Jacques Villeneuve✕ Lewis Hamilton✕ ✕
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Toto Wolff believes Kimi Antonelli is proving Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were right all along Kimi 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.com Wed 2 Sep · 16:00 UTC via f1oversteer.com Fred Vasseur claims Ferrari ‘didn’t have control’ over Lewis Hamilton after he joined Fred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, discussed the challenges faced by Lewis Hamilton during his first season with the team in 2025. Hamilton struggled significantly, failing to secure any podium finishes and achieving his lowest points total in recent years. Vasseur noted that both Hamilton and Ferrari lacked control over their collaboration, which contributed to a difficult season for both parties. However, improvements have been made in 2026, leading to better results for Hamilton, including a Grand Prix victory in Barcelona and a strong points tally early in the season.
The changes in the regulations for 2026 have positively impacted Hamilton's performance, allowing him to adapt his driving style more effectively. Vasseur emphasized the importance of collaboration and understanding within the team, which has been enhanced since Hamilton's arrival. With a new race engineer and a better grasp of the Ferrari team dynamics, Hamilton is now positioned to compete at the front of the grid. f1oversteer.com Wed 2 Sep · 07:00 UTC via f1oversteer.com Fred Vasseur accuses F1 media of enjoying Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 Ferrari struggles Fred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, expressed regret over not providing sufficient support to Lewis Hamilton during his challenging first season with the team in 2025. Hamilton, who had a long tenure at Mercedes, struggled to adapt to Ferrari's environment, resulting in a season without podium finishes and a disappointing fourth place in the constructors' championship. Vasseur acknowledged that he underestimated the difficulties Hamilton faced in transitioning to a new team and working with a different race engineer.
In 2026, Hamilton has shown improvement, achieving five podiums and securing his first victory with Ferrari in Barcelona. Despite the rocky start, there are indications that Ferrari may extend Hamilton's contract, with announcements expected ahead of the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. Vasseur criticized the media's portrayal of Hamilton's struggles, suggesting that the coverage was exaggerated and detrimental to the team's morale. f1oversteer.com Tue 1 Sep · 15:00 UTC via gpfans.com Ferrari are risking it all as Lewis Hamilton era continues Maranello makeover Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, has been working to foster a culture of risk-taking within the team since he took over in 2023. Under his leadership, Ferrari has seen a mix of results, finishing third, second, and fourth in the last three seasons, and currently sits second in the constructors' championship as of September 2026, trailing Mercedes significantly in points. Vasseur emphasizes the importance of innovation and strategic risks, despite acknowledging that not all decisions will yield positive outcomes.
As the team strives to compete against Mercedes, Vasseur's approach aims to improve Ferrari's performance in both the Drivers' and Constructors' championships. With Lewis Hamilton currently 59 points behind Kimi Antonelli, and the team 87 points adrift in the Constructors' standings, the pressure is on Ferrari to adapt and improve. Vasseur's belief in risk-taking as a pathway to success reflects a shift in strategy aimed at reclaiming Ferrari's former glory in Formula 1. gpfans.com Tue 1 Sep · 12:57 UTC Last race · Round 15
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
via f1oversteer.comRalf 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.
Wed 2 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.com
