News1031 stories
RSS ↗
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton should be a TEN-time F1 champion and it's closer than you may thinkLewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has faced several unfortunate circumstances that could have led him to a total of ten championships. After leaving Mercedes in 2024 to join Ferrari, he aimed to secure his eighth title and end Ferrari's long wait for a championship. However, his past seasons have seen him miss out on titles due to a combination of bad luck and controversial decisions.
The article highlights three key seasons where Hamilton's chances were thwarted. In 2007, he lost the championship by just one point after a pit lane incident and technical issues. In 2016, a catastrophic engine failure while leading a race cost him the title against Nico Rosberg. Most notably, in 2021, a controversial decision during the final race allowed Max Verstappen to claim the championship, despite Hamilton leading under a safety car. These events illustrate how close Hamilton has been to achieving a tenth title.
Sat 19 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Colton Herta drops exit hint, potential Leclerc penalty, Michael Masi lands new role – roundupColton Herta, currently a test driver for Cadillac, has suggested he may leave Formula 2 at the end of the 2026 season, stating he is 'not interested' in continuing in 2027. Herta has had a difficult season, sitting 19th in the standings after moving from IndyCar to F2 to pursue a future in Formula 1. Meanwhile, Michael Masi has taken on a new role as head of sporting for SRO Motorsports Australia, marking a significant return to motorsport management five years after the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In other news, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc could face a grid penalty at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to an accident at Monza. The FIA has also confirmed the cancellation of the Rally Saudi Arabia, which was set to conclude the 2026 WRC season. This cancellation comes as the FIA prepares to make a decision regarding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix in the near future.
Sat 19 Sep · 17:24 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc is suffering more than Lewis Hamilton from Ferrari’s ‘black hole’ explodingFerrari is facing significant challenges in the 2026 Formula 1 season, particularly with their SF-26 car, which is affecting Charles Leclerc more than Lewis Hamilton. Despite both drivers achieving victories earlier in the season, their hopes for a championship are dwindling as they trail behind Mercedes in the standings. Leclerc's performance is being hampered by the team's predictive power delivery software, which is not allowing him to fully utilize his driving style during qualifying sessions.
The issues with Ferrari's strategy and electronic mapping have led to a noticeable gap in performance between Leclerc and Hamilton, even though their qualifying pace difference is minimal. Hamilton has expressed confidence that Mercedes would outperform Ferrari in qualifying, indicating that Ferrari may have reached their performance limits too early in the sessions. As the season progresses, the team must address these problems to improve their standings.
Sat 19 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari considers grid penalty for Charles Leclerc in BakuFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur indicated that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix could be an appropriate time for Charles Leclerc to incur an engine grid penalty. The team is evaluating the potential benefits of this strategy ahead of the race weekend.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 14:58 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari unveils black race suit for Charles LeclercFerrari has announced a unique black race suit for driver Charles Leclerc, set to debut at the Singapore Grand Prix. This design marks a departure from the team's traditional red color scheme.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 11:29 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc wagers Mercedes bet after 'vicious circle' observationCharles Leclerc has highlighted the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces with its engine performance, particularly in comparison to Mercedes. He described a 'vicious circle' where the lack of power from Ferrari's engine limits their ability to deploy power effectively, especially at the end of long straights. Despite this, Ferrari remains a close competitor in the championship as they work to resolve these issues.
Leclerc also mentioned the introduction of an ADUO-boosted engine during the Italian Grand Prix, expressing optimism that it has not sustained critical damage following a crash. However, he acknowledged that if the engine is damaged, he would need to take an engine penalty to introduce new parts into his pool before the season concludes.
Sat 19 Sep · 10:20 UTC
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton draws ‘impressed rather than reckless’ claim after Spanish GPLewis Hamilton faced significant brake issues during the Spanish Grand Prix, which ultimately forced him to retire from the race. Despite the challenges, Hamilton attempted to continue racing while Ferrari worked on a live fix for the brake failure. His efforts were noted by David Coulthard, who expressed admiration for Hamilton's determination rather than labeling his actions as reckless.
The race marked a critical moment in Hamilton's season, as he now finds himself 101 points behind the championship leader, Kimi Antonelli. The incident has raised concerns about Hamilton's chances of securing a record eighth title in Formula 1, especially as the season progresses and challenges mount.Sat 19 Sep · 08:56 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton ‘cherished’ what Ferrari mechanics did for him before he even joined the teamLewis Hamilton expressed his appreciation for the support he received from Ferrari mechanics during the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, even while he was still a Mercedes driver. After finishing third in the race, he noted the absence of his own team members who were occupied with recovering George Russell's car, leading to Ferrari mechanics celebrating his achievement instead. This moment made Hamilton feel a connection with Ferrari, which he described as feeling like 'his team' for that weekend.
Hamilton signed a contract to race for Ferrari starting in 2025, having always dreamed of driving for the iconic team. His long and successful tenure with Mercedes included 246 races and six world championships, but he felt a move to Ferrari was necessary as Mercedes struggled in the new ground-effect era. Hamilton acknowledged that not racing for Ferrari would have been a significant regret, especially as he approaches retirement.Sat 19 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari boss 'annoyed' with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, claims F1 insiderFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur is reportedly frustrated with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following a first-lap incident during the Italian Grand Prix. Ralf Schumacher suggested that Vasseur's annoyance was due to Hamilton being forced off the track by Leclerc, which negatively impacted Hamilton's race, finishing in tenth place. Leclerc also faced difficulties, crashing shortly after the incident.
