News1149 stories

RSS ↗
Carlos PaceCharles LeclercGeorge RussellLando Norris
Sort
via Motorsport.comCharles Leclerc reveals he deleted social media apps from his phone amid F1 2026 hardshipCharles Leclerc, a driver for Ferrari, shared his experience of dealing with negativity during the challenging 2026 Formula 1 season. He decided to delete social media apps from his phone to focus on his performance, especially after facing multiple issues that affected his results, including a late-race accident in Monaco and problems in Barcelona. Despite the difficulties, Leclerc managed to turn his season around with a victory at Silverstone. He acknowledged the impact of external negativity on his performance and emphasized the importance of concentrating on his driving and the car's setup to overcome the challenges he faced.Thu 3 Sep · 15:47 UTCvia CrashGeorge Russell claims McLaren is the team to beatGeorge Russell has expressed his ambition for Mercedes to reclaim the title of the 'team to beat' in Formula 1. He acknowledges McLaren's current strong performance but remains uncertain about the overall favorites in the ongoing season.Thu 3 Sep · 15:40 UTCvia Motorsport.comCharles Leclerc on his belief in Fred Vasseur, odds to win Italian GP, and what Monza means to himIn an interview, Charles Leclerc reflected on his emotional connection to Monza, recalling his victory in 2019 and the overwhelming support from fans. He emphasized the unique atmosphere surrounding the Italian GP, noting how it elevates the experience for drivers and fans alike, creating a special bond with Ferrari. Leclerc also discussed the challenges of preparing for Monza, highlighting the need to manage fatigue during a demanding race week. He expressed confidence in the new features of Ferrari's SF-26 and his belief in team principal Fred Vasseur's vision, indicating his readiness to embrace the challenges ahead, including the upcoming race in Madrid.Thu 3 Sep · 14:44 UTCvia RacingNews365RUMOURKimi Antonelli confirms Mercedes discussions in George Russell support roleKimi Antonelli has confirmed that he is in talks with Mercedes regarding a support role for George Russell during the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. Due to a new power unit fitted to his car, Antonelli will start from the back of the grid, which has implications for his championship lead as his rivals have the opportunity to close the gap on him. The decision to take a grid penalty at Monza was made because the track is conducive to overtaking, making it a strategic choice for the team. Despite his starting position, Antonelli is prepared to assist Russell in qualifying by offering a tow if requested by Mercedes. He has acknowledged that while he aims for pole position, his priority will be to support the team’s efforts. This collaboration highlights the dynamics within the Mercedes team as they navigate the challenges of the race weekend.Thu 3 Sep · 13:45 UTCvia f1technical.netNorris reveals what he needs from McLaren to feel capable of winningLando Norris has explained in detail what his 2026 McLaren needs to feel like from behind the wheel for him to have the confidence to fight for victory, saying the Dutch Grand Prix demonstrated how dramatically his performance can change when the car gives him the characteristics he wants.Thu 3 Sep · 12:00 UTCvia CrashAston Martin's Alonso and Cardile back Honda partnershipAston Martin's technical chief Enrico Cardile and driver Fernando Alonso have expressed unwavering support for their partnership with Honda despite recent performance challenges. Both emphasized their belief in Honda's potential to improve and succeed in Formula 1.Thu 3 Sep · 11:59 UTCvia F1iLeclerc says 'powerful upgrades' will decide F1 title raceCharles Leclerc has expressed confidence that powerful upgrades will play a decisive role in the 2026 Formula 1 championship race, despite Ferrari currently trailing Mercedes by 87 points in the Constructors' standings. He is focused on the potential for rapid changes in performance due to aerodynamic improvements and is determined to maintain a race-by-race mindset as he pursues his championship aspirations, currently sitting fifth in the Drivers' standings, 28 points behind Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc acknowledges the challenges faced earlier in the season but has found a better connection with his car following adjustments made during the Silverstone weekend. He emphasizes the importance of instinctive driving and avoiding overthinking to maximize performance. With the development race ongoing, he believes that the true outcome of the championship will hinge on how effectively Ferrari can implement their upgrades.Thu 3 Sep · 08:37 UTCvia RacingNews365Lando Norris traits highlighted where 'he has improved the most'Lando Norris has made a significant comeback in the Formula 1 season, winning consecutive races at the Hungaroring and Zandvoort. Despite this success, he remains 83 points behind Kimi Antonelli, the current championship leader. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, has highlighted Norris's growth in assertiveness and self-confidence, particularly noting his strategic overtaking maneuvers during races. Norris's recent performances have reinvigorated discussions about his potential as a title contender. He has shown a willingness to acknowledge his achievements, which contrasts with his previous tendency to self-criticize. As the season progresses, Norris will aim to close the gap in points as he heads into the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza.Thu 3 Sep · 08:30 UTCvia Motorsport WeekLando Norris unveils brand new F1 Feeder Series team called ‘LN4 Fusion’Lando Norris has announced the launch of LN4 Fusion, a new junior single-seater racing team aimed at developing young motorsport talent. The team is currently involved in a British Formula 4 testing program and has plans to compete in various feeder series, including Italian F4 and Formula 3, while also entering