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via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton ‘worst car we’ve built’ comment recalled by VestiFrederik Vesti, a reserve driver for Mercedes, recalled a comment made by Lewis Hamilton about the 2022 W13 car, which Hamilton described as the 'worst car we've built'. Vesti's experience with the current W17 at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix was notably different, as he expressed confidence in the car's performance, highlighting Mercedes' strong position in the Constructors' Championship and Antonelli's lead in the Drivers' Championship.
Vesti, who joined the Mercedes junior program in 2021, noted the challenges of transitioning from simulator driving to real-life conditions. He performed well in his FP1 session, finishing seventh, and is set to return to the W17 after the summer break, indicating a positive trajectory for both him and the team.
via PlanetF1F1 driver net worth 2026: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen top list with huge fortuneThe article outlines the net worth of Formula 1 drivers for the year 2026, highlighting Lewis Hamilton as the wealthiest driver. It details the financial standings of various drivers, noting their salaries and sponsorship deals that contribute to their overall net worth.
Several drivers, including Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are mentioned for their significant earnings and lucrative sponsorships. The report emphasizes the financial landscape of F1, where drivers earn substantial salaries and have numerous endorsements, making it a highly lucrative sport.
via Sky Sports F1Why has Hamilton received so many penalties and what have they cost him?Lewis Hamilton has faced a series of penalties over the last three race weekends, impacting his performance and standing in the Drivers' Championship. He currently trails Kimi Antonelli by 50 points after receiving penalties for various infractions, including a false start, a collision with George Russell, and speeding in the pit lane. His penalties have resulted in significant points lost, particularly during the Hungarian Grand Prix where he finished fourth despite potential for a better result.
Hamilton has expressed frustration over the consistency of the penalties, suggesting that some were unjustified. He acknowledges the need to avoid further mistakes to remain competitive in the championship race. The upcoming Dutch Grand Prix presents an opportunity for Hamilton to regain momentum as the season continues.
via Sky Sports F1Vasseur reveals 'most important' target for Ferrari after F1 summer breakFerrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, has identified key areas for improvement as they aim to support Lewis Hamilton's bid for the drivers' championship. Currently, Hamilton is 50 points behind Kimi Antonelli, and while Ferrari has shown some recent performance gains, they need to enhance their engine and execution to remain competitive in the second half of the season.
As the 2026 season resumes after the summer break, Vasseur emphasized the importance of maintaining development momentum, particularly in chassis upgrades. With 12 races left, Ferrari is determined to close the gap to Mercedes and capitalize on Hamilton's consistent performance to keep their championship hopes alive.
via Sky Sports F1'Never had a season like this' - Russell 'p****d off' at latest Mercedes issueGeorge Russell faced significant challenges during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where an engine issue caused him to drop from sixth to the back of the field at the start. Despite recovering to finish seventh, he acknowledged that this season has been filled with misfortunes, including a battery failure in Canada and a potential engine penalty looming due to a power unit change before the race. Russell's teammate, Kimi Antonelli, currently leads the championship standings, putting Russell further behind in the title race.
Russell expressed frustration over the reliability issues that have plagued him this season, stating that he has experienced more problems than his teammate. He remains hopeful for improvement in the second half of the season and emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite the setbacks. The Formula 1 season will continue with the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
via RacingNews365George Russell data springs big Kimi Antonelli surprise despite F1 woesThe article highlights the performance comparison between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Despite Russell's struggles, including two DNFs, he maintains a better average finishing position than Antonelli, who has achieved six race wins but is significantly ahead in the championship standings. The contrasting circumstances of their races, including technical failures and penalties, contribute to this surprising statistic.
Additionally, the article notes that while Russell's average finishing position is 3.8, it is not the best on the grid, as Lewis Hamilton leads with an average of 3.7. The analysis provides insights into the competitive dynamics within the Mercedes team and the challenges faced by both drivers throughout the season.
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc delivers verdict on 2026 cars as debate rumbles onCharles Leclerc has shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars, expressing an open-minded approach amidst ongoing debates regarding the technical regulations. He acknowledged the complexities introduced by the new power unit configurations, which feature a significant reliance on battery power, leading to changes in driving strategies and performance assessment. Leclerc's own experiences with Ferrari's SF-26 illustrate the challenges drivers face in adapting to these new vehicles, as he had to make multiple adjustments to regain competitive performance.
The article also highlights comments from Max Verstappen, who criticized the new regulations, likening them to an exaggerated version of Formula E. With further regulatory changes planned for the following seasons, the current cars will remain unchanged for the rest of the year. Leclerc's insights underline the difficulties drivers encounter in navigating the intricate variables of the new cars, suggesting that adaptability will be crucial for success in the ongoing season.
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton names 'pressure' thrill missing from F1 combatLewis Hamilton has voiced his concerns regarding the current state of Formula 1 racing, specifically noting that the thrill of pressure during wheel-to-wheel combat is lacking in some races. He attributes this to the new power dynamics introduced in 2026, where cars will rely more heavily on battery systems, affecting the racing experience on various circuits. Hamilton believes that this change diminishes the skill required for competitive racing, particularly on traditionally challenging tracks like Suzuka and Silverstone, which he now views as less demanding due to their fast-flowing sections being utilized as 'charging stations.'
In his remarks, Hamilton expressed disappointment over the reduced challenge and excitement in racing, particularly at circuits where overtaking is difficult, such as Monaco. He emphasized that his passion lies in the competitive aspect of racing rather than qualifying, and he longs for the thrill of battling against other drivers. The article highlights Hamilton's perspective on how the evolving dynamics of F1 are impacting the essence of racing and the enjoyment it brings to drivers.
