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via gpfans.comFord 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.
Sun 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.
Sun 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.
Sun 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.Sun 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.Sun 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.Sun 20 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via F1iNorris reveals his ‘inevitable choice’ to lead LN4 FusionLando Norris has officially launched his junior racing venture, LN4 Fusion, with plans to compete in various categories including the Italian F4 Championship, FRECA, and Formula 3. The team is also seeking entry into Formula 2, pending confirmation. To lead this ambitious project, Norris has appointed Rene Rosin as Team Principal, citing his extensive experience and successful track record in junior motorsport as key factors in his decision.
Norris has a long-standing relationship with Rosin, having observed his work at Prema, which has been a benchmark in junior racing. Norris expressed that Rosin was the 'inevitable choice' for the role, emphasizing the need for strong leadership to build a sustainable team. With Rosin at the helm, LN4 Fusion aims to establish a solid foundation and culture as it prepares for its inaugural season.
Sun 20 Sep · 08:12 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris criticised for Madrid cool-down room actionLando Norris has come under fire for bringing a can of Coca-Cola into the cool-down room following his third-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix. Guenther Steiner, team principal of Haas, expressed that Norris's actions were unprofessional and suggested that as a professional driver, he should have been more aware of the implications of his choice, especially given the existing sponsorship deal between Pepsi and Formula 1.
The incident sparked discussions among fans and commentators, with Steiner acknowledging that while no one was harmed by Norris's actions, it was not the smartest decision. He noted that the publicity surrounding the incident inadvertently benefited Coca-Cola, turning a minor issue into a notable topic of conversation in the F1 community.Sun 20 Sep · 08:10 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren engineers think they have fix for one key ‘weakness’ of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s carMcLaren is preparing to introduce significant upgrades for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, focusing on enhancing the performance of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's MCL40 car. These upgrades include a new underbody and a modified version of their Macarena rear wing, aimed at improving the car's aerodynamics, particularly in slow-speed corners where the team has identified weaknesses. The decision on which rear wing to use will be made after practice sessions in Baku.
The upgrades come after a challenging 2025 Azerbaijan GP for both drivers, where Piastri faced multiple issues, including a crash and a poor start. Despite these setbacks, McLaren's engineers are optimistic that the new aerodynamic package will allow Norris and Piastri to compete for pole position. Recent performances have shown that the MCL40 is competitive in medium-speed turns, and the team is looking to build on this momentum as they head into the race weekend.
Sat 19 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMartin Brundle claims F1 champion 'robbed' in controversial callDuring the recent Spanish Grand Prix, Lando Norris was leading the race when a Virtual Safety Car disrupted his momentum, allowing Kimi Antonelli to take the victory. Norris, who had started from pole, was unable to pit for fresh tires in time due to the timing of the yellow flags and the subsequent safety car, which ultimately cost him the race. A glitch during his pit stop further delayed his return to the track, resulting in a third-place finish.
Martin Brundle criticized the race's outcome, arguing that it did not reflect the true performance of the drivers, as both Antonelli and Verstappen acknowledged Norris's pace. Brundle suggested potential regulatory changes to prevent similar situations in the future, including ensuring that a Virtual Safety Car remains in place for a full lap to maintain fairness in racing.Sat 19 Sep · 18:44 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.Sat 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.
Sat 19 Sep · 17:24 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.Sat 19 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLando Norris names Team Principal for junior teamLando Norris has officially appointed Rene Rosin as the Team Principal for his new junior team, LN4 Fusion. This team is set to compete in various junior formulas, including the Italian F4 Championship, FRECA, and Formula 3, with plans for a potential entry into Formula 2 still pending confirmation. Norris described Rosin's appointment as the "inevitable choice" due to their long-standing relationship and Rosin's extensive experience in leading successful racing teams.
Norris emphasized the importance of having a strong leader at the helm of his junior team, citing Rosin's passion for winning and his ability to bring people together. Rosin's previous experience with Prema, a renowned junior outfit, is expected to be invaluable as LN4 Fusion embarks on its inaugural season across multiple racing series. Norris believes that Rosin's leadership will help establish a successful and sustainable project for the future.
Sat 19 Sep · 15:00 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.+ 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.Sat 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.Sat 19 Sep · 12:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris names 'inevitable choice' as major team decision madeLando Norris has launched his own junior racing team, LN4 Fusion, which will initially compete in various junior racing categories including the Italian F4 Championship and Formula 3. The team has secured assets from AIX Racing, including an FIA F3 entry, and has applied to join the FIA F2 grid. Norris has appointed Rene Rosin, the former team principal of Prema, to lead the new team, citing his extensive experience and successful track record in developing young drivers.
Norris emphasized the importance of having a strong leader at the helm, noting that Rosin has guided numerous drivers to Formula 1, including Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. He believes Rosin's passion for winning and team-building makes him the ideal choice for LN4 Fusion. The partnership aims to create a long-term project that not only focuses on immediate success but also on developing a robust racing program.Sat 19 Sep · 12:00 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.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 11:29 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc wagers Mercedes bet after 'vicious circle' observationCharles Leclerc has highlighted the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces with its engine performance, particularly in comparison to Mercedes. He described a 'vicious circle' where the lack of power from Ferrari's engine limits their ability to deploy power effectively, especially at the end of long straights. Despite this, Ferrari remains a close competitor in the championship as they work to resolve these issues.
Leclerc also mentioned the introduction of an ADUO-boosted engine during the Italian Grand Prix, expressing optimism that it has not sustained critical damage following a crash. However, he acknowledged that if the engine is damaged, he would need to take an engine penalty to introduce new parts into his pool before the season concludes.Sat 19 Sep · 10:20 UTCPage 24 of 69