News80 stories
RSS ↗
via Motorsport.comMika Hakkinen urges McLaren not to "rock the boat" with Max Verstappen moveMika Hakkinen has expressed concerns about McLaren potentially pursuing Max Verstappen, suggesting that the team should focus on preserving its internal harmony. He believes that introducing another top driver could disrupt the existing team dynamics, which are vital for success in Formula 1. Hakkinen shared these insights during a podcast discussion with David Coulthard, emphasizing the importance of continuity within the team.
Hakkinen drew from his own experiences at McLaren, where he and Coulthard maintained a long-standing partnership. He argued that a strong team spirit is essential, and management should prioritize stability over risky driver market moves. The upcoming Dutch Grand Prix is set to take place from August 21 to 23, 2026.
Sun 9 Aug · 11:32 UTC
via Motorsport.comMika Hakkinen reveals doubts over F1 return after life-threatening crash in 1995Mika Hakkinen opened up about his traumatic experience following a life-threatening crash at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix, where he suffered severe injuries including a fractured skull. The crash was triggered by a puncture that sent his car airborne, leading to a high-speed impact with a barrier. Hakkinen was hospitalized for about two months and received critical medical assistance from F1 officials and doctors at the scene.
Despite the physical and psychological hurdles he faced, Hakkinen returned to testing an F1 car just months later. He reflected on the difficult decision to come back to racing, acknowledging the fear and doubts that accompanied it. Ultimately, his passion for motor racing and the desire to prove himself motivated him to overcome his apprehensions and return to the sport he loves.Fri 7 Aug · 12:38 UTC
via RacingNews365David Coulthard issues Williams 'write-off' verdict in horror seasonThe situation has led to frustration among drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, who have received apologies from team principal James Vowles. Coulthard pointed out that late information from suppliers contributed to the team's struggles, and he doubts they will regain their previous standing this season. As a result, Williams is likely to focus on preparing for the next season rather than making significant improvements in the current one.
Fri 7 Aug · 11:50 UTC
via CrashLando Norris confident in McLaren's future after winLando Norris secured his first win of the Formula 1 season at the Hungaroring, marking a significant turnaround for his campaign. Following this victory, he expressed confidence in McLaren's potential for future races.
+ 1 moreWed 5 Aug · 07:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell's 2026 F1 bad luck is beyond a "Rocky" story, says David CoulthardGeorge Russell's 2026 Formula 1 season has been marred by a series of unfortunate events, despite his early victories in Australia and China. Currently, he is significantly behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the drivers' standings, facing technical failures, penalties, and other setbacks that have hindered his performance throughout the season.
David Coulthard commented on Russell's struggles, suggesting that his relentless bad luck has turned the season into a challenging experience rather than a triumphant one. He emphasized the contrast between Russell's difficulties and Antonelli's relative success, highlighting how Russell's experience may not be as beneficial as it could be in overcoming the challenges he faces.Tue 4 Aug · 17:00 UTC
via CrashHakkinen advises McLaren against signing VerstappenMika Hakkinen has cautioned McLaren against making a significant move for Max Verstappen, suggesting it may disrupt their current stability. The two-time world champion's potential transfer to McLaren has been a topic of speculation for the 2027 season.+ 3 moreTue 4 Aug · 09:19 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren to introduce rotating rear wing in futureMcLaren plans to implement its rotating rear wing design, known as the 'Macarena,' at a later date. Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed that the exact timing for its introduction remains unspecified.+ 1 moreTue 4 Aug · 08:22 UTC
via Motorsport.comMartin Brundle says title race is still open after winMartin Brundle has expressed that the 2026 Formula 1 championship remains uncertain following McLaren's recent victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Sky Sports F1 pundit emphasized that the title fight is still very much alive as the season progresses.+ 1 moreMon 3 Aug · 15:12 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard criticises FIA over 2026 rules delaysFormer driver David Coulthard has criticized the FIA for its delayed response to issues arising from the 2026 technical regulations. The FIA has defended its actions, attributing some of the problems to the manufacturers and stating that intervention was not feasible sooner.+ 4 moreMon 3 Aug · 08:11 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren "ready to challenge" Mercedes after upgrade, says Sky F1 commentatorThe article highlights McLaren's recent performance improvements following an upgrade package introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix. David Croft, a commentator for Sky Sports F1, believes that these upgrades have positioned McLaren to effectively challenge Mercedes for the championship title as the 2026 season progresses. Lando Norris, who secured his first victory as reigning champion, currently sits fifth in the drivers' standings, trailing Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, by 91 points.
Croft emphasizes that McLaren's enhanced understanding of their power unit and the successful implementation of upgrades have allowed them to regain competitiveness. He expresses optimism about Norris's potential to close the gap in the championship standings, suggesting that McLaren must continue to capitalize on their recent momentum to maximize their chances in the constructors' championship as well.Sun 2 Aug · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comFormer Haas F1 boss calls out FIA over 'lenient' Carlos Sainz Hungarian GP penaltyGuenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 team principal, criticized the FIA for the lenient five-second penalty given to Carlos Sainz after his collision with Oscar Piastri at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Steiner argued that Sainz deserved a harsher penalty to set a precedent for backmarkers, dismissing the FIA's reasoning that technical issues contributed to the leniency of the sanction.
