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via RacingNews365Max Verstappen heaps praise on F1 rival: 'Never a doubt'Max Verstappen has expressed admiration for Kimi Antonelli, a 19-year-old Mercedes driver who has made a significant impact in the current Formula 1 season. Antonelli has achieved six victories and leads the drivers' championship by 50 points, a remarkable feat considering his challenging rookie season in 2025, which included several retirements. Verstappen noted that he recognized Antonelli's talent early on during his karting career and emphasized the importance of gaining experience in shifter categories before transitioning to cars.
Verstappen highlighted that Antonelli's impressive performance in his second season aligns with the typical development trajectory of young drivers. He acknowledged that while Antonelli's success is noteworthy, especially given his position in a top team, it was expected that he would become more consistently competitive after overcoming the challenges of his rookie year. Verstappen's comments reflect a belief in Antonelli's potential and the normal progression of drivers in Formula 1.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen wants government response as Lewis Hamilton impact hailed – RacingNews365 ReviewMax Verstappen has urged the Dutch government to take action to bolster motorsport in the Netherlands, especially as Zandvoort prepares for its last Dutch Grand Prix. The call comes amid uncertainty regarding Verstappen's future and the current state of motorsport in the country, which has seen a decline after several successful years.
In other news, Lewis Hamilton's performance has been recognized by Damon Hill, who noted Hamilton's significant impact on Ferrari's return to competitiveness. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli has increased his lead in the F1 drivers' championship, showcasing a strong season despite challenges.
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar Discusses Transition to Red Bull Team CultureIsack Hadjar has shared his experience of moving from the junior Racing Bulls team to the senior Red Bull team, describing it as a 'culture shock.' Despite the challenges, he feels that his time in the junior program has helped ease the transition.
via grandprix.comCadillac veterans split Dutch F1 expertsCadillac's Formula 1 project is centered around experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, which has sparked a debate among former Dutch racers Renger van der Zande and Jan Lammers. Perez has expressed confidence in his performance this season but raised concerns about the team's development pace, while Bottas faced a significant brake failure during the Hungarian GP, leading to a crash into a barrier for safety reasons.
Van der Zande supports the choice of seasoned drivers, arguing they are essential for the team's growth, while Lammers contends that Bottas and Perez's established careers may hinder the ambition necessary for a new team. He believes that younger drivers should be considered only when the team is more competitive, emphasizing the need for a more driven and hungry approach in their lineup.
via RacingNews365Verstappen Advocates for Dutch Government Support for MotorsportMax Verstappen has called on the Dutch government to enhance its support for motorsport as the country prepares to conclude its hosting of the Dutch Grand Prix. The future of motorsport in the Netherlands remains uncertain following this month's final race at Zandvoort.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen reveals 'greatest prize' in lifeMax Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 World Champion, has expressed that his greatest achievement is not his racing titles but rather his daughter, Lily, born in April 2025. He emphasizes the importance of family in his life, stating that nothing compares to the joy she brings him, despite the challenges of being a traveling racer. Verstappen shares the emotional difficulty he faces when leaving home for races, recalling similar experiences from his own childhood when his father, Jos Verstappen, would leave for competitions.
Verstappen's reflections highlight the sacrifices that come with a racing career, as he navigates the emotional complexities of parenthood. He recognizes that these feelings are part of a phase in life, understanding that as Lily grows, their relationship will evolve. His candid remarks illustrate the balance he seeks between his professional commitments and family life.
via grandprix.comVerstappen criticism can go too far says AlbersChristijan Albers, a former Formula 1 driver, discussed Max Verstappen's aggressive racing style and his recent performance against Lewis Hamilton. While Albers appreciates Verstappen's relentless approach, he also pointed out that the driver's public criticisms of Red Bull can sometimes be excessive and challenging for the team to manage. Albers believes that Verstappen's focus on his own situation may overshadow the competitive nature of the other drivers in the field.
Albers suggested that Verstappen should balance his honesty with a stronger defense of Red Bull, as the team has many people working towards a common goal. He acknowledged the difficulties in creating a competitive car and emphasized the importance of collaboration within the team. As Verstappen considers his future with Red Bull for the 2027 season, his position within the team remains powerful despite the criticisms he has voiced.
via F1iSergio Perez Reflects on His Return to Formula 1Sergio Perez has shared that he experienced initial doubts about his return to Formula 1 with Cadillac. The driver resumed racing in 2025 after leaving Red Bull at the end of the previous season.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen fighting to extend decade-long F1 streakMax Verstappen is facing the possibility of a winless season in 2026, having not secured a victory by the summer break. This would mark only the second time in his career that he has not won a race in a season since his debut in 2015. Currently, he has achieved four podium finishes but is still trailing behind competitors Ferrari and McLaren, who have both claimed victories this year.
