Carlos SainzGabriel BortoletoNico Hülkenberg 
via Motorsport WeekCarlos Sainz suggests F1 rule tweak amid VSC ‘unfairness’Carlos Sainz has voiced concerns over the fairness of the current Virtual Safety Car (VSC) rules in Formula 1, particularly following Lando Norris's loss of victory in Madrid due to a VSC. Sainz, who is a director of the Grand Prix Driver's Association, believes that the timing of VSCs can unfairly benefit certain drivers while disadvantaging others, especially when it comes to pit stops.
Sainz suggested that changes could be made to improve the situation, such as extending the duration of VSCs or closing the pit lane during these periods. He emphasised that the rules should not drastically alter race outcomes and expressed hope that if more drivers share their views, the sport might consider revising the VSC regulations.
Motorsport WeekWed 23 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso unhappy that Spain’s F1 commentator is ‘protecting’ Carlos SainzFernando Alonso expressed his dissatisfaction with Spanish F1 commentator Antonio Lobato, claiming he is biased in favour of Carlos Sainz. This criticism follows a collision between the two drivers during the Spanish Grand Prix, where Alonso suffered front-wing damage and Sainz received a penalty for his actions. Alonso's frustrations led him to boycott interviews with DAZN, the broadcaster that employs Lobato, for several months.
After the race, Alonso spoke to DAZN for the first time in months, but journalist Julianne Cerasoli suggested this was merely to criticise Sainz. The tension between Alonso and Sainz has escalated as they now compete in different teams, with Alonso's Aston Martin and Sainz's Williams facing off on the grid. Despite their past relationship, Alonso's perception of bias from Lobato has strained his willingness to engage with Spanish media.
f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz labels 2026 Williams 'the worst car I've ever had' because it has 'no strengths'Carlos Sainz has expressed his frustration with the 2026 Williams FW48, calling it the worst car he has ever driven in his career. He highlighted the car's lack of strengths and numerous weaknesses, which have contributed to Williams' struggles this season, currently sitting in P9 in the constructors' standings with only 11 points.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Sainz remains hopeful for improvements with an upcoming upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He emphasized the importance of verifying the effectiveness of the new upgrade and its correlation with the team's future car developments, as he aims to compete more effectively in the coming seasons.f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comSainz advises Williams junior Green to embrace risksCarlos Sainz has encouraged 13-year-old Will Green, a junior driver for Williams, to take risks as he transitions from karting to single-seaters. Sainz emphasised the importance of pushing limits rather than focusing solely on consistency in his racing development.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 14:42 UTC
via Motorsport.comGabriel Bortoleto opens up on Fernando Alonso's personality away from F1 camerasGabriel Bortoleto, an Audi Formula 1 driver, has shared insights about his manager, Fernando Alonso, stating that Alonso's personality remains consistent both on and off the camera. Bortoleto appreciates Alonso's straightforwardness and sense of humour, noting that his sarcasm is often entertaining and genuine.
In his second season in Formula 1, Bortoleto reflects on his journey since debuting in 2025. He recalls Alonso's praise for him as the best rookie of his generation after a strong performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Currently, Bortoleto is ranked 14th in the championship standings, ahead of his teammate Nico Hulkenberg.Motorsport.comMon 21 Sep · 10:40 UTC
via F1iBinotto singles out Bortoleto as his Schumacher-like F1 talentMattia Binotto, the chief of Audi's Formula 1 project, has identified Gabriel Bortoleto as a driver with qualities reminiscent of Michael Schumacher. Binotto, who spent many years at Ferrari alongside Schumacher, emphasised that Bortoleto's work ethic and human sensitivity stand out, traits he believes are essential for success in F1.
Bortoleto, now 21, did not grow up idolising Schumacher but has come to appreciate the seven-time champion through Binotto's insights. As Audi develops its new F1 team, having a driver like Bortoleto, who possesses both talent and the ability to motivate those around him, is seen as vital for the team's future.
F1iMon 21 Sep · 08:07 UTC
via newsonf1.comGabriel Bortoleto expresses fear of flying in F1Gabriel Bortoleto has revealed that flying around the world for Formula 1 races is becoming increasingly difficult for him. The Audi driver shared his concerns in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 06:23 UTC
via PlanetF1The uncomfortable truth about Carlos SainzCarlos Sainz's transition from Ferrari to Williams has not gone as hoped, with his recent performances raising concerns about his future in Formula 1. After winning the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, Sainz's career trajectory has taken a downturn, marked by penalties and collisions that have tarnished his reputation. His struggles have been compounded by the competitive nature of the midfield, where he finds himself once again after years of striving to escape it.
Despite his efforts to remain positive and committed to Williams, Sainz's age and the team's current standing may limit his opportunities for advancement. He has openly acknowledged the need to reassess his situation, especially after failing to secure a move to a more competitive team like Audi. As he faces the reality of his career, Sainz is determined to work hard and improve, hoping to reclaim a position where he can compete for significant achievements in the sport.
