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.
gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 16:33 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen jokes about Kimi Antonelli’s F1 lead: “I’m definitely not having a comeback!”Kimi Antonelli is in a strong position to win his first Formula 1 world title, potentially becoming the youngest champion in history. With only a few races left in the season, George Russell's chances of winning the championship have diminished significantly, leading him to express doubts about his title hopes. Max Verstappen, who finished behind Antonelli in Spain, humorously remarked that he is not planning a comeback this season, acknowledging the challenges he faces compared to last year.
Verstappen offered advice to Antonelli, suggesting he maintain his current approach without stressing about the championship standings. Lando Norris also commended Antonelli's performance, noting that he is outperforming his more experienced teammate and making very few mistakes. Both drivers recognize Antonelli's talent and potential for future success in Formula 1.
Motorsport.comFri 18 Sep · 13:31 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell acknowledges 2026 title challenge is toughNico Rosberg has expressed concerns about George Russell's mindset regarding his championship aspirations for 2026. Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has dismissed Russell's doubts, emphasizing the team's commitment to a comeback.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 11:07 UTC
via PlanetF1Yuki Tsunoda reflects on struggles at Red Bull in 2025Yuki Tsunoda has described his time as a Red Bull Formula 1 driver in 2025 as marked by significant challenges, admitting it was the 'biggest mistake' of his career. He expressed confusion over the team's decisions and acknowledged that he was not enjoying his experience.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 10:25 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell self-doubt danger highlighted: 'Am I not good enough?'George Russell is facing a difficult season in Formula 1, currently trailing teammate Kimi Antonelli by 81 points in the standings. Despite being a title favorite at the start of the year, Russell has only secured two race wins while Antonelli has dominated with eight victories in the first 14 races.
Nico Rosberg has highlighted the potential for Russell to question his abilities due to this challenging performance. Rosberg admires Russell's efforts to improve his mental state, indicating that the pressure of the situation could lead to self-doubt, which is a common struggle for drivers in competitive sports.
RacingNews365Fri 18 Sep · 09:30 UTC
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.
the-race.comFri 18 Sep · 09:11 UTC
via f1chronicle.comRed Bull Say Isack Hadjar’s Recovery Is on Track as Liam Lawson Continues to Impress Ahead of Azerbaijan GPRed Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that Isack Hadjar's recovery from a wrist injury is progressing as expected, with a decision on his return to the car set for next week. Hadjar has missed three races since the summer break, during which Liam Lawson has stepped in and performed well, scoring points in both Zandvoort and Madrid. Mekies emphasized the importance of not rushing Hadjar's return to ensure his long-term health and performance.
Liam Lawson has impressed during his time in the car, qualifying well and finishing sixth in Madrid. Mekies noted Lawson's growth as a driver and his ability to adapt to the team's demands. The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the start of a challenging triple-header, making the timing of Hadjar's potential return crucial. Red Bull plans to assess Hadjar's fitness through a simulator test before making a final decision.
f1chronicle.comFri 18 Sep · 02:49 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson recalls his welcome to F1 moment behind Max Verstappen in a practice sessionLiam Lawson shared his experience of debuting in Formula 1 during a practice session at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, where he replaced Daniel Ricciardo after Ricciardo's injury. Despite the challenging wet conditions, Lawson managed to compete effectively, finishing his first race in 13th place, ahead of his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
Max Verstappen commented on the ease with which both Lawson and Tsunoda adapted to their roles, attributing their immediate competitiveness to recent rule changes in F1. Lawson reflected on the pressure and commitment required to drive an F1 car, particularly in difficult weather, which contributed to his initial discomfort during the session.
f1oversteer.comThu 17 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull detail conditions over Isack Hadjar return as Ferrari announce new deal - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has emphasized that Isack Hadjar will only return to his race seat when it is deemed completely safe. This statement comes as Hadjar continues his recovery from injury, highlighting the team's cautious approach to his reintegration into racing.
In other news, Scuderia Ferrari has announced a significant new partnership with Rakuten, which will become a team partner in telecommunications and e-commerce starting January 1, 2027. This deal marks a notable expansion for Ferrari as they seek to enhance their global presence in the sport.RacingNews365Thu 17 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via PlanetF1RUMOURHamilton rejects team changes rumour; Ferrari Achilles heel; Russell future clarified – roundupLewis Hamilton has publicly rejected rumors suggesting he is advocating for changes within the Ferrari team. These rumors surfaced following the Spanish Grand Prix, where Hamilton's former teammate Nico Rosberg highlighted issues with Ferrari's strategy and communication that he believes are hindering the team's performance.
In the same context, Charles Leclerc had a challenging race, finishing in fourth place despite leading for much of the event. Hamilton's own race ended prematurely due to a brake failure, further complicating Ferrari's situation as they seek to improve their competitive standing in the championship.PlanetF1Thu 17 Sep · 18:59 UTC
via Motorsport WeekHow George Russell could take positives from possible title defeatGeorge Russell is experiencing a challenging season as he struggles to maintain his title hopes against teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Recent performances have seen Russell lose ground in the standings, particularly highlighted by Antonelli's impressive victory in Monza after starting from the back due to a grid penalty. This season marks a shift in dynamics at Mercedes, with Antonelli emerging as a strong contender for the championship, raising questions about Russell's position within the team.
