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via gpfans.comMax Verstappen frustrated with Red Bull after MonzaMax Verstappen experienced dissatisfaction following the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He reported encountering a problem during qualifying that affected his performance, resulting in a sixth-place starting position.
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri warning as Ferrari pressed on Hamilton, Leclerc team orders decisionFerrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, acknowledged the possibility of prioritizing Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc as the 2026 season progresses. He referenced Oscar Piastri's struggles in 2025 to illustrate the complexities of making such decisions early in the season. The recent Italian Grand Prix saw Hamilton finishing sixth and Leclerc retiring due to a crash, while Kimi Antonelli celebrated a historic victory for Italy at Monza.
Currently, Hamilton leads Leclerc by 36 points in the drivers' championship, but Antonelli has a commanding 76-point lead over Hamilton. Vasseur highlighted the challenges of team orders, comparing Ferrari's situation to McLaren's management of their drivers. He noted that while allowing drivers to race freely is ideal, strategic decisions may become necessary as the season unfolds.
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli makes F1 history as Ferrari falter at Monza - Italian GP winners and losersThe 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza was marked by Kimi Antonelli's remarkable comeback from 19th on the grid to victory, making him the first Italian winner at the venue in six decades. His win came after a late pass on teammate George Russell, extending his championship lead to 66 points. Mercedes also celebrated a successful race, achieving a one-two finish for the first time this season, while Pierre Gasly impressed with his first pole position despite finishing seventh in the race.
Conversely, the race was disastrous for Ferrari, as Charles Leclerc crashed out early, and the team struggled with unclear team orders. Aston Martin faced a tough outing as both drivers failed to score points, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll retiring from the race. The event highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the teams, with Antonelli's victory overshadowing Ferrari's home race misfortunes.
via gpfans.comKimi Raikkonen in Red Bull garage as F1 team eye driver signing for the futureKimi Raikkonen, the 2007 Formula 1 world champion, was spotted in the Red Bull garage during the Italian Grand Prix, sparking speculation about a potential driver signing. While Raikkonen himself is not returning to racing, reports indicate that Red Bull is looking to sign his son, Robin Raikkonen, to their junior program, which has a history of developing successful drivers in the sport.
At 46 years old, Kimi Raikkonen retired from F1 in 2021 after a notable career. The presence of Raikkonen in the Red Bull garage, where he was seen conversing with team principal Laurent Mekies, has fueled rumors about his son's upcoming signing, with an official announcement anticipated shortly.
via f1technical.netMercedes are aware that they "are out of sync with our rivals in terms of updates"Mercedes produced a remarkable one-two finish at Monza, with Kimi Antonelli completing an extraordinary recovery from 19th on the grid to claim victory at his home Italian Grand Prix.
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli's win prompts Ferrari team orders debateKimi Antonelli's impressive victory at the Italian Grand Prix has raised questions for Ferrari regarding team orders. The team's strategy moving forward, particularly in relation to their drivers, is under scrutiny as they prepare for upcoming races.
via CrashGeorge Russell reacts to being booed on Monza F1 podium after Italian GPGeorge Russell faced a hostile reception from the Monza crowd as he received boos on the podium after finishing second in the Italian Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli, who started the race in 19th place due to an engine penalty, made a remarkable comeback to secure victory, aided by strategic pit stops and fresh tyres. The race saw intense competition between the two drivers, culminating in a thrilling battle for the lead.
Despite the crowd's reaction, Russell remained gracious, congratulating Antonelli on his impressive win. He acknowledged the challenges he faced with tyre management throughout the race and noted that he is now 66 points behind Antonelli in the championship standings, with ten races remaining in the season. Russell's response to the boos highlighted his understanding of the passionate support for local drivers in their home country.
via RacingNews365George Russell strikes defiant tone after 'real tough' spellGeorge Russell experienced a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix, finishing second after leading for most of the event. Kimi Antonelli, who started from 19th due to a power unit penalty, made a remarkable comeback to win the race, overtaking Russell in the final laps after taking advantage of a Virtual Safety Car for fresh tires. Russell praised Antonelli's performance and acknowledged the difficulties he faced during the race, particularly in breaking the slipstream of other cars.
Despite the disappointment of not winning, Russell reflected positively on his recent performances since the summer break. He had a tough stretch before the break, scoring only six points in two races, but has since shown improvement, including a sprint race win and a podium finish in the Dutch Grand Prix. Russell is focusing on the positives and feels more competitive now compared to earlier in the season.
via Motorsport WeekMotorsport Week’s 2026 F1 Italian GP Driver RatingsThe 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza saw Andrea Kimi Antonelli achieve a remarkable victory, starting from 19th on the grid and becoming the first Italian winner at the venue in six decades. His win was aided by a strategic call from Mercedes, allowing him to capitalize on a red flag incident and a virtual safety car to secure his position at the front of the race. This victory extended his championship lead to 66 points over teammate George Russell, who finished second after starting from the front row.
Max Verstappen completed the podium in third place, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from McLaren finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Liam Lawson struggled with an engine penalty and finished 14th, while Lewis Hamilton, despite starting in the top four, ended up in sixth after a challenging race. Charles Leclerc's race ended prematurely due to a collision, marking a disappointing outing for Ferrari at their home Grand Prix.
via Sky Sports F1Brundle's verdict on Antonelli fairytale, 'bruised' Russell and Ferrari 'skirmish'The Italian Grand Prix featured a remarkable performance by Kimi Antonelli, who surged from 19th on the grid to claim victory just 18 laps later. The race was marked by intense overtaking and strategic battles, particularly between Mercedes teammates George Russell and Antonelli. Russell initially led the race but faced challenges after a virtual safety car, which allowed Antonelli to close the gap significantly.
