Andrea Kimi AntonelliCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonMax Verstappen 
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.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen hails Lando Norris for helping fix huge F1 problemMax Verstappen has expressed his admiration for Lando Norris, who has taken significant steps to support aspiring drivers in motorsport by launching his own junior team, LN4 Fusion. This initiative aims to compete in various championships, including the FIA Formula 3, and is seen as a way to address the financial barriers that many young talents face in entering Formula 1.
Verstappen highlighted the increasing costs associated with motorsport and the challenges that talented drivers encounter due to financial constraints. While he appreciates Norris's contributions, Verstappen stated that he prefers to focus on endurance racing and does not plan to establish his own single-seater team, instead supporting young drivers through his existing projects.
gpfans.comMon 21 Sep · 12:59 UTC
via RacingNews365Mercedes reveal clever tactic to deceive F1 rivalsMercedes has revealed that it uses secret codes during races to communicate with its drivers, ensuring that their strategies remain undisclosed to rival teams. This tactic was notably employed during the recent Spanish Grand Prix, where Kimi Antonelli secured his eighth victory of the season, aided by the timing of a virtual safety car.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes' race-side engineering director, explained that the team discusses potential race interruptions beforehand and adjusts their plans accordingly. The use of secret codes, which are changed weekly, allows them to signal strategies without alerting competitors, as all communications can be monitored by other teams.
RacingNews365Mon 21 Sep · 12:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Baku low-drag mastery points to one F1 team to fear in Azerbaijan GPMercedes arrives in Baku with strong momentum from recent races, particularly excelling in low-drag setups that suit the Azerbaijan Grand Prix's demands. Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are highlighted as key drivers to watch, with the W17 car demonstrating an effective balance of downforce and speed, crucial for the long straights and tight corners of the Baku circuit.
In contrast, Red Bull's Max Verstappen has shown improvement, podiuming in four of his last five races, making them a credible threat. Meanwhile, McLaren is reallocating engineering resources to support Oscar Piastri, while Ferrari's performance is under scrutiny due to concerns over their straight-line speed, which could hinder their competitiveness in Baku.RacingNews365Mon 21 Sep · 10:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton makes 'not natural' claim as F1 learning set to developLewis Hamilton has expressed that the new 2026-spec Formula 1 cars are still not 'natural' to drive, indicating that drivers are still adapting to the changes. He highlighted the importance of energy management under the new engine regulations and noted that the chassis design has shifted back to an aerodynamic focus, which he is more familiar with from previous seasons.
Despite a challenging season where he is currently 101 points behind Kimi Antonelli, who has won eight races, Hamilton remains optimistic about his team's performance. He believes Ferrari is competitive with the top teams and is focused on making the necessary improvements to close the gap. Hamilton is enjoying the process of working closely with his team as they plan for future regulations.RacingNews365Mon 21 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comLeclerc explains why he won't copy Hamilton's styleCharles Leclerc has clarified his decision not to emulate Lewis Hamilton's driving style while adapting to Ferrari's 2026 Formula 1 car. He stated that the challenges posed by the new regulations made it difficult to replicate Hamilton's approach.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 09:34 UTC
via CrashNico Rosberg advises Kimi Antonelli on title challengeNico Rosberg has warned Kimi Antonelli that his own mindset could be his greatest challenge in the pursuit of the 2026 Formula 1 title. Rosberg, a former champion, shared insights based on his own experiences in the sport.
Crash+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 08:31 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.gpfans.com+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 07:58 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURCharles Leclerc was sure Fred Vasseur would make him ‘first driver’ when he joined FerrariCharles Leclerc was confident that Fred Vasseur would elevate him to the role of 'first driver' upon his arrival at Ferrari. This expectation stemmed from Leclerc's previous relationship with Vasseur during their time at Alfa Romeo, and he reportedly advocated for Vasseur's hiring partly due to this belief.
Despite Leclerc's hopes, he has not been granted the status of top driver in his tenure alongside Carlos Sainz, as Ferrari has struggled to compete for the championship. Vasseur has maintained a neutral stance on driver hierarchy, citing concerns about the potential negative impact of favouring one driver too early in the season.
f1oversteer.comMon 21 Sep · 07:30 UTC
via gpfans.comChristian Horner 'perfect man' to fix Ferrari as F1 star highlights Vasseur's 'big mistake'Christian Horner has been identified as the 'perfect man' to lead Ferrari, especially following recent tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. These tensions arose during the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix, where Leclerc's refusal to let Hamilton pass cost him valuable time and points, leaving Hamilton significantly behind in the championship race.
