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via the-race.comThe driver handling lessons Ferrari can take from two big rivalsFerrari is at a crossroads regarding how to manage its drivers, especially after recent incidents that highlighted the need for a clear strategy. Team principal Fred Vasseur has indicated that a decision is imminent, with various options on the table, including prioritizing one driver or maintaining equal status. The challenges faced by rivals like McLaren and Mercedes in managing their drivers provide valuable lessons for Ferrari as it navigates its own issues.
McLaren's experience with its 'Papaya Rules' demonstrates the difficulties of balancing individual driver interests with team goals, while Mercedes has implemented a 'racing intent' framework to mitigate conflicts. Vasseur recognizes that there is no perfect solution and that the dynamics of driver relationships require constant evaluation. As Ferrari considers its next steps, the importance of establishing clear rules and fostering unity among drivers will be crucial to avoid further complications.
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri explains 'quite bizarre' Italian GP battle with Lewis HamiltonOscar Piastri had a strong performance at the Italian Grand Prix, finishing in fifth place after a competitive battle with Lewis Hamilton. The race featured significant energy management challenges, which Piastri found unusual and difficult to navigate, especially during his exchanges with Hamilton.
Despite the challenges, Piastri noted that the experience was better than a race with no action. He reflected on the strategic aspects of energy usage, highlighting how Hamilton's aggressive battery use initially gave him an advantage before Piastri managed to reclaim his position.
via RaceFansVerstappen to compete in world-record go-kart raceMax Verstappen is set to participate in a unique go-kart race featuring 100 competitors. The event, titled 'Max vs 100', will allow him to communicate with his rivals during the race.
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Adrian Newey can help Fernando Alonso show he is 'as good as' Max VerstappenJuan Pablo Montoya has expressed confidence that Adrian Newey can enhance Fernando Alonso's performance to match that of Max Verstappen, particularly as Alonso navigates a challenging 2026 season with Aston Martin. Despite the team's struggles, Montoya believes that Alonso's skills remain on par with the best in the sport, contingent on having a competitive car and engine.
Montoya also discussed Alonso's longevity in Formula 1, attributing it to the reduced testing demands of the current era. He reflected on the rigorous testing schedules of the past, suggesting that modern drivers benefit from a more manageable workload, which helps them avoid burnout and maintain their performance levels.
via Sky Sports F1Chandhok praises Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes choiceKarun Chandhok has commented on Kimi Antonelli's decision to join the Mercedes junior programme instead of Ferrari. He believes this choice has alleviated some of the pressure on Antonelli.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen outlines greatest desire for post-F1 careerMax Verstappen has revealed his desire to transition into endurance racing once he concludes his Formula 1 career. He has a deep appreciation for this style of racing and has already participated in events such as the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, indicating that he is eager to explore more opportunities in this field.
Verstappen has extended his contract with Red Bull until 2030, but he remains focused on endurance racing as a future goal. He has expressed interest in competing in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and has discussed the possibility of teaming up with Fernando Alonso, although he acknowledges that their schedules must align for this to happen.
via CrashNico Rosberg reveals why Ferrari can’t back Lewis Hamilton in F1 title fightNico Rosberg has articulated the reasons why Ferrari cannot support Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc in the ongoing 2026 Formula 1 title race. Despite Hamilton's status as a seven-time world champion, he finds himself significantly behind the current leader, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, after a disappointing performance at the Italian Grand Prix where both he and Leclerc faced challenges. Rosberg emphasized that Leclerc remains a strong contender for the championship, complicating any potential team orders in favor of Hamilton.
Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, echoed Rosberg's sentiments, asserting that it is premature for the team to make a decision to back one driver exclusively. He referenced a previous season's situation with McLaren to illustrate the risks of making early decisions in a competitive environment. As the season progresses, Vasseur indicated that discussions regarding driver support would take place, but for now, both drivers must be given equal opportunities.
via thejudge13.comIts not as bad as 2014, but Ferrari are in serious troubleFerrari is facing significant challenges in the 2026 Formula 1 season, currently trailing behind Mercedes and their driver Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship standings. Despite having made upgrades to their power unit, Ferrari's performance has not improved sufficiently to compete with Mercedes or McLaren, leading to concerns about their competitiveness this season.
