News1014 stories
RSS ↗
via CrashRachel Brookes Discusses Emotional Exit from Sky Sports F1Rachel Brookes has shared her feelings regarding her recent departure from Sky Sports F1. She highlighted the supportive responses she received from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during this challenging time.
+ 1 moreFri 31 Jul · 08:42 UTC
via RaceFansWhy Mercedes believe Antonelli was especially unlucky with his grid penalty | Formula 1Mercedes expressed their belief that Andrea Kimi Antonelli was particularly unlucky to receive a grid penalty during qualifying for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix. The penalty was a three-place grid drop due to a yellow flag infringement, where Antonelli's time in a specific mini-sector was only marginally slower than his best time.
Simone Resta, Mercedes' deputy technical director, argued that the benchmark lap used for comparison was not an ideal representation of Antonelli's capabilities. He suggested that Antonelli had indeed lost time in that sector compared to other laps, indicating that the penalty may not have accurately reflected his performance.
Fri 31 Jul · 08:21 UTC
via espn.comMid-Season Grades Assigned to F1 Drivers and TeamsAs the Formula 1 season reaches its mid-point, various outlets have assigned grades to drivers and teams. Notably, Kimi Antonelli received an A+, while Lewis Hamilton earned an A- in the evaluations.
Thu 30 Jul · 20:19 UTC
via grandprix.comDomenicali doubts Verstappen will quit F1Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, expressed skepticism about Max Verstappen's potential departure from the sport, asserting that Formula 1 would continue to flourish without him. He highlighted the ongoing discussions regarding regulation changes, which aim to enhance the racing experience and address concerns raised by drivers, including Verstappen. The adjustments include a shift in power distribution for the 2027 season and a future return to V8 engines by 2031.
Domenicali also noted that while some manufacturers resisted more aggressive changes, both Mercedes and Red Bull were in favor. He believes that Verstappen has a strong affinity for Formula 1 and anticipates that he will remain in the sport. Additionally, Domenicali plans to unveil a new set of regulations by the end of the year, focusing on simplifying the technical aspects and improving the overall racing spectacle.
via grandprix.comAntonelli lawsuit about respect and principlesThe lawsuit against Kimi Antonelli, initiated by his former manager Giovanni Minardi, centers on claims of unpaid compensation following the termination of their management agreement. Minardi argues that his years of support and investment in Antonelli's career warrant recognition beyond financial compensation.
The legal action has unfolded over nearly a year with multiple court hearings, and attempts to settle the matter outside of court have failed. Minardi emphasizes that the case is rooted in principles and respect, highlighting his long-term commitment to Antonelli's development as a driver.
via espn.comHamilton blocked, dissed UFC star who shot a pigLewis Hamilton publicly criticized UFC fighter Jon Jones for a video in which Jones shot a pig from a helicopter, labeling him a 'coward' and blocking him on social media. This interaction stemmed from a hunting trip Jones took with Army Rangers, where he expressed pride in his kill, which he later donated to a family in need. Hamilton's response highlighted his strong advocacy for animal rights and his preference for more traditional hunting methods.
Jones, reflecting on the incident in a recent interview, expressed regret over Hamilton's reaction and apologized for the situation. Hamilton, a long-time supporter of animal rights, has been vocal about his lifestyle choices, including his switch to a plant-based diet, and has received recognition for his advocacy efforts. The exchange underscores the differing views on hunting and animal rights between the two sports figures.Wed 29 Jul · 15:59 UTC
via CrashLewis Hamilton's warning for the second half of the 2026 F1 seasonLewis Hamilton is in a competitive position as the Formula 1 season approaches its second half, sitting second in the standings, 50 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli. Despite having only one win this season, Hamilton's consistent performance keeps him in contention for the championship, especially as he anticipates improvements in his team's performance after the summer break. He has expressed confidence that the second half of the season will yield better results for him, drawing on his historical strength during this period in previous seasons.
The current season has seen significant developments due to new regulations, making it a challenging environment for all teams. McLaren recently secured its first victory of the year, while Red Bull remains a strong competitor with Max Verstappen. Hamilton acknowledges the need for his team to push hard for upgrades, as the competition intensifies and teams continue to make gains with new packages.Wed 29 Jul · 15:51 UTC
via Crash'He wants to be winning' - Rachel Brookes stokes Max Verstappen Red Bull exit flamesMax Verstappen's future with Red Bull Racing has become a hot topic, particularly as the team has seen a significant departure of key personnel. Former Sky Sports presenter Rachel Brookes suggested that Verstappen is considering leaving the team, especially after a secret meeting with McLaren, although both McLaren and Mercedes have dismissed immediate moves for him. The ongoing struggles of Red Bull in the current regulations have intensified these speculations about Verstappen's commitment to the team.
