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via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar impresses as Max Verstappen's teammateIsack Hadjar has shown impressive performance in his first year with Red Bull Racing, particularly in his one-lap pace compared to Max Verstappen. Analysts highlight this closeness as a key factor in his value to the team.
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell reveals lasting scars from Mercedes debutGeorge Russell has shared that he still feels the impact of his challenging debut with Mercedes in 2020. He mentioned physical scars from fitting into Lewis Hamilton's race seat, highlighting the difficulties he faced during that time.
via f1technical.netNorris and Verstappen praise Antonelli as Formula 1's standout performer of 2026 so farFollowing the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen recognized Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the standout driver of the 2026 Formula 1 season so far. Both drivers praised Antonelli for his impressive consistency and performance, with Norris emphasizing that Antonelli has convincingly outperformed his teammate each weekend. Antonelli currently leads the championship standings at just 19 years old, driving for Mercedes.
Despite the accolades, Antonelli remains humble, acknowledging that he still has much to learn to reach the level of established champions like Norris and Verstappen. Verstappen also reflected on his own challenging season with Red Bull, while Norris expressed confidence in his potential when driving a competitive car. The mutual respect among the drivers highlights the competitive nature of the current season.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen pays tribute as George Russell information offers surprise revelation — RacingNews365 ReviewMax Verstappen is commemorating the last Dutch Grand Prix by unveiling a special helmet, as Zandvoort will be removed from the F1 calendar after this year. Meanwhile, George Russell has shown surprising performance metrics compared to his teammate Kimi Antonelli, despite facing challenges in the current season. The FIA has also made a significant decision by lifting restrictions on competitors from Russia and Belarus, allowing them to race under their national flags once again.
In addition to these developments, Verstappen expressed that he does not feel any additional motivation for the upcoming race, while Lando Norris reflected on his performance, claiming he is driving better than last season despite not seeing the results. Fernando Alonso has called for improvements to the algorithms governing F1 power units, indicating ongoing discussions about the sport's technical regulations.
via CrashToto Wolff cautious about Kimi Antonelli's title chancesMercedes has stated it is too early to favor either Kimi Antonelli or George Russell in the 2026 Formula 1 title race. The team emphasizes the importance of a healthy rivalry between its drivers while acknowledging Antonelli's current lead.
via Motorsport.comHow F1 drivers were "drooling over" Formula E's Gen4 carSeveral Formula 1 drivers, including reigning champion Lando Norris, attended the Monaco E-Prix in May 2026 and expressed admiration for the upcoming Gen4 car. This new model is set to be the fastest in Formula E history, featuring a top speed of 208 mph and a significant power increase of 804 bhp, making it 70% more powerful than the current Gen3 cars. Jeff Dodds, the Formula E boss, noted that the presence and comments of F1 drivers about the Gen4 car were a highlight of the season for him.
The London finale will conclude the current Formula E season, with nine drivers still in contention for the championship. However, the title race is realistically between four drivers: Jake Dennis, Mitch Evans, Pascal Wehrlein, and Oliver Rowland. Each of these contenders has a compelling story, with Evans aiming for his first championship after several near misses, while Dennis, Wehrlein, and Rowland are all vying for their second title.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris makes bold claim and explains why it 'hurts'Lando Norris has expressed that he feels he is driving at a higher level in 2026 compared to his championship-winning season in 2025, despite the results not reflecting this improvement. He secured his first victory of the year at the Hungarian Grand Prix, but currently sits fifth in the standings, significantly behind the leader, Kimi Antonelli, due to a combination of performance issues and race retirements this season.
Norris's performance has been commendable, with three podium finishes and a strong showing in Budapest, where he led from pole to victory. He acknowledges the challenges posed by the competitive landscape, particularly with the McLaren MCL40 being outpaced by Mercedes and Ferrari. Norris is committed to continuous self-improvement, believing that his efforts are beginning to yield positive results, even if they have not yet translated into a championship challenge.
via Sky Sports F1Brundle's verdict on 'relentless' Norris, Piastri-Sainz incident and Malaysia returnThe Hungarian Grand Prix concluded the first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season with Lando Norris claiming his first victory of the year after a competitive race. Norris started from pole position and faced challenges from teammates and rivals, including a notable incident involving Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz. Despite a strong performance from Piastri, a collision with Sainz hindered his chances, while Lewis Hamilton's pit lane penalty affected his final standing.
Max Verstappen managed to secure second place despite issues with his car's aerodynamics, while Charles Leclerc's fastest lap was not enough to elevate him beyond fourth. The race showcased intense battles among the top teams, with Mercedes notably off their usual pace, and Kimi Antonelli capitalizing on the situation to finish third.
via Sky Sports F1'Never had a season like this' - Russell 'p****d off' at latest Mercedes issueGeorge Russell faced significant challenges during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where an engine issue caused him to drop from sixth to the back of the field at the start. Despite recovering to finish seventh, he acknowledged that this season has been filled with misfortunes, including a battery failure in Canada and a potential engine penalty looming due to a power unit change before the race. Russell's teammate, Kimi Antonelli, currently leads the championship standings, putting Russell further behind in the title race.
Russell expressed frustration over the reliability issues that have plagued him this season, stating that he has experienced more problems than his teammate. He remains hopeful for improvement in the second half of the season and emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite the setbacks. The Formula 1 season will continue with the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
via RacingNews365George Russell data springs big Kimi Antonelli surprise despite F1 woesThe article highlights the performance comparison between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Despite Russell's struggles, including two DNFs, he maintains a better average finishing position than Antonelli, who has achieved six race wins but is significantly ahead in the championship standings. The contrasting circumstances of their races, including technical failures and penalties, contribute to this surprising statistic.
