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via PlanetF1Bottas claims ‘something needed to change’ after shock Lowdon Cadillac F1 axeValtteri Bottas, a driver for Cadillac F1, commented on the recent replacement of team principal Graeme Lowdon, attributing it to ongoing issues, particularly with the brakes. He noted that while changes were necessary, he did not expect such a drastic action as replacing the team boss. Bottas also highlighted the differences in leadership styles between American and European cultures, suggesting that the American approach can be more abrupt in making personnel changes when deemed beneficial for the future.
The announcement of Lowdon's departure came during the summer break, with Marcin Budkowski stepping in as his successor. Bottas expressed admiration for Lowdon's dedication and contributions to the team over the last three years, despite the challenges faced. Cadillac F1 has been struggling to improve its performance and keep pace with rivals, particularly Aston Martin, which has seen marked improvements recently.
Mon 31 Aug · 13:10 UTC
via CrashFernando Alonso's Future in F1 Remains Uncertain Amid Regulatory ChangesFernando Alonso has expressed uncertainty about his Formula 1 future, citing the impact of upcoming regulations as a key factor in his decision. The Aston Martin driver has yet to finalize a new contract and is weighing his options beyond the current season.
+ 10 moreMon 31 Aug · 11:43 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell backed to control F1 destiny amid ‘next Valtteri Bottas’ comparisonGeorge Russell is currently in a competitive position in the Formula 1 Drivers' standings, trailing teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli by 59 points. Despite starting the season strong with a victory in Australia, Russell has faced challenges, including bad luck and difficulty adapting to the car, while Antonelli has excelled with six wins this season, including a dominant performance in recent races.
Guenther Steiner, a former F1 team principal, has weighed in on Russell's potential future, suggesting he could become the next Valtteri Bottas if he remains in a supportive role at Mercedes. Steiner emphasized that Russell's ambitions will ultimately dictate his career path, hinting that he may seek opportunities elsewhere if he desires more than a secondary position within the team.
Fri 28 Aug · 13:00 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell dealt brutal Valtteri Bottas comparison: 'It looks like it'George Russell, who joined Mercedes as a junior driver in 2017 and became a full-time driver in 2022, is facing challenges in his second year alongside teammate Kimi Antonelli. Currently, Antonelli holds a significant 59-point lead over Russell, prompting comparisons to Valtteri Bottas, who previously occupied a similar role at Mercedes. Guenther Steiner, former Haas team principal, noted that Russell's situation resembles Bottas's, but emphasized that Russell has the option to pursue opportunities elsewhere if he feels he is not receiving equal chances at Mercedes.
Steiner's comments highlight the pressure on Russell to perform and the potential for him to seek a lead driver position at another team if he is unhappy with his current role. While Bottas was content with his position for many years, Steiner indicated that Russell's future is ultimately in his own hands, especially as the current driver market has limited options for the upcoming season.
Fri 28 Aug · 08:10 UTC
via f1chronicle.comSergio Perez Says Cadillac’s Pace Was ‘Very Strong’ at the Dutch Grand Prix as Valtteri Bottas Suffers a Sixth DNF in 12 RacesSergio Perez expressed optimism about Cadillac's performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, despite the team finishing without points. He noted that the car's pace was strong, particularly when not in traffic, although the team still needs to improve to compete with the midfield. Perez finished 15th, while teammate Valtteri Bottas faced another setback, retiring with a hydraulic issue, marking his sixth DNF this season.
Cadillac remains without points in their inaugural season and is currently trailing Aston Martin in the constructors' standings. Both drivers are focused on learning from their experiences and hope to translate their improvements into points at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The team is still adjusting to the challenges of being a new constructor in Formula 1.
via Formula1.comPerez and Bottas reflect on Cadillac's Dutch Grand PrixSergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, drivers for Cadillac, reflected on their experiences from the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, where the team continues to struggle in their first season without scoring any points. Despite Perez finishing in P15, he noted improvements in the car's performance and expressed optimism about their pace when not in traffic. Bottas, however, faced another setback, retiring from the race due to a hydraulic issue, marking his sixth DNF this season.
The Cadillac team is still working to enhance their competitiveness, as they fell further behind Aston Martin in the standings after Alonso's points finish. Both drivers are focused on learning from their experiences and making necessary adjustments to improve their performance in future races.
Wed 26 Aug · 11:08 UTC
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.
Tue 25 Aug · 18:00 UTCvia 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.Tue 25 Aug · 18:00 UTC
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.
+ 1 moreTue 25 Aug · 07:30 UTC
via f1technical.netHow did Budkowski assess his first race as Cadillac's team boss?Cadillac faced challenges during the Dutch Grand Prix, with Sergio Perez finishing in 15th place after starting from the pit lane. Valtteri Bottas was unable to complete the race due to a hydraulic issue, marking his sixth DNF this season. Despite these setbacks, Perez managed to show competitive pace and finished ahead of a rival team, Williams. Team Principal Marcin Budkowski noted the eventful nature of his debut race and highlighted the need for improvements in both pace and reliability moving forward.
Budkowski expressed appreciation for the team's efforts throughout the weekend and acknowledged the strategic difficulties posed by changing conditions. He praised Perez's performance while also expressing disappointment over Bottas' retirement. The team aims to analyze their performance and focus on enhancements as they prepare for the next race.Tue 25 Aug · 07:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comWho slept worst last night: Oscar PiastriOscar Piastri's trajectory in Formula 1 has shifted dramatically over the past year, moving from a promising champion-in-the-making to what appears to be McLaren's second driver behind Lando Norris. After winning the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025, Piastri now finds himself significantly behind Norris in the championship standings, with a 55-point deficit as of 2026. This change in dynamics has raised questions about Piastri's performance and the team's internal hierarchy.
