News131 stories
RSS ↗
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Formula1.comteams share impressions after Spanish Grand Prix practiceTeams and drivers provided feedback following the initial practice session for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. The session took place at the Madrid circuit, allowing teams to assess their performance ahead of the race.
via newsonf1.comLeclerc cleared to race as Ferrari tension coolsSep.11 (GMM) Charles Leclerc has been cleared to race in Madrid after further medical checks following his heavy Monza crash, while Ferrari appears to have calmed the tensions exposed during its disastrous home weekend. “It felt like a serious accident,” Leclerc, who reported vision problems after the impact, said on Thursday. “But all the checks…
via F1iFernando Alonso criticises Monza's speed reputationFernando Alonso has expressed his belief that Monza no longer deserves the title of 'Temple of Speed' due to significantly reduced top speeds in modern Formula 1. He argues that the circuit's reputation has diminished in the current era of the sport.
via f1technical.netIsack Hadjar to miss Spanish Grand Prix due to injuryIsack Hadjar will not participate in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix as he continues to recover from a wrist injury. Red Bull has confirmed that Liam Lawson will once again race alongside Max Verstappen in Madrid.
via RaceFansOvertake Mode meant others passed me like I was a “turtle”, says Verstappen | Formula 1Max Verstappen expressed frustration after the Italian Grand Prix, where he led for a short period but struggled to maintain his position due to the newly implemented Overtake Mode. This mode, introduced in 2026, allows drivers to access additional power when they are close to another car, but Verstappen noted that it hindered his ability to defend against competitors effectively.
The race highlighted the impact of Overtake Mode, particularly as the FIA had set energy harvest limits at their lowest for the fastest track on the calendar. Verstappen remarked that the Mercedes-powered cars had a significant advantage in electrical energy deployment, which contributed to his difficulties in keeping pace with them.
via Formula1.comWhat the teams said – Race day in ItalyThe 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza saw Kimi Antonelli make history by becoming the first Italian winner at the venue since 1966, starting from 19th position. His victory was marked by a strong performance, particularly during the race's second start and a strategic pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car, which allowed him to reclaim the lead from teammate George Russell, who finished second after leading early in the race.
Max Verstappen completed the podium in third place, showcasing strong race pace despite challenges. The race featured significant strategic decisions influenced by the red flag and VSC, with Mercedes achieving a notable 1-2 finish. The results were a boost for the team in the championship standings, while other drivers like Liam Lawson faced difficulties, finishing 14th after starting from the pit lane.
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton claims he was blocked from joining Ferrari years earlier due to ‘veto’Lewis Hamilton revealed that he was prevented from joining Ferrari earlier in his career due to Fernando Alonso's veto rights during the time when Stefano Domenicali was team principal. Hamilton had discussions with Domenicali but felt that Alonso's position as the number one driver at Ferrari hindered his potential move, leading to a lingering 'what if' scenario for him until he finally joined the team in 2025 after a long tenure with McLaren and Mercedes.
In the current season, Hamilton's relationship with Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur has been crucial in his integration into the team. Despite Hamilton's championship aspirations, he noted that both he and Charles Leclerc are given equal opportunities, which has led to competitive racing between them. The dynamics within Ferrari have shifted since Alonso's era, with Vasseur aiming to maintain parity in the driver lineup.
via Motorsport.comWinners and losers from F1's memorable Italian Grand PrixThe Italian Grand Prix featured a remarkable victory for Kimi Antonelli, who delighted the home crowd with a comeback win, becoming the first Italian to win at Monza since 1966. The event also set a new attendance record, showcasing the passionate support for Ferrari, despite the team's struggles during the race, particularly with Charles Leclerc's early crash.
George Russell faced a challenging race, ultimately conceding to Antonelli's dominance in the championship chase. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen managed to secure a podium finish despite technical difficulties, highlighting his resilience in a competitive field. Ferrari's performance, while improved with new upgrades, fell short of expectations, leading to disappointment among fans.
via RaceFansGT3 racer pulls rival from burning car after horrific crash in Shanghai | Other MotorsportIn a dramatic incident at the Shanghai International Circuit, Dutch GT3 racer Loek Hartog saved his rival Ollie Millroy from a burning car following a crash during a race. Millroy became trapped after being hit by another competitor, and Hartog acted quickly to pull him from the wreckage, which was engulfed in flames.
Despite the heroic rescue, Millroy expressed frustration with the track workers for their slow response to the crash. He publicly acknowledged Hartog's bravery, stating that he owes his life to him, highlighting the importance of quick action in emergency situations during motorsport events.
via the-race.comFerrari Drivers Express Discontent After 2026 Italian Grand Prix QualifyingFerrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton criticized their team's qualifying strategy for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix. Both drivers finished in fourth and fifth positions, expressing disappointment with the execution of their plans.
via Motorsport.com"I kept forgetting SM!" – Yuki Tsunoda reveals amusing Monza challenge with F1's 2026 carsYuki Tsunoda is currently participating in the 2026 Formula 1 season and has shown promising performance at the Monza circuit, finishing 10th in Friday practice. He highlighted the challenges posed by the new regulations, particularly the complexity of the cars and the importance of energy management at Monza, which has four Straight Mode zones this year. Tsunoda humorously noted that he often forgot to utilize the SM zones during practice, which affected his lap times.
As he prepares for the upcoming qualifying session, Tsunoda anticipates a chaotic experience due to the significance of slipstreaming at Monza. He has expressed confidence in the VCARB 03 car's balance and ease of setup compared to his previous car, while also acknowledging the need to build his confidence further. Overall, Tsunoda's adaptability and the support from his team are key factors as he navigates the complexities of the 2026 season.Wikimedia Commons · Joop van Bilsen / Anefo · CC0Carlos Sainz Discusses Reasons for Renewing Williams ContractCarlos Sainz has signed a new contract with Williams, citing both public and private motivations for his decision. He acknowledged experiencing some mental concerns prior to finalizing the agreement.
via grandprix.comVowles highlights risks of Madrid's new F1 circuitJames Vowles has expressed worries that the new circuit in Madrid may present significant challenges for Formula 1 cars. Additionally, Carlos Sainz has highlighted potential difficulties with overtaking at the venue.
via Formula1.comLiam Lawson calls Friday practice productive for Red BullLiam Lawson and Red Bull Racing described their Friday practice session in Italy as productive. Despite not being among the top contenders, the team focused on gathering valuable data ahead of the race.Page 5 of 7
