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via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur accuses F1 media of enjoying Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 Ferrari strugglesFred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, expressed regret over not providing sufficient support to Lewis Hamilton during his challenging first season with the team in 2025. Hamilton, who had a long tenure at Mercedes, struggled to adapt to Ferrari's environment, resulting in a season without podium finishes and a disappointing fourth place in the constructors' championship. Vasseur acknowledged that he underestimated the difficulties Hamilton faced in transitioning to a new team and working with a different race engineer.
In 2026, Hamilton has shown improvement, achieving five podiums and securing his first victory with Ferrari in Barcelona. Despite the rocky start, there are indications that Ferrari may extend Hamilton's contract, with announcements expected ahead of the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. Vasseur criticized the media's portrayal of Hamilton's struggles, suggesting that the coverage was exaggerated and detrimental to the team's morale.
via gpfans.comFerrari are risking it all as Lewis Hamilton era continues Maranello makeoverFerrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, has been working to foster a culture of risk-taking within the team since he took over in 2023. Under his leadership, Ferrari has seen a mix of results, finishing third, second, and fourth in the last three seasons, and currently sits second in the constructors' championship as of September 2026, trailing Mercedes significantly in points. Vasseur emphasizes the importance of innovation and strategic risks, despite acknowledging that not all decisions will yield positive outcomes.
As the team strives to compete against Mercedes, Vasseur's approach aims to improve Ferrari's performance in both the Drivers' and Constructors' championships. With Lewis Hamilton currently 59 points behind Kimi Antonelli, and the team 87 points adrift in the Constructors' standings, the pressure is on Ferrari to adapt and improve. Vasseur's belief in risk-taking as a pathway to success reflects a shift in strategy aimed at reclaiming Ferrari's former glory in Formula 1.
via Motorsport.comToto Wolff surprised by Kimi Antonelli's 2026 progress: He’s "No longer a deer in the headlights"Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, expressed his astonishment at Kimi Antonelli's remarkable progress in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Initially struggling during his rookie year, Antonelli has shown significant improvement, finishing on the podium in nearly every race this season and leading the championship standings by a substantial margin. Wolff attributes this success not only to the technical suitability of the 2026 cars but also to Antonelli's ability to process his experiences and adapt to the racing environment more effectively than in his debut year.
Wolff reflected on the challenges Antonelli faced in 2025, including the pressures of being a rookie in a mature field and the overwhelming media attention. He believes that the familiarity of the team environment and the lessons learned during his first season have allowed Antonelli to thrive in 2026. Wolff's insights highlight the importance of both individual talent and team dynamics in achieving success in Formula 1.
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.
via grandprix.comFerrari Unveils Significant Upgrades for Italian Grand Prix at MonzaFerrari is set to introduce a new power unit and four additional parts at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The upgrades aim to enhance performance as the team competes at their home race.
via gpfans.comKimi Antonelli Faces 30-Place Grid Penalty at Italian Grand PrixKimi Antonelli has been confirmed to receive a 30-place grid penalty for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This penalty is due to the installation of new engine components, which will see him starting from the back of the grid.
via f1technical.netNorris rejects Mercedes claims as McLaren emerges as team to beat after Dutch GPLando Norris secured a victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, but he downplayed claims from Mercedes that McLaren is now the fastest team in Formula 1. Despite his win over Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Norris believes that Mercedes still possesses a stronger overall car, particularly in various circuit conditions. He highlighted the importance of driver performance, suggesting that his own skills were crucial in achieving the win at Zandvoort.
Norris pointed out that while McLaren has shown competitive performance, especially in high-speed sections, the team does not universally outperform Mercedes. He emphasized that the narrow margins in Formula 1 mean that a single mistake could significantly alter race outcomes, and he feels that his recent performance has contributed to the perception of McLaren as a leading team.
via gpfans.comNew Lewis Hamilton Ferrari contract could force F1 star to leave teamOllie Bearman, a young British driver, has been associated with Ferrari since he was 16, and he recently secured a full-time position with Haas for the 2025 season. He was initially expected to replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, but Hamilton's recent resurgence and potential contract extension complicate Bearman's path to the Scuderia.
