Bob SaidDavid CoulthardGeorge RussellMax Verstappen 
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.
gpfans.comSat 12 Sep · 20:15 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren eager for Max Verstappen ally arrival as Lewis Hamilton addresses pole defeat – RacingNews365 ReviewMcLaren is actively negotiating with Red Bull to expedite the transfer of Gianpiero Lambiase to their team. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton expressed disappointment after realizing that his Ferrari was not competitive enough during the crucial moments of qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix.
In the same qualifying session, Lando Norris achieved pole position, impressively surpassing Kimi Antonelli. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, commended Norris for his outstanding performance, while Antonelli reflected on the intense nature of the qualifying battle.
RacingNews365Sat 12 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen makes ‘BS’ claim as Lando Norris delivers lap of the GodsLando Norris achieved an impressive pole position at the Madring for the Spanish Grand Prix, narrowly beating Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds. This performance came as a surprise, as Antonelli was considered the frontrunner for the pole before qualifying began. The Ferrari drivers, despite their strong expectations, ended up in fourth and fifth places, while George Russell rounded out the top six.
Max Verstappen criticized the new Madring circuit, labeling a claim about the lack of overtaking space as 'BS.' His comments reflect ongoing discussions about the circuit's design and its impact on racing dynamics. The qualifying session showcased the competitive nature of the field, with Norris's standout lap highlighting his potential in the championship.RacingNews365Sat 12 Sep · 19:30 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.
Formula1.comSat 12 Sep · 19:12 UTC
via gpfans.comGianpiero Lambiase meets with McLaren's Zak Brown in MadridGianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's race engineer, was seen meeting with McLaren's Zak Brown in the Madrid F1 paddock. This meeting is part of McLaren's efforts to facilitate Lambiase's early arrival to the team.gpfans.com+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 18:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris hailed for "sensational" Spanish GP pole after FP2 setback: "Found his beast mode"Lando Norris achieved a surprising pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix, receiving significant praise from fans for his performance. He narrowly edged out championship leader Kimi Antonelli by a mere 0.011 seconds, with Max Verstappen in third place. Norris's accomplishment was particularly impressive given that he missed most of the second free practice session due to a gearbox problem, which affected his preparation for qualifying.
Fans expressed their admiration for Norris's lap, describing it as 'sensational' and noting that he seems to have found a new level of confidence this season. The upcoming race is set to take place on September 13, highlighting the excitement surrounding Norris's recent form and the competitive nature of the event.
Motorsport.comSat 12 Sep · 18:23 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.
AutosportSat 12 Sep · 18:18 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 broadcaster apologises after Lando Norris' Spanish Grand Prix interviewDuring the Spanish Grand Prix qualifying, David Coulthard had to apologize on live television after Lando Norris, who secured an unexpected pole position, let slip some foul language during their interview. Norris expressed his surprise and excitement about his performance, describing it as one of the best laps of his career, while Coulthard humorously attributed the slip to the adrenaline of the moment.
Norris's post-lap reaction included self-criticism, as he believed he had made a mistake at the last corner, calling himself a 'f***ing idiot.' This incident highlights the intense emotions and pressures drivers experience during qualifying sessions in Formula 1.gpfans.comSat 12 Sep · 18:06 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 Spanish GP at Madring: Sunday schedule, weather forecast and how to watchThe Spanish Grand Prix at Madring will feature Lando Norris starting from pole position after a close qualifying session, where he narrowly edged out championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Max Verstappen will begin the race in third place, while George Russell qualified sixth, indicating a competitive field for the event.
The weather forecast for the race day predicts hot and dry conditions, with temperatures reaching around 32°C. This will pose challenges for teams regarding tire management and vehicle cooling as they adapt to the new circuit layout, which combines public roads with high-speed sections.Motorsport.comSat 12 Sep · 17:49 UTC
via Sky Sports F1'No idea what to expect’ – F1 braced for Madring debut race mysteryThe inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit is set to take place with Lando Norris starting from pole position. The race features a grid that includes Kimi Antonelli, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton, all of whom are facing uncertainties regarding tyre degradation and overtaking opportunities on the new track.
Drivers have reported significant challenges with tyre management, particularly due to high degradation observed during practice sessions. As the race approaches, the leading competitors are strategizing on how to handle the potential for chaotic racing conditions, with the outcome likely hinging on tyre performance and the ability to overtake.
Sky Sports F1Sat 12 Sep · 17:47 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen explains focus for Spanish GP from P3Max Verstappen qualified in third position for the Spanish Grand Prix, which will take place at the newly introduced Madring circuit. Despite struggling in practice sessions, he managed to secure a strong qualifying result, finishing behind Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli. Verstappen highlighted that the team still has areas to improve, particularly in the final sector of the track.