Additionally, the article notes that while Russell's average finishing position is 3.8, it is not the best on the grid, as Lewis Hamilton leads with an average of 3.7. The analysis provides insights into the competitive dynamics within the Mercedes team and the challenges faced by both drivers throughout the season.
via PlanetF1Next Formula 1 Race Scheduled After Three-Week BreakThe Formula 1 calendar is currently in a three-week hiatus following the Hungarian Grand Prix. Lando Norris secured a notable victory at the last race, marking a strong performance for McLaren.
via RacingNews365F1 champions laud Kimi Antonelli over pertinent questionKimi Antonelli has emerged as a leading figure in the 2026 Formula 1 season, currently topping the drivers' championship standings after 11 races. With six wins and nine podium finishes, he has garnered praise from fellow drivers, including Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, who acknowledged his impressive performance and consistency despite being only 19 years old. Antonelli's ability to recover from a grid penalty to finish third in the recent Hungarian Grand Prix further solidified his status as a top competitor.
Norris, who secured his first victory of the season in Budapest, highlighted the challenges of comparing drivers across teams while recognizing Antonelli's achievements. Verstappen echoed this sentiment, commending Antonelli's strong performances and solidifying his reputation as a standout driver in the current season. Antonelli, however, remains modest, emphasizing the need for continued improvement and acknowledging the challenges of competing at the highest level.
via Motorsport.comIsack Hadjar identifies key area he must improve compared to Max VerstappenIsack Hadjar, driving for Red Bull Racing, has shown promising performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, particularly in qualifying, where he has a smaller deficit compared to previous drivers in the second seat. However, he recognizes the need to improve his race pace, as he currently trails Max Verstappen significantly on Sundays. Hadjar's performance reflects a learning curve as he adapts to the demands of Formula 1 racing, and he feels he is making progress in his second season.
Despite his improvements, Hadjar has faced challenges in finding the right setup for his car, particularly noted during the Hungarian Grand Prix. He expressed confidence in his abilities but acknowledged that there is still work to be done both individually and as a team. The alignment of his feedback with Verstappen's is seen as a positive sign for his development and the team's technical direction.
via CrashGeorge Russell warned against overthinking title hopesGeorge Russell is currently experiencing a difficult season, having dropped to third place in the Formula 1 standings. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic and is focusing on maintaining his confidence in the title race.
via Motorsport WeekMercedes expects grid penalties for Antonelli and RussellMercedes has acknowledged the likelihood of grid penalties for drivers Antonelli and Russell as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses. The team is preparing for these penalties as they approach the final half of the season.
via PlanetF1Kimi Antonelli ‘convincingly’ beating Russell in Norris and Verstappen verdictLando Norris has expressed admiration for Kimi Antonelli, highlighting his consistent performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, where he has established a significant lead in the Drivers' Championship over teammate George Russell. Despite some challenges, Antonelli has managed to outperform Russell consistently, earning praise from both Norris and four-time champion Max Verstappen during a press conference following the Hungarian GP, where Norris secured his first win of the season.
Norris emphasized the difficulty of comparing drivers across teams but acknowledged Antonelli's impressive abilities as a complete package. Antonelli's strong performance has not gone unnoticed, as he continues to be a formidable contender in the championship, while Russell has faced reliability issues that have hindered his progress. The dynamics within the Mercedes team are evolving, with Antonelli emerging as a key player in the title race.
via RacingNews365Exclusive: George Russell reveals psychologist help: 'Not necessarily for tough times'George Russell has shared insights into his experience with a sports psychologist, which he has utilized since 2020 to enhance his performance in Formula 1. Despite facing a challenging season and being significantly behind teammate Kimi Antonelli in the standings, Russell emphasizes that his sessions are not solely for coping with adversity but also for maximizing his potential and managing race pressures effectively.
Russell acknowledges the support from his fiancée Gwen Lagrue and team principal Toto Wolff, which has been crucial during tough times. He believes that reflecting on his past successes helps him maintain confidence and focus on his strengths as he navigates the remainder of the season, despite the setbacks he has encountered.
via RacingNews365Russell 'problem' highlighted as unique Verstappen trait used in Antonelli comparison - RacingNews365 ReviewThe article highlights various insights from former F1 drivers regarding current racers, particularly focusing on George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Thierry Boutsen draws a parallel between Russell and Hamilton's challenges, while David Coulthard praises Antonelli's family support as a key factor for his future success in racing. Lance Stroll also comments on Aston Martin's recent upgrades, suggesting they could be pivotal for the team's performance this season.
Additionally, the article mentions Red Bull's commitment to improving their car and Lando Norris's ongoing adjustments to his driving style. These discussions set the stage for an exciting second half of the F1 season, with expectations high for several drivers to make significant impacts.
via Formula1.comHas Hadjar ended the Red Bull second seat curse?Isack Hadjar has made a notable impact in his second season with Red Bull, showing a competitive edge against teammate Max Verstappen. His average qualifying delta of just over 0.1 seconds is the closest any driver has come to Verstappen since Daniel Ricciardo in 2017, indicating a significant improvement compared to previous teammates who struggled against the four-time champion.
Currently, Hadjar's points deficit to Verstappen stands at 41 after 11 races in the 2026 season. This is a stark contrast to the larger gaps seen in previous years, such as 388 points in 2025 and 290 points in 2023. As the season progresses, Hadjar has the potential to further narrow this gap, possibly challenging Ricciardo's record of the lowest points deficit in a season together.
via F1iMercedes warns Kimi Antonelli of potential grid penaltyMercedes has indicated that both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are likely to face grid penalties due to exceeding power unit allocations. The team acknowledges that these penalties are expected as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses.Page 36 of 41