As Hamilton continues to perform well, Bearman is no longer contractually tied to Ferrari if he does not secure a race seat by the end of the 2027 season. This allows him the freedom to explore other opportunities in Formula 1 without being restricted by Ferrari's plans.
via PlanetF1Szafnauer clarifies ‘ridiculous’ Lewis Hamilton comment after F1 photographer clashThe article discusses a clash between F1 pundit Otmar Szafnauer and photographer Kym Illman regarding comments made about Lewis Hamilton's arrival at race weekends. Szafnauer suggested that Hamilton arrives later to showcase his fashion choices, which Illman disputed, asserting that he is often present before drivers and that Hamilton sometimes avoids photographers. Szafnauer later clarified that his comments were not meant to undermine Hamilton's work ethic, acknowledging the driver's dedication and hard work in the sport.
The incident highlights the intersection of Hamilton's racing career and his involvement in the fashion industry, as well as the scrutiny he faces due to his celebrity status. Szafnauer emphasized that his remarks were misinterpreted and reiterated his respect for Hamilton's commitment to racing, while the debate sparked further discussion among fans and media in the F1 paddock.
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli's 'driving tense' claim shows exactly why he's outperformed George Russell in 2026Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the leading driver in the 2026 Formula 1 championship, surpassing George Russell at Mercedes. His recent performances have led to team orders that favor him, highlighting a shift in the team's dynamics. Antonelli attributes his success to a relaxed approach to racing, emphasizing enjoyment over pressure, which he believes enhances his performance on the track.
In contrast, George Russell has struggled under the weight of expectations, finding himself tied for second in the standings with Lewis Hamilton. The article explores how Russell's eagerness to win may have negatively impacted his results this season, suggesting that his mindset differs significantly from Antonelli's, potentially affecting his championship aspirations.
via Sky Sports F1Why is Antonelli taking grid penalties on home soil in Italy?Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, will start from the back of the grid at the Italian Grand Prix due to exceeding the allowed number of power units for the season. This decision comes after reliability issues with his engine, including an electrical failure during a previous race. As a result, he will incur a total of 20 grid places due to multiple component changes, significantly impacting his chances of maintaining his lead in the championship standings.
Mercedes has opted to take these penalties at Monza, a track known for easier overtaking, to avoid potential complications later in the season when the title race could become tighter. Meanwhile, teammate George Russell is also facing similar penalties but will not join Antonelli at the back this weekend, as Mercedes continues to manage their engine allocations strategically.
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli reveals how he is staying grounded in 2026 F1 title fightKimi Antonelli, the current leader of the 2026 Formula 1 championship, has shared insights on how he remains grounded during his title fight. At just 20 years old, he has already made history by becoming the youngest driver to lead the standings, thanks to his impressive performance, including back-to-back victories in China and Japan, and four wins before the summer break. With a 59-point lead over competitors, Antonelli is focused on maintaining his composure and not getting carried away by his success.
In his approach to racing, Antonelli highlights the importance of enjoying the experience and staying true to oneself, drawing inspiration from tennis legend Roger Federer. He believes that a relaxed mindset enhances his driving performance and allows him to better connect with the car. As the championship progresses, Antonelli remains aware that there is still much work to be done and aims to keep a positive perspective, even when faced with challenges.
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell "has to win" Italian GP to keep F1 title hopes alive, says former driverFormer F1 driver Jolyon Palmer emphasized that George Russell needs to secure a victory at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix to maintain his chances for the 2026 championship. Following a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix where Lando Norris won, Russell is currently trailing his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who is leading the standings with 242 points.
