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via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc tried to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes before they signed Kimi AntonelliCharles Leclerc, currently a key driver for Ferrari, explored the possibility of replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2025 season. His manager, Nicolas Todt, engaged in discussions with Mercedes regarding this potential move after they were informed of Hamilton's impending transfer to Ferrari.
Despite these talks, Mercedes opted to sign Andrea Kimi Antonelli, leading Leclerc to renew his contract with Ferrari in January 2024. This decision came before Hamilton's official announcement of his move to Ferrari, which was revealed in February 2024. As a result, Leclerc remains with Ferrari through the 2030 season.
Wed 23 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comJames Hinchcliffe explains why Ferrari is "happy" with Lewis Hamilton-Charles Leclerc rivalryJames Hinchcliffe has expressed that Ferrari is pleased to manage the growing rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. He believes that this competitive dynamic is what Ferrari anticipated when they signed Hamilton, especially after his struggles in the previous season. Hamilton has shown significant improvement in 2026, achieving a podium and a victory, which has elevated his position in the drivers' standings.
Hinchcliffe pointed out that having two strong drivers like Hamilton and Leclerc can enhance team performance, despite the potential for difficult decisions down the line. He emphasized that Ferrari's management, led by Fred Vasseur, is likely satisfied with the current situation, as it aligns with their expectations for Hamilton's role within the team.
Wed 23 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via Formula1.comPiastri insists he’s ‘making progress’ despite setbacksOscar Piastri has expressed optimism about his progress with McLaren despite facing challenges in the 2026 season. He acknowledged the team's support and their ongoing efforts to improve performance, stating that they are not standing still in their development. Piastri noted that while he has struggled to match his teammate Lando Norris, who has had recent success, he feels they are exploring different solutions to enhance his performance.
Piastri highlighted the difficulties posed by the new generation of cars, which do not align with his previous racing style. He emphasized the need for constant adaptation and the importance of having a well-thought-out approach to improvements. As he prepares for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Piastri reflected on his mixed experiences at the track, hoping for a better outcome this year compared to the previous season.
Wed 23 Sep · 13:31 UTC
via PlanetF1Charles Leclerc grilled on potential grid penalty at Azerbaijan Grand PrixCharles Leclerc is hesitant to disclose whether he will take an engine penalty for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as he wants to keep Ferrari's strategy under wraps. His Monza power unit, which was damaged in a crash during the Italian Grand Prix, has been returned to the pool of engines available for use.
Vasseur indicated that Baku could be a suitable time for Leclerc to take the penalty, but the driver remains non-committal. He expressed hope for a strong qualifying performance, aiming for his fourth pole position at the event, while acknowledging the challenges faced in race performance this season.
Wed 23 Sep · 13:10 UTC
via gpfans.comAston Martin 'approach made' for shock Charles Leclerc swoop from FerrariAston Martin reportedly made an approach to sign Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, but the 28-year-old declined the offer in favour of a new contract with Ferrari that will keep him with the team until at least 2030. This approach came during a tumultuous time for Aston Martin, which had recently changed team principals, although it remains unclear which of their current drivers would have been replaced.
Leclerc's manager, Nicolas Todt, has been active in exploring opportunities for Leclerc, including discussions with Mercedes and McLaren. Despite these talks, Leclerc has reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari, expressing confidence in the team's direction and leadership under Fred Vasseur. He remains focused on his goal of winning a world championship with Ferrari.
Wed 23 Sep · 11:29 UTC
via RaceFansCharles Leclerc criticises scrutiny of Hamilton battlesCharles Leclerc has expressed frustration over the media's scrutiny of his on-track battles with Lewis Hamilton, describing it as 'unfair' and 'over-analysed'. The Ferrari driver believes that such excessive focus detracts from the competitive nature of Formula 1.
+ 5 moreWed 23 Sep · 10:36 UTC
via PlanetF1Azerbaijan GP predictions: Leclerc no Antonelli, Russell desperation bites, rookie breakthroughThe Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set for this weekend, with George Russell needing a win to keep his championship hopes alive, as he trails Kimi Antonelli by 88 points. Russell's desperation may lead to risky driving, especially in the challenging Baku circuit, which has seen multiple crashes in previous years.
Charles Leclerc is likely to face a grid penalty due to engine issues, making a strong performance unlikely. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly is looking to replicate his previous pole position success, and rookie Arvid Lindblad is expected to perform well, potentially finishing in the top five.Wed 23 Sep · 04:54 UTC
via f1chronicle.comOscar Piastri Searches for Answers After an ‘Anonymous’ Weekend Leaves Him Trailing Lando NorrisOscar Piastri is searching for clarity regarding his performance after a disappointing outing at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished in eighth place. His teammate, Lando Norris, secured pole position and has significantly outperformed Piastri this season, leading to a 66-point gap in the championship standings.
Despite a challenging season, pundits believe Piastri still possesses the potential to win, especially at the Baku City Circuit, where he previously triumphed. However, concerns have been raised about his consistency and ability to match Norris's improvements, leading to speculation about a potential reset for Piastri as the season progresses.
via gpfans.comJenson Button's wife defends Charles Leclerc's actionsJenson Button's wife has come to the defence of Charles Leclerc following criticism from David Coulthard regarding Leclerc's behaviour off the track. The Ferrari driver has faced scrutiny for prioritising family commitments, prompting support from Button's wife.+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 21:27 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari fear ‘complex’ Baku issue could add to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s woesFerrari is apprehensive about the upcoming 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, particularly regarding potential tyre graining issues that could affect both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Despite having a strong qualifying record in Baku, the team has never secured a victory at this circuit, and they are aware that finding the right car setup will be crucial for success.
