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via gpfans.comMercedes and McLaren just gave Red Bull wings with $500million Verstappen transfer mistakeMax Verstappen recently extended his contract with Red Bull Racing, marking a significant moment for the team. His deal, which could cost around $500 million over four years, was made possible as rivals Mercedes and McLaren opted to retain their current drivers instead of pursuing Verstappen, who was available on a free transfer due to an exit clause in his previous contract.
This decision by Mercedes and McLaren has allowed Red Bull to maintain its star driver, which is crucial for the team's future as they aim to recover from a talent drain. Verstappen's presence is expected to attract new talent and enhance the team's performance, while his absence from rival teams could have dealt a serious blow to Red Bull's competitiveness.
via espn.comWhat makes Max Verstappen so good? Career, background and F1 recordsMax Verstappen, a prominent figure in Formula 1, will participate in a unique karting event called Max vs 100, where he aims to overtake 100 drivers starting from the back of the grid. Born in Belgium to a racing family, Verstappen began his racing career at a young age and quickly ascended through the ranks, ultimately becoming the youngest grand prix winner in history and securing multiple world championships with Red Bull Racing.
In addition to his impressive racing record, which includes 71 wins and 131 podiums, Verstappen has recently signed a long-term contract with Red Bull, ensuring his presence in the team until 2030. As the 2026 season progresses, he is currently facing challenges but remains a fierce competitor, having already secured several podium finishes this year.
via RaceFansDomenicali hopeful Verstappen’s new deal will end talk of F1 exit | Formula 1Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, expressed optimism that Max Verstappen's recent contract extension with Red Bull will quell ongoing rumors regarding his potential departure from the sport. Verstappen had previously indicated that his negotiations were influenced by his uncertainty about continuing in Formula 1, which raised concerns among fans and stakeholders alike.
Domenicali highlighted the significance of Verstappen's commitment, especially in the context of the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, calling it a positive development for the sport. He emphasized Verstappen's status as a world champion and his impactful presence within Formula 1, suggesting that his continued participation is beneficial for the championship.
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen ‘$80 million’ Nico Rosberg claim triggers Mekies responseMax Verstappen has officially extended his contract with Red Bull Racing until 2030, which has quelled ongoing rumors about his future with the team. This announcement was made during the Dutch Grand Prix, where Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies highlighted the importance of Verstappen's trust in the team and their commitment to providing him with a competitive car for future races.
Nico Rosberg, during his commentary, made claims regarding Verstappen's salary and the team culture under Mekies, both of which were denied by Mekies. He clarified that the figures mentioned by Rosberg were incorrect and emphasized the team's dedication to supporting Verstappen as they aim to return to the top of the sport.
via f1oversteer.comBernie Collins ‘shocked’ by what Fred Vasseur said about Lewis Hamilton’s Dutch GP strategyBernie Collins expressed her surprise at Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur's comments regarding Lewis Hamilton's race strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix. Hamilton extended his first stint significantly longer than his teammate Charles Leclerc, leading to a situation where he was stuck behind Leclerc without team orders to switch positions, which ultimately cost him time in the race. Collins criticized Ferrari for not anticipating the convergence of their drivers and forming a clear plan, suggesting that they were caught off guard by the unfolding events on track.
Hamilton's strategy was complicated by a lack of communication from Ferrari about whether he would one-stop or two-stop during the race. He eventually pitted late due to a virtual safety car, but Collins noted that the decision-making process was flawed, leaving Hamilton uncertain about how to manage his tires. The article highlights the critical nature of strategic decisions in Formula 1 and the impact they can have on race outcomes.
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen: Loyalty or the long game?Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull Racing through the 2030 season, citing a strong connection to the team and a belief in its future direction. Despite recent upheavals within the team, including high-profile departures, Verstappen's loyalty appears rooted in a sense of stability and alignment with Red Bull's vision.
The article discusses how Verstappen's excitement during the contract announcement may indicate his confidence in the team's potential for revitalization. It also hints that he may have insider knowledge about ongoing developments at Red Bull Powertrains, which could play a crucial role in the team's competitive future.
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen: Loyalty or the long game?Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull Racing through the 2030 season, citing a strong connection to the team and a belief in its future direction. Despite recent upheavals within the team, including high-profile departures, Verstappen's loyalty appears rooted in a sense of stability and alignment with Red Bull's vision.