Despite being offered a lucrative contract extension that could keep him at Red Bull until 2029, Brookes emphasized that Verstappen's desire to win races again is paramount. He has expressed frustration with the team's performance and has ruled out taking a break from racing, indicating that if he leaves, he would not return. The situation remains fluid as Verstappen weighs his options amid the team's challenges and personnel changes.Wed 29 Jul · 12:44 UTC
via CrashToto Wolff issues Kimi Antonelli and George Russell a harsh ultimatum in F1 title battleToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has issued a stern warning to drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell regarding their championship battle, stating he would take drastic measures if tensions escalate similar to the past rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. This season marks a significant competition within the team, with Antonelli currently leading the championship standings by a considerable margin, although Russell's performance has been hampered by reliability issues.
Wolff emphasized the importance of maintaining team harmony and learning from previous experiences, expressing his dissatisfaction with recent performance issues, particularly during the race in Hungary. He also criticized the communication failures from other teams that affected race conditions. Overall, Wolff is focused on ensuring a strong performance from Mercedes as they head into the summer break.Wed 29 Jul · 08:43 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen Expected to Announce Red Bull Contract ExtensionMax Verstappen is anticipated to confirm his contract extension with Red Bull during the upcoming Zandvoort race weekend. Reports suggest that the deal could keep him with the team until 2028.+ 1 moreTue 28 Jul · 15:36 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull already weighing early switch to 2027 carRed Bull Racing is contemplating an early transition to its 2027 car due to ongoing performance issues with the current model, which Max Verstappen has openly criticized. Despite his ability to secure podium finishes, Verstappen's dissatisfaction with the car's competitiveness has led to discussions within the team about balancing development efforts between the current season and the next. Team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that the team may need to shift focus sooner than in previous years, especially given the challenges posed by the car's narrow operating window and the pressure to improve performance.
The team has implemented numerous upgrades in an attempt to enhance the car's performance, but Mekies admitted that maintaining the current development pace may not be sustainable. Verstappen's unique sensitivity to the car's behavior has been highlighted as a significant asset, although he remains focused on winning rather than merely finishing on the podium. Teammate Isack Hadjar also expressed frustration with the car's handling and the strategic decisions made during races, indicating a broader concern within the team about their competitive standing.
via theguardian.comF1 summer report card: from top of the class Mercedes to the team that must do betterAs the Formula 1 season reaches its mid-point, Mercedes has established itself as the dominant team, securing eight victories and leading the constructors' championship by a significant margin. Kimi Antonelli, a promising young driver, has excelled, winning five consecutive races and holding a substantial lead in the drivers' standings. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has shown a resurgence, claiming his first win in nearly two years at the Spanish Grand Prix, highlighting his competitive spirit at 41 years old.
In contrast, Aston Martin has faced numerous challenges, including a lack of performance and multiple retirements, leading to a disappointing season thus far. Despite a recent overhaul of their car, the team is still striving for improvements, with hopes of achieving better results in the second half of the season. The dynamics among the teams and drivers suggest an intriguing battle as the season progresses.
Tue 28 Jul · 07:00 UTC
via BBC SportLewis Hamilton Faces Criticism for Recent Penalties in F1Lewis Hamilton has been criticized for making several 'careless mistakes' that have resulted in penalties during recent races. Ferrari's performance issues and errors have also contributed to the team's struggles, particularly highlighted during the Hungarian Grand Prix.
+ 2 moreTue 28 Jul · 06:42 UTC
via grandprix.comHadjar staying, Verstappen offered richer dealRed Bull Racing has proposed a more lucrative contract to Max Verstappen, aiming to extend his tenure until after the 2029 season and eliminate his release clause. Verstappen's current salary of around 65 million euros per year is expected to increase, and both parties are engaged in ongoing discussions about the future of their collaboration. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is likely to continue as Verstappen's teammate after a solid performance at the Hungarian GP, where he finished P6.
