George RussellKarun ChandhokNico Rosberg 
via RacingNews365Lando Norris rubbishes George Russell claim over 2026 F1 carsLando Norris has firmly rejected George Russell's assertion that certain driving styles are leading to better performances in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Norris emphasised that his ability to adapt to the new car's requirements is his true strength, rather than a specific driving style suiting the new chassis design.
The 2026 cars have shifted from a ground effects approach to a more traditional aerodynamic wing design, which has affected drivers differently. While Lewis Hamilton has thrived under these changes, Russell and teammate Oscar Piastri have struggled, trailing significantly in points. Norris highlighted that the differences between the 2025 and 2026 cars are substantial, making it inaccurate to attribute success to driving style alone.
RacingNews365Wed 23 Sep · 05:25 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Ferrari set Baku target as Rosberg pinpoints team's repeat flawFerrari's recent performance has been disappointing, with only one podium finish in the last five races, which has hindered their championship aspirations. Team principal Frederic Vasseur highlighted the importance of executing race weekends effectively, especially ahead of the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where confidence and precision are crucial due to the challenging street circuit.
Nico Rosberg pointed out that Ferrari's pace is competitive, but their execution during races has consistently let them down. He noted that the team's strategy and communication issues remain significant weaknesses, which have prevented them from capitalising on their potential. With the Constructors' Championship slipping further away, Ferrari faces pressure to improve their performance in the remaining races.
Sky Sports F1Wed 23 Sep · 05:08 UTC
via PlanetF1Azerbaijan GP predictions: Leclerc no Antonelli, Russell desperation bites, rookie breakthroughThe Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set for this weekend, with George Russell needing a win to keep his championship hopes alive, as he trails Kimi Antonelli by 88 points. Russell's desperation may lead to risky driving, especially in the challenging Baku circuit, which has seen multiple crashes in previous years.
Charles Leclerc is likely to face a grid penalty due to engine issues, making a strong performance unlikely. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly is looking to replicate his previous pole position success, and rookie Arvid Lindblad is expected to perform well, potentially finishing in the top five.
PlanetF1Wed 23 Sep · 04:54 UTC
via CrashF1 team handed brutal 2026 “shocker” verdict by Nico RosbergNico Rosberg has expressed strong criticism of his former team, Williams, regarding their performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, describing it as a 'shocker'. He highlighted that the team has struggled significantly, currently sitting ninth in the constructors' standings with only 11 points, attributing their woes to poor car development over the winter months.
Rosberg pointed out that Williams' car is overweight, which has severely impacted their lap times. Despite having a competitive Mercedes engine, the team is facing uphill challenges. He also mentioned the difficulties faced by team principal James Vowles, whose future is now in question as the team attempts to recover from a disappointing season after a strong performance in 2025.
CrashTue 22 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Toto Wolff comments on George Russell's 2026 strugglesToto Wolff has acknowledged George Russell's difficulties in matching his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Russell's performance has raised questions about his title aspirations as he continues to adapt to the competitive landscape.PlanetF1+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 13:03 UTC
via PlanetF1Nico Rosberg pinpoints Williams mistake that has haunted the team all seasonNico Rosberg has highlighted that Williams' ambition with the FW48 has backfired, resulting in an overweight car that has hindered their performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Despite entering the season with high hopes after a strong 2025, the team has struggled significantly, managing only 11 points in 14 races and currently sitting ninth in the Constructors' Championship.
Team principal James Vowles has acknowledged that the updates planned for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will not bring the car to the level needed to consistently score points. Rosberg pointed out that the mistakes made during the winter development phase have had lasting effects, and he believes the team must work hard to recover and improve their standing in the championship.PlanetF1Mon 21 Sep · 09:39 UTC
via CrashNico Rosberg advises Kimi Antonelli on title challengeNico Rosberg has warned Kimi Antonelli that his own mindset could be his greatest challenge in the pursuit of the 2026 Formula 1 title. Rosberg, a former champion, shared insights based on his own experiences in the sport.Crash+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 08:31 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris predicted to overtake George Russell in 2026 F1 standingsGuenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, has expressed confidence that Lando Norris will surpass George Russell in the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' championship standings. Currently, Norris sits in fourth place with 186 points, while Russell holds second with 211 points, and Kimi Antonelli leads the championship with 292 points.
Norris has recently experienced a surge in performance, winning consecutive races at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix. Following these victories, he emphasized the improvements within the McLaren team and his belief in their potential to compete for the championship. Norris remains optimistic about the team's ability to enhance their car and maintain their momentum as the season progresses.
Motorsport.comSun 20 Sep · 21:11 UTC
via Motorsport WeekPaddock insider reveals Lewis Hamilton’s ‘psychological war’ on Nico RosbergOtmar Szafnauer has disclosed the psychological tactics Lewis Hamilton employed against his former Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg during their intense rivalry. Szafnauer recounted how Hamilton would hide Rosberg's football, which the German used to prepare for races, as a way to disrupt his focus and rhythm.
