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via F1iLeclerc says Madrid’s La Monumental will ‘reward the brave’Charles Leclerc recently shared his impressions of the new Madring circuit in Madrid, where he completed laps during a filming day. He highlighted the track's challenging features, particularly the La Monumental corner, which boasts a steep gradient and is expected to test drivers' bravery. Leclerc expressed excitement about the potential of the corner to become an iconic part of the Formula 1 calendar.
Leclerc's comments suggest that the Madring circuit will require full commitment from drivers, especially in navigating La Monumental. He believes the track's design aligns with his preference for city circuits, and he looks forward to experiencing it fully during the upcoming race weekend next month.
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc discloses knowledge of new F1 trackCharles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton had the opportunity to test the new Madring circuit in July, gaining valuable insights ahead of the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. Leclerc shared his impressions of the track, highlighting its challenging nature and unique features, including the notable La Monumental corner, which is set to be the longest banked corner on the current F1 calendar.
Leclerc emphasized the potential for La Monumental to become an iconic corner in Formula 1, drawing comparisons to famous corners at other tracks. He expressed enthusiasm for the circuit's layout, which includes significant elevation changes and a total of 22 corners, indicating that it aligns well with his preference for city tracks.
via RaceFansHamilton vs Leclerc: 2026 F1 team mates’ head-to-head scores at summer break | Formula 1Hamilton credits team principal Frederic Vasseur for helping him adapt to Ferrari's car, which has undergone changes since his arrival. The article reflects on Hamilton's potential for improvement in the current season, contrasting his past performance with Leclerc's success.
via espn.comHamilton success 'not ideal' for Bearman's futureOliver Bearman, a young driver currently with Haas, has expressed mixed feelings about Lewis Hamilton's resurgence with Ferrari in 2026. While he admires Hamilton's performance, he acknowledges that it complicates his own aspirations to drive for Ferrari in the future. Bearman made his F1 debut for Ferrari in 2024 but has not raced for them since, and he is currently 13th in the standings as Hamilton sits second behind Kimi Antonelli.
Bearman is aware that both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have secured their positions with Ferrari for the foreseeable future, making his path to the team uncertain. Despite his long-term goal of becoming a Ferrari driver, Bearman is considering other opportunities if he has to wait too long for a seat. At just 21 years old, he feels he has time to develop and learn in his current role at Haas.
via espn.comStars Wars creator gives F1 boss insight into fansStefano Domenicali, the head of Formula 1, revealed insights from a conversation with George Lucas, emphasizing that many fans are uninterested in the technical complexities of the sport's new cars. The 2026 season has introduced engines that blend traditional combustion with electric power, leading to significant criticism from drivers like Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso, who have expressed concerns about the impact on racing dynamics.
Domenicali acknowledged the ongoing criticism and the need for clearer communication regarding the sport's technical aspects. He believes that while some fans seek detailed information, the majority are primarily focused on the excitement of the races. He aims to address these concerns constructively and prefers to have private discussions with drivers to foster solutions rather than public disputes.
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc sends 'a lot worse' warning over new F1 complexitiesCharles Leclerc has expressed concerns about the increased complexity of the new Formula 1 regulations, stating that drivers can no longer rely solely on data to enhance their performance. He noted that the revised power unit rules have created challenges for adaptation, leading to varied experiences among drivers. Despite a strong start to the season, Leclerc faced difficulties in certain races but managed to regain his footing at the British Grand Prix.
Leclerc highlighted the need for drivers to be flexible in their approach, as the effectiveness of aggressive driving styles may differ between cars. He pointed out that understanding the nuances of the current generation of F1 cars is more complicated than in the past, making it essential for drivers to navigate various variables carefully. His insights reflect broader discussions within the paddock regarding the impact of driving styles on performance.
via grandprix.comPiquet mother takes swipe at Leclerc's paddock styleA dispute has arisen in the Formula 1 community after Sylvia Tamsma, the mother of Kelly Piquet, criticized Alexandra Leclerc's fashion choices at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Tamsma's comment, which suggested that the paddock should not resemble a fashion show, was made on Instagram but was deleted following backlash, including questions about her own daughter's fashion sense.
The incident highlights the evolving image of Formula 1 as it increasingly embraces lifestyle and entertainment aspects. Liberty Media has noted that women now make up a significant portion of the sport's audience, indicating a shift in demographics and interests among fans.
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.
via CrashCharles Leclerc makes ‘aggressive’ Ferrari demand in key F1 battlegroundCharles Leclerc has called on Ferrari to maintain an aggressive approach in developing their 2026 Formula 1 car, especially after a disappointing performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix where he finished fourth. Despite starting the weekend strong with a 1-2 in practice, the team struggled during the race, with McLaren's Lando Norris taking the victory, showcasing the importance of upgrades in the current competitive landscape.
