News1171 stories
RSS ↗
via Sky Sports F1Will Hamilton, Russell or Norris seize title-race opening at Monza?The Italian Grand Prix presents a significant opportunity for Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris as championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid due to penalties. Both Hamilton and Russell are trailing Antonelli by 59 points, while Norris is 83 points behind after recent victories. The race at Monza is crucial for these drivers to capitalize on Antonelli's misfortune and close the gap in the standings.
Ferrari is set to unveil an engine upgrade at their home race, which could enhance Hamilton's chances of victory. Meanwhile, McLaren's Norris is confident but faces challenges with their performance at Monza. Max Verstappen, significantly behind in points, may also play a role in the title race despite his own struggles this season. The outcome of the race could have lasting implications for the championship battle as the season progresses.
Wed 2 Sep · 11:04 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko says Red Bull made ‘financially difficult’ decision that’s holding Max Verstappen backHelmut Marko has expressed concerns regarding Red Bull's decision-making in the development of the RB22, suggesting that the team has made mistakes that are hindering both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The formation of Red Bull Powertrains and the partnership with Ford were significant steps, but the team has struggled to keep pace with competitors due to restrictions on engine upgrades and development missteps. Marko highlighted that these issues are compounded by the financial constraints of the cost-cap regulations.
As a result of these challenges, Verstappen's performance has suffered, leading to his lowest points tally since 2018 and a sixth-place standing in the championship. Both he and Hadjar have voiced frustrations about the car's performance, particularly its grip and balance, which have affected their competitiveness this season. The inability to upgrade their power unit mid-season further complicates Red Bull's situation as they seek to improve their standing in the championship.
Wed 2 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via gpfans.comKimi Antonelli faces Monza curse at Italian Grand PrixKimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, is set to compete in his home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend. He aims to overcome a longstanding 60-year challenge associated with the event.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 10:05 UTC
via RaceFansTemple of Speed or Cathedral of Clipping? Eight talking points for the 2026 Italian GP | Formula 1The article outlines key talking points for the upcoming 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, focusing on the impact of new engine regulations on the performance of Formula 1 cars. It highlights concerns from team principals, particularly Toto Wolff, regarding the suitability of the current power units for the demands of high-speed tracks like Monza, which is known for its energy-intensive layout.
Additionally, the piece touches on the possibility of Isack Hadjar returning to the grid, reflecting on the broader implications of the regulatory changes on the racing experience. The discussion emphasizes the tension between the new regulations and the traditional high-speed spectacle that Monza is famous for.
Wed 2 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Toto Wolff addresses Kimi Antonelli's grid penaltyMercedes team principal Toto Wolff has addressed Kimi Antonelli's upcoming grid penalty for the Italian Grand Prix. He emphasized that Formula 1 prioritizes performance over sentimentality as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 09:13 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull make Isack Hadjar decision ahead of Italian Grand PrixRed Bull Racing is looking to extend Isack Hadjar's contract following his strong performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The 21-year-old driver has shown promise as a teammate to Max Verstappen, currently holding eighth place in the Drivers' standings despite missing the Dutch Grand Prix due to injury. His potential has led Red Bull to consider him a valuable asset as they navigate a challenging period for the team.
The second driver position at Red Bull remains uncertain, with Hadjar emerging as a strong candidate to fill the role long-term. The team is also undergoing significant changes, with several key personnel departures and new signings aimed at rebuilding their competitive edge. The decision on Hadjar's return for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix is expected soon, as the team evaluates his recovery.Wed 2 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via newsonf1.comMarko questions Verstappen's chances at MonzaHelmut Marko has expressed skepticism about Max Verstappen's chances of winning at Monza, citing a significant performance deficit for Red Bull. Despite some optimism regarding the low-downforce layout, Marko remains critical of the team's recent struggles.
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen, his manager and more: Winners and losers from F1's sizzling 2026 silly seasonThe 2026 Formula 1 silly season has concluded with minimal changes, primarily due to many drivers being locked into contracts. Max Verstappen secured a lucrative new deal with Red Bull, while Carlos Sainz managed to negotiate a significant salary increase despite his struggles on the track. Esteban Ocon is expected to be replaced at Haas, but overall, the anticipated chaos of the transfer window did not materialize, leading to disappointment among fans and analysts alike.
Several drivers faced challenges during this period, including Yuki Tsunoda, who has been sidelined to reserve duties after a poor performance at Red Bull. Ollie Bearman, once seen as a promising talent, is now with the struggling Haas team. The lack of movement in driver contracts has left many questioning the future prospects of several racers as the grid for 2027 begins to take shape.Tue 1 Sep · 19:45 UTC
via Formula1.comWhat's still to play for in the F1 driver market?The Formula 1 driver market is seeing a trend of stability as several teams opt to renew contracts rather than introduce new drivers. Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull until 2030, while Alpine has secured Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly. McLaren has also confirmed Lando Norris's extension, ensuring he will race with Oscar Piastri next season.
Additionally, Ferrari is maintaining its driver lineup with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. This focus on continuity suggests that teams are prioritizing established talent as they prepare for the future, particularly looking ahead to the 2027 season.
Tue 1 Sep · 16:16 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen linked with return to Mercedes GT3Max Verstappen is rumored to be making a return to GT3 racing later this year. He has expressed a strong interest in the discipline and is reportedly seeking a high-profile teammate for his new entry.
+ 1 moreTue 1 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comToto Wolff surprised by Kimi Antonelli's 2026 progress: He’s "No longer a deer in the headlights"Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, expressed his astonishment at Kimi Antonelli's remarkable progress in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Initially struggling during his rookie year, Antonelli has shown significant improvement, finishing on the podium in nearly every race this season and leading the championship standings by a substantial margin. Wolff attributes this success not only to the technical suitability of the 2026 cars but also to Antonelli's ability to process his experiences and adapt to the racing environment more effectively than in his debut year.