The collision had significant consequences, damaging Piastri's chances of victory and leading to his retirement from the race due to a gearbox issue. Following the incident, Sainz finished in 18th place, while Piastri is currently seventh in the drivers' championship standings. The F1 calendar will continue with the Dutch Grand Prix later in August.Sun 2 Aug · 11:59 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris claims first victory of the seasonLando Norris secured his first victory of the Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Following his performance, he expressed confidence in achieving more wins after the summer break.+ 1 moreSun 2 Aug · 10:45 UTC
via Motorsport.comRachel Brookes predicts major F1 driver changes for 2027Rachel Brookes has forecasted significant changes in the Formula 1 driver lineup for the 2027 season, highlighting potential moves for several prominent drivers. She predicts that Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull to join Mercedes, with Oscar Piastri stepping into his place. Other notable changes include Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso potentially moving to Audi and Alpine, respectively, while McLaren could field an all-British lineup featuring Lando Norris and George Russell.
Brookes emphasizes Verstappen's desire to compete for victories again, suggesting that he is dissatisfied with his current position at Red Bull. The speculation around these driver movements is fueled by Verstappen's exit clause and the ongoing performance issues faced by Sainz at Williams. The predictions reflect a broader trend of anticipated reshuffling in the F1 grid as teams prepare for the future.Sun 2 Aug · 10:15 UTC
via Motorsport.comAston Martin backed to transform F1 fortunes over next two years by former driverFormer Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has expressed confidence that Aston Martin will significantly improve over the next two years, predicting they will win races despite a challenging start to the 2026 season. Currently, the team sits in 10th place in the constructors' championship, having only scored one point through Fernando Alonso at the Monaco Grand Prix. The team has high expectations with a new Honda power unit and substantial upgrades introduced recently.
During the Hungarian Grand Prix, Aston Martin showcased some performance improvements, with both drivers finishing just outside the points. Stroll noted that the team took a 'huge step' forward, although they still need to enhance their power and downforce. Coulthard remains optimistic about the team's long-term project and believes they will emerge as a competitive force in the near future.Sat 1 Aug · 17:05 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen's Red Bull radio complaints prompt McLaren move question from David CroftMax Verstappen's radio messages during the Hungarian Grand Prix raised eyebrows, leading Sky Sports commentator David Croft to speculate about potential motives behind his frustrations. Croft suggested that these complaints might be a strategic move to facilitate a departure from Red Bull, possibly to join McLaren, as the team has faced challenges with their car's performance this season.
The context of these comments comes amid a strong performance from Mercedes, who have dominated the early part of the 2026 season. Verstappen's remarks about the difficulties of driving the Red Bull when it is not in optimal condition have fueled discussions about his satisfaction with the team and the car's reliability.Sat 1 Aug · 08:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris reveals how fierce Oscar Piastri rivalry has driven his F1 developmentLando Norris has acknowledged that his intense rivalry with teammate Oscar Piastri has significantly contributed to his growth as a Formula 1 driver. He noted that while Piastri's competitive nature can be overwhelming, it has ultimately made him a better racer, especially during the challenging 2025 season where both drivers competed fiercely for the championship title, which Norris won by a narrow margin over Max Verstappen.
In the current 2026 season, Norris secured McLaren's first victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. As the season progresses, he is positioned fifth in the standings, while Piastri ranks seventh. The competition remains tight, with Kimi Antonelli leading the championship race, highlighting the ongoing challenges and dynamics within the team and the sport.Fri 31 Jul · 11:59 UTC
via AutosportThe one aspect Stella thinks will decide the rest of F1 2026The 2026 Formula 1 season is heavily influenced by the ongoing development race among teams, with Mercedes initially dominating but facing increased competition from Ferrari and McLaren. Notably, McLaren's recent upgrades have significantly improved their performance, allowing Lando Norris to win the Hungarian Grand Prix by a substantial margin. Andrea Stella, McLaren's boss, highlights the critical role of continuous upgrades in determining the season's outcome as teams adapt to the new regulations.
Stella anticipates that the fight for supremacy will persist throughout the season, with teams striving to enhance their cars. McLaren plans to introduce additional updates in upcoming races, while acknowledging that all top teams are effectively implementing their own upgrades. The competitive landscape remains dynamic, with the final results of the season still uncertain as teams continue to evolve their strategies.
Fri 31 Jul · 08:29 UTC
via Motorsport.com"A race of upgrades" - How development will decide the 2026 F1 titleThe 2026 Formula 1 season is increasingly defined by the development race among teams, with Mercedes initially dominating but facing strong competition from Ferrari and McLaren. Notably, McLaren's Lando Norris secured victory in Hungary, showcasing the effectiveness of their recent upgrades, which included significant changes to their car's components. This season marks a major regulatory shift, prompting teams to adapt quickly and innovate to stay competitive.
McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, highlighted the critical role of upgrades in determining the championship outcome, indicating that the fight for performance improvements will continue throughout the season. With the next race in Zandvoort approaching, McLaren is poised to introduce additional enhancements, while the overall competitive landscape remains fluid as teams strive to optimize their cars under the new regulations.Fri 31 Jul · 08:08 UTC
via AutosportToto Wolff praises McLaren after Hungary Grand Prix winMcLaren achieved a notable victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, showcasing significant improvements in their performance. Mercedes expressed admiration for Lando Norris' success while also focusing on enhancing their own reliability and competitiveness.+ 1 moreThu 30 Jul · 13:02 UTC
via CrashDavid Coulthard criticises Formula 1’s 2026 regulationsFormer F1 driver David Coulthard has expressed disappointment regarding the upcoming 2026 regulations in Formula 1. He believes that concerns raised about the changes were largely ignored by the governing bodies.+ 1 moreThu 30 Jul · 10:11 UTCPage 4 of 4
