Andrea Kimi AntonelliCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonMax Verstappen 
via grandprix.comHamilton skips key FIA meeting over Spa penaltiesSeveral Formula 1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, missed an important FIA meeting in Hungary that addressed driving standards and stewarding decisions stemming from the recent Belgian Grand Prix. The meeting's significance increased following Hamilton's penalty for a collision with George Russell and the subsequent incident involving Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, which drew criticism for the lack of punishment against Leclerc.
Hamilton commented on the situation, expressing that he prefers to move forward rather than dwell on past incidents. He acknowledged the FIA's efforts to maintain consistency in their decisions, despite the challenges they face in achieving it. The absence of multiple drivers from the meeting highlights ongoing tensions regarding penalties and race conduct in the sport.grandprix.comSat 25 Jul · 12:23 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 reading
AutosportSat 25 Jul · 11:40 UTC
via BBC SportHamilton fastest as new Aston Martin makes encouraging debutDuring the first practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time, followed closely by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Lando Norris. Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, struggled with pace, finishing 13th, while Fernando Alonso showed improvement with Aston Martin's new upgrade despite finishing 19th. Alonso's teammate, Lance Stroll, faced a suspension issue that prevented him from participating in the second session.
The session highlighted challenges for several teams, particularly with track conditions affecting performance. Hamilton's strong showing was noted, but Leclerc cautioned against overconfidence, anticipating a competitive qualifying session. Overall, the practice session set the stage for a tightly contested weekend ahead, with teams looking to capitalize on their performance improvements.
BBC SportFri 24 Jul · 18:03 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 theguardian.comMercedes Addresses Engine Issues Affecting George Russell's PerformanceGeorge Russell is optimistic after Mercedes identified a software issue with his power unit that impacted his recent races. The team aims to resolve these problems before the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.
theguardian.comThu 23 Jul · 16:32 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 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 BBC SportWhy was Hamilton penalised but not Leclerc? - F1 Q&AKimi Antonelli secured victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, increasing his championship lead to 45 points. The race saw George Russell retire after colliding with Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth and moved into second place in the standings, while Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen completed the podium in second and third, respectively.
The stewards penalized Hamilton for the collision, attributing fault to him, while Leclerc escaped penalty for a separate incident. The event also set a record attendance of 400,000. Mercedes faced issues with their power unit, which affected both Russell and Antonelli's performance during the race.BBC SportTue 21 Jul · 07:00 UTC
via theguardian.comF1’s algorithms spark driver fury as number neuters thrills of Spa-Francorchamps | Giles RichardsThe Belgian Grand Prix highlighted significant frustrations among Formula 1 drivers regarding the reliance on computer-controlled energy deployment systems. George Russell's race ended prematurely due to an energy issue, leading to his anger over the lack of power during critical moments. This incident reflects a broader discontent among drivers, who feel that their racing experience is being compromised by algorithms dictating performance rather than their own skills behind the wheel.
As drivers like Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri voiced their concerns, it became clear that the complexities of the current energy management systems are not only affecting race outcomes but also raising safety issues on the track. With the upcoming races, particularly at Monza, the article suggests that these frustrations are likely to resurface, indicating a challenging season ahead for both drivers and the sport as a whole.theguardian.comMon 20 Jul · 18:12 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
via BBC SportLagrue leaves Mercedes to join Red Bull's driver programmeRed Bull Racing is set to acquire Mercedes' junior driver program chief, Lagrue. His departure follows the retirement of Dr. Helmut Marko, as Red Bull seeks to revamp its driver development structure.BBC Sport+ 1 moreSun 19 Jul · 16:48 UTC
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli wins Belgian Grand Prix, extends leadKimi Antonelli achieved victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, solidifying his lead in the championship standings. His teammate George Russell was involved in a crash on the opening lap, which contributed to Antonelli's 50-point advantage.theguardian.com+ 1 moreSun 19 Jul · 15:02 UTC
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.grandprix.comSun 19 Jul · 12:25 UTC
via grandprix.comRUMOURRed Bull names Verstappen's next race engineerRed Bull Racing has announced that Tom Hart will replace Gianpiero Lambiase as Max Verstappen's race engineer, with the transition expected to begin in 2027. Lambiase is leaving for McLaren, and Hart was initially set to join Williams before being persuaded to stay with Red Bull. This change comes amid ongoing speculation about Verstappen's future with the team, particularly regarding potential interest from McLaren.
During the recent qualifying session at Spa, Verstappen achieved a strong P2, largely due to a strategic slipstream from teammate Isack Hadjar. Verstappen acknowledged that without the tow, he would have likely qualified around P6. Meanwhile, Hadjar humorously noted that he did not expect any significant reward for his help, while McLaren's Andrea Stella indicated that any move for Verstappen would require the team to field a third car, a matter that needs higher-level discussions.grandprix.comSun 19 Jul · 12:21 UTC
via BBC SportRussell 'infuriated' by straight-line issue that leaves him 'powerless'George Russell expressed frustration over a significant issue affecting the straight-line performance of his Mercedes, which he believes hampers his ability to compete effectively against teammate Kimi Antonelli. Despite qualifying fourth, Russell noted that a majority of his time deficit was due to a lack of speed on the straights, which he described as making his title fight 'impossible'.
The Mercedes team is actively working to identify and resolve the performance issue, which has left Russell feeling 'powerless' during qualifying. Meanwhile, the new engine regulations have also altered the dynamics of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, leading to concerns among drivers about the overall challenge of the track.BBC SportSat 18 Jul · 19:10 UTC
via espn.comRUMOURRed Bull's Future Plans Impact Max Verstappen's Career DecisionsSpeculation surrounding Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull continues as discussions about the team's competitive direction unfold. Laurent Mekies emphasized that the team must provide a strong car to address concerns about Verstappen's loyalty and potential career moves.
espn.com+ 1 moreSat 18 Jul · 18:16 UTC
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.theguardian.com+ 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.BBC SportFri 17 Jul · 17:33 UTC