Russell's situation is complicated by Antonelli's impending engine penalty, which could allow Russell to gain ground. However, Palmer noted that Russell's recent performance has been inconsistent, and he must deliver a strong race to capitalize on Antonelli's penalty. If Antonelli wins despite the penalty, it could significantly diminish Russell's title aspirations.
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton Announces Ferrari F40 Restoration After Car Collection SaleLewis Hamilton has announced a restoration project for a Ferrari F40 after selling his entire car collection. The seven-time world champion expressed that this acquisition fulfills a long-held ambition.
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner: Lewis Hamilton has chance of eighth title if Ferrari makes one callGuenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, has expressed that Lewis Hamilton still has a chance to win his eighth Formula 1 championship in 2026, but it hinges on Ferrari's support. He suggested that Ferrari should prioritize Hamilton over his teammate Charles Leclerc to enhance his chances against current leader Kimi Antonelli, who has a significant points lead in the standings.
Steiner pointed out that for Hamilton to succeed, Antonelli must falter, and Mercedes needs to continue facing challenges. He believes that the second half of the season will be critical for Hamilton's title aspirations, highlighting the need for strategic decisions from Ferrari to back their most competitive driver.
via Motorsport.comCarlos Sainz could extend F1 career until 2040Carlos Sainz, currently driving for Williams, has expressed his ambition to extend his Formula 1 career until the age of 45, coinciding with the 2040 season. He draws inspiration from fellow drivers like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, who have shown that age does not necessarily limit performance in the sport. Sainz emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and mental motivation in prolonging a racing career.
As he approaches his 32nd birthday, Sainz reflects on his current standing in the drivers' championship and his enjoyment of racing. He acknowledges the challenges of the sport, including travel and media commitments, but remains committed to competing as long as he can. Sainz's passion for racing and his family's competitive spirit further fuel his desire to stay in Formula 1.
via CrashLewis Hamilton Identifies Key Improvement Area for Ferrari F1 TeamLewis Hamilton has highlighted a crucial area for improvement within the Ferrari Formula 1 team. He expressed the need for enhanced support from the pit wall to better compete against rivals like Mercedes.
via Motorsport.comJenson Button Compares Fernando Alonso to Michael SchumacherJenson Button has drawn parallels between racing against Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher. In his latest journal entry, Button expressed admiration for Alonso's standout abilities in Formula 1.
via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur admits Ferrari couldn't afford some of Lewis Hamilton's demands for their F1 carFred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, acknowledged that while they were able to sign Lewis Hamilton in 2024, they could not accommodate all of his demands regarding the car. Vasseur emphasized that this policy applies to all drivers, as some requests may not align with the team's overall vision or budget constraints. Despite initial challenges, Hamilton's recent performances have validated Ferrari's decision to bring him on board, and he is now seen as a key figure in the team's future plans.
Furthermore, Vasseur highlighted the benefits of having drivers like Hamilton, who bring different experiences and perspectives from other teams. This diversity is crucial for fostering improvement within the team. As Hamilton continues to integrate into Ferrari, the team is reportedly looking to offer him a long-term contract, recognizing his significant contributions to their competitive resurgence.
via RacingNews365George Russell is building 'toolbox of experience' to re-engage after F1 title woesGeorge Russell is currently facing challenges in the 2026 Formula 1 season, trailing his teammate Kimi Antonelli by 59 points. Despite winning the opening race in Australia and a recent Sprint victory in the Netherlands, Russell has struggled with his driving style and technical issues, which have hindered his performance throughout the season. He acknowledges the need to adapt his approach to better align with the car's requirements and Antonelli's successful driving style.
Russell is optimistic about his future performance, believing that the experiences gained during this difficult season will contribute to his growth as a driver. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relaxed mindset and taking each race as it comes, rather than feeling pressured by the title race. This shift in mentality, along with his commitment to learning from past challenges, is part of his strategy to improve and potentially close the points gap in the remaining races.Page 18 of 42