Andrea Kimi AntonelliBob SaidMax Verstappen 
via theguardian.comF1 summer report card: from top of the class Mercedes to the team that must do betterAs the Formula 1 season reaches its mid-point, Mercedes has established itself as the dominant team, securing eight victories and leading the constructors' championship by a significant margin. Kimi Antonelli, a promising young driver, has excelled, winning five consecutive races and holding a substantial lead in the drivers' standings. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has shown a resurgence, claiming his first win in nearly two years at the Spanish Grand Prix, highlighting his competitive spirit at 41 years old.
In contrast, Aston Martin has faced numerous challenges, including a lack of performance and multiple retirements, leading to a disappointing season thus far. Despite a recent overhaul of their car, the team is still striving for improvements, with hopes of achieving better results in the second half of the season. The dynamics among the teams and drivers suggest an intriguing battle as the season progresses.
theguardian.comTue 28 Jul · 07:00 UTC
via grandprix.comHadjar staying, Verstappen offered richer dealRed Bull Racing has proposed a more lucrative contract to Max Verstappen, aiming to extend his tenure until after the 2029 season and eliminate his release clause. Verstappen's current salary of around 65 million euros per year is expected to increase, and both parties are engaged in ongoing discussions about the future of their collaboration. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is likely to continue as Verstappen's teammate after a solid performance at the Hungarian GP, where he finished P6.
Toto Wolff of Mercedes indicated that there will be no immediate changes to their driver lineup, citing the need for car stability rather than driver changes. He acknowledged the potential appeal of a Verstappen-Antonelli pairing but emphasized satisfaction with the current dynamic between their drivers. Mekies reiterated that the team's focus remains on optimizing the car for Verstappen to ensure competitive performance.grandprix.comMon 27 Jul · 12:57 UTC
via theguardian.comMcLaren’s team principal hails ‘great trajectory’ of Lando Norris after winLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking McLaren's first win of the season. His performance showcased not only his driving skills but also a notable improvement in his psychological approach, as highlighted by team principal Andrea Stella. Norris's ability to remain composed after initially dropping a position to teammate Oscar Piastri was crucial in regaining the lead and securing the win against strong competitors like Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
Meanwhile, George Russell faced challenges during the race, finishing seventh after a slow start due to technical issues. His frustrations with the season's repeated problems were evident, as he expressed a sense of resignation regarding his performance. Despite these setbacks, the focus remained on Norris's development and the promising trajectory of his career within the team.theguardian.comMon 27 Jul · 10:30 UTC
via theguardian.comOscar Piastri swore at his McLaren crew in frustration in Hungary, but any Formula One revival is up to himOscar Piastri faced a challenging Hungarian Grand Prix, where he expressed frustration towards his McLaren team after a pit stop strategy led to him losing his lead and ultimately retiring due to a gearbox failure. Despite appearing poised for a potential victory, everything went wrong for him during the race, highlighting the difficulties he has faced this season.
Currently sitting seventh in the driver standings, Piastri's performance has been overshadowed by teammate Lando Norris, who won the race. Piastri's struggles have raised questions about his future and ability to adapt to the new era of Formula One, especially as he has been consistently outperformed by Norris and other emerging drivers.theguardian.comMon 27 Jul · 02:53 UTC
via theguardian.com‘Pretty bad’: Lewis Hamilton hits out at Ferrari after dropping points in F1 title raceLewis Hamilton faced disappointment at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. This result has left him trailing Kimi Antonelli by 50 points in the championship standings. Hamilton criticized his team's strategy, particularly the late pit stop that cost him valuable track position and points. He expressed a desire to improve and avoid further penalties in the upcoming races.
Lando Norris celebrated his first win of the season, showcasing strong performance and confidence in his driving. He feels he is performing at a higher level compared to the previous season, despite the challenges posed by the car's handling. Both Hamilton and Norris are looking forward to the second half of the season, hoping to capitalize on their potential and make significant gains in the championship.theguardian.comSun 26 Jul · 19:51 UTC
via AutosportLando Norris claims first victory of 2026 in HungaryLando Norris achieved his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. His teammate Oscar Piastri faced a gearbox failure, leading to his retirement from the race.
Autosport+ 2 moreSun 26 Jul · 14:57 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull cuts Verstappen media as car criticism eruptsMax Verstappen expressed significant dissatisfaction with the performance of the 2026 Red Bull car, describing it as aerodynamically broken and undriveable. Following his qualifying session in Hungary, Red Bull restricted his media interactions, which raised eyebrows as his teammate continued to engage with the press. Verstappen's comments highlighted ongoing issues with the car's balance and reliability, suggesting a deeper problem that needs addressing before the race.
