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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.
+ 1 moreWed 16 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via F1iColapinto: Madrid ‘probably my best race weekend’ in F1Franco Colapinto described his performance at the Spanish Grand Prix as his best race weekend in Formula 1, highlighting a strong qualifying session and a solid race that culminated in a seventh-place finish. He noted that everything fell into place, allowing him to maximize his performance and secure points for Alpine, especially after a previous points-scoring race in Italy.
Colapinto attributed part of his success to learning from his teammate Pierre Gasly, particularly during qualifying. He felt a strong connection with the car and emphasized the importance of continuous improvement as he looks forward to upcoming races, including the next event in Baku.
Wed 16 Sep · 09:33 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 clash avoided but can Lando Norris or Max Verstappen race at Le Mans 2027?The 2027 Formula 1 calendar allows for a potential participation of F1 drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in the Le Mans 24 Hours, as there are no direct schedule clashes. However, the Le Mans test day on June 6 coincides with the Monaco Grand Prix, posing a significant challenge for drivers who need to complete mandatory laps to qualify for the race.
Despite the logistical hurdles, there are pathways for F1 drivers to participate, such as applying for exemptions from the test day. Teams must also consider how to accommodate additional drivers in their line-ups, which could involve adding a third car, a complex decision given the current operational constraints and commitments of teams like McLaren and Ford.
Wed 16 Sep · 09:18 UTC
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull addresses complex issue with Max Verstappen's carRed Bull Racing has acknowledged a 'complex' issue affecting Max Verstappen's RB22 as they work to resolve it. Team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that the situation poses a risk of a winless season for the team in 2026.
Wed 16 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via espn.comVerstappen on Max vs 100: 'Embarrassing' to loseMax Verstappen is set to compete in an event called 'Max vs 100' at Silverstone, where he will race against 100 go-karters. The competitors will come from various backgrounds, including Red Bull athletes and fans, all driving identical karts to ensure fairness. Verstappen will start at the back of the grid and aims to overtake all participants within 30 laps, with those overtaken being eliminated from the race.
Despite not having driven a go-kart since 2016, Verstappen is confident in his skills and preparation for the event. He acknowledges the challenge of racing against so many competitors but believes his extensive background in racing will give him an advantage. Verstappen has expressed that it would be embarrassing if he were to lose to the amateurs, emphasizing the importance of the event to him.
Wed 16 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via the-race.comAndrea Stella calls for review of VSC rulesMcLaren team boss Andrea Stella has suggested that Formula 1 should consider revising the Virtual Safety Car procedures. His comments follow Lando Norris's unfortunate timing during the Spanish Grand Prix, which raised questions about the fairness of the current rules.
+ 1 moreWed 16 Sep · 07:38 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen's 'GP' replacement confirmed as new race engineer to take over at Red BullMax Verstappen's long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, is set to leave Red Bull Racing for McLaren by 2028. In preparation for this transition, Tom Hart has been confirmed as Verstappen's new race engineer, taking over for Lambiase. Hart is expected to debut in this role during three races in the 2026 season, including the US Grand Prix and the Las Vegas Grand Prix. He had previously been close to leaving Red Bull for a position at Williams but was retained by the team after intervention from team principal Laurent Mekies.
In addition to Hart's appointment, Red Bull has also secured Tom McCullough as their new Head of Racing, who will join from Aston Martin in 2027. The timing of Lambiase's transition to McLaren is still being finalized, with reports indicating that McLaren CEO Zak Brown is working to establish a definitive start date to avoid a lengthy gardening leave for Lambiase.
Wed 16 Sep · 07:14 UTCRed 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…
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies disagrees with Max Verstappen’s verdict on the Madring after Spanish Grand PrixThe Madring circuit received significant criticism during its inaugural Spanish Grand Prix, with many drivers expressing concerns about its layout and overtaking opportunities. Max Verstappen labeled the track a 'car killer' and noted the challenges it posed, while Nico Rosberg highlighted the lack of exciting racing. Despite these issues, Liam Lawson managed to execute a notable overtaking maneuver, but the race was largely seen as uneventful, with Kimi Antonelli taking the victory ahead of Verstappen.
