News350 stories
RSS ↗
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen Aims for Improved Performance at MonzaMax Verstappen is looking to bounce back at the Italian Grand Prix following a disappointing race in Zandvoort. He has acknowledged the challenges of energy management at Monza and is focused on what Red Bull can achieve this weekend.
via PlanetF1Honda Acknowledges Concerns Over Latest F1 Engine UpgradeHonda has introduced its first power unit update of the Formula 1 season, but concerns have been raised by drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll regarding its performance. Chief engineer Shintaro Orihara has acknowledged that there are still areas needing improvement.
via Motorsport WeekHonda Enhances Aston Martin Engine Performance Ahead of MonzaHonda has implemented an engine-control update for Aston Martin in preparation for the Italian Grand Prix. This upgrade follows performance gains observed at the Dutch Grand Prix, aiming to improve drivability at the high-speed Monza circuit.
via grandprix.comBen Sulayem plans steward rotation after Zandvoort rowFollowing the controversy surrounding penalties issued to drivers Franco Colapinto and Arvid Lindblad during the Dutch Grand Prix, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has proposed a rotation system for stewards. This initiative aims to address claims of national bias and the subsequent online abuse directed at officials, which the FIA has condemned and is considering legal action against. Ben Sulayem has called for national sporting authorities to nominate more stewards for training to ensure a diverse and well-prepared officiating team in Formula 1 events.
In his remarks at the FIA American Congress, Ben Sulayem acknowledged that accusations of bias are not unique to any one country, as similar claims have been made regarding British competitors. He plans to personally reach out to Colapinto to discuss his perspective on the penalties. The FIA is committed to combating online abuse and fostering a fair environment in motorsport, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating that decisions are made without regard to nationality.
via gpfans.comMonaco built a new $2.3bn district in the sea and F1 star Max Verstappen moved inMonaco has unveiled a new $2.3 billion district called Mareterra, which opened in 2024 and expanded the principality's size by 3 percent. The development features luxury residences, including apartments and villas, as well as commercial spaces and a marina. Max Verstappen, a prominent F1 driver, has moved into this new area and highlighted it to his fellow racers during an event in Monaco.
The Mareterra project was initiated by Prince Albert II in 2013, with construction starting in 2017 after seabed preparations. Property prices in Mareterra are exceptionally high, with listings starting at $75.3 million and the most expensive sale reaching $546 million. The area is home to many F1 drivers, reflecting the sport's strong ties to Monaco.
via Motorsport.comFIA President Addresses Allegations of Bias Among F1 StewardsFIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has responded to claims of bias among Formula 1 stewards following recent penalties at the Dutch Grand Prix. The controversy arose after drivers Franco Colapinto and Arvid Lindblad received drive-through penalties, prompting discussions about potential favoritism.
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar's Return Delayed Due to Ongoing Wrist RecoveryRed Bull Racing has confirmed that Isack Hadjar is not expected to participate in the upcoming Madrid Grand Prix. Team principal Laurent Mekies stated that Hadjar requires additional time to fully recover from his wrist injury.
via PlanetF1Liam Lawson to Replace Injured Isack Hadjar at MonzaRed Bull Racing has confirmed that Liam Lawson will drive alongside Max Verstappen at the Italian Grand Prix. Isack Hadjar remains sidelined due to a wrist injury sustained during the summer break.
via f1technical.netMercedes identifies key weaknesses to address after Zandvoort defeatMercedes is analyzing its performance after a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, where they secured a second and third place finish but struggled to match the pace of Lando Norris and McLaren. Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted specific weaknesses in high-speed corners, particularly at Turns 7, 8, and 9, and noted that the performance drop varied between their drivers during different tire stints.
As they prepare for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Mercedes faces the task of understanding whether the issues at Zandvoort were unique to that circuit or indicative of a larger problem with their car. The team is also investigating the contrasting handling characteristics reported by their drivers, which adds complexity to their analysis ahead of the next race.
via grandprix.comMika Hakkinen Cautions Teams Against Using Team Orders in 2026Mika Hakkinen has expressed concern that Formula 1 teams could face severe backlash from fans if they implement team orders to favor one driver in the upcoming title fight. The two-time world champion emphasized that the current fanbase is more critical and less tolerant of such tactics compared to previous generations.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris Signs New McLaren Contract Amid Other Team InterestsLando Norris has officially signed a contract extension with McLaren, committing to the team until at least 2030. He acknowledged that he had interest from rival teams before deciding to remain with McLaren.
via Motorsport.comToto Wolff surprised by Kimi Antonelli's 2026 progress: He’s "No longer a deer in the headlights"Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, expressed his astonishment at Kimi Antonelli's remarkable progress in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Initially struggling during his rookie year, Antonelli has shown significant improvement, finishing on the podium in nearly every race this season and leading the championship standings by a substantial margin. Wolff attributes this success not only to the technical suitability of the 2026 cars but also to Antonelli's ability to process his experiences and adapt to the racing environment more effectively than in his debut year.