In addition to the car concerns, Verstappen played a role in persuading Tom Hart to remain with Red Bull, where he is expected to succeed Gianpiero Lambiase as Verstappen's race engineer. This decision came after Hart was initially slated to join Williams. The situation reflects both the challenges Verstappen faces with the current car and the strategic moves within the Red Bull team regarding engineering personnel.grandprix.comSun 26 Jul · 12:28 UTC
via AutosportRussell to undergo Mercedes engine change but avoids F1 Hungarian GP grid dropGeorge Russell of Mercedes will replace his V6 engine ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix due to a water leak detected during qualifying. Despite the engine change, he will maintain his seventh position on the grid, as the replacement is of the same specification and does not incur a grid penalty. Russell's teammate, Kimi Antonelli, qualified fourth but is under investigation for a potential infraction during the session.
In qualifying, Lando Norris achieved pole position, marking a significant moment as it ended Mercedes' streak of qualifying dominance this season. Lewis Hamilton, who qualified second, faces a three-place grid drop for impeding another driver, which could elevate Antonelli to third if he avoids penalties. The situation highlights the competitive dynamics among the top teams as they head into the race.AutosportSat 25 Jul · 16:58 UTC
via AutosportHamilton and Antonelli receive grid penalties in HungaryLewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli have both been issued three-place grid penalties ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Antonelli's penalty was due to a yellow flag infringement during qualifying.Autosport+ 1 moreSat 25 Jul · 15:58 UTC
via AutosportLando Norris secures pole in Hungary, Hamilton penalisedLando Norris achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, narrowly beating Lewis Hamilton by just 0.012 seconds. Both Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli received grid penalties, impacting their starting positions for the race.Autosport+ 2 moreSat 25 Jul · 15:19 UTC
via grandprix.comWolff hints Verstappen unlikely to join Mercedes in 2027Toto Wolff has indicated that Mercedes is not urgently seeking to sign Max Verstappen for 2027, citing the rise of Kimi Antonelli. The team is currently focused on retaining George Russell while keeping options open for future driver pairings.grandprix.comSat 25 Jul · 12:35 UTC
via grandprix.comKimi Antonelli faces lawsuit from former managerKimi Antonelli, the current leader in the Formula 1 championship, is involved in a civil lawsuit initiated by his former manager, Giovanni Minardi. The lawsuit centers on claims of unpaid compensation related to Antonelli's career prior to his entry into Formula 1.grandprix.com+ 1 moreSat 25 Jul · 12:27 UTC
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Norris beats Hamilton to top final practiceMcLaren driver Lando Norris has led a three-team fight to top final practice at Formula 1's Hungarian Grand Prix, setting up an intriguing qualifying session in Budapest. Norris' late 1m18.939s flyer was just over a tenth quicker than Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli on the twisty Hungaroring. FP3's opening phase was quiet as drivers kept their powder dry for ... Keep readingAutosportSat 25 Jul · 11:40 UTC
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Hamilton leads Ferrari 1-2 in FP2, Colapinto crashes for AlpineIn the second practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton led the field, finishing ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Hamilton's fastest lap was 1m18.729s, while Leclerc followed closely with a time of 1m18.877s. Lando Norris from McLaren took third place, while Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing rounded out the top four.
The session was marked by challenging track conditions, with drivers struggling to find balance due to cooler temperatures and wind. Colapinto's crash brought out a red flag, interrupting the session. Other notable performances included George Russell in fifth and Liam Lawson in seventh, while Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso faced difficulties, finishing 19th.AutosportFri 24 Jul · 16:14 UTC
via grandprix.comRUMOURVerstappen cools exit talk as Red Bull form improvesMax Verstappen has addressed ongoing speculation about his future with Red Bull, emphasizing that there are no current plans for him to leave the team. He expressed satisfaction with his current situation and described Red Bull as a second family, while also acknowledging the challenges they face with the RB22 car. Despite some recent successes, he noted the need for consistent performance improvements as they continue to learn about the car's capabilities.
Verstappen also commented on the current regulations in Formula 1, stating that while he finds them frustrating, he enjoys racing and is not considering retirement at this stage. He believes that his criticisms are becoming more widely understood and that the team's performance is on an upward trend. Additionally, Red Bull is set to reintroduce a problematic rear wing at the upcoming Hungarian GP, with hopes that previous issues have been resolved.grandprix.comFri 24 Jul · 15:53 UTC
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Leclerc tops FP1, Stroll suffers suspected suspension failure with upgraded Aston MartinIn the first practice session for the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari set the fastest time, clocking in at 1m19.075s, which was significantly quicker than his competitors. Lance Stroll from Aston Martin faced issues with his car, experiencing a suspected rear suspension failure that led to a red flag during the session. Other teams, including Ferrari and Mercedes, brought updates tailored for the high downforce requirements of the Hungaroring track.
