George RussellIsack HadjarLiam LawsonMartin Brundle 
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURMercedes' U-turn on Baku decision shows how little faith they have in George Russell's title chargeMercedes has decided not to give George Russell a new engine during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, opting instead to keep his current power unit in use until the United States Grand Prix. This decision aligns with their strategy to introduce a chassis upgrade at the end of October, which will coincide with the new engine. The team appears to be prioritizing this timing over Russell's immediate championship prospects, indicating a lack of confidence in his ability to compete for the title this season.
Despite still being mathematically in the championship race, Russell's performance has been overshadowed by teammate Kimi Antonelli, leading to speculation about his future with the team. Toto Wolff's comments suggest that Russell should shift his focus to the 2027 season, further emphasizing the team's diminished expectations for his current title challenge. The delay in providing Russell with a new engine is seen as a clear signal of Mercedes' lack of faith in his competitiveness this year.
f1oversteer.comFri 18 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURToto Wolff reveals huge truth about George Russell contract situation at MercedesToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has confirmed that George Russell's contract has already been signed, although the team has not made a public announcement regarding it. This comes amidst ongoing speculation about Russell's future, particularly with rumors of him being replaced by a four-time world champion. Wolff emphasized that the lack of a major statement is unusual but reassured that the contract situation is settled.
The article also touches on the context of the driver market, noting that much of the speculation surrounding Russell's position was fueled by reports of dissatisfaction from Max Verstappen. However, with Verstappen's new long-term contract with Red Bull, which runs through 2030, the dynamics of the driver market may shift, potentially stabilizing Russell's position at Mercedes. Wolff did not provide further details about the length or financial aspects of Russell's contract.
gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 19:55 UTC
via gpfans.comIsack Hadjar injury reality revealed by F1 champion after missing three racesIsack Hadjar, a driver for Red Bull, has been sidelined for three races due to a wrist injury sustained during boxing. The team has temporarily replaced him with Liam Lawson, who will partner with Max Verstappen, while Yuki Tsunoda returns to fill Lawson's previous spot. There is currently no set timeline for Hadjar's return, as the team emphasizes the importance of his full recovery before he resumes racing.
Nico Rosberg highlighted the challenges of racing with a wrist injury, noting the physical demands placed on a driver's hands and wrists during high-speed maneuvers. He referenced Lance Stroll's previous experience with a similar injury, underscoring the potential pain and complications involved. Despite the setback, Red Bull remains optimistic about Hadjar's recovery and looks forward to his eventual return to the track.gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 16:33 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen jokes about Kimi Antonelli’s F1 lead: “I’m definitely not having a comeback!”Kimi Antonelli is in a strong position to win his first Formula 1 world title, potentially becoming the youngest champion in history. With only a few races left in the season, George Russell's chances of winning the championship have diminished significantly, leading him to express doubts about his title hopes. Max Verstappen, who finished behind Antonelli in Spain, humorously remarked that he is not planning a comeback this season, acknowledging the challenges he faces compared to last year.
Verstappen offered advice to Antonelli, suggesting he maintain his current approach without stressing about the championship standings. Lando Norris also commended Antonelli's performance, noting that he is outperforming his more experienced teammate and making very few mistakes. Both drivers recognize Antonelli's talent and potential for future success in Formula 1.
Motorsport.comFri 18 Sep · 13:31 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell acknowledges 2026 title challenge is toughNico Rosberg has expressed concerns about George Russell's mindset regarding his championship aspirations for 2026. Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has dismissed Russell's doubts, emphasizing the team's commitment to a comeback.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 11:07 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell self-doubt danger highlighted: 'Am I not good enough?'George Russell is facing a difficult season in Formula 1, currently trailing teammate Kimi Antonelli by 81 points in the standings. Despite being a title favorite at the start of the year, Russell has only secured two race wins while Antonelli has dominated with eight victories in the first 14 races.
Nico Rosberg has highlighted the potential for Russell to question his abilities due to this challenging performance. Rosberg admires Russell's efforts to improve his mental state, indicating that the pressure of the situation could lead to self-doubt, which is a common struggle for drivers in competitive sports.