Former F1 driver Marc Surer has criticized Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur for not taking a stronger stance during these incidents, calling it a 'big mistake'. Surer believes that for Horner to succeed at Ferrari, he would need the autonomy to assemble his own team, similar to what Ross Brawn did in the past, to restore the team's competitive edge.gpfans.comMon 21 Sep · 07:15 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Hamilton escapes, Mercedes masterplan and Verstappen Le Mans statementLewis Hamilton has taken a break from the intense atmosphere at Ferrari, enjoying a mini world tour with girlfriend Kim Kardashian, which included stops in Paris, London, and a gala in Los Angeles. This comes as Mercedes continues to perform strongly in the season, aiming for both the drivers' and constructors' championships.
Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin confirmed that upgrades for the W17 are expected soon, specifically for the upcoming race in Malaysia. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's potential participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans has been highlighted, as there are no F1 races scheduled to clash with the event this year. Additionally, Aston Martin's Mike Krack has expressed concerns over Fernando Alonso's future, while Cadillac's Mark Walter faces legal troubles.gpfans.comMon 21 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via the-race.comWhat Mercedes' rivals got so badly wrong in F1 2026After a disappointing Spanish Grand Prix, both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell of Mercedes have acknowledged that the 2026 Formula 1 title race is effectively over, with Kimi Antonelli dominating the standings. Antonelli has secured eight victories in 14 races, leaving his rivals struggling to keep pace, with Hamilton and Russell both failing to win in their last six outings.
Ferrari's early-season potential has not translated into consistent performance, as they have been outmaneuvered politically and technically. Meanwhile, McLaren's Lando Norris has shown promise with recent wins, but the team admits to having fallen behind in development. Looking ahead, both Ferrari and McLaren are under pressure to improve for the 2027 season, with McLaren planning significant changes to their car design.
the-race.comMon 21 Sep · 06:14 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen surprisingly snubbed for Kimi Antonelli in F1 rankingGuenther Steiner, a former Formula 1 team principal, has expressed his preference for Kimi Antonelli over Max Verstappen in a hypothetical draft scenario. Steiner stated that if he had to choose a driver for a four-year contract, he would select Antonelli, citing his impressive performance this season as a key factor.
Kimi Antonelli has made a significant impact in Formula 1 this year, currently leading his teammate George Russell by 66 points and securing seven race victories. Steiner's comments highlight the rising star's potential, contrasting with Verstappen's established success, including four consecutive championships from 2021 to 2024.RacingNews365Mon 21 Sep · 05:25 UTC
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.Motorsport.comSun 20 Sep · 21:11 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURFord issue official statement as Max Verstappen Le Mans rumours swirlFord has officially stated that there are no plans for Max Verstappen to drive their hypercar at the 2027 Le Mans race, despite speculation following the announcement of no F1 race conflicts with the endurance event. This significantly reduces Verstappen's chances of participating in Le Mans next year, as he is considered unlikely to race in lower classes and his own team lacks the necessary resources for a hypercar entry.
Verstappen had previously expressed interest in racing at Le Mans, potentially alongside fellow champion Fernando Alonso, but emphasised that any participation would need to fit within his schedule and offer a genuine chance of victory. Instead, the 24 Hours of Spa, scheduled for late June, appears to be a more viable option for Verstappen, who has already indicated his desire to compete in that event.gpfans.comSun 20 Sep · 18:45 UTC
via Motorsport WeekPaddock insider reveals Lewis Hamilton’s ‘psychological war’ on Nico RosbergOtmar Szafnauer has disclosed the psychological tactics Lewis Hamilton employed against his former Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg during their intense rivalry. Szafnauer recounted how Hamilton would hide Rosberg's football, which the German used to prepare for races, as a way to disrupt his focus and rhythm.
Additionally, Szafnauer noted that Hamilton's mind games were reminiscent of those used by Michael Schumacher, who also aimed to unsettle Rosberg during their time together. Despite Hamilton's tactics, Rosberg ultimately triumphed by winning the 2016 drivers' championship before announcing his retirement from Formula 1.Motorsport WeekSun 20 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen reacts to major Lando Norris career announcementLando Norris has confirmed the establishment of his own junior racing team, which is set to compete in various championships starting in 2027. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for young drivers in the increasingly expensive world of motorsport. Norris expressed his desire to give back to the racing community by supporting emerging talents through this new venture.
Max Verstappen has publicly supported Norris's decision, highlighting the challenges young racers face due to rising costs. While Verstappen also runs a racing team, he focuses on endurance racing rather than single-seater competitions. He expressed satisfaction with his current activities, which include training drivers in lower formulas through his sim company.RacingNews365Sun 20 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen sparks drama with team order refusal - On This DayOn September 20, 2015, Max Verstappen made headlines during the Singapore Grand Prix by refusing to comply with team orders from Toro Rosso. At just 17 years old, Verstappen had already showcased remarkable skill by starting from the pit lane after stalling and fighting his way back into the points. As he battled for eighth place, the team believed his teammate Carlos Sainz had a better chance to overtake Sergio Perez and instructed Verstappen to swap positions. However, Verstappen firmly declined, insisting there was no reason to let Sainz pass since he had fought hard to regain his position.
