Charles LeclercFred GambleMax VerstappenIsack HadjarLewis Hamilton 
via CrashLewis Hamilton describes unique summer break experienceLewis Hamilton has shared insights about his unconventional summer break this year, marking it as the most different he has experienced as a Formula 1 driver. He has adapted his routine in pursuit of an eighth championship title.
Crash+ 1 moreFri 21 Aug · 07:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc delivers warning over Max Verstappen direction 'mistake'Charles Leclerc has warned against trying to replicate Max Verstappen's successful approach at Red Bull, stating that each situation is unique. Despite having won nine Grands Prix over his career, Leclerc has not yet won a championship, while Verstappen has secured four titles and 71 race wins, confirming his commitment to Red Bull until 2030.
Leclerc remains optimistic about Ferrari's potential for improvement as they prepare for the second half of the season. He recognizes Mercedes as the current frontrunner but believes in focusing on his own team's strengths and weaknesses. Leclerc is determined to carve out his own path to success rather than simply following Verstappen's lead.
RacingNews365Fri 21 Aug · 07:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOUROscar Piastri confirms talks with rival F1 teamOscar Piastri has confirmed discussions with another Formula 1 team while addressing speculation about his future at McLaren. This comes in light of Max Verstappen's recent contract extension with Red Bull, which has raised questions about potential team changes.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreFri 21 Aug · 07:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen is yet to reach his peak, says former F1 team bossFormer F1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer has stated that Max Verstappen has not yet reached his peak performance, despite already being a four-time champion. During a podcast discussion, Szafnauer highlighted Verstappen's ongoing improvement and commitment to Red Bull Racing, where he has recently signed a contract extension lasting until 2030.
Currently, Verstappen is sixth in the drivers' standings, trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 110 points. Szafnauer compared Verstappen to other legendary drivers, naming Vettel as the best he worked with, while acknowledging the challenges posed by Schumacher and Hamilton. Verstappen expressed his satisfaction with his team and his aspirations to continue achieving success together.
Motorsport.comThu 20 Aug · 21:22 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURMcLaren wanted to put Mark Webber ‘back in his box’ by speaking to Max VerstappenMcLaren's interest in Max Verstappen has been highlighted following his new contract with Red Bull, which confirms Oscar Piastri's continued presence at the team for at least another year. McLaren's management, including Zak Brown, acknowledged their interest in Verstappen, suggesting they would have pursued him if they had the capacity for a third car. This situation has created tension with Mark Webber, Piastri's manager, particularly after Piastri's championship loss to Lando Norris, leading to speculation about Webber's diminishing influence in Piastri's career decisions.
The dynamics between McLaren and Webber have reportedly soured, with claims that he has been sidelined in favor of a more commercial focus and that he may not even have access to McLaren's hospitality. Despite these tensions, Webber has consistently denied that Piastri is exploring options to leave the team, indicating that he remains committed to McLaren despite the ongoing speculation and internal changes.f1oversteer.comThu 20 Aug · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comYuki Tsunoda aims for F1 return with Dutch Grand Prix driveYuki Tsunoda is set to race for Racing Bulls at the Dutch Grand Prix following Isack Hadjar's injury. He views this opportunity as a chance to enhance his prospects for the 2027 season.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 19:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris claims second pole at Dutch Grand PrixLando Norris achieved pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, marking his second pole of the 2026 season. He outperformed George Russell in the qualifying session leading up to the race.Motorsport.comThu 20 Aug · 18:50 UTC
via Formula1.comMekies on Verstappen’s new deal, Hadjar and LawsonRed Bull Racing has announced that Max Verstappen will remain with the team until at least the end of 2030, a decision celebrated by team principal Laurent Mekies. This renewal comes at a crucial time as the team aims to improve its performance after a difficult start to the 2026 season. Mekies emphasized the importance of having the best driver committed to the team as they work towards regaining their competitive edge in Formula 1.
In addition to Verstappen's contract news, Isack Hadjar will miss the Dutch Grand Prix due to a wrist injury, allowing Liam Lawson to step in as his replacement. Yuki Tsunoda will also return to Racing Bulls in Lawson's absence. Mekies expressed confidence in Lawson's abilities and highlighted the team's ongoing efforts to close the performance gap to their rivals as they strive for victories in the second half of the season.
