News103 stories
RSS ↗
via Motorsport.comWho slept best last night: Liam LawsonLiam Lawson had a notable performance during his third race with Red Bull at Zandvoort, qualifying closely behind Max Verstappen and finishing seventh, which earned him points. This race was a stark contrast to his previous stint in 2025, where he struggled significantly and failed to score any points.
The article reflects on Lawson's journey, highlighting the challenges he faced when initially promoted to Red Bull and the pressure he was under. It suggests that his recent performance may indicate that the RB21 car suits his driving style better than before, and questions the decisions made by Red Bull regarding driver placements in the past.
Mon 24 Aug · 05:21 UTC
via f1technical.netPiastri aims to find out why he suffered "such a significant performance drop-off" in ...Oscar Piastri faced a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing in sixth place after a promising start. Despite gaining positions early on and briefly holding third place, he struggled with pace in the latter half of the race, compounded by a slow pit stop that hindered his performance further. This led to him being overtaken by competitors, including drivers from Ferrari.
Piastri expressed his frustration with the outcome but noted some positives from the start of the race. He highlighted the importance of reviewing the weekend's data to identify the reasons behind the significant drop in performance. The McLaren team aims to address these issues before the upcoming race in Monza to improve their competitiveness.
Sun 23 Aug · 23:00 UTC
via f1technical.netAntonelli reveals why he missed out on victory despite leading the Zandvoort raceKimi Antonelli expressed disappointment after finishing second in the Dutch Grand Prix, having led for a significant portion of the race. Despite a strong start and initial pace, he struggled to maintain performance after switching to Hard tyres, allowing Lando Norris to overtake him and secure victory. Mercedes opted to pit Antonelli under a late Virtual Safety Car, but he could not capitalize on the fresher tyres to regain the lead.
The race concluded with Mercedes achieving a double podium, with Antonelli in P2 and George Russell in P3, which was crucial for their position in the Constructors' Championship. Antonelli acknowledged the team's success in extending their lead over Ferrari, despite his personal disappointment at missing out on the win.Sun 23 Aug · 23:00 UTC
via CrashWhy two F1 drivers escaped ‘very significant penalty’ for pit lane breachDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, drivers Ollie Bearman and Gabriel Bortoleto left the pit lane while the exit light was red, a violation that usually incurs a significant penalty. However, the stewards decided against punishing them due to the race not being live at the time of the infringement and concluded that neither driver gained an advantage or created a dangerous situation. Both received reprimands instead of harsher penalties.
Bortoleto managed to finish 13th after a chaotic first lap, while Bearman did not restart due to a breakdown. The race was ultimately won by Lando Norris, who achieved consecutive victories for McLaren. The incident highlighted the unique circumstances of the race restart and the stewards' discretion in applying penalties.
Sun 23 Aug · 18:10 UTC
via grandprix.comOcon says Haas problem is car inconsistencyEsteban Ocon has highlighted the inconsistency of the Haas VF-26 cars as a significant issue affecting performance comparisons with teammate Oliver Bearman. He pointed out that despite using identical parts, the two cars often show different behaviors on track, complicating their performance analysis. Ocon's recent performance at Zandvoort, where he qualified ahead of Bearman, showcased a moment of improvement, but he emphasized that the underlying inconsistency remains a challenge for the team.
As questions about Ocon's future with Haas grow, he remains focused on addressing the car's issues. Team principal Ayao Komatsu has refrained from criticizing Ocon, recognizing his potential when he feels comfortable with the car. Ocon's comments reflect ongoing efforts to understand the discrepancies in car performance, as he and the team continue to seek solutions to enhance their competitiveness.
via CrashCharles Leclerc doubts Ferrari had pole potential in Dutch GP qualifyingCharles Leclerc expressed skepticism regarding Ferrari's ability to secure pole position during the Dutch GP qualifying, where he ended up sixth on the grid. Despite showing strong pace throughout the weekend, he attributed the team's struggles in qualifying to mistakes made during the session and a general tendency to perform better in race conditions rather than in single-lap scenarios. Leclerc's time was close to the pole position, but he felt that the potential for a better qualifying result was not present for Ferrari.