RacingNews365Fri 18 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via the-race.comThe real reason Russell and Piastri are struggling in F1 2026In the 2026 Formula 1 season, drivers like George Russell and Oscar Piastri are facing significant challenges due to a mismatch between their driving styles and the new car and tire regulations. Russell finished fifth in the Madring race, significantly behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, and noted that his struggles stem from how he drives compared to the demands of the current generation of cars. He observed that drivers who are performing well, such as Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris, share similar driving styles that align better with the 2026 car characteristics.
The article discusses how the reduced downforce and tire grip of the 2026 cars have raised the crossover point of circuit grip, making certain driving techniques less effective. While Russell and Piastri tend to drive with a geometric ideal that works well on high-grip tracks, they struggle as grip decreases. In contrast, drivers like Hamilton and Norris have adapted their styles to better manage energy and grip, allowing them to perform more effectively. Ultimately, Russell and Piastri must adjust their approaches to keep pace with their competitors in this evolving racing landscape.
the-race.comFri 18 Sep · 09:11 UTC
via CrashWhat caused Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg’s latest F1 disagreementMartin Brundle and Nico Rosberg found themselves in a disagreement regarding Fernando Alonso's future with Aston Martin during the Spanish Grand Prix. This clash came just a week after they debated the blame for a collision involving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the Italian Grand Prix. Brundle proposed that Aston Martin should focus on rebuilding its driver line-up, suggesting a shift towards younger drivers, while Rosberg countered that Alonso continues to perform well against his teammate, Lance Stroll.
Brundle's comments indicated a desire for Aston Martin to plan for the long-term, while Rosberg defended the current line-up, arguing that Alonso remains a strong competitor. The discussion highlighted differing perspectives on team strategy, with Brundle advocating for change and Rosberg supporting the existing arrangement. Both commentators acknowledged the complexities of the situation, particularly with Alonso's contract expiring at the end of the season.
CrashFri 18 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via f1chronicle.comRed Bull Say Isack Hadjar’s Recovery Is on Track as Liam Lawson Continues to Impress Ahead of Azerbaijan GPRed Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that Isack Hadjar's recovery from a wrist injury is progressing as expected, with a decision on his return to the car set for next week. Hadjar has missed three races since the summer break, during which Liam Lawson has stepped in and performed well, scoring points in both Zandvoort and Madrid. Mekies emphasized the importance of not rushing Hadjar's return to ensure his long-term health and performance.
Liam Lawson has impressed during his time in the car, qualifying well and finishing sixth in Madrid. Mekies noted Lawson's growth as a driver and his ability to adapt to the team's demands. The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the start of a challenging triple-header, making the timing of Hadjar's potential return crucial. Red Bull plans to assess Hadjar's fitness through a simulator test before making a final decision.
f1chronicle.comFri 18 Sep · 02:49 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson recalls his welcome to F1 moment behind Max Verstappen in a practice sessionLiam Lawson shared his experience of debuting in Formula 1 during a practice session at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, where he replaced Daniel Ricciardo after Ricciardo's injury. Despite the challenging wet conditions, Lawson managed to compete effectively, finishing his first race in 13th place, ahead of his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
Max Verstappen commented on the ease with which both Lawson and Tsunoda adapted to their roles, attributing their immediate competitiveness to recent rule changes in F1. Lawson reflected on the pressure and commitment required to drive an F1 car, particularly in difficult weather, which contributed to his initial discomfort during the session.f1oversteer.comThu 17 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull detail conditions over Isack Hadjar return as Ferrari announce new deal - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has emphasized that Isack Hadjar will only return to his race seat when it is deemed completely safe. This statement comes as Hadjar continues his recovery from injury, highlighting the team's cautious approach to his reintegration into racing.
In other news, Scuderia Ferrari has announced a significant new partnership with Rakuten, which will become a team partner in telecommunications and e-commerce starting January 1, 2027. This deal marks a notable expansion for Ferrari as they seek to enhance their global presence in the sport.RacingNews365Thu 17 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via PlanetF1RUMOURHamilton rejects team changes rumour; Ferrari Achilles heel; Russell future clarified – roundupLewis Hamilton has publicly rejected rumors suggesting he is advocating for changes within the Ferrari team. These rumors surfaced following the Spanish Grand Prix, where Hamilton's former teammate Nico Rosberg highlighted issues with Ferrari's strategy and communication that he believes are hindering the team's performance.
