George RussellMax VerstappenOscar Piastri 
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 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 PlanetF1Yuki Tsunoda reflects on struggles at Red Bull in 2025Yuki Tsunoda has described his time as a Red Bull Formula 1 driver in 2025 as marked by significant challenges, admitting it was the 'biggest mistake' of his career. He expressed confusion over the team's decisions and acknowledged that he was not enjoying his experience.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 10:25 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 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 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 espn.comI raced against Max Verstappen ... for 10 seconds: Inside the chaos of Max vs 100In the recent Max vs 100 event, Max Verstappen showcased his exceptional racing skills by starting from 89th position and swiftly overtaking 64 go-karters within the first lap. The challenge, held at Silverstone, required Verstappen to pass all 100 competitors in a 30-lap race, and he completed the task in just 35 minutes, demonstrating his dominance in the sport. Participants were eliminated as soon as Verstappen passed them, leading to a rapid conclusion for many, including ESPN's Nate Saunders, who only managed to stay ahead of Verstappen for about 10 seconds.
Verstappen's performance was marked by his strategic maneuvers and quick reflexes, allowing him to navigate through the chaos of the starting grid effectively. He even joked about the possibility of racing against 200 drivers in the future, highlighting his enjoyment of the event. Despite the lack of coordination among the other karters, Verstappen's instinctive driving style and experience allowed him to excel, leaving many participants in awe of his skill as he moved up the ranks with ease.
espn.comThu 17 Sep · 17:07 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen showed Kimi Antonelli he's a 'champion' with his gesture after epic Monza winKimi Antonelli has expressed admiration for Max Verstappen, highlighting his supportive nature and champion-like qualities both on and off the track. After Antonelli's recent victory at Monza, Verstappen took the time to congratulate him, showcasing a gesture of sportsmanship that Antonelli appreciates.f1oversteer.comThu 17 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen even surprised himself with karting challenge performanceMax Verstappen showcased his karting skills by completing the 'Max vs 100' challenge at Silverstone, where he raced against 100 amateur karters. Starting from the back, he managed to overtake all competitors in just 14 laps, taking a total of 37 minutes to finish the challenge. His impressive performance included overtaking 64 rivals in the first lap and 84 by the fifth lap, demonstrating his superior reaction speed compared to the other participants.
Verstappen expressed his surprise at how well he performed and praised the organization of the event, which included a mix of content creators and athletes. He has participated in various challenges since joining Red Bull in 2016 and hinted at the potential for even larger events in the future. The karting challenge exemplified Red Bull's creative approach to promotional events, allowing Verstappen to engage with fans and showcase his racing prowess.Motorsport.comThu 17 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via Formula1.comHow Verstappen won the ‘biggest race’ of his motorsport careerMax Verstappen showcased his karting skills at the 'Max vs 100' event held at Silverstone, where he faced a unique challenge of overtaking 100 competitors from the back of the grid. The race, which was billed as the world’s largest go-kart race, saw Verstappen make a remarkable comeback, moving from 101st to 1st place in just 35 minutes. His impressive performance included gaining 64 positions in the first lap alone, demonstrating his racing prowess and strategic driving.
After the race, Verstappen reflected on the experience, highlighting the joy of returning to karting after his Formula 1 career. He praised the organization of the event and expressed interest in potentially increasing the number of competitors in future races. Verstappen's victory not only added another trophy to his collection but also provided an entertaining spectacle for fans and participants alike.
Formula1.comThu 17 Sep · 08:36 UTC
via PlanetF1Ralf Schumacher’s blunt verdict on Max Verstappen’s furious Spanish GP outburstDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton engaged in a contentious battle for position on the opening lap. Verstappen attempted to overtake Hamilton but ended up going off-track, which led to a controversial situation where he was instructed by his team to give the position back to Hamilton. Despite his frustration, Verstappen complied and allowed both Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli to pass him, only to later regain his position against Hamilton before the latter's retirement due to brake failure.
