News295 stories
RSS ↗
via RacingNews365McLaren call on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to execute three 'essentials' in BakuMcLaren has outlined three key requirements for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as they prepare for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team is set to implement a major aerodynamic upgrade to enhance the performance of their MCL40 cars, particularly focusing on airflow around the floor and rear tyres to improve balance on the circuit's long straights.
Rob Marshall, McLaren's chief technical officer, emphasised the unique challenges posed by Baku's layout, which combines the longest straight in Formula 1 with tight corners. He stressed the importance of energy, tyre, and brake management, as well as the need for confidence and precision from the drivers to navigate the demanding street circuit successfully.
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson returns to Racing Bulls for Azerbaijan GPLiam Lawson is set to race for Racing Bulls at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull for three races. Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane praised Lawson's performances during his time with Red Bull.
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer claims Oscar Piastri has only looked ‘amazing’ for ‘half a season’ in his F1 careerJolyon Palmer has expressed doubts about Oscar Piastri's performance in Formula 1, stating that he has only shown exceptional skill for half a season. Palmer highlighted Piastri's struggles compared to his teammate Lando Norris, who has been the standout driver for McLaren, securing both of the team's wins and all three poles this season.
Despite a promising start to his career, including a strong performance in 2023, Piastri has faced challenges in maintaining consistency. Palmer noted that Piastri's win drought has now lasted over a year, and while he has the potential for great performances, his overall record shows a significant gap in comparison to Norris.
via the-race.comIsack Hadjar returns for Red Bull at Azerbaijan Grand PrixIsack Hadjar will race for Red Bull at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined him for three races. His return comes as the team prepares for the upcoming event in Baku.
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar returns to Red Bull for Azerbaijan GPIsack Hadjar will make his return to Red Bull for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined him for three races. Liam Lawson will move back to the Racing Bulls team following Hadjar's reinstatement.
via grandprix.comMcLaren reintroduces H-Wing for Azerbaijan Grand PrixMcLaren has confirmed the return of its H-Wing aerodynamic upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team anticipates a competitive race, expecting to contend with Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull for victory.
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar's recovery progressing as Red Bull evaluatesIsack Hadjar is undergoing his final evaluation with Red Bull as he prepares for a potential return to the car. Team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that Hadjar's wrist recovery is on track, with a decision expected soon.
via gpfans.comF1 Analysis: Why the time is right to end Martin Brundle grid walksMartin Brundle's grid walks have been a staple of Formula 1 broadcasting since 1997, but as the sport evolves, many believe it's time to retire this segment. With the 2026 season marking the 30th anniversary of the grid walk, critics argue that the format has become stale, with drivers often uninterested in engaging with Brundle. The changes in the sport's audience and dynamics, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, have contributed to this sentiment.
Brundle himself has expressed frustration with the grid walks, stating that he dislikes the experience despite its significance in his career. As the segment has transitioned through various broadcasters, it has lost its original charm, leading to calls for Sky Sports to end it altogether. Instead, many suggest Brundle should return to his strengths in race commentary and interviews that matter.
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff's 'league of his own' comments highlight why Lando Norris is beating Oscar PiastriToto Wolff praised Lando Norris for his exceptional performance during qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix, where Norris achieved pole position with a remarkable lap time of 1:31.385. Wolff noted Norris' skill in managing rear tyre overheating, especially under challenging hot conditions, which set him apart from his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Despite the compliments, Piastri's ongoing difficulties with tyre management were acknowledged, with McLaren's recent upgrades aimed at addressing these issues. Team principal Andrea Stella has urged Piastri to adapt his driving style to improve his performance, as his struggles have been a recurring theme in his career.
via RacingNews3652026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix start time moved forwardThe start time for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku has been significantly altered to avoid a major scheduling clash. This change means the race will now take place on a Saturday instead of the usual Sunday.
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso nears decision on Aston Martin futureFernando Alonso is close to making a decision regarding his future with Aston Martin and Formula 1, according to team chief Mike Krack. The team believes that recent regulatory challenges for the 2027 season have been resolved, which may influence Alonso's choice.
