Charles LeclercValtteri Bottas
via f1oversteer.com‘Alarm bells’ ring at Ferrari after hearing what Oliver Bearman said about Baku engine failureFerrari are concerned for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc after hearing what Haas’ Oliver Bearman said about his engine failure during FP2 at the Azerbaijan ...
f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFlavio Briatore tells Fred Vasseur what he must ‘make clear’ to Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeclercFlavio Briatore has urged Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur to clarify the responsibilities of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as they compete for the team's number one driver status. Briatore highlighted the need for Vasseur to remind both drivers that they must prioritise the team's success over personal rivalry, especially as Ferrari's performance has declined since the summer break.
Despite the tension, both Hamilton and Leclerc maintain that their relationship is friendly. Leclerc expressed the importance of communication between them, acknowledging that their actions are often scrutinised more than those of drivers from other teams. He emphasised their shared goal of winning as a team and restoring Ferrari's competitive edge.
f1oversteer.comFri 25 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via PlanetF1David Coulthard criticises Charles Leclerc's attitudeDavid Coulthard has expressed concern over Charles Leclerc's approach to Formula 1, suggesting he treats the sport like a 'picnic'. Coulthard's comments come after Leclerc was advised that his behaviour during race weekends is excessive.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 25 Sep · 04:52 UTC
via Formula1.comGeorge Russell leads Kimi Antonelli in FP2 in BakuGeorge Russell of Mercedes topped the second practice session for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Russell's performance in Baku showcased his team's strong form ahead of the race weekend.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 11:49 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari fans ‘don’t want to see’ what Charles Leclerc just did at the Azerbaijan Grand PrixFerrari fans are expressing frustration over Charles Leclerc's performance during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, particularly after Free Practice 1 where he finished third. Despite showing promise in practice, fans are wary of the team's history of underperforming during actual races, leading to a cycle of hope and disappointment.
Comments from fans reflect their exasperation, with many stating they are tired of seeing Ferrari drivers perform well in practice only to falter in the race. The sentiment is that while Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are among the best drivers, the team's inability to convert practice success into race results has left fans feeling disillusioned.
f1oversteer.comThu 24 Sep · 11:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comValtteri Bottas launches charity initiative for rhinosValtteri Bottas has unveiled a unique helmet design for the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix to support the Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary. The Cadillac Formula 1 driver is also offering fans a chance to win the special helmet as part of the initiative.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 11:18 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA confirms decision on Valtteri Bottas after Baku crashThe FIA has confirmed its decision regarding Valtteri Bottas following his crash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The investigation concluded without the deployment of a safety car despite the late incident.
PlanetF1Thu 24 Sep · 10:09 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc rejects ‘overanalysing’ of Lewis Hamilton F1 battlesCharles Leclerc has addressed the ongoing scrutiny regarding his on-track battles with Lewis Hamilton, stating that he finds it enjoyable to compete against one of the best in Formula 1. He believes that the analysis surrounding their racing dynamics is often misguided and that discussions between them can clarify any misunderstandings.
Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, emphasised the importance of teamwork and shared goals within the team. Despite the competitive nature of their rivalry, he insists that both he and Hamilton are focused on achieving success for Ferrari, rather than allowing personal competition to overshadow their objectives.
Motorsport WeekThu 24 Sep · 08:30 UTC
via F1iLeclerc's Ferrari secret: ‘I've got some restrictions’Charles Leclerc has shared that he faces restrictions on his off-track activities as a Ferrari driver, particularly when it comes to potentially dangerous hobbies. This discussion arose in light of Red Bull's Isack Hadjar, who had been sidelined due to a hand injury from boxing, and Leclerc's comments highlighted the differences in how teams manage their drivers' leisure activities.
Leclerc noted that while he is not overly restricted, certain activities like skydiving are discouraged by Ferrari. He recounted a past experience where his attempt at skydiving was not well received by team management. Additionally, he mentioned that winter sports like skiing are approached with caution, especially as the racing season approaches, indicating a need for responsibility in managing risks associated with such activities.
F1iThu 24 Sep · 07:47 UTC
via gpfans.comLeclerc acknowledges mistakes in Hamilton battlesCharles Leclerc has acknowledged that he sometimes went too far in his on-track battles with his Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton. This admission comes amid ongoing discussions regarding his future with the team.
gpfans.comWed 23 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMontoya says Leclerc must regain Hamilton's respectJuan Pablo Montoya has stated that Charles Leclerc needs to 'earn that respect back' from Lewis Hamilton following their recent on-track dispute at Monza. Montoya believes the issue between the Ferrari teammates is not yet fully resolved.
f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreWed 23 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via CrashCharles Leclerc reveals the sport Ferrari has banned him from doing outside of F1Charles Leclerc disclosed that Ferrari has prohibited him from skydiving during the Formula 1 season, a decision made after the team expressed their discontent with his previous skydiving activities. He also mentioned that he avoids skiing while racing is ongoing, highlighting the team's concerns about safety during the season.
Leclerc's comments came during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he responded to Isack Hadjar's situation regarding his own injury. Hadjar confirmed he faces no restrictions from Red Bull after recovering from a hand injury sustained while boxing. Leclerc's remarks reflect the balance drivers must maintain between their personal interests and the team's expectations regarding safety.
CrashWed 23 Sep · 16:02 UTC
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.
f1oversteer.comWed 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.
Motorsport.comWed 23 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekValtteri Bottas defends ‘suboptimal’ transatlantic Cadillac chargeValtteri Bottas has spoken out in defence of Cadillac's operational structure in Formula 1, which spans across the United States and the United Kingdom. He insists that the team views this setup as a strength rather than a weakness, highlighting the expertise available at General Motors in various motorsport categories.
Despite concerns raised by Otmar Szafnauer regarding the potential disadvantages of dividing design and simulation work across three locations, Bottas remains confident in the team's approach. He believes that combining the established F1 environment in the UK with fresh perspectives from the US will ultimately benefit Cadillac's long-term vision in the sport.
Motorsport WeekWed 23 Sep · 11:49 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURAston 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.
gpfans.comWed 23 Sep · 11:29 UTC
via grandprix.comLeclerc considers driver management after racingCharles Leclerc has expressed interest in a future role guiding young drivers alongside his manager, Nicolas Todt. While he envisions this possibility after his racing career, he emphasises that his current priority is competing for Ferrari and pursuing a Formula 1 title.
In a recent interview, Leclerc confirmed that he has already spoken with Todt about the potential of working together in driver management. However, he remains fully committed to his racing duties, with the next race in Baku on the horizon, indicating that mentoring young racers will have to wait until he concludes his own racing ambitions.grandprix.comWed 23 Sep · 09:41 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.
PlanetF1Wed 23 Sep · 04:54 UTC
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.
gpfans.com+ 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.
f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via AutosportRUMOURLeclerc 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.
Autosport+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 15:30 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.
gpfans.comMon 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.
racer.comMon 21 Sep · 14:05 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.
Motorsport.com+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 09:34 UTC