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via racer.comFerrari needs to get its act together in qualifying, Vasseur saysFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has emphasised the need for improvement in qualifying performance, stating that the team has the potential for better results if they can enhance their pace during qualifying sessions. Despite Charles Leclerc demonstrating strong race pace at the Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari has struggled to secure podium finishes since July, with Vasseur pinpointing weaknesses in the final stages of qualifying as a critical area for development.
Leclerc echoed Vasseur's sentiments, indicating that the car's performance in qualifying is generally lacking compared to its race pace. He specifically mentioned that the power unit's performance is a contributing factor to their struggles on Saturdays. Both Vasseur and Leclerc expressed a commitment to finding solutions to unlock more qualifying performance, with Vasseur optimistic about the team's ability to carry over current developments into next year's project.
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar's recovery progressing as Red Bull evaluatesIsack Hadjar is undergoing his final evaluation with Red Bull as he prepares for a potential return to the car. Team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that Hadjar's wrist recovery is on track, with a decision expected soon.
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson’s Red Bull call-up proves Arvid Lindblad’s manager was wrong about himLiam Lawson's recent performances for Red Bull have raised questions about the assessment made by Arvid Lindblad's manager, Oliver Rowland, who previously described Lawson as a benchmark for Lindblad's development. Lawson has scored 14 points in his three races, while Isack Hadjar, who is recovering from injury, is aiming to return for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has stated that Hadjar will not return until he is fully fit.
Max Verstappen has highlighted the immediate competitiveness of both Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in their stand-in roles, attributing it to the current car regulations. While Lawson was initially seen as a mentor for Lindblad, his consistent performance this season suggests he is a serious contender for a permanent seat at Red Bull, rather than just a benchmark for Lindblad's progress.
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson discusses uncertain F1 future with Red BullLiam Lawson has expressed uncertainty regarding his Formula 1 future as Red Bull evaluates their driver lineup. Despite a strong performance during his recent stint, Lawson acknowledges that he may feel more vulnerable in the competitive driver market.
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli addresses Mercedes team dynamicsKimi Antonelli has responded to suggestions that he has become the team leader at Mercedes, amid speculation about George Russell's recent performance decline. Antonelli is currently in contention for his first Formula 1 title, with Lando Norris praising his impressive results against the more experienced Russell.
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso reveals 'shock' after finding out Aston Martin truthFernando Alonso revealed his shock at Aston Martin's performance at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, expressing disappointment over the team's competitiveness. Despite high expectations with Adrian Newey's car design and Honda's return, the team struggled with a rushed chassis and engine reliability issues, leaving them near the back of the grid.
In a podcast interview, Alonso shared his thoughts on the team's situation, acknowledging the initial optimism but recognizing the need for improvement. He highlighted the upgrades introduced during the season and expressed hope for better results in the future, emphasizing the talent and motivation within the team to become contenders.
via gpfans.comIsack Hadjar injury reality revealed by F1 champion after missing three racesIsack Hadjar, a driver for Red Bull, has been sidelined for three races due to a wrist injury sustained during boxing. The team has temporarily replaced him with Liam Lawson, who will partner with Max Verstappen, while Yuki Tsunoda returns to fill Lawson's previous spot. There is currently no set timeline for Hadjar's return, as the team emphasizes the importance of his full recovery before he resumes racing.
Nico Rosberg highlighted the challenges of racing with a wrist injury, noting the physical demands placed on a driver's hands and wrists during high-speed maneuvers. He referenced Lance Stroll's previous experience with a similar injury, underscoring the potential pain and complications involved. Despite the setback, Red Bull remains optimistic about Hadjar's recovery and looks forward to his eventual return to the track.
via f1chronicle.comRed Bull Say Isack Hadjar’s Recovery Is on Track as Liam Lawson Continues to Impress Ahead of Azerbaijan GPRed Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that Isack Hadjar's recovery from a wrist injury is progressing as expected, with a decision on his return to the car set for next week. Hadjar has missed three races since the summer break, during which Liam Lawson has stepped in and performed well, scoring points in both Zandvoort and Madrid. Mekies emphasized the importance of not rushing Hadjar's return to ensure his long-term health and performance.
