via RacingNews365Max Verstappen cracks joke after Red Bull make headline signingMax Verstappen recently made a lighthearted comment regarding his future at Red Bull following the team's announcement of signing Robin Raikkonen to their junior program for the 2027 season. Raikkonen, the son of former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, is currently competing in karting and will receive support from Red Bull as he progresses in his racing career.
During a media interaction, Verstappen shared that he had a brief conversation with Kimi and Robin Raikkonen before the Italian Grand Prix. He humorously suggested that he might need to step aside to make room for the young driver in the team. Verstappen's comments reflect the competitive nature of F1 and the ongoing interest in the development of new talent within the sport.
RacingNews365Sun 20 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull issue FIA response as Kimi Antonelli shares unique dream - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing's boss Laurent Mekies has stated that the team is open to discussions about the future of the ADUO regulations, following a proposal from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem aimed at supporting Honda's involvement in Formula 1. This response indicates Red Bull's proactive stance in engaging with regulatory changes that could impact the sport's landscape.
In addition to the regulatory discussions, Kimi Antonelli shared his aspirations to achieve a level of fan support similar to that of Valentino Rossi. Meanwhile, Lando Norris has made a significant decision by appointing Rene Rosin to lead his new junior racing team, LN4 Fusion. Sergio Perez is hopeful about the introduction of a new Ferrari engine at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Sebastian Vettel has weighed in on the ongoing criticism regarding the new cars introduced this season.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson offers response to Max Verstappen 'numb' F1 car claimLiam Lawson has addressed Max Verstappen's comments regarding the new generation of Formula 1 cars, which Verstappen described as 'numb to driver inputs'. Lawson, who has stepped in for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, acknowledges that he and teammate Yuki Tsunoda have adapted quickly to their new cars, but he believes the situation is more complex than Verstappen suggests. Lawson has achieved varying results in his races, including a sixth-place finish, while Tsunoda scored a point in Monza.
Lawson elaborated on the challenges of adjusting to the Red Bull car, noting that while the cars may appear easier to drive, there are personal adjustments that drivers must make. He emphasized that each driver has unique preferences and comfort levels in their cars, which can complicate the transition. Lawson's insights highlight the nuanced nature of adapting to new machinery in Formula 1, suggesting that the experience is not as straightforward as it may seem.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Colton Herta drops exit hint, potential Leclerc penalty, Michael Masi lands new role – roundupColton Herta, currently a test driver for Cadillac, has suggested he may leave Formula 2 at the end of the 2026 season, stating he is 'not interested' in continuing in 2027. Herta has had a difficult season, sitting 19th in the standings after moving from IndyCar to F2 to pursue a future in Formula 1. Meanwhile, Michael Masi has taken on a new role as head of sporting for SRO Motorsports Australia, marking a significant return to motorsport management five years after the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In other news, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc could face a grid penalty at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to an accident at Monza. The FIA has also confirmed the cancellation of the Rally Saudi Arabia, which was set to conclude the 2026 WRC season. This cancellation comes as the FIA prepares to make a decision regarding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix in the near future.
PlanetF1Sat 19 Sep · 17:24 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli shows no signs of championship pressureMercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli is demonstrating confidence as he approaches his first championship title, according to former driver Jolyon Palmer. David Coulthard also commended George Russell for acknowledging Antonelli's strong performance in the current season.
Motorsport.comSat 19 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc is suffering more than Lewis Hamilton from Ferrari’s ‘black hole’ explodingFerrari is facing significant challenges in the 2026 Formula 1 season, particularly with their SF-26 car, which is affecting Charles Leclerc more than Lewis Hamilton. Despite both drivers achieving victories earlier in the season, their hopes for a championship are dwindling as they trail behind Mercedes in the standings. Leclerc's performance is being hampered by the team's predictive power delivery software, which is not allowing him to fully utilize his driving style during qualifying sessions.
