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via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer thinks Oscar Piastri’s explanation for 2026 struggles is ‘amazing’Oscar Piastri has shared his thoughts on the challenges posed by the 2026 Formula 1 cars, which he feels do not align with his driving style. Despite a successful 2025 season where he won seven races, Piastri is currently struggling in 2026, sitting significantly behind his teammate Lando Norris in the standings. Norris has been the standout performer for McLaren this year, securing both of the team's wins and leading Piastri by 66 points.
Jolyon Palmer expressed admiration for Piastri's candidness, noting the trend of drivers like Piastri and George Russell banding together to discuss their difficulties with the new car dynamics. Palmer reflected on his own experiences of being overlooked during similar struggles in the past. As the season progresses, Piastri is looking to improve his performance, particularly at the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix, where he hopes the unique circuit conditions will provide a more level playing field.
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen explains why his ‘pure pace’ was stronger as an 18-year-old F1 driver than nowMax Verstappen has shared insights on his racing evolution, stating that his raw pace as an 18-year-old was stronger than it is now, despite his extensive experience in Formula 1. He attributes this to a shift in his racing mentality, where he no longer feels the need to be fast all the time, focusing instead on optimising his race weekends.
During a podcast appearance, Verstappen discussed how his experiences and personal life have changed since his teenage years. He noted that as he matured, he became calmer and more strategic in his approach to racing, understanding when to push and when to hold back. This evolution reflects not only his growth as a driver but also the changes in his life outside of racing.
via the-race.comThe slowest race of F1 2026 explainedValtteri Bottas has detailed his significant pace issues during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he was over 1.7 seconds slower per lap than his Cadillac teammate Sergio Perez. Bottas crashed on the final lap after struggling with car setup and power steering issues throughout the race, leading to a lack of competitiveness. He acknowledged that he was unable to keep up with the pack and faced difficulties in both corners and straights.
Bottas's performance was further impacted by the absence of the upgraded ADUO 2 Ferrari engine, which Perez had during the race. While Bottas's engine upgrade is uncertain for the upcoming race in Sepang, Perez has opted to save his power unit for a more advantageous event. Both drivers anticipate a tough weekend in Malaysia due to the Cadillac's ongoing struggles with tyre management and aerodynamic performance.
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli has "spooked himself" amid F1 title pressure, says Naomi SchiffNaomi Schiff has expressed concerns about Kimi Antonelli's mental state as he leads the Formula 1 championship. She noted that Antonelli seems to be feeling the pressure, which was evident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he finished fifth after starting from 16th, while his teammate George Russell won the race.
Schiff highlighted that Antonelli needs to overcome this psychological hurdle to avoid jeopardising his championship lead. Despite a challenging race, he still maintains a 66-point advantage over Russell, but Schiff warns that if Antonelli continues to feel 'spooked,' it could affect his performance in the remaining races.
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell details F1 drivers' Langkawi boys' trip ahead of Bahrain GP in MalaysiaGeorge Russell, a driver for Mercedes, has shared insights about a recent trip to Langkawi, Malaysia, which he took with six other Formula 1 drivers ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The trip featured activities such as go-karting and sightseeing, with Russell expressing his admiration for the island's beauty and the friendliness of its people. He noted that the itinerary was influenced by Mercedes' title partner, Petronas.
In addition to Russell, Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, arrived in Malaysia early but chose to explore Kuala Lumpur and visit a water park. Antonelli currently leads the championship standings by 66 points, following Russell's victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The trip served as a unique way for the drivers to bond and prepare for the upcoming race.
via Formula1.comWhy there’s still hope for Russell in the 2026 title raceGeorge Russell has reduced Kimi Antonelli's championship lead from 81 points to 66 after winning the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. With eight races left in the 2026 season, Russell is determined to capitalize on his recent momentum, having previously ruled himself out of the title race. He needs to outscore Antonelli by an average of 8.25 points per round to have a chance at the championship.
Russell has a history of success at several upcoming tracks, including victories in Sao Paulo, Las Vegas, and Singapore. He has expressed renewed confidence in his driving after overcoming challenges with the new car regulations. As he approaches the final races, Russell is focused on winning every race, acknowledging that while Antonelli is the favourite, he is ready to challenge for the title.
via PlanetF1Honda reveals Alonso engine findings as Baku review launchedFernando Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, retired from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix citing an engine issue. Despite his concerns, Honda's analysis indicated that the engine was functioning normally, prompting further investigation into the matter.
Alonso's retirement followed a struggle for speed during the race, where he engaged in battles with other drivers. Honda's chief engineer confirmed that the engine had undergone checks and was deemed healthy, with no issues detected in the data. Alonso's performance has been affected by reliability problems, as Aston Martin faced multiple retirements in recent races.
via Motorsport.comMercedes braced for tougher strategy calls as George Russell closes on Kimi AntonelliMercedes Formula 1 team is preparing for more challenging strategy decisions as George Russell narrows the championship gap to his teammate Kimi Antonelli. Following a dominant victory in Baku, Russell has reduced Antonelli's lead from 81 to 66 points, prompting team principal Toto Wolff to emphasise the importance of equitable treatment for both drivers in race strategies.
With eight races remaining in the season, Russell's resurgence has shifted the dynamics within the team. Wolff noted that the team must carefully evaluate strategy calls to ensure both drivers have equal opportunities, especially as they aim to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. Additionally, Mercedes has introduced a special livery for the W17 to celebrate the return of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
via RacingNews365George Russell reveals real source of 2026 pressure amid Kimi Antonelli crushingGeorge Russell is facing significant pressure as he aims for the 2026 Formula One championship, currently sitting 81 points behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who has dominated the season with eight wins. Russell has acknowledged that his performance has not been strong enough, attributing his position in the standings to reliability issues and a lack of consistency.