Liam Lawson has impressed during his time in the car, qualifying well and finishing sixth in Madrid. Mekies noted Lawson's growth as a driver and his ability to adapt to the team's demands. The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the start of a challenging triple-header, making the timing of Hadjar's potential return crucial. Red Bull plans to assess Hadjar's fitness through a simulator test before making a final decision.
via RacingNews365Red Bull detail conditions over Isack Hadjar return as Ferrari announce new deal - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has emphasized that Isack Hadjar will only return to his race seat when it is deemed completely safe. This statement comes as Hadjar continues his recovery from injury, highlighting the team's cautious approach to his reintegration into racing.
In other news, Scuderia Ferrari has announced a significant new partnership with Rakuten, which will become a team partner in telecommunications and e-commerce starting January 1, 2027. This deal marks a notable expansion for Ferrari as they seek to enhance their global presence in the sport.
via Formula1.comMekies offers update on Hadjar's injury recoveryRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, provided an update on Isack Hadjar's recovery from a wrist injury sustained during training. Hadjar has been sidelined for three races since the summer break, with Liam Lawson stepping in for him. Mekies reassured that Hadjar's recovery is progressing as expected, with no setbacks reported. The team plans to assess his condition further in a week's time, considering whether he can return for the next Grand Prix in Azerbaijan.
Hadjar has had a promising start to his season, achieving multiple top-10 finishes and even a podium in Monaco before his injury. While he has been unable to race, he has continued to attend events and analyze data. The team is cautious about his return, prioritizing his long-term health over a quick comeback. In the meantime, Lawson has performed well, finishing in the points during his races, while Verstappen has showcased the car's potential with two podium finishes.
via gpfans.comRed Bull praises Liam Lawson ahead of 2027 decisionRed Bull has commended Liam Lawson for his strong performances while substituting for the injured Isack Hadjar. Although Lawson may not race for Red Bull next year, he is expected to continue in Formula 1 beyond 2026.
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies loves the ‘simple’ change he’s seen from Liam Lawson at Red Bull after 2025 disasterLaurent Mekies has expressed his approval of Liam Lawson's recent performances as he stepped in for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull. Lawson has shown significant improvement compared to his previous stint in 2025, achieving strong results in Zandvoort and Madrid, and finishing P6 in his latest race. This has helped Red Bull match their best points tally of the season, showcasing Lawson's capability in competitive machinery.
Mekies highlighted Lawson's calm demeanor and focus as key factors in his success, noting that he has simplified his approach to racing and team interaction. While there is speculation about Lawson's future with the team, Mekies refrained from confirming any potential changes, emphasizing Lawson's growth as a driver and his ability to handle the pressures of racing at a high level.
via Motorsport.comWas Cadillac “faster” than Williams in Madring F1 race?Cadillac Racing, in its first season in Formula 1, showed some promising pace during the Spanish Grand Prix, particularly with driver Sergio Perez, who managed to keep up with Williams' Alexander Albon until a mechanical issue forced him to retire. Despite finishing 17th, Perez noted that he was competitive and even faster than Albon during certain parts of the race, which provided a glimmer of hope for the team.
On the other hand, teammate Valtteri Bottas struggled throughout the race, finishing at the back and highlighting ongoing reliability concerns. Cadillac has faced numerous challenges this season, including a high number of retirements, but both drivers remain hopeful for improvements in future races, particularly in the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar lengthy injury absence defended as Liam Lawson again waitsIsack Hadjar, a Red Bull driver, has been sidelined for three consecutive Grands Prix due to a wrist injury sustained during a boxing workout. The injury has led to Liam Lawson stepping in as his replacement during this period, raising concerns about Hadjar's recovery and Lawson's uncertain future role in upcoming races.