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton receives apology from ‘coward’, Graeme Lowdon’s last Cadillac interview – roundupLewis Hamilton has received an apology from UFC fighter Jon Jones, five years after Hamilton labeled him a 'coward' for shooting a pig. This apology comes after Jones acknowledged Hamilton's disappointment in his actions. Meanwhile, Graeme Lowdon has departed from his role as Cadillac's team principal, with the team yet to score points in their inaugural F1 season. Cadillac's CEO clarified that Lowdon's exit was not a mutual decision and that the change in leadership had been in the works for some time.
In other news, Jenson Button revealed that Michael Schumacher valued Rubens Barrichello's engineering expertise during their time at Ferrari. Button, who raced alongside Barrichello from 2006 to 2009, emphasized Barrichello's significant contribution to car development. Additionally, there are rumors surrounding Sergio Perez's future, with speculation linking him to a potential move to Williams for the 2027 season.
via Motorsport WeekUFC star apologises to Lewis Hamilton over feud triggered by hunting videoJon Jones has issued a public apology to Lewis Hamilton, stemming from a confrontation over a hunting video that occurred five years ago. The incident involved Jones shooting a pig from a helicopter, which deeply offended Hamilton, a long-time vegan and animal rights advocate. Following the incident, Hamilton condemned Jones' actions in a private message and subsequently blocked him on social media. Jones expressed his desire to reconcile and acknowledged Hamilton's disappointment in him during a recent interview.
In his apology, Jones reflected on the hunting experience and the negative impact it had on his relationship with Hamilton. He conveyed regret for his actions and reached out directly to Hamilton, hoping to clear the air. As of now, Hamilton has not publicly responded to the apology, while he continues to focus on his racing career, currently sitting second in the 2026 Drivers' Standings for Ferrari.
via CrashLeclerc Discusses Challenges and Future of 2026 Formula 1 CarsCharles Leclerc has expressed his open-mindedness regarding the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars amid ongoing discussions about their technical specifications. He noted that the current data-driven approach to performance has become more complex with the new-era vehicles.
via Motorsport.comCharles Leclerc and wife Alexandra appear to address pregnancy rumours with holiday photosCharles Leclerc and his wife, Alexandra, are vacationing in Sardinia, where recent photos have sparked pregnancy rumors due to Alexandra's apparent baby bump. The couple married in a private ceremony in Monaco earlier this year and plans to have a larger celebration with family and friends in the future.
As of now, Leclerc is experiencing a mixed start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, sitting fourth in the drivers' championship, while his team, Ferrari, is currently second in the constructors' championship.
via RacingNews365Leclerc and Hamilton Compete in Tight 2026 F1 RivalryCharles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are currently involved in a closely contested rivalry as teammates in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Both drivers have shown significant performance improvements, with Hamilton aiming for a title challenge after a strong summer break.
via CrashGeorge Russell Faces Challenges in F1 Title RaceGeorge Russell is currently experiencing a difficult season, having dropped to third place in the Formula 1 standings. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic and is focusing on maintaining his confidence in the title race.
via PlanetF1‘Disappointed’ Lewis Hamilton receives apology after blocking ‘coward’Hamilton, a staunch advocate for animal rights, has maintained a vegan lifestyle since 2017 and was recognized by PETA as their Person of the Year in 2018. As of August 2026, he is competing in the F1 season, currently in second place, trailing behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 50 points after achieving his first victory with Ferrari earlier in the season.
via Motorsport WeekMercedes Anticipates Grid Penalties for Drivers in 2026 SeasonMercedes has acknowledged the likelihood of grid penalties for drivers Antonelli and Russell as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses. The team is preparing for these penalties as they approach the final half of the season.
via PlanetF1Charles Leclerc makes ‘aggressive’ Ferrari request in F1 title raceCharles Leclerc has urged Ferrari to adopt a more aggressive approach to upgrades in the current Formula 1 season, citing the significance of improvements compared to previous years. Despite trailing Mercedes by 72 points, Ferrari has shown strong performance, outscoring Mercedes in four of the last five races and achieving victories at two grand prix events this season.
Leclerc expressed confusion over the team's inconsistent race predictions, noting that they often performed better in races where they expected to struggle. He described the recent Hungarian race as disappointing and highlighted the need for Ferrari to maintain a proactive development strategy to close the gap in the championship standings.
via PlanetF1Kimi Antonelli ‘convincingly’ beating Russell in Norris and Verstappen verdictLando Norris has expressed admiration for Kimi Antonelli, highlighting his consistent performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, where he has established a significant lead in the Drivers' Championship over teammate George Russell. Despite some challenges, Antonelli has managed to outperform Russell consistently, earning praise from both Norris and four-time champion Max Verstappen during a press conference following the Hungarian GP, where Norris secured his first win of the season.
Norris emphasized the difficulty of comparing drivers across teams but acknowledged Antonelli's impressive abilities as a complete package. Antonelli's strong performance has not gone unnoticed, as he continues to be a formidable contender in the championship, while Russell has faced reliability issues that have hindered his progress. The dynamics within the Mercedes team are evolving, with Antonelli emerging as a key player in the title race.
via RacingNews365Exclusive: George Russell reveals psychologist help: 'Not necessarily for tough times'George Russell has shared insights into his experience with a sports psychologist, which he has utilized since 2020 to enhance his performance in Formula 1. Despite facing a challenging season and being significantly behind teammate Kimi Antonelli in the standings, Russell emphasizes that his sessions are not solely for coping with adversity but also for maximizing his potential and managing race pressures effectively.
Russell acknowledges the support from his fiancée Gwen Lagrue and team principal Toto Wolff, which has been crucial during tough times. He believes that reflecting on his past successes helps him maintain confidence and focus on his strengths as he navigates the remainder of the season, despite the setbacks he has encountered.Page 29 of 35