Formula1.comThu 20 Aug · 18:22 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton disagrees with Ferrari about F1 title chances ahead of the Dutch Grand PrixAhead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari have differing views on his chances for the 2026 F1 title. Despite being 50 points behind Kimi Antonelli, Hamilton remains optimistic about his ability to compete for the championship, while Ferrari believes the constructors' title is a more achievable goal for him. Both drivers are set to receive a new floor upgrade at the upcoming race, which could enhance their performance on the challenging Zandvoort circuit.
Hamilton's confidence is bolstered by Ferrari's planned upgrades, including a new engine specification to be introduced at Monza. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, who is 31 points behind Hamilton, has shown inconsistency despite recent successes. The article highlights the competitive landscape of the season, with Mercedes also recognizing Ferrari's advancements in performance.f1oversteer.comThu 20 Aug · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekAston Martin secures investment from Woody JohnsonAston Martin has completed a minority stake sale to American billionaire Woody Johnson. This investment comes just ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 17:51 UTC
via F1iGasly praises Verstappen’s manager for achieving ‘nice pay rise’Max Verstappen has officially extended his contract with Red Bull Racing, committing to the team until 2030. While the specific financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it is widely believed that Verstappen has secured a substantial pay rise, further solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid drivers in Formula 1. Pierre Gasly, Verstappen's former teammate, expressed admiration for the negotiation skills of Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, and highlighted the significance of Verstappen's long-term association with Red Bull since 2016.
Gasly's comments reflect a broader sentiment in the F1 community regarding Verstappen's impact on the sport. He emphasized that having Verstappen remain with Red Bull is beneficial for the team and the sport as a whole. Gasly's own experience with Red Bull was brief, but he recognizes the importance of Verstappen's continued presence in Formula 1, suggesting it enhances the competitive landscape and adds an interesting narrative to the sport's history.
F1iThu 20 Aug · 15:34 UTC
via RacingNews365Woody Johnson acquires minority stake in Aston Martin F1American billionaire Woody Johnson has purchased a minority stake in the Aston Martin Formula 1 team. Johnson, who is also the owner of Crystal Palace, will join the board of directors as vice chairman.RacingNews365+ 5 moreThu 20 Aug · 15:34 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc expectant of major F1 ‘reshuffle’ at F1 Dutch GPCharles Leclerc is optimistic about the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, anticipating a reshuffle in the competitive order despite Ferrari's historical struggles at Zandvoort. He reflects on his challenging experience from the previous year, where he retired due to a collision, but notes the positive changes in both his performance and that of his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who now leads the championship.
With rain expected during the race weekend, Leclerc acknowledges the uncertainty of how the weather will affect the performance of the cars. He believes that the new regulations may allow for a more competitive showing from Ferrari, particularly on technical tracks like Zandvoort. Leclerc remains hopeful but recognizes the challenges ahead, especially with the unpredictable weather conditions.Motorsport WeekThu 20 Aug · 15:33 UTC
via PlanetF1Yuki Tsunoda eager for F1 return with Racing BullsYuki Tsunoda is preparing to return to Formula 1 at the Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar. The driver expressed his eagerness to compete again with the Racing Bulls team.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 14:56 UTC
via CrashRUMOURGeorge Russell confident in Mercedes seat securityGeorge Russell has stated that his position at Mercedes was never in jeopardy, even with Max Verstappen's recent contract extension at Red Bull. He expressed relief that speculation regarding Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes has been put to rest.Crash+ 4 moreThu 20 Aug · 13:29 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGabriel Bortoleto draws Max Verstappen comparison with F1 career motivation insightGabriel Bortoleto, a Brazilian rookie in Formula 1, has expressed his ambition to create a lasting legacy with Audi by remaining with the team for an extended period. He aims to establish stability early in his career, contrasting with the trend of drivers frequently switching teams. Bortoleto's previous success in Formula 3 and Formula 2 fuels his aspirations, as he hopes to contribute to Audi's inaugural journey in F1 over the next 15 years.
