News499 stories
RSS ↗
via PlanetF1Imola emerges as potential host for F1 finaleImola is reportedly the leading candidate to host the Formula 1 season finale in 2026, as uncertainty surrounds the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This potential change comes amid discussions about the future of the F1 calendar, with Imola gaining support over other venues like Portimao and Barcelona.
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli discusses Lewis Hamilton's influenceKimi Antonelli has acknowledged the impact of Lewis Hamilton on his career as he approaches his first Formula 1 drivers' title. Antonelli also revealed that he has received messages from Sebastian Vettel, further highlighting the support from established figures in the sport.
via gpfans.comFIA penalty points: Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli update ahead of Azerbaijan Grand PrixAs the Azerbaijan Grand Prix approaches, both Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton have only one penalty point each, following recent expirations of their previous points. Antonelli's points were reduced after incidents at the Dutch and Monza Grands Prix, while Hamilton lost points for failing to slow under double yellow flags at the Dutch Grand Prix last year.
The current penalty point standings show Franco Colapinto leading with four points, while Liam Lawson and Lance Stroll follow with three. The FIA has been more lenient this season, with many drivers seeing their penalty points expire, which is crucial as exceeding 12 points results in a one-race ban.
via f1technical.netAntonelli reveals how he keeps his feet on the ground amid championship successAndrea Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes driver, has had a stellar 2026 Formula 1 season, highlighted by his recent victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. He currently holds a commanding lead in the Drivers' Championship, significantly ahead of his teammate George Russell. Despite his success, Antonelli remains grounded, attributing his focus to the strong support system around him, particularly his father, who helps him stay humble and focused on his performance.
As the championship race intensifies, Antonelli is determined not to let the pressure of leading the standings affect his driving. He emphasizes the importance of concentrating on each race and extracting the best from himself and his car, rather than getting caught up in the championship implications. Antonelli's mindset is to keep things simple and avoid overthinking, allowing him to maintain his competitive edge as the season progresses.
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner predicts Max Verstappen will go winless in 2026 F1 seasonGuenther Steiner, the former Haas Formula 1 team principal, has made a bold prediction that Max Verstappen will finish the 2026 Formula 1 season without a single victory. He believes that the current Red Bull Racing package is not competitive enough to secure wins, especially with strong performances from rivals Mercedes and McLaren.
Verstappen is currently sixth in the standings, significantly trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Despite achieving second place in several races this season, he has acknowledged a performance gap compared to his competitors, indicating that improvements are still needed in the car's setup and performance.
via Motorsport WeekNorris and Antonelli urge changes to Madring circuitLando Norris and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have called for modifications to the Madring circuit following its debut at the Spanish Grand Prix. Their comments come in response to the track's limitations highlighted during the race, which drew negative reactions from fans.
via RacingNews365Mercedes reveal clever tactic to deceive F1 rivalsMercedes has revealed that it uses secret codes during races to communicate with its drivers, ensuring that their strategies remain undisclosed to rival teams. This tactic was notably employed during the recent Spanish Grand Prix, where Kimi Antonelli secured his eighth victory of the season, aided by the timing of a virtual safety car.
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes' race-side engineering director, explained that the team discusses potential race interruptions beforehand and adjusts their plans accordingly. The use of secret codes, which are changed weekly, allows them to signal strategies without alerting competitors, as all communications can be monitored by other teams.
via RacingNews365Baku low-drag mastery points to one F1 team to fear in Azerbaijan GPMercedes arrives in Baku with strong momentum from recent races, particularly excelling in low-drag setups that suit the Azerbaijan Grand Prix's demands. Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are highlighted as key drivers to watch, with the W17 car demonstrating an effective balance of downforce and speed, crucial for the long straights and tight corners of the Baku circuit.
