News929 stories
RSS ↗
via PlanetF1Untelevised Max Verstappen team radio emerges after Hamilton clashDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, an untelevised team radio exchange between Max Verstappen and his race engineer GianPiero Lambiase revealed that Hamilton was considered 'entitled' not to leave space for Verstappen during a near-collision. Lambiase emphasized that Verstappen needed to yield to Hamilton after he left the track to avoid a crash.
Verstappen ultimately complied with the team's instructions to let Hamilton back through, which also allowed Kimi Antonelli to pass. Despite the incident, Verstappen managed to secure a second-place finish, while Hamilton was forced to retire due to issues with his car.
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.
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.
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.
via Motorsport.comF1 clash avoided but can Lando Norris or Max Verstappen race at Le Mans 2027?The 2027 Formula 1 calendar allows for a potential participation of F1 drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in the Le Mans 24 Hours, as there are no direct schedule clashes. However, the Le Mans test day on June 6 coincides with the Monaco Grand Prix, posing a significant challenge for drivers who need to complete mandatory laps to qualify for the race.
Despite the logistical hurdles, there are pathways for F1 drivers to participate, such as applying for exemptions from the test day. Teams must also consider how to accommodate additional drivers in their line-ups, which could involve adding a third car, a complex decision given the current operational constraints and commitments of teams like McLaren and Ford.
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull addresses complex issue with Max Verstappen's carRed Bull Racing has acknowledged a 'complex' issue affecting Max Verstappen's RB22 as they work to resolve it. Team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that the situation poses a risk of a winless season for the team in 2026.
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.
via espn.comVerstappen on Max vs 100: 'Embarrassing' to loseMax Verstappen is set to compete in an event called 'Max vs 100' at Silverstone, where he will race against 100 go-karters. The competitors will come from various backgrounds, including Red Bull athletes and fans, all driving identical karts to ensure fairness. Verstappen will start at the back of the grid and aims to overtake all participants within 30 laps, with those overtaken being eliminated from the race.
Despite not having driven a go-kart since 2016, Verstappen is confident in his skills and preparation for the event. He acknowledges the challenge of racing against so many competitors but believes his extensive background in racing will give him an advantage. Verstappen has expressed that it would be embarrassing if he were to lose to the amateurs, emphasizing the importance of the event to him.
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.
via f1chronicle.comLewis Hamilton Concedes There Is No Stopping Kimi Antonelli as His Ferrari Title Hopes FadeLewis Hamilton faced a setback at the Spanish Grand Prix, retiring early due to a brake issue, which has left him significantly behind Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. After Antonelli secured his eighth victory of the season, Hamilton acknowledged that there seems to be no stopping Antonelli and Mercedes this year, marking a rare moment of surrender from the seven-time champion. Hamilton's retirement dropped him to 101 points behind Antonelli, who is now on track to potentially become the youngest World Champion in Formula 1 history.
Despite the growing gap in points, Antonelli remains focused on taking the season one race at a time, refusing to let the title prospects distract him. Hamilton, on the other hand, now shifts his focus to salvaging his season with Ferrari, as he grapples with the reality of his championship hopes fading. The next race in Baku presents an opportunity for Hamilton to recover, but the significant points deficit will require a strong comeback in the remaining races.
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies disagrees with Max Verstappen’s verdict on the Madring after Spanish Grand PrixThe Madring circuit received significant criticism during its inaugural Spanish Grand Prix, with many drivers expressing concerns about its layout and overtaking opportunities. Max Verstappen labeled the track a 'car killer' and noted the challenges it posed, while Nico Rosberg highlighted the lack of exciting racing. Despite these issues, Liam Lawson managed to execute a notable overtaking maneuver, but the race was largely seen as uneventful, with Kimi Antonelli taking the victory ahead of Verstappen.
In contrast to Verstappen's negative view, Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, expressed optimism about the Madring's potential to become an iconic race in Formula 1. He commended the event's organization and the circuit's diverse layout, suggesting that it has the elements necessary for a memorable race. Mekies believes that with further improvements, the Madring could evolve into a significant venue in the F1 calendar.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris makes major car swap as Max Verstappen title requirement revealed - RacingNews365Lando Norris has recently tested McLaren's new hypercar, which is scheduled to compete in the World Endurance Championship starting next year. This marks a significant step for McLaren as they expand their racing portfolio beyond Formula 1.