Despite setbacks, including a retirement in Canada, Russell remains determined to prove his capabilities. He has shown resilience in previous races, such as finishing second in Baku while unwell. As the season progresses, Russell must capitalize on upcoming circuits where he has previously excelled to keep his championship aspirations alive. With only a narrow lead over Antonelli, the pressure is on Russell to deliver strong performances in the remaining races.Motorsport WeekThu 17 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via espn.comI raced against Max Verstappen ... for 10 seconds: Inside the chaos of Max vs 100In the recent Max vs 100 event, Max Verstappen showcased his exceptional racing skills by starting from 89th position and swiftly overtaking 64 go-karters within the first lap. The challenge, held at Silverstone, required Verstappen to pass all 100 competitors in a 30-lap race, and he completed the task in just 35 minutes, demonstrating his dominance in the sport. Participants were eliminated as soon as Verstappen passed them, leading to a rapid conclusion for many, including ESPN's Nate Saunders, who only managed to stay ahead of Verstappen for about 10 seconds.
Verstappen's performance was marked by his strategic maneuvers and quick reflexes, allowing him to navigate through the chaos of the starting grid effectively. He even joked about the possibility of racing against 200 drivers in the future, highlighting his enjoyment of the event. Despite the lack of coordination among the other karters, Verstappen's instinctive driving style and experience allowed him to excel, leaving many participants in awe of his skill as he moved up the ranks with ease.
espn.comThu 17 Sep · 17:07 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard tells Charles Leclerc to stop treating F1 weekends like a family ‘picnic’David Coulthard has expressed concerns about Charles Leclerc's approach to Formula 1 weekends, suggesting that the presence of his wife and pet dog may indicate a lack of seriousness. Despite Leclerc's achievements this season, including one win and four podiums, Coulthard believes that the Ferrari driver should focus more on his racing rather than personal distractions, especially as he competes against seasoned drivers like Lewis Hamilton.
Coulthard emphasized that F1 is a serious and dangerous sport, urging Leclerc to adopt a more professional mindset. He noted that while many drivers bring family members to the paddock, Leclerc's situation seems excessive. As Leclerc approaches his 200th Grand Prix start, he remains competitive but has faced challenges, including high-profile mistakes in key races.f1oversteer.comThu 17 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comRUMOURFred Vasseur shuts down claims Ferrari split Spanish GP strategy to separate driversFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has addressed speculation regarding the team's strategy during the Spanish Grand Prix, specifically the differing tyre choices for drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Vasseur emphasized that the decision to split strategies was not intended to separate the two drivers, pointing out that other teams employed similar tactics without concern for potential collisions. Hamilton started on soft tyres but faced a braking issue that led to his early retirement from the race.
Leclerc, who opted for hard tyres, expressed confidence in his strategy, believing it was the best choice given the circumstances. He noted that starting on soft tyres would not have been advantageous and that he was waiting for a safety car to optimize his race. Despite the challenges, Vasseur has consistently defended the team's unity and dismissed any notions of a brewing crisis between the drivers.Motorsport.comThu 17 Sep · 15:15 UTC
via Formula1.comMekies offers update on Hadjar's injury recoveryRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, provided an update on Isack Hadjar's recovery from a wrist injury sustained during training. Hadjar has been sidelined for three races since the summer break, with Liam Lawson stepping in for him. Mekies reassured that Hadjar's recovery is progressing as expected, with no setbacks reported. The team plans to assess his condition further in a week's time, considering whether he can return for the next Grand Prix in Azerbaijan.
Hadjar has had a promising start to his season, achieving multiple top-10 finishes and even a podium in Monaco before his injury. While he has been unable to race, he has continued to attend events and analyze data. The team is cautious about his return, prioritizing his long-term health over a quick comeback. In the meantime, Lawson has performed well, finishing in the points during his races, while Verstappen has showcased the car's potential with two podium finishes.
Formula1.comThu 17 Sep · 15:07 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen showed Kimi Antonelli he's a 'champion' with his gesture after epic Monza winKimi Antonelli has expressed admiration for Max Verstappen, highlighting his supportive nature and champion-like qualities both on and off the track. After Antonelli's recent victory at Monza, Verstappen took the time to congratulate him, showcasing a gesture of sportsmanship that Antonelli appreciates.f1oversteer.comThu 17 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen even surprised himself with karting challenge performanceMax Verstappen showcased his karting skills by completing the 'Max vs 100' challenge at Silverstone, where he raced against 100 amateur karters. Starting from the back, he managed to overtake all competitors in just 14 laps, taking a total of 37 minutes to finish the challenge. His impressive performance included overtaking 64 rivals in the first lap and 84 by the fifth lap, demonstrating his superior reaction speed compared to the other participants.
