Charles LeclercDavid CoulthardMax Verstappen 
via racer.comFerrari needs to get its act together in qualifying, Vasseur saysFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has emphasised the need for improvement in qualifying performance, stating that the team has the potential for better results if they can enhance their pace during qualifying sessions. Despite Charles Leclerc demonstrating strong race pace at the Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari has struggled to secure podium finishes since July, with Vasseur pinpointing weaknesses in the final stages of qualifying as a critical area for development.
Leclerc echoed Vasseur's sentiments, indicating that the car's performance in qualifying is generally lacking compared to its race pace. He specifically mentioned that the power unit's performance is a contributing factor to their struggles on Saturdays. Both Vasseur and Leclerc expressed a commitment to finding solutions to unlock more qualifying performance, with Vasseur optimistic about the team's ability to carry over current developments into next year's project.
racer.comMon 21 Sep · 14:05 UTC
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner predicts Max Verstappen will go winless in 2026 F1 seasonGuenther Steiner, the former Haas Formula 1 team principal, has made a bold prediction that Max Verstappen will finish the 2026 Formula 1 season without a single victory. He believes that the current Red Bull Racing package is not competitive enough to secure wins, especially with strong performances from rivals Mercedes and McLaren.
Verstappen is currently sixth in the standings, significantly trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Despite achieving second place in several races this season, he has acknowledged a performance gap compared to his competitors, indicating that improvements are still needed in the car's setup and performance.
Motorsport.comMon 21 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURLewis Hamilton denies demands for Ferrari changesLewis Hamilton has strongly denied rumours suggesting he is requesting changes at Ferrari. The claims come as Max Verstappen continues to build momentum ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
RacingNews365Mon 21 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Verstappen crashes after life-threatening blowout as Hamilton suffers 'magic button' mishapDuring the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Max Verstappen experienced a life-threatening crash when his left-rear tyre exploded at high speed, leading to a collision with the wall. This incident occurred on lap 46, and Verstappen reported feeling no prior warning before the blowout. Pirelli later investigated and found no manufacturing defects in the tyres, attributing the failure to the specific running conditions on the track.
Simultaneously, Lewis Hamilton faced his own challenges when a switch on his steering wheel caused him to lose control at Turn 1 during the race restart. This mishap resulted in both championship contenders failing to score points, leaving the title fight unchanged but highlighting the precarious nature of their competition. Following the race, Mercedes made adjustments to their steering wheel design to avoid similar issues in the future.RacingNews365Mon 21 Sep · 13:15 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen hails Lando Norris for helping fix huge F1 problemMax Verstappen has expressed his admiration for Lando Norris, who has taken significant steps to support aspiring drivers in motorsport by launching his own junior team, LN4 Fusion. This initiative aims to compete in various championships, including the FIA Formula 3, and is seen as a way to address the financial barriers that many young talents face in entering Formula 1.
Verstappen highlighted the increasing costs associated with motorsport and the challenges that talented drivers encounter due to financial constraints. While he appreciates Norris's contributions, Verstappen stated that he prefers to focus on endurance racing and does not plan to establish his own single-seater team, instead supporting young drivers through his existing projects.
gpfans.comMon 21 Sep · 12:59 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 icon hammers Ferrari star for treating F1 like a 'picnic'David Coulthard has expressed concerns over Charles Leclerc's approach to Formula 1, suggesting that the Ferrari driver treats race weekends too casually, akin to a family outing. Coulthard noted that Leclerc often appears with his wife and their dog during races, which he feels is inappropriate for the seriousness of the sport.
Despite Coulthard's criticism, Leclerc's performance has been strong, as he has outscored fellow competitor Lewis Hamilton by 22 points in the last six races. Leclerc's personal life has been in the spotlight since his marriage in February 2026 and the announcement of an impending child, which Coulthard believes may distract from the competitive nature of Formula 1.gpfans.comMon 21 Sep · 11:28 UTC
via Motorsport.comLeclerc explains why he won't copy Hamilton's styleCharles Leclerc has clarified his decision not to emulate Lewis Hamilton's driving style while adapting to Ferrari's 2026 Formula 1 car. He stated that the challenges posed by the new regulations made it difficult to replicate Hamilton's approach.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 09:34 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURCharles Leclerc was sure Fred Vasseur would make him ‘first driver’ when he joined FerrariCharles Leclerc was confident that Fred Vasseur would elevate him to the role of 'first driver' upon his arrival at Ferrari. This expectation stemmed from Leclerc's previous relationship with Vasseur during their time at Alfa Romeo, and he reportedly advocated for Vasseur's hiring partly due to this belief.
