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via PlanetF1Lando Norris claims he has found an ‘extra level’ in F1 title defenceLando Norris has expressed confidence in his performance during the 2026 Formula 1 season, claiming he has discovered a 'little extra level' despite his current fifth position in the standings. With 183 points still available, he trails Kimi Antonelli by 132 points, and acknowledges that his title defence has not gone as planned, particularly if he loses 19 points to Antonelli during the Sprint weekend. Norris believes he has improved his ability to extract performance from his car and its components, highlighting the importance of personal satisfaction over external judgement. He notes that small margins have significantly impacted his results, including three pole positions that provided opportunities for race wins. Norris remains focused on maximizing his performance and adapting to the challenges of the current season.Thu 8 Oct · 12:55 UTCvia RacingNews365Ferrari issues light-hearted apology after social media chaosFerrari has released a light-hearted 'unofficial statement' following a social media takeover by drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. The team acknowledged the playful hijacking of their Instagram account by the two drivers.Thu 8 Oct · 12:50 UTCvia Motorsport.comLando Norris casts doubt on Singapore GP sprint excitement: "I don't think it is"Lando Norris, the McLaren driver, has raised concerns about the excitement level of the upcoming sprint race at the Singapore Grand Prix, stating he does not expect it to be the best. With only one practice session available for teams to acclimatise to the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Norris believes this will complicate the weekend for drivers as they adapt to the track and the current-regulation cars for the first time. Despite his doubts about the sprint race's potential, Norris remains optimistic about McLaren's performance, citing his past successes in sprint races this season. He acknowledges the challenges posed by the street circuit but expresses confidence in his ability to quickly find the limits of the car, which he considers one of his strengths. Norris looks forward to the challenge and hopes to perform well despite the limited preparation time.Thu 8 Oct · 12:33 UTCvia f1oversteer.comHow Hannah Schmitz feels about joining Ferrari after Charles Leclerc praised Red Bull strategistsCharles Leclerc has acknowledged that Ferrari could learn from Red Bull's strategy team following their performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Leclerc noted that Red Bull consistently makes better strategic decisions, which was evident when they opted for intermediate tyres while Ferrari chose slicks, leading to a significant time loss for the Scuderia. Hannah Schmitz, who has been with Red Bull since 2009 and is currently their head of race strategy, has been mentioned as a potential target for Ferrari. However, she has expressed a strong preference to remain in England due to family commitments. Despite her high regard in the paddock, Schmitz's reluctance to relocate complicates any potential move to Ferrari, especially as the team has not shifted its operations to the UK.Thu 8 Oct · 11:30 UTCvia Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton reacts to stunning fan-made Ferrari helmet inspired by Star WarsLewis Hamilton has shown appreciation for a fan-created helmet that combines his Ferrari branding with elements from the Star Wars Mandalorian character. The design features a T-shaped visor, pronounced cheek plates, and is painted in Hamilton's signature colours, complete with sponsor logos and a glowing red hue from LEDs. The helmet also includes unique features such as a detachable rangefinder and silver canisters, enhancing its intricate design. Hamilton's connection to Star Wars is highlighted by his friendship with creator George Lucas, further adding to the significance of this creative tribute from a dedicated fan.Thu 8 Oct · 11:16 UTCvia CrashMcLaren addresses Lando Norris' fuel system issuesThe McLaren Formula 1 team has implemented changes to Lando Norris' Mercedes power unit to resolve ongoing fuel system problems. Norris expressed optimism that these adjustments will improve the team's performance at the Singapore Grand Prix.Thu 8 Oct · 10:55 UTCvia thejudge13.comGeorge Russell reverts to old Mercedes specificationGeorge Russell has decided to revert to a previous specification of the Mercedes W17 for the Singapore Grand Prix, calling it a 'no-brainer' decision. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli will continue to use the upgraded package that was introduced in Malaysia.Thu 8 Oct · 10:44 UTCvia gpfans.comF1 star Charles Leclerc excited to become a father for 'second time'Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has announced that he is excited to become a father for the second time, with the couple expecting their new arrival later this year. Leclerc, who married Alexandra in Monaco earlier this year, expressed his joy during an interview, highlighting that they already consider their dog Leo as their first child. Despite the demands of his Formula 1 career, Leclerc emphasised the importance of family time and managing his responsibilities. Alexandra is currently staying home in Monaco while Leclerc competes in the Singapore Grand Prix, but he reassured fans that her pregnancy is progressing well.Thu 8 Oct · 10:27 UTCvia CrashGianpiero Lambiase may join McLaren earlier than plannedMcLaren's Zak Brown has suggested that Gianpiero Lambiase could leave Red Bull to join the team sooner than initially expected. Lambiase is currently Max Verstappen's race engineer at Red Bull.Thu 8 Oct · 08:30 UTCvia f1oversteer.com‘Inherent’ Ferrari flaw deals Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc a ‘significant’ Singapore GP hurdleLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are preparing for the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, but face significant challenges due to inherent flaws in Ferrari's SF-26, particularly regarding rear-end stability. Despite Hamilton's recent podium finish in Bahrain and Leclerc's previous success in Belgium, the team is concerned that these stability issues could hinder their performance on the street circuit of Marina Bay. Ferrari aims to maximise their car's potential by reintroducing a high-downforce rear wing, which may help mitigate some of the stability problems. With George Russell starting from the back due to a penalty, Ferrari is targeting a podium finish. Leclerc seeks to improve on his recent performances in Singapore, while Hamilton hopes to secure his first win at the venue since 2018, which would tie him with Sebastian Vettel for the most wins at Marina Bay.Thu 8 Oct · 08:00 UTCvia f1oversteer.comGuenther Steiner criticises Ferrari's strategy mistakesFormer Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has expressed concerns about Ferrari's failure to acknowledge its strategic errors, suggesting this is harming the team's performance. Steiner also noted that Ferrari often makes incorrect decisions during critical race moments.Thu 8 Oct · 07:30 UTCvia f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton told he risks ‘disintegrating the unity’ at Ferrari with claims he should ‘never’ sayLewis Hamilton has stated that Ferrari will need to accept their power deficit for the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season. After a strong performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Hamilton finished third and Charles Leclerc fourth, Hamilton expressed concerns about the team's engine performance, which he believes is holding them back. He noted that the team has been innovative but still struggles with straight-line speed compared to rivals like Mercedes. Former Ferrari performance head Luigi Mazzola cautioned that Hamilton's comments about the engine could disrupt the team's unity. Mazzola highlighted the importance of collaboration among all components of the car and warned that blaming a single aspect could lead to internal issues. Hamilton's remarks come as the team prepares for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, where they aim to improve their performance despite the ongoing power challenges.Thu 8 Oct · 07:00 UTCvia gpfans.comLewis Hamilton’s boss hits back at critics over Ferrari F1 failingsFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has responded to criticism regarding the team's performance, stating that negative feedback affects the results of the team. He highlighted the emotional toll on the 1,500 employees at Maranello, emphasizing that the criticism is detrimental to their morale and performance. Vasseur, who is in his fourth season with Ferrari, acknowledged the pressure to win and expressed his commitment to achieving success with the iconic team. Despite the challenges, Vasseur received support from Lewis Hamilton, who praised the team during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Currently, Ferrari sits in second place in the Constructors' standings for 2026, but they trail Mercedes by a significant margin of 141 points. As the season progresses, the focus is shifting towards future seasons, with increasing pressure on Ferrari to reclaim their former glory in Formula 1.Thu 8 Oct · 06:58 UTCvia CrashChristian Horner to discuss Red Bull exit in interviewChristian Horner is preparing to share 'unbelievable' details regarding his departure from Red Bull Racing in an upcoming interview, as stated by former BBC Formula 1 presenter Jake Humphrey. Max Verstappen has commented on the changes at Red Bull since Horner's unexpected firing in 2025.Thu 8 Oct · 06:00 UTCWikimedia Commons · Steffen Prößdorf · CC BY-SA 4.0Boeri rules out Monaco track changesOct.8 (GMM) Monaco Automobile Club president Michel Boeri has rejected suggestions that the principality’s Formula 1 layout could be altered to improve overtaking. The issue has grown in recent years as Monaco’s lack of passing opportunities has come under increasing criticism, with Monegasque Charles Leclerc even suggesting a possible extension near Portier to create a…Thu 8 Oct · 05:40 UTCvia RacingNews365Charles Leclerc issues Ferrari demand over F1 upgrade directionCharles Leclerc has