After the race, Verstappen remained unapologetic about his decision, emphasizing his belief in his performance and the importance of his position. He humorously recounted that his father, Jos Verstappen, would have been upset if he had allowed Sainz to overtake him. This incident not only highlighted Verstappen's determination and confidence at a young age but also became a memorable moment in Formula 1 history.RacingNews365Sun 20 Sep · 13:40 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFormer McLaren man admits ‘no-one in the team’ thought Lewis Hamilton was ‘that special’ at firstIn 2007, Lewis Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut with McLaren, showcasing remarkable talent that led him to finish just one point behind champion Kimi Raikkonen. Despite his impressive performance, including four race wins and 12 podiums, former McLaren reserve driver Pedro de la Rosa revealed that initially, no one in the team believed Hamilton was as exceptional as he turned out to be. De la Rosa claimed he was the first to recognize Hamilton's potential, while others underestimated him, particularly in comparison to teammate Fernando Alonso.
The article highlights the challenges Hamilton faced during his rookie season, including a significant mistake in the rain during the Chinese Grand Prix and a mechanical failure in Brazil, which ultimately cost him the championship. Despite these setbacks, Hamilton's performance earned him recognition and respect, solidifying his status as a generational talent in the sport. The insights from de la Rosa and Briatore emphasize the initial skepticism within McLaren regarding Hamilton's abilities, which would later be proven wrong as he became one of the most successful drivers in F1 history.f1oversteer.comSun 20 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari employee admits Lewis Hamilton's 'followers' have complicated his relationship with the teamA Ferrari employee has revealed that Lewis Hamilton's significant influence and star power have complicated his relationship with the team. Amidst a series of strategic errors and a recent DNF at the Spanish Grand Prix, concerns have been raised about how Hamilton's presence affects team dynamics, particularly regarding decision-making and communication. The employee noted that the fear of openly disagreeing with Hamilton stems from his massive social media following, which surpasses that of Ferrari itself.
Despite Hamilton's denial of trying to influence personnel changes within the team, the situation highlights the challenges Ferrari faces in balancing the input of a high-profile driver with maintaining a clear chain of command. While Hamilton's experience and success could benefit Ferrari, there is a cautionary note about granting too much power to any driver, as it could disrupt the team's hierarchy and decision-making processes.f1oversteer.comSun 20 Sep · 12:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Kimi Antonelli discusses friendship with Sebastian VettelKimi Antonelli has shared insights about his friendship with four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel as he approaches a significant milestone in his career. Antonelli is on track to potentially break one of Vettel's long-standing records this season.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 12:24 UTC
via PlanetF1George Russell ‘on the ropes’ as pundits weigh in on ‘painful’ Mercedes realityGeorge Russell is experiencing a challenging season in Formula 1, currently trailing his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. Despite securing two grand prix victories, Antonelli has dominated with eight wins and holds an 81-point lead. Russell has openly admitted that Antonelli has performed better this year, a stark contrast to last season when he outscored Antonelli significantly. This shift in momentum has raised concerns about Russell's championship prospects.
Former drivers David Coulthard and Nico Rosberg have weighed in on Russell's situation, commending his attitude and acknowledgment of Antonelli's performance. Coulthard noted that Russell is handling the pressure well, while Rosberg highlighted the psychological challenges Russell faces as he questions his own abilities. The 2026 season has seen notable changes in driver performances, with several drivers experiencing swings in their standings compared to the previous year.PlanetF1Sun 20 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton shares insight into dramatic McLaren contract disasterLewis Hamilton shared his experiences from a difficult time in his early career when he lost a contract with McLaren. Initially signed to their junior program, Hamilton expressed his eagerness to move into Formula 1 but faced setbacks when McLaren ended their association with him in 2005. Despite this, he managed to regain his footing by winning races in Formula 3, which led to him securing his contract back with the team.
In 2006, Hamilton had a successful season in GP2, winning the championship, which paved the way for his debut with McLaren in 2007 alongside Fernando Alonso. Hamilton's career took off rapidly, culminating in winning the F1 championship in 2008, just his second season in the sport. He continued to race for McLaren until he transitioned to Mercedes in 2013.RacingNews365Sun 20 Sep · 11:50 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.Motorsport.comSun 20 Sep · 10:28 UTC