via RacingNews365Red Bull set 'ultimate speed' target after Max Verstappen heroicsMax Verstappen showcased his driving skills during the Italian Grand Prix, starting from fifth and finishing third despite facing challenges. His performance included impressive overtakes, although he ultimately could not match the pace of Mercedes, who had a clear advantage throughout the race. Kimi Antonelli's remarkable victory from 19th position highlighted the competitive nature of the event.
Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, expressed admiration for Verstappen's efforts and emphasized the need for the team to achieve 'ultimate speed' to enhance their overall performance. He noted that while they were strong enough to outperform Ferrari and McLaren, there are still challenges to address in order to unlock further potential in their car's performance.
RacingNews365Mon 7 Sep · 10:00 UTC
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.
RaceFansMon 7 Sep · 09:43 UTC
via f1technical.netVasseur admits Ferrari "knew that this race would be challenging"Ferrari endured a frustrating Italian Grand Prix at Monza, with Charles Leclerc’s early retirement and Lewis Hamilton’s difficult recovery leaving the Scuderia unable to deliver the result its passionate home crowd had hoped for.
f1technical.netMon 7 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Max Verstappen treated Kimi Antonelli like Michael Schumacher at MonzaAt the Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen secured third place while Kimi Antonelli made an impressive comeback from P19 to win the race. Antonelli's victory has significantly boosted his lead in the championship standings, now holding a 66-point advantage over George Russell. Verstappen's performance drew attention, particularly his racing dynamics with Antonelli and Russell, which Juan Pablo Montoya likened to the respect drivers showed Michael Schumacher in the past.
Montoya highlighted how Verstappen raced differently against Antonelli, suggesting that other drivers were more willing to yield to Antonelli's pace. This observation underscores the rising status of Antonelli in the competitive landscape of Formula 1, as he continues to impress with his rapid ascent through the field and his commanding lead in the championship.
f1oversteer.comMon 7 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via F1iMcLaren drivers shrug off heated Monza intra-team battleDuring the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri engaged in a fierce battle for fourth place, with Norris ultimately taking the position on the last lap. Both drivers acknowledged the intensity of their competition but viewed it as fair racing, reflecting a positive team dynamic despite the pressure of the situation. Norris had started from eighth place, while Piastri began in sixth due to a grid penalty, and they both managed to secure a double top-five finish for McLaren.
The race highlighted the challenges McLaren faced in matching the performance of Mercedes, who finished first and second, and Red Bull's Verstappen, who also finished ahead of the McLarens. Norris noted the significance of slipstreaming in their performance, while Piastri appreciated the strategic nature of their intra-team battle. Overall, the McLaren drivers left the race without any lingering resentment, emphasizing the respect they have for each other as teammates.
F1iMon 7 Sep · 08:49 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc hits back at anti-teamwork Lewis Hamilton 'narrative'Charles Leclerc responded to claims that he and Lewis Hamilton were not collaborating effectively during the Italian Grand Prix, where both drivers faced significant challenges. The race saw Hamilton make an aggressive move on Leclerc, which led to a series of incidents that ultimately resulted in Leclerc crashing out and causing a red flag situation.
In the aftermath, Leclerc defended their teamwork, asserting that the narrative of discord was unfounded. He acknowledged that their racing tactics at the start of the race were problematic, but emphasized that the media's portrayal of their relationship was exaggerated. The incident has sparked discussions about the dynamics within the Ferrari team and their performance during the race.RacingNews365Mon 7 Sep · 08:10 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen hails Red Bull response after pointed criticismMax Verstappen praised Red Bull's impressive recovery during the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, where he secured a third-place finish. This came after a difficult start, marked by balance issues and a lack of pace during practice sessions, and a disappointing performance at Zandvoort where he crashed out early in the race.
Despite the podium result, Verstappen pointed out that the team still faces challenges, particularly in competing against Mercedes-powered cars on the long straights of Monza. He acknowledged the significant turnaround from Friday to Saturday but emphasized that further improvements are necessary for the car's performance.RacingNews365Mon 7 Sep · 06:20 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen's "wholesome" Monza moment with Kimi Antonelli's father goes viral: "Class act"Max Verstappen was praised for a heartwarming interaction with Marco Antonelli, the father of Kimi Antonelli, after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The moment, which went viral on social media, featured Verstappen congratulating Antonelli Sr. before Kimi celebrated his victory, marking a significant achievement as he won from 19th on the grid.
Kimi Antonelli's win at Monza has solidified his position at the top of the drivers' standings, now holding a 66-point lead over George Russell. Lewis Hamilton trails in third place, 76 points behind Antonelli. The podium celebration was particularly special for Antonelli, who expressed his joy at winning in front of his home crowd.
