News451 stories
RSS ↗
via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur reveals how Carlos Sainz caused his ‘first big shock’ as Ferrari team principalFred Vasseur, who took over as Ferrari's team principal in December 2022, experienced a significant moment during the 2023 Italian Grand Prix when Carlos Sainz secured pole position. This achievement, which Vasseur described as his 'first big shock,' highlighted the passionate support of the Tifosi, as he was moved by the crowd's reaction at Monza. Despite Sainz's strong performance, he finished third in the race, while Red Bull dominated the season with 21 wins out of 22 races.
Sainz's pole position at Monza remains notable as it was the only pole he achieved at the track throughout his career. In contrast, Charles Leclerc later won the Italian GP in 2024, becoming one of the most successful Ferrari drivers at Monza. Vasseur's reflections on these events emphasize the unique atmosphere of Ferrari's home race and the emotional connection between the team and its fans.
Wed 2 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Will Hamilton, Russell or Norris seize title-race opening at Monza?The Italian Grand Prix presents a significant opportunity for Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris as championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid due to penalties. Both Hamilton and Russell are trailing Antonelli by 59 points, while Norris is 83 points behind after recent victories. The race at Monza is crucial for these drivers to capitalize on Antonelli's misfortune and close the gap in the standings.
Ferrari is set to unveil an engine upgrade at their home race, which could enhance Hamilton's chances of victory. Meanwhile, McLaren's Norris is confident but faces challenges with their performance at Monza. Max Verstappen, significantly behind in points, may also play a role in the title race despite his own struggles this season. The outcome of the race could have lasting implications for the championship battle as the season progresses.
Wed 2 Sep · 11:04 UTC
via RacingNews365Mercedes Faces Decisions Ahead of Italian Grand Prix Grid PenaltiesGeorge Russell will start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid due to penalties. Teammate Kimi Antonelli is expected to assist Russell during qualifying as Mercedes evaluates potential engine component changes.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 10:55 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell has already shown ‘struggling’ Oscar Piastri exactly what he needs to do at McLarenGeorge Russell and Oscar Piastri are experiencing contrasting fortunes in the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Russell struggling to keep pace with his teammate Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes. Despite his challenges, Russell showed signs of improvement by winning the Sprint race and finishing third in the Dutch Grand Prix, while Piastri has fallen behind, with only two podium finishes this season and significant time lost to his teammate Lando Norris.
The article highlights that Russell is adapting better to the new regulations compared to Piastri, who continues to struggle, particularly on low-grip circuits. McLaren's Andrea Stella has noted that Piastri needs to make adjustments to improve his performance, as he currently sits seventh in the standings and risks being overshadowed by Norris's success.Wed 2 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Carlos Sainz claims hidden reason behind Williams commitmentCarlos Sainz has reaffirmed his commitment to Williams by signing a new multi-year contract, putting to rest any speculation about his future with the team. He highlighted that there are significant developments happening behind the scenes at Williams, which contribute to his optimism for the team's future despite their current struggles in performance under the new regulations. Sainz noted that the team is currently only performing better than Cadillac and expressed a desire to improve in the upcoming season.
Sainz's confidence in the team's management and new projects, including the recent hiring of Michael Manning as Chief Engineer, reinforces his decision to stay. He emphasized the importance of working together to achieve their goals and stated that he did not seriously consider offers from other teams, including Audi, as he prefers to remain loyal during challenging times. Sainz's focus is on making progress and returning to a competitive position in Formula 1.
Wed 2 Sep · 07:44 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen Signs Contract Extension with Red Bull Until 2030Max Verstappen has officially renewed his contract with Red Bull, extending his tenure until 2030. Helmut Marko emphasized the importance of this decision for the team's future.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 07:15 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell wary of Mercedes stumble after 'out of sync' upgrade pushGeorge Russell has voiced concerns about Mercedes' position in the Formula 1 championship, particularly due to the lack of significant upgrades since May. With the team leading the constructors' standings by 87 points, Russell is wary of the potential impact of their delayed upgrade strategy, especially as rivals like Ferrari and McLaren gain momentum. He is currently 59 points behind teammate Kimi Antonelli and noted that Lando Norris's recent performance has made McLaren a formidable competitor.