Wolff reflected on the challenges Antonelli faced in 2025, including the pressures of being a rookie in a mature field and the overwhelming media attention. He believes that the familiarity of the team environment and the lessons learned during his first season have allowed Antonelli to thrive in 2026. Wolff's insights highlight the importance of both individual talent and team dynamics in achieving success in Formula 1.
Tue 1 Sep · 11:58 UTC
via gpfans.comLando Norris seeks salary increase to match top driversLando Norris has expressed a desire for a salary increase to match that of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. This statement comes shortly after he signed a new contract with McLaren.+ 1 moreTue 1 Sep · 11:27 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen told he’s ‘not going to win’ despite showing something very rare this yearMax Verstappen is facing a challenging season in 2026, as he has yet to secure a victory, marking the first time since 2015 that he has gone winless. Despite achieving two second-place finishes, he is struggling with the performance of the Red Bull RB22, which has been plagued by grip and balance issues throughout the year.
Tom Coronel has expressed doubts about Verstappen's chances of winning this season, citing ongoing problems with the car and the need for Red Bull to upgrade their engine. As Verstappen continues to push the limits in a less competitive vehicle, he may need to rely on misfortunes of his rivals to have a chance at victory.Tue 1 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via f1technical.netNorris rejects Mercedes claims as McLaren emerges as team to beat after Dutch GPLando Norris secured a victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, but he downplayed claims from Mercedes that McLaren is now the fastest team in Formula 1. Despite his win over Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Norris believes that Mercedes still possesses a stronger overall car, particularly in various circuit conditions. He highlighted the importance of driver performance, suggesting that his own skills were crucial in achieving the win at Zandvoort.
Norris pointed out that while McLaren has shown competitive performance, especially in high-speed sections, the team does not universally outperform Mercedes. He emphasized that the narrow margins in Formula 1 mean that a single mistake could significantly alter race outcomes, and he feels that his recent performance has contributed to the perception of McLaren as a leading team.
Tue 1 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli's 'driving tense' claim shows exactly why he's outperformed George Russell in 2026Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the leading driver in the 2026 Formula 1 championship, surpassing George Russell at Mercedes. His recent performances have led to team orders that favor him, highlighting a shift in the team's dynamics. Antonelli attributes his success to a relaxed approach to racing, emphasizing enjoyment over pressure, which he believes enhances his performance on the track.
In contrast, George Russell has struggled under the weight of expectations, finding himself tied for second in the standings with Lewis Hamilton. The article explores how Russell's eagerness to win may have negatively impacted his results this season, suggesting that his mindset differs significantly from Antonelli's, potentially affecting his championship aspirations.Tue 1 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Why is Antonelli taking grid penalties on home soil in Italy?Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, will start from the back of the grid at the Italian Grand Prix due to exceeding the allowed number of power units for the season. This decision comes after reliability issues with his engine, including an electrical failure during a previous race. As a result, he will incur a total of 20 grid places due to multiple component changes, significantly impacting his chances of maintaining his lead in the championship standings.
Mercedes has opted to take these penalties at Monza, a track known for easier overtaking, to avoid potential complications later in the season when the title race could become tighter. Meanwhile, teammate George Russell is also facing similar penalties but will not join Antonelli at the back this weekend, as Mercedes continues to manage their engine allocations strategically.Tue 1 Sep · 05:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli reveals how he is staying grounded in 2026 F1 title fightKimi Antonelli, the current leader of the 2026 Formula 1 championship, has shared insights on how he remains grounded during his title fight. At just 20 years old, he has already made history by becoming the youngest driver to lead the standings, thanks to his impressive performance, including back-to-back victories in China and Japan, and four wins before the summer break. With a 59-point lead over competitors, Antonelli is focused on maintaining his composure and not getting carried away by his success.
In his approach to racing, Antonelli highlights the importance of enjoying the experience and staying true to oneself, drawing inspiration from tennis legend Roger Federer. He believes that a relaxed mindset enhances his driving performance and allows him to better connect with the car. As the championship progresses, Antonelli remains aware that there is still much work to be done and aims to keep a positive perspective, even when faced with challenges.Mon 31 Aug · 19:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull to decide on Isack Hadjar's return at MonzaRed Bull Racing is nearing a decision regarding Isack Hadjar's participation in the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. Hadjar has been recovering from a wrist injury that kept him out of the previous race.
+ 1 moreMon 31 Aug · 17:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comA year without a win – The ugly statistics of Oscar Piastri's 2026 F1 seasonOscar Piastri has not secured a victory in Formula 1 since his win at the Dutch Grand Prix in August 2025. Despite starting the 2026 season with high hopes, he has faced numerous challenges, including power unit issues that prevented him from competing in Australia and China. His teammate, Lando Norris, has consistently outperformed him, winning several races and achieving a significant lead in qualifying statistics.
Piastri's struggles are attributed to difficulties with the McLaren MCL40's rear axle and his driving style, which has not adapted well to low-grip conditions. While recent upgrades have improved McLaren's competitiveness, Piastri continues to face issues with tire degradation and overall performance in races. His comments indicate a desire for better balance and downforce, highlighting the ongoing challenges he faces in the 2026 season.Mon 31 Aug · 15:06 UTC
via Motorsport.comJenson Button compares Alonso to SchumacherJenson Button has drawn parallels between racing against Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher. In his latest journal entry, Button expressed admiration for Alonso's standout abilities in Formula 1.+ 1 moreMon 31 Aug · 14:20 UTCPage 37 of 59