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via PlanetF1FIA confirms Mercedes findings after ‘extensive’ George Russell inspectionThe FIA confirmed that George Russell's Mercedes passed an extensive inspection following the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished in fifth place. The inspection was part of routine checks for top ten finishers, focusing on various components of the car's front suspension and sensor compliance with the 2026 regulations.
Despite the successful inspection, Russell is significantly behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings, trailing by 81 points. He acknowledged that he is unlikely to compete for the Drivers' title but remains focused on contributing to Mercedes' efforts in the Constructors' Championship.
Wed 23 Sep · 05:47 UTC
via f1technical.netAntonelli reveals how he keeps his feet on the ground amid championship successAndrea Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes driver, has had a stellar 2026 Formula 1 season, highlighted by his recent victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. He currently holds a commanding lead in the Drivers' Championship, significantly ahead of his teammate George Russell. Despite his success, Antonelli remains grounded, attributing his focus to the strong support system around him, particularly his father, who helps him stay humble and focused on his performance.
As the championship race intensifies, Antonelli is determined not to let the pressure of leading the standings affect his driving. He emphasizes the importance of concentrating on each race and extracting the best from himself and his car, rather than getting caught up in the championship implications. Antonelli's mindset is to keep things simple and avoid overthinking, allowing him to maintain his competitive edge as the season progresses.
Mon 21 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekNorris and Antonelli urge changes to Madring circuitLando Norris and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have called for modifications to the Madring circuit following its debut at the Spanish Grand Prix. Their comments come in response to the track's limitations highlighted during the race and the negative feedback from fans.
+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren releases behind-the-scenes look at Lando Norris's hypercar testMcLaren has released behind-the-scenes footage of Lando Norris testing their 2027 MCL-HY hypercar in Portugal. Following his third-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, Norris participated in the test at the Algarve International Circuit, completing 38 laps and covering 177km.
Norris expressed excitement about the experience, noting the differences from Formula 1 cars and the fun he had. He thanked the McLaren Hypercar Team for the opportunity and highlighted the importance of collecting data during this crucial testing period as the team prepares for the World Endurance Championship next year.
Mon 21 Sep · 09:46 UTC
via gpfans.comHinchcliffe says Hamilton and Ferrari's 2026 hopes are overJames Hinchcliffe has stated that Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's chances of winning the 2026 Formula 1 championship are effectively finished after a costly retirement at the Spanish Grand Prix. The former IndyCar driver described Ferrari's performance as a 'resounding flop', further diminishing Hamilton's aspirations for an eighth world title.
+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 07:58 UTC
via newsonf1.comZaffelli doubts major Madring changes for 2027Jarno Zaffelli, the original designer of the Madring circuit, expressed doubts about the feasibility of significant changes being made by 2027. This comes after the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix, where overtaking proved to be nearly impossible, prompting organisers to consider modifications. However, Zaffelli indicated that many potential solutions are limited by existing infrastructure that influenced the original design.
Zaffelli highlighted that some of the ideas currently under discussion were part of his initial plans before the final layout was altered. He pointed out that the design faced strict restrictions due to pre-approved exhibition halls and road networks. Additionally, he noted that the original designs for turns 5 and 6 were different, with turn 6 lacking an asphalt run-off area, which could have affected racing dynamics.
via Motorsport.comLando Norris predicted to overtake George Russell in 2026 F1 standingsGuenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, has expressed confidence that Lando Norris will surpass George Russell in the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' championship standings. Currently, Norris sits in fourth place with 186 points, while Russell holds second with 211 points, and Kimi Antonelli leads the championship with 292 points.
Norris has recently experienced a surge in performance, winning consecutive races at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix. Following these victories, he emphasized the improvements within the McLaren team and his belief in their potential to compete for the championship. Norris remains optimistic about the team's ability to enhance their car and maintain their momentum as the season progresses.Sun 20 Sep · 21:11 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard warns unchanged Madring return in 2027 would be "stupidity"David Coulthard has expressed concerns about the Madring circuit, stating that returning in 2027 without modifications would be unwise. He highlighted the lack of overtaking during the inaugural race, which he described as processional, and emphasized the need for changes to enhance the racing experience.