In the same context, Charles Leclerc had a challenging race, finishing in fourth place despite leading for much of the event. Hamilton's own race ended prematurely due to a brake failure, further complicating Ferrari's situation as they seek to improve their competitive standing in the championship.
PlanetF1Thu 17 Sep · 18:59 UTC
via Motorsport WeekHow George Russell could take positives from possible title defeatGeorge Russell is experiencing a challenging season as he struggles to maintain his title hopes against teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Recent performances have seen Russell lose ground in the standings, particularly highlighted by Antonelli's impressive victory in Monza after starting from the back due to a grid penalty. This season marks a shift in dynamics at Mercedes, with Antonelli emerging as a strong contender for the championship, raising questions about Russell's position within the team.
Despite setbacks, including a retirement in Canada, Russell remains determined to prove his capabilities. He has shown resilience in previous races, such as finishing second in Baku while unwell. As the season progresses, Russell must capitalize on upcoming circuits where he has previously excelled to keep his championship aspirations alive. With only a narrow lead over Antonelli, the pressure is on Russell to deliver strong performances in the remaining races.Motorsport WeekThu 17 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via Formula1.comMekies offers update on Hadjar's injury recoveryRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, provided an update on Isack Hadjar's recovery from a wrist injury sustained during training. Hadjar has been sidelined for three races since the summer break, with Liam Lawson stepping in for him. Mekies reassured that Hadjar's recovery is progressing as expected, with no setbacks reported. The team plans to assess his condition further in a week's time, considering whether he can return for the next Grand Prix in Azerbaijan.
Hadjar has had a promising start to his season, achieving multiple top-10 finishes and even a podium in Monaco before his injury. While he has been unable to race, he has continued to attend events and analyze data. The team is cautious about his return, prioritizing his long-term health over a quick comeback. In the meantime, Lawson has performed well, finishing in the points during his races, while Verstappen has showcased the car's potential with two podium finishes.
Formula1.comThu 17 Sep · 15:07 UTC
via gpfans.comMartin Brundle claims he would AXE Fernando Alonso from Aston MartinMartin Brundle has expressed that Aston Martin should consider moving on from Fernando Alonso, who is currently weighing his options regarding retirement or continuing for another season. Despite hopes for a competitive 2026 season following chassis upgrades and the signing of Adrian Newey, the team has struggled with performance, sitting at the bottom of the Constructors' standings with only three points.
While Aston Martin is not pressuring Alonso for a quick decision, Brundle believes the team should focus on rebuilding with younger drivers. Team ambassador Pedro De La Rosa acknowledges the existence of a backup plan should Alonso retire but emphasizes the importance of allowing him time to decide. Alonso's recent performance at the Dutch Grand Prix showcased his abilities, but the team's future direction remains uncertain.gpfans.comThu 17 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull praises Liam Lawson ahead of 2027 decisionRed Bull has commended Liam Lawson for his strong performances while substituting for the injured Isack Hadjar. Although Lawson may not race for Red Bull next year, he is expected to continue in Formula 1 beyond 2026.gpfans.comWed 16 Sep · 21:27 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURLaurent Mekies loves the ‘simple’ change he’s seen from Liam Lawson at Red Bull after 2025 disasterLaurent Mekies has expressed his approval of Liam Lawson's recent performances as he stepped in for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull. Lawson has shown significant improvement compared to his previous stint in 2025, achieving strong results in Zandvoort and Madrid, and finishing P6 in his latest race. This has helped Red Bull match their best points tally of the season, showcasing Lawson's capability in competitive machinery.
Mekies highlighted Lawson's calm demeanor and focus as key factors in his success, noting that he has simplified his approach to racing and team interaction. While there is speculation about Lawson's future with the team, Mekies refrained from confirming any potential changes, emphasizing Lawson's growth as a driver and his ability to handle the pressures of racing at a high level.f1oversteer.comWed 16 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell thought he was going to do a Michael Schumacher before Kimi Antonelli came alongGeorge Russell started the 2026 Formula 1 season strong, winning the opening race in Australia and outpacing Kimi Antonelli in qualifying. However, as the season progressed, Russell has only managed to secure one additional victory, while Antonelli has excelled, achieving eight wins and establishing a significant lead in the championship standings.
