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via AutosportHow Ferrari's Hungarian GP meltdown cost a shot at the F1 podiumFerrari faced a disappointing outcome at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc failed to reach the podium despite expectations of strong performance. Hamilton started from P5 due to a penalty, while Leclerc began in P2 but struggled to maintain position, ultimately finishing fifth behind Hamilton. The team's challenges were compounded by tire issues and execution mistakes during the race, leading to a lack of consistency in performance.
The race highlighted the unpredictability of Ferrari's SF-26, which did not deliver as anticipated on a track where it was expected to excel. Both drivers noted that their pace was not competitive enough, and the team acknowledged that errors in strategy and execution played a significant role in their inability to capitalize on their potential. As a result, Ferrari's hopes for a podium finish were dashed, with McLaren's Norris taking the victory.
Mon 27 Jul · 07:13 UTC
via theguardian.com‘Pretty bad’: Lewis Hamilton hits out at Ferrari after dropping points in F1 title raceLewis Hamilton faced disappointment at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. This result has left him trailing Kimi Antonelli by 50 points in the championship standings. Hamilton criticized his team's strategy, particularly the late pit stop that cost him valuable track position and points. He expressed a desire to improve and avoid further penalties in the upcoming races.
Lando Norris celebrated his first win of the season, showcasing strong performance and confidence in his driving. He feels he is performing at a higher level compared to the previous season, despite the challenges posed by the car's handling. Both Hamilton and Norris are looking forward to the second half of the season, hoping to capitalize on their potential and make significant gains in the championship.
Sun 26 Jul · 19:51 UTC
via BBC SportNorris and McLaren almost perfect as Ferrari flounderLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking his first win of the season. After a challenging start, Norris capitalized on a strategic pit stop that allowed him to take the lead from teammate Oscar Piastri, who later retired due to a gearbox failure. Despite an early mistake that cost him the lead, Norris maintained a strong pace and confidence throughout the race, ultimately securing the win for McLaren.
Ferrari, initially seen as the favorites, struggled with performance and made critical errors, leading to disappointment for the team. Norris' win positions him 98 points behind the championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, as he looks forward to the upcoming races while remaining cautious about future expectations.
Sun 26 Jul · 19:19 UTC
via AutosportWhat McLaren thought of Piastri's explosive F1 Hungarian GP radio outburstDuring the Hungarian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri expressed frustration over a radio outburst after a collision with backmarker Carlos Sainz, which affected his race strategy. McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella defended the team's decision to pit Piastri, emphasizing that it was necessary to counter Lewis Hamilton's threat and that Piastri had earned his lead fairly by overtaking Norris at the start.
After the race, Piastri acknowledged his emotional response and accepted the team's strategy, despite his disappointment. He ultimately retired from the race due to a gearbox failure, while Stella noted that both drivers had shown impressive pace, and the team had considered various strategies to maximize their points.Sun 26 Jul · 18:49 UTC
via BBC SportComplete weekend for Norris but poor result for Sainz - driver ratingsLando Norris achieved a significant milestone by winning the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking both his and McLaren's first victory of the 2026 season. Despite a challenging start where he lost the lead to teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris regained control and maintained his position after Piastri's retirement due to a gearbox failure. Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli completed the podium, showcasing their resilience amid various challenges during the race.
The race also featured notable performances and setbacks for several drivers. Lewis Hamilton faced penalties that hindered his chances for a podium finish, while Carlos Sainz struggled with his Williams, culminating in a collision that resulted in a penalty. Overall, the event highlighted the competitive nature of the season, with driver ratings reflecting both exceptional and disappointing performances across the grid.Sun 26 Jul · 17:16 UTC
via AutosportLando Norris Secures First Win of 2026 Hungarian Grand PrixLando Norris achieved his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. His teammate Oscar Piastri faced a gearbox failure, leading to his retirement from the race.+ 2 moreSun 26 Jul · 14:57 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull cuts Verstappen media as car criticism eruptsMax Verstappen expressed significant dissatisfaction with the performance of the 2026 Red Bull car, describing it as aerodynamically broken and undriveable. Following his qualifying session in Hungary, Red Bull restricted his media interactions, which raised eyebrows as his teammate continued to engage with the press. Verstappen's comments highlighted ongoing issues with the car's balance and reliability, suggesting a deeper problem that needs addressing before the race.
In addition to the car concerns, Verstappen played a role in persuading Tom Hart to remain with Red Bull, where he is expected to succeed Gianpiero Lambiase as Verstappen's race engineer. This decision came after Hart was initially slated to join Williams. The situation reflects both the challenges Verstappen faces with the current car and the strategic moves within the Red Bull team regarding engineering personnel.
via AutosportRussell to undergo Mercedes engine change but avoids F1 Hungarian GP grid dropGeorge Russell of Mercedes will replace his V6 engine ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix due to a water leak detected during qualifying. Despite the engine change, he will maintain his seventh position on the grid, as the replacement is of the same specification and does not incur a grid penalty. Russell's teammate, Kimi Antonelli, qualified fourth but is under investigation for a potential infraction during the session.