Coulthard suggested that the circuit's layout could be improved by introducing slower chicanes or hairpin turns to create more overtaking opportunities. He noted that the current design allows drivers to maintain too much speed, limiting competitive racing. His comments reflect a broader call for Formula 1 to listen to fan feedback and make necessary adjustments.Sun 20 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner compares Madring backlash to Las Vegas debut with 2027 warningGuenther Steiner has called for urgent modifications to the Madring circuit following the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, which was criticized for its lack of excitement and overtaking opportunities. He highlighted the need for improvements to avoid repeating the negative reception that the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix received. Steiner emphasized that the organizers must ensure the track is suitable for the 2027 season, as it is part of a 10-year contract.
The race saw Kimi Antonelli secure his eighth victory of the season, further solidifying his lead in the drivers' standings. Steiner's comments reflect a broader concern about maintaining the quality and competitiveness of Formula 1 events, especially in new venues. He noted that while initial reactions can be negative, with time and adjustments, events like Las Vegas can become successful and iconic.Sun 20 Sep · 10:28 UTC
via PlanetF1F1 Fast Track: Ugochukwu crowned champion as Herta’s team achieves breakthroughUgo Ugochukwu has been crowned the 2026 Formula 3 champion after a strong performance at the Madring, where he secured the title with a total of 14 points. His results included finishes of P8, P4, and P2, which were enough to clinch the championship despite facing a deficit entering the weekend. Ugochukwu expressed his satisfaction with the achievement, stating that winning the championship was his main goal for the year.
In Formula 2, Ritomo Miyata delivered a breakthrough performance for Hitech by winning the sprint race and achieving a podium in the feature race, marking the team's best results of the season. Meanwhile, Dino Beganovic also celebrated his first win in F2, and Rafael Camara continued to close the gap on the championship leader, Nikola Tsolov. Colton Herta's absence due to a crash during qualifying was a setback for Hitech, but Miyata's success provided a timely boost for the team.Sun 20 Sep · 09:23 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard urges FIA to speed up safety car decisionsDavid Coulthard has expressed concerns regarding the FIA's speed in making decisions to neutralize Formula 1 races, particularly after the recent Spanish Grand Prix. He noted that Lando Norris lost a likely victory due to the timing of the virtual safety car deployment, which allowed Kimi Antonelli to pit at a strategic moment. Coulthard emphasized that the time taken to respond to incidents can significantly impact race outcomes and suggested that improvements are necessary.
During a podcast discussion, Coulthard elaborated on the inherent unpredictability of safety car situations, stating that they can unfairly affect race results. He called for a more efficient process in decision-making, especially in clear-cut situations like major accidents. The former driver believes that quicker responses could help mitigate the luck factor in racing outcomes, ensuring a fairer competition for all drivers.Sun 20 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via PlanetF1The Madring gives me the ickThe Madring, a new street circuit in Madrid, has come under scrutiny following its debut during the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. Critics have noted that the circuit lacks the character and uniqueness that are essential for a successful street race, drawing comparisons to other modern circuits that have been criticized for their generic layouts. The absence of overtaking opportunities and the overall design have led to disappointment among fans and commentators alike.
Despite the initial negative impressions, there is a glimmer of hope that the Madring could evolve into a more exciting venue in the future. The article reflects on the broader trend of losing traditional circuits like the Dutch Grand Prix, emphasizing the need for F1 to maintain its heritage while adapting to modern demands. As the sport navigates significant regulatory changes, there is potential for the Madring to develop its identity and become a beloved part of the F1 calendar.Sun 20 Sep · 08:05 UTC
via Motorsport WeekArvid Lindblad reflects on confidence loss in MadridArvid Lindblad has expressed that he experienced a significant loss of confidence following a crash during the final practice for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix. Despite this setback, he managed to recover and finish the race in ninth place.Sat 19 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAston Martin man pinpoints where officials can introduce a prime 'overtaking spot' at the MadringPedro de la Rosa, an ambassador for Aston Martin, has addressed the criticism directed at the Madring circuit following the disappointing inaugural Spanish Grand Prix. He acknowledged that while overtaking proved to be very difficult during the race, there is no need for a complete redesign of the track. Instead, he suggested that introducing a single overtaking point, particularly at the approach to Turn 5, could significantly improve the racing experience.
Despite the negative feedback, de la Rosa emphasized that the circuit should not be judged too harshly at this early stage. Other drivers and officials have echoed similar sentiments, advocating for patience as the track develops. There are calls for the designers to learn from successful tracks like Silverstone to enhance overtaking opportunities, with hopes that the 2027 Spanish Grand Prix will offer a more thrilling race.
