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via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell given Monza ‘double-stack’ backing by ex-F1 starGeorge Russell secured a second-place finish at the Italian GP, but former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya criticized Mercedes for not utilizing a double-stack strategy during a Virtual Safety Car period. This decision could have potentially improved Russell's chances against his teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who started from the back due to an engine penalty but ultimately won the race, marking a historic victory as the first Italian to do so in 60 years.
The race showcased a strategic battle between Russell and Antonelli, with differing pit strategies playing a crucial role. While Russell opted for a one-stop strategy, Antonelli's two-stop approach proved advantageous. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the effectiveness of Antonelli's strategy, while Russell faced challenges managing his race with worn tires towards the end.
Tue 8 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comJuan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes should have double-stacked George Russell and Kimi Antonelli at MonzaJuan Pablo Montoya expressed his belief that Mercedes compromised George Russell's chances of winning the Italian Grand Prix by not executing a double-stack pit stop during a virtual safety car period. Russell was leading the race at the time, but the strategy allowed Kimi Antonelli, who had pitted, to recover from 19th on the grid and ultimately win the race.
Team principal Toto Wolff defended the strategy, stating that the two-stop strategy was the best option and that Russell was on hard tires, which limited his options. Despite the criticism, Wolff expressed satisfaction with the team's 1-2 finish, highlighting Antonelli's impressive performance.
Tue 8 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Charles Leclerc’s ‘100%’ is still not enough to beat Lewis HamiltonIn the aftermath of the Italian Grand Prix, Juan Pablo Montoya expressed that Charles Leclerc's maximum effort is insufficient to surpass Lewis Hamilton in 2026. Leclerc faced a significant setback after crashing out early in the race, while Hamilton managed to secure a sixth-place finish, extending his lead in their internal competition and the overall standings. Montoya highlighted the need for Ferrari to make strategic decisions regarding their drivers as the season progresses.
Montoya also pointed out the tension between Leclerc and Hamilton, particularly following an incident where Hamilton accused Leclerc of aggressive driving. He emphasized that the pressure on Leclerc is mounting as Hamilton continues to perform strongly, suggesting that this dynamic could impact their teamwork and the team's overall performance in the championship.
Tue 8 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via F1iColapinto heartbroken after ‘very painful’ Italian GP blunderFranco Colapinto faced a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix, where a promising start was marred by a costly mistake. After climbing to fourth place early in the race, he lost control of his Alpine car, resulting in a spin that dropped him to 16th. Despite recovering to finish ninth, he felt disappointed about not capitalizing on the team's strong performance and the potential for a better result.
Colapinto's frustration was compounded by the fact that his teammate, Pierre Gasly, finished seventh after starting from pole position. He acknowledged the importance of learning from this experience, as opportunities to compete at the front are rare. The incident highlighted the emotional toll of racing, as he reflected on the missed chance to score more points for himself and the team.
Mon 7 Sep · 15:38 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFranco Colapinto's tears at Monza show the damage Flavio Briatore has done to AlpineFranco Colapinto expressed deep disappointment after finishing P9 at the Italian Grand Prix, despite it being one of his better results this season. His emotional reaction, where he referred to himself as an 'idiot', reflects the immense pressure he feels under Flavio Briatore's leadership at Alpine, where results are demanded relentlessly. Colapinto's struggles have been exacerbated by Briatore's high expectations and a volatile team environment, which has led to significant changes within the team since Briatore's arrival in 2024.
Briatore's management has created a tense atmosphere, as he previously dismissed drivers he deemed underperforming, including Esteban Ocon and Jack Doohan. Although Colapinto has secured a seat for 2027, his recent performance and emotional breakdown raise concerns about the sustainability of such pressure on drivers. The situation poses challenges for attracting new talent to the team, as potential drivers may be deterred by the high-stress environment fostered by Briatore's no-nonsense approach.Mon 7 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via racer.comTearful Colapinto vows to takes lessons from ‘big mistake’Franco Colapinto faced a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix, where a significant mistake caused him to drop from a strong position in the top four to finish ninth. He expressed his disappointment and frustration, recognizing the missed opportunity for points and vowing to learn from the experience. His teammate, Pierre Gasly, who started from pole, finished seventh but felt that the team had maximized its potential despite the race's difficulties.
