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via gpfans.comFord issue official statement as Max Verstappen Le Mans rumours swirlFord has officially stated that there are no plans for Max Verstappen to drive their hypercar at the 2027 Le Mans race, despite speculation following the announcement of no F1 race conflicts with the endurance event. This significantly reduces Verstappen's chances of participating in Le Mans next year, as he is considered unlikely to race in lower classes and his own team lacks the necessary resources for a hypercar entry.
Verstappen had previously expressed interest in racing at Le Mans, potentially alongside fellow champion Fernando Alonso, but emphasised that any participation would need to fit within his schedule and offer a genuine chance of victory. Instead, the 24 Hours of Spa, scheduled for late June, appears to be a more viable option for Verstappen, who has already indicated his desire to compete in that event.
Sun 20 Sep · 18:45 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard warns unchanged Madring return in 2027 would be "stupidity"David Coulthard has expressed concerns about the Madring circuit, stating that returning in 2027 without modifications would be unwise. He highlighted the lack of overtaking during the inaugural race, which he described as processional, and emphasized the need for changes to enhance the racing experience.
Coulthard suggested that the circuit's layout could be improved by introducing slower chicanes or hairpin turns to create more overtaking opportunities. He noted that the current design allows drivers to maintain too much speed, limiting competitive racing. His comments reflect a broader call for Formula 1 to listen to fan feedback and make necessary adjustments.
Sun 20 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via gpfans.comKimi Antonelli compared to Michael Schumacher by BenettonAlessandro Benetton, who won two world championships with Michael Schumacher, has drawn comparisons between Schumacher and rising star Kimi Antonelli. Benetton noted that Antonelli's talent and likability remind him of the legendary driver.+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 16:27 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen reacts to major Lando Norris career announcementLando Norris has confirmed the establishment of his own junior racing team, which is set to compete in various championships starting in 2027. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for young drivers in the increasingly expensive world of motorsport. Norris expressed his desire to give back to the racing community by supporting emerging talents through this new venture.
Max Verstappen has publicly supported Norris's decision, highlighting the challenges young racers face due to rising costs. While Verstappen also runs a racing team, he focuses on endurance racing rather than single-seater competitions. He expressed satisfaction with his current activities, which include training drivers in lower formulas through his sim company.
Sun 20 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen sparks drama with team order refusal - On This DayOn September 20, 2015, Max Verstappen made headlines during the Singapore Grand Prix by refusing to comply with team orders from Toro Rosso. At just 17 years old, Verstappen had already showcased remarkable skill by starting from the pit lane after stalling and fighting his way back into the points. As he battled for eighth place, the team believed his teammate Carlos Sainz had a better chance to overtake Sergio Perez and instructed Verstappen to swap positions. However, Verstappen firmly declined, insisting there was no reason to let Sainz pass since he had fought hard to regain his position.
After the race, Verstappen remained unapologetic about his decision, emphasizing his belief in his performance and the importance of his position. He humorously recounted that his father, Jos Verstappen, would have been upset if he had allowed Sainz to overtake him. This incident not only highlighted Verstappen's determination and confidence at a young age but also became a memorable moment in Formula 1 history.Sun 20 Sep · 13:40 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard urges FIA to speed up safety car decisionsDavid Coulthard has expressed concerns regarding the FIA's speed in making decisions to neutralize Formula 1 races, particularly after the recent Spanish Grand Prix. He noted that Lando Norris lost a likely victory due to the timing of the virtual safety car deployment, which allowed Kimi Antonelli to pit at a strategic moment. Coulthard emphasized that the time taken to respond to incidents can significantly impact race outcomes and suggested that improvements are necessary.
During a podcast discussion, Coulthard elaborated on the inherent unpredictability of safety car situations, stating that they can unfairly affect race results. He called for a more efficient process in decision-making, especially in clear-cut situations like major accidents. The former driver believes that quicker responses could help mitigate the luck factor in racing outcomes, ensuring a fairer competition for all drivers.Sun 20 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via F1iNorris reveals his ‘inevitable choice’ to lead LN4 FusionLando Norris has officially launched his junior racing venture, LN4 Fusion, with plans to compete in various categories including the Italian F4 Championship, FRECA, and Formula 3. The team is also seeking entry into Formula 2, pending confirmation. To lead this ambitious project, Norris has appointed Rene Rosin as Team Principal, citing his extensive experience and successful track record in junior motorsport as key factors in his decision.
