News535 stories
RSS ↗
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc delivers verdict on 2026 cars as debate rumbles onCharles Leclerc has shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars, expressing an open-minded approach amidst ongoing debates regarding the technical regulations. He acknowledged the complexities introduced by the new power unit configurations, which feature a significant reliance on battery power, leading to changes in driving strategies and performance assessment. Leclerc's own experiences with Ferrari's SF-26 illustrate the challenges drivers face in adapting to these new vehicles, as he had to make multiple adjustments to regain competitive performance.
The article also highlights comments from Max Verstappen, who criticized the new regulations, likening them to an exaggerated version of Formula E. With further regulatory changes planned for the following seasons, the current cars will remain unchanged for the rest of the year. Leclerc's insights underline the difficulties drivers encounter in navigating the intricate variables of the new cars, suggesting that adaptability will be crucial for success in the ongoing season.
Fri 14 Aug · 08:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli at centre of Montoya Malaysia predictionThe Sepang Circuit in Malaysia will host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, marking F1's return to the venue for the first time since 2017. This change is due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and it has led to a unique race weekend setup. Juan Pablo Montoya has predicted that championship leader Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen will perform exceptionally well at this popular track, which he regards as his favorite. Antonelli currently holds a significant lead in the Drivers' Championship, while Verstappen is the last winner at Sepang from 2017.
The race weekend at Sepang will be part of a triple-header, following races in Baku and Singapore, resulting in a busy schedule of six races over seven weekends. Montoya highlighted the importance of bravery for drivers to succeed at Sepang, indicating that both Verstappen and Antonelli possess the skills needed to navigate its challenges effectively. This strategic adjustment by F1 aims to ensure a full championship despite the circumstances affecting the original race location.
Fri 14 Aug · 08:07 UTC
via Formula1.comCan F1 bettors still find value backing Antonelli?The article explores the implications of Antonelli's title chase for those interested in betting on Formula 1. It highlights the strong performance of Mercedes and the excitement surrounding Antonelli's racing career.
Fri 14 Aug · 06:05 UTC
via RacingNews365F1 champions laud Kimi Antonelli over pertinent questionKimi Antonelli has emerged as a leading figure in the 2026 Formula 1 season, currently topping the drivers' championship standings after 11 races. With six wins and nine podium finishes, he has garnered praise from fellow drivers, including Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, who acknowledged his impressive performance and consistency despite being only 19 years old. Antonelli's ability to recover from a grid penalty to finish third in the recent Hungarian Grand Prix further solidified his status as a top competitor.
Norris, who secured his first victory of the season in Budapest, highlighted the challenges of comparing drivers across teams while recognizing Antonelli's achievements. Verstappen echoed this sentiment, commending Antonelli's strong performances and solidifying his reputation as a standout driver in the current season. Antonelli, however, remains modest, emphasizing the need for continued improvement and acknowledging the challenges of competing at the highest level.
Thu 13 Aug · 14:35 UTC
via CrashLeclerc Discusses Challenges and Future of 2026 Formula 1 CarsCharles Leclerc has expressed his open-mindedness regarding the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars amid ongoing discussions about their technical specifications. He noted that the current data-driven approach to performance has become more complex with the new-era vehicles.
+ 1 moreThu 13 Aug · 13:40 UTC
via Motorsport.comCharles Leclerc and wife Alexandra appear to address pregnancy rumours with holiday photosCharles Leclerc and his wife, Alexandra, are vacationing in Sardinia, where recent photos have sparked pregnancy rumors due to Alexandra's apparent baby bump. The couple married in a private ceremony in Monaco earlier this year and plans to have a larger celebration with family and friends in the future.
As of now, Leclerc is experiencing a mixed start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, sitting fourth in the drivers' championship, while his team, Ferrari, is currently second in the constructors' championship.
Thu 13 Aug · 12:15 UTC
via RacingNews365Leclerc and Hamilton Compete in Tight 2026 F1 RivalryCharles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are currently involved in a closely contested rivalry as teammates in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Both drivers have shown significant performance improvements, with Hamilton aiming for a title challenge after a strong summer break.Thu 13 Aug · 11:50 UTC
via F1iFrom rookie pain to title reign: Mercedes lifts lid on Antonelli’s riseKimi Antonelli's journey with Mercedes has been remarkable, transitioning from a rookie who faced challenges in his debut season to leading the world championship in 2026. With six wins out of 11 races, his rapid development has surprised many, including Mercedes' management, who believed in his potential from the start. His early struggles, particularly during his first season, have contributed to a steep learning curve that accelerated his growth as a driver.
The turning point for Antonelli came around the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he revamped his preparation methods and deepened his collaboration with his race engineer. Mercedes has also taken steps to shield him from external pressures, allowing him to focus on racing. This strategic approach has helped him evolve into a calm and confident competitor, setting the pace in the championship and showcasing his talent at an impressive rate.
