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via gpfans.comMax Verstappen linked with new series switch as F1 champion rumoured for Portugal raceMax Verstappen is set to return to racing outside of Formula 1 later this year, with speculation surrounding his participation in the GT3 World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup in Portugal from October 16-18. This follows his recent signing of a new contract with Red Bull and previous outings with his own team, Verstappen Racing, earlier in the season. The timing of the GT3 event aligns with an off weekend in the F1 calendar, allowing him the opportunity to compete without conflicting with his F1 commitments.
Currently, Verstappen is sixth in the F1 standings, significantly trailing the championship leader. His recent performance at the Dutch Grand Prix ended in a crash, contributing to his current point deficit. While there are rumors about potential drivers joining him for the GT3 race, including Alex Palou, no official confirmations have been made regarding the lineup.
Wed 2 Sep · 16:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Helmut Marko reveals Max Verstappen fear after 'dangerous' accidentHelmut Marko shared his concerns following Max Verstappen's crash at the Dutch Grand Prix, where Verstappen lost control of his car on the opening lap. The incident left his car sideways on the track, posing a risk of collision with oncoming drivers, but fortunately, the field managed to avoid a serious accident thanks to Liam Lawson's quick reflexes.
Marko expressed relief after confirming Verstappen was stable and unharmed, as the driver reassured him with comments indicating he was okay. The crash was alarming and highlighted the potential dangers of racing, especially in high-speed situations like Zandvoort.
Wed 2 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff believes Kimi Antonelli is proving Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were right all alongKimi Antonelli, a promising young driver in Formula 1, has been making waves in the 2026 season, showcasing his talent with six wins and a strong lead in the standings. His selection by Toto Wolff to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes reflects the team's confidence in his abilities, despite a challenging rookie season where he finished seventh in the championship. Wolff acknowledges that both Hamilton and Max Verstappen recognized Antonelli's potential early on, which has now been validated by his impressive performance this year.
The 19-year-old has matured significantly since his debut, overcoming early struggles and adapting well to new regulations. With guidance from seasoned champions like Hamilton and Verstappen, Antonelli is focused on maintaining his momentum as he aims to become the youngest champion in F1 history and the first Italian to win the title in over seven decades.
Wed 2 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull confirm driver replacement for Italian Grand Prix as F1 star ruled out with injuryRed Bull Racing has announced that Liam Lawson will drive alongside Max Verstappen at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, as Isack Hadjar is still recovering from a wrist injury. Hadjar was initially thought to be on track for a quick return, but the team has decided to prioritize his health and safety by keeping him out of the race this weekend. Lawson had previously stepped in for Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished in seventh place.
In addition to Lawson's promotion, Yuki Tsunoda will take the opportunity to race for Racing Bulls after Lawson's move to Red Bull. Tsunoda, who finished 11th in the Dutch Grand Prix, is looking to make a strong impression at Monza, although his future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. Red Bull is committed to closely monitoring Hadjar's recovery process to ensure he returns to competition only when fully fit.Wed 2 Sep · 15:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Fernando Alonso offers 'semi-dead' rivals gibe in defiant age defenceFernando Alonso has defended his age in Formula 1, referencing his performance at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix where he felt fit while others struggled with the heat. He highlighted that age should not be a barrier in F1, contrasting his situation with younger drivers and emphasizing the importance of motivation and goals in the sport.
Alonso, who turned 45 in July, noted that he could potentially race until he is 46, which would place him among the oldest competitors in F1 history. He pointed out that the physical demands of F1 differ from other sports, suggesting that the current generation of cars allows older drivers to remain competitive.Wed 2 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen has ‘expressed a preference’ to race with the best driver outside F1 in GT3 returnMax Verstappen is looking to make a return to GT3 racing by the end of 2026, expressing a desire to team up with IndyCar champion Alex Palou. This comes after Verstappen's recent ventures into sports car racing, including participation in notable events like the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring. He has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current F1 regulations, stating that GT3 racing feels significantly better to him than F1 racing.