The article discusses how Verstappen's excitement during the contract announcement may indicate his confidence in the team's potential for revitalization. It also hints that he may have insider knowledge about ongoing developments at Red Bull Powertrains, which could play a crucial role in the team's competitive future.
via f1oversteer.comBernie Collins ‘shocked’ by what Fred Vasseur said about Lewis Hamilton’s Dutch GP strategyBernie Collins expressed her surprise at Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur's comments regarding Lewis Hamilton's race strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix. Hamilton extended his first stint significantly longer than his teammate Charles Leclerc, leading to a situation where he was stuck behind Leclerc without team orders to switch positions, which ultimately cost him time in the race. Collins criticized Ferrari for not anticipating the convergence of their drivers and forming a clear plan, suggesting that they were caught off guard by the unfolding events on track.
Hamilton's strategy was complicated by a lack of communication from Ferrari about whether he would one-stop or two-stop during the race. He eventually pitted late due to a virtual safety car, but Collins noted that the decision-making process was flawed, leaving Hamilton uncertain about how to manage his tires. The article highlights the critical nature of strategic decisions in Formula 1 and the impact they can have on race outcomes.Max vs 100: When is Verstappen race, how to watch on Disney+, how it works, who's taking part?Max Verstappen is set to participate in a unique karting event called 'Max vs 100' on September 16, 2026, at Silverstone. This event will feature Verstappen starting from the back of the grid, with the challenge of overtaking 100 drivers during the race. The race director, David Terrien, has designed a special track for this unprecedented event.
The event will be available for live viewing on Disney+ in the U.K. and on the ESPN App in the U.S. A variety of participants, including athletes and content creators, will join Verstappen on the grid, with more names to be announced before the race.
via RacingNews365Nico Hulkenberg receives 'some people have it' praise after 'Days of Thunder' near-missDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, Nico Hulkenberg narrowly escaped a serious accident when he avoided colliding with his Audi teammate Gabriel Bortoleto, who lost control of his car on the opening lap. The incident occurred in damp conditions, leading to Bortoleto spinning and creating a smoke screen that obscured Hulkenberg's view as he approached the scene. Hulkenberg's quick decision to steer left allowed him to avoid a potentially disastrous collision.
Audi's team principal, Allan McNish, praised Hulkenberg's reflexes and compared the situation to a scene from the movie 'Days of Thunder'. He emphasized that some drivers possess an instinctive ability to navigate such dangerous situations, which was evident in both drivers' responses during the incident. McNish's comments underscored the critical nature of instinct and judgment in high-stakes racing environments.
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen's Zandvoort Crash Sparks Mixed Reactions from ExpertsMax Verstappen's crash during the Dutch Grand Prix has drawn varied opinions from former drivers. Ralf Schumacher suggested Verstappen was close to being a hero, while Nico Rosberg noted he was fortunate to avoid a larger incident.
via f1technical.netHulkenberg reflects on his "scary" opening lap at ZandvoortNico Hulkenberg had a strong performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing in eighth place and securing valuable points for Audi. Despite a chaotic opening lap where his teammate Gabriel Bortoleto spun and dropped positions, Hulkenberg managed to navigate through the field effectively, showcasing the pace of the Audi car. His ability to avoid a collision during Bortoleto's spin was crucial in maintaining the team's competitive standing in the race.
Gabriel Bortoleto, on the other hand, faced challenges after his early spin, which left him with a significant deficit to recover from. He managed to climb back to 13th place by the end of the race. Both drivers' performances contributed to Audi's ongoing success, as they have now scored points in four consecutive races, highlighting the team's progress despite the difficulties faced during the event.
via f1technical.netMcLaren Claims Victory in Final Dutch Grand Prix at ZandvoortMcLaren celebrated a significant win at the last Dutch Grand Prix held at Zandvoort, mirroring their success from 1985. Lando Norris delivered an impressive performance, while Oscar Piastri finished sixth, which did not fully showcase his potential.
via PlanetF1Liam Lawson questions FIA decision after ‘predictable’ Max Verstappen crashLiam Lawson raised concerns about the FIA's decision to start the Dutch Grand Prix with a safety car lap, arguing that it created a more dangerous situation for drivers due to colder tires. He highlighted the unpredictable track conditions, which were dry in the first half but wet in the final corners, ultimately leading to Max Verstappen's crash during the race. Lawson himself finished in seventh place, earning his first points for Red Bull and reflecting on the challenges of adapting to a new car in a short time frame.