The situation has shifted dramatically for Russell, who initially drew comparisons to Michael Schumacher's early struggles at Ferrari. Despite Russell's early dominance over Antonelli, the rookie's impressive performance has left Russell facing the prospect of losing the championship to a teammate, a situation he had hoped to avoid. With discussions now focusing on Antonelli's potential coronation as champion, Russell's chances for the 2027 season remain uncertain.f1oversteer.comWed 16 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via AutosportBruising F1 2026 will not be the end for George Russell - Toto WolffToto Wolff expressed confidence in George Russell's ability to overcome a challenging 2026 Formula 1 season, where he currently trails teammate Kimi Antonelli by 81 points. Despite entering the season as a favorite, Russell has struggled against Antonelli, who has shown remarkable improvement in his sophomore year, winning consecutive races and solidifying his position as a title contender.
Wolff emphasized that Russell's past successes in various racing categories demonstrate his potential to become a champion. He acknowledged the psychological challenges Russell faces this season but believes that with the right support and mindset, Russell can bounce back and compete for titles in the future.
AutosportWed 16 Sep · 14:12 UTC
via PlanetF1Brundle and Rosberg in fresh disagreement over Fernando Alonso F1 futureIn September 2026, Martin Brundle proposed that Aston Martin should consider replacing Fernando Alonso with younger drivers as part of a team rebuild. This suggestion sparked a disagreement with Nico Rosberg, who defended Alonso's performance against teammate Lance Stroll, arguing that Alonso still outperforms Stroll consistently.
Alonso is contemplating his future in Formula 1, weighing options between continuing until 2027 or retiring after the current season. Despite the uncertainty, he has expressed a desire to stay with Aston Martin, emphasizing that his enjoyment of racing is his primary motivation, rather than the team's results.PlanetF1Wed 16 Sep · 11:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comNico Rosberg warns Kimi Antonelli of title pressureNico Rosberg has cautioned Kimi Antonelli that he could feel increasing pressure in his pursuit of the 2026 Formula 1 championship. Rosberg noted that upgrades from McLaren and Ferrari might challenge Antonelli's current dominance, which includes eight victories this season.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreWed 16 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar lengthy injury absence defended as Liam Lawson again waitsIsack Hadjar, a Red Bull driver, has been sidelined for three consecutive Grands Prix due to a wrist injury sustained during a boxing workout. The injury has led to Liam Lawson stepping in as his replacement during this period, raising concerns about Hadjar's recovery and Lawson's uncertain future role in upcoming races.
Nico Rosberg has publicly defended Hadjar, highlighting the challenges of racing with a wrist injury. Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, reassured that Hadjar's recovery is on track, with plans to assess his readiness for a simulator test soon. Lawson expressed the psychological strain of not knowing which car he will drive in the next race.RacingNews365Wed 16 Sep · 08:15 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Yu Chu Chin · CC BY-SA 4.0Red Bull contracts imminent, Russell deal quietly doneSep.16 (GMM) Red Bull is expected to announce contract extensions in the coming days, according to Sky Deutschland presenter Peter Hardenacke, as uncertainty continues around several seats in the Red Bull driver pool. Hardenacke said he has learned that new deals are imminent, with Isack Hadjar the most obvious candidate after his strong season prior…newsonf1.comWed 16 Sep · 06:36 UTC
via PlanetF1Lawson makes Red Bull deadline claim ahead of big Baku decisionLiam Lawson is currently in a holding pattern regarding his participation in the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as his potential race seat depends on Isack Hadjar's recovery from a wrist injury. Hadjar has missed three races, and while Lawson has performed well in his absence, scoring points in two of his three races, the Red Bull team is cautious about rushing Hadjar back into the car. Team principal Laurent Mekies emphasized that Hadjar's recovery is progressing as planned, and they will take the necessary time to evaluate his fitness before making a decision.
Lawson has expressed the difficulties of preparing for two different cars, as he awaits clarity on whether he will race for Red Bull or Racing Bulls. He has noted that while he feels comfortable in the RB22, switching back to the VCARB03 would be challenging due to the differences between the two vehicles. Despite the uncertainty, Lawson remains optimistic about his performance and the speed of the Red Bull car, indicating that he has had positive experiences during his recent races.PlanetF1Tue 15 Sep · 18:01 UTC