Nico Rosberg has publicly defended Hadjar, highlighting the challenges of racing with a wrist injury. Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, reassured that Hadjar's recovery is on track, with plans to assess his readiness for a simulator test soon. Lawson expressed the psychological strain of not knowing which car he will drive in the next race.Red Bull contracts imminent, Russell deal quietly doneSep.16 (GMM) Red Bull is expected to announce contract extensions in the coming days, according to Sky Deutschland presenter Peter Hardenacke, as uncertainty continues around several seats in the Red Bull driver pool. Hardenacke said he has learned that new deals are imminent, with Isack Hadjar the most obvious candidate after his strong season prior…
via f1chronicle.comFerrari Boss Fred Vasseur Insists ‘The Potential Is There’ for a Win After Charles Leclerc’s Bold Madrid GambleFerrari's team principal Fred Vasseur expressed confidence in the team's potential for victory following the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, where Charles Leclerc finished fourth after a bold strategy. Leclerc gambled on a single set of hard tyres for nearly 50 laps, hoping for a second caution that could have allowed him to pit without losing time. Despite his strong pace throughout the race, he ultimately fell short of a podium finish, crossing the line 29.116 seconds behind winner Kimi Antonelli.
Vasseur noted that the team's strategy was sound, but the absence of a second caution period hindered their chances. He emphasized that Leclerc's performance showcased Ferrari's capability to compete with the front-runners, despite Hamilton's early retirement due to brake issues. As the team prepares for the next race in Baku, Vasseur remains optimistic that a full race without incidents could finally yield the results that reflect their pace.
via Formula1.comVictoria Farfus sets the pace in 2026 F1 ACADEMY Rookie TestThe 2026 F1 Academy Rookie Test was held at the Circuito de Navarra, providing a platform for young female drivers to showcase their skills. Victoria Farfus emerged as the fastest driver, clocking a time of 1:46.988, while 18 participants completed a total of 1,447 laps over the course of the event. The test aimed to identify talent for future opportunities in the series, following a preparatory camp that included assessments and workshops.
The test featured notable performances, including Alexia Danielsson's fastest afternoon time of 1:47.259. The event has already proven successful, with seven drivers from the previous Rookie Test securing full-time positions in the series. F1 Academy's Performance & Talent Development Manager, Katie Denver, highlighted the impressive dedication of the drivers and the valuable insights gained regarding their potential.
via f1oversteer.comSimon Lazenby reminds Nico Rosberg of what he said about Lewis Hamilton’s ‘age’ last yearNico Rosberg has acknowledged that Lewis Hamilton has regained his qualifying pace this season, countering his previous doubts expressed in May 2025. At that time, Rosberg questioned whether Hamilton still possessed the ultimate speed, suggesting that age might be a factor. However, Hamilton is currently tied with Charles Leclerc in qualifying performances for the 2026 season, a significant turnaround from last year's results where he lost decisively to Leclerc.
During a discussion on Sky Sports F1, Rosberg noted Hamilton's impressive performance this year, stating that he is driving at his best and putting pressure on Leclerc. Hamilton's qualifying pace has improved significantly, and he is now the third-quickest driver in qualifying this year. Despite facing challenges, including a mechanical failure, Hamilton maintains a 24-point lead over Leclerc in the standings, showcasing his resilience and skill as a veteran driver.Hadjar injury may be more serious than first thoughtSep.15 (GMM) Isack Hadjar is now in danger of missing a fourth consecutive Formula 1 race, with new reports suggesting his wrist injury may be more serious than the initially reported hairline fracture. There is now speculation that tendon damage may also be involved, which would help explain why Red Bull has continued to delay…
via PlanetF1FIA confirms double Spanish GP punishment; Honda change; Brown receives apology – roundupThe FIA has confirmed a double punishment following the Spanish Grand Prix, where Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto was warned for moving under braking, and Racing Bulls were fined €200 for Yuki Tsunoda's speeding in the pit lane. This investigation highlights the stewards' commitment to maintaining safety and adherence to regulations during the race.
In other news, Honda has announced a leadership change, promoting Yoichiro Fukao to large project leader after the race. Additionally, Romain Grosjean issued an apology to Zak Brown regarding a misunderstanding about comments made about Oscar Piastri. Lando Norris faced a setback during the race due to a Virtual Safety Car, which altered his strategy, while Ferrari drivers Hamilton and Leclerc are set to participate in a tyre test at Imola.Page 5 of 12