Helmut MarkoMax VerstappenRalf Schumacher 
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen has new race engineer at MonzaMax Verstappen was heard communicating with a new race engineer during the second practice session at the Italian Grand Prix. This change follows the confirmation of a successor to his previous engineer, Lambiase.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 18:23 UTC
via PlanetF1Is Liam Lawson the big winner of Helmut Marko’s Red Bull exit?Liam Lawson has found a silver lining in Helmut Marko's departure from Red Bull, as he no longer faces constant scrutiny from the former motorsport advisor. After a challenging start in 2023 and a brief stint with Red Bull Racing, Lawson has rebuilt his reputation and emerged as a preferred substitute driver for the team, recently scoring points at the Dutch Grand Prix.
As Lawson prepares for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, he will continue to drive the RB22 while Isack Hadjar recovers from injury. Guenther Steiner has noted that Lawson's confidence has improved without Marko's oversight, allowing him to focus on his performance and adapt to the car more effectively.PlanetF1Wed 2 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURRalf Schumacher says Lewis Hamilton’s rumoured contract extension shows F1 isn’t what it ‘used to be’Lewis Hamilton is rumored to have extended his contract with Ferrari for the 2027 season, which would mark his 21st consecutive year in Formula 1. At 42 years old, Hamilton remains competitive, currently tied on points with teammate George Russell and significantly behind Kimi Antonelli in the standings. Ralf Schumacher commented on the implications of Hamilton's longevity in the sport, suggesting that the evolving nature of F1 has made it less physically demanding for older drivers to compete effectively.
Schumacher's remarks highlight a broader trend in the sport, where drivers like Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg are also approaching or surpassing 40 years of age. He expressed concern that the current regulations, which emphasize battery and tire management, may diminish the sport's intensity and challenge, potentially affecting the development of younger talent in Formula 1.
f1oversteer.comWed 2 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURMax Verstappen linked with new series switch as F1 champion rumoured for Portugal raceMax Verstappen is set to return to racing outside of Formula 1 later this year, with speculation surrounding his participation in the GT3 World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup in Portugal from October 16-18. This follows his recent signing of a new contract with Red Bull and previous outings with his own team, Verstappen Racing, earlier in the season. The timing of the GT3 event aligns with an off weekend in the F1 calendar, allowing him the opportunity to compete without conflicting with his F1 commitments.
Currently, Verstappen is sixth in the F1 standings, significantly trailing the championship leader. His recent performance at the Dutch Grand Prix ended in a crash, contributing to his current point deficit. While there are rumors about potential drivers joining him for the GT3 race, including Alex Palou, no official confirmations have been made regarding the lineup.
gpfans.comWed 2 Sep · 16:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Helmut Marko reveals Max Verstappen fear after 'dangerous' accidentHelmut Marko shared his concerns following Max Verstappen's crash at the Dutch Grand Prix, where Verstappen lost control of his car on the opening lap. The incident left his car sideways on the track, posing a risk of collision with oncoming drivers, but fortunately, the field managed to avoid a serious accident thanks to Liam Lawson's quick reflexes.
Marko expressed relief after confirming Verstappen was stable and unharmed, as the driver reassured him with comments indicating he was okay. The crash was alarming and highlighted the potential dangers of racing, especially in high-speed situations like Zandvoort.
RacingNews365Wed 2 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff believes Kimi Antonelli is proving Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were right all alongKimi Antonelli, a promising young driver in Formula 1, has been making waves in the 2026 season, showcasing his talent with six wins and a strong lead in the standings. His selection by Toto Wolff to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes reflects the team's confidence in his abilities, despite a challenging rookie season where he finished seventh in the championship. Wolff acknowledges that both Hamilton and Max Verstappen recognized Antonelli's potential early on, which has now been validated by his impressive performance this year.
The 19-year-old has matured significantly since his debut, overcoming early struggles and adapting well to new regulations. With guidance from seasoned champions like Hamilton and Verstappen, Antonelli is focused on maintaining his momentum as he aims to become the youngest champion in F1 history and the first Italian to win the title in over seven decades.f1oversteer.comWed 2 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull confirm driver replacement for Italian Grand Prix as F1 star ruled out with injuryRed Bull Racing has announced that Liam Lawson will drive alongside Max Verstappen at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, as Isack Hadjar is still recovering from a wrist injury. Hadjar was initially thought to be on track for a quick return, but the team has decided to prioritize his health and safety by keeping him out of the race this weekend. Lawson had previously stepped in for Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished in seventh place.
In addition to Lawson's promotion, Yuki Tsunoda will take the opportunity to race for Racing Bulls after Lawson's move to Red Bull. Tsunoda, who finished 11th in the Dutch Grand Prix, is looking to make a strong impression at Monza, although his future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. Red Bull is committed to closely monitoring Hadjar's recovery process to ensure he returns to competition only when fully fit.gpfans.comWed 2 Sep · 15:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko insists Red Bull didn’t make a mistake letting Adrian Newey leaveHelmut Marko has expressed confidence in Red Bull's technical department following Adrian Newey's departure, asserting that the team can succeed without him. Newey, who resigned in 2024 after nearly two decades with Red Bull, designed eight championship-winning cars during his tenure and has since joined Aston Martin, which is struggling in the current season. Marko emphasized that the team has proven its capabilities even without Newey's influence, particularly after narrowly missing the championship in 2024.
