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via RacingNews365Carlos Sainz comments on Hamilton and Leclerc spatCarlos Sainz has weighed in on the recent team orders controversy involving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during the Italian Grand Prix. He emphasized the importance of responsibility among drivers in such situations.
via Motorsport.comLawson and Tsunoda Address Verstappen's 2026 F1 CommentsLiam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have responded to Max Verstappen's remarks regarding the impact of driver input on the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars. Verstappen suggested that recent results indicate a diminished role for drivers, a claim both drivers addressed in their comments.
via thejudge13.comVerstappen confirms talks with McLaren before Red Bull extensionMax Verstappen has confirmed that he engaged in discussions with McLaren prior to extending his contract with Red Bull until 2030. Although he was already under contract until 2028, the talks with McLaren were serious enough to indicate that they were more than mere speculation. Verstappen emphasized that such discussions are a normal part of evaluating his future, but ultimately decided that remaining with Red Bull was the best choice for his career aspirations.
Verstappen described his relationship with Red Bull as akin to a second family and expressed confidence in the team's future direction. He believes that staying with Red Bull will allow him to achieve his ambitions, especially with significant technical changes coming in the 2026 season. His commitment to Red Bull not only solidifies his place in the team but also prevents one of the biggest potential driver moves in recent years.
via thejudge13.comItalian media report internal crisis at FerrariFerrari faced significant challenges during the recent Italian Grand Prix, where they only managed to secure 8 points. The race was marred by a collision between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, leading to Hamilton's drop in position and subsequent criticism of Ferrari's management, particularly team principal Fred Vasseur.
The internal dynamics at Ferrari are under scrutiny, with media reports indicating that Vasseur's leadership is being questioned amid calls for better team coordination. Hamilton's remarks have sparked discussions about team strategy and leadership, drawing parallels to past tensions within the team, particularly during Fernando Alonso's tenure.
via f1oversteer.comGuenther Steiner snubs Max Verstappen as he names F1 driver who’d be his ‘first pick in the draft’Guenther Steiner has made headlines by selecting Kimi Antonelli as his first pick in a hypothetical Formula 1 draft, placing him ahead of Max Verstappen. Antonelli has had a remarkable 2026 season, leading the championship with seven wins and a significant points lead. Steiner expressed confidence that Antonelli will surpass Verstappen's performance in the coming years, highlighting the young driver's impressive turnaround from his rookie season.
In addition to Antonelli, Steiner also picked Lando Norris for his junior team, showcasing his belief in the talents of both drivers. He acknowledged the challenge of selecting from numerous young talents for his team, indicating a competitive landscape in F1. This decision comes as Verstappen, despite his past dominance, faces challenges in the current season, sitting sixth in the standings after a series of regulation changes.
via Motorsport.comVerstappen criticises modern F1 cars for lack of challengeMax Verstappen has expressed concerns about the current generation of Formula 1 cars, stating they are too easy to drive and limit responsiveness. He believes that the changes in power units have diminished the driving challenge, making it less demanding for drivers to perform at a high level.
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton made one big Ferrari mistake and now he is paying - 'Why didn't he get it sorted'Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration with Ferrari's performance following a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix. His drop in positions during the race was attributed to a collision with teammate Charles Leclerc, which led to further criticism of the team's strategy and management under team principal Fred Vasseur.
Hamilton's current standing in the championship shows he is 76 points behind Kimi Antonelli, raising concerns about Ferrari's ability to compete effectively this season. Analyst Peter Windsor suggested that Hamilton's issues stem from not addressing team dynamics before joining Ferrari, indicating that the current situation could have been avoided.
via gpfans.comF1 champion Max Verstappen reveals his 'bucket list' races after Nurburgring adventureMax Verstappen has shared his aspirations for future racing events, particularly after his experience at the Nurburgring 24 Hours. He is keen on participating in various endurance races, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, and has discussed the possibility of collaborating with fellow driver Fernando Alonso for this event.
Verstappen emphasized that he wants to approach these races on his own terms and in a competitive environment. Despite his criticisms of current F1 regulations, he remains committed to the sport and is motivated by the hope for improvements in the coming years, as he continues his career with Red Bull through 2030.
via f1oversteer.comOne F1 driver was ‘99% sure’ he’d become Lewis Hamilton’s teammate before last-minute phone callIn 2008, Pedro de la Rosa believed he was on the verge of becoming Lewis Hamilton's teammate at McLaren after Fernando Alonso's departure. He had been in contact with team principal Ron Dennis and felt confident about securing the seat, even making personal changes to impress the team.
However, de la Rosa was ultimately informed by Martin Whitmarsh that McLaren had decided to sign Heikki Kovalainen instead. This news was a disappointment for de la Rosa, who felt he was competitive enough for the role, but Whitmarsh pointed out Kovalainen's youth as a significant factor in the decision.
via f1oversteer.comWhere Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc stand on Fred Vasseur as Ferrari’s ‘Plan B’ identifiedFerrari is facing challenges in the 2026 season, leading to doubts about team principal Fred Vasseur's future. Despite having taken the role in December 2022, recent performances and driver clashes have prompted the team to consider Antonello Coletta as a potential replacement. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc currently support Vasseur, but their confidence may wane if issues persist.
The team's management is reportedly dissatisfied with Vasseur's handling of the drivers and overall performance. While Vasseur has a contract through at least 2027, the leadership is contemplating a shift to Coletta, who has had success in the World Endurance Championship. As Ferrari navigates these uncertainties, the outcome of their internal dynamics will be crucial for their future in Formula 1.
via the-race.comThe driver handling lessons Ferrari can take from two big rivalsFerrari is at a crossroads regarding how to manage its drivers, especially after recent incidents that highlighted the need for a clear strategy. Team principal Fred Vasseur has indicated that a decision is imminent, with various options on the table, including prioritizing one driver or maintaining equal status. The challenges faced by rivals like McLaren and Mercedes in managing their drivers provide valuable lessons for Ferrari as it navigates its own issues.