Ralf Schumacher weighed in on the incident, acknowledging Verstappen's frustration but asserting that he did gain an advantage by leaving the track. Verstappen ultimately finished the race in second place, while Hamilton's retirement left him with a challenging situation in the championship standings. Verstappen currently sits sixth in the Drivers' Championship, significantly behind Antonelli.PlanetF1Thu 17 Sep · 08:28 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen wins chaotic Max vs 100 kart raceMax Verstappen secured victory in the Max vs 100 kart race, describing the first lap as 'carnage' as he navigated through 100 amateur karters at Silverstone. Despite initial concerns, Verstappen managed to triumph over the challenging conditions.
Crash+ 2 moreThu 17 Sep · 08:26 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Verstappen claims first race win of 2026 as series switch gets green lightMax Verstappen showcased an impressive performance by winning the 'Max vs 100' karting race at Silverstone, where he managed to overtake 100 competitors. This victory marks his first win of the 2026 season, highlighting his exceptional driving skills. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda reflected on a challenging 2025 season, where he finished 17th after being promoted to the Red Bull senior team.
In other news, the 2027 Formula 1 calendar has been confirmed, featuring 24 races and the introduction of sprint races, including one at Monaco. Additionally, Lando Norris has been involved in testing McLaren's new hypercar, and Isack Hadjar's return to Red Bull remains uncertain due to ongoing injury issues.gpfans.comThu 17 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via RacingNews3652027 F1 calendar revealed as Max Verstappen wins after Silverstone chaos - RacingNews365 ReviewThe 2027 Formula 1 calendar has been announced, showcasing a total of 24 races, including a record 10 Sprint events. This expansion aims to enhance the excitement and intensity of the racing season, as promised by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
In a related event, Max Verstappen triumphed in a chaotic karting race at Silverstone, competing against 100 other participants. Meanwhile, the Haas F1 team is finalizing its driver line-up for the upcoming season, and several top drivers, including Verstappen, Norris, and Alonso, have resolved a significant issue that could allow them to participate in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours.RacingNews365Wed 16 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comLIVE Max vs 100 Results: Times and positions as Verstappen takes on epic Silverstone challengeMax Verstappen is set to race against 100 challengers in a karting event called 'Max vs 100' at Silverstone, starting at 6 PM UK time. The four-time F1 world champion will begin from the last position and must overtake all his rivals over the course of 30 laps to win the race. Each participant, including Verstappen, will race identical karts, and the challengers have the advantage of using a shortcut in the early laps.
The event aims to showcase Verstappen's skills as he attempts to pass all 100 competitors, who include influencers, celebrities, and athletes. While Verstappen acknowledges the challenge, he is confident in his karting experience, having raced since he was four years old. The race promises to be an exciting spectacle for fans, with live updates available during the event.gpfans.comWed 16 Sep · 17:30 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 RacingNews365Max Verstappen predicts 'carnage' at unique Red Bull outingMax Verstappen is set to compete in a unique karting event organized by Red Bull at Silverstone, where he will face 100 other competitors. The race will feature 101 entries, and Verstappen will begin from the back of the grid, needing to overtake opponents to eliminate them from the race over the course of 30 laps.
Verstappen anticipates a chaotic race, describing it as potentially 'carnage' due to the high number of karts on the track. He plans to take the opportunity to revisit his karting roots, having not raced in karts for several years, and aims to learn the circuit and conditions as he competes.RacingNews365Wed 16 Sep · 13:20 UTC
via PlanetF1Untelevised Max Verstappen team radio emerges after Hamilton clashDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, an untelevised team radio exchange between Max Verstappen and his race engineer GianPiero Lambiase revealed that Hamilton was considered 'entitled' not to leave space for Verstappen during a near-collision. Lambiase emphasized that Verstappen needed to yield to Hamilton after he left the track to avoid a crash.
Verstappen ultimately complied with the team's instructions to let Hamilton back through, which also allowed Kimi Antonelli to pass. Despite the incident, Verstappen managed to secure a second-place finish, while Hamilton was forced to retire due to issues with his car.PlanetF1Wed 16 Sep · 13:10 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 grandprix.comMcLaren aims to help Piastri regain competitive edgeAndrea Stella stated that McLaren has a clear agenda to help Oscar Piastri unlock his potential as he adjusts to the 2026 car. Stella noted that improving Piastri's qualifying and execution is essential for him to close the performance gap to his teammate Lando Norris.grandprix.com+ 1 moreWed 16 Sep · 10:57 UTC