urged Ferrari to accelerate the introduction of its planned upgrades as the team faces a challenging 2026 Formula 1 season. Currently sitting second in the constructors' standings with 378 points, Ferrari trails behind Mercedes, which has amassed 11 wins this season compared to Ferrari's two. Leclerc highlighted the team's struggles with straight-line speed, which has forced them to reduce downforce to remain competitive. He expressed cautious optimism about the new parts on the way, acknowledging that while they may not revolutionise performance, they could provide necessary incremental improvements. Leclerc believes that getting these upgrades onto the car as soon as possible is essential for the team's competitiveness.Thu 8 Oct · 05:20 UTCvia the-race.comF1 drivers divided over cooling vests ahead of SingaporeIsack Hadjar has called for the ban of cooling vests in Formula 1, arguing that the extreme physical challenge is a crucial aspect of racing. Max Verstappen also expressed his discontent, stating that he does not find the vests effective.Thu 8 Oct · 05:11 UTCvia PlanetF1Predictions for the Singapore Grand Prix revealedExperts have made their predictions for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, with many anticipating a win for Max Verstappen. Additionally, there are expectations for impressive performances from drivers such as Sergio Perez and Andrea Antonelli.Thu 8 Oct · 05:11 UTCvia gpfans.comRed Bull vindicated after extraordinary Porsche F1 deal collapseMax Verstappen secured a significant victory for Red Bull at the Bahrain Grand Prix, marking the team's first win with their own power unit, developed independently after the collapse of a potential partnership with Porsche. This win ended a 15-race drought for the team, showcasing their progress since moving away from reliance on Honda engines. The failed Porsche deal in September 2022 allowed Red Bull to pursue their own engine development without external interference. Christian Horner's vision for an in-house engine has now been realised, as he successfully recruited experienced personnel from rival teams to bolster their project, leading to this historic achievement.Wed 7 Oct · 18:45 UTCvia f1oversteer.comMercedes are giving Max Verstappen a golden opportunity to finally win the Singapore Grand PrixMercedes could be about to leave Red Bull rival Max Verstappen in the clear to win the 2026 F1 Singapore Grand Prix, beyond George Russell’s ...Wed 7 Oct · 18:30 UTCvia PlanetF1Untelevised Lewis Hamilton radio; Williams begins £1m legal case over missing car – round-upUntelevised radio communications from Lewis Hamilton have surfaced, revealing his concerns about Ferrari's tyre strategy during the Bahrain Grand Prix. Hamilton informed the team that the track conditions were still wet, but Ferrari opted for a different tyre choice that ultimately proved incorrect. In a separate development, Williams has initiated legal proceedings in London's High Court regarding a missing 2001 FW23 chassis. The team claims the chassis was loaned to a garage that has since closed, and they are demanding its return or a compensation fee exceeding £1 million.Wed 7 Oct · 18:25 UTCvia f1oversteer.comJames Vowles has seen an example of Oscar Piastri not being treated ‘fairly’ at McLarenJames Vowles has expressed concerns over how McLaren treated Oscar Piastri during the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, where Piastri was asked to let teammate Lando Norris pass after a slow pit stop. Although the lost points did not affect Piastri's title chances significantly, Vowles believes this incident may have harmed Piastri's relationship with the team. Vowles emphasised the importance of fairness over equal treatment in racing, explaining that while teams cannot always treat drivers equally, they must ensure that one driver is not disadvantaged by the circumstances affecting another. Piastri himself noted that he had a fair shot at the title but recognised that some decisions could have been improved.Wed 7 Oct · 18:00 UTCvia gpfans.comMax Verstappen delivers brutal Ferrari verdict as he questions F1 transferMax Verstappen, the reigning champion, has expressed that he does not dream of racing for Ferrari, despite the team's storied history. In a recent interview, he stated that his primary focus is on winning, and he values performance over nostalgia, which he believes would not be fulfilled by joining Ferrari. Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull is evident as he signed a contract extension through 2030, having recently achieved significant success in the 2026 season. He has shifted from struggling with the new regulations to securing a second place in Azerbaijan and a victory in Bahrain, reinforcing his dedication to the team and his desire to continue winning.Wed 7 Oct · 17:45 UTCvia gpfans.comLewis Hamilton influences Ferrari's direction at MaranelloReports from Italy suggest that Lewis Hamilton is gaining support within Ferrari as he aims to help the team return to winning form in Formula 1. His growing influence is seen as a key factor in the team's efforts to evolve and improve.Wed 7 Oct · 16:45 UTC