Red Bull Racing, the team Verstappen drives for, has not won a race since 2015, making them the only top four team without a win in 2026. Despite starting the season significantly behind Mercedes, they have made progress in closing the performance gap. The team hopes to replicate their successful turnaround from the previous year, which was aided by a crucial upgrade at Monza.
via RacingNews365Verstappen Racing Achieves First Pro-Class Victory in GT3Max Verstappen's team, Verstappen Racing, secured its first Pro-Class win in the GT World Challenge Europe. This victory comes after a challenging season marked by mechanical issues and other setbacks.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen hails Red Bull backing in pursuit of 'other projects'Max Verstappen has expressed gratitude for the support he receives from Red Bull, which has allowed him to engage in various racing activities outside of Formula 1. He has participated in events like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, and he believes these experiences help him maintain focus on his primary role as an F1 driver. Verstappen highlighted the importance of having a stable home life and the ability to switch off from racing to avoid burnout.
Additionally, Verstappen spoke positively about his working relationship with Laurent Mekies, the new team principal at Red Bull. He noted that their collaboration has been smooth, as they had prior familiarity, and he appreciates Mekies' commitment to enhancing the team's overall structure. This supportive environment contributes to Verstappen's success and well-being as a driver.
via grandprix.comAlonso, Sainz could trigger 2027 driver-market chainThe summer break in Formula 1 is expected to initiate significant changes in the driver market, particularly involving Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. Reports suggest that Alonso may return to Alpine in 2027, potentially influenced by a new title sponsor, while Sainz is contemplating his future with Williams. Liam Lawson's position at Racing Bulls is also uncertain, with discussions anticipated during the break.
Alonso's contract with Aston Martin includes performance clauses that could facilitate his departure, making him a strong candidate for a return to Alpine. This move could trigger a chain reaction, with Sainz moving to Aston Martin and Franco Colapinto possibly returning to Williams. Additionally, Esteban Ocon is expected to be replaced by Haas, indicating further shifts in the driver lineup as teams prepare for the upcoming seasons.
via grandprix.comFerrari Plans Ongoing Upgrades to Compete with RivalsFerrari has announced its commitment to an aggressive upgrade strategy as it seeks to enhance its performance in the current season. The team will focus on frequent smaller updates rather than fewer large packages, aiming to close the gap with competitors like Mercedes.
via RacingNews365Sergio Perez rates F1 return after initial 'doubts'Sergio Perez has made a notable return to Formula 1 after parting ways with Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season. He has expressed a high level of satisfaction with his performances, rating them as 'close to 10', and highlighting his role as a veteran driver for the Cadillac team, which has faced difficulties in the current season. Despite these challenges, Perez has come close to scoring points, particularly at the Monaco Grand Prix, where a grid penalty prevented him from achieving this milestone.
In reflecting on his comeback, Perez acknowledged initial doubts but has since found joy in demonstrating his capabilities. He believes that with the right environment, he can perform at a high level, and he has shown improvement in both race and qualifying pace. Overall, Perez's return has been marked by a strong desire to prove his worth in the sport, especially after a disappointing final season with Red Bull.
via Motorsport.comFernando Alonso Seen Driving $5.9 Million Lamborghini in MonacoTwo-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso was recently seen driving a Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 in Monaco. The luxury hypercar, valued at approximately $5.9 million, attracted attention as it cruised through the streets.
via CrashHakkinen advises McLaren against pursuing Max Verstappen moveMika Hakkinen has cautioned McLaren against making a significant move for Max Verstappen, suggesting it may disrupt their current stability. The two-time world champion's potential transfer to McLaren has been a topic of speculation for the 2027 season.
via RacingNews365Ecclestone Credits Verstappen for Dutch GP's Return to F1Bernie Ecclestone has stated that Max Verstappen was instrumental in bringing the Dutch Grand Prix back to Zandvoort. He emphasized that without Verstappen's influence, Formula 1 might not have returned to the venue.
via Motorsport.comF1 legends weigh in on Max Verstappen's Red Bull futureThe future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing has become a topic of discussion among Formula 1 legends as he navigates a challenging season. Currently sixth in the drivers' standings, Verstappen has the option to activate an exit clause in his contract, which has led to speculation about potential moves to teams like Mercedes or McLaren. However, he has remained silent on his future plans.
Several former drivers have weighed in on the situation, with opinions ranging from Montoya's belief that Verstappen's frustrations are a strategy to motivate the team, to Fittipaldi's hope that he will stay due to his loyalty. Others, like Berger, emphasize the importance of patience as Red Bull works through its new engine development, suggesting that the team could regain its competitive edge in the near future.Page 23 of 26