The issues with Ferrari's strategy and electronic mapping have led to a noticeable gap in performance between Leclerc and Hamilton, even though their qualifying pace difference is minimal. Hamilton has expressed confidence that Mercedes would outperform Ferrari in qualifying, indicating that Ferrari may have reached their performance limits too early in the sessions. As the season progresses, the team must address these problems to improve their standings.
f1oversteer.comSat 19 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari considers grid penalty for Charles Leclerc in BakuFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur indicated that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix could be an appropriate time for Charles Leclerc to incur an engine grid penalty. The team is evaluating the potential benefits of this strategy ahead of the race weekend.
gpfans.com+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 14:58 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull's master move revealed to get Max Verstappen to sign a new F1 dealMax Verstappen has secured a contract extension with Red Bull Racing that will keep him with the team until 2030. A significant factor in this decision was the freedom to explore other racing categories, particularly prestigious endurance events like Le Mans and Daytona. Verstappen has expressed a strong interest in these races, having previously participated in the 24-hour Nurburgring, where he had a thrilling experience despite a mechanical failure that ended his race early.
While Verstappen is eager to expand his racing portfolio, he emphasizes that any participation in additional events will depend on his Formula 1 commitments and the competitiveness of the field. He is particularly keen on ensuring that his schedule allows for these ventures without conflicting with his primary obligations in F1. The 2027 race calendars for both Le Mans and Daytona align well with his F1 schedule, providing a potential opportunity for him to compete in these iconic endurance races.gpfans.comSat 19 Sep · 13:57 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli handed praise from major rival: 'An asset for F1'Kimi Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, has had a remarkable 2026 Formula 1 season, securing eight victories and establishing a commanding 81-point lead in the drivers' championship. His performance has drawn praise from notable figures in the sport, including McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella, who described Antonelli as an 'asset for F1' and acknowledged his consistent growth and skill on the track.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine's boss, also highlighted Antonelli's rising status in Italy, comparing him to tennis star Janick Sinner. Briatore noted that Antonelli's success is beneficial for both Formula 1 and Italy, as he is quickly becoming one of the country's most recognized athletes. The combination of Antonelli's talent and his potential to attract fans away from traditional teams like Ferrari marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape of F1.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 13:40 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen left furious after multiple George Russell clashes - ThrowbackDuring the 2023 Azerbaijan sprint race, tensions flared between Max Verstappen and George Russell when they collided at the start. Russell attempted to overtake Verstappen but lost control due to understeer, damaging Verstappen's car significantly. Despite the incident, race control deemed it a racing incident, resulting in no penalties for either driver. Verstappen managed to recover and finish third in the sprint race, while Russell ended up in eighth place in the main race despite setting the fastest lap.
After the sprint, Verstappen confronted Russell in parc fermé, expressing his frustration over the collision. Russell defended his actions, stating he had no grip, while Verstappen insisted that drivers need to leave space. Their heated exchange highlighted the competitive nature of the sport, with Verstappen's sarcastic radio message following his successful pass at the restart further emphasizing the tension between the two drivers.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 12:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comRob Smedley explains Peter Bonnington's key role in Kimi Antonelli's F1 successRob Smedley has highlighted the significant role of Peter Bonnington in Kimi Antonelli's impressive performance during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Antonelli, who has become the youngest driver to lead the championship standings, has achieved back-to-back victories at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. Currently, he holds an 81-point lead over his Mercedes teammate George Russell, showcasing his dominance in the series. Smedley acknowledges Bonnington's contributions as Antonelli's race engineer, emphasizing that while Bonnington provides crucial support, it is Antonelli who must deliver results on race day.