Despite his impressive junior record, Bortoleto remains humble about his current status in Formula 1, acknowledging that he has yet to win a race or title. He draws inspiration from modern champions like Max Verstappen, highlighting the importance of long-term loyalty in building a successful career. Bortoleto believes that each driver has unique motivations, and he is focused on making history with Audi as they embark on their new venture in the sport.Motorsport WeekThu 20 Aug · 13:20 UTC
via thejudge13.comMax Verstappen signs contract extension with Red BullMax Verstappen has officially signed a contract extension with Red Bull Racing, committing to the team until 2030. This decision has implications for other drivers in the Formula 1 grid.
thejudge13.com+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 13:18 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen discusses commitment to Formula 1Max Verstappen has shared that important discussions with Formula 1 and the FIA influenced his decision to continue in the sport. He emphasized that considerations regarding his future with Red Bull were not his primary focus.Motorsport Week+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 12:00 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURVerstappen says retirement was closer than changing teamsMax Verstappen has disclosed that he was closer to retiring from Formula 1 than switching teams when he signed his contract extension with Red Bull until 2030. This announcement puts to rest any speculation regarding a potential move to a rival team.RacingNews365+ 3 moreThu 20 Aug · 10:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton and Ferrari called out by former F1 driver for "pretty sloppy" errorsFormer F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has called out Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton for failing to capitalize on Mercedes' vulnerabilities, particularly highlighting a series of costly mistakes. Palmer noted that despite Kimi Antonelli's reliability issues, Ferrari has missed key opportunities to close the gap in the championship standings, which currently sees Antonelli leading Hamilton by 50 points with 12 races left in the season.
Palmer specifically mentioned penalties incurred by Hamilton, including a jump start and an early pit lane speed limiter release, as examples of 'sloppy' errors that could have affected their performance. While he praised Hamilton's driving skills, he suggested that a lack of concentration may be contributing to these mistakes. Palmer emphasized the need for Ferrari to maximize their points if they hope to compete for the championship title.Motorsport.comThu 20 Aug · 09:15 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen's net worth as he signs new contractMax Verstappen has extended his contract with Red Bull Racing, ensuring his presence in Formula 1 until 2030. This deal solidifies his status as one of the highest-paid athletes globally, with significant earnings from both racing and endorsements. Despite a challenging 2026 season, he continues to perform well, securing podium finishes amid competition from other teams like Mercedes and McLaren.
Verstappen's financial standing is impressive, with a reported net worth that places him third among F1 drivers, following Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. His earnings reflect his success on the track and his growing popularity, as he ranks among the top athletes worldwide according to Forbes. The financial figures highlight the lucrative nature of F1 contracts and the commercial opportunities available to top drivers.CrashThu 20 Aug · 08:55 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen reflects on Dutch Grand Prix farewellThe Dutch Grand Prix is set to take place for the final time at Zandvoort in 2026. This weekend's race will feature the unveiling of the last trophies awarded for the event.RacingNews365Thu 20 Aug · 08:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton expected to extend Ferrari contract to 2027Lewis Hamilton is anticipated to extend his contract with Ferrari through 2027. An official announcement regarding the extension may be made before the upcoming Monza race.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 08:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull chief issues shocking statement about 'undriveable' Max Verstappen carRed Bull's technical director Pierre Wache has expressed serious concerns about the performance of the RB22 car, labeling it as 'undriveable' and indicating a lack of confidence in its capabilities. Max Verstappen, currently sixth in the championship standings, has managed to secure three podiums recently, but he admitted to not fully understanding how he achieved a second-place finish in Hungary, highlighting the car's difficulties. The team is under pressure to improve and retain Verstappen's commitment for the 2027 season amid these challenges.
As the team prepares for the Dutch Grand Prix, they will be without Isack Hadjar due to injury, with Liam Lawson stepping in as his replacement. Wache pointed out that while Red Bull is not where they want to be, they are making progress and trying to understand the issues with the car. The upcoming race is significant as it marks the last Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort for the foreseeable future, adding to the pressure on the team to perform well.
gpfans.comThu 20 Aug · 07:15 UTC