The introduction of a cost cap and the ADUO programme has altered the landscape of engine development, but Ferrari's recent upgrades have not yielded the expected results. Team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that catching up to Mercedes may take longer than anticipated, indicating a tough road ahead for the Scuderia as they look to improve their performance in future races.
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen reveals message to Red Bull team in huge contract negotiationsMax Verstappen recently extended his contract with Red Bull Racing, committing to the team until 2030, albeit with some exit clauses. He emphasized the importance of his relationship with the team, describing them as a 'second family' and highlighting their support beyond his racing career as a key factor in his decision to stay.
During the contract negotiations, Verstappen reassured the team not to worry about his future, urging them to concentrate on improving the car's performance. He stated that his primary concern was on-track success rather than contract discussions, as he was also busy with other commitments outside of Formula 1.
via thejudge13.comThe implication of Hamilton calling for Mercedes style rules at FerrariLewis Hamilton's transition to Ferrari has been tumultuous, with his initial season resulting in a record for the longest wait for a podium finish. However, with the new 2026 regulations, Hamilton has regained some form, leading Leclerc in race finishes and currently holding a 36-point advantage in the standings. Despite this, he has expressed concerns about team dynamics and has called for clearer rules of engagement within Ferrari, reminiscent of his time at Mercedes.
Tensions have escalated following a collision between Hamilton and Leclerc during the Italian Grand Prix, leading Hamilton to criticize the team's operations and suggest that Ferrari's leadership needs to implement a structured approach similar to Mercedes. His comments have sparked discussions about the cultural differences between the two teams and raised questions about the future of Ferrari's management, particularly team principal Fred Vasseur.
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher thinks Lewis Hamilton’s post-race accusation revealed Ferrari’s ‘biggest problem’Ralf Schumacher expressed that Lewis Hamilton's post-race comments regarding his incident with Charles Leclerc during the 2026 Italian Grand Prix highlighted a significant issue within Ferrari. Hamilton finished the race in sixth place after recovering from a first-lap incident that saw him drop to ninth, while Leclerc crashed out early in the race. Schumacher criticized the lack of team unity, suggesting that the aggressive racing between the two drivers at Ferrari's home race was embarrassing for the team.
Schumacher's remarks also raised concerns about the management of Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, as reports indicate dissatisfaction with his handling of the drivers. The ongoing tensions between Hamilton and Leclerc have been evident throughout the season, with previous instances of conflict and a refusal to impose team orders, leading to further complications in their relationship and performance.
via grandprix.comVasseur pressure resurfaces after Ferrari's Monza failureItalian media have again questioned Frederic Vasseur's position after Ferrari's difficult home race, with criticism focusing on performance and the management of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
via RacingNews365Is Lewis Hamilton's eighth F1 title dream dead this year?Lewis Hamilton's performance at the Italian Grand Prix has significantly impacted his chances for an eighth Formula 1 title. After a collision with teammate Charles Leclerc on the first lap, Hamilton struggled to recover and ultimately finished sixth, trailing race winner Kimi Antonelli by 24 seconds. This result has left him 76 points behind Antonelli in the championship standings, raising concerns about his title aspirations.
Despite the mathematical possibility of still winning the championship with nine races left, Hamilton seems resigned to the challenges ahead. He noted the difficulty of closing the points gap, especially given the superior pace of his competitors. Hamilton's comments reflect a mix of determination and realism as he navigates a challenging season.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen onboard of Madring lapA challenging street circuit, but what does the lap look like?
via F1iHamilton sends Ferrari fans clear message: ‘I don’t race dirty’Lewis Hamilton addressed concerns from Ferrari fans regarding his clash with Charles Leclerc during the Italian Grand Prix, emphasizing that he races cleanly and fairly. He reassured fans that there is no intention to destabilize the relationship between him and Leclerc, despite the incident that forced him onto the gravel and affected his race position.
