News854 stories
RSS ↗
via gpfans.comF1 Driver Salaries 2026: The INSANE pay gap between Max Verstappen and Kimi AntonelliMax Verstappen has secured a record-breaking contract with Red Bull, making him the highest-paid driver in Formula 1 history with a base salary of $107 million, which could rise to $134 million annually. This new deal, valued at over $500 million, highlights the significant pay gap between him and other drivers, particularly Kimi Antonelli, who earns only $2 million despite his success in the sport. The disparity is attributed to Verstappen's extensive experience and achievements compared to Antonelli's early career stage.
The article also outlines the salaries of other F1 drivers, with Lewis Hamilton being the second-highest earner at $60 million. It emphasizes that driver salaries do not impact the teams' cost cap, allowing them to invest in top talent without affecting their budget for car development. As the dynamics of driver contracts evolve, Antonelli's future earnings could increase significantly if he continues to perform well.
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc’s radio transcript disproves his claim about Lewis Hamilton controversy at Dutch GPDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc faced criticism for not following team orders to pit, which affected Lewis Hamilton's race strategy. Hamilton, who was behind Leclerc early in the race, expressed frustration over the situation as he lost valuable time while following his teammate. After the race, Leclerc claimed he was instructed to stay out, but an analysis of his radio communications revealed that he was reminded to pit, contradicting his statement.
The mismanagement of the situation by Ferrari ultimately cost Hamilton a potential podium finish, as he finished only eight-tenths of a second behind George Russell. The team's strategy was initially to have Hamilton one-stop, but this was altered due to a virtual safety car caused by Esteban Ocon's stoppage. Leclerc's delay in pitting contributed to Hamilton's inability to capitalize on his advantageous tire strategy.
via Formula1.comRed Bull's Laurent Mekies reflects on tough ZandvoortRed Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged a difficult weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's early crash and Liam Lawson's seventh-place finish highlighted the team's struggles.
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton criticises Ferrari's strategy at ZandvoortFerrari faced criticism for their strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix, where both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished in the top five. Hamilton suggested that Ferrari should engage in private discussions regarding their strategic decisions that may have impacted race outcomes.
via F1iLeclerc slams Ferrari strategy call after losing out to RussellCharles Leclerc expressed his frustration with Ferrari's strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished fifth behind teammate Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. He criticized the timing of his pit stop, which he felt hindered his chances of challenging Russell for third place, and acknowledged that both the virtual safety car and his qualifying performance contributed to the disappointing result. Leclerc's comments reflect a broader concern about Ferrari's strategic execution, which has been a recurring issue for the team.
As the team prepares for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Leclerc remains cautious about their prospects, despite the potential for upgrades. He is unwilling to express false confidence, recognizing that while Ferrari has shown unexpected strength in previous races, they must address their strategic shortcomings to compete effectively for podiums and victories.
via Formula1.comLeclerc blames qualifying and VSC for Dutch GP resultCharles Leclerc finished fifth at the Dutch Grand Prix, just 1.3 seconds from the podium. He attributed his result to a challenging qualifying session and the timing of a Virtual Safety Car.Verstappen reveals what caught him out on the opening lap in ZandvoortMax Verstappen's participation in the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort ended prematurely when he crashed on the opening lap, following contact with Lewis Hamilton and teammate Liam Lawson. The incident resulted in red flags, and Verstappen was unable to continue, expressing disappointment over the lack of pace from his Red Bull car throughout the weekend. Despite the setback, he acknowledged the support from fans during his time racing at Zandvoort.
Liam Lawson, who was the only Red Bull driver remaining in the race after Verstappen's crash, managed to finish in seventh place, although he received a penalty for a yellow-flag infringement. Lawson's performance provided some consolation for the team on a challenging weekend, as they struggled to match the pace of their competitors.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen dismisses Red Bull 'magic' as he plots recovery from illnessMax Verstappen faced a challenging weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he struggled with illness and crashed out early in the race. Despite his efforts, he could only secure a sixth-place finish in the sprint race, and his crash during the main event led to a red flag, marking a disappointing end to his home race at Zandvoort, which will not be on the calendar next season.
In the aftermath, Verstappen discussed the current state of Red Bull Racing, stating that they are the fourth-fastest team this season and cannot expect miraculous improvements without upgrades. He highlighted the importance of being realistic about their performance and expressed hope for recovery during the upcoming off-week before the next race in Monza.
via Motorsport.comWho slept best last night: Liam LawsonLiam Lawson had a notable performance during his third race with Red Bull at Zandvoort, qualifying closely behind Max Verstappen and finishing seventh, which earned him points. This race was a stark contrast to his previous stint in 2025, where he struggled significantly and failed to score any points.
The article reflects on Lawson's journey, highlighting the challenges he faced when initially promoted to Red Bull and the pressure he was under. It suggests that his recent performance may indicate that the RB21 car suits his driving style better than before, and questions the decisions made by Red Bull regarding driver placements in the past.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen health update as Lewis Hamilton confirms frustration – RacingNews365 ReviewMax Verstappen emerged unscathed from a significant crash during the opening lap of the Dutch Grand Prix, where he lost control of his car in wet conditions. Despite the incident, he was reported to be okay following the race. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton voiced his dissatisfaction with Ferrari's strategy, which he felt cost him a potential podium finish after starting in fifth place and struggling to overtake Charles Leclerc for much of the race.