Motorsport.comSun 6 Sep · 22:56 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen praises Loek Hartog for life-saving actMax Verstappen has expressed admiration for Loek Hartog's courageous actions during a recent incident in Shanghai. The Red Bull driver highlighted Hartog's role in saving the life of a rival driver, calling it 'unbelievable'.
gpfans.com+ 1 moreSun 6 Sep · 21:29 UTC
via theguardian.comLewis Hamilton rules out world title challenge after Italian Grand Prix setbackLewis Hamilton has effectively ruled out his chances of winning the Formula One world championship this year following a disappointing performance at the Italian Grand Prix, where he finished sixth. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, crashed out early in the race, and Hamilton expressed frustration over Ferrari's strategy and operational failures that he believes have hindered his title pursuit. He now trails championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 76 points with only 10 races left in the season.
After the race, Hamilton criticized the team's communication and decision-making, suggesting that changes are necessary to improve their performance. Vasseur, the Ferrari team principal, acknowledged the need for discussions regarding team orders and strategies moving forward. The incident between Hamilton and Leclerc highlighted ongoing issues within the team, prompting Hamilton to call for a reevaluation of their approach to racing and collaboration.
theguardian.comSun 6 Sep · 20:16 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson details cause of Red Bull frustration: 'I didn't mean to'Liam Lawson expressed his frustration following a challenging Italian Grand Prix where he finished in 14th place. The race began with him starting from the pit lane due to a rear-wing change, and he initially made good progress before a collision with Nico Hulkenberg broke his front wing. This incident forced him to pit for repairs, significantly impacting his race time and position after the red flag restart.
Lawson detailed the incidents with Hulkenberg, clarifying that he did not intend to make contact during the race. He noted that he lost visibility due to a damaged mirror, which contributed to the collision. Despite having competitive speed, the damage and subsequent pit stop hindered his ability to recover positions, leading to a disappointing outcome.RacingNews365Sun 6 Sep · 18:30 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen claims broken Italian Grand Prix track nearly put him out of the raceMax Verstappen secured a podium finish at the Italian Grand Prix, finishing third after a competitive race at Monza. He faced challenges from Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, with Antonelli ultimately taking the victory after starting from 19th position. Verstappen led for several laps but struggled with track conditions and the pace of his competitors, particularly in the final stages of the race.
During the race, a Virtual Safety Car was deployed due to an incident involving Lance Stroll, which interrupted the battle for positions. Verstappen noted difficulties with the track surface, which nearly caused him to lose control of his car. Despite these challenges, he managed to secure third place, highlighting the intense competition and the strategic elements of the race.gpfans.comSun 6 Sep · 17:55 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen Highlights Red Bull's Deployment Issue at MonzaMax Verstappen secured a third-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix after starting from fifth. He noted that a deployment issue with his Red Bull car affected his performance during the race.
Formula1.comSun 6 Sep · 17:36 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURCharles Leclerc hints at Ferrari engine problem after crashing out of Italian Grand PrixCharles Leclerc faced a disappointing end to his race at the Italian Grand Prix, crashing out early due to what he suggested might be an engine power issue. He noted a difference in power delivery from his Ferrari between the first and second laps but refrained from placing blame until further data could be reviewed. Despite the setback, Leclerc is focused on recovering for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.
The incident with Lewis Hamilton at the start of the race added to the drama, with Leclerc addressing speculation about tension between the two drivers. He emphasized that while their racing incident was unfortunate, he does not believe there is animosity between them. As Ferrari looks to regroup, ensuring Leclerc's health and performance will be crucial for their upcoming races.f1oversteer.comSun 6 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli Claims Historic Monza Victory for MercedesKimi Antonelli secured a remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix, overcoming a 19th-place start. This win marks the first home victory for Italy in Formula 1 in 60 years.theguardian.comSun 6 Sep · 15:38 UTC
via gpfans.comSebastian Vettel returns to Red Bull and 'leaves surprise' for Max VerstappenSebastian Vettel made a notable return to Red Bull during the Italian Grand Prix on September 6, 2026, where he left a personal message for current champion Max Verstappen on his helmet visor. This visit marked Vettel's first appearance at Red Bull since his departure from the team in 2014 and his retirement from F1 in 2022. The gesture highlighted the camaraderie between the two drivers, with Vettel reminiscing about his time with the team and the legacy of their past successes.
In addition to his visit to Red Bull, Vettel drove Michael Schumacher's iconic F2002 Ferrari at Monza, an experience that stirred deep emotions for him. He reflected on his childhood admiration for Schumacher and the significance of the car in F1 history. The event served as a poignant reminder of Vettel's illustrious career and his connection to the sport's past, while also celebrating the ongoing achievements of Verstappen and Red Bull Racing.gpfans.comSun 6 Sep · 13:13 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen reacts to insulting Pierre Wache nickname after Red Bull woes at MonzaMax Verstappen expressed frustration with his RB22, calling it a 'paper car' after a disappointing qualifying session at Monza, where he finished sixth. This comment led to Red Bull's technical director Pierre Wache being humorously nicknamed 'paper Wache,' highlighting the struggles the team has faced under new regulations since Wache took over from Adrian Newey. Verstappen acknowledged the ongoing issues but emphasized that the blame should not fall on a single individual, indicating a collective effort is needed to improve the car's performance.