The final round of the GT World Challenge is set for October 16-18, 2026, where Verstappen is expected to drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3. With regular teammates potentially unavailable, Palou is seen as a strong candidate for the third seat. Palou recently secured his fifth IndyCar title and has a solid background in sports car racing, making him a fitting choice for Verstappen's GT3 ambitions.Wed 2 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris Gains Confidence in 2026 Championship Title FightFormer F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has noted that McLaren is becoming increasingly competitive as Lando Norris aims for the 2026 championship. Despite this momentum, Norris still trails behind Kimi Antonelli in the title standings.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 12:45 UTC
via f1technical.netMercedes identifies key weaknesses to address after Zandvoort defeatMercedes is analyzing its performance after a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, where they secured a second and third place finish but struggled to match the pace of Lando Norris and McLaren. Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted specific weaknesses in high-speed corners, particularly at Turns 7, 8, and 9, and noted that the performance drop varied between their drivers during different tire stints.
As they prepare for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Mercedes faces the task of understanding whether the issues at Zandvoort were unique to that circuit or indicative of a larger problem with their car. The team is also investigating the contrasting handling characteristics reported by their drivers, which adds complexity to their analysis ahead of the next race.
Wed 2 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Fernando Alonso retirement prediction made by Jenson Button after previous F1 exitIn his role as an ambassador for Aston Martin, Button reflected on Alonso's career and driving abilities, drawing parallels to legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher. He expressed admiration for Alonso's talent and competitive spirit, suggesting that Alonso still has much to contribute to the sport and should remain in racing as long as he feels capable.
Wed 2 Sep · 11:53 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Will Hamilton, Russell or Norris seize title-race opening at Monza?The Italian Grand Prix presents a significant opportunity for Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris as championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid due to penalties. Both Hamilton and Russell are trailing Antonelli by 59 points, while Norris is 83 points behind after recent victories. The race at Monza is crucial for these drivers to capitalize on Antonelli's misfortune and close the gap in the standings.
Ferrari is set to unveil an engine upgrade at their home race, which could enhance Hamilton's chances of victory. Meanwhile, McLaren's Norris is confident but faces challenges with their performance at Monza. Max Verstappen, significantly behind in points, may also play a role in the title race despite his own struggles this season. The outcome of the race could have lasting implications for the championship battle as the season progresses.
Wed 2 Sep · 11:04 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko says Red Bull made ‘financially difficult’ decision that’s holding Max Verstappen backHelmut Marko has expressed concerns regarding Red Bull's decision-making in the development of the RB22, suggesting that the team has made mistakes that are hindering both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The formation of Red Bull Powertrains and the partnership with Ford were significant steps, but the team has struggled to keep pace with competitors due to restrictions on engine upgrades and development missteps. Marko highlighted that these issues are compounded by the financial constraints of the cost-cap regulations.
As a result of these challenges, Verstappen's performance has suffered, leading to his lowest points tally since 2018 and a sixth-place standing in the championship. Both he and Hadjar have voiced frustrations about the car's performance, particularly its grip and balance, which have affected their competitiveness this season. The inability to upgrade their power unit mid-season further complicates Red Bull's situation as they seek to improve their standing in the championship.Wed 2 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via f1technical.netMcLaren Unveils Special Livery for Upcoming Grands PrixMcLaren has introduced a new livery for its MCL40 cars, celebrating four years with partner OKX. This special design will be showcased at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza and the Spanish Grand Prix.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 05:00 UTC
via newsonf1.comMarko Questions Verstappen's Winning Prospects at MonzaHelmut Marko has expressed skepticism about Max Verstappen's chances of winning at Monza, citing a significant performance deficit for Red Bull. Despite some optimism regarding the low-downforce layout, Marko remains critical of the team's recent struggles.
via gpfans.comF1's greatest ever one-team drivers ranked after Lando Norris commits to McLarenLando Norris has committed to McLaren with a lucrative contract that will keep him with the team until 2030. This decision has reignited discussions about the significance of one-team drivers in Formula 1, a rarity compared to other sports. Norris, who began his F1 career with McLaren in 2019, is currently one of the leading one-team drivers alongside Jim Clark, who is celebrated for his remarkable achievements with Lotus.
