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via Motorsport.comLando Norris branded "the real deal" after showing mental resilienceLando Norris has received commendation from former F1 engineer Rob Smedley, who highlighted the driver's mental toughness and consistency, labeling him as 'the real deal.' This recognition follows Norris's performance in the Belgian Grand Prix, where he finished seventh despite a grid penalty, and his subsequent victory in Hungary, marking his first win of the season. Currently, he ranks fifth in the drivers' championship with 128 points, trailing Charles Leclerc and ahead of Max Verstappen.
Smedley pointed out that while Norris's junior career was well-supported, many drivers with similar backgrounds have not succeeded in F1. He believes that the criticism Norris faces often comes from those not directly involved in the sport, while insiders appreciate his dedication and resilience. Smedley asserts that Norris's ability to handle pressure and maintain speed makes him a formidable competitor in the racing world.
via RaceFansHamilton vs Leclerc: 2026 F1 team mates’ head-to-head scores at summer break | Formula 1Hamilton credits team principal Frederic Vasseur for helping him adapt to Ferrari's car, which has undergone changes since his arrival. The article reflects on Hamilton's potential for improvement in the current season, contrasting his past performance with Leclerc's success.
via RacingNews365Damon Hill praises Hamilton's resurgence at FerrariLewis Hamilton's recent performance at Ferrari has garnered positive feedback from former F1 champions. His resurgence is seen as a significant turnaround, positioning him as a contender for the championship in the current season.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen reveals 'greatest prize' in lifeMax Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 World Champion, has expressed that his greatest achievement is not his racing titles but rather his daughter, Lily, born in April 2025. He emphasizes the importance of family in his life, stating that nothing compares to the joy she brings him, despite the challenges of being a traveling racer. Verstappen shares the emotional difficulty he faces when leaving home for races, recalling similar experiences from his own childhood when his father, Jos Verstappen, would leave for competitions.
Verstappen's reflections highlight the sacrifices that come with a racing career, as he navigates the emotional complexities of parenthood. He recognizes that these feelings are part of a phase in life, understanding that as Lily grows, their relationship will evolve. His candid remarks illustrate the balance he seeks between his professional commitments and family life.
via grandprix.comVerstappen criticism can go too far says AlbersChristijan Albers, a former Formula 1 driver, discussed Max Verstappen's aggressive racing style and his recent performance against Lewis Hamilton. While Albers appreciates Verstappen's relentless approach, he also pointed out that the driver's public criticisms of Red Bull can sometimes be excessive and challenging for the team to manage. Albers believes that Verstappen's focus on his own situation may overshadow the competitive nature of the other drivers in the field.
Albers suggested that Verstappen should balance his honesty with a stronger defense of Red Bull, as the team has many people working towards a common goal. He acknowledged the difficulties in creating a competitive car and emphasized the importance of collaboration within the team. As Verstappen considers his future with Red Bull for the 2027 season, his position within the team remains powerful despite the criticisms he has voiced.
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton backed for title challenge in 2026Lewis Hamilton is currently in second place in the drivers' championship standings. An F1 legend has expressed optimism about Hamilton's chances of competing for the title in 2026.
via CrashLewis Hamilton Criticizes Jon Jones Over Hunting VideoLewis Hamilton has publicly criticized UFC champion Jon Jones for his recent pig hunting video. Following the incident, Hamilton blocked Jones on social media and referred to him as a "coward."
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen fighting to extend decade-long F1 streakMax Verstappen is facing the possibility of a winless season in 2026, having not secured a victory by the summer break. This would mark only the second time in his career that he has not won a race in a season since his debut in 2015. Currently, he has achieved four podium finishes but is still trailing behind competitors Ferrari and McLaren, who have both claimed victories this year.
Red Bull Racing, the team Verstappen drives for, has not won a race since 2015, making them the only top four team without a win in 2026. Despite starting the season significantly behind Mercedes, they have made progress in closing the performance gap. The team hopes to replicate their successful turnaround from the previous year, which was aided by a crucial upgrade at Monza.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen honoured after GT World Challenge winMax Verstappen's team, Verstappen Racing, secured its first Pro-Class win in the GT World Challenge Europe. This victory comes after a challenging season marked by mechanical issues and other setbacks.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen hails Red Bull backing in pursuit of 'other projects'Max Verstappen has expressed gratitude for the support he receives from Red Bull, which has allowed him to engage in various racing activities outside of Formula 1. He has participated in events like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, and he believes these experiences help him maintain focus on his primary role as an F1 driver. Verstappen highlighted the importance of having a stable home life and the ability to switch off from racing to avoid burnout.