the F2 selection process for the 2027 season. They have secured assets from AIX Racing to ensure their participation until the end of 2027. In addition to LN4 Fusion, Norris is introducing the LN4 Legacy Programme, which will provide support and development opportunities for aspiring drivers. This initiative is designed to help young talents access coaching and mentorship, reflecting Norris's commitment to fostering the next generation in motorsport. The team will be led by experienced figures such as Rene Rosin and Dan Hazlewood, who bring significant expertise to the project.Thu 3 Sep · 08:00 UTCvia PlanetF1Lando Norris makes new announcement ahead of Italian Grand PrixLando Norris, the reigning F1 world champion, has announced the establishment of a junior racing team named LN4 Fusion, which will begin competing in various championships from 2027. The team will focus on developing young talent and aims to participate in Formula 2 as early as next year, alongside other junior series like Formula 3 and Italian Formula 4. The team will be led by experienced figures in the motorsport industry, including Rene Rosin as team principal and Julian Rouse overseeing the driver development programme. In addition to LN4 Fusion, Norris has launched the LN4 Legacy Programme to support young drivers in their pursuit of racing opportunities. He emphasized the importance of having the right support and environment for aspiring racers. The team will operate from locations in both Italy and the UK, and Norris has acknowledged the backing of sponsors who have supported him throughout his career.Thu 3 Sep · 06:18 UTCvia gpfans.comFerrari's Vasseur confirms talks with Hamilton and LeclercFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed discussions between drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following a controversial race. The talks aimed to address tensions within the team after the Dutch Grand Prix.Thu 3 Sep · 06:15 UTCvia gpfans.comLando Norris launches LN4 Fusion racing team for 2027Lando Norris has officially launched his own racing team, LN4 Fusion, which will compete in Formula 3 starting in 2027. The initiative aims to support underfunded talent and has already attracted numerous job applications.Wed 2 Sep · 19:45 UTCvia RacingNews365Juan Pablo Montoya praises McLaren's strong formFormer F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has noted that McLaren is becoming increasingly competitive as Lando Norris aims for the 2026 championship. Despite this momentum, Norris still trails behind Kimi Antonelli in the title standings.Wed 2 Sep · 12:45 UTCvia f1technical.netMercedes identifies key weaknesses to address after Zandvoort defeatMercedes is analyzing its performance after a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, where they secured a second and third place finish but struggled to match the pace of Lando Norris and McLaren. Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted specific weaknesses in high-speed corners, particularly at Turns 7, 8, and 9, and noted that the performance drop varied between their drivers during different tire stints. As they prepare for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Mercedes faces the task of understanding whether the issues at Zandvoort were unique to that circuit or indicative of a larger problem with their car. The team is also investigating the contrasting handling characteristics reported by their drivers, which adds complexity to their analysis ahead of the next race.Wed 2 Sep · 12:00 UTCvia Sky Sports F1Will Hamilton, Russell or Norris seize title-race opening at Monza?The Italian Grand Prix presents a significant opportunity for Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris as championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid due to penalties. Both Hamilton and Russell are trailing Antonelli by 59 points, while Norris is 83 points behind after recent victories. The race at Monza is crucial for these drivers to capitalize on Antonelli's misfortune and close the gap in the standings. Ferrari is set to unveil an engine upgrade at their home race, which could enhance Hamilton's chances of victory. Meanwhile, McLaren's Norris is confident but faces challenges with their performance at Monza. Max Verstappen, significantly behind in points, may also play a role in the title race despite his own struggles this season. The outcome of the race could have lasting implications for the championship battle as the season progresses.Wed 2 Sep · 11:04 UTCvia f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc doesn’t share Lewis Hamilton’s view on Ferrari’s 2026 title chancesCharles Leclerc has expressed a cautious approach regarding Ferrari's chances in the championship, stating he is not focused on the title this season. He is currently 87 points behind Kimi Antonelli and emphasizes a race-by-race mentality as Ferrari seeks to improve its performance, particularly with an upgraded engine set to debut at Monza. Leclerc's previous championship experience includes finishing second to Max Verstappen in 2022, but he acknowledges the challenges posed by competitors like McLaren and Mercedes. In contrast, Lewis Hamilton maintains a more optimistic outlook, believing that Ferrari can still contend for the championship. He is currently 28 points ahead of Leclerc but trails Antonelli by 59 points. Hamilton's focus remains on winning and accumulating points, despite recent disappointing races. The differing perspectives between Leclerc and Hamilton highlight the contrasting strategies and mindsets within their teams as the season progresses.Wed 2 Sep · 09:00 UTCvia f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell has already shown ‘struggling’ Oscar Piastri exactly what he needs to do at McLarenGeorge Russell and Oscar Piastri are experiencing contrasting fortunes in the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Russell struggling to keep pace with his teammate Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes. Despite