PlanetF1Sat 19 Sep · 06:12 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Off The Track Media · CC BY 2.0Hulkenberg open to racing beyond 40Nico Hulkenberg has expressed his willingness to continue racing in Formula 1 beyond the age of 40, as he prepares to race with Audi through 2027. Having recently turned 39, he is currently one of the older drivers on the grid, alongside Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. Hulkenberg indicated that his future in the sport will depend on his performance and motivation levels.
In his comments, Hulkenberg praised Alonso's impressive performance at his age and highlighted the importance of being happy and motivated to compete. He also dismissed any excessive nostalgia for the older, lighter F1 cars, suggesting that drivers adapt to the current vehicles and that idealizing the past is not realistic.newsonf1.comFri 18 Sep · 06:33 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso’s unheard Spanish GP radio shows Carlos Sainz owes him an apologyDuring the recent Spanish Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz was penalized for an incident involving Fernando Alonso, which led to a heated exchange between the two drivers. Sainz expressed his frustration, claiming Alonso's radio complaints were an attempt to influence the stewards' decision against him.
Alonso's radio messages revealed that he felt Sainz had squeezed him into the wall, and he communicated this to his race engineer. Despite the tension, both drivers had a challenging race, with Sainz retiring early and Alonso finishing far down the order.f1oversteer.comWed 16 Sep · 12:30 UTC%2FSainz%2520header.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comHow Sainz’s home race in Madrid unravelledCarlos Sainz had a challenging home race in Madrid, where he failed to finish due to a series of incidents and penalties. After qualifying in P20 due to a three-place grid penalty for impeding another driver, Sainz's race took a turn for the worse when he made contact with Yuki Tsunoda on the first lap, resulting in floor damage that severely impacted his car's performance. Ultimately, he retired after 43 laps, feeling that even with a perfect race, he would not have finished higher than 16th.
Alex Albon, Sainz's teammate, also faced difficulties during the race, qualifying in P16 and finishing ahead of Sainz. Albon struggled with tire management and pace, particularly on harder tires, which affected his ability to maintain grip. Despite the disappointing results, Sainz appreciated the support from the fans and expressed hope for better performances in future races.
Formula1.comTue 15 Sep · 14:31 UTC
via PlanetF1Nico Rosberg points finger at Carlos Sainz as Madring underwhelmsNico Rosberg has publicly criticized Carlos Sainz following the Spanish Grand Prix, where the Madring circuit failed to provide adequate overtaking opportunities. Rosberg emphasized that Sainz, as an ambassador for the circuit, should be held accountable for its shortcomings. The race was described as processional, with Kimi Antonelli winning while merely managing his tires, and drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen expressing frustration over the lack of competitive racing due to the track's design.
In response to the disappointing race, Sainz acknowledged the need for improvements, suggesting that the circuit should remain open-minded to changes that could enhance overtaking. Other drivers, including Norris and Alonso, echoed these sentiments, pointing out specific corners that could be modified to create better racing conditions. Overall, the feedback from the drivers indicates a strong desire for the Madring to evolve into a more engaging race track.PlanetF1Tue 15 Sep · 06:04 UTC
via RacingNews365Gabriel Bortoleto lands 'new job' in comical Audi Spanish GP jokeDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, Gabriel Bortoleto executed an impressive strategy by running a long stint on hard tyres, which helped his teammate Nico Hulkenberg secure a 10th place finish and earn a point for Audi. Bortoleto finished the race in 13th position, contributing to the team's overall performance and bringing their total points to 17, placing them eighth in the constructors' standings.
Audi's racing director, Allan McNish, acknowledged the effectiveness of Bortoleto's strategy while also emphasizing the need for the team to bring upgrades to their car. He noted that their last significant package was introduced in Austria, and highlighted the competitive pace of other teams, particularly Pierre Gasly's strong performance in Madrid and his pole position in Monza. McNish stressed the importance of keeping pace with rivals in the midfield.
RacingNews365Mon 14 Sep · 17:15 UTC
via F1iBortoleto: Madring race so dull 'I almost fell asleep’Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Audi, expressed his disappointment with the Madring circuit during the recent Spanish Grand Prix, describing the race as so uneventful that he nearly fell asleep. The lack of overtaking opportunities was a significant issue, as the circuit's design did not facilitate competitive racing, leading to a predictable race outcome. Bortoleto highlighted that the virtual safety car played a crucial role in determining race strategy, leaving him and his teammate Pierre Gasly at a disadvantage with their tire choices.