The article ranks the greatest one-team drivers in F1 history, placing Jim Clark at the top due to his impressive record of wins and pole positions. Lando Norris is highlighted as a strong contender for second place, with Oscar Piastri also making a notable impact in his short career. Other drivers like Sebastien Buemi, Jean-Eric Vergne, and Nicholas Latifi are mentioned for their contributions while driving for a single team.Tue 1 Sep · 21:30 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen, his manager and more: Winners and losers from F1's sizzling 2026 silly seasonThe 2026 Formula 1 silly season has concluded with minimal changes, primarily due to many drivers being locked into contracts. Max Verstappen secured a lucrative new deal with Red Bull, while Carlos Sainz managed to negotiate a significant salary increase despite his struggles on the track. Esteban Ocon is expected to be replaced at Haas, but overall, the anticipated chaos of the transfer window did not materialize, leading to disappointment among fans and analysts alike.
Several drivers faced challenges during this period, including Yuki Tsunoda, who has been sidelined to reserve duties after a poor performance at Red Bull. Ollie Bearman, once seen as a promising talent, is now with the struggling Haas team. The lack of movement in driver contracts has left many questioning the future prospects of several racers as the grid for 2027 begins to take shape.Tue 1 Sep · 19:45 UTC
via Formula1.comWhat's still to play for in the F1 driver market?The Formula 1 driver market is seeing a trend of stability as several teams opt to renew contracts rather than introduce new drivers. Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull until 2030, while Alpine has secured Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly. McLaren has also confirmed Lando Norris's extension, ensuring he will race with Oscar Piastri next season.
Additionally, Ferrari is maintaining its driver lineup with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. This focus on continuity suggests that teams are prioritizing established talent as they prepare for the future, particularly looking ahead to the 2027 season.
Tue 1 Sep · 16:16 UTC
via CrashJolyon Palmer recalls 2017 Italian GP F1 clash that enraged Fernando Alonso and went viralJolyon Palmer recounted a notable clash with Fernando Alonso during the 2017 Italian Grand Prix, which sparked significant frustration for Alonso. The incident took place at the second chicane, resulting in Palmer receiving a five-second penalty while Alonso was left incensed by the situation. Both drivers ultimately retired from the race, with Alonso humorously labeling Palmer's retirement as 'karma'.
Palmer shared his thoughts on the clash during an appearance on the F1 Nation podcast, highlighting the viral nature of Alonso's angry radio messages. Despite the tension, Palmer noted that he and Alonso never discussed the incident directly, even after a previous altercation in Belgium that had already created a stir among the drivers.
Tue 1 Sep · 14:35 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen Expected to Return to GT3 Racing SoonMax Verstappen is rumored to be making a return to GT3 racing later this year. He has expressed a strong interest in the discipline and is reportedly seeking a high-profile teammate for his new entry.+ 1 moreTue 1 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Norris two major improvements identified since becoming world championLando Norris has shown significant improvement in his performance since becoming the F1 World Champion in 2025, according to McLaren team boss Andrea Stella. His confidence and assertiveness have notably increased, leading to consecutive victories in Budapest and Zandvoort, although he currently trails Kimi Antonelli by 83 points in the championship standings. Norris's recent performances highlight his ability to adapt and excel under pressure, showcasing a new level of skill and determination.
Stella emphasized that Norris's continuous improvements are not solely related to his driving skills but also involve his understanding of the car and race dynamics. Norris himself acknowledged that he is working more effectively off the track, which has contributed to his recent successes. This combination of on-track performance and strategic off-track preparation has positioned him as a strong contender, despite the challenges he faces in the championship.Tue 1 Sep · 12:55 UTC
via gpfans.comLando Norris Seeks Salary Increase Comparable to Top DriversLando Norris has expressed a desire for a salary increase to match that of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. This statement comes shortly after he signed a new contract with McLaren.+ 1 moreTue 1 Sep · 11:27 UTCPage 19 of 41