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson discusses uncertain F1 future with Red BullLiam Lawson has expressed uncertainty regarding his Formula 1 future as Red Bull evaluates their driver lineup. Despite a strong performance during his recent stint, Lawson acknowledges that he may feel more vulnerable in the competitive driver market.
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri criticises AI impact on 2026 F1 carsOscar Piastri has expressed concerns about the influence of artificial intelligence in the 2026 Formula 1 cars, stating that it sometimes makes him feel like a 'passenger' on track. The McLaren driver highlighted that the AI reduces his input during certain moments while driving.
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris disagrees with claims about Oscar PiastriLando Norris has expressed his disagreement with McLaren team principal Andrea Stella's comments regarding Oscar Piastri's struggles with the 2026 Formula 1 cars. Stella has suggested that Piastri's driving style is not well-suited to the new generation of vehicles.
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren engineers think they have fix for one key ‘weakness’ of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s carMcLaren is preparing to introduce significant upgrades for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, focusing on enhancing the performance of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's MCL40 car. These upgrades include a new underbody and a modified version of their Macarena rear wing, aimed at improving the car's aerodynamics, particularly in slow-speed corners where the team has identified weaknesses. The decision on which rear wing to use will be made after practice sessions in Baku.
The upgrades come after a challenging 2025 Azerbaijan GP for both drivers, where Piastri faced multiple issues, including a crash and a poor start. Despite these setbacks, McLaren's engineers are optimistic that the new aerodynamic package will allow Norris and Piastri to compete for pole position. Recent performances have shown that the MCL40 is competitive in medium-speed turns, and the team is looking to build on this momentum as they head into the race weekend.
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.
via CrashWhat caused Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg’s latest F1 disagreementMartin Brundle and Nico Rosberg found themselves in a disagreement regarding Fernando Alonso's future with Aston Martin during the Spanish Grand Prix. This clash came just a week after they debated the blame for a collision involving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the Italian Grand Prix. Brundle proposed that Aston Martin should focus on rebuilding its driver line-up, suggesting a shift towards younger drivers, while Rosberg countered that Alonso continues to perform well against his teammate, Lance Stroll.
Brundle's comments indicated a desire for Aston Martin to plan for the long-term, while Rosberg defended the current line-up, arguing that Alonso remains a strong competitor. The discussion highlighted differing perspectives on team strategy, with Brundle advocating for change and Rosberg supporting the existing arrangement. Both commentators acknowledged the complexities of the situation, particularly with Alonso's contract expiring at the end of the season.
via RacingNews365Red Bull detail conditions over Isack Hadjar return as Ferrari announce new deal - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has emphasized that Isack Hadjar will only return to his race seat when it is deemed completely safe. This statement comes as Hadjar continues his recovery from injury, highlighting the team's cautious approach to his reintegration into racing.
In other news, Scuderia Ferrari has announced a significant new partnership with Rakuten, which will become a team partner in telecommunications and e-commerce starting January 1, 2027. This deal marks a notable expansion for Ferrari as they seek to enhance their global presence in the sport.
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson discusses challenges of Red Bull double dutyLiam Lawson has earned points in two of his three races with Red Bull, prompting discussions about his future with the team. As the Racing Bulls prepare for their driver line-up announcement, Lawson has expressed the challenges of balancing preparations for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls.
via Formula1.comMekies offers update on Hadjar's injury recoveryRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, provided an update on Isack Hadjar's recovery from a wrist injury sustained during training. Hadjar has been sidelined for three races since the summer break, with Liam Lawson stepping in for him. Mekies reassured that Hadjar's recovery is progressing as expected, with no setbacks reported. The team plans to assess his condition further in a week's time, considering whether he can return for the next Grand Prix in Azerbaijan.
Hadjar has had a promising start to his season, achieving multiple top-10 finishes and even a podium in Monaco before his injury. While he has been unable to race, he has continued to attend events and analyze data. The team is cautious about his return, prioritizing his long-term health over a quick comeback. In the meantime, Lawson has performed well, finishing in the points during his races, while Verstappen has showcased the car's potential with two podium finishes.Page 4 of 15