Bortoleto's comments reflect broader concerns regarding the Madring's design, which prioritized visual appeal over functionality. He noted that the absence of overtaking zones limited the potential for exciting racing, suggesting that future track designs should incorporate driver feedback to enhance competitiveness. The overall sentiment from Bortoleto indicates a need for Formula 1 to focus on creating circuits that not only look impressive but also promote thrilling racing action.F1iMon 14 Sep · 16:11 UTC
via RacingNews365Carlos Sainz blames Fernando Alonso for penaltyCarlos Sainz has accused Fernando Alonso of influencing the decision that led to his five-second penalty during the Spanish Grand Prix. Sainz stated that Alonso's radio complaints were a factor in the stewards' ruling regarding their collision.RacingNews365+ 1 moreMon 14 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comWilliams aims for improvement with Baku upgradesWilliams Racing is preparing to introduce a significant upgrade package for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, following a challenging performance at the Spanish Grand Prix. Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes these upgrades could lead to a substantial improvement for the team.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreMon 14 Sep · 13:49 UTC
via F1iSainz takes heat from all sides after bruising Madrid homecomingCarlos Sainz's homecoming at the Madring for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix turned sour as he faced backlash for the event's disappointing racing conditions. Despite being an ambassador for the circuit, he was criticized for the lack of overtaking opportunities, with former champion Nico Rosberg directly pointing fingers at him for the track's shortcomings.
In addition to the criticism of the circuit, Sainz's on-track actions contributed to his troubles. He collided with Fernando Alonso, resulting in a penalty and further frustration for both drivers. Sainz's race ended prematurely due to damage from the incident, leaving him with a challenging legacy as the ambassador of a track that failed to deliver an exciting race.F1iMon 14 Sep · 07:48 UTC
via Motorsport.comWho slept worst last night: Carlos SainzCarlos Sainz has been under scrutiny following his performance in the Spanish Grand Prix and his role as an ambassador for the Madring circuit. His recent struggles in Formula 1 have led to criticism, particularly regarding the lackluster design of the circuit, which many feel does not showcase the host city effectively.
During the race, Sainz attempted an aggressive move at the start but ended up colliding with Yuki Tsunoda, resulting in damage to his car. This incident, along with a subsequent five-second penalty, has added to the challenges he faces as he seeks to return to competitive form in the sport.Motorsport.comMon 14 Sep · 05:46 UTC
via Motorsport.comDrivers criticise Madrid GP for lack of overtakingMax Verstappen and other Formula 1 drivers have expressed disappointment with the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, citing a lack of overtaking opportunities. Verstappen described the race as a 'deadly sleep machine', highlighting the need for changes to improve the track's competitiveness.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSun 13 Sep · 18:05 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAlonso and Sainz blame each other for Madrid crashFernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz exchanged accusations following their collision during the race at the Madring circuit. Alonso criticized Sainz for forcing him toward the wall, while Sainz defended himself by calling the penalty excessive and pointing to the track's design.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreSun 13 Sep · 17:30 UTC
via Motorsport WeekEx-F1 star urges Spain to ‘not fall asleep’ on producing the next Fernando AlonsoPedro de la Rosa, a former F1 driver, has called for increased investment in young Spanish drivers to ensure the continuation of success in Formula 1, following the legacies of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent to maintain Spain's presence in the sport, especially with the recent addition of the Madring circuit hosting its second Grand Prix.
De la Rosa praised the rapid development of the Madring circuit and highlighted the need for Spanish companies to support emerging drivers. He noted that while Spain currently has notable drivers, the lack of investment could hinder the country's chances of producing future champions. De la Rosa's comments serve as a reminder for Spain to capitalize on its current F1 successes and actively foster the next generation of racing talent.Motorsport WeekSun 13 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via grandprix.comSainz asks Madring to fix blind high-speed sectionsCarlos Sainz has raised safety concerns regarding the Madring circuit, particularly about restricted visibility in high-speed sections. He highlighted that driving at speeds between 162 and 168 mph without a clear view was alarming and called for the FIA and organizers to consider driver feedback for necessary changes after the inaugural race.
Max Verstappen echoed Sainz's sentiments, advocating for driver consultation during the circuit design phase rather than post-race. He noted that adjusting braking zones on paper is more feasible than altering physical structures after construction. The drivers are expected to present their suggestions for improvements based on their experiences during the race.grandprix.comSun 13 Sep · 11:29 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA Issues Penalty Following Spanish Grand Prix InvestigationThe FIA has confirmed a penalty for Valtteri Bottas after an investigation related to the Spanish Grand Prix. The decision comes after the stewards conducted a thorough review of the events during the race.PlanetF1Sat 12 Sep · 17:03 UTC
via F1iSainz delivers a stark warning over Williams’ Baku upgradeCarlos Sainz has expressed cautious optimism regarding Williams' upcoming upgrade for the Baku race, acknowledging that while it may help the team improve, it won't significantly alter their current struggles. Williams has had a disappointing 2026 season, sitting ninth in the Constructors' standings with just 11 points, and both drivers have not added to that tally since Monaco.
Sainz, who recently extended his contract with Williams, emphasizes the need for the team to learn from their mistakes this season. He views the Baku upgrade as a small step forward rather than a complete turnaround, urging the team to demonstrate improvement in the upcoming season to avoid a prolonged decline.F1iSat 12 Sep · 13:37 UTC