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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.
Fri 14 Aug · 11:02 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris makes bold claim and explains why it 'hurts'Lando Norris has expressed that he feels he is driving at a higher level in 2026 compared to his championship-winning season in 2025, despite the results not reflecting this improvement. He secured his first victory of the year at the Hungarian Grand Prix, but currently sits fifth in the standings, significantly behind the leader, Kimi Antonelli, due to a combination of performance issues and race retirements this season.
Norris's performance has been commendable, with three podium finishes and a strong showing in Budapest, where he led from pole to victory. He acknowledges the challenges posed by the competitive landscape, particularly with the McLaren MCL40 being outpaced by Mercedes and Ferrari. Norris is committed to continuous self-improvement, believing that his efforts are beginning to yield positive results, even if they have not yet translated into a championship challenge.
Fri 14 Aug · 10:00 UTC
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.Fri 14 Aug · 09:52 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Brundle's verdict on 'relentless' Norris, Piastri-Sainz incident and Malaysia returnThe Hungarian Grand Prix concluded the first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season with Lando Norris claiming his first victory of the year after a competitive race. Norris started from pole position and faced challenges from teammates and rivals, including a notable incident involving Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz. Despite a strong performance from Piastri, a collision with Sainz hindered his chances, while Lewis Hamilton's pit lane penalty affected his final standing.
Max Verstappen managed to secure second place despite issues with his car's aerodynamics, while Charles Leclerc's fastest lap was not enough to elevate him beyond fourth. The race showcased intense battles among the top teams, with Mercedes notably off their usual pace, and Kimi Antonelli capitalizing on the situation to finish third.
Fri 14 Aug · 09:44 UTC
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.Fri 14 Aug · 09:44 UTC
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.Fri 14 Aug · 09:44 UTC
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.
Fri 14 Aug · 08:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Next Formula 1 Race Scheduled After Three-Week BreakThe Formula 1 calendar is currently in a three-week hiatus following the Hungarian Grand Prix. Lando Norris secured a notable victory at the last race, marking a strong performance for McLaren.+ 1 moreFri 14 Aug · 06:15 UTC
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.Fri 14 Aug · 04:30 UTC
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.Thu 13 Aug · 18:33 UTC
via RacingNews365F1 champions laud Kimi Antonelli over pertinent questionKimi Antonelli has emerged as a leading figure in the 2026 Formula 1 season, currently topping the drivers' championship standings after 11 races. With six wins and nine podium finishes, he has garnered praise from fellow drivers, including Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, who acknowledged his impressive performance and consistency despite being only 19 years old. Antonelli's ability to recover from a grid penalty to finish third in the recent Hungarian Grand Prix further solidified his status as a top competitor.
Norris, who secured his first victory of the season in Budapest, highlighted the challenges of comparing drivers across teams while recognizing Antonelli's achievements. Verstappen echoed this sentiment, commending Antonelli's strong performances and solidifying his reputation as a standout driver in the current season. Antonelli, however, remains modest, emphasizing the need for continued improvement and acknowledging the challenges of competing at the highest level.Thu 13 Aug · 14:35 UTC
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.Thu 13 Aug · 14:00 UTC
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.
+ 1 moreThu 13 Aug · 13:40 UTC
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.
Thu 13 Aug · 12:15 UTC
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.Thu 13 Aug · 11:50 UTC
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.Thu 13 Aug · 05:56 UTC
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.Wed 12 Aug · 11:00 UTC
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.Wed 12 Aug · 10:30 UTC
via CrashLewis Hamilton Reflects on His 2026 F1 Season PerformanceLewis Hamilton has shared his assessment of his performance in the first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season. He provided a surprising rating, particularly in light of the competitive landscape posed by Ferrari.+ 1 moreWed 12 Aug · 08:44 UTC
via f1technical.netDoes everyone share Hamilton's concerns regarding the simulator's accuracy?Lewis Hamilton has expressed concerns about the accuracy of Formula 1 simulators, leading him to reduce his time using them. Other drivers, including Max Verstappen, Alex Albon, and Esteban Ocon, shared their views on the effectiveness of simulators, particularly in relation to car setup and engine performance. Albon highlighted the importance of accurate tyre models and vehicle dynamics for trusting simulator data, while Ocon noted that Haas has made progress on the engine side but still faces challenges with chassis correlation.
The drivers acknowledged that while simulators remain valuable for team development, their role in chassis setup has decreased compared to previous seasons. Verstappen pointed out that despite the potential monotony of simulator sessions, they are crucial for engineers to evaluate new concepts and adapt to ongoing technical updates in the sport. Overall, the consensus is that while simulators are important, their accuracy and correlation with real-world performance are critical for effective use.
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