Norris has a long-standing relationship with Rosin, having observed his work at Prema, which has been a benchmark in junior racing. Norris expressed that Rosin was the 'inevitable choice' for the role, emphasizing the need for strong leadership to build a sustainable team. With Rosin at the helm, LN4 Fusion aims to establish a solid foundation and culture as it prepares for its inaugural season.
Sun 20 Sep · 08:12 UTC
via RacingNews365Leclerc considers future in driver managementCharles Leclerc has expressed interest in pursuing a role in driver management after his Formula 1 career, potentially working alongside his long-time manager Nicolas Todt. While he remains focused on racing for Ferrari, he has discussed this future direction.+ 3 moreSun 20 Sep · 06:20 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen considered quitting Formula 1Max Verstappen has disclosed that he seriously thought about quitting Formula 1 before finalizing his recent contract extension with Red Bull. The new deal secures his position with the team until at least the end of 2030.+ 2 moreSun 20 Sep · 04:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren engineers think they have fix for one key ‘weakness’ of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s carMcLaren is preparing to introduce significant upgrades for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, focusing on enhancing the performance of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's MCL40 car. These upgrades include a new underbody and a modified version of their Macarena rear wing, aimed at improving the car's aerodynamics, particularly in slow-speed corners where the team has identified weaknesses. The decision on which rear wing to use will be made after practice sessions in Baku.
The upgrades come after a challenging 2025 Azerbaijan GP for both drivers, where Piastri faced multiple issues, including a crash and a poor start. Despite these setbacks, McLaren's engineers are optimistic that the new aerodynamic package will allow Norris and Piastri to compete for pole position. Recent performances have shown that the MCL40 is competitive in medium-speed turns, and the team is looking to build on this momentum as they head into the race weekend.
Sat 19 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson offers response to Max Verstappen 'numb' F1 car claimLiam Lawson has addressed Max Verstappen's comments regarding the new generation of Formula 1 cars, which Verstappen described as 'numb to driver inputs'. Lawson, who has stepped in for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, acknowledges that he and teammate Yuki Tsunoda have adapted quickly to their new cars, but he believes the situation is more complex than Verstappen suggests. Lawson has achieved varying results in his races, including a sixth-place finish, while Tsunoda scored a point in Monza.
Lawson elaborated on the challenges of adjusting to the Red Bull car, noting that while the cars may appear easier to drive, there are personal adjustments that drivers must make. He emphasized that each driver has unique preferences and comfort levels in their cars, which can complicate the transition. Lawson's insights highlight the nuanced nature of adapting to new machinery in Formula 1, suggesting that the experience is not as straightforward as it may seem.Sat 19 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLando Norris names Team Principal for junior teamLando Norris has officially appointed Rene Rosin as the Team Principal for his new junior team, LN4 Fusion. This team is set to compete in various junior formulas, including the Italian F4 Championship, FRECA, and Formula 3, with plans for a potential entry into Formula 2 still pending confirmation. Norris described Rosin's appointment as the "inevitable choice" due to their long-standing relationship and Rosin's extensive experience in leading successful racing teams.
Norris emphasized the importance of having a strong leader at the helm of his junior team, citing Rosin's passion for winning and his ability to bring people together. Rosin's previous experience with Prema, a renowned junior outfit, is expected to be invaluable as LN4 Fusion embarks on its inaugural season across multiple racing series. Norris believes that Rosin's leadership will help establish a successful and sustainable project for the future.
Sat 19 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull's master move revealed to get Max Verstappen to sign a new F1 dealMax Verstappen has secured a contract extension with Red Bull Racing that will keep him with the team until 2030. A significant factor in this decision was the freedom to explore other racing categories, particularly prestigious endurance events like Le Mans and Daytona. Verstappen has expressed a strong interest in these races, having previously participated in the 24-hour Nurburgring, where he had a thrilling experience despite a mechanical failure that ended his race early.
