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via CrashWinless for a year in F1 - what’s happened to former title contender Oscar Piastri?Oscar Piastri, a former title contender, has struggled significantly in the 2026 Formula 1 season, failing to secure a win since his last victory at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025. Despite McLaren's previous success, the team has faced challenges this season, including a lack of wins in the first ten races and performance discrepancies between Piastri and his teammate Lando Norris, who has achieved four podiums, including two wins.
Piastri's difficulties have been attributed to various factors, including a change in engine regulations that has affected his driving style and the overall performance of the car. Team principal Andrea Stella noted that Piastri's struggles are not solely due to his driving but also involve team-related issues and the car's handling characteristics. As McLaren continues to develop their car, there is hope that Piastri can regain his competitive edge.
Tue 1 Sep · 11:37 UTC
via gpfans.comLando Norris seeks salary increase to match top driversLando Norris has expressed a desire for a salary increase to match that of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. This statement comes shortly after he signed a new contract with McLaren.
+ 1 moreTue 1 Sep · 11:27 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen told he’s ‘not going to win’ despite showing something very rare this yearMax Verstappen is facing a challenging season in 2026, as he has yet to secure a victory, marking the first time since 2015 that he has gone winless. Despite achieving two second-place finishes, he is struggling with the performance of the Red Bull RB22, which has been plagued by grip and balance issues throughout the year.
Tom Coronel has expressed doubts about Verstappen's chances of winning this season, citing ongoing problems with the car and the need for Red Bull to upgrade their engine. As Verstappen continues to push the limits in a less competitive vehicle, he may need to rely on misfortunes of his rivals to have a chance at victory.
Tue 1 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via the-race.comWhat's gone wrong for this former F1 title contenderOscar Piastri, once a leading contender for the Formula 1 championship, has faced a challenging season, currently sitting 55 points behind his teammate Lando Norris. Despite a strong start last year, Piastri has not secured a victory since Zandvoort 2025 and has struggled with the current car's handling, particularly in low-grip conditions. His driving style has been compared unfavorably to Norris, who has adapted better to the new generation of cars.
Experts have debated Piastri's performance, noting that while he has had some strong moments, such as leading at Suzuka, he has also experienced significant gaps in pace compared to Norris. Piastri's early season was hindered by missing the first two races, and while he shows potential for improvement, there are concerns about his consistency and ability to adapt quickly to the evolving demands of Formula 1.
Tue 1 Sep · 09:10 UTC
via F1iAlbon demands Williams progress after 2026 ‘blip’Alex Albon has expressed his concerns regarding Williams' performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, highlighting the team's failure to score points in six consecutive races. He insists that the disappointing results should be viewed as a temporary setback and is calling for clear evidence of improvement in the upcoming 2027 season. Albon acknowledges the team's commitment to addressing its issues more seriously this year, which gives him hope for the future.
Despite the challenges faced with the FW48 car, Albon remains optimistic about Williams' potential, citing a history of progression in the team's operational performance. He stresses that simply returning to points-scoring positions is not enough; the team must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the problems that have arisen. Albon's message is clear: he wants 2027 to showcase the team's true capabilities and to prove that 2026 was merely an aberration.
Tue 1 Sep · 07:19 UTC
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli's 'driving tense' claim shows exactly why he's outperformed George Russell in 2026Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the leading driver in the 2026 Formula 1 championship, surpassing George Russell at Mercedes. His recent performances have led to team orders that favor him, highlighting a shift in the team's dynamics. Antonelli attributes his success to a relaxed approach to racing, emphasizing enjoyment over pressure, which he believes enhances his performance on the track.
In contrast, George Russell has struggled under the weight of expectations, finding himself tied for second in the standings with Lewis Hamilton. The article explores how Russell's eagerness to win may have negatively impacted his results this season, suggesting that his mindset differs significantly from Antonelli's, potentially affecting his championship aspirations.Tue 1 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell "has to win" Italian GP to keep F1 title hopes alive, says former driverFormer F1 driver Jolyon Palmer emphasized that George Russell needs to secure a victory at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix to maintain his chances for the 2026 championship. Following a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix where Lando Norris won, Russell is currently trailing his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who is leading the standings with 242 points.
Russell's situation is complicated by Antonelli's impending engine penalty, which could allow Russell to gain ground. However, Palmer noted that Russell's recent performance has been inconsistent, and he must deliver a strong race to capitalize on Antonelli's penalty. If Antonelli wins despite the penalty, it could significantly diminish Russell's title aspirations.
