Andrea Kimi AntonelliGeorge RussellJenson ButtonRalf Schumacher 
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURMercedes' U-turn on Baku decision shows how little faith they have in George Russell's title chargeMercedes has decided not to give George Russell a new engine during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, opting instead to keep his current power unit in use until the United States Grand Prix. This decision aligns with their strategy to introduce a chassis upgrade at the end of October, which will coincide with the new engine. The team appears to be prioritizing this timing over Russell's immediate championship prospects, indicating a lack of confidence in his ability to compete for the title this season.
Despite still being mathematically in the championship race, Russell's performance has been overshadowed by teammate Kimi Antonelli, leading to speculation about his future with the team. Toto Wolff's comments suggest that Russell should shift his focus to the 2027 season, further emphasizing the team's diminished expectations for his current title challenge. The delay in providing Russell with a new engine is seen as a clear signal of Mercedes' lack of faith in his competitiveness this year.
f1oversteer.comFri 18 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURToto Wolff reveals huge truth about George Russell contract situation at MercedesToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has confirmed that George Russell's contract has already been signed, although the team has not made a public announcement regarding it. This comes amidst ongoing speculation about Russell's future, particularly with rumors of him being replaced by a four-time world champion. Wolff emphasized that the lack of a major statement is unusual but reassured that the contract situation is settled.
The article also touches on the context of the driver market, noting that much of the speculation surrounding Russell's position was fueled by reports of dissatisfaction from Max Verstappen. However, with Verstappen's new long-term contract with Red Bull, which runs through 2030, the dynamics of the driver market may shift, potentially stabilizing Russell's position at Mercedes. Wolff did not provide further details about the length or financial aspects of Russell's contract.
gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 19:55 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 Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell acknowledges 2026 title challenge is toughNico Rosberg has expressed concerns about George Russell's mindset regarding his championship aspirations for 2026. Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has dismissed Russell's doubts, emphasizing the team's commitment to a comeback.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 11:07 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell self-doubt danger highlighted: 'Am I not good enough?'George Russell is facing a difficult season in Formula 1, currently trailing teammate Kimi Antonelli by 81 points in the standings. Despite being a title favorite at the start of the year, Russell has only secured two race wins while Antonelli has dominated with eight victories in the first 14 races.
Nico Rosberg has highlighted the potential for Russell to question his abilities due to this challenging performance. Rosberg admires Russell's efforts to improve his mental state, indicating that the pressure of the situation could lead to self-doubt, which is a common struggle for drivers in competitive sports.
RacingNews365Fri 18 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via the-race.comThe real reason Russell and Piastri are struggling in F1 2026In the 2026 Formula 1 season, drivers like George Russell and Oscar Piastri are facing significant challenges due to a mismatch between their driving styles and the new car and tire regulations. Russell finished fifth in the Madring race, significantly behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, and noted that his struggles stem from how he drives compared to the demands of the current generation of cars. He observed that drivers who are performing well, such as Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris, share similar driving styles that align better with the 2026 car characteristics.
The article discusses how the reduced downforce and tire grip of the 2026 cars have raised the crossover point of circuit grip, making certain driving techniques less effective. While Russell and Piastri tend to drive with a geometric ideal that works well on high-grip tracks, they struggle as grip decreases. In contrast, drivers like Hamilton and Norris have adapted their styles to better manage energy and grip, allowing them to perform more effectively. Ultimately, Russell and Piastri must adjust their approaches to keep pace with their competitors in this evolving racing landscape.
the-race.comFri 18 Sep · 09:11 UTC
via PlanetF1Kimi Antonelli hints at potential Ferrari futureKimi Antonelli has acknowledged the possibility of joining Ferrari in the future but indicated that such a move is not imminent. He also mentioned the loyalty factor in his current commitments.PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 08:02 UTC
via PlanetF1RUMOURHamilton rejects team changes rumour; Ferrari Achilles heel; Russell future clarified – roundupLewis Hamilton has publicly rejected rumors suggesting he is advocating for changes within the Ferrari team. These rumors surfaced following the Spanish Grand Prix, where Hamilton's former teammate Nico Rosberg highlighted issues with Ferrari's strategy and communication that he believes are hindering the team's performance.