Additionally, Szafnauer noted that Hamilton's mind games were reminiscent of those used by Michael Schumacher, who also aimed to unsettle Rosberg during their time together. Despite Hamilton's tactics, Rosberg ultimately triumphed by winning the 2016 drivers' championship before announcing his retirement from Formula 1.
Motorsport WeekSun 20 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via PlanetF1George Russell ‘on the ropes’ as pundits weigh in on ‘painful’ Mercedes realityGeorge Russell is experiencing a challenging season in Formula 1, currently trailing his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. Despite securing two grand prix victories, Antonelli has dominated with eight wins and holds an 81-point lead. Russell has openly admitted that Antonelli has performed better this year, a stark contrast to last season when he outscored Antonelli significantly. This shift in momentum has raised concerns about Russell's championship prospects.
Former drivers David Coulthard and Nico Rosberg have weighed in on Russell's situation, commending his attitude and acknowledgment of Antonelli's performance. Coulthard noted that Russell is handling the pressure well, while Rosberg highlighted the psychological challenges Russell faces as he questions his own abilities. The 2026 season has seen notable changes in driver performances, with several drivers experiencing swings in their standings compared to the previous year.PlanetF1Sun 20 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli shows no signs of championship pressureMercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli is demonstrating confidence as he approaches his first championship title, according to former driver Jolyon Palmer. David Coulthard also commended George Russell for acknowledging Antonelli's strong performance in the current season.Motorsport.comSat 19 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen left furious after multiple George Russell clashes - ThrowbackDuring the 2023 Azerbaijan sprint race, tensions flared between Max Verstappen and George Russell when they collided at the start. Russell attempted to overtake Verstappen but lost control due to understeer, damaging Verstappen's car significantly. Despite the incident, race control deemed it a racing incident, resulting in no penalties for either driver. Verstappen managed to recover and finish third in the sprint race, while Russell ended up in eighth place in the main race despite setting the fastest lap.
After the sprint, Verstappen confronted Russell in parc fermé, expressing his frustration over the collision. Russell defended his actions, stating he had no grip, while Verstappen insisted that drivers need to leave space. Their heated exchange highlighted the competitive nature of the sport, with Verstappen's sarcastic radio message following his successful pass at the restart further emphasizing the tension between the two drivers.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 12:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff confirms 'unlock' needed to baffling George Russell mysteryToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has acknowledged that the team is puzzled by George Russell's inconsistent performance compared to teammate Kimi Antonelli. Despite a strong start to the season, Russell has only managed to win two races, while Antonelli has dominated with eight victories, creating an 81-point gap between them. Wolff emphasized the need for analysis to understand the underlying issues affecting Russell's pace, particularly highlighted during the recent Spanish Grand Prix.
Russell himself has pointed out that the changes in car regulations have not suited his driving style, which relies on smoother inputs rather than the high-rotation techniques favored this season. He has conceded that the championship is out of reach for him this year, acknowledging Antonelli's deserving lead. Wolff noted that the imbalance in performance between drivers is a common challenge in the sport, and he aims to provide support and transparency to both drivers as they navigate the season.RacingNews365Sat 19 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via gpfans.comNico Rosberg reveals the Lance Stroll problem Aston Martin have with Fernando Alonso decisionNico Rosberg has pointed out a significant issue within Aston Martin's driver lineup, which features Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. The duo has been together for four seasons, with Alonso being the clear lead driver. However, the team is struggling this season, having only accumulated three points, which has raised concerns about their competitiveness. New team principal Adrian Newey and the switch to Honda as a power unit supplier have not yielded positive results so far, leading to calls for a revamp within the team.
Despite these challenges, Rosberg believes that the current pairing of Alonso and Stroll is acceptable for the time being. He noted that while Alonso consistently outperforms Stroll, the team faces a dilemma in finding a younger driver to partner with Alonso, as Stroll's position is secure due to his father's ownership of the team. Alonso's future remains uncertain as he is out of contract at the end of the season and has expressed thoughts about retirement, particularly in light of the team's performance and new regulations in Formula 1.
gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 20:44 UTC
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 RaceFansOn This Day: Crucial victory puts Rosberg back in the lead of 2016 title fight | BriefOn September 18, 2016, Nico Rosberg achieved a crucial victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, successfully fending off a strong challenge from Daniel Ricciardo. This win was pivotal as it allowed Rosberg to reclaim the lead in the championship standings from his Mercedes teammate, Lewis Hamilton, who had been ahead prior to the race.
Rosberg's performance in Singapore was instrumental in his title campaign, as he managed to hold onto the championship lead for the remainder of the season. Ultimately, this victory set the stage for Rosberg to clinch the 2016 Formula 1 World Championship in the final race of the season.
RaceFansThu 17 Sep · 23:01 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