Russell emphasized the importance of the upcoming races, stating that the team must hope their forthcoming upgrades work effectively. He acknowledged that the pace between him and Antonelli has become more comparable, but he remains cautious about the challenges ahead, given the team's current development trajectory and the competitive landscape in the championship.Wed 2 Sep · 05:25 UTC
via f1technical.netMcLaren Unveils Special Livery for Upcoming Grands PrixMcLaren has introduced a new livery for its MCL40 cars, celebrating four years with partner OKX. This special design will be showcased at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza and the Spanish Grand Prix.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 05:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCarlos Sainz breaks silence on Audi transfer rumours amid new Williams F1 dealCarlos Sainz has publicly denied rumors linking him to a potential transfer to Audi, stating that he has remained committed to Williams despite the team's struggles in the 2026 season. He emphasized that he values loyalty and does not believe in leaving a team during difficult times, reaffirming his dedication to the Williams project after signing a multi-year contract extension.
Sainz's performance in 2025 included notable podium finishes, but the current season has seen Williams facing challenges, placing them near the back of the midfield. While Sainz's position in the Drivers' Standings is currently low, he remains focused on contributing to the team's improvement rather than seeking immediate success elsewhere.
Tue 1 Sep · 16:34 UTC
via f1chronicle.comA Tribute to Carlos Sainz – F1’s Unsung HeroThe article highlights the career of Carlos Sainz Jr., emphasizing his journey from a young driver at McLaren to a respected competitor in Formula 1. It recounts significant moments, such as his impressive performances in 2019, where he secured a podium finish and showcased his resilience despite challenges. Sainz's ability to outperform expectations, including beating his teammate at Ferrari and achieving podiums with Williams, is noted as a testament to his skill and consistency in the sport.
Furthermore, the article discusses Sainz's future prospects, questioning whether he can contend for a world championship at 32, given his current team situation. Despite not being with the dominant teams, Sainz's talent and adaptability in the unpredictable world of Formula 1 suggest that he may still have opportunities for success ahead.
via Motorsport WeekJames Vowles explains “concern” behind Williams F1 driver re-signingsWilliams F1 Team Principal James Vowles has expressed concerns about retaining drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, who have both signed multi-year contract extensions. Despite a strong performance in the previous season, where Williams finished fifth in the Constructors' Standings, the team has struggled in 2026, currently sitting in ninth place with only 11 points. Vowles appreciates the loyalty shown by both drivers during this challenging period and highlights their efforts to uplift team morale after their re-signings.
Vowles emphasizes the significance of maintaining a consistent driver line-up for the team's ongoing development and future success. He believes that the commitment from Albon and Sainz reflects a positive outlook for Williams, suggesting that their belief in the team's direction is crucial. As the team heads into the Italian Grand Prix, they are hopeful that the stability provided by their drivers will lead to improved results in the second half of the season.Tue 1 Sep · 12:24 UTC
via CrashWinless for a year in F1 - what’s happened to former title contender Oscar Piastri?Oscar Piastri, a former title contender, has struggled significantly in the 2026 Formula 1 season, failing to secure a win since his last victory at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025. Despite McLaren's previous success, the team has faced challenges this season, including a lack of wins in the first ten races and performance discrepancies between Piastri and his teammate Lando Norris, who has achieved four podiums, including two wins.
Piastri's difficulties have been attributed to various factors, including a change in engine regulations that has affected his driving style and the overall performance of the car. Team principal Andrea Stella noted that Piastri's struggles are not solely due to his driving but also involve team-related issues and the car's handling characteristics. As McLaren continues to develop their car, there is hope that Piastri can regain his competitive edge.
Tue 1 Sep · 11:37 UTC
via gpfans.comKimi Antonelli Faces 30-Place Grid Penalty at Italian Grand PrixKimi Antonelli has been confirmed to receive a 30-place grid penalty for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This penalty is due to the installation of new engine components, which will see him starting from the back of the grid.
+ 8 moreTue 1 Sep · 09:58 UTC
via the-race.comWhat's gone wrong for this former F1 title contenderOscar Piastri, once a leading contender for the Formula 1 championship, has faced a challenging season, currently sitting 55 points behind his teammate Lando Norris. Despite a strong start last year, Piastri has not secured a victory since Zandvoort 2025 and has struggled with the current car's handling, particularly in low-grip conditions. His driving style has been compared unfavorably to Norris, who has adapted better to the new generation of cars.