In the same context, Charles Leclerc had a challenging race, finishing in fourth place despite leading for much of the event. Hamilton's own race ended prematurely due to a brake failure, further complicating Ferrari's situation as they seek to improve their competitive standing in the championship.PlanetF1Thu 17 Sep · 18:59 UTC
via Motorsport WeekHow George Russell could take positives from possible title defeatGeorge Russell is experiencing a challenging season as he struggles to maintain his title hopes against teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Recent performances have seen Russell lose ground in the standings, particularly highlighted by Antonelli's impressive victory in Monza after starting from the back due to a grid penalty. This season marks a shift in dynamics at Mercedes, with Antonelli emerging as a strong contender for the championship, raising questions about Russell's position within the team.
Despite setbacks, including a retirement in Canada, Russell remains determined to prove his capabilities. He has shown resilience in previous races, such as finishing second in Baku while unwell. As the season progresses, Russell must capitalize on upcoming circuits where he has previously excelled to keep his championship aspirations alive. With only a narrow lead over Antonelli, the pressure is on Russell to deliver strong performances in the remaining races.Motorsport WeekThu 17 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen showed Kimi Antonelli he's a 'champion' with his gesture after epic Monza winKimi Antonelli has expressed admiration for Max Verstappen, highlighting his supportive nature and champion-like qualities both on and off the track. After Antonelli's recent victory at Monza, Verstappen took the time to congratulate him, showcasing a gesture of sportsmanship that Antonelli appreciates.f1oversteer.comThu 17 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via Formula1.comThe power unit manufacturers with the most wins in F1 historyThe article discusses the top ten power unit manufacturers in Formula 1 history based on their total wins. Mercedes and Ferrari are tied at the top with 251 victories each, with notable contributions from drivers like Kimi Antonelli for Mercedes and historical figures like Jose Froilan Gonzalez for Ferrari. Other manufacturers such as Ford Cosworth, Renault, and Honda also feature prominently on the list, showcasing their historical significance and achievements in the sport.
The piece highlights the evolution of these manufacturers over the decades, including their successes and challenges. It notes the impact of various drivers and teams on the manufacturers' win tallies, as well as the transitions between engine suppliers and constructors. The article emphasizes the competitive nature of F1 and the legacy of these power units in shaping the sport's history.
Formula1.comThu 17 Sep · 11:59 UTC
via PlanetF1Ralf Schumacher’s blunt verdict on Max Verstappen’s furious Spanish GP outburstDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton engaged in a contentious battle for position on the opening lap. Verstappen attempted to overtake Hamilton but ended up going off-track, which led to a controversial situation where he was instructed by his team to give the position back to Hamilton. Despite his frustration, Verstappen complied and allowed both Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli to pass him, only to later regain his position against Hamilton before the latter's retirement due to brake failure.
Ralf Schumacher weighed in on the incident, acknowledging Verstappen's frustration but asserting that he did gain an advantage by leaving the track. Verstappen ultimately finished the race in second place, while Hamilton's retirement left him with a challenging situation in the championship standings. Verstappen currently sits sixth in the Drivers' Championship, significantly behind Antonelli.PlanetF1Thu 17 Sep · 08:28 UTC
via AutosportAutosport magazine: Antonelli and a Can-Am celebrationKimi Antonelli is emerging as a strong contender for the 2026 Formula 1 world championship, showcasing impressive performance and a significant points lead. His recent victory at Monza, where he started from 19th place, highlights his skill and strategic prowess, putting pressure on rivals like George Russell to improve their performance.
The October issue of Autosport not only focuses on Antonelli's championship journey but also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Can-Am series, a notable chapter in motorsport history. The publication features insights into the challenges faced by teams and drivers, as well as reflections on the evolution of racing categories, emphasizing the ongoing excitement in the motorsport world.
AutosportThu 17 Sep · 08:17 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell thought he was going to do a Michael Schumacher before Kimi Antonelli came alongGeorge Russell started the 2026 Formula 1 season strong, winning the opening race in Australia and outpacing Kimi Antonelli in qualifying. However, as the season progressed, Russell has only managed to secure one additional victory, while Antonelli has excelled, achieving eight wins and establishing a significant lead in the championship standings.
The situation has shifted dramatically for Russell, who initially drew comparisons to Michael Schumacher's early struggles at Ferrari. Despite Russell's early dominance over Antonelli, the rookie's impressive performance has left Russell facing the prospect of losing the championship to a teammate, a situation he had hoped to avoid. With discussions now focusing on Antonelli's potential coronation as champion, Russell's chances for the 2027 season remain uncertain.f1oversteer.comWed 16 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via AutosportBruising F1 2026 will not be the end for George Russell - Toto WolffToto Wolff expressed confidence in George Russell's ability to overcome a challenging 2026 Formula 1 season, where he currently trails teammate Kimi Antonelli by 81 points. Despite entering the season as a favorite, Russell has struggled against Antonelli, who has shown remarkable improvement in his sophomore year, winning consecutive races and solidifying his position as a title contender.