Mon 31 Aug · 18:43 UTC
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull to decide on Isack Hadjar's return at MonzaRed Bull Racing is nearing a decision regarding Isack Hadjar's participation in the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. Hadjar has been recovering from a wrist injury that kept him out of the previous race.
+ 1 moreMon 31 Aug · 17:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri prepared for 'different beast' battle in McLaren waiting gameOscar Piastri is gearing up for a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where McLaren will test if their recent strong performance can carry over to this high-speed circuit. His teammate, Lando Norris, has recently achieved notable success, winning two races, but Piastri is aware that Monza presents a different set of challenges due to its unique characteristics compared to previous tracks.
Piastri has been struggling with the pace of his car, particularly noting difficulties with the rear during races. Despite feeling more confident in qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix, he has experienced inconsistencies throughout the season, with some races leaving him significantly behind the competition. The upcoming race will be a critical test for McLaren's performance and Piastri's ability to adapt to the demands of Monza.
Mon 31 Aug · 17:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comA year without a win – The ugly statistics of Oscar Piastri's 2026 F1 seasonOscar Piastri has not secured a victory in Formula 1 since his win at the Dutch Grand Prix in August 2025. Despite starting the 2026 season with high hopes, he has faced numerous challenges, including power unit issues that prevented him from competing in Australia and China. His teammate, Lando Norris, has consistently outperformed him, winning several races and achieving a significant lead in qualifying statistics.
Piastri's struggles are attributed to difficulties with the McLaren MCL40's rear axle and his driving style, which has not adapted well to low-grip conditions. While recent upgrades have improved McLaren's competitiveness, Piastri continues to face issues with tire degradation and overall performance in races. His comments indicate a desire for better balance and downforce, highlighting the ongoing challenges he faces in the 2026 season.Mon 31 Aug · 15:06 UTC
via Motorsport.comJenson Button compares Alonso to SchumacherJenson Button has drawn parallels between racing against Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher. In his latest journal entry, Button expressed admiration for Alonso's standout abilities in Formula 1.+ 1 moreMon 31 Aug · 14:20 UTC
via thejudge13.comIs Oscar Piastri at Risk at McLaren? Why the Aussie’s Pace Has DisappearedOscar Piastri's performance has significantly declined in the 2026 Formula 1 season compared to his successful 2025 campaign, where he won the Dutch Grand Prix. Despite a strong start, he has struggled with qualifying and race pace, leading to a notable points deficit against his teammate Lando Norris, who has excelled in recent races. Team principal Andrea Stella has attributed Piastri's difficulties to technical challenges rather than psychological issues, highlighting the need for him to adapt to the new low-grip car conditions introduced this season.
The article discusses the impact of the 2026 regulation changes, which have reduced downforce and altered car dynamics. Piastri's inability to perform well in low-grip situations raises concerns about his future in Formula 1, as these conditions are common in the sport. With only four podiums since his last win and a concerning average race result, the pressure is on Piastri to recalibrate his driving style to regain competitiveness.
Mon 31 Aug · 13:35 UTC
via Formula1.comVowles praises Sainz and Albon for 2027 commitmentWilliams team principal James Vowles has expressed relief over Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon's commitment to the team through 2027. Vowles previously had concerns about potentially losing both drivers, highlighting their importance to the team's future.
+ 1 moreMon 31 Aug · 13:22 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri just got clear evidence that Lando Norris is slowly becoming McLaren’s Max VerstappenLando Norris has officially extended his contract with McLaren until 2030, solidifying his long-term future with the team. This decision comes amidst speculation regarding the roles of both Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri, with concerns that Piastri's standing within the team may be affected by Norris's newfound leadership ambitions. Norris aims to leverage his influence to benefit the team, which could potentially position him as the primary driver at McLaren, similar to Max Verstappen's role at Red Bull.
As Norris takes on this leadership role, Piastri's future may be uncertain, given that his contract runs until 2028. The dynamics within the team could shift, with Norris's growing power possibly leading to Piastri being relegated to a supporting position. Piastri will need to evaluate how these changes impact his career aspirations in Formula 1 before making any decisions about his future with McLaren.Mon 31 Aug · 12:00 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell is building 'toolbox of experience' to re-engage after F1 title woesGeorge Russell is currently facing challenges in the 2026 Formula 1 season, trailing his teammate Kimi Antonelli by 59 points. Despite winning the opening race in Australia and a recent Sprint victory in the Netherlands, Russell has struggled with his driving style and technical issues, which have hindered his performance throughout the season. He acknowledges the need to adapt his approach to better align with the car's requirements and Antonelli's successful driving style.