Wed 12 Aug · 14:19 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMercedes Anticipates Grid Penalties for Drivers in 2026 SeasonMercedes has acknowledged the likelihood of grid penalties for drivers Antonelli and Russell as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses. The team is preparing for these penalties as they approach the final half of the season.+ 1 moreWed 12 Aug · 11:37 UTC
via PlanetF1Charles Leclerc makes ‘aggressive’ Ferrari request in F1 title raceCharles Leclerc has urged Ferrari to adopt a more aggressive approach to upgrades in the current Formula 1 season, citing the significance of improvements compared to previous years. Despite trailing Mercedes by 72 points, Ferrari has shown strong performance, outscoring Mercedes in four of the last five races and achieving victories at two grand prix events this season.
Leclerc expressed confusion over the team's inconsistent race predictions, noting that they often performed better in races where they expected to struggle. He described the recent Hungarian race as disappointing and highlighted the need for Ferrari to maintain a proactive development strategy to close the gap in the championship standings.Wed 12 Aug · 11:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Kimi Antonelli ‘convincingly’ beating Russell in Norris and Verstappen verdictLando Norris has expressed admiration for Kimi Antonelli, highlighting his consistent performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, where he has established a significant lead in the Drivers' Championship over teammate George Russell. Despite some challenges, Antonelli has managed to outperform Russell consistently, earning praise from both Norris and four-time champion Max Verstappen during a press conference following the Hungarian GP, where Norris secured his first win of the season.
Norris emphasized the difficulty of comparing drivers across teams but acknowledged Antonelli's impressive abilities as a complete package. Antonelli's strong performance has not gone unnoticed, as he continues to be a formidable contender in the championship, while Russell has faced reliability issues that have hindered his progress. The dynamics within the Mercedes team are evolving, with Antonelli emerging as a key player in the title race.Wed 12 Aug · 10:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Russell 'problem' highlighted as unique Verstappen trait used in Antonelli comparison - RacingNews365 ReviewThe article highlights various insights from former F1 drivers regarding current racers, particularly focusing on George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Thierry Boutsen draws a parallel between Russell and Hamilton's challenges, while David Coulthard praises Antonelli's family support as a key factor for his future success in racing. Lance Stroll also comments on Aston Martin's recent upgrades, suggesting they could be pivotal for the team's performance this season.
Additionally, the article mentions Red Bull's commitment to improving their car and Lando Norris's ongoing adjustments to his driving style. These discussions set the stage for an exciting second half of the F1 season, with expectations high for several drivers to make significant impacts.Tue 11 Aug · 20:00 UTC
via F1iMercedes Anticipates Grid Penalties for Antonelli and RussellMercedes has indicated that both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are likely to face grid penalties due to exceeding power unit allocations. The team acknowledges that these penalties are expected as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses.+ 1 moreTue 11 Aug · 15:16 UTC
via Motorsport WeekJuan Pablo Montoya Questions Hamilton's Eighth Title ChancesFormer F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has expressed doubts about Lewis Hamilton's ability to secure an eighth World Championship. This skepticism comes despite Hamilton's strong performance in his second season with Ferrari.Tue 11 Aug · 15:06 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen Identifies Key Focus for Red Bull in 2026Max Verstappen has outlined a significant priority for Red Bull as they approach the second half of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Currently, he trails championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 110 points, prompting a need to address performance issues.+ 2 moreTue 11 Aug · 14:47 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli's Growth Acknowledged by Mercedes LeadershipKimi Antonelli has shown significant improvement in his second Formula 1 season, earning praise from Mercedes management. Key figures within the team attribute his development to factors such as maturity, experience, and the guidance of Peter Bonnington.+ 1 moreTue 11 Aug · 13:29 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris Eyes Title Comeback Amidst Pressure from RivalsLando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 champion, believes he can still contend for the title despite facing significant pressure from championship leader Kimi Antonelli. With the season progressing, Norris has expressed confidence in his ability to mount a successful fightback.+ 1 moreTue 11 Aug · 10:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton takes Ferrari control as Leclerc requests investigation – roundupLewis Hamilton's recent victory with Ferrari has drawn attention, with Damon Hill highlighting Hamilton's significant impact on the team's performance, particularly with the SF-26 car. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc has expressed his concerns and is demanding an investigation into the car's inconsistent results, which have left him puzzled about its performance trends.
In other news, Formula 1's commercial boss, Stefano Domenicali, confirmed discussions with Max Verstappen regarding his future, as speculation grows about a potential move away from Red Bull. Additionally, Honda is set to introduce its upgraded B-spec engine at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, while Mercedes is promising major improvements to their W17 car after the summer break.Mon 10 Aug · 18:59 UTC
via Formula1.comMercedes Prepares for Increased Competition in F1 2026 SeasonAs the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches its second half, Mercedes acknowledges the potential for intensified competition from rival teams. Currently leading both the Teams' and Drivers' Championships, the team remains cautious about maintaining its advantage.+ 1 moreMon 10 Aug · 14:04 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton Aims for F1 History in Upcoming RacesLewis Hamilton is looking to reignite his championship challenge as the F1 season progresses. With the Dutch Grand Prix approaching, discussions around his potential to make history are intensifying.Mon 10 Aug · 14:00 UTCPage 23 of 27