Despite concerns about Red Bull's power unit, which has been deemed the benchmark and is currently not allowed upgrades, the team remains competitive. Marko's comments come amid a challenging transition period for Red Bull, with Pierre Wache stepping in as technical director. Meanwhile, Newey's new role at Aston Martin has not yielded immediate success, highlighting the difficulties faced by teams adapting to new regulations and designs.f1oversteer.comWed 2 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen has ‘expressed a preference’ to race with the best driver outside F1 in GT3 returnMax Verstappen is looking to make a return to GT3 racing by the end of 2026, expressing a desire to team up with IndyCar champion Alex Palou. This comes after Verstappen's recent ventures into sports car racing, including participation in notable events like the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring. He has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current F1 regulations, stating that GT3 racing feels significantly better to him than F1 racing.
The final round of the GT World Challenge is set for October 16-18, 2026, where Verstappen is expected to drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3. With regular teammates potentially unavailable, Palou is seen as a strong candidate for the third seat. Palou recently secured his fifth IndyCar title and has a solid background in sports car racing, making him a fitting choice for Verstappen's GT3 ambitions.f1oversteer.comWed 2 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via F1iFerrari confirms power boost for Monza 2026Ferrari has announced an engine update for the SF-26 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Ralf Schumacher believes this improvement addresses a key weakness, potentially enhancing the team's competitiveness during the race.
F1i+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 13:09 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko says Red Bull made ‘financially difficult’ decision that’s holding Max Verstappen backHelmut Marko has expressed concerns regarding Red Bull's decision-making in the development of the RB22, suggesting that the team has made mistakes that are hindering both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The formation of Red Bull Powertrains and the partnership with Ford were significant steps, but the team has struggled to keep pace with competitors due to restrictions on engine upgrades and development missteps. Marko highlighted that these issues are compounded by the financial constraints of the cost-cap regulations.
As a result of these challenges, Verstappen's performance has suffered, leading to his lowest points tally since 2018 and a sixth-place standing in the championship. Both he and Hadjar have voiced frustrations about the car's performance, particularly its grip and balance, which have affected their competitiveness this season. The inability to upgrade their power unit mid-season further complicates Red Bull's situation as they seek to improve their standing in the championship.f1oversteer.comWed 2 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via newsonf1.comMarko questions Verstappen's chances at MonzaHelmut Marko has expressed skepticism about Max Verstappen's chances of winning at Monza, citing a significant performance deficit for Red Bull. Despite some optimism regarding the low-downforce layout, Marko remains critical of the team's recent struggles.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 03:48 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURMax Verstappen, his manager and more: Winners and losers from F1's sizzling 2026 silly seasonThe 2026 Formula 1 silly season has concluded with minimal changes, primarily due to many drivers being locked into contracts. Max Verstappen secured a lucrative new deal with Red Bull, while Carlos Sainz managed to negotiate a significant salary increase despite his struggles on the track. Esteban Ocon is expected to be replaced at Haas, but overall, the anticipated chaos of the transfer window did not materialize, leading to disappointment among fans and analysts alike.
Several drivers faced challenges during this period, including Yuki Tsunoda, who has been sidelined to reserve duties after a poor performance at Red Bull. Ollie Bearman, once seen as a promising talent, is now with the struggling Haas team. The lack of movement in driver contracts has left many questioning the future prospects of several racers as the grid for 2027 begins to take shape.gpfans.comTue 1 Sep · 19:45 UTC
via Formula1.comWhat's still to play for in the F1 driver market?The Formula 1 driver market is seeing a trend of stability as several teams opt to renew contracts rather than introduce new drivers. Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull until 2030, while Alpine has secured Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly. McLaren has also confirmed Lando Norris's extension, ensuring he will race with Oscar Piastri next season.
Additionally, Ferrari is maintaining its driver lineup with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. This focus on continuity suggests that teams are prioritizing established talent as they prepare for the future, particularly looking ahead to the 2027 season.
Formula1.comTue 1 Sep · 16:16 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURMax Verstappen linked with return to Mercedes GT3Max Verstappen is rumored to be making a return to GT3 racing later this year. He has expressed a strong interest in the discipline and is reportedly seeking a high-profile teammate for his new entry.RacingNews365+ 1 moreTue 1 Sep · 13:30 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.gpfans.com+ 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.f1oversteer.comTue 1 Sep · 09:30 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.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreMon 31 Aug · 17:30 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.
Motorsport.comMon 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.Motorsport.com+ 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.
thejudge13.comMon 31 Aug · 13:35 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOUROscar 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.f1oversteer.comMon 31 Aug · 12:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Ralf Schumacher set for surgery after jet ski accidentRalf Schumacher, a former Formula 1 driver, is scheduled for surgery following a jet ski accident that occurred during a live event. The incident took place at a celebrity jet ski championship in Duisburg, where Schumacher participated in both individual and team competitions. Although he reached the final in the individual event, he did not secure a victory.
During the event, Schumacher and the host, Stefan Raab, capsized their jet ski, leading to Schumacher dislocating his shoulder while attempting to regain control. After medical evaluation, it was determined that he also sustained a minor fracture, necessitating surgery. Despite this setback, Schumacher anticipates being present at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza this weekend.RacingNews365Mon 31 Aug · 10:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekFormer F1 driver set for surgery after jet ski crash on German TVFormer Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher is set to undergo surgery after suffering a shoulder dislocation and a bone fracture during a celebrity jet ski event in Germany. He was competing alongside TV entertainer Stefan Raab when they crashed, leading to their falls into the water twice during the competition. Hospital scans confirmed the injuries, necessitating a surgical procedure.
Despite the injury, Schumacher is optimistic about his recovery and plans to return to the paddock for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He humorously mentioned that he would manage to hold his microphone with his left hand during the event. Schumacher also cleared the event organizers of any blame, attributing the crash to his attempt to maneuver the jet ski too quickly.Motorsport WeekMon 31 Aug · 08:00 UTC