While Verstappen is eager to expand his racing portfolio, he emphasizes that any participation in additional events will depend on his Formula 1 commitments and the competitiveness of the field. He is particularly keen on ensuring that his schedule allows for these ventures without conflicting with his primary obligations in F1. The 2027 race calendars for both Le Mans and Daytona align well with his F1 schedule, providing a potential opportunity for him to compete in these iconic endurance races.Sat 19 Sep · 13:57 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen left furious after multiple George Russell clashes - ThrowbackDuring the 2023 Azerbaijan sprint race, tensions flared between Max Verstappen and George Russell when they collided at the start. Russell attempted to overtake Verstappen but lost control due to understeer, damaging Verstappen's car significantly. Despite the incident, race control deemed it a racing incident, resulting in no penalties for either driver. Verstappen managed to recover and finish third in the sprint race, while Russell ended up in eighth place in the main race despite setting the fastest lap.
After the sprint, Verstappen confronted Russell in parc fermé, expressing his frustration over the collision. Russell defended his actions, stating he had no grip, while Verstappen insisted that drivers need to leave space. Their heated exchange highlighted the competitive nature of the sport, with Verstappen's sarcastic radio message following his successful pass at the restart further emphasizing the tension between the two drivers.Sat 19 Sep · 12:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris names 'inevitable choice' as major team decision madeLando Norris has launched his own junior racing team, LN4 Fusion, which will initially compete in various junior racing categories including the Italian F4 Championship and Formula 3. The team has secured assets from AIX Racing, including an FIA F3 entry, and has applied to join the FIA F2 grid. Norris has appointed Rene Rosin, the former team principal of Prema, to lead the new team, citing his extensive experience and successful track record in developing young drivers.
Norris emphasized the importance of having a strong leader at the helm, noting that Rosin has guided numerous drivers to Formula 1, including Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. He believes Rosin's passion for winning and team-building makes him the ideal choice for LN4 Fusion. The partnership aims to create a long-term project that not only focuses on immediate success but also on developing a robust racing program.Sat 19 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via gpfans.comToto Wolff reveals details of Max Verstappen meetingToto Wolff recently addressed the speculation surrounding his meeting with Max Verstappen, which took place in Sardinia. The photos from this meeting led to rumors about Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull for Mercedes. However, these rumors were put to rest when Red Bull confirmed that Verstappen has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the team until 2030.
In an interview, Wolff mentioned that the social media frenzy surrounding the photos was unintended and highlighted the challenges of privacy in today's digital age. He also confirmed that George Russell's contract with Mercedes has been finalized, although the team has not yet made a formal announcement regarding this.Sat 19 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris secures pole position at Spanish Grand PrixLando Norris achieved pole position during the qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix, impressively clinching the top spot in the final moments of Q3. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella commended Norris for his performance amid a challenging weekend.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 06:10 UTCvia RacingNews365Max Verstappen comments on Red Bull-Mercedes gapMax Verstappen has commented on the differences between Red Bull's power unit and that of Mercedes, noting the challenges in understanding the performance gap. He emphasized that the two teams operate under different conditions, leading to varying results.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 05:20 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen jokes about Robin Raikkonen signingMax Verstappen has responded to the news of Robin Raikkonen, son of former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, joining the Red Bull Young Driver Programme. The two-time world champion made a light-hearted joke regarding his own position within the team following the announcement.+ 3 moreFri 18 Sep · 16:02 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen jokes about Kimi Antonelli’s F1 lead: “I’m definitely not having a comeback!”Kimi Antonelli is in a strong position to win his first Formula 1 world title, potentially becoming the youngest champion in history. With only a few races left in the season, George Russell's chances of winning the championship have diminished significantly, leading him to express doubts about his title hopes. Max Verstappen, who finished behind Antonelli in Spain, humorously remarked that he is not planning a comeback this season, acknowledging the challenges he faces compared to last year.
Verstappen offered advice to Antonelli, suggesting he maintain his current approach without stressing about the championship standings. Lando Norris also commended Antonelli's performance, noting that he is outperforming his more experienced teammate and making very few mistakes. Both drivers recognize Antonelli's talent and potential for future success in Formula 1.Fri 18 Sep · 13:31 UTCPage 7 of 41