In qualifying, Lando Norris achieved pole position, marking a significant moment as it ended Mercedes' streak of qualifying dominance this season. Lewis Hamilton, who qualified second, faces a three-place grid drop for impeding another driver, which could elevate Antonelli to third if he avoids penalties. The situation highlights the competitive dynamics among the top teams as they head into the race.Sat 25 Jul · 16:58 UTC
via AutosportHamilton and Antonelli Receive Grid Penalties for Hungarian GPLewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli have both been issued three-place grid penalties ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Antonelli's penalty was due to a yellow flag infringement during qualifying.+ 1 moreSat 25 Jul · 15:58 UTC
via AutosportHamilton Receives Grid Penalty for Impeding Piastri in QualifyingLewis Hamilton has been penalized with a three-place grid drop for impeding Oscar Piastri during the qualifying session for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The incident occurred in the final stages of Q3, prompting an investigation by the FIA stewards.Sat 25 Jul · 15:53 UTC
via AutosportLando Norris Secures Pole Position at Hungarian Grand PrixLando Norris achieved his first pole position of the 2026 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, narrowly beating Lewis Hamilton by just 0.012 seconds. Both Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli received grid penalties, impacting their starting positions for the race.+ 2 moreSat 25 Jul · 15:19 UTC
via grandprix.comLeclerc baby rumours erupt in Hungary paddockRumors about Charles Leclerc expecting his first child have surfaced, although neither he nor his wife Alexandra has confirmed the news. Reports suggest that Alexandra's presence in the paddock has led to speculation, with Italian newspapers indicating that the couple is anticipating a child in the autumn, but details remain unverified.
Leclerc and Alexandra were married earlier in 2026, just before the racing season began. The couple's dog, Leo, was also spotted with them in Hungary, adding to the personal touch of their visit. This family news comes at a time when Ferrari is performing well at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
via grandprix.comWolff Discusses Mercedes' Future Driver Lineup PlansToto Wolff has indicated that Mercedes is not urgently seeking to sign Max Verstappen for 2027, citing the rise of Kimi Antonelli. The team is currently focused on retaining George Russell while keeping options open for future driver pairings.
via grandprix.comHamilton skips key FIA meeting over Spa penaltiesSeveral Formula 1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, missed an important FIA meeting in Hungary that addressed driving standards and stewarding decisions stemming from the recent Belgian Grand Prix. The meeting's significance increased following Hamilton's penalty for a collision with George Russell and the subsequent incident involving Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, which drew criticism for the lack of punishment against Leclerc.
Hamilton commented on the situation, expressing that he prefers to move forward rather than dwell on past incidents. He acknowledged the FIA's efforts to maintain consistency in their decisions, despite the challenges they face in achieving it. The absence of multiple drivers from the meeting highlights ongoing tensions regarding penalties and race conduct in the sport.
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Norris beats Hamilton to top final practiceMcLaren driver Lando Norris has led a three-team fight to top final practice at Formula 1's Hungarian Grand Prix, setting up an intriguing qualifying session in Budapest. Norris' late 1m18.939s flyer was just over a tenth quicker than Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli on the twisty Hungaroring. FP3's opening phase was quiet as drivers kept their powder dry for ... Keep readingSat 25 Jul · 11:40 UTC
via BBC SportHamilton fastest as new Aston Martin makes encouraging debutDuring the first practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time, followed closely by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Lando Norris. Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, struggled with pace, finishing 13th, while Fernando Alonso showed improvement with Aston Martin's new upgrade despite finishing 19th. Alonso's teammate, Lance Stroll, faced a suspension issue that prevented him from participating in the second session.
The session highlighted challenges for several teams, particularly with track conditions affecting performance. Hamilton's strong showing was noted, but Leclerc cautioned against overconfidence, anticipating a competitive qualifying session. Overall, the practice session set the stage for a tightly contested weekend ahead, with teams looking to capitalize on their performance improvements.Fri 24 Jul · 18:03 UTC
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Hamilton leads Ferrari 1-2 in FP2, Colapinto crashes for AlpineIn the second practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton led the field, finishing ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Hamilton's fastest lap was 1m18.729s, while Leclerc followed closely with a time of 1m18.877s. Lando Norris from McLaren took third place, while Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing rounded out the top four.
The session was marked by challenging track conditions, with drivers struggling to find balance due to cooler temperatures and wind. Colapinto's crash brought out a red flag, interrupting the session. Other notable performances included George Russell in fifth and Liam Lawson in seventh, while Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso faced difficulties, finishing 19th.Fri 24 Jul · 16:14 UTC
via theguardian.comLando Norris Criticizes Formula 1's Focus on Profit Over SportLando Norris has expressed concerns that Formula 1 is prioritizing financial gain over the quality of the sport. He highlighted that many drivers share his dissatisfaction with the current direction of the series under its management.+ 1 moreFri 24 Jul · 16:00 UTC
via grandprix.comVerstappen cools exit talk as Red Bull form improvesMax Verstappen has addressed ongoing speculation about his future with Red Bull, emphasizing that there are no current plans for him to leave the team. He expressed satisfaction with his current situation and described Red Bull as a second family, while also acknowledging the challenges they face with the RB22 car. Despite some recent successes, he noted the need for consistent performance improvements as they continue to learn about the car's capabilities.
Verstappen also commented on the current regulations in Formula 1, stating that while he finds them frustrating, he enjoys racing and is not considering retirement at this stage. He believes that his criticisms are becoming more widely understood and that the team's performance is on an upward trend. Additionally, Red Bull is set to reintroduce a problematic rear wing at the upcoming Hungarian GP, with hopes that previous issues have been resolved.
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Leclerc tops FP1, Stroll suffers suspected suspension failure with upgraded Aston MartinIn the first practice session for the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari set the fastest time, clocking in at 1m19.075s, which was significantly quicker than his competitors. Lance Stroll from Aston Martin faced issues with his car, experiencing a suspected rear suspension failure that led to a red flag during the session. Other teams, including Ferrari and Mercedes, brought updates tailored for the high downforce requirements of the Hungaroring track.
The session also saw several rookie drivers participating, with notable performances from Frederik Vesti and Leonardo Fornaroli. Fernando Alonso managed to secure the 13th fastest time, while Carlos Sainz faced scrutiny from the stewards for his driving during the session. Overall, the practice highlighted the competitive nature of the teams as they prepared for the race weekend.Fri 24 Jul · 12:45 UTCPage 56 of 59