Hamilton expressed frustration over Ferrari's performance and their decision-making during the race, highlighting that the real challenge for the team lies in improving their speed rather than internal conflicts. He remains focused on pushing for better results and collaboration within the team.
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen makes ‘turtle’ admission as Italian GP tactic comes to lightMax Verstappen expressed frustration during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he felt like he was being overtaken easily by competitors, likening himself to a 'turtle'. Despite this, he noted that his Red Bull RB22 performed well in braking zones, allowing him to engage in battles with the Mercedes drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Verstappen managed to lead the race briefly but ultimately finished third as Antonelli claimed victory. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Mercedes' deployment advantage and the limitations of the overtake mode, which made it difficult for him to defend his position once he took the lead. Overall, he recognized the need for improvements in his car's performance.
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya saw Lewis Hamilton drove like a ‘world champion’ vs Charles Leclerc at MonzaDuring the Italian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc had a contentious battle on track that has sparked debate among Formula 1 experts. Hamilton attempted an aggressive move on Leclerc at the first turn, but Leclerc's actions forced Hamilton off the track, leading to a drop in position. Unfortunately for Leclerc, he crashed shortly after, resulting in a disappointing race for Ferrari, with Hamilton ultimately finishing sixth.
Juan Pablo Montoya praised Hamilton's driving, stating he executed his moves like a world champion, while criticizing Leclerc for not showing respect during their battle. Montoya emphasized that Hamilton could have taken Leclerc out but chose to race him fairly, highlighting a difference in mentality between the two drivers. The incident has led to discussions about Ferrari's management and the dynamics between their drivers.
via gpfans.comRed Bull F1 star officially a free agent as rumours swirl over paddock switchA long-serving member of Red Bull's F1 outfit who played a key role in their Christian Horner/Max Verstappen glory years is now officially a free agent.
via BBC SportMcLaren talks, 'numb' cars and being 'captain of the ship' - Verstappen Q&AMax Verstappen, the Red Bull driver, is currently reflecting on his 2026 season, where he has achieved five podium finishes but is still seeking his first victory. He recently signed a contract extension with Red Bull until 2030, although he acknowledges that performance issues with the car need to be addressed for future competitiveness. Verstappen has been candid about his frustrations with the current car's performance and the new engine regulations in Formula 1, expressing a desire for improvements in the coming years.
In addition to his F1 commitments, Verstappen has participated in endurance racing, notably the Nurburgring 24 Hours, where he experienced both success and disappointment due to a mechanical failure. He has engaged in discussions with other teams like McLaren but ultimately feels a strong connection to Red Bull, viewing it as his second family. Looking ahead, he is interested in competing in more endurance events, including Le Mans, ideally alongside experienced drivers like Fernando Alonso.
via f1chronicle.comLiam Lawson Gets a Third Straight Red Bull Race in Madrid as Isack Hadjar’s Wrist Injury Drags OnLiam Lawson has been confirmed to race for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, as Isack Hadjar continues to recover from a wrist injury. Hadjar's absence has now extended to three consecutive races, impacting his rookie season and the team's lineup strategy. Lawson's recent performances have shown improvement, qualifying closely behind Verstappen at Zandvoort and finishing seventh, contrasting with his earlier struggles in 2025 when he was dropped after two races.
The Madrid race presents a unique challenge as the new Madring circuit is unfamiliar to all drivers, potentially leveling the playing field. Lawson's ability to perform well in this race is critical, not only for immediate results but also for securing his position within the team moving forward. Meanwhile, Hadjar's recovery remains a focal point for Red Bull, as they navigate the implications of his absence on their championship standings.Page 18 of 50