Wolff reflected on the challenges Antonelli faced in 2025, including the pressures of being a rookie in a mature field and the overwhelming media attention. He believes that the familiarity of the team environment and the lessons learned during his first season have allowed Antonelli to thrive in 2026. Wolff's insights highlight the importance of both individual talent and team dynamics in achieving success in Formula 1.
via Formula1.comWhat do McLaren’s newest upgrades tell us ahead of Monza?McLaren has rolled out a series of upgrades ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, including enhancements to the rear wing, engine cover, and diffuser, among others. These components are designed to improve aerodynamic performance individually rather than as a cohesive package, as clarified by technical director Neil Houldey.
The impact of these upgrades has been significant, contributing to Lando Norris's consecutive victories in the last two races, both achieved from pole position. This strategic introduction of performance items highlights McLaren's focus on enhancing their competitiveness as they approach the Monza race.
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri Addresses Performance Challenges Ahead of Italian GPOscar Piastri has discussed his ongoing struggles with performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, particularly in comparison to teammate Lando Norris. He is exploring experimental strategies to improve his pace and address the issues affecting his driving.
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell "has to win" Italian GP to keep F1 title hopes alive, says former driverFormer F1 driver Jolyon Palmer emphasized that George Russell needs to secure a victory at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix to maintain his chances for the 2026 championship. Following a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix where Lando Norris won, Russell is currently trailing his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who is leading the standings with 242 points.
Russell's situation is complicated by Antonelli's impending engine penalty, which could allow Russell to gain ground. However, Palmer noted that Russell's recent performance has been inconsistent, and he must deliver a strong race to capitalize on Antonelli's penalty. If Antonelli wins despite the penalty, it could significantly diminish Russell's title aspirations.
via Motorsport.comA year without a win – The ugly statistics of Oscar Piastri's 2026 F1 seasonOscar Piastri has not secured a victory in Formula 1 since his win at the Dutch Grand Prix in August 2025. Despite starting the 2026 season with high hopes, he has faced numerous challenges, including power unit issues that prevented him from competing in Australia and China. His teammate, Lando Norris, has consistently outperformed him, winning several races and achieving a significant lead in qualifying statistics.
Piastri's struggles are attributed to difficulties with the McLaren MCL40's rear axle and his driving style, which has not adapted well to low-grip conditions. While recent upgrades have improved McLaren's competitiveness, Piastri continues to face issues with tire degradation and overall performance in races. His comments indicate a desire for better balance and downforce, highlighting the ongoing challenges he faces in the 2026 season.
via CrashFernando Alonso's Future in F1 Remains Uncertain Amid Regulatory ChangesFernando Alonso has expressed uncertainty about his Formula 1 future, citing the impact of upcoming regulations as a key factor in his decision. The Aston Martin driver has yet to finalize a new contract and is weighing his options beyond the current season.
via CrashClassic F1 cars out in Monaco for Ocean's Eleven movie prequelThe upcoming Ocean's Eleven prequel will focus on the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix, showcasing classic F1 cars and involving over 300 extras dressed in period attire. Filming is currently taking place in Monaco, where the iconic race layout is being utilized to recreate the historical event, although some inaccuracies in car models have been noted by fans. The film is set to be released on June 25, 2027, and is directed by Bradley Cooper, featuring a notable cast including Margot Robbie and Wagner Moura.
The real 1962 Monaco Grand Prix saw only eight of the 22 competitors finish, with Bruce McLaren emerging victorious. The Ocean's franchise has a history with Formula 1, having previously featured a promotional tie-in for Ocean's 12 in 2004, which included a diamond mystery involving a Jaguar car. This new film aims to blend the excitement of F1 with the heist genre, although it may take creative liberties with the actual events of the race.
via f1technical.netF1TECH: The key upgrades teams brought to the Dutch Grand PrixThe Dutch Grand Prix saw several Formula 1 teams introducing key aerodynamic upgrades aimed at enhancing performance at the Zandvoort circuit. McLaren, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Alpine, and Mercedes all brought significant changes, with a focus on improving aerodynamic efficiency and stability in the car's performance. Notably, McLaren's updates concentrated on the rear of their car, while Ferrari implemented a comprehensive revision of their floor to increase overall aerodynamic load.
Aston Martin continued to refine their previous upgrades, and Mercedes opted for a targeted modification to their front brake assembly. Alpine introduced a major upgrade package that included extensive changes to various components of their car. These developments reflect the teams' strategies to optimize their vehicles for the unique challenges presented by the narrow and technical layout of the Zandvoort circuit.
via f1technical.netF1MATHS: Audi claim first DHL Fastest Pit Stop at ZandvoortAt the Dutch Grand Prix, Audi marked a significant achievement by securing its first DHL Fastest Pit Stop Award, with a remarkable time of 2.30 seconds during Nico Hülkenberg's pit stop. Despite facing challenges, including a near-collision with his teammate, Hülkenberg managed to finish the race in eighth place, contributing valuable points to Audi's championship standings. The performance of Audi's pit crew stood out, especially as many other teams struggled with their pit stop times during the event.
Hülkenberg's successful race followed a technical issue that caused him to retire from the Sprint event. His ability to navigate the tight Zandvoort circuit and capitalize on track position was crucial, particularly after the red-flag restart. While Audi celebrated its milestone, Racing Bulls continued to hold the record for the fastest pit stop of the season, demonstrating the competitive nature of pit strategies in Formula 1.Page 3 of 18