Wolff emphasized that Russell's past successes in various racing categories demonstrate his potential to become a champion. He acknowledged the psychological challenges Russell faces this season but believes that with the right support and mindset, Russell can bounce back and compete for titles in the future.AutosportWed 16 Sep · 14:12 UTC
via Motorsport.comHow Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes made their own luck in MadridKimi Antonelli secured victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, benefiting from a timely virtual safety car caused by Lance Stroll's retirement. While Lando Norris missed the opportunity to pit due to the VSC deployment, Antonelli's strategic decision to slow down allowed him to enter the pit lane just in time, gaining the lead in the race.
The Mercedes team played a crucial role in this outcome by predicting the likelihood of a VSC and relaying this information to Antonelli promptly. This quick communication and Antonelli's ability to adjust his speed effectively contributed to his success, showcasing both the driver's skill and the team's strategic foresight.Motorsport.comWed 16 Sep · 12:58 UTC
via f1oversteer.comNico Rosberg warns Kimi Antonelli of title pressureNico Rosberg has cautioned Kimi Antonelli that he could feel increasing pressure in his pursuit of the 2026 Formula 1 championship. Rosberg noted that upgrades from McLaren and Ferrari might challenge Antonelli's current dominance, which includes eight victories this season.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreWed 16 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via grandprix.comStuck dislikes F1's new cars, but likes AntonelliHans-Joachim Stuck has voiced strong disapproval of the current direction of Formula 1, particularly criticizing the emphasis on electrical systems and adjustable wings that he believes detract from driver skill. He longs for a return to cars that enable more traditional racing tactics, such as slipstreaming, rather than relying on technology to dictate performance.
In contrast, Stuck praised Kimi Antonelli, calling him a once-in-a-century talent, and likened him to legendary drivers like Max Verstappen and Ayrton Senna. He noted that Antonelli's current championship lead provides him with the opportunity to be more selective in his racing approach, allowing him to prioritize strategic positioning over aggressive racing in every situation.grandprix.comWed 16 Sep · 10:54 UTC
via Motorsport.comSebastian Vettel: “I’d be very happy” for Kimi Antonelli to beat me as F1’s youngest championSebastian Vettel has stated that he would be pleased if Kimi Antonelli surpasses his record as the youngest Formula 1 world champion. Vettel achieved this milestone in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 4 months, a record that Antonelli, now 20, is on track to break after a strong performance this season, particularly following his win at the Spanish Grand Prix which extended his lead in the championship standings.
Antonelli has already broken several of Vettel's records, including those for pole positions and hat-tricks at a younger age. He has received encouragement from Vettel, who appreciates the hard work and dedication required to achieve such success in the sport. Antonelli's achievements also include being the youngest to score a fastest lap and lead a race, showcasing his potential to become a future champion.Motorsport.comWed 16 Sep · 08:42 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Yu Chu Chin · CC BY-SA 4.0Red Bull contracts imminent, Russell deal quietly doneSep.16 (GMM) Red Bull is expected to announce contract extensions in the coming days, according to Sky Deutschland presenter Peter Hardenacke, as uncertainty continues around several seats in the Red Bull driver pool. Hardenacke said he has learned that new deals are imminent, with Isack Hadjar the most obvious candidate after his strong season prior…newsonf1.comWed 16 Sep · 06:36 UTC
via RaceFansStats: Mercedes equal Ferrari as Formula 1’s most successful engine builders | 2026 Spanish Grand Prix stats and factsMercedes has reached a significant milestone by achieving 251 race victories for cars powered by their engines, matching Ferrari's record in Formula 1. This achievement was highlighted by Andrea Kimi Antonelli's recent win at the Spanish Grand Prix, marking a pivotal moment for the Mercedes brand in the sport.
Despite their success, Mercedes has participated in far fewer races compared to Ferrari, which has been a constant presence in Formula 1 since its inception in 1950. Mercedes' long absence from the sport, following the tragic events of the 1955 Le Mans, makes their current success even more remarkable, as they have quickly established themselves as one of the top engine builders in F1 history.
RaceFansWed 16 Sep · 06:15 UTC