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via grandprix.comBen Sulayem admits FIA mistakes over 2026 rulesFIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has admitted to errors in the controversial 2026 regulations after criticism from drivers like Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton. He acknowledged that while there have been mistakes, competition has improved over the season, and the FIA is open to making necessary adjustments, although changes require consensus among teams and manufacturers.
Attention is shifting towards future engine regulations, with discussions about potentially returning to V8 engines by 2031. Ben Sulayem highlighted the importance of sound, simplicity, and cost savings in new engine designs, and confirmed that talks are in progress regarding the use of fully sustainable fuel for these engines, emphasizing the need to prioritize drivers' perspectives in the decision-making process.
via BBC SportRussell 'numb to disappointment' after bitter blow to title hopesGeorge Russell faced another setback in his championship hopes after crashing out on the first lap of the Belgian Grand Prix due to a collision with Lewis Hamilton. This incident allowed Kimi Antonelli to secure his sixth win of the season, further extending his lead in the standings over Russell, who expressed feeling 'numb to disappointment' after the race. Russell's performance was hampered by engine issues, which Mercedes identified as a contributing factor to his struggles during the race.
Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, acknowledged the emotional impact of the situation on Russell and emphasized the need to support him as they prepare for the next race. Despite the challenges faced by Russell, Antonelli's commanding performance showcased his dominance in the championship, leaving Russell to grapple with the implications of his latest misfortune.
Sun 19 Jul · 19:22 UTC
via grandprix.comF1 rejects claims Spa coverage hiding energy problemFormula 1 has responded to allegations that it is concealing issues related to energy management in the 2026 cars, particularly following criticism of the television coverage during the Belgian Grand Prix. Commentators noted that the coverage frequently cut away from crucial moments, leading to speculation about a hidden agenda, which F1 firmly denied, asserting that all onboard footage is available for viewing.
Drivers have openly discussed the challenges they face with energy management, with several expressing dissatisfaction with the current performance levels of the cars. Notable figures like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen highlighted the significant drop in speed due to battery depletion, while others, including Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton, called for a reevaluation of the regulations to enhance the racing experience.
via grandprix.comWolff admits Ferrari will try to sign AntonelliToto Wolff has expressed concern over Ferrari's interest in signing Kimi Antonelli, who has been performing exceptionally well for Mercedes, including achieving pole position at the Belgian GP. Wolff emphasized that Antonelli's success is a result of long-term investment in his development, and he has been with Mercedes since childhood. Despite the team's pride in Antonelli's achievements, they are facing challenges with George Russell's performance, which has not been on par with his teammate's speed.
Russell has acknowledged that he is struggling to compete equally with Antonelli and has ruled out driving style as the cause of his performance issues. Wolff confirmed that the team is still investigating the reasons behind Russell's deficit in speed, particularly in corners and on straights. Both drivers are working towards finding solutions to improve their competitiveness as the season progresses.
via grandprix.comSpa pushing to reclaim permanent place on F1 calendarSpa-Francorchamps is actively seeking to regain a permanent spot on the Formula 1 calendar, despite currently having an alternating contract that guarantees races in 2027, 2029, and 2031. Circuit chairman Melchior Wathelet emphasizes the historical significance of the venue, which has hosted races since 1950, and is in discussions with F1 leadership to advocate for an annual race by 2030, coinciding with Belgium's 200th anniversary. Support from drivers like Max Verstappen and figures such as Jacky Ickx and Toto Wolff highlights the importance of Spa in the F1 community.
Wathelet expresses concerns about the financial implications of alternating seasons and aims to eliminate the rotation system altogether. He believes that Spa deserves a long-term contract to ensure its future in Formula 1. The circuit's legacy and its appeal to drivers are central to Wathelet's campaign, as he remains optimistic about Spa's role in motorsport, regardless of F1's decisions.
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli secures pole at Belgian Grand PrixKimi Antonelli of Mercedes has achieved pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, outperforming Max Verstappen. His teammate George Russell will start from fourth, while Lando Norris faces a 10-place grid penalty.