Experts have debated Piastri's performance, noting that while he has had some strong moments, such as leading at Suzuka, he has also experienced significant gaps in pace compared to Norris. Piastri's early season was hindered by missing the first two races, and while he shows potential for improvement, there are concerns about his consistency and ability to adapt quickly to the evolving demands of Formula 1.
Tue 1 Sep · 09:10 UTC
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli's 'driving tense' claim shows exactly why he's outperformed George Russell in 2026Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the leading driver in the 2026 Formula 1 championship, surpassing George Russell at Mercedes. His recent performances have led to team orders that favor him, highlighting a shift in the team's dynamics. Antonelli attributes his success to a relaxed approach to racing, emphasizing enjoyment over pressure, which he believes enhances his performance on the track.
In contrast, George Russell has struggled under the weight of expectations, finding himself tied for second in the standings with Lewis Hamilton. The article explores how Russell's eagerness to win may have negatively impacted his results this season, suggesting that his mindset differs significantly from Antonelli's, potentially affecting his championship aspirations.Tue 1 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri Addresses Performance Challenges Ahead of Italian GPOscar Piastri has discussed his ongoing struggles with performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, particularly in comparison to teammate Lando Norris. He is exploring experimental strategies to improve his pace and address the issues affecting his driving.+ 4 moreMon 31 Aug · 19:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell "has to win" Italian GP to keep F1 title hopes alive, says former driverFormer F1 driver Jolyon Palmer emphasized that George Russell needs to secure a victory at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix to maintain his chances for the 2026 championship. Following a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix where Lando Norris won, Russell is currently trailing his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who is leading the standings with 242 points.
Russell's situation is complicated by Antonelli's impending engine penalty, which could allow Russell to gain ground. However, Palmer noted that Russell's recent performance has been inconsistent, and he must deliver a strong race to capitalize on Antonelli's penalty. If Antonelli wins despite the penalty, it could significantly diminish Russell's title aspirations.
Mon 31 Aug · 18:43 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri prepared for 'different beast' battle in McLaren waiting gameOscar Piastri is gearing up for a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where McLaren will test if their recent strong performance can carry over to this high-speed circuit. His teammate, Lando Norris, has recently achieved notable success, winning two races, but Piastri is aware that Monza presents a different set of challenges due to its unique characteristics compared to previous tracks.
Piastri has been struggling with the pace of his car, particularly noting difficulties with the rear during races. Despite feeling more confident in qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix, he has experienced inconsistencies throughout the season, with some races leaving him significantly behind the competition. The upcoming race will be a critical test for McLaren's performance and Piastri's ability to adapt to the demands of Monza.Mon 31 Aug · 17:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comCarlos Sainz to launch first Fifty Five merchandise collection ahead of Madrid F1 raceCarlos Sainz is set to unveil his inaugural merchandise collection, branded as Fifty Five, coinciding with the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. He has engaged with fans through social media to clarify the nature of his brand, which encompasses various products including cycling gear and clothing, while also hinting at a personal touch in the offerings. Sainz's initiative aims to create a community space for fans through Team Fifty 5, which will facilitate fan interactions and merchandise sales.
The collection will feature exclusive items such as signed posters and cycling jerseys, reflecting Sainz's desire to connect with his supporters. He emphasizes the importance of the Madrid race as a launchpad for his brand, aiming to provide diverse products that cater to the interests of all fans. This venture marks a significant step in Sainz's career, blending his racing identity with personal branding.Mon 31 Aug · 16:48 UTC
via Motorsport.comCarlos Sainz could extend F1 career until 2040Carlos Sainz, currently driving for Williams, has expressed his ambition to extend his Formula 1 career until the age of 45, coinciding with the 2040 season. He draws inspiration from fellow drivers like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, who have shown that age does not necessarily limit performance in the sport. Sainz emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and mental motivation in prolonging a racing career.
As he approaches his 32nd birthday, Sainz reflects on his current standing in the drivers' championship and his enjoyment of racing. He acknowledges the challenges of the sport, including travel and media commitments, but remains committed to competing as long as he can. Sainz's passion for racing and his family's competitive spirit further fuel his desire to stay in Formula 1.Mon 31 Aug · 16:30 UTCPage 9 of 23