Despite the challenges, team principal Laurent Mekies defended Wache, noting the advancements made with the power unit. Verstappen's remarks reflect a broader concern within the team as they aim to resolve persistent problems ahead of the upcoming races. With Verstappen's new contract extending until 2030, there is an expectation for significant improvements in the future, especially as the team seeks to regain its competitive edge.f1oversteer.comSun 6 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via grandprix.comHamilton and Leclerc say Ferrari mishandled Monza qualifyingIn the Monza qualifying session, Ferrari's drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance, believing they missed an opportunity for pole position. They ended up third and fourth on the grid after Oscar Piastri's penalty elevated their positions, but both drivers felt that the team did not fully capitalize on their car's speed during the session.
Leclerc faced a battery issue that affected his qualifying run, while Hamilton narrowly advanced past Q2. Both drivers emphasized the importance of executing a clean qualifying strategy, as demonstrated by Pierre Gasly's performance. Looking ahead, they hope to leverage their starting positions effectively in the race.grandprix.comSun 6 Sep · 11:02 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc fears Ferrari 'exposure' as 'miracle' hoped for at Italian GPCharles Leclerc is set to start third at the Italian Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton right behind him in fourth. Despite a new engine upgrade, Leclerc is worried that Ferrari's lack of straight-line speed will make them vulnerable to competitors, particularly on a track known for its long straights. He noted that while the Ferrari chassis excels in cornering, the smaller turbo in their engine limits their top speed compared to rivals like Mercedes.
Leclerc anticipates a challenging race, where he and Hamilton may be 'exposed' to faster cars on the straights. He hopes that their cornering speed can help them maintain competitiveness and is optimistic about finding unexpected advantages during the race. The situation highlights the ongoing struggles Ferrari faces in maximizing their performance against stronger rivals.RacingNews365Sun 6 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen in brutal dig as Red Bull struggle again: 'Less power than a Fiat Punto'Max Verstappen has expressed significant frustration with his Red Bull car's performance during the lead-up to the Italian Grand Prix, particularly after experiencing a power drop in practice. Despite recently signing a substantial contract extension with the team, he described his car's power as being inferior to that of a Fiat Punto, highlighting ongoing struggles with the vehicle's competitiveness under the new regulations emphasizing battery power usage.
Currently sitting sixth in the Drivers' standings, Verstappen's performance this season has been disappointing, as he trails the championship leader by a considerable margin. His qualifying position improved slightly due to a penalty for another driver, but the overall sentiment remains one of dissatisfaction with both the car and the regulatory changes affecting the sport.gpfans.comSun 6 Sep · 10:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli explains 'weird feeling' after 'strict' Max Verstappen instructionKimi Antonelli faced a challenging qualifying session at the Italian Grand Prix, where he was tasked with providing a tow for teammate George Russell after receiving a grid penalty. Despite his efforts, Max Verstappen's actions nearly disrupted Mercedes' strategy, as he attempted to slow down and let Antonelli pass. Ultimately, Antonelli finished in 20th place, while Pierre Gasly took pole position ahead of Russell.
Reflecting on the session, Antonelli described it as a 'weird' experience, emphasizing the stress of adhering to team instructions and managing the cooldown lap without boost. He currently leads the championship by 59 points, highlighting his strong performance throughout the season despite the difficulties faced during qualifying.RacingNews365Sun 6 Sep · 10:30 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen blames car ‘failure’ for disappointing F1 Monza GP qualifying resultMax Verstappen has identified an unexpected issue that Red Bull will investigate following a tricky qualifying at the F1 Italian GP.
Motorsport WeekSun 6 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen makes surprise revelation: 'I deliberately held back'Max Verstappen has revealed that he has intentionally held back during races this season due to ongoing issues with his Red Bull car. He explained that these problems have altered his risk assessment, leading him to adopt a more cautious approach, especially when not competing for the championship. Verstappen's performance has been impacted by handling and reliability concerns, which have persisted throughout the season.
During qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen finished sixth, continuing a trend of frustration for him and the team. He acknowledged that while he strives to maximize his performance, the frequent setbacks have forced him to reevaluate his racing strategy. Despite his frustrations, he remains optimistic about the team's efforts to improve their situation.RacingNews365Sun 6 Sep · 08:15 UTC
via Motorsport.comOscar Piastri on Monza 2025 team orders: "I wouldn’t change how I responded"Oscar Piastri reflected on the team orders he followed during the Monza race in 2025, stating he has no regrets about his response despite the subsequent decline in his season performance. He acknowledged that the challenges he faced were due to multiple factors, not just that single decision, and he believes he handled the situation well at the time.
As of now, Piastri is seventh in the championship standings, significantly trailing his teammate Lando Norris. He has been working on improving his pace and adapting his driving style to the new car dynamics, expressing optimism about making progress as he continues to experiment with his approach on the track.Motorsport.comSat 5 Sep · 22:56 UTC