Charles Leclerc's race ended prematurely due to a crash that brought out a red flag, while his earlier incident with Lewis Hamilton was classified as a racing incident. The race showcased the competitive nature of the 2026 season, with Antonelli's win being a highlight for both him and the Italian fans.
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen’s Italian Grand Prix radio highlights a brutal reality of working at Red BullMax Verstappen's performance at the Italian Grand Prix highlighted both his competitive nature and the challenges he faces with Red Bull this season. Despite securing a podium finish, he remains frustrated with the lack of race wins and has openly critiqued the team's car performance, particularly the rear issues during the race. This has raised concerns about the impact of his comments on team morale, especially after a difficult race weekend.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged Verstappen's efforts but also faced the challenge of balancing praise with the need for constructive feedback. The article suggests that while Verstappen's drive for excellence is commendable, he may need to adjust his approach to maintain a positive atmosphere within the team, especially as he looks to lead Red Bull in the future.
via grandprix.comRussell accepts Antonelli now controls title fightGeorge Russell acknowledged that Kimi Antonelli is in control of the championship after Antonelli's impressive victory at Monza, which extended his lead to 66 points. Russell has shifted his focus from the title chase to winning races individually, indicating a change in his competitive mindset following the recent results.
Despite the significant gap, Antonelli remains cautious, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the season and the importance of seizing every opportunity. The dynamics within the Mercedes team are shifting, with discussions about team roles becoming more prominent as the season progresses.
via f1technical.netVerstappen opens up on deployment issues during his battle with Mercedes-powered carsMax Verstappen praised Red Bull’s recovery at Monza after fighting his way to third place in the Italian Grand Prix, despite admitting that the RB22 remained at a significant disadvantage to its Mercedes-powered rivals on the straights.
via f1technical.netMekies praises Red Bull's progress at Italian Grand PrixRed Bull Racing acknowledged improvements in their race pace during the Italian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen secured a podium finish. However, the team continues to face difficulties in competing with Mercedes.
via thejudge13.comTension clearly rising between the Ferrari F1 teammatesThe Italian Grand Prix saw Kimi Antonelli make history with his victory, but Ferrari's performance was disappointing, particularly with their new engine upgrade failing to compete with Mercedes. Tensions between teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were evident, especially after an incident at Turn 1 that resulted in Hamilton dropping positions and expressing frustration over team dynamics. Vasseur's post-race demeanor suggested concern over the team's future direction and strategy decisions.
Hamilton has been vocal about wanting priority within the team, especially as he aims for a championship challenge, but Leclerc's recent contract extension complicates this narrative. The article highlights the ongoing struggles within Ferrari and the potential for internal conflict as both drivers navigate their competitive relationship amidst a challenging season.
via f1oversteer.comAndrea Stella says Kimi Antonelli’s Italian Grand Prix win shows F1 has become ‘too easy’Kimi Antonelli achieved a remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix, starting from 19th place due to an engine penalty. This win places him among a select group of drivers who have won from outside the top 18, showcasing the strength of the Mercedes team as he quickly moved up the ranks during the race. His teammate, George Russell, was also in contention for the lead early on, highlighting the competitive nature of the event.
Andrea Stella, the McLaren team principal, acknowledged Antonelli's achievement but raised concerns about the ease of overtaking at Monza with the current generation of cars. Despite McLaren's recent successes, they faced challenges on this power track, finishing behind the Mercedes drivers. The race dynamics were intense, particularly among the top teams, and it had significant implications for the championship standings.
via RacingNews365Red Bull set 'ultimate speed' target after Max Verstappen heroicsMax Verstappen showcased his driving skills during the Italian Grand Prix, starting from fifth and finishing third despite facing challenges. His performance included impressive overtakes, although he ultimately could not match the pace of Mercedes, who had a clear advantage throughout the race. Kimi Antonelli's remarkable victory from 19th position highlighted the competitive nature of the event.
Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, expressed admiration for Verstappen's efforts and emphasized the need for the team to achieve 'ultimate speed' to enhance their overall performance. He noted that while they were strong enough to outperform Ferrari and McLaren, there are still challenges to address in order to unlock further potential in their car's performance.
via RaceFansOvertake Mode meant others passed me like I was a “turtle”, says Verstappen | Formula 1Max Verstappen expressed frustration after the Italian Grand Prix, where he led for a short period but struggled to maintain his position due to the newly implemented Overtake Mode. This mode, introduced in 2026, allows drivers to access additional power when they are close to another car, but Verstappen noted that it hindered his ability to defend against competitors effectively.
The race highlighted the impact of Overtake Mode, particularly as the FIA had set energy harvest limits at their lowest for the fastest track on the calendar. Verstappen remarked that the Mercedes-powered cars had a significant advantage in electrical energy deployment, which contributed to his difficulties in keeping pace with them.
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Max Verstappen treated Kimi Antonelli like Michael Schumacher at MonzaAt the Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen secured third place while Kimi Antonelli made an impressive comeback from P19 to win the race. Antonelli's victory has significantly boosted his lead in the championship standings, now holding a 66-point advantage over George Russell. Verstappen's performance drew attention, particularly his racing dynamics with Antonelli and Russell, which Juan Pablo Montoya likened to the respect drivers showed Michael Schumacher in the past.
Montoya highlighted how Verstappen raced differently against Antonelli, suggesting that other drivers were more willing to yield to Antonelli's pace. This observation underscores the rising status of Antonelli in the competitive landscape of Formula 1, as he continues to impress with his rapid ascent through the field and his commanding lead in the championship.
via f1technical.netRussell claims it is "going to be exceptionally challenging to overcome that gap" ...George Russell described the Italian Grand Prix as a “great race” from a neutral perspective after finishing second behind Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli, while admitting that the decisive Virtual Safety Car ultimately changed the outcome.Page 17 of 49