In contrast to Verstappen's negative view, Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, expressed optimism about the Madring's potential to become an iconic race in Formula 1. He commended the event's organization and the circuit's diverse layout, suggesting that it has the elements necessary for a memorable race. Mekies believes that with further improvements, the Madring could evolve into a significant venue in the F1 calendar.Tue 15 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris makes major car swap as Max Verstappen title requirement revealed - RacingNews365Lando Norris has recently tested McLaren's new hypercar, which is scheduled to compete in the World Endurance Championship starting next year. This marks a significant step for McLaren as they expand their racing portfolio beyond Formula 1.
In related news, Toto Wolff has outlined what he believes Max Verstappen will require to contend for the championship in 2027, likely against Kimi Antonelli. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton's title aspirations have dwindled significantly, with his points gap increasing to 101 after a challenging series of races.
Tue 15 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton Spanish GP DNF update; Hamilton’s defiant message; Norris criticised – roundupLewis Hamilton experienced a retirement during the Spanish Grand Prix due to brake problems with his Ferrari. Team principal Fred Vasseur provided insights into the situation, explaining that the team attempted to resolve the issue before ultimately instructing Hamilton to retire from the race. This DNF could significantly affect Hamilton's aspirations for a record eighth world championship title in 2026.
In the aftermath, Hamilton took to social media to express his determination and look ahead to the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Lando Norris drew criticism for his choice of beverage, Coca-Cola, in the cooldown room, which is against Formula 1's sponsorship rules. Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner labeled Norris's actions as 'unprofessional,' highlighting the ongoing discussions surrounding team conduct and sponsorship agreements.
Tue 15 Sep · 18:59 UTC
via gpfans.comNorris nightmare as ex Magui Corceiro watches Spanish Grand Prix debacleLando Norris experienced a challenging race at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he started as the fastest driver but was ultimately affected by a poorly timed virtual safety car. This incident allowed Kimi Antonelli to take the victory, while Norris managed to secure a third-place finish, which was not the outcome he had hoped for. His ex-girlfriend, Margarida 'Magui' Corceiro, was present at the event, adding to the pressure of the situation for Norris.
Corceiro, who attended the race as a VIP guest of TAG Heuer, had previously been a regular presence at Norris's races during their relationship. Since their breakup, Norris has publicly stated he is single, while Corceiro has been rumored to be dating NFL player Braxton Berrios. Despite the disappointment of not winning, Norris's podium finish still reflects his competitive performance in the ongoing season.Tue 15 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen urged to fight back in controversial Madrid decision verdictDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen's decision to relinquish two positions to Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton has sparked debate among fans, with a slight majority believing it was a mistake. The incident occurred on the first lap when Verstappen avoided a collision with Hamilton, leading to Red Bull's instruction to give back the positions to prevent a potential penalty from the stewards.
The race took a turn when a virtual safety car was triggered by Lance Stroll's brake failure, which affected Lando Norris's pit strategy. Norris, who was leading, could not pit in time and ultimately lost the race to Antonelli, while Verstappen capitalized on the situation to finish second. The outcome raises questions about whether Verstappen's early decision to give up positions was the right call, especially considering Hamilton's subsequent retirement.Tue 15 Sep · 15:20 UTC
via Formula1.comWho impressed our Power Rankings judges in Madrid?The Spanish Grand Prix saw Kimi Antonelli take victory after a strategic advantage during a Virtual Safety Car, which hindered Lando Norris's chances of winning. Despite leading early in the race, Norris had to settle for third place, while Max Verstappen capitalized on the situation to finish second, marking a solid performance for Red Bull. Franco Colapinto and Nico Hulkenberg also had notable finishes, with Colapinto achieving seventh and Hulkenberg rounding out the top ten.
The race was challenging for several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, who retired due to brake issues after showing promise in practice. Esteban Ocon managed to improve from a difficult mid-season, finishing just outside the points. Liam Lawson, filling in for Isack Hadjar, delivered his best result in sixth place. Overall, the weekend showcased a mix of strategic plays and driver performances that shaped the latest Power Rankings.
Tue 15 Sep · 15:19 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris lost Madring F1 win because of impossible overtaking – McLarenLando Norris faced challenges in securing a victory at the Spanish Grand Prix due to difficulties in overtaking at the Madring circuit. Despite starting from pole and initially leading the race, Norris lost crucial time during a pit stop caused by a virtual safety car, which left him unable to close the gap to the leaders. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella highlighted that the slow pit stop did not significantly impact the race outcome, as overtaking proved to be nearly impossible on the track.