Despite Leclerc's hopes, he has not been granted the status of top driver in his tenure alongside Carlos Sainz, as Ferrari has struggled to compete for the championship. Vasseur has maintained a neutral stance on driver hierarchy, citing concerns about the potential negative impact of favouring one driver too early in the season.
f1oversteer.comMon 21 Sep · 07:30 UTC
via gpfans.comChristian Horner 'perfect man' to fix Ferrari as F1 star highlights Vasseur's 'big mistake'Christian Horner has been identified as the 'perfect man' to lead Ferrari, especially following recent tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. These tensions arose during the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix, where Leclerc's refusal to let Hamilton pass cost him valuable time and points, leaving Hamilton significantly behind in the championship race.
Former F1 driver Marc Surer has criticized Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur for not taking a stronger stance during these incidents, calling it a 'big mistake'. Surer believes that for Horner to succeed at Ferrari, he would need the autonomy to assemble his own team, similar to what Ross Brawn did in the past, to restore the team's competitive edge.gpfans.comMon 21 Sep · 07:15 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen surprisingly snubbed for Kimi Antonelli in F1 rankingGuenther Steiner, a former Formula 1 team principal, has expressed his preference for Kimi Antonelli over Max Verstappen in a hypothetical draft scenario. Steiner stated that if he had to choose a driver for a four-year contract, he would select Antonelli, citing his impressive performance this season as a key factor.
Kimi Antonelli has made a significant impact in Formula 1 this year, currently leading his teammate George Russell by 66 points and securing seven race victories. Steiner's comments highlight the rising star's potential, contrasting with Verstappen's established success, including four consecutive championships from 2021 to 2024.RacingNews365Mon 21 Sep · 05:25 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURFord issue official statement as Max Verstappen Le Mans rumours swirlFord has officially stated that there are no plans for Max Verstappen to drive their hypercar at the 2027 Le Mans race, despite speculation following the announcement of no F1 race conflicts with the endurance event. This significantly reduces Verstappen's chances of participating in Le Mans next year, as he is considered unlikely to race in lower classes and his own team lacks the necessary resources for a hypercar entry.
Verstappen had previously expressed interest in racing at Le Mans, potentially alongside fellow champion Fernando Alonso, but emphasised that any participation would need to fit within his schedule and offer a genuine chance of victory. Instead, the 24 Hours of Spa, scheduled for late June, appears to be a more viable option for Verstappen, who has already indicated his desire to compete in that event.gpfans.comSun 20 Sep · 18:45 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard warns unchanged Madring return in 2027 would be "stupidity"David Coulthard has expressed concerns about the Madring circuit, stating that returning in 2027 without modifications would be unwise. He highlighted the lack of overtaking during the inaugural race, which he described as processional, and emphasized the need for changes to enhance the racing experience.
Coulthard suggested that the circuit's layout could be improved by introducing slower chicanes or hairpin turns to create more overtaking opportunities. He noted that the current design allows drivers to maintain too much speed, limiting competitive racing. His comments reflect a broader call for Formula 1 to listen to fan feedback and make necessary adjustments.Motorsport.comSun 20 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen reacts to major Lando Norris career announcementLando Norris has confirmed the establishment of his own junior racing team, which is set to compete in various championships starting in 2027. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for young drivers in the increasingly expensive world of motorsport. Norris expressed his desire to give back to the racing community by supporting emerging talents through this new venture.
Max Verstappen has publicly supported Norris's decision, highlighting the challenges young racers face due to rising costs. While Verstappen also runs a racing team, he focuses on endurance racing rather than single-seater competitions. He expressed satisfaction with his current activities, which include training drivers in lower formulas through his sim company.RacingNews365Sun 20 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen sparks drama with team order refusal - On This DayOn September 20, 2015, Max Verstappen made headlines during the Singapore Grand Prix by refusing to comply with team orders from Toro Rosso. At just 17 years old, Verstappen had already showcased remarkable skill by starting from the pit lane after stalling and fighting his way back into the points. As he battled for eighth place, the team believed his teammate Carlos Sainz had a better chance to overtake Sergio Perez and instructed Verstappen to swap positions. However, Verstappen firmly declined, insisting there was no reason to let Sainz pass since he had fought hard to regain his position.