Despite the difficulties, Lawson felt he maximized his performance over the weekend and is focused on improving in future races. He is currently ninth in the standings and is aware of the need to better understand the car's dynamics to enhance his driving experience.
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer has ‘full respect’ for Liam Lawson breaking Red Bull’s unwritten rule at Dutch GPLiam Lawson received recognition for his bold attempt to overtake Max Verstappen during the Dutch Grand Prix, despite the unwritten rule at Red Bull that teammates should not race aggressively against each other. Lawson's move came after Verstappen experienced contact with Lewis Hamilton, leading to a crash later in the lap that eliminated Verstappen from the race. Lawson ultimately finished in seventh place, showcasing his potential as a stand-in driver for Red Bull after Isack Hadjar's withdrawal due to injury.
Commentators, including Jolyon Palmer and David Coulthard, discussed Lawson's aggressive driving style and the dynamics within the Red Bull team. They noted that while Lawson initially pushed to compete with Verstappen, he recognized the need to yield and avoid risking a collision, which could have jeopardized his future prospects with the team. The incident highlighted the challenges and expectations faced by drivers in a competitive environment.
via RacingNews365'Formidable' Norris launches Verstappen-Style comeback as team order tensions riseThe article highlights Lando Norris's impressive comeback, drawing comparisons to Max Verstappen's racing style. It notes the rising tensions regarding team orders as teams strategize for the remainder of the season. Additionally, the piece covers Max Verstappen's recent crash and Liam Lawson's strong performance, which may influence his future with Red Bull.
The discussion in the podcast reflects on the outcomes of the Dutch Grand Prix, emphasizing the implications for Norris's title aspirations and the evolving dynamics within the teams. The hosts share their insights and predictions, providing a comprehensive overview of the current F1 landscape.
via RacingNews365Audi drivers react to frightening near miss: 'Too close for comfort'During the Dutch Grand Prix, Audi faced a tense moment when both of their drivers were involved in a near-collision on the opening lap. Gabriel Bortoleto lost control of his car after witnessing Max Verstappen crash, creating a cloud of smoke that nearly blinded Nico Hulkenberg. Fortunately, Hulkenberg managed to avoid contact with Bortoleto, who performed a 360-degree spin without hitting the barriers.
Despite the scare, both drivers finished the race, with Bortoleto placing 13th and Hulkenberg achieving a season-best 8th. Audi's racing director, Allan McNish, expressed relief at the outcome, likening the close call to scenes from oval racing and praising both drivers for their skill in navigating the tricky conditions.
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso picks between Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher after racing bothFernando Alonso, a veteran Formula 1 driver, shared his thoughts on Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher, highlighting his experience racing against both. In a recent interview, he ranked Verstappen as his toughest competitor, giving him a score of 9.9 out of 10, while acknowledging that he has no major weaknesses in his driving style. Alonso noted that Verstappen has improved significantly since his early years, where he made minor mistakes, and now consistently performs at a high level.
Alonso's career has seen him compete in the midfield for teams like McLaren, Alpine, and Aston Martin while Verstappen has been a dominant force in recent seasons. Alonso also reflected on his past rivalries, including his battles with Schumacher, Hamilton, and Vettel, emphasizing the competitive nature of the sport and the evolution of drivers over time.
via gpfans.comF1 Driver Salaries 2026: The INSANE pay gap between Max Verstappen and Kimi AntonelliMax Verstappen has secured a record-breaking contract with Red Bull, making him the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 history with a base salary of $107 million, which could rise to $134 million annually. This new deal, valued at over $500 million, highlights the significant pay gap between him and other drivers, particularly Kimi Antonelli, who earns only $2 million despite his success in the sport. The disparity is attributed to Verstappen's extensive experience and achievements compared to Antonelli's early career stage.
The article also outlines the salaries of other F1 drivers, with Lewis Hamilton being the second-highest earner at $60 million. It emphasizes that driver salaries do not impact the teams' cost cap, allowing them to invest in top talent without affecting their budget for car development. As the dynamics of driver contracts evolve, Antonelli's future earnings could increase significantly if he continues to perform well.Page 14 of 26