Looking ahead to the race, Verstappen emphasized the importance of tyre management, anticipating a challenging race due to the demands on the tyres. He expressed a positive outlook on the team's performance and is eager to maximize their strategy during the event.Formula1.comSat 12 Sep · 17:24 UTC
via gpfans.comVerstappen pleased with Red Bull's qualifying performanceMax Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his performance during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, securing third place on the grid. He noted that Red Bull's results exceeded expectations, particularly after a strong final run.gpfans.com+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 16:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell explains Madring qualifying strugglesGeorge Russell qualified sixth for the Spanish Grand Prix, falling short of expectations. He attributed his performance to issues encountered during the Q3 session, while his teammate Kimi Antonelli secured second place.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 16:31 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell recounts 'annoying' moment which wrecked Spanish GP qualifyingGeorge Russell experienced a frustrating qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix, where he initially placed third but ultimately finished sixth. His performance was hindered by a mistake at Turn 11, which caused him to lose valuable time on his final lap, allowing Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc to surpass him in the standings.
Russell's teammate, Kimi Antonelli, is currently leading the drivers' championship, with a significant gap of 66 points over Russell. The Spanish GP marks a historic return to Madrid for Formula 1, as it has not been held in the capital since 1981.RacingNews365Sat 12 Sep · 16:02 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA launches double Mercedes investigation at Spanish Grand PrixThe FIA has initiated investigations into Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli following the qualifying session for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. Russell faces scrutiny for not adhering to the race director's instructions when rejoining the track, while Antonelli is being examined for possibly driving too slowly during the session. Russell's provisional grid position is P6, and Antonelli will start from second place.
The investigations come at a critical time for both drivers, especially for Russell, whose championship hopes could be impacted. Antonelli's performance has been notable, having recently moved significantly ahead in the points standings. The outcome of these investigations may influence the dynamics of the race and the championship battle.
PlanetF1Sat 12 Sep · 15:45 UTC
via RaceFansStewards summon Antonelli, Russell and Leclerc over qualifying breaches | Formula 1The stewards have summoned three drivers, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, George Russell, and Charles Leclerc, for potential breaches of qualifying regulations. Russell is being investigated for not adhering to the proper procedure on an escape road, while both Antonelli and Leclerc are under scrutiny for driving too slowly between Safety Car lines during Q3.
Additionally, Carlos Sainz Jnr has been summoned for potentially impeding Valtteri Bottas. Other drivers noted for similar infractions were cleared, indicating a focused investigation on the actions of the summoned drivers.
RaceFansSat 12 Sep · 15:29 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURMcLaren seeks to sign Red Bull's Gianpiero LambiaseMcLaren is reportedly in discussions with Red Bull to secure Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's race engineer, ahead of the 2028 season. The team aims to expedite Lambiase's release as Red Bull prepares for a transition to a new engineer.RacingNews365+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 13:40 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell just told Max Verstappen why he’s so wrong about Liam LawsonGeorge Russell has just proven why Max Verstappen was so wrong to point out Liam Lawson’s cameo at Red Bull as proof that F1’s 2026 ...
f1oversteer.comSat 12 Sep · 13:30 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.
Motorsport WeekSat 12 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen details Red Bull’s true F1 engine reality after FIA ADUO verdictMax Verstappen has expressed concerns regarding the performance of Red Bull's F1 power unit compared to Mercedes, particularly after the Italian Grand Prix where he finished third. He noted a significant discrepancy in engine efficiency, stating that Red Bull struggles with energy deployment relative to Mercedes, which he likened to feeling like a 'turtle' during the race.
Verstappen's comments followed the FIA's announcement that Red Bull had the best engine according to the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) rankings. He emphasized that the FIA's assessment only considers the internal combustion engine and not the battery performance, suggesting that Red Bull may excel in one area while lagging in another. Ongoing discussions with the FIA aim to clarify these performance metrics.
CrashSat 12 Sep · 09:07 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull addresses serious issues with Max Verstappen's carMax Verstappen and Red Bull are currently facing significant challenges with the performance of his car. The team is actively working to resolve these issues as they prepare for upcoming races.RacingNews365Sat 12 Sep · 08:30 UTC
via F1iRussell highlights worrying prospect for race day at MadringGeorge Russell expressed concerns about tyre degradation after the first day of practice at the new Madring circuit in Madrid. He noted that the track's unique characteristics could lead to significant thermal stress on the tyres, making race day a challenge for all teams. Russell's performance varied, as he topped the first practice session but slipped to fifth in the second due to set-up adjustments.
Mercedes' deputy team principal, Bradley Lord, echoed Russell's concerns, highlighting that the continuous cornering sequences on the track might lead to unexpected thermal effects on the tyres. With limited long-run data due to a crash during FP2, teams are left uncertain about tyre performance for the race, raising the possibility of a race strategy focused on managing thermal degradation.
F1iSat 12 Sep · 07:38 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton blasted by F1 rival as Max Verstappen names potential Red Bull replacementLewis Hamilton faced criticism for his driving during the first practice session at the Madring, where several drivers experienced impediments on their hot laps. This incident has raised concerns ahead of the qualifying session scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Max Verstappen humorously suggested that he could be replaced at Red Bull by Robin Raikkonen, the son of former champion Kimi Raikkonen, who has just joined the team's junior program. Additionally, Charles Leclerc will have a power unit disadvantage compared to Hamilton due to Ferrari's decision to use a previously used engine, while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his surprise at the possibility of Fernando Alonso retiring from Formula 1.gpfans.comSat 12 Sep · 06:45 UTC
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…newsonf1.comSat 12 Sep · 04:59 UTC