Gasly and Colapinto both acknowledged the competitive nature of the race, with Gasly enjoying the battles at the front. Colapinto's misjudgment in managing his car's performance and battery usage contributed to his struggles. Moving forward, Colapinto aims to apply the lessons learned from this race to improve his performance in future events.
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Max Verstappen treated Kimi Antonelli like Michael Schumacher at MonzaAt the Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen secured third place while Kimi Antonelli made an impressive comeback from P19 to win the race. Antonelli's victory has significantly boosted his lead in the championship standings, now holding a 66-point advantage over George Russell. Verstappen's performance drew attention, particularly his racing dynamics with Antonelli and Russell, which Juan Pablo Montoya likened to the respect drivers showed Michael Schumacher in the past.
Montoya highlighted how Verstappen raced differently against Antonelli, suggesting that other drivers were more willing to yield to Antonelli's pace. This observation underscores the rising status of Antonelli in the competitive landscape of Formula 1, as he continues to impress with his rapid ascent through the field and his commanding lead in the championship.Mon 7 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Franco Colapinto breaks down in tears after 'wasted' opportunityFranco Colapinto experienced a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix, where a mistake during the restart led to a significant drop in position from third to fifteenth. Despite starting in seventh and capitalizing on a red flag to move up the order, his error at the first Lesmo corner cost him a chance to compete for points alongside his teammate Pierre Gasly.
After the race, Colapinto was visibly emotional, expressing regret over the lost opportunity but managed to recover to finish ninth. He acknowledged the importance of learning from this experience and vowed to keep pushing forward in his career.
Mon 7 Sep · 07:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFranco Colapinto calls himself an ‘idiot’ in unbroadcast radio after Italian Grand Prix errorFranco Colapinto had a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix, where he initially performed well but ultimately finished ninth after a crash. He started in seventh place and climbed to third before losing control of his car and ending up in the gravel, which caused him to drop back to P15 before recovering to finish ninth. His teammate, Pierre Gasly, had a strong performance, starting from pole position and finishing seventh.
Despite Colapinto's disappointment, Alpine managed to outscore their rivals, Racing Bulls, in the constructors' championship. Colapinto expressed regret over his performance, referring to himself as an 'idiot' in an unbroadcast radio message, but his race engineer encouraged him by highlighting his recovery from P16 to P9. Alpine is currently 13 points behind Racing Bulls as they head into the next race.Mon 7 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comFranco Colapinto frustrated after Monza mistakeFranco Colapinto faced disappointment during the Italian Grand Prix after a mistake cost him a chance at a podium finish. Despite the setback, he managed to recover and finished the race in ninth place, earning some points.+ 1 moreSun 6 Sep · 17:04 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya claims one Ferrari driver was ‘always faster’ than Michael Schumacher at MonzaJuan Pablo Montoya has stated that Rubens Barrichello consistently outperformed Michael Schumacher at the Italian Grand Prix, despite Schumacher's overall success with Ferrari. Montoya's comments highlight the competitive nature of their battles, particularly at Monza, where Schumacher secured five victories throughout his career. Montoya himself also enjoyed success at the iconic circuit, winning races in 2001 and 2005.
The article notes that Eddie Irvine was the only driver to finish ahead of Schumacher in the standings, which occurred during a season when Schumacher was sidelined due to injury. As Ferrari prepares to honor Schumacher's legacy with a special livery for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, Montoya reflects on the challenges of racing against Schumacher and the respect shared between them on the track.Fri 4 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya spotted something ‘really interesting’ on Yuki Tsunoda’s Racing Bulls at MonzaDuring the FP2 session at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, Juan Pablo Montoya found a unique feature on Yuki Tsunoda's Racing Bulls car, specifically the use of two activators on the front wing for straight mode. This design choice is distinct from other teams and caught Montoya's attention as he observed the car in the pit lane.
Tsunoda, who returned to Racing Bulls for this race, finished in P10 while teammate Arvid Lindblad achieved P7. Meanwhile, Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson struggled, finishing P9 and P12 respectively. The VCARB 03 has been noted for its stability compared to the RB22, which may contribute to Tsunoda's competitive performance.Fri 4 Sep · 16:03 UTC
via CrashRed Bull urged to keep Liam Lawson for Spanish GPRed Bull Racing has expressed uncertainty regarding Isack Hadjar's potential return for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. Team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that it may be challenging for Hadjar to race due to his ongoing recovery from injury.