Leclerc's comments highlight the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces in qualifying, as he noted that the team often finds itself on the back foot compared to competitors. He acknowledged the need for improvements in their qualifying performance while maintaining confidence in their race pace, which has been more favorable for the team.Sun 23 Aug · 08:00 UTC
via Formula1.comFrom Salo to Bearman – 10 memorable F1 stand-in performancesLiam Lawson is set to return to Red Bull Racing this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar. This marks a significant moment for Lawson, as he previously made his debut at Zandvoort three years ago, filling in for Daniel Ricciardo. Yuki Tsunoda will also have the opportunity to race at Racing Bulls, taking Lawson's previous seat.
The article highlights memorable stand-in performances in Formula 1 history, including drivers like Jean-Louis Schlesser and Mika Salo, who made significant impacts during their temporary stints. These instances showcase how substitute drivers have occasionally altered the course of races and their careers, with some, like Sebastian Vettel and George Russell, using their opportunities to launch successful F1 careers.
Sun 23 Aug · 07:46 UTC
via f1technical.netVerstappen reveals Red Bull "have been a bit limited with the balance" in Zandvoort ...Max Verstappen expressed concerns about Red Bull's performance during qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix, where he secured a seventh-place start. He noted that the team has struggled with car balance and grip, which hindered their ability to compete effectively. Despite finishing sixth in the Sprint race, Verstappen admitted that overtaking was challenging on the Zandvoort circuit, limiting his chances to advance further.
Liam Lawson, Verstappen's teammate, also faced difficulties during the Sprint but showed improvement by reaching Q3 in qualifying. Both drivers highlighted the team's ongoing challenges with car setup, which have not yielded the desired results. As the final race at Zandvoort approaches, Verstappen emphasized the importance of managing expectations while appreciating the support from the fans.Sat 22 Aug · 22:00 UTC
via f1technical.netLeclerc rues changes to engine mode that might have cost him a better starting positionCharles Leclerc expressed disappointment after qualifying sixth for the Dutch Grand Prix, despite a strong performance in the Sprint race where he finished second. He noted that Ferrari's decision to start on soft tyres in the Sprint paid off, allowing him to gain positions and match the pace of competitors like George Russell. However, the team struggled in qualifying, with Leclerc attributing some of the issues to changes in engine modes that may have hindered their performance.
Leclerc acknowledged the importance of qualifying for the race, especially given the challenging overtaking conditions at Zandvoort. He emphasized the need for Ferrari to focus on maximizing their race strategy and improving their starts, as they aim to recover from their sixth-place starting position. The team's strong long-run performance in the Sprint gives them hope for a competitive race on Sunday.Sat 22 Aug · 22:00 UTC
via F1iLeclerc insists Ferrari ‘have got to work’ on SF-26’s qualifying paceCharles Leclerc has highlighted the need for Ferrari to enhance the SF-26's qualifying pace, as he finished sixth in qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix despite a strong second-place finish in the sprint race. He noted that Ferrari's performance tends to be better during races than in qualifying, which poses challenges, especially on a track like Zandvoort with limited overtaking opportunities. Leclerc emphasized that improving qualifying performance is not a straightforward task and requires more than just minor adjustments to the car's settings.
The unpredictable weather conditions, including intermittent rain, may provide a chance for Ferrari to capitalize on their race pace during the Grand Prix. Leclerc expressed that while he would welcome a chaotic race to improve his position, ideally, Ferrari would not need such circumstances to overcome their qualifying deficit. His comments reflect the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces in achieving a balanced performance across both qualifying and race scenarios.
Sat 22 Aug · 18:04 UTC
via F1iKimi Antonelli Faces Challenges in Dutch Grand Prix Sprint QualifyingKimi Antonelli will begin the Dutch Grand Prix Sprint from fifth position after experiencing difficulties during qualifying. The Mercedes driver cited early floor damage as a key factor that affected his performance.+ 1 moreFri 21 Aug · 16:48 UTC
via thejudge13.comBearman Threatens to Quit Ferrari ProgrammeOliver Bearman, a promising young driver in the Ferrari Driver Academy, has shown impressive performance in various racing categories, including a strong showing in F2 and a successful F1 debut. Despite his achievements, Bearman's path to a seat with Ferrari's senior team is hindered by the recent contract extension of Charles Leclerc and the ongoing presence of Lewis Hamilton, who is performing well in the current season. Bearman has been performing strongly at Haas, outpacing his teammate Esteban Ocon and contributing significantly to the team's points tally.
