.com/news/honda-a...
planetf1.com
What’s really behind Honda’s vibration issue at Aston Martin?
From battery damage to lost laps, Honda has broken down Aston Martin’s disrupted test programme.
030
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Here's what to expect from Apple TV when its #F1 live coverage begins at the Australian GP. #F1 www.planetf1.com/news/formula...
planetf1.com
Apple TV’s new F1 coverage promises 30 feeds and Netflix tie-up
Multi-view, onboard cameras and even Netflix — Apple is reshaping how America watches Formula 1.
071
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Mike Krack believes that Aston Martin's current issues aren't restricted to one specific area of the car, and insists the team is focused on looking forward, and not back. #F1 www.planetf1.com/news/mike-kr...
planetf1.com
Mike Krack lays bare Aston Martin’s F1 reality after testing struggles
Mike Krack has said Aston Martin's current problems are not isolated to one specific area of the AMR26, which would be easier to resolve.
100
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Pirelli has announced that Mario Isola is to step down from his role on July 1, replaced by Dario Marrafuschi from March 1. Isola will work with him on the transition over the four months, before leaving Pirelli entirely. #F1
082
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Red Bull Powertrains' Ben Hodgkinson has said he'd welcome a 'gloves-off' approach to power unit homologation rules, given the existence of the newly-introduced PUM budget cap. #F1 www.planetf1.com/news/f1-2026...
planetf1.com
Red Bull wants 'gloves-off' fight in F1 2026 engine war
Should F1 scrap engine homologation in 2026? Red Bull thinks so.
140
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Christian Horner has spoken about his feelings of loss and hurt following Red Bull's decision to remove him from his posts last summer. #F1 www.planetf1.com/news/christi...
planetf1.com
Christian Horner: ‘I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye’
Christian Horner has revealed his 'loss and hurt' upon being removed from his posts as Red Bull's team boss and CEO last summer.
451
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Otmar Szafnauer was onboard Delta Airlines DL1067 when an engine failed on take-off out of Savannah last night. The former #F1 team boss has paid tribute to the pilots for their quick thinking and skills to ensure the safety of everybody on board. www.planetf1.com/news/otmar-s...
planetf1.com
Otmar Szafnauer shares footage after mid-air engine failure scare
The former F1 team boss was on board when an airplane suffered an engine failure shortly after take-off.
080
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
A very difficult start for Aston Martin in 2026 but, between Adrian Newey and ADUO, I'd expect rapid progress over the coming months. #F1 www.planetf1.com/news/adrian-...
planetf1.com
Aston Martin’s 400-lap nightmare leaves Adrian Newey under pressure
Aston Martin's season has started in ignominious fashion, leaving Adrian Newey's squad facing an uphill battle in the coming months.
060
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Honda has essentially depleted its stockpile of PU components on site in Bahrain, due to reliability not being quite what was expected, and is using its last battery.
140
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Aston Martin is set for very limited running today, with Honda confirming a battery related issue causing yesterday's issues. With work being carried out on test benches in Japan, and a shortage of spare parts, Lance Stroll will only do short runs today. #F1 #F1testing
2110
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Green light for the final day of pre-season testing! #F1 #F1testing
030
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
The FIA's Nikolas Tombazis has explained the governing body's position on the compression ratio topic, and has explained why the power unit manufacturers have until August to make any changes, if the vote goes through... #F1 #F1Testing www.planetf1.com/news/fia-nik...
planetf1.com
Tombazis: F1 compression ratio row ‘overblown’
The FIA has explained why F1 2026 power unit manufacturers have been given until August to make changes in its launched e-vote.
020
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
All the indications are that this is just a matter of time, but no deal is yet signed.
010
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
A formalisation of the deal between Alex Dunne and Alpine hasn't yet been completed, with discussions continuing as Barcelona F2 testing comes to an end. #F1 #F2 www.planetf1.com/news/alex-du...
planetf1.com
Alex Dunne spotted in Alpine colours as Enstone switch nears completion
Alex Dunne is expected to finalise a deal that will see him become a member of the Alpine Academy, PlanetF1.com has learned.
220
Thomas Maher @thomasmaheronf1.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Another practice start here to end the day, and another lightning start for Ferrari. The Haas also looking very quick off the line. #F1 #F1testing
030