In response to the situation, Vasseur spoke with both drivers to remind them of the team's operational principles. Hamilton expressed his desire for clearer communication and 'rules of engagement' to prevent future conflicts. Both drivers later addressed the incident, with Leclerc admitting his mistake and Hamilton noting the importance of their open discussion to move forward.Sat 19 Sep · 07:58 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton praises Formula 1's convergenceLewis Hamilton has expressed admiration for the remarkable convergence among Formula 1 teams. He highlighted how this phenomenon showcases the competitiveness of the sport despite the differences between the teams.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 04:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Hamilton delusion, Antonelli opens door to Ferrari future, Alonso’s $5m buy – roundupFerrari has confirmed a multi-year partnership with Japanese technology company Rakuten, set to begin in the 2027 Formula 1 season. This announcement comes as the team continues to compete in the 2026 season, where they currently hold second place in the constructors' standings with several races remaining.
In addition to the sponsorship news, Kimi Antonelli has expressed that he is not ruling out a future move to Ferrari, despite his current focus on achieving success with Mercedes. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton faces scrutiny following a period of tension within the team, contrasting with the optimism following his win in Barcelona earlier this year. Fernando Alonso has also made headlines by adding a $5 million Bugatti to his car collection.Fri 18 Sep · 18:06 UTC
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.Fri 18 Sep · 16:33 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton once revealed his thoughts on a Sprint race being held at the Monaco Grand PrixLewis Hamilton previously voiced his concerns regarding the addition of a Sprint race at the Monaco Grand Prix, emphasizing that the iconic track requires a new approach rather than simply adding more races. He highlighted the challenges of overtaking on the narrow streets of Monaco and expressed a desire for a wider track, which is unlikely due to the location's constraints.
The announcement of the 2027 F1 calendar, which includes Monaco as one of ten Sprint races, has sparked discussions about the increasing number of races in the season. With a total of 34 races scheduled over 39 weeks, concerns about driver fatigue have been raised, especially compared to the 17 races during Hamilton's rookie season two decades ago.Fri 18 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton handed 'truly remarkable' verdict as key question posedLewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in Formula 1 history, is currently competing with Ferrari after a challenging previous season. Former driver David Coulthard expressed admiration for Hamilton's continued desire to race, highlighting his impressive performance this year, where he sits third in the drivers' standings, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.
Coulthard noted that Hamilton's adaptation to the current car regulations has been favorable, and he believes Hamilton has already established his legacy in the sport. Despite his success, Hamilton's motivation to compete remains strong, prompting questions about his ongoing commitment to racing at such a high level.Fri 18 Sep · 11:10 UTC
via grandprix.comHamilton denies asking Ferrari to replace staffLewis Hamilton has publicly denied reports suggesting he requested changes to the Ferrari team staff. In a statement on Instagram, he emphasized his support for his team and their hard work, stating that he has never sought to replace anyone. This denial comes amid speculation regarding Ferrari's performance and internal dynamics, particularly following recent disappointing results.
The rumors about potential staff changes were fueled by Hamilton's frustrations with team strategy during recent races, including incidents at Zandvoort and Monza. Despite the speculation, Ferrari has not confirmed any personnel changes, and team principal Fred Vasseur continues in his role. The upcoming race in Baku will provide further insight into the team's performance and dynamics.
via the-race.comThe real reason Russell and Piastri are struggling in F1 2026In the 2026 Formula 1 season, drivers like George Russell and Oscar Piastri are facing significant challenges due to a mismatch between their driving styles and the new car and tire regulations. Russell finished fifth in the Madring race, significantly behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, and noted that his struggles stem from how he drives compared to the demands of the current generation of cars. He observed that drivers who are performing well, such as Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris, share similar driving styles that align better with the 2026 car characteristics.
The article discusses how the reduced downforce and tire grip of the 2026 cars have raised the crossover point of circuit grip, making certain driving techniques less effective. While Russell and Piastri tend to drive with a geometric ideal that works well on high-grip tracks, they struggle as grip decreases. In contrast, drivers like Hamilton and Norris have adapted their styles to better manage energy and grip, allowing them to perform more effectively. Ultimately, Russell and Piastri must adjust their approaches to keep pace with their competitors in this evolving racing landscape.
Fri 18 Sep · 09:11 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton enjoys gala with Kim KardashianLewis Hamilton was seen smiling with girlfriend Kim Kardashian at a gala in Los Angeles, seemingly leaving behind any tensions related to Ferrari. The couple's appearance comes after a challenging period for the seven-time world champion in Formula 1.Fri 18 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari already knew about Lewis Hamilton's race ending brake problem before the Spanish GP startedFerrari had prior knowledge of Lewis Hamilton's brake issues before the start of the Spanish Grand Prix, which ultimately led to his retirement during the race. This marked Hamilton's first retirement of the season, ending a streak of finishes dating back to the previous year.
The brake problem, identified as a hydraulic system component failure, severely impacted Hamilton's title hopes, leaving him significantly behind in the championship standings. Despite efforts from Ferrari to diagnose and fix the issue during the race, Hamilton was forced to retire after experiencing worsening brake problems early on.Fri 18 Sep · 07:15 UTCWikimedia 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.
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton releases statement as Mercedes comeback confirmedLewis Hamilton has publicly addressed rumors suggesting he is attempting to replace personnel within Ferrari, as both he and the team face challenges this season. Hamilton and Ferrari have been viewed as significant competitors to Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli, who has had a standout season with eight race wins, positioning him for a potential championship title in just his second year in Formula 1.
In other news, Mike Elliott has been appointed as the new chief technical officer for Alpine, bringing over two decades of experience in the sport. Meanwhile, former F1 team owner Gerard Lopez is facing forgery charges, and Audi is contemplating a minority stake sale in its newly acquired F1 team. Additionally, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel is set to make a racing comeback in 2027.Fri 18 Sep · 06:30 UTCPage 19 of 52