Bearman has expressed frustration over the lack of opportunities within the Ferrari program and has indicated that he may consider leaving if he cannot secure a competitive seat. The historical challenges faced by drivers in the Ferrari Driver Academy, coupled with the current team dynamics, have led to uncertainty regarding Bearman's future in Formula 1, as he seeks to compete for championships.
Fri 21 Aug · 13:41 UTC
via Motorsport.comRegressing Haas "10th best" in F1 after Aston Martin upgrades - Oliver BearmanOliver Bearman from Haas F1 Team has acknowledged that the team is currently the 10th best in Formula 1 after being overtaken by Aston Martin. Despite a strong start to the 2026 season, where they scored points in five of the first six races, Haas has failed to score in the last five races, largely due to a lack of car upgrades since May. This decline has left them clinging to seventh place in the championship standings.
Bearman highlighted that the team's limited budget restricts their ability to compete with larger teams that can introduce upgrades more frequently. He expressed disappointment over the team's current position, noting that while they started the season competitively, they have been unable to maintain that pace as rivals continue to improve their cars. The situation reflects a broader challenge for Haas as they navigate the development race in the current regulatory environment.Fri 21 Aug · 12:31 UTC
via CrashKimi Antonelli Leads Sole Practice Session at Dutch Grand PrixKimi Antonelli recorded the fastest time in the only practice session for the Dutch Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver outpaced competitors, including Lando Norris, as the teams prepared for the upcoming sprint qualifying.+ 3 moreFri 21 Aug · 11:41 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli Leads First Practice at 2026 Dutch Grand PrixKimi Antonelli topped the timesheets in the opening practice session for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The championship leader outpaced Lando Norris, marking a strong start to the second half of the season.
+ 4 moreFri 21 Aug · 11:31 UTC
via CrashF1 Teams Introduce Significant Upgrades for Dutch Grand PrixAs Formula 1 resumes after the summer break, teams have brought a total of 23 upgrades for the Dutch Grand Prix. Notably, Ferrari and McLaren are leading the charge in the ongoing development battle.+ 4 moreFri 21 Aug · 08:29 UTC
via CrashOllie Bearman admits Lewis Hamilton’s F1 resurgence “not ideal” for his careerBearman, who is on loan at Haas, made his F1 debut in 2024 and is determined to achieve his goal of becoming a Ferrari driver. He remains optimistic about his development at Haas and is not in a rush, although he is aware that waiting too long for a Ferrari seat could hinder his career. Bearman expressed admiration for Hamilton's performance while also recognizing the challenges it poses for his own aspirations.Mon 17 Aug · 09:18 UTC
via the-race.comIs this F1 2026 team-mate fight too skewed to trust?The 2026 Formula 1 season has seen a significant points disparity between Haas drivers Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon, with Bearman currently leading 18-3. This gap is attributed to various issues, including parts inconsistencies that have plagued the team, affecting both drivers' performances at different times. Ocon has expressed frustration over the car's inconsistency, labeling the first half of the season as particularly challenging for him. Despite these difficulties, Ocon managed to perform well in Hungary, finishing as the lead Haas driver for the second time this season.
Bearman has acknowledged that the competition within the team has not been entirely fair due to these inconsistencies, which have left both drivers hoping to be on the favorable side of the performance issues. The team has struggled to maintain a consistent car setup, complicating the assessment of each driver's true capabilities. As the season progresses, the ongoing parts issues and their impact on performance will be crucial in determining the future of both drivers within the team.
Mon 17 Aug · 08:14 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari will have a £77 million problem if they replace Lewis Hamilton with Oliver BearmanOliver Bearman, currently driving for Haas, is in line to replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, but he faces a long wait due to Hamilton's contract, which extends until 2028. Hamilton's recent performance has solidified his position, making Bearman's path to Ferrari uncertain, potentially delaying his debut until 2029 or later.
The financial implications of Hamilton's departure are significant, as he contributes around £77 million to Ferrari's revenue. This raises concerns about whether Bearman can match Hamilton's commercial impact. As Bearman develops his skills, he must also consider other opportunities, as Red Bull has expressed interest in him.
Sun 16 Aug · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMercedes Acknowledges Development Challenges Amid F1 CompetitionMercedes has recognized its current struggles in keeping pace with rival teams' development strategies. As the F1 season progresses, the team is focused on implementing a clear plan to enhance performance and secure a championship title.
+ 3 moreSun 16 Aug · 11:00 UTCPage 4 of 6