McLaren's experience with its 'Papaya Rules' demonstrates the difficulties of balancing individual driver interests with team goals, while Mercedes has implemented a 'racing intent' framework to mitigate conflicts. Vasseur recognizes that there is no perfect solution and that the dynamics of driver relationships require constant evaluation. As Ferrari considers its next steps, the importance of establishing clear rules and fostering unity among drivers will be crucial to avoid further complications.
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri explains 'quite bizarre' Italian GP battle with Lewis HamiltonOscar Piastri had a strong performance at the Italian Grand Prix, finishing in fifth place after a competitive battle with Lewis Hamilton. The race featured significant energy management challenges, which Piastri found unusual and difficult to navigate, especially during his exchanges with Hamilton.
Despite the challenges, Piastri noted that the experience was better than a race with no action. He reflected on the strategic aspects of energy usage, highlighting how Hamilton's aggressive battery use initially gave him an advantage before Piastri managed to reclaim his position.
via RaceFansVerstappen to compete in world-record go-kart raceMax Verstappen is set to participate in a unique go-kart race featuring 100 competitors. The event, titled 'Max vs 100', will allow him to communicate with his rivals during the race.
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Adrian Newey can help Fernando Alonso show he is 'as good as' Max VerstappenJuan Pablo Montoya has expressed confidence that Adrian Newey can enhance Fernando Alonso's performance to match that of Max Verstappen, particularly as Alonso navigates a challenging 2026 season with Aston Martin. Despite the team's struggles, Montoya believes that Alonso's skills remain on par with the best in the sport, contingent on having a competitive car and engine.
Montoya also discussed Alonso's longevity in Formula 1, attributing it to the reduced testing demands of the current era. He reflected on the rigorous testing schedules of the past, suggesting that modern drivers benefit from a more manageable workload, which helps them avoid burnout and maintain their performance levels.
via Sky Sports F1Chandhok praises Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes choiceKarun Chandhok has commented on Kimi Antonelli's decision to join the Mercedes junior programme instead of Ferrari. He believes this choice has alleviated some of the pressure on Antonelli.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen outlines greatest desire for post-F1 careerMax Verstappen has revealed his desire to transition into endurance racing once he concludes his Formula 1 career. He has a deep appreciation for this style of racing and has already participated in events such as the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, indicating that he is eager to explore more opportunities in this field.
Verstappen has extended his contract with Red Bull until 2030, but he remains focused on endurance racing as a future goal. He has expressed interest in competing in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and has discussed the possibility of teaming up with Fernando Alonso, although he acknowledges that their schedules must align for this to happen.
via CrashNico Rosberg reveals why Ferrari can’t back Lewis Hamilton in F1 title fightNico Rosberg has articulated the reasons why Ferrari cannot support Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc in the ongoing 2026 Formula 1 title race. Despite Hamilton's status as a seven-time world champion, he finds himself significantly behind the current leader, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, after a disappointing performance at the Italian Grand Prix where both he and Leclerc faced challenges. Rosberg emphasized that Leclerc remains a strong contender for the championship, complicating any potential team orders in favor of Hamilton.
Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, echoed Rosberg's sentiments, asserting that it is premature for the team to make a decision to back one driver exclusively. He referenced a previous season's situation with McLaren to illustrate the risks of making early decisions in a competitive environment. As the season progresses, Vasseur indicated that discussions regarding driver support would take place, but for now, both drivers must be given equal opportunities.
via thejudge13.comIts not as bad as 2014, but Ferrari are in serious troubleFerrari is facing significant challenges in the 2026 Formula 1 season, currently trailing behind Mercedes and their driver Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship standings. Despite having made upgrades to their power unit, Ferrari's performance has not improved sufficiently to compete with Mercedes or McLaren, leading to concerns about their competitiveness this season.
The introduction of a cost cap and the ADUO programme has altered the landscape of engine development, but Ferrari's recent upgrades have not yielded the expected results. Team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that catching up to Mercedes may take longer than anticipated, indicating a tough road ahead for the Scuderia as they look to improve their performance in future races.
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen reveals message to Red Bull team in huge contract negotiationsMax Verstappen recently extended his contract with Red Bull Racing, committing to the team until 2030, albeit with some exit clauses. He emphasized the importance of his relationship with the team, describing them as a 'second family' and highlighting their support beyond his racing career as a key factor in his decision to stay.
During the contract negotiations, Verstappen reassured the team not to worry about his future, urging them to concentrate on improving the car's performance. He stated that his primary concern was on-track success rather than contract discussions, as he was also busy with other commitments outside of Formula 1.
via thejudge13.comThe implication of Hamilton calling for Mercedes style rules at FerrariLewis Hamilton's transition to Ferrari has been tumultuous, with his initial season resulting in a record for the longest wait for a podium finish. However, with the new 2026 regulations, Hamilton has regained some form, leading Leclerc in race finishes and currently holding a 36-point advantage in the standings. Despite this, he has expressed concerns about team dynamics and has called for clearer rules of engagement within Ferrari, reminiscent of his time at Mercedes.
Tensions have escalated following a collision between Hamilton and Leclerc during the Italian Grand Prix, leading Hamilton to criticize the team's operations and suggest that Ferrari's leadership needs to implement a structured approach similar to Mercedes. His comments have sparked discussions about the cultural differences between the two teams and raised questions about the future of Ferrari's management, particularly team principal Fred Vasseur.Page 18 of 51