Russell is optimistic about his future performance, believing that the experiences gained during this difficult season will contribute to his growth as a driver. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relaxed mindset and taking each race as it comes, rather than feeling pressured by the title race. This shift in mentality, along with his commitment to learning from past challenges, is part of his strategy to improve and potentially close the points gap in the remaining races.Mon 31 Aug · 11:50 UTC
via Formula1.comF1 NATION: Will Antonelli or Ferrari be home heroes at Monza?The upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza presents a unique challenge for drivers, particularly for Lando Norris, who is on a winning streak but faces a different track layout. Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, will be starting from a grid position lower than expected due to a penalty, complicating his pursuit of a seventh win this season. Meanwhile, Ferrari seeks to regain form after a disappointing two-race stretch without a podium finish, while Max Verstappen aims to bounce back at a track where he has previously excelled.
The F1 Nation podcast previews the race and discusses various topics, including Franco Colapinto's contract extension with Alpine. The hosts encourage fan engagement by inviting questions for future episodes, highlighting the community aspect of the sport as the excitement builds for the Monza race weekend.Mon 31 Aug · 11:25 UTC
via Motorsport WeekAlex Albon demands ‘a reaction’ from Williams amid F1 performance slumpAlex Albon has called for a significant response from Williams following a series of disappointing performances, particularly highlighted by their struggles at the Dutch Grand Prix. Despite Albon's efforts to progress to Q2, the team's overall performance has been lackluster, with Sainz finishing far behind the leaders and Albon retiring after a collision with his teammate. Both drivers have recently extended their contracts, but Albon's one-year deal indicates his desire for improvement before committing long-term.
Albon has emphasized the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of the team's approach to enhance their competitiveness. He has acknowledged the ongoing efforts by team principal James Vowles and the team to address these issues, but he insists that a multifaceted strategy is necessary for a turnaround. As the team heads into the Italian Grand Prix, they face mounting pressure to improve their performance on the track.Mon 31 Aug · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Mercedes name 'priority decision' key to Kimi Antonelli-George Russell team orderMercedes provided insights into their team orders during the Dutch Grand Prix, emphasizing the importance of allowing Kimi Antonelli to regain second place to enhance his chances of winning. George Russell, who was asked to cede his position, faced a negative impact on his championship points but ultimately complied with the team's strategy, which had been discussed in a pre-race meeting.
The decision was made to prioritize Antonelli's position, as the team believed it was crucial for their lead car to have the best opportunity to attack. Russell's performance in defending against the Ferraris was commendable, and the team concluded that maintaining Antonelli's position was the best course of action given the race dynamics.Mon 31 Aug · 08:10 UTC
via f1technical.netBrowning to drive Alex Albon’s Williams in Monza FP1Luke Browning, the reserve driver for Williams, will take over Alex Albon's FW48 during the first practice session at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. This marks Browning's second appearance in FP1 for the 2026 season and his sixth overall with the team. His previous experience with the FW48 at the Austrian Grand Prix will aid him in gathering valuable data to support Williams' development efforts during this session, which is part of the team's mandated rookie testing requirements for the season.
Browning, who is also racing full-time in Japan's Super Formula series, is focused on maximizing his experience in the FW48 to enhance his understanding of the car. The data collected during the Monza session will be crucial for Williams' simulator program and overall performance analysis. Browning's participation not only contributes to his own development as a potential future Formula 1 driver but also helps the team improve their understanding of the new-generation machinery.
Mon 31 Aug · 08:00 UTC
via PlanetF1What new Max Verstappen and Lando Norris contracts tell us about modern F1Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have both signed long-term contract extensions with their respective teams, McLaren and Red Bull, securing their positions until at least the end of 2030. This trend reflects a broader shift in the Formula 1 driver market, where teams are increasingly opting for stability through long-term agreements rather than short-term deals or risky signings of unproven drivers.
The rise of successful driver programs across teams has contributed to this stability, allowing teams to nurture talent from a young age and develop strong relationships with their drivers. This strategic approach not only enhances team performance but also ensures that drivers are well-prepared and aligned with team values, leading to a more cohesive and effective racing environment.
Mon 31 Aug · 07:46 UTCPage 30 of 54