+ 2 moreFri 4 Sep · 15:58 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMontoya predicts drama between Hamilton and LeclercJuan Pablo Montoya has highlighted the importance of teamwork for Ferrari during the Italian Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc also emphasized that slipstreaming will be a key factor in the race.+ 1 moreFri 4 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via Formula1.comColapinto grateful for Alpine ‘trust’ amid contract extensionFranco Colapinto has extended his contract with Alpine for the 2027 season, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by the team. He has had a strong start to the season, currently sitting in P12 in the Drivers' Championship with 19 points, and is looking forward to continuing his journey with Alpine alongside teammate Pierre Gasly.
As the Italian Grand Prix approaches, Colapinto is optimistic about the new upgrade package that will be implemented for both cars. He believes the upgrades will enhance their performance and help them close the gap to Racing Bulls in the Teams' Championship, where they are only three points behind. Colapinto is eager to maximize the car's potential during qualifying at Monza.
Thu 3 Sep · 16:09 UTC
via CrashFranco Colapinto reveals talks with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem after Dutch GP F1 penalty falloutFranco Colapinto recently engaged in discussions with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding the penalties he and Arvid Lindblad faced during the Dutch Grand Prix. Both drivers were penalized for overtaking under yellow flags following a significant crash involving Max Verstappen. Colapinto expressed his disagreement with the penalty and highlighted concerns raised by a sponsor's executive about the integrity of Formula 1, prompting the FIA to investigate online abuse directed at the stewards involved in the decision-making process.
During Ben Sulayem's visit to Buenos Aires, Colapinto took the opportunity to discuss the penalties and the potential revival of the Argentine Grand Prix. While he acknowledged the stewards' adherence to the rulebook, he maintained his personal disagreement with the penalty. As the focus shifts to the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Colapinto remains committed to performing well in the race.Thu 3 Sep · 10:47 UTC
via grandprix.comBen Sulayem plans steward rotation after Zandvoort rowFollowing the controversy surrounding penalties issued to drivers Franco Colapinto and Arvid Lindblad during the Dutch Grand Prix, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has proposed a rotation system for stewards. This initiative aims to address claims of national bias and the subsequent online abuse directed at officials, which the FIA has condemned and is considering legal action against. Ben Sulayem has called for national sporting authorities to nominate more stewards for training to ensure a diverse and well-prepared officiating team in Formula 1 events.
In his remarks at the FIA American Congress, Ben Sulayem acknowledged that accusations of bias are not unique to any one country, as similar claims have been made regarding British competitors. He plans to personally reach out to Colapinto to discuss his perspective on the penalties. The FIA is committed to combating online abuse and fostering a fair environment in motorsport, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating that decisions are made without regard to nationality.
via RacingNews365Juan Pablo Montoya praises McLaren's strong formFormer 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 Formula1.comF1 NATION: Will Antonelli or Ferrari be home heroes at Monza?The upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza presents a unique challenge for drivers, particularly for Lando Norris, who is on a winning streak but faces a different track layout. Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, will be starting from a grid position lower than expected due to a penalty, complicating his pursuit of a seventh win this season. Meanwhile, Ferrari seeks to regain form after a disappointing two-race stretch without a podium finish, while Max Verstappen aims to bounce back at a track where he has previously excelled.
The F1 Nation podcast previews the race and discusses various topics, including Franco Colapinto's contract extension with Alpine. The hosts encourage fan engagement by inviting questions for future episodes, highlighting the community aspect of the sport as the excitement builds for the Monza race weekend.Mon 31 Aug · 11:25 UTC
via RaceFansAlpine confirm Colapinto will remain alongside Gasly in 2027 line-up | Formula 1Alpine Racing has announced that Franco Colapinto will continue with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. Colapinto, who is 23 years old, joined Alpine last season and replaced Jack Doohan mid-season. Despite a challenging first year where he finished without points, he has shown improvement in 2026, achieving a sixth-place finish at the Canadian Grand Prix and accumulating 19 points, placing him 12th in the championship standings.
Colapinto's performance has been notable this season, and he is currently two places behind his teammate Pierre Gasly. The confirmation of their continued partnership was made public on August 29, 2026, solidifying Alpine's driver lineup for the upcoming season.
Sat 29 Aug · 07:35 UTCPage 4 of 6