In the aftermath of the race, three drivers received penalty points for infractions during yellow flag conditions. Lando Norris secured victory for McLaren, with Kimi Antonelli finishing second after a team order allowed him to overtake George Russell. The mixed weather conditions played a significant role in the race dynamics, making the opening lap particularly challenging for the drivers.
via espn.comNorris: McLaren have car capable of beating MercLando Norris celebrated a significant victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, achieving back-to-back wins and moving up to fourth in the championship standings. Despite being 83 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli, Norris expressed confidence in his performance and the capabilities of his McLaren car, which he believes can compete with the top teams. The race was marked by a dramatic crash involving Max Verstappen, who exited early but confirmed he was unharmed after the incident.
Norris' strategic pit stop allowed him to overtake Antonelli late in the race, while Mercedes implemented team orders that saw Russell yield to Antonelli for a better position. Hamilton secured third place, and the race concluded with Leclerc and Piastri following closely behind. Norris remains cautious about declaring himself a title contender but acknowledged the significance of his recent success.
via theguardian.comLeclerc unaware of Hamilton's overtaking requestCharles Leclerc expressed frustration following a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton criticized Ferrari's strategy, suggesting it hindered his chances for a podium finish.
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris challenges Verstappen's view on LawsonLando Norris has expressed disagreement with Max Verstappen's views on Liam Lawson's performance at the Dutch Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg believes Verstappen should have acknowledged Lawson's achievements during the race.
via Motorsport.comFIA responds to driver criticism over Dutch GP safety carThe Dutch Grand Prix faced significant issues during its opening stages due to rain, leading to a chaotic grid procedure. Following the incident, which included a heavy crash by Max Verstappen, drivers expressed their concerns regarding the effectiveness of the safety car formation lap.
via CrashCharles Leclerc joins Lewis Hamilton in questioning Ferrari's Dutch GP strategyCharles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have both criticized Ferrari's race strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix, which they believe negatively impacted their performance. Leclerc specifically pointed out confusion regarding his pit stop timing, which he felt was poorly coordinated with other drivers, ultimately leaving him in a disadvantageous position on the track. He expressed that he could have potentially gained more by staying out longer on his tires instead of pitting at that moment.
Looking ahead to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Leclerc remains cautious about the team's prospects, acknowledging that previous races did not meet expectations. He hopes that the planned upgrades will enhance their performance, but he is preparing for a challenging weekend. The team’s recent struggles with strategy and qualifying have raised concerns about their competitiveness in the upcoming race.
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton Expresses Frustration During Dutch Grand PrixLewis Hamilton voiced his frustrations regarding Ferrari's strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix. The incident occurred as he aimed for a strong finish while contending with other drivers.
via Formula1.comNorris wins dramatic Dutch Grand Prix as Verstappen crashesLando Norris claimed victory at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, marking his second consecutive win of the season. He started from pole position but faced early competition from Kimi Antonelli, who took the lead after a red flag incident caused by Max Verstappen's crash on the first lap. Despite Antonelli's strong performance, Norris regained the lead and maintained it until the finish, crossing the line with a significant margin.
The race featured a dramatic turn of events, including a late Virtual Safety Car that influenced pit strategies. George Russell completed the podium in third place, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc followed in fourth and fifth. Several drivers faced penalties and retirements, including Verstappen, who was unable to finish the race due to his crash.
via CrashLando Norris wins Dutch Grand Prix after Verstappen crashLando Norris achieved his second consecutive win at the Dutch Grand Prix, starting from pole position. The race was marked by a significant incident involving Max Verstappen, who crashed out on the first lap, leading to a red flag.
via grandprix.comDomenicali hints V8 return could move to 2030Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, has indicated that discussions about the potential return of V8 engines could lead to changes as early as 2030, rather than the previously planned 2031. This speculation comes in light of Max Verstappen's recent contract extension with Red Bull, which runs through 2030, and Domenicali's ongoing conversations with Verstappen regarding the sport's future direction. He expressed his delight at Verstappen's long-term commitment, calling him a 'living legend' and emphasizing the importance of driver input in decision-making processes.
Domenicali also noted that the FIA president is in favor of the V8 return, and while the discussions are still in early stages, he believes they are moving in a positive direction. Verstappen himself has acknowledged that the new engine regulations played a role in the duration of his contract, hinting at the possibility that this could be his final deal in Formula 1, depending on how the sport evolves in the coming years.
via f1technical.netRussell, Leclerc, Hamilton to race with fresh power unit components in ZandvoortThe article discusses the introduction of fresh power unit components by several drivers for the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, highlighting the significant regulatory changes in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Notably, the removal of the MGU-H has altered the power unit architecture, increasing the importance of the MGU-K and requiring teams to manage their component allocations carefully to avoid penalties.
Aston Martin, Williams, Mercedes, and McLaren are among the teams making updates to their power units, with drivers like George Russell and Charles Leclerc receiving new components without incurring grid penalties. The article emphasizes the strategic implications of these changes as teams navigate the challenges of the new regulations while aiming for competitive performance throughout the season.Page 32 of 43