The Madring circuit recorded only 10 overtakes during the race, the lowest number for the 2026 season, raising concerns about its design. Stella pointed out that the narrowness of Turn 5 made it particularly difficult for drivers to attempt overtakes, suggesting that modifications may be necessary to enhance racing opportunities in future events. Norris's pace advantage was evident, but without the ability to overtake, he could not regain his lead.Tue 15 Sep · 14:37 UTC
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff reveals Max Verstappen need for 2027 F1 title tiltToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has outlined what Max Verstappen requires to compete for the championship in 2027. Currently, Verstappen is positioned sixth in the drivers' standings, significantly trailing Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship. Wolff noted that while Verstappen is an exceptional driver, he needs a top-performing car and engine to be a contender for the title.
Wolff also addressed the impressive performance of Antonelli, who has secured eight wins this season, including notable victories in Japan and Monza. However, he cautioned against drawing direct comparisons between Antonelli and Verstappen, emphasizing the difference in experience and achievements between the two drivers. Wolff's comments highlight the importance of machinery in determining championship outcomes.Tue 15 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via racer.comCan driver opinions fix the Madring? It's not that straightforwardGeorge Russell has expressed the need for modifications to the Madring circuit following a race that showcased minimal overtaking. He highlighted Turn 5 as a critical area that restricts passing opportunities, emphasizing that the tight layout of the circuit limits drivers' ability to make moves. Russell, who is also a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, acknowledged the challenge of collecting driver feedback due to their demanding schedules.
In the race, Russell finished fifth after making two pit stops, a strategy he believes would not have changed his position due to the lack of overtaking chances. He described the performance of his car as strong, despite the disappointing result, and compared the circuit's qualifying significance to that of Monaco. Russell's comments underline the ongoing discussions about enhancing the racing experience at new circuits.
via Sky Sports F1'It's hard to understand' - what now for Russell amid Antonelli 'pain'?George Russell is currently facing a significant challenge in the Formula 1 season, trailing Kimi Antonelli by 81 points in the championship standings. After a disappointing performance at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished fifth, Russell acknowledged that his chances of winning the drivers' title are slim. He has struggled to keep pace with Antonelli, having only outperformed him in two of their last ten races. Nico Rosberg commented on Russell's motivation, suggesting that the pain of losing is driving him to improve.
Despite the setbacks, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remains optimistic about Russell's potential to bounce back. He noted that Russell has shown flashes of speed, particularly towards the end of recent races, and emphasized the need to analyze and unlock the performance of the W17 car. With nine races left in the season, Russell aims to focus on improving his results and supporting the team in the constructors' championship, even as he comes to terms with his current position in the drivers' standings.
Tue 15 Sep · 13:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies reveals what Max Verstappen ‘always’ said during Red Bull contract meetingsMax Verstappen has officially extended his contract with Red Bull Racing until 2030, surprising many as he had previously considered options with McLaren and Mercedes. His earlier contract was set to end in 2028, but he had a clause that could have allowed him to leave after the 2026 season. Despite Red Bull's struggles this season, where Verstappen is currently sixth in the standings, he expressed a strong desire to remain with the team during negotiations, according to team principal Laurent Mekies.
Mekies emphasized that Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull was clear from the start of their discussions. While Verstappen was evaluating his options, including the possibility of retirement due to dissatisfaction with the 2026 regulations, he ultimately chose to stay with Red Bull. Mekies acknowledged the responsibility the team has to provide Verstappen with a competitive car, as his main goal remains to win races and championships.Tue 15 Sep · 12:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes explains George Russell’s two-stop strategy in F1 Spanish GPMercedes has explained the rationale behind George Russell's decision to pit during the virtual safety car at the Spanish Grand Prix. Russell, starting on hard tyres, was the only top driver to deviate from a one-stop strategy. The timing of the VSC, which occurred at the end of lap 14, was particularly challenging for him, as it allowed other drivers on softer tyres to benefit while he was forced to adapt his strategy. Russell's pit stop was aimed at gaining an advantage over Leclerc, who was leading the race on hard tyres.
Despite the strategic move, Russell finished in P5, significantly behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli. He managed to set the fastest lap but acknowledged that overtaking was extremely difficult on the Madring track. After the race, Russell expressed his pragmatic view on the situation, indicating that regardless of the strategy employed, his finishing position was likely predetermined due to the race's circumstances.Tue 15 Sep · 11:37 UTCPage 12 of 54