In related news, Toto Wolff has outlined what he believes Max Verstappen will require to contend for the championship in 2027, likely against Kimi Antonelli. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton's title aspirations have dwindled significantly, with his points gap increasing to 101 after a challenging series of races.
via RacingNews365David Coulthard calls Kimi Antonelli a phenomenonKimi Antonelli continues to lead the championship, recently securing his eighth victory of the season in Madrid. Former F1 driver David Coulthard has praised Antonelli's talent, rejecting suggestions that his success is merely due to luck.
via Motorsport WeekF1 photographer allegedly put in chokehold by police at Spanish GPDuring the recent Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit, an incident involving a police officer and an FIA-accredited photographer occurred. The photographer, who is contracted to Williams F1, was attempting to access the podium ceremony through a designated media passageway when he was allegedly placed in a chokehold by a member of the Policia Nacional Espanyol. Footage of the altercation has circulated on social media, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of the police's response.
The photographer was reportedly wearing official team attire and had identification confirming his accreditation. Fellow journalist Daniel Atan shared images of the incident, describing it as surreal. Another post claimed that the photographer was assaulted and thrown to the ground while carrying expensive equipment. As of now, the exact reasons behind the police's aggressive reaction remain unclear.
via Motorsport.comFerrari to continue developing SF-26 despite challengesFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed that the team will maintain its focus on developing the SF-26 Formula 1 car. This decision comes even as the team's chances for the championship appear to be decreasing.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen urged to fight back in controversial Madrid decision verdictDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen's decision to relinquish two positions to Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton has sparked debate among fans, with a slight majority believing it was a mistake. The incident occurred on the first lap when Verstappen avoided a collision with Hamilton, leading to Red Bull's instruction to give back the positions to prevent a potential penalty from the stewards.
The race took a turn when a virtual safety car was triggered by Lance Stroll's brake failure, which affected Lando Norris's pit strategy. Norris, who was leading, could not pit in time and ultimately lost the race to Antonelli, while Verstappen capitalized on the situation to finish second. The outcome raises questions about whether Verstappen's early decision to give up positions was the right call, especially considering Hamilton's subsequent retirement.
via Formula1.comWho impressed our Power Rankings judges in Madrid?The Spanish Grand Prix saw Kimi Antonelli take victory after a strategic advantage during a Virtual Safety Car, which hindered Lando Norris's chances of winning. Despite leading early in the race, Norris had to settle for third place, while Max Verstappen capitalized on the situation to finish second, marking a solid performance for Red Bull. Franco Colapinto and Nico Hulkenberg also had notable finishes, with Colapinto achieving seventh and Hulkenberg rounding out the top ten.
The race was challenging for several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, who retired due to brake issues after showing promise in practice. Esteban Ocon managed to improve from a difficult mid-season, finishing just outside the points. Liam Lawson, filling in for Isack Hadjar, delivered his best result in sixth place. Overall, the weekend showcased a mix of strategic plays and driver performances that shaped the latest Power Rankings.
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff reveals Max Verstappen need for 2027 F1 title tiltToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has outlined what Max Verstappen requires to compete for the championship in 2027. Currently, Verstappen is positioned sixth in the drivers' standings, significantly trailing Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship. Wolff noted that while Verstappen is an exceptional driver, he needs a top-performing car and engine to be a contender for the title.
Wolff also addressed the impressive performance of Antonelli, who has secured eight wins this season, including notable victories in Japan and Monza. However, he cautioned against drawing direct comparisons between Antonelli and Verstappen, emphasizing the difference in experience and achievements between the two drivers. Wolff's comments highlight the importance of machinery in determining championship outcomes.
via Sky Sports F1'It's hard to understand' - what now for Russell amid Antonelli 'pain'?George Russell is currently facing a significant challenge in the Formula 1 season, trailing Kimi Antonelli by 81 points in the championship standings. After a disappointing performance at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished fifth, Russell acknowledged that his chances of winning the drivers' title are slim. He has struggled to keep pace with Antonelli, having only outperformed him in two of their last ten races. Nico Rosberg commented on Russell's motivation, suggesting that the pain of losing is driving him to improve.
Despite the setbacks, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remains optimistic about Russell's potential to bounce back. He noted that Russell has shown flashes of speed, particularly towards the end of recent races, and emphasized the need to analyze and unlock the performance of the W17 car. With nine races left in the season, Russell aims to focus on improving his results and supporting the team in the constructors' championship, even as he comes to terms with his current position in the drivers' standings.Page 10 of 47