Verstappen expressed his surprise at how well he performed and praised the organization of the event, which included a mix of content creators and athletes. He has participated in various challenges since joining Red Bull in 2016 and hinted at the potential for even larger events in the future. The karting challenge exemplified Red Bull's creative approach to promotional events, allowing Verstappen to engage with fans and showcase his racing prowess.Motorsport.comThu 17 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLeclerc hopeful Monza-damaged Ferrari power unit can be saved, avoiding grid penaltyCharles Leclerc has provided an update regarding the Ferrari power unit that was damaged during his crash at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The team is currently evaluating whether the power unit can be salvaged, with the possibility of a grid penalty looming if it cannot be recovered. Following the incident, Leclerc had to use an older engine specification in the next race, and he reported a significant impact during the crash, measuring 60G.
In addition to the power unit concerns, Leclerc highlighted a more systemic issue with Ferrari's performance, noting a disparity between their race pace and qualifying speed. He emphasized that the team needs to improve energy deployment during qualifying sessions, as this has been a consistent struggle. Leclerc believes that even minor enhancements in qualifying performance could lead to better race outcomes, indicating that the team is secure in its race-day setup but still searching for solutions to their qualifying challenges.Motorsport WeekThu 17 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Ferrari driver intervention shut down: 'Not an option for them'The article discusses the current dynamics between Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as they navigate their second season together. Following an incident at the Italian Grand Prix, where Leclerc pushed Hamilton wide, there have been calls for Ferrari to establish a clear number one driver. However, former F1 driver David Coulthard argues that such a strategy is not feasible given the caliber of both drivers.
Coulthard emphasizes that both Hamilton and Leclerc are top-tier talents, making it challenging for Ferrari to impose a hierarchy. He suggests that while there may be existing rules of engagement in their contracts, the team must manage the relationship between the two drivers carefully. Hamilton himself noted that it may be too late for the team to implement any significant changes to their approach this season.RacingNews365Thu 17 Sep · 12:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard says Lewis Hamilton ‘shouldn’t’ be outscoring Charles Leclerc at FerrariIn the 2026 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton has managed to outperform Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, a situation that David Coulthard finds surprising. Despite both drivers having secured one victory each, Hamilton holds a 24-point lead over Leclerc in the championship standings, placing him third overall, while Leclerc's performance has raised questions about team dynamics and engagement rules within Ferrari.
Coulthard notes that Hamilton's success is unexpected considering his age and nearing the end of his career, especially when compared to Leclerc, who is in his twenties and possesses significant raw speed. The relationship between the two drivers has been scrutinized, particularly following a controversial incident at Monza, indicating potential conflicts within the team as they prepare for future seasons.f1oversteer.comThu 17 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Leclerc updates on Ferrari power unit after Monza crashCharles Leclerc has provided an update regarding the power unit used during his crash at the Italian Grand Prix. Ferrari is currently evaluating whether the damaged engine can be repaired.RacingNews365+ 1 moreThu 17 Sep · 09:05 UTC
via Formula1.comHow Verstappen won the ‘biggest race’ of his motorsport careerMax Verstappen showcased his karting skills at the 'Max vs 100' event held at Silverstone, where he faced a unique challenge of overtaking 100 competitors from the back of the grid. The race, which was billed as the world’s largest go-kart race, saw Verstappen make a remarkable comeback, moving from 101st to 1st place in just 35 minutes. His impressive performance included gaining 64 positions in the first lap alone, demonstrating his racing prowess and strategic driving.
After the race, Verstappen reflected on the experience, highlighting the joy of returning to karting after his Formula 1 career. He praised the organization of the event and expressed interest in potentially increasing the number of competitors in future races. Verstappen's victory not only added another trophy to his collection but also provided an entertaining spectacle for fans and participants alike.Formula1.comThu 17 Sep · 08:36 UTC
via PlanetF1Ralf Schumacher’s blunt verdict on Max Verstappen’s furious Spanish GP outburstDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton engaged in a contentious battle for position on the opening lap. Verstappen attempted to overtake Hamilton but ended up going off-track, which led to a controversial situation where he was instructed by his team to give the position back to Hamilton. Despite his frustration, Verstappen complied and allowed both Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli to pass him, only to later regain his position against Hamilton before the latter's retirement due to brake failure.
Ralf Schumacher weighed in on the incident, acknowledging Verstappen's frustration but asserting that he did gain an advantage by leaving the track. Verstappen ultimately finished the race in second place, while Hamilton's retirement left him with a challenging situation in the championship standings. Verstappen currently sits sixth in the Drivers' Championship, significantly behind Antonelli.PlanetF1Thu 17 Sep · 08:28 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen wins chaotic Max vs 100 kart raceMax Verstappen secured victory in the Max vs 100 kart race, describing the first lap as 'carnage' as he navigated through 100 amateur karters at Silverstone. Despite initial concerns, Verstappen managed to triumph over the challenging conditions.
Crash+ 2 moreThu 17 Sep · 08:26 UTC