Fri 18 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via Formula1.comFootball legend José Mourinho on his love for F1José Mourinho, the head coach of Real Madrid, attended the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring on September 18, 2026. This event marked a significant moment for him as he has been a long-time fan of Formula 1 and has previously visited various races. During the same weekend, Mourinho's team secured a 4-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano, leveling them with FC Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
In an interview, Mourinho shared his thoughts on the similarities and differences between football and F1, noting the immense pressure present in both sports. He praised F1 drivers for their ability to manage stress and engage with fans and media before races. Mourinho also expressed a desire to learn more about F1, highlighting his friendships with key figures in the sport and his enjoyment of attending races.
Fri 18 Sep · 09:07 UTC
via Motorsport.comJames Vowles backs Madrid to become 'one to watch' despite calls for changesJames Vowles, the team principal of Williams, expressed his support for Madrid's inaugural Formula 1 event, highlighting the efforts of the organizers despite the usual challenges faced by new venues. He noted that the event was well-managed and praised the location's accessibility, although he acknowledged that the circuit's design limited overtaking opportunities, which could affect future races.
Vowles also discussed the performance of the Williams team during the race, indicating that they struggled with car performance and tire management. He emphasized the need for improvements to enhance the racing experience in subsequent years, while also commending the tire supplier Pirelli for providing effective tires for the event.Thu 17 Sep · 21:31 UTC
via the-race.comGary Anderson: F1's overtaking problem is bigger than one circuitGary Anderson highlights a significant issue with overtaking in Formula 1, stating that the problem extends beyond just one circuit. He argues that the reliance on battery management strategies has overshadowed driver skill, leading to a lack of genuine competitive overtaking. Anderson also points out that the current car designs are overly reliant on downforce, which hampers overtaking opportunities due to understeer and overheating tyres.
Additionally, he critiques Pirelli's tyre management strategies, noting that increased tyre pressures have reduced grip and contributed to a lack of exciting racing. Anderson suggests changes to the Madring circuit layout to enhance overtaking potential and recommends allowing teams more freedom in setting their tyre camber and pressures to encourage more competitive racing strategies.
Thu 17 Sep · 12:21 UTC
via Formula1.comThe power unit manufacturers with the most wins in F1 historyThe article discusses the top ten power unit manufacturers in Formula 1 history based on their total wins. Mercedes and Ferrari are tied at the top with 251 victories each, with notable contributions from drivers like Kimi Antonelli for Mercedes and historical figures like Jose Froilan Gonzalez for Ferrari. Other manufacturers such as Ford Cosworth, Renault, and Honda also feature prominently on the list, showcasing their historical significance and achievements in the sport.
The piece highlights the evolution of these manufacturers over the decades, including their successes and challenges. It notes the impact of various drivers and teams on the manufacturers' win tallies, as well as the transitions between engine suppliers and constructors. The article emphasizes the competitive nature of F1 and the legacy of these power units in shaping the sport's history.Thu 17 Sep · 11:59 UTC
via Motorsport.comWas Cadillac “faster” than Williams in Madring F1 race?Cadillac Racing, in its first season in Formula 1, showed some promising pace during the Spanish Grand Prix, particularly with driver Sergio Perez, who managed to keep up with Williams' Alexander Albon until a mechanical issue forced him to retire. Despite finishing 17th, Perez noted that he was competitive and even faster than Albon during certain parts of the race, which provided a glimmer of hope for the team.
On the other hand, teammate Valtteri Bottas struggled throughout the race, finishing at the back and highlighting ongoing reliability concerns. Cadillac has faced numerous challenges this season, including a high number of retirements, but both drivers remain hopeful for improvements in future races, particularly in the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.Wed 16 Sep · 13:56 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari staff were ‘worried’ about the Madring after private test two months before Spanish GPFerrari's team expressed concerns about the Madring circuit's condition after a private test conducted two months prior to the Spanish Grand Prix. During the filming day in July, drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton logged 200km, but the team left with worries about whether the track would be ready in time for the race. Hamilton specifically noted issues with the track layout, which raised doubts among the Ferrari staff.
Despite these initial worries, the Spanish GP went ahead successfully, and Ferrari staff were ultimately impressed by the organizers' efforts to prepare the venue. Journalist Antonio Lobato reported that the paddock was generally satisfied with the event, and Ferrari's Fred Vasseur acknowledged the remarkable work done to complete the circuit. In the race, Leclerc managed to secure a fourth-place finish, while Hamilton faced disappointment with a retirement due to brake failure.Wed 16 Sep · 06:00 UTCPage 1 of 11