his challenges, Russell showed signs of improvement by winning the Sprint race and finishing third in the Dutch Grand Prix, while Piastri has fallen behind, with only two podium finishes this season and significant time lost to his teammate Lando Norris. The article highlights that Russell is adapting better to the new regulations compared to Piastri, who continues to struggle, particularly on low-grip circuits. McLaren's Andrea Stella has noted that Piastri needs to make adjustments to improve his performance, as he currently sits seventh in the standings and risks being overshadowed by Norris's success.Wed 2 Sep · 08:00 UTCvia RacingNews365George Russell wary of Mercedes stumble after 'out of sync' upgrade pushGeorge Russell has voiced concerns about Mercedes' position in the Formula 1 championship, particularly due to the lack of significant upgrades since May. With the team leading the constructors' standings by 87 points, Russell is wary of the potential impact of their delayed upgrade strategy, especially as rivals like Ferrari and McLaren gain momentum. He is currently 59 points behind teammate Kimi Antonelli and noted that Lando Norris's recent performance has made McLaren a formidable competitor. Russell emphasized the importance of the upcoming races, stating that the team must hope their forthcoming upgrades work effectively. He acknowledged that the pace between him and Antonelli has become more comparable, but he remains cautious about the challenges ahead, given the team's current development trajectory and the competitive landscape in the championship.Wed 2 Sep · 05:25 UTCvia f1technical.netMcLaren unveils special livery for Monza and MadridMcLaren has introduced a new livery for its MCL40 cars, celebrating four years with partner OKX. This special design will be showcased at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza and the Spanish Grand Prix.Wed 2 Sep · 05:00 UTCvia gpfans.comF1's greatest ever one-team drivers ranked after Lando Norris commits to McLarenLando Norris has committed to McLaren with a lucrative contract that will keep him with the team until 2030. This decision has reignited discussions about the significance of one-team drivers in Formula 1, a rarity compared to other sports. Norris, who began his F1 career with McLaren in 2019, is currently one of the leading one-team drivers alongside Jim Clark, who is celebrated for his remarkable achievements with Lotus. The article ranks the greatest one-team drivers in F1 history, placing Jim Clark at the top due to his impressive record of wins and pole positions. Lando Norris is highlighted as a strong contender for second place, with Oscar Piastri also making a notable impact in his short career. Other drivers like Sebastien Buemi, Jean-Eric Vergne, and Nicholas Latifi are mentioned for their contributions while driving for a single team.Tue 1 Sep · 21:30 UTCvia f1oversteer.comHonda manager has worked out how Yuki Tsunoda got so close to Liam Lawson’s pace at Racing BullsYuki Tsunoda made a strong impression during his debut with Racing Bulls at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing 11th after a late penalty affected his race. He stepped in for Liam Lawson, who was filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar, and managed to closely match Lawson's qualifying pace despite having no prior experience with the 2026 cars. Honda's Shinji Nakano noted Tsunoda's performance exceeded expectations, attributing it to the car's driver-friendly design and Tsunoda's motivation to impress potential teams for the future. Racing Bulls have been focusing on creating a car that is easy to handle, a strategy shaped by past experiences with driver performance. Currently, they are the leading team in the midfield standings with 66 points. Both Tsunoda and Lawson are now waiting for updates regarding Hadjar's recovery and potential return to racing.Tue 1 Sep · 18:00 UTCvia Formula1.comWhat's still to play for in the F1 driver market?The Formula 1 driver market is seeing a trend of stability as several teams opt to renew contracts rather than introduce new drivers. Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull until 2030, while Alpine has secured Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly. McLaren has also confirmed Lando Norris's extension, ensuring he will race with Oscar Piastri next season. Additionally, Ferrari is maintaining its driver lineup with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. This focus on continuity suggests that teams are prioritizing established talent as they prepare for the future, particularly looking ahead to the 2027 season.Tue 1 Sep · 16:16 UTCvia PlanetF1Norris two major improvements identified since becoming world championLando Norris has shown significant improvement in his performance since becoming the F1 World Champion in 2025, according to McLaren team boss Andrea Stella. His confidence and assertiveness have notably increased, leading to consecutive victories in Budapest and Zandvoort, although he currently trails Kimi Antonelli by 83 points in the championship standings. Norris's recent performances highlight his ability to adapt and excel under pressure, showcasing a new level of skill and determination. Stella emphasized that Norris's continuous improvements are not solely related to his driving skills but also involve his understanding of the car and race dynamics. Norris himself acknowledged that he is working more effectively off the track, which has contributed to his recent successes. This combination of on-track performance and strategic off-track preparation has positioned him as a strong contender, despite the challenges he faces in the championship.Tue 1 Sep · 12:55 UTCvia gpfans.comLando Norris seeks salary increase to match top driversLando Norris has expressed a desire for a salary increase to match that of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. This statement comes shortly after he signed a new contract with McLaren.Tue 1 Sep · 11:27 UTC