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via CrashMax Verstappen to race in GT World Challenge finaleMax Verstappen will make his debut in the GT World Challenge Europe series this month, competing against Valentino Rossi. The Red Bull Racing driver will participate in a GT3 race at Portimao, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by 2 Seas Motorsport.
via Motorsport.comLaurent Mekies credited with ending Red Bull's second seat "curse"Laurent Mekies, the Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, has been credited with transforming the team's culture, which has reportedly helped Isack Hadjar thrive in his role. Will Buxton highlighted that Mekies has replaced the historically ruthless environment with a more supportive atmosphere, allowing drivers to perform better without excessive pressure.
Hadjar, who was promoted to Red Bull in 2026, impressed in his first race back after recovering from a wrist injury, finishing third. The change in management style under Mekies is seen as a significant factor in lifting what was referred to as Red Bull's second seat 'curse', which had previously troubled the team in finding a suitable teammate for Max Verstappen.
via f1oversteer.comFranco Colapinto accuses Lando Norris of not acting like a ‘champion’ like Max VerstappenFranco Colapinto has expressed disappointment in Lando Norris' reaction to their crash during the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, suggesting that Norris does not embody the qualities of a champion like Max Verstappen. Colapinto's comments came after he caused a three-car incident that eliminated both him and Norris from the race, leading to a heated exchange where Norris called for Colapinto to be banned from Formula 1.
Despite the initial outburst, Norris later apologised for his comments. Colapinto highlighted the difference in their reactions, noting that Verstappen has historically shown understanding towards younger drivers making mistakes, which he believes makes Verstappen a role model for aspiring racers. The situation has opened the door for further discourse as they approach the next race in Bahrain.
via the-race.comLindblad, Hadjar and Colapinto face grid penalties in MalaysiaArvid Lindblad, Isack Hadjar, and Franco Colapinto will all receive grid penalties for the Formula 1 race in Malaysia due to power unit changes. Lindblad will start from the back of the grid after incurring a 30-place penalty, while Hadjar and Colapinto also face sanctions.
via the-race.comMax Verstappen to race GT3 in Portugal this monthMax Verstappen has confirmed he will compete in a GT3 race in Portugal later this month, marking his return to GT racing. This will be his first appearance in GT3 machinery since the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar has realised Liam Lawson was right about Max Verstappen after joining Red BullIsack Hadjar has expressed his admiration for Max Verstappen after joining Red Bull Racing, echoing Liam Lawson's sentiments about the four-time world champion. Hadjar feels fortunate to be racing alongside Verstappen, describing him as a kind and supportive teammate who provides invaluable guidance early in his career.
Despite the challenges of competing against Verstappen, Hadjar is grateful for the opportunity and acknowledges the difficulty of the current Formula 1 landscape. Red Bull has confirmed that Hadjar will remain with the team for the 2027 season, making him only the second driver since 2018 to spend two or more seasons alongside Verstappen.
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 f1technical.netRed Bull drivers report performance boost from upgradesMax Verstappen and Isack Hadjar from Red Bull Racing noted a significant improvement in performance following the team's recent upgrades at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The upgrades, which included a five-part package focused on enhancing aerodynamic efficiency, contributed to their competitive edge during the race.
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 gpfans.comF1 star admits hiding major injury after 'stupid' punchIsack Hadjar, the 22-year-old French driver for Red Bull Racing, has disclosed that he sustained a broken wrist while training, which led to him missing three races in his debut season. He revealed that the injury occurred during a boxing workout when he struck the bag without proper hand protection, describing the incident as a 'stupid' mistake.
After the injury, Hadjar returned to competition at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he achieved a commendable third-place finish behind George Russell and Max Verstappen. He admitted to initially keeping the injury a secret for a day as he contemplated his options before eventually informing his team principal, Laurent Mekies.
via Motorsport WeekFred Vasseur addresses Hamilton's comments on LeclercFred Vasseur stated that Lewis Hamilton's radio messages regarding Charles Leclerc need to stop, highlighting the need for better management of team dynamics. Jolyon Palmer suggested that Vasseur should take a firmer approach to address the tensions between the two drivers.
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies relieved that furious Max Verstappen radio wasn’t broadcast at Azerbaijan GPLaurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, revealed that Max Verstappen was not pleased during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified eighth, his lowest position since Japan. Mekies shared data showing Verstappen lost significant time on the straights due to an engine issue, which contributed to his frustration expressed over team radio, although this communication was not broadcasted during the event.
In the race, Verstappen managed to finish second, just a tenth of a second behind George Russell, who had a strong performance. Despite the challenges faced in qualifying, Verstappen's driving earned him the driver of the day award, highlighting his capability to perform under pressure. With eight races remaining in the season, he aims to extend his streak of winning at least one race each year with Red Bull.
via Formula1.comVerstappen says Russell can still win title in 2026Max Verstappen has stated that George Russell requires a significant turnaround to challenge Kimi Antonelli for the world championship ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Russell recently reduced Antonelli's championship lead from 81 points to 66, reigniting his hopes in the title race.
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 BBC SportBahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia declared heat hazardThe FIA has officially designated the Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia this weekend, as a heat hazard race. This marks the third time this designation has been applied in the current Formula 1 season.
via RacingNews365Mercedes unveils major upgrades for Bahrain Grand PrixMercedes has introduced a significant upgrade package for its W17 car at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, featuring seven key changes. George Russell expressed optimism that these enhancements will provide Mercedes with a competitive edge over rivals such as Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull.
via CrashLewis Hamilton defends Fred Vasseur amid Ferrari scrutinyLewis Hamilton has expressed his support for Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, urging critics to direct their attention to higher management within the team. Hamilton stated that replacing Vasseur would be detrimental and emphasised the need for changes in Ferrari's leadership structure.
via Formula1.comIsack Hadjar praises Max Verstappen as a benchmarkIsack Hadjar expressed his gratitude for having Max Verstappen as a benchmark in Formula 1, describing him as an intimidating reference point. Hadjar, who is in his second season with Red Bull, acknowledged the challenges of competing alongside Verstappen.
via PlanetF1Mercedes unveils major W17 upgrade at SepangMercedes has introduced a significant aerodynamic upgrade for its W17 car at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang, aimed at addressing its performance weaknesses. Team principal Toto Wolff confirmed the updates, which have raised concerns among rivals, including Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing.Page 4 of 60