Antonelli himself has expressed gratitude for working with Bonnington, recognizing the engineer's extensive experience with legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. He appreciates the guidance Bonnington offers as he navigates new challenges in his racing career. Smedley and co-host Otmar Szafnauer also discussed the importance of communication between Antonelli and Bonnington, noting that Antonelli's feedback is vital for optimizing performance. Overall, the collaboration between Antonelli and Bonnington is seen as a key factor in Antonelli's successful title charge.Motorsport.comSat 19 Sep · 12:40 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari unveils black race suit for Charles LeclercFerrari has announced a unique black race suit for driver Charles Leclerc, set to debut at the Singapore Grand Prix. This design marks a departure from the team's traditional red color scheme.gpfans.com+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 11:29 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc wagers Mercedes bet after 'vicious circle' observationCharles Leclerc has highlighted the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces with its engine performance, particularly in comparison to Mercedes. He described a 'vicious circle' where the lack of power from Ferrari's engine limits their ability to deploy power effectively, especially at the end of long straights. Despite this, Ferrari remains a close competitor in the championship as they work to resolve these issues.
Leclerc also mentioned the introduction of an ADUO-boosted engine during the Italian Grand Prix, expressing optimism that it has not sustained critical damage following a crash. However, he acknowledged that if the engine is damaged, he would need to take an engine penalty to introduce new parts into his pool before the season concludes.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 10:20 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli shares Valentino Rossi dream for own F1 careerKimi Antonelli, currently competing in his second season of Formula 1, has expressed his desire to emulate the strong fan connection that Valentino Rossi maintained throughout his illustrious career. Rossi, a seven-time MotoGP champion, retired in 2021 but continues to be a beloved figure among fans, often seen in merchandise at races. Antonelli, who is on track to potentially become the youngest world champion at just 20 years old, aspires to achieve a similar level of admiration and support from fans in his own racing career.
In addition to his aspirations in F1, Antonelli has formed friendships with notable athletes in other sports, including MotoGP's Marco Bezzecchi and tennis star Jannik Sinner. He values these relationships for the motivation and understanding they provide in managing the pressures of elite competition. Antonelli's admiration for Rossi's ability to attract a large audience and his mental resilience during races highlights his ambition to create a lasting impact in the world of motorsport.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURToto Wolff reveals details of Max Verstappen meetingToto Wolff recently addressed the speculation surrounding his meeting with Max Verstappen, which took place in Sardinia. The photos from this meeting led to rumors about Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull for Mercedes. However, these rumors were put to rest when Red Bull confirmed that Verstappen has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the team until 2030.
In an interview, Wolff mentioned that the social media frenzy surrounding the photos was unintended and highlighted the challenges of privacy in today's digital age. He also confirmed that George Russell's contract with Mercedes has been finalized, although the team has not yet made a formal announcement regarding this.gpfans.comSat 19 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via F1iWolff reveals why Antonelli won’t ‘lose the plot’ in title bidToto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has expressed confidence in Kimi Antonelli's ability to maintain focus during his championship bid, as Antonelli currently holds an 81-point lead. Wolff noted that the young driver has shown no signs of being distracted by his success, attributing this to Antonelli's grounded personality and strong family support. Despite the pressure of leading the championship, Antonelli remains committed to his racing approach, focusing on each race without overcomplicating his strategy.
Wolff emphasized that while the team is aware of potential distractions, Antonelli's mindset allows him to compartmentalize his life and racing. The Mercedes team is actively discussing how to support Antonelli's development while ensuring he stays focused on the track. Antonelli himself echoed this sentiment, stating that he is fortunate to have a supportive team and family that keeps him grounded, allowing him to concentrate on performing his best in each race.
F1iSat 19 Sep · 08:09 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURFerrari boss 'annoyed' with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, claims F1 insiderFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur is reportedly frustrated with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following a first-lap incident during the Italian Grand Prix. Ralf Schumacher suggested that Vasseur's annoyance was due to Hamilton being forced off the track by Leclerc, which negatively impacted Hamilton's race, finishing in tenth place. Leclerc also faced difficulties, crashing shortly after the incident.
In response to the situation, Vasseur spoke with both drivers to remind them of the team's operational principles. Hamilton expressed his desire for clearer communication and 'rules of engagement' to prevent future conflicts. Both drivers later addressed the incident, with Leclerc admitting his mistake and Hamilton noting the importance of their open discussion to move forward.gpfans.comSat 19 Sep · 07:58 UTC
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff confirms 'unlock' needed to baffling George Russell mysteryToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has acknowledged that the team is puzzled by George Russell's inconsistent performance compared to teammate Kimi Antonelli. Despite a strong start to the season, Russell has only managed to win two races, while Antonelli has dominated with eight victories, creating an 81-point gap between them. Wolff emphasized the need for analysis to understand the underlying issues affecting Russell's pace, particularly highlighted during the recent Spanish Grand Prix.