The team is also concerned about the grip levels on Baku's city streets, which are rated low by Pirelli. With the softest tyre compounds being used for the race, Ferrari understands that managing tyre performance will be essential. Previous races have shown that any issues with tyre graining could further complicate their chances, especially given their struggles with straight-line speed compared to competitors like Mercedes.Tue 22 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via AutosportLeclerc confirms commitment to Ferrari amid interestCharles Leclerc has reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari after signing a new contract with the team. The announcement comes amid speculation about other opportunities he considered before deciding to stay with Ferrari.
+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 15:30 UTC/Piastri%20Madrid.webp)
via Formula1.comHow can Piastri recover from ‘anonymous’ Madrid weekend?Oscar Piastri is facing difficulties following a disappointing performance in the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified ninth and crashed during the race. His teammate, Lando Norris, has significantly outperformed him, leading to a 66-point gap in the standings. Analysts James Hinchcliffe and Jolyon Palmer discussed Piastri's struggles and the need for him to close the performance gap with Norris, especially after a season where he initially showed promise.
Despite the challenges, Palmer noted that Piastri's lack of pressure from the championship fight could provide him with the opportunity to improve. He highlighted that while Piastri has shown potential in the past, his consistency has been lacking compared to Norris. As the team prepares for the upcoming races, there are hopes that Piastri can regain his form and deliver strong performances, particularly at circuits where he has previously succeeded.Tue 22 Sep · 13:10 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren call on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to execute three 'essentials' in BakuMcLaren has outlined three key requirements for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as they prepare for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team is set to implement a major aerodynamic upgrade to enhance the performance of their MCL40 cars, particularly focusing on airflow around the floor and rear tyres to improve balance on the circuit's long straights.
Rob Marshall, McLaren's chief technical officer, emphasised the unique challenges posed by Baku's layout, which combines the longest straight in Formula 1 with tight corners. He stressed the importance of energy, tyre, and brake management, as well as the need for confidence and precision from the drivers to navigate the demanding street circuit successfully.
Tue 22 Sep · 10:55 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer claims Oscar Piastri has only looked ‘amazing’ for ‘half a season’ in his F1 careerJolyon Palmer has expressed doubts about Oscar Piastri's performance in Formula 1, stating that he has only shown exceptional skill for half a season. Palmer highlighted Piastri's struggles compared to his teammate Lando Norris, who has been the standout driver for McLaren, securing both of the team's wins and all three poles this season.
Despite a promising start to his career, including a strong performance in 2023, Piastri has faced challenges in maintaining consistency. Palmer noted that Piastri's win drought has now lasted over a year, and while he has the potential for great performances, his overall record shows a significant gap in comparison to Norris.Tue 22 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari F1 star Charles Leclerc announces new plans: "I spoke about it with my manager"Charles Leclerc has announced his intention to pursue a role in driver management after his Formula 1 career. He stated that he has already spoken with his manager, Nicolas Todt, about the possibility of working together in this capacity once he retires from driving.
Despite his plans for the future, Leclerc emphasised that he remains fully committed to his current role with Ferrari and is focused on achieving success in the sport. He believes that transitioning to management could be a natural next step when he decides to retire from racing.Mon 21 Sep · 15:19 UTC
via racer.comFerrari needs to get its act together in qualifying, Vasseur saysFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has emphasised the need for improvement in qualifying performance, stating that the team has the potential for better results if they can enhance their pace during qualifying sessions. Despite Charles Leclerc demonstrating strong race pace at the Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari has struggled to secure podium finishes since July, with Vasseur pinpointing weaknesses in the final stages of qualifying as a critical area for development.
Leclerc echoed Vasseur's sentiments, indicating that the car's performance in qualifying is generally lacking compared to its race pace. He specifically mentioned that the power unit's performance is a contributing factor to their struggles on Saturdays. Both Vasseur and Leclerc expressed a commitment to finding solutions to unlock more qualifying performance, with Vasseur optimistic about the team's ability to carry over current developments into next year's project.
via grandprix.comMcLaren reintroduces H-Wing for Azerbaijan Grand PrixMcLaren has confirmed the return of its H-Wing aerodynamic upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team anticipates a competitive race, expecting to contend with Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull for victory.
via gpfans.comLando Norris disagrees with Andrea Stella on PiastriLando Norris has expressed disagreement with McLaren team principal Andrea Stella's comments regarding Oscar Piastri's struggles with the 2026 Formula 1 cars. Stella has suggested that Piastri's natural driving style is not well-suited to the new generation of vehicles.+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 09:57 UTC
via Motorsport.comLeclerc explains why he won't copy Hamilton's styleCharles Leclerc has clarified his decision not to emulate Lewis Hamilton's driving style while adapting to Ferrari's 2026 Formula 1 car. He stated that the challenges posed by the new regulations made it difficult to replicate Hamilton's approach.+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 09:34 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc was sure Fred Vasseur would make him ‘first driver’ when he joined FerrariCharles Leclerc was confident that Fred Vasseur would elevate him to the role of 'first driver' upon his arrival at Ferrari. This expectation stemmed from Leclerc's previous relationship with Vasseur during their time at Alfa Romeo, and he reportedly advocated for Vasseur's hiring partly due to this belief.
Despite Leclerc's hopes, he has not been granted the status of top driver in his tenure alongside Carlos Sainz, as Ferrari has struggled to compete for the championship. Vasseur has maintained a neutral stance on driver hierarchy, citing concerns about the potential negative impact of favouring one driver too early in the season.Mon 21 Sep · 07:30 UTCPage 3 of 18
