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via Motorsport.comWho slept worst last night: Carlos SainzCarlos Sainz has been under scrutiny following his performance in the Spanish Grand Prix and his role as an ambassador for the Madring circuit. His recent struggles in Formula 1 have led to criticism, particularly regarding the lackluster design of the circuit, which many feel does not showcase the host city effectively.
During the race, Sainz attempted an aggressive move at the start but ended up colliding with Yuki Tsunoda, resulting in damage to his car. This incident, along with a subsequent five-second penalty, has added to the challenges he faces as he seeks to return to competitive form in the sport.
Mon 14 Sep · 05:46 UTCWikimedia Commons · Off The Track Media · CC BY 2.0Ben Sulayem claims Alonso has decided to stayFIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has revealed that Fernando Alonso has privately assured him of his intention to remain in Formula 1. Despite this claim, Alonso has yet to make an official announcement, and discussions with Aston Martin regarding a new contract are reportedly complex, with financial terms and regulatory dissatisfaction being key issues.
Alonso expressed his feelings about the Madrid GP, stating he was unsure if it would be his last race in Spain. He also highlighted the need for improvements in the current F1 product, indicating that his discussions with the FIA are separate from his personal decision. Additionally, Alonso's race was marred by an incident with Carlos Sainz, who received a penalty for the contact.
via Formula1.comWhat the teams said – Race day in SpainThe 2026 Spanish Grand Prix saw Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes take victory after a strategic pit stop during a Virtual Safety Car period, marking his eighth win of the season. George Russell, also from Mercedes, finished fifth after a challenging race that involved two pit stops, while Max Verstappen from Red Bull secured second place, demonstrating strong race pace despite some early challenges.
Liam Lawson, also from Red Bull, finished sixth after starting on hard tires and facing difficulties with his strategy. The race highlighted the importance of timing and strategy, particularly with the Virtual Safety Car impacting the outcomes for several drivers. Mercedes expressed satisfaction with their performance at the new Madring circuit, while Red Bull acknowledged the strong efforts from their drivers.
Sun 13 Sep · 19:01 UTC
via Sky Sports F1'There's no stopping Antonelli' - Hamilton says 2026 F1 title bid is overLewis Hamilton faced a setback in his 2026 title bid after retiring early from the Spanish Grand Prix due to a brake-pedal issue. This retirement allowed Kimi Antonelli to secure his eighth victory of the season, further extending his lead in the championship standings over his Mercedes teammate George Russell.
Despite his significant lead, Antonelli remains focused on a race-by-race approach rather than contemplating the championship. Hamilton's early retirement has left him 101 points behind Antonelli, while Lando Norris trails Hamilton by five points in the standings.
Sun 13 Sep · 18:06 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAlonso and Sainz blame each other for Madrid crashFernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz exchanged accusations following their collision during the race at the Madring circuit. Alonso criticized Sainz for forcing him toward the wall, while Sainz defended himself by calling the penalty excessive and pointing to the track's design.
+ 1 moreSun 13 Sep · 17:30 UTC
via Motorsport WeekEx-F1 star urges Spain to ‘not fall asleep’ on producing the next Fernando AlonsoPedro de la Rosa, a former F1 driver, has called for increased investment in young Spanish drivers to ensure the continuation of success in Formula 1, following the legacies of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent to maintain Spain's presence in the sport, especially with the recent addition of the Madring circuit hosting its second Grand Prix.
De la Rosa praised the rapid development of the Madring circuit and highlighted the need for Spanish companies to support emerging drivers. He noted that while Spain currently has notable drivers, the lack of investment could hinder the country's chances of producing future champions. De la Rosa's comments serve as a reminder for Spain to capitalize on its current F1 successes and actively foster the next generation of racing talent.
Sun 13 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via grandprix.comSainz asks Madring to fix blind high-speed sectionsCarlos Sainz has raised safety concerns regarding the Madring circuit, particularly about restricted visibility in high-speed sections. He highlighted that driving at speeds between 162 and 168 mph without a clear view was alarming and called for the FIA and organizers to consider driver feedback for necessary changes after the inaugural race.