The session also saw several rookie drivers participating, with notable performances from Frederik Vesti and Leonardo Fornaroli. Fernando Alonso managed to secure the 13th fastest time, while Carlos Sainz faced scrutiny from the stewards for his driving during the session. Overall, the practice highlighted the competitive nature of the teams as they prepared for the race weekend.AutosportFri 24 Jul · 12:45 UTC
via AutosportRussell: Data shows software calibration behind recent F1 struggles, not driving styleGeorge Russell has pinpointed software calibration issues as the reason behind his recent performance struggles in Formula 1, rather than his driving style. After a disappointing race at Spa-Francorchamps, where he faced difficulties with battery deployment and finished significantly behind his teammate, Russell analyzed the data and concluded that the problems were linked to calibration rather than hardware faults.
Russell expressed relief at discovering the root cause, stating that it allows him to focus on driving naturally rather than adjusting his technique. He believes that with the calibration issues addressed, he can perform better in upcoming races, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in driving for optimal performance.AutosportThu 23 Jul · 16:08 UTC
via grandprix.comRUMOURRussell dismisses claims Antonelli is Wolff's favouriteGeorge Russell has publicly refuted claims that Kimi Antonelli is favored by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, labeling such narratives as fabricated by the media. He expressed frustration over his recent retirement at the Belgian GP and addressed comments about his performance under pressure, asserting that he and Antonelli maintain a strong working relationship without favoritism within the team.
Despite Antonelli's significant lead in the championship standings, Russell remains focused on his own title ambitions, highlighting his competitive speed this season. He also dismissed rumors regarding his future with Mercedes, confirming his contract for 2027 and reiterating his commitment to the team. Russell's comments reflect a desire for transparency and collaboration as they navigate the challenges of the new generation of Formula 1 cars.grandprix.comThu 23 Jul · 13:07 UTC
via AutosportF1 Drivers Express Concerns Over Computer-Controlled Power UnitsFormula 1 drivers have voiced their frustrations regarding the increasing reliance on computer algorithms for energy management in their cars. This shift has raised concerns about the impact on race dynamics and the overall excitement of the sport.AutosportWed 22 Jul · 11:30 UTC
via grandprix.comRUMOURVerstappen faces pressure for 2027 contract decisionMax Verstappen is reportedly under pressure to clarify his future with Red Bull before a contractual deadline. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar's position at the team for 2027 appears more secure amid ongoing speculation regarding Verstappen's plans.grandprix.comTue 21 Jul · 22:32 UTC
via grandprix.comRussell demands same car as Antonelli after Spa disasterGeorge Russell faced significant challenges during the Belgian GP, leading to his retirement on the first lap due to a power unit failure. This incident has widened his championship gap to teammate Kimi Antonelli, who won the race from pole position. Russell expressed frustration over the performance disparity between his car and Antonelli's, calling for equal equipment to compete effectively.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff accepted responsibility for the technical issues affecting Russell's performance, indicating that both the power unit and Russell's driving contributed to the problems. Despite these setbacks, Wolff remains hopeful about Russell's potential as a championship contender, although he acknowledges that Antonelli has established a clear lead in the standings.grandprix.comMon 20 Jul · 15:47 UTC
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.
BBC SportSun 19 Jul · 19:22 UTC
via theguardian.comRussell’s Mercedes problems ‘100% on us’, says Toto Wolff after Belgium blowDuring the Belgian Grand Prix, George Russell was forced to retire after a first-lap crash with teammate Lewis Hamilton. Toto Wolff, the principal of Mercedes, admitted that the team's performance issues contributed to the incident, stating that the problems were entirely the team's responsibility. Kimi Antonelli won the race, extending his lead over Russell in the championship standings to 50 points, significantly impacting Russell's title hopes.
Russell expressed frustration over the car's lack of power, which he believed led to the collision. Hamilton received a five-second penalty for the incident but viewed it as a racing incident. Both drivers are dealing with the aftermath, with Wolff emphasizing the need for team support and understanding during challenging moments.theguardian.comSun 19 Jul · 19:06 UTC
via BBC SportAntonelli near-perfect but too much drama for Hamilton - driver ratingsKimi Antonelli achieved a significant victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, extending his lead in the championship standings over Lewis Hamilton, who faced a challenging race after a collision with teammate George Russell. Antonelli's performance included dominating practice sessions and recovering from a virtual safety car to secure the win, while Hamilton managed to finish fourth despite a messy race weekend marred by drama and penalties.
The race also saw strong performances from Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, who finished second and third, respectively. Isack Hadjar impressed by climbing from the back of the grid to sixth place, while several drivers, including Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez, struggled with their performances, leading to disappointing results for their teams.BBC SportSun 19 Jul · 17:01 UTC