Leclerc expressed frustration over Ferrari's inconsistent results, noting that they performed better in races where they expected to struggle. He pointed out the need for the team to understand the discrepancies in their performance and to work on achieving greater consistency moving forward. Leclerc's comments reflect a desire for Ferrari to capitalize on development opportunities to stay competitive against rivals like Mercedes and McLaren.
via BBC SportF1 Considers European Races If Final Rounds Are CancelledFormula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has indicated that the final two races of the season could be replaced with events in Europe. This decision would be contingent on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East affecting the scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
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.
via theguardian.comOscar Piastri swore at his McLaren crew in frustration in Hungary, but any Formula One revival is up to himOscar Piastri faced a challenging Hungarian Grand Prix, where he expressed frustration towards his McLaren team after a pit stop strategy led to him losing his lead and ultimately retiring due to a gearbox failure. Despite appearing poised for a potential victory, everything went wrong for him during the race, highlighting the difficulties he has faced this season.
Currently sitting seventh in the driver standings, Piastri's performance has been overshadowed by teammate Lando Norris, who won the race. Piastri's struggles have raised questions about his future and ability to adapt to the new era of Formula One, especially as he has been consistently outperformed by Norris and other emerging drivers.
via grandprix.comLeclerc baby rumours erupt in Hungary paddockRumors about Charles Leclerc expecting his first child have surfaced, although neither he nor his wife Alexandra has confirmed the news. Reports suggest that Alexandra's presence in the paddock has led to speculation, with Italian newspapers indicating that the couple is anticipating a child in the autumn, but details remain unverified.
Leclerc and Alexandra were married earlier in 2026, just before the racing season began. The couple's dog, Leo, was also spotted with them in Hungary, adding to the personal touch of their visit. This family news comes at a time when Ferrari is performing well at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
via BBC SportHamilton fastest as new Aston Martin makes encouraging debutDuring the first practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time, followed closely by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Lando Norris. Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, struggled with pace, finishing 13th, while Fernando Alonso showed improvement with Aston Martin's new upgrade despite finishing 19th. Alonso's teammate, Lance Stroll, faced a suspension issue that prevented him from participating in the second session.
The session highlighted challenges for several teams, particularly with track conditions affecting performance. Hamilton's strong showing was noted, but Leclerc cautioned against overconfidence, anticipating a competitive qualifying session. Overall, the practice session set the stage for a tightly contested weekend ahead, with teams looking to capitalize on their performance improvements.
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Hamilton leads Ferrari 1-2 in FP2, Colapinto crashes for AlpineIn the second practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton led the field, finishing ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Hamilton's fastest lap was 1m18.729s, while Leclerc followed closely with a time of 1m18.877s. Lando Norris from McLaren took third place, while Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing rounded out the top four.
The session was marked by challenging track conditions, with drivers struggling to find balance due to cooler temperatures and wind. Colapinto's crash brought out a red flag, interrupting the session. Other notable performances included George Russell in fifth and Liam Lawson in seventh, while Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso faced difficulties, finishing 19th.
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Leclerc tops FP1, Stroll suffers suspected suspension failure with upgraded Aston MartinIn the first practice session for the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari set the fastest time, clocking in at 1m19.075s, which was significantly quicker than his competitors. Lance Stroll from Aston Martin faced issues with his car, experiencing a suspected rear suspension failure that led to a red flag during the session. Other teams, including Ferrari and Mercedes, brought updates tailored for the high downforce requirements of the Hungaroring track.
The session also saw several rookie drivers participating, with notable performances from Frederik Vesti and Leonardo Fornaroli. Fernando Alonso managed to secure the 13th fastest time, while Carlos Sainz faced scrutiny from the stewards for his driving during the session. Overall, the practice highlighted the competitive nature of the teams as they prepared for the race weekend.
via AutosportF1 Drivers Express Concerns Over Computer-Controlled Power UnitsFormula 1 drivers have voiced their frustrations regarding the increasing reliance on computer algorithms for energy management in their cars. This shift has raised concerns about the impact on race dynamics and the overall excitement of the sport.
via BBC SportWhy was Hamilton penalised but not Leclerc? - F1 Q&AKimi Antonelli secured victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, increasing his championship lead to 45 points. The race saw George Russell retire after colliding with Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth and moved into second place in the standings, while Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen completed the podium in second and third, respectively.
The stewards penalized Hamilton for the collision, attributing fault to him, while Leclerc escaped penalty for a separate incident. The event also set a record attendance of 400,000. Mercedes faced issues with their power unit, which affected both Russell and Antonelli's performance during the race.
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli Secures Pole Position at Belgian Grand PrixKimi Antonelli of Mercedes has achieved pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, outperforming Max Verstappen. His teammate George Russell will start from fourth, while Lando Norris faces a 10-place grid penalty.
via espn.comRussell: 'Performances need to be better'George Russell secured a second-place finish at the British Grand Prix, benefiting from a late safety car incident that altered the race's outcome. Despite this podium finish, he remains focused on improving his performance, as he is currently 25 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli and has faced challenges with pace and reliability throughout the season.
Russell expressed mixed feelings about his race, acknowledging his gratitude for the podium while also recognizing the need for better results to contend for the championship. His teammate Antonelli faced misfortune during the race, which allowed Russell to close the gap in the standings. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is optimistic that Russell can leverage this stroke of luck to enhance his performance moving forward.Page 13 of 14