Despite the challenges, Russell insists he is not feeling pressure from the championship race itself but rather from his own performance goals. He remains committed to fighting for victories in every race and is focused on improving his performance rather than dwelling on the championship gap. Mercedes is continuing to work with him to enhance his competitiveness under the current regulations.
via the-race.comHow Russell usurped Ocon at MercedesThe article discusses the pivotal moment when George Russell overtook Esteban Ocon as Mercedes' preferred driver, particularly highlighting Ocon's missed opportunities and Russell's impressive performances. Ocon's near chance to race for Mercedes in 2019 and his subsequent struggles to secure a seat are contrasted with Russell's rapid rise through the ranks, culminating in his announcement as Lewis Hamilton's teammate in 2021.
It also examines the decisions made by Toto Wolff regarding the driver line-up, emphasizing the importance of driver compatibility with Hamilton. Ocon's time at Force India and his eventual relegation to a third driver role at Mercedes are noted, along with Wolff's concerns about Ocon's potential pairing with Hamilton, which ultimately influenced the team's decisions regarding their driver contracts.
via RaceFansOcon insists his F1 career is not over as Haas confirm he won’t drive for them in 2027 | Formula 1Esteban Ocon's departure from Haas has been confirmed, with the team announcing he will leave at the end of the current season. Team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed gratitude for Ocon's contributions since joining in 2025, highlighting his professionalism and commitment during a significant regulation change.
Despite leaving Haas, Ocon insists that his Formula 1 career is not over. He played a crucial role in the development of the VF-26 and the team is focused on maximizing their performance for the remainder of the season.Danner rules out Piastri-style Antonelli collapseSep.30 (GMM) Christian Danner does not believe Kimi Antonelli is heading for the kind of late-season collapse that derailed Oscar Piastri’s 2025 title campaign, despite the Mercedes driver’s difficult weekend in Baku. Speaking to motorsport-magazin.com, Danner said Antonelli’s reaction to the setback was actually encouraging. “I don’t think Antonelli is in danger of a Piastri-style…Albers says Piastri lacks Verstappen’s ‘bite’Sep.30 (GMM) Oscar Piastri’s difficult run has drawn fresh criticism after his mistake in Baku, with former F1 driver Christijan Albers questioning whether the McLaren driver has the aggression of a driver like Max Verstappen. The Australian had been on course for the 2025 title before his late-season collapse, and his struggles have continued into…
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli praises Max Verstappen's unique skillsKimi Antonelli has described Max Verstappen's abilities as 'incredible' following their recent wheel-to-wheel battles in Formula 1. The Mercedes driver expressed admiration for the unique advantages that the four-time world champion displays on track.
via f1oversteer.comFormula 1 returns to Sepang for Bahrain Grand PrixThe Bahrain Grand Prix will take place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia this weekend, marking Formula 1's return to the venue after nearly nine years. This race, part of the 2026 season, will see many drivers competing on a track they have never raced before.
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard is sure Lando Norris was a ‘better world champion for McLaren’ than Oscar PiastriDavid Coulthard has expressed his belief that Lando Norris was a more suitable world champion for McLaren than Oscar Piastri, following Norris's victory in the 2025 season. Norris secured the title by 13 points after a competitive season, during which he made a significant comeback from a 34-point deficit. Coulthard highlighted that Norris's longer tenure in Formula 1 and his British nationality contribute to his marketability, making him a better fit for the team.
Coulthard noted that while Norris has established himself as McLaren's lead driver, Piastri has struggled this season, finishing ahead of Norris only three times. He suggested that the reduced presence of Mark Webber in Piastri's management might be impacting his performance. Despite the competitive nature of their relationship, Coulthard believes that having strong drivers like Norris and Piastri is beneficial for McLaren, even if it leads to uncomfortable dynamics.
via gpfans.comBahrain Grand Prix to face rain challenges in MalaysiaThe 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, is expected to encounter significant weather challenges this weekend. Forecasts indicate the possibility of thunderstorms and rain, which could impact the race conditions for teams and drivers.
via Formula1.comF1 Business Summit adds new Las Vegas speakersThe F1 Business Summit will feature Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, chef Gordon Ramsay, and athlete Russell Wilson among others, taking place in Las Vegas on 19 November 2026. Komatsu's session will focus on leadership and innovation in Formula 1, while Ramsay will explore the business of hospitality during race weekends.
The event will also include discussions on athlete ownership and investment, with a keynote panel featuring Wilson and Shaun White. The Summit runs from 8am to 1pm, starting with a networking breakfast, and coincides with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which occurs shortly after the Summit.
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen picks overtake on Oscar Piastri as his favourite from his whole F1 careerMax Verstappen has declared his overtake on Oscar Piastri during the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as his favourite move of his Formula 1 career. The Dutch driver executed the pass around the outside at the first chicane, a challenging overtaking spot, and went on to win the race by six seconds. He noted that the move was unexpected, particularly as Piastri braked earlier than anticipated.
In a discussion on the 'P1 with Matt and Tommy' YouTube channel, Verstappen reflected on the significance of the overtake, stating it was a pivotal moment in the race. Piastri acknowledged Verstappen's skill in the move, admitting he misjudged the situation. The overtake has since been recognised as the Overtake of the Year, highlighting Verstappen's prowess in wheel-to-wheel racing.
via Motorsport.comFernando Alonso extends Aston Martin contract to 2027Fernando Alonso has officially signed a new contract with Aston Martin, ensuring his participation in Formula 1 for the 2027 season. The 45-year-old driver expressed his unwavering passion for racing, stating that it is his life.Page 1 of 48