After the race, Verstappen remained unapologetic about his decision, emphasizing his belief in his performance and the importance of his position. He humorously recounted that his father, Jos Verstappen, would have been upset if he had allowed Sainz to overtake him. This incident not only highlighted Verstappen's determination and confidence at a young age but also became a memorable moment in Formula 1 history.RacingNews365Sun 20 Sep · 13:40 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen cracks joke after Red Bull make headline signingMax Verstappen recently made a lighthearted comment regarding his future at Red Bull following the team's announcement of signing Robin Raikkonen to their junior program for the 2027 season. Raikkonen, the son of former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, is currently competing in karting and will receive support from Red Bull as he progresses in his racing career.
During a media interaction, Verstappen shared that he had a brief conversation with Kimi and Robin Raikkonen before the Italian Grand Prix. He humorously suggested that he might need to step aside to make room for the young driver in the team. Verstappen's comments reflect the competitive nature of F1 and the ongoing interest in the development of new talent within the sport.RacingNews365Sun 20 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard urges FIA to speed up safety car decisionsDavid Coulthard has expressed concerns regarding the FIA's speed in making decisions to neutralize Formula 1 races, particularly after the recent Spanish Grand Prix. He noted that Lando Norris lost a likely victory due to the timing of the virtual safety car deployment, which allowed Kimi Antonelli to pit at a strategic moment. Coulthard emphasized that the time taken to respond to incidents can significantly impact race outcomes and suggested that improvements are necessary.
During a podcast discussion, Coulthard elaborated on the inherent unpredictability of safety car situations, stating that they can unfairly affect race results. He called for a more efficient process in decision-making, especially in clear-cut situations like major accidents. The former driver believes that quicker responses could help mitigate the luck factor in racing outcomes, ensuring a fairer competition for all drivers.Motorsport.comSun 20 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson offers response to Max Verstappen 'numb' F1 car claimLiam Lawson has addressed Max Verstappen's comments regarding the new generation of Formula 1 cars, which Verstappen described as 'numb to driver inputs'. Lawson, who has stepped in for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, acknowledges that he and teammate Yuki Tsunoda have adapted quickly to their new cars, but he believes the situation is more complex than Verstappen suggests. Lawson has achieved varying results in his races, including a sixth-place finish, while Tsunoda scored a point in Monza.
Lawson elaborated on the challenges of adjusting to the Red Bull car, noting that while the cars may appear easier to drive, there are personal adjustments that drivers must make. He emphasized that each driver has unique preferences and comfort levels in their cars, which can complicate the transition. Lawson's insights highlight the nuanced nature of adapting to new machinery in Formula 1, suggesting that the experience is not as straightforward as it may seem.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 18:00 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.
PlanetF1Sat 19 Sep · 17:24 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli shows no signs of championship pressureMercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli is demonstrating confidence as he approaches his first championship title, according to former driver Jolyon Palmer. David Coulthard also commended George Russell for acknowledging Antonelli's strong performance in the current season.Motorsport.comSat 19 Sep · 17:00 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.f1oversteer.comSat 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.gpfans.com+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 14:58 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull's master move revealed to get Max Verstappen to sign a new F1 dealMax Verstappen has secured a contract extension with Red Bull Racing that will keep him with the team until 2030. A significant factor in this decision was the freedom to explore other racing categories, particularly prestigious endurance events like Le Mans and Daytona. Verstappen has expressed a strong interest in these races, having previously participated in the 24-hour Nurburgring, where he had a thrilling experience despite a mechanical failure that ended his race early.
While Verstappen is eager to expand his racing portfolio, he emphasizes that any participation in additional events will depend on his Formula 1 commitments and the competitiveness of the field. He is particularly keen on ensuring that his schedule allows for these ventures without conflicting with his primary obligations in F1. The 2027 race calendars for both Le Mans and Daytona align well with his F1 schedule, providing a potential opportunity for him to compete in these iconic endurance races.gpfans.comSat 19 Sep · 13:57 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen left furious after multiple George Russell clashes - ThrowbackDuring the 2023 Azerbaijan sprint race, tensions flared between Max Verstappen and George Russell when they collided at the start. Russell attempted to overtake Verstappen but lost control due to understeer, damaging Verstappen's car significantly. Despite the incident, race control deemed it a racing incident, resulting in no penalties for either driver. Verstappen managed to recover and finish third in the sprint race, while Russell ended up in eighth place in the main race despite setting the fastest lap.
After the sprint, Verstappen confronted Russell in parc fermé, expressing his frustration over the collision. Russell defended his actions, stating he had no grip, while Verstappen insisted that drivers need to leave space. Their heated exchange highlighted the competitive nature of the sport, with Verstappen's sarcastic radio message following his successful pass at the restart further emphasizing the tension between the two drivers.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 12:50 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.gpfans.com+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 11:29 UTC