+ 1 moreSat 18 Jul · 15:39 UTC
via BBC SportAntonelli tops FP2 as Gasly crashes heavily at SpaThe session highlighted the competitive nature of the teams, with Antonelli outperforming his rivals, including Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. However, several drivers, including Norris and Gasly, face grid penalties and challenges related to car performance and energy management on the demanding Spa-Francorchamps circuit.Fri 17 Jul · 17:33 UTC
via theguardian.comGeorge Russell ready to keep chasing down championship leader Kimi Antonelli at SpaGeorge Russell and Kimi Antonelli are currently competing closely in the Formula One championship, with Russell having outscored Antonelli in recent races. After a series of misfortunes for Antonelli, including mechanical failures, the points gap has narrowed significantly, making the title race competitive once again. Russell has faced challenges adapting to new car dynamics, which has affected his performance, but he remains determined to improve as the season progresses.
Both drivers are preparing for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, where they have been working on their race setups. Antonelli, despite being younger and less experienced, has shown remarkable skill and control, while Russell is striving to overcome his struggles. The advice from Roger Federer highlights the mental aspect of racing, emphasizing the importance of focus and emotional control as they head into this crucial race.Fri 17 Jul · 15:52 UTC
via grandprix.comOcon plays down F1 exit rumours at 10-year milestoneEsteban Ocon is celebrating ten years in Formula 1, having made his debut at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix. Amidst speculation about his future with Haas, he downplays concerns, emphasizing that discussions regarding his contract will take place later in the summer. Ocon's current contract includes an option for 2027 that is controlled by Haas, and he faces competition from several potential replacements, including McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli, who has impressed the team in recent tests.
Despite a challenging season marked by bad luck and performance issues, Ocon remains confident in Haas's ability to improve. He insists that his relationship with team principal Ayao Komatsu is strong and that he joined Haas due to their mutual trust. As he reflects on his decade in the sport, Ocon expresses pride in his journey and looks forward to contributing to the team's recovery efforts.
via grandprix.comBig money will keep Verstappen in F1 says MarkoMax Verstappen has remained tight-lipped about his future in Formula 1, especially regarding speculation linking him to McLaren. Despite reports of a strained relationship with Red Bull, he has not confirmed any changes and continues to focus on his current commitments. Dr. Helmut Marko, a retired adviser for Red Bull, downplayed the significance of recent meetings with Verstappen's family and expressed confidence that financial factors will keep Verstappen in the sport until at least 2028.
In addition to the rumors surrounding his future, Verstappen announced a collaboration with McLaren junior Dries Van Langendonck, indicating his ongoing involvement in the sport. Other drivers, including Oscar Piastri and Oliver Bearman, have commented on the shifting dynamics of the driver market, with Piastri noting the importance of understanding the situation. Overall, the article highlights the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's future while emphasizing the financial allure of Formula 1.
via BBC SportLando Norris faces grid penalty at Belgian Grand PrixLando Norris will start the Belgian Grand Prix with a 10-place grid penalty due to exceeding the allowed number of engine components. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic about his chances to compete effectively during the race.+ 1 moreThu 16 Jul · 16:04 UTC
via grandprix.comAlonso fears F2 could rival F1 at SpaFernando Alonso has raised alarms about the potential impact of the 2026 regulations on Formula 1, particularly at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. He emphasized that energy management challenges could hinder performance, leaving drivers without power for significant portions of the lap. Meanwhile, Ferrari is set to debut a new rear wing design that could enhance their speed, while the FIA is investigating this innovation due to recent failures experienced by Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
In the context of the championship, Giancarlo Minardi noted that Ferrari's advancements have intensified the competition, while Red Bull's team expressed low expectations for upcoming races. Additionally, Ralf Schumacher pointed out that Ferrari's reliability may give them an edge over Mercedes, which has encountered difficulties in recent races. The dynamics of the championship are expected to evolve as teams adapt to the new regulations and technology.
via BBC SportCould it work if Verstappen wanted to go to McLaren? F1 Q&AThe article discusses the current state of the Formula 1 championship, highlighting the tight competition among drivers, particularly Kimi Antonelli, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton. It also touches on the speculation surrounding Max Verstappen's potential move to McLaren, with insights from Zak Brown about the team's current driver lineup and Verstappen's contract situation with Red Bull.
Additionally, the longevity of drivers like Hamilton and Alonso is examined, noting that while physical demands have decreased, mental commitment remains crucial. The article also celebrates Spa-Francorchamps as a classic circuit, emphasizing its unique challenges and the risks associated with racing there, especially in wet conditions.Tue 14 Jul · 09:01 UTCPage 2 of 2