Max Verstappen echoed Sainz's sentiments, advocating for driver consultation during the circuit design phase rather than post-race. He noted that adjusting braking zones on paper is more feasible than altering physical structures after construction. The drivers are expected to present their suggestions for improvements based on their experiences during the race.
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris Outperforming Oscar Piastri in 2026 SeasonRalf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya have commented on Lando Norris's performance relative to teammate Oscar Piastri at McLaren in 2026. Both analysts suggest that Norris's skills are highlighting Piastri's struggles in comparison.Sun 13 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekPierre Gasly stumped by sudden pace loss after Q2 exit in MadridPierre Gasly experienced a surprising decline in performance during the qualifying session for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, resulting in his elimination in Q2 and a 14th place starting position. He was perplexed by the drastic change in the car's behavior compared to earlier in the weekend, indicating that he felt comfortable with the car's balance prior to qualifying.
Gasly plans to work with his team to investigate the issues that led to the loss of grip and performance. He expressed skepticism about his chances in the upcoming race, suggesting that he might need to take risks to improve his situation. Despite the overall improvement in track conditions, he remains uncertain about the car's competitiveness in the high-speed sections of the circuit.Sun 13 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via newsonf1.comVerstappen says Alonso must decide F1 future himselfSep.13 (GMM) Max Verstappen says Fernando Alonso should not be persuaded into extending his Formula 1 career, as the Spaniard continues to blame the current regulations for making him consider walking away. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has openly said he wants to convince the 45-year-old to stay, but Verstappen believes the decision belongs entirely…
via gpfans.comMercedes F1 boss reveals Spanish GP tyre concern: 'Our strategy chief said six stops'Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff expressed surprise at the high levels of tyre degradation observed during the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit. Despite expectations of minimal wear due to the new asphalt, the team faced challenges with tyre temperatures and wear, leading to a significant degradation rate of eight tenths per lap.
Wolff revealed that the team's chief strategist had proposed the possibility of six pit stops during the race, although he later revised this prediction to one stop. This race comes after a successful weekend for Mercedes at Monza, where they achieved a one-two finish, with Kimi Antonelli leading the drivers' championship.
Sat 12 Sep · 20:15 UTC
via Formula1.comWhat the teams said – Qualifying in SpainLando Norris of McLaren achieved pole position for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, clocking a lap time of 1:31.824. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, faced challenges during qualifying, ultimately finishing in 7th place. Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes narrowly missed pole, qualifying 2nd, while George Russell ended up in 6th position after a less than ideal final run.
The qualifying session highlighted the competitive nature of the field, with only fractions of seconds separating the top drivers. Teams expressed mixed feelings about their performances, with McLaren celebrating Norris's achievement while acknowledging Piastri's potential for improvement. Mercedes remained optimistic about their chances in the race despite the challenges posed by the track conditions.Sat 12 Sep · 19:12 UTC
via AutosportF1 drivers criticise Madrid circuit, Verstappen laughs: "I'll sort it out"F1 drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, have expressed concerns about the new Madrid circuit, particularly its lack of overtaking opportunities and poorly designed braking zones. Verstappen noted that the circuit's layout makes it challenging for drivers to pass each other, which could lead to a less exciting race experience.
Additionally, both drivers criticized the long pitlane, which they believe complicates race strategy due to its design. Verstappen mentioned that he would be willing to provide input on track design improvements in the future, emphasizing the importance of driver feedback in creating better racing environments.
Sat 12 Sep · 18:18 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA Issues Penalty Following Spanish Grand Prix InvestigationThe FIA has confirmed a penalty for Valtteri Bottas after an investigation related to the Spanish Grand Prix. The decision comes after the stewards conducted a thorough review of the events during the race.