Toto Wolff of Mercedes indicated that there will be no immediate changes to their driver lineup, citing the need for car stability rather than driver changes. He acknowledged the potential appeal of a Verstappen-Antonelli pairing but emphasized satisfaction with the current dynamic between their drivers. Mekies reiterated that the team's focus remains on optimizing the car for Verstappen to ensure competitive performance.
via theguardian.comMcLaren’s team principal hails ‘great trajectory’ of Lando Norris after winLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking McLaren's first win of the season. His performance showcased not only his driving skills but also a notable improvement in his psychological approach, as highlighted by team principal Andrea Stella. Norris's ability to remain composed after initially dropping a position to teammate Oscar Piastri was crucial in regaining the lead and securing the win against strong competitors like Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
Meanwhile, George Russell faced challenges during the race, finishing seventh after a slow start due to technical issues. His frustrations with the season's repeated problems were evident, as he expressed a sense of resignation regarding his performance. Despite these setbacks, the focus remained on Norris's development and the promising trajectory of his career within the team.Mon 27 Jul · 10:30 UTC
via AutosportHow Ferrari's Hungarian GP meltdown cost a shot at the F1 podiumFerrari faced a disappointing outcome at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc failed to reach the podium despite expectations of strong performance. Hamilton started from P5 due to a penalty, while Leclerc began in P2 but struggled to maintain position, ultimately finishing fifth behind Hamilton. The team's challenges were compounded by tire issues and execution mistakes during the race, leading to a lack of consistency in performance.
The race highlighted the unpredictability of Ferrari's SF-26, which did not deliver as anticipated on a track where it was expected to excel. Both drivers noted that their pace was not competitive enough, and the team acknowledged that errors in strategy and execution played a significant role in their inability to capitalize on their potential. As a result, Ferrari's hopes for a podium finish were dashed, with McLaren's Norris taking the victory.
Mon 27 Jul · 07:13 UTC
via theguardian.com‘Pretty bad’: Lewis Hamilton hits out at Ferrari after dropping points in F1 title raceLewis Hamilton faced disappointment at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. This result has left him trailing Kimi Antonelli by 50 points in the championship standings. Hamilton criticized his team's strategy, particularly the late pit stop that cost him valuable track position and points. He expressed a desire to improve and avoid further penalties in the upcoming races.
Lando Norris celebrated his first win of the season, showcasing strong performance and confidence in his driving. He feels he is performing at a higher level compared to the previous season, despite the challenges posed by the car's handling. Both Hamilton and Norris are looking forward to the second half of the season, hoping to capitalize on their potential and make significant gains in the championship.Sun 26 Jul · 19:51 UTC
via AutosportLando Norris Secures First Win of 2026 Hungarian Grand PrixLando Norris achieved his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. His teammate Oscar Piastri faced a gearbox failure, leading to his retirement from the race.+ 2 moreSun 26 Jul · 14:57 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull cuts Verstappen media as car criticism eruptsMax Verstappen expressed significant dissatisfaction with the performance of the 2026 Red Bull car, describing it as aerodynamically broken and undriveable. Following his qualifying session in Hungary, Red Bull restricted his media interactions, which raised eyebrows as his teammate continued to engage with the press. Verstappen's comments highlighted ongoing issues with the car's balance and reliability, suggesting a deeper problem that needs addressing before the race.
In addition to the car concerns, Verstappen played a role in persuading Tom Hart to remain with Red Bull, where he is expected to succeed Gianpiero Lambiase as Verstappen's race engineer. This decision came after Hart was initially slated to join Williams. The situation reflects both the challenges Verstappen faces with the current car and the strategic moves within the Red Bull team regarding engineering personnel.
via AutosportRussell to undergo Mercedes engine change but avoids F1 Hungarian GP grid dropGeorge Russell of Mercedes will replace his V6 engine ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix due to a water leak detected during qualifying. Despite the engine change, he will maintain his seventh position on the grid, as the replacement is of the same specification and does not incur a grid penalty. Russell's teammate, Kimi Antonelli, qualified fourth but is under investigation for a potential infraction during the session.
In qualifying, Lando Norris achieved pole position, marking a significant moment as it ended Mercedes' streak of qualifying dominance this season. Lewis Hamilton, who qualified second, faces a three-place grid drop for impeding another driver, which could elevate Antonelli to third if he avoids penalties. The situation highlights the competitive dynamics among the top teams as they head into the race.Sat 25 Jul · 16:58 UTCPage 48 of 51