Despite his past successes and reputation as a prodigy, Piastri has struggled to match Norris's pace in the current season. Team principal Andrea Stella has highlighted Norris's ability to adapt to challenging conditions, while Piastri has expressed frustration with the car's performance. The contrasting fortunes of the two drivers have led to speculation about Piastri's status within the team, as he navigates the pressures of competition and expectations.
Mon 24 Aug · 05:58 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris Comments on Championship Contenders for 2026 SeasonLando Norris expressed doubts about his car's competitiveness in the 2026 Formula 1 championship. He stated that he does not believe he has a vehicle capable of contending for the title.+ 1 moreSun 23 Aug · 18:52 UTC
via espn.comHamilton on tense team radio: 'I'm trying to win'During the Dutch Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton faced challenges with Ferrari's strategy, which he believed cost him a podium finish. Despite showing strong race pace, Ferrari's decision-making led to both drivers finishing off the podium, with George Russell securing third place. Hamilton expressed frustration over being stuck behind teammate Charles Leclerc, especially when he had fresher tires and was eager to pass.
Hamilton's radio communications revealed his dissatisfaction with the team's strategy, as he felt they were losing time. He questioned the team's decisions and ultimately finished the race without the expected result. Despite the tense moments, Hamilton remained proud of Ferrari's progress and downplayed the severity of the exchanges with the pit wall after the race.
Sun 23 Aug · 18:08 UTC
via Formula1.comWhat the teams said – Race day in the NetherlandsLando Norris achieved victory at the final Dutch Grand Prix held at Zandvoort, successfully overtaking Kimi Antonelli during the race. Despite starting from a challenging position, Norris managed to regain control and maintain a significant lead, finishing over 11 seconds ahead of Antonelli. Oscar Piastri, Norris's teammate, faced difficulties, including a slow pit stop, which resulted in a sixth-place finish despite showing promise earlier in the race.
Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell finished second and third, respectively, securing a double podium for the team. Antonelli expressed disappointment at not winning after leading several laps, while Russell noted the competitive nature of the race. Overall, the results highlighted McLaren's resurgence and the ongoing competitiveness among the top teams in the championship.Sun 23 Aug · 18:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhy the F1 Dutch GP weekend has been a "wake-up call" for Kimi Antonelli The weekend served as a wake-up call for Antonelli, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus and confidence. With the Zandvoort circuit's tricky layout and changing weather conditions, he recognized the need to improve and adapt for future races.Sun 23 Aug · 09:32 UTC
via PlanetF1Lando Norris Calls for Mercedes Disqualification to Aid Title BidLando Norris has expressed a desire for Mercedes to face a double disqualification in the upcoming races. He believes this outcome could significantly enhance his chances of securing a second world title.+ 1 moreSun 23 Aug · 07:09 UTC
via Formula1.comWhat the teams said – Sprint day and Qualifying in the NetherlandsThe article discusses the performances of various teams and drivers during the Sprint and Qualifying sessions ahead of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. Lando Norris of McLaren achieved pole position after a strong Qualifying session, while George Russell from Mercedes won the Sprint race, showcasing his ability to manage tires effectively. Both teams expressed their strategies and challenges faced during these sessions, particularly regarding tire degradation and car performance.
Additionally, Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli highlighted their efforts and the need for improvement in race pace. The article emphasizes the competitive nature of the field, with teams like Mercedes and Ferrari also in contention, setting the stage for an exciting race ahead.Sat 22 Aug · 18:40 UTCvia Formula1.comWhat the teams said – Sprint day and Qualifying in the NetherlandsThe article discusses the performances of various teams and drivers during the Sprint and Qualifying sessions ahead of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. Lando Norris of McLaren achieved pole position after a strong Qualifying session, while George Russell from Mercedes won the Sprint race, showcasing his ability to manage tires effectively. Both teams expressed their strategies and challenges faced during these sessions, particularly regarding tire degradation and car performance.
Additionally, Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli highlighted their efforts and the need for improvement in race pace. The article emphasizes the competitive nature of the field, with teams like Mercedes and Ferrari also in contention, setting the stage for an exciting race ahead.Sat 22 Aug · 18:40 UTC
via espn.comHamilton: Car changes went in opposite directionLewis Hamilton discussed the impact of recent changes made to his Ferrari, stating that they negatively affected the car's performance, leading to a challenging qualifying session where he ended up fifth. Despite this setback, he remains hopeful about the race pace and believes they can compete with the frontrunners, including Lando Norris and George Russell.
Hamilton currently sits second in the drivers' championship, trailing Kimi Antonelli by 53 points. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, also faced difficulties during qualifying, attributing some of the performance loss to adjustments in their power strategy. Both drivers are looking to improve their performance in the upcoming race.Sat 22 Aug · 18:37 UTC
via espn.comAntonelli says mistakes are a 'wake-up call'Kimi Antonelli, the current leader in the drivers' championship, acknowledged that he made several mistakes during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, which he views as a crucial reminder to stay vigilant in his title chase. Despite these errors, he managed to extend his championship lead over Lewis Hamilton to 53 points, although he was outqualified by teammate George Russell on two occasions and finished third on the grid for the main race.
Antonelli explained that his mistakes stemmed from a combination of pressure and environmental factors, such as rain affecting his visibility. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff noted that both Antonelli and Russell showed similar performance levels, but Antonelli's errors cost him valuable qualifying time. Overall, Antonelli's experience this weekend serves as a lesson to maintain focus and consistency as he continues his pursuit of the championship.Sat 22 Aug · 17:42 UTCPage 3 of 5