In contrast, Red Bull's Max Verstappen has shown improvement, podiuming in four of his last five races, making them a credible threat. Meanwhile, McLaren is reallocating engineering resources to support Oscar Piastri, while Ferrari's performance is under scrutiny due to concerns over their straight-line speed, which could hinder their competitiveness in Baku.
via gpfans.comHinchcliffe says Hamilton and Ferrari's 2026 hopes are overJames Hinchcliffe has stated that Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's chances of winning the 2026 Formula 1 championship are effectively finished after a costly retirement at the Spanish Grand Prix. The former IndyCar driver described Ferrari's performance as a 'resounding flop', further diminishing Hamilton's aspirations for an eighth world title.
via the-race.comWhat Mercedes' rivals got so badly wrong in F1 2026After a disappointing Spanish Grand Prix, both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell of Mercedes have acknowledged that the 2026 Formula 1 title race is effectively over, with Kimi Antonelli dominating the standings. Antonelli has secured eight victories in 14 races, leaving his rivals struggling to keep pace, with Hamilton and Russell both failing to win in their last six outings.
Ferrari's early-season potential has not translated into consistent performance, as they have been outmaneuvered politically and technically. Meanwhile, McLaren's Lando Norris has shown promise with recent wins, but the team admits to having fallen behind in development. Looking ahead, both Ferrari and McLaren are under pressure to improve for the 2027 season, with McLaren planning significant changes to their car design.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen surprisingly snubbed for Kimi Antonelli in F1 rankingGuenther Steiner, a former Formula 1 team principal, has expressed his preference for Kimi Antonelli over Max Verstappen in a hypothetical draft scenario. Steiner stated that if he had to choose a driver for a four-year contract, he would select Antonelli, citing his impressive performance this season as a key factor.
Kimi Antonelli has made a significant impact in Formula 1 this year, currently leading his teammate George Russell by 66 points and securing seven race victories. Steiner's comments highlight the rising star's potential, contrasting with Verstappen's established success, including four consecutive championships from 2021 to 2024.
via Motorsport.comLando Norris predicted to overtake George Russell in 2026 F1 standingsGuenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, has expressed confidence that Lando Norris will surpass George Russell in the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' championship standings. Currently, Norris sits in fourth place with 186 points, while Russell holds second with 211 points, and Kimi Antonelli leads the championship with 292 points.
Norris has recently experienced a surge in performance, winning consecutive races at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix. Following these victories, he emphasized the improvements within the McLaren team and his belief in their potential to compete for the championship. Norris remains optimistic about the team's ability to enhance their car and maintain their momentum as the season progresses.
via gpfans.comKimi Antonelli compared to Michael Schumacher by BenettonAlessandro Benetton, who won two world championships with Michael Schumacher, has drawn comparisons between Schumacher and rising star Kimi Antonelli. Benetton noted that Antonelli's talent and likability remind him of the legendary driver.
via PlanetF1Kimi Antonelli discusses friendship with Sebastian VettelKimi Antonelli has shared insights about his friendship with four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel as he approaches a significant milestone in his career. Antonelli is on track to potentially break one of Vettel's long-standing records this season.
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell struggles against Kimi Antonelli in 2026George Russell has faced challenges in keeping pace with his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged Russell's difficulties, which have raised questions about his title aspirations.
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner compares Madring backlash to Las Vegas debut with 2027 warningGuenther Steiner has called for urgent modifications to the Madring circuit following the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, which was criticized for its lack of excitement and overtaking opportunities. He highlighted the need for improvements to avoid repeating the negative reception that the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix received. Steiner emphasized that the organizers must ensure the track is suitable for the 2027 season, as it is part of a 10-year contract.
The race saw Kimi Antonelli secure his eighth victory of the season, further solidifying his lead in the drivers' standings. Steiner's comments reflect a broader concern about maintaining the quality and competitiveness of Formula 1 events, especially in new venues. He noted that while initial reactions can be negative, with time and adjustments, events like Las Vegas can become successful and iconic.
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli addresses Mercedes team dynamicsKimi Antonelli has responded to suggestions that he has become the team leader at Mercedes, amid speculation about George Russell's recent performance decline. Antonelli is currently in contention for his first Formula 1 title, with Lando Norris praising his impressive results against the more experienced Russell.
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.
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.
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.Page 4 of 25