Russell himself has pointed out that the changes in car regulations have not suited his driving style, which relies on smoother inputs rather than the high-rotation techniques favored this season. He has conceded that the championship is out of reach for him this year, acknowledging Antonelli's deserving lead. Wolff noted that the imbalance in performance between drivers is a common challenge in the sport, and he aims to provide support and transparency to both drivers as they navigate the season.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen comments on Red Bull-Mercedes gapMax Verstappen has commented on the differences between Red Bull's power unit and that of Mercedes, noting the challenges in understanding the performance gap. He emphasized that the two teams operate under different conditions, leading to varying results.RacingNews365+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 05:20 UTC
via PlanetF1Hamilton delusion, Antonelli opens door to Ferrari future, Alonso’s $5m buy – roundupFerrari has confirmed a multi-year partnership with Japanese technology company Rakuten, set to begin in the 2027 Formula 1 season. This announcement comes as the team continues to compete in the 2026 season, where they currently hold second place in the constructors' standings with several races remaining.
In addition to the sponsorship news, Kimi Antonelli has expressed that he is not ruling out a future move to Ferrari, despite his current focus on achieving success with Mercedes. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton faces scrutiny following a period of tension within the team, contrasting with the optimism following his win in Barcelona earlier this year. Fernando Alonso has also made headlines by adding a $5 million Bugatti to his car collection.PlanetF1Fri 18 Sep · 18:06 UTC
via racer.comNo risk of Antonelli 'losing the plot' despite F1 points advantage - WolffKimi Antonelli currently holds an 81-point lead in the Formula 1 drivers' championship after winning consecutive races in Monza and Madrid. Despite this significant advantage, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff reassures that Antonelli remains focused and grounded, emphasizing his maturity and ability to compartmentalize racing from external pressures. Wolff highlights the importance of maintaining a supportive environment for Antonelli as he navigates the challenges of being a championship leader.
Antonelli himself credits his success to the strong support from his family, particularly his father, who helps keep him grounded. He expresses a desire to continue his straightforward approach to racing, focusing on doing his best without getting distracted by championship standings. Antonelli's mindset reflects a commitment to performance over pressure, aiming to enjoy the racing experience while striving for success.
racer.comFri 18 Sep · 15:37 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen jokes about Kimi Antonelli’s F1 lead: “I’m definitely not having a comeback!”Kimi Antonelli is in a strong position to win his first Formula 1 world title, potentially becoming the youngest champion in history. With only a few races left in the season, George Russell's chances of winning the championship have diminished significantly, leading him to express doubts about his title hopes. Max Verstappen, who finished behind Antonelli in Spain, humorously remarked that he is not planning a comeback this season, acknowledging the challenges he faces compared to last year.
Verstappen offered advice to Antonelli, suggesting he maintain his current approach without stressing about the championship standings. Lando Norris also commended Antonelli's performance, noting that he is outperforming his more experienced teammate and making very few mistakes. Both drivers recognize Antonelli's talent and potential for future success in Formula 1.Motorsport.comFri 18 Sep · 13:31 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes' coded messages aided Antonelli's VSC strategyMercedes has disclosed how its coded radio messages aided Kimi Antonelli during the Spanish Grand Prix. The team's engineering director explained that this strategy was crucial in preparing drivers for critical race situations.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 11:49 UTC
via PlanetF1Yuki Tsunoda reflects on struggles at Red Bull in 2025Yuki Tsunoda has described his time as a Red Bull Formula 1 driver in 2025 as marked by significant challenges, admitting it was the 'biggest mistake' of his career. He expressed confusion over the team's decisions and acknowledged that he was not enjoying his experience.PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 10:25 UTC