Sat 12 Sep · 17:03 UTC
via F1iSainz delivers a stark warning over Williams’ Baku upgradeCarlos Sainz has expressed cautious optimism regarding Williams' upcoming upgrade for the Baku race, acknowledging that while it may help the team improve, it won't significantly alter their current struggles. Williams has had a disappointing 2026 season, sitting ninth in the Constructors' standings with just 11 points, and both drivers have not added to that tally since Monaco.
Sainz, who recently extended his contract with Williams, emphasizes the need for the team to learn from their mistakes this season. He views the Baku upgrade as a small step forward rather than a complete turnaround, urging the team to demonstrate improvement in the upcoming season to avoid a prolonged decline.
Sat 12 Sep · 13:37 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCarlos Sainz confirms Williams ‘putting all the eggs in next year’s basket’Carlos Sainz expressed confidence in Williams' future despite a challenging season, stating that the team is 'putting all the eggs in next year's basket.' Currently, Williams sits ninth in the Constructor's Standings with only 11 points, and Sainz noted that both he and teammate Alex Albon have not added to their tally since the Monaco Grand Prix. An upgraded chassis is expected to be introduced at the upcoming race in Azerbaijan, which Sainz hopes will improve their performance.
Sainz also highlighted the importance of learning from the difficulties faced this season, referring to it as a 'bump on the road.' He emphasized the need for the team to bounce back next year and show signs of improvement. Despite the current struggles, Sainz reaffirmed his commitment to Williams by signing a multi-year contract extension, indicating his belief in the team's potential to turn things around.Sat 12 Sep · 10:00 UTCvia newsonf1.comHamilton under fire for ‘unsportsmanlike’ drivingLewis Hamilton has been criticized by several drivers for his slow driving during practice at the new Madring circuit. Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz expressed their frustration, with Sainz directly accusing Hamilton of obstructing other cars. Nico Hulkenberg and Ralf Schumacher also commented on Hamilton's driving style, labeling it as unsportsmanlike and problematic for other competitors.
The practice session was relatively calm compared to earlier incidents in Formula 2 and Formula 3. Aston Martin's Mike Krack indicated that teams instructed drivers to be conservative to avoid damage. George Russell acknowledged the high-risk nature of the track, while Max Verstappen expressed his preference for traditional circuits over street tracks like Madring.via newsonf1.comHadjar return still uncertain for BakuSep.12 (GMM) Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury appears more serious than initially hoped, with the Red Bull driver still wearing a substantial brace in Madrid and Laurent Mekies refusing to guarantee he will return in Baku. Hadjar has now missed three races, with Liam Lawson again substituting this weekend. Mekies said Red Bull had no hesitation…
via f1oversteer.comAlex Albon admits Carlos Sainz has ‘surprised’ him with one ‘impressive’ quality at WilliamsAlex Albon has expressed admiration for his teammate Carlos Sainz, highlighting Sainz's technical understanding and impressive work ethic. Albon believes that Sainz's experience and intelligence are beneficial for their team, especially given their current challenges in the 2026 season.
Despite a tough season for both drivers, Sainz remains committed to Williams and aims to help the team grow. With only 11 points scored this season, Sainz's contributions are crucial as they head into the upcoming Madrid Grand Prix.Fri 11 Sep · 19:00 UTC.webp)
via Formula1.comHow Sainz became the heart of the Spanish GP in MadridThe Spanish Grand Prix has returned to Madrid after more than four decades, marking a significant moment for local driver Carlos Sainz, who has become a central figure in the event. Sainz, who began his racing career in Madrid, expresses pride in being able to race in his hometown and serve as an ambassador for the Grand Prix, highlighting the emotional connection he shares with the city and its residents.
Fans in Madrid have shown immense support for Sainz, reflecting on his journey since his F1 debut in 2015. The excitement surrounding the race weekend is palpable, with many locals feeling a personal connection to Sainz, who embodies the spirit of Madrid through his dedication and success in motorsport.Fri 11 Sep · 15:04 UTCPage 7 of 16