Additionally, Verstappen spoke positively about his working relationship with Laurent Mekies, the new team principal at Red Bull. He noted that their collaboration has been smooth, as they had prior familiarity, and he appreciates Mekies' commitment to enhancing the team's overall structure. This supportive environment contributes to Verstappen's success and well-being as a driver.
via RaceFansFeatured Comment: How far is modern F1 like the ‘turbo era’? | Formula 1The article discusses the history and current state of Formula 1, highlighting that the championship began in 1950 and will reach its 75th season in 2025. It notes the consistent crowning of world champions and the introduction of the constructors' championship in 1958. Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher are recognized as the most successful drivers, with Hamilton achieving a milestone of 100 race wins in 2021.
Additionally, the article mentions the structure of the championship, including the participation of 10 teams and Ferrari's record of 16 constructors' titles. It reflects on the evolution of race strategies, particularly the emphasis on energy management in modern F1 compared to past eras.
via grandprix.comFerrari commits to aggressive upgrade strategyFerrari has announced its commitment to an aggressive upgrade strategy as it seeks to enhance its performance in the current season. The team will focus on frequent smaller updates rather than fewer large packages, aiming to close the gap with competitors like Mercedes.
via RacingNews365Former F1 team boss questions 'ridiculous' Lewis Hamilton clothingFormer F1 team boss Otmar Szafnauer criticized Lewis Hamilton's fashion choices, labeling them as 'ridiculous' during a podcast discussion. Despite his critique, Szafnauer conceded that Hamilton has the ability to carry off his unique style, which sets him apart from other drivers in the sport. Hamilton, who is 41, has been known for his colorful outfits and has a strong interest in fashion, often arriving at race events early to attract media attention.
The conversation highlighted the contrast between Szafnauer's opinion and that of his co-host, Jake Humphrey, who appreciates Hamilton's bold fashion statements. Szafnauer also speculated that Hamilton's fashion sense might have played a role in his relationship with Kim Kardashian, indicating that Hamilton's style has garnered significant attention both on and off the track.
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.
via CrashF1 legend on Lewis Hamilton's 2026 boost “hardly anyone talks about”Lewis Hamilton has made a notable comeback in the 2026 Formula 1 season, achieving a victory in Barcelona and securing four podium finishes, placing him second in the championship standings. This resurgence follows a challenging 2025 season where he did not achieve any podiums, leading to doubts about his future in the sport. Emerson Fittipaldi attributes Hamilton's improved performance to the new car dynamics, which require greater driving skill due to reduced downforce.
Fittipaldi, a two-time world champion, emphasizes that the current cars' design has made it more challenging to drive, allowing talented drivers like Hamilton to shine. He believes that Hamilton's familiarity with Ferrari and the engineers has also contributed to his success this season. Fittipaldi's comments reflect a broader sentiment that Hamilton's return to form is beneficial for both the sport and its fans.
via RacingNews365Ecclestone credits Verstappen for Dutch GP returnBernie Ecclestone has stated that Max Verstappen was instrumental in bringing the Dutch Grand Prix back to Zandvoort. He emphasized that without Verstappen's influence, Formula 1 might not have returned to the venue.
via RacingNews365The remarkable Lewis Hamilton stat keeping him in lonely companyLewis Hamilton has had a strong performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, scoring points in every race and currently holding second place in the championship standings. His consistent finishes, including a victory and several podiums, have kept him competitive, although he trails leader Kimi Antonelli by 50 points. Hamilton's Ferrari SF-26 has consistently placed in the top six, showcasing his reliability on the track.
Despite his impressive record, Hamilton has faced challenges, including penalties that have affected his potential points tally. He remains focused on maximizing his performance and extracting every possible point from each race. As the season progresses, the ability of Ferrari to close the development gap to Mercedes will be crucial for Hamilton's pursuit of an eighth world title.
via Motorsport.comF1 legends weigh in on Max Verstappen's Red Bull futureThe future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing has become a topic of discussion among Formula 1 legends as he navigates a challenging season. Currently sixth in the drivers' standings, Verstappen has the option to activate an exit clause in his contract, which has led to speculation about potential moves to teams like Mercedes or McLaren. However, he has remained silent on his future plans.
Several former drivers have weighed in on the situation, with opinions ranging from Montoya's belief that Verstappen's frustrations are a strategy to motivate the team, to Fittipaldi's hope that he will stay due to his loyalty. Others, like Berger, emphasize the importance of patience as Red Bull works through its new engine development, suggesting that the team could regain its competitive edge in the near future.
via RacingNews365Red Bull's Verstappen faces crucial decision aheadRed Bull Racing is currently assessing its future direction as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses. The team is particularly focused on Max Verstappen's performance and the impressive rise of young driver Antonelli.
via grandprix.comJos Verstappen slams claims about Max's next moveJos Verstappen has dismissed claims that his son, Max Verstappen, is preparing to extend his contract with Red Bull while negotiating a higher salary without an exit clause. Reports suggest that Red Bull is willing to increase Max's pay, but there are concerns about the team's competitiveness moving forward, leading to speculation about Max's future decisions in the sport.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has expressed confidence in Red Bull's structure, stating that the team does not require a rebuild despite some senior departures. He emphasized his strong relationship with the team and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1.Page 60 of 64