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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.
via gpfans.comAdrian Newey is the only man who can save popular F1 star’s careerOscar Piastri, a driver for McLaren, has been struggling significantly since his last victory at Zandvoort in August 2025, failing to win any races in the past year. His performance has been notably inferior to that of his teammate Lando Norris, who has secured multiple wins, leading to concerns about Piastri's future in Formula 1 and with McLaren specifically. The article suggests that Piastri's best chance for a career revival may lie with Adrian Newey at Aston Martin, as other top teams are unlikely to consider him given his recent form.
The article highlights the challenges Piastri faces in securing a competitive seat, noting that his winless streak and the significant points gap between him and Norris raise red flags. It draws parallels with other drivers who have experienced similar declines, indicating that Piastri must take decisive action to avoid being relegated to mid-tier teams. The potential retirement of Fernando Alonso in 2027 could provide an opportunity for Piastri, but he must demonstrate his capabilities to attract attention from top-tier teams.
Tue 8 Sep · 20:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Franco Colapinto hands Alpine apology after Max Verstappen fightFranco Colapinto faced a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix, where he initially restarted in fourth position following a red flag. During the race, he engaged in battles with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton but ultimately lost control of his car, resulting in a drop down the order. Despite recovering to finish ninth, Colapinto expressed regret for not securing a better result for his Alpine team, as he believed they could have scored more points.
Colapinto's performance marked his first points since Belgium, and he reflected on the experience of racing against top teams, emphasizing the motivation it provided him. He acknowledged the importance of learning from his mistakes and the frustration of missing out on a better finish while competing at the front of the grid.
Tue 8 Sep · 17:10 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen hands Red Bull ‘weakness’ assessment in untelevised Monza radio exchangeMax Verstappen secured a podium finish at the Italian Grand Prix, marking his third podium in four races. During a radio exchange with his team, he highlighted the evident weaknesses of the Red Bull car, particularly in terms of rear axle performance and straight-line speed compared to Mercedes-powered competitors. Despite these challenges, Red Bull's Team Principal praised Verstappen's strong race pace and overtaking skills throughout the event.
Verstappen's struggles were compounded by a rear axle issue that persisted from qualifying, affecting his ability to navigate bumps and low-speed corners effectively. He acknowledged the need for improvements in the car's performance, especially in straight-line deployment, while reflecting on a difficult previous race in Zandvoort. Overall, the team is aware of the areas requiring enhancement as they move forward in the season.
Tue 8 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekGeorge Russell given Monza ‘double-stack’ backing by ex-F1 starGeorge Russell secured a second-place finish at the Italian GP, but former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya criticized Mercedes for not utilizing a double-stack strategy during a Virtual Safety Car period. This decision could have potentially improved Russell's chances against his teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who started from the back due to an engine penalty but ultimately won the race, marking a historic victory as the first Italian to do so in 60 years.
The race showcased a strategic battle between Russell and Antonelli, with differing pit strategies playing a crucial role. While Russell opted for a one-stop strategy, Antonelli's two-stop approach proved advantageous. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the effectiveness of Antonelli's strategy, while Russell faced challenges managing his race with worn tires towards the end.Tue 8 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen radio messages prove Toto Wolff owes him an apology for 'done over' accusationMax Verstappen's radio communications during the qualifying session of the Italian Grand Prix have led to a reevaluation of Toto Wolff's accusations against him. Wolff claimed that Verstappen had hindered George Russell's chance at pole position, but analysis suggests that Russell's own actions were more to blame for his failure to secure the top spot. Pierre Gasly ultimately achieved pole, marking a significant milestone for both him and the Alpine team.
The situation escalated as Wolff expressed his frustration visibly, but further insights from F1 pundit Christijan Albers indicated that Verstappen was dealing with tire issues and had his own struggles during the session. In the end, Russell's performance was overshadowed by his teammate's success, and the incident highlighted the complexities of qualifying strategies in Formula 1.
Tue 8 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via espn.comLeclerc advice for Max vs 100 drivers: Don't crash!Max Verstappen is set to participate in a unique go-karting challenge where he will race against 100 drivers on September 16 at Silverstone. This event marks a return to his racing roots and will be broadcast live on Disney+. Fellow Formula 1 drivers, including Charles Leclerc and George Russell, have shared their thoughts on the challenge, with Leclerc advising competitors to avoid crashing into Verstappen due to his ongoing F1 season and Russell suggesting a tactical approach to keep Verstappen behind them.
The challenge is expected to be intense, as Leclerc acknowledged the difficulty of racing against one of the best drivers in the world. Verstappen, known for his aggressive driving style, is anticipated to navigate through the field from the back of the grid. The event will feature a mix of content creators and athletes, rather than solely professional racing drivers, adding an interesting dynamic to the competition.
Tue 8 Sep · 10:37 UTC
via Motorsport.comJuan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes should have double-stacked George Russell and Kimi Antonelli at MonzaJuan Pablo Montoya expressed his belief that Mercedes compromised George Russell's chances of winning the Italian Grand Prix by not executing a double-stack pit stop during a virtual safety car period. Russell was leading the race at the time, but the strategy allowed Kimi Antonelli, who had pitted, to recover from 19th on the grid and ultimately win the race.
Team principal Toto Wolff defended the strategy, stating that the two-stop strategy was the best option and that Russell was on hard tires, which limited his options. Despite the criticism, Wolff expressed satisfaction with the team's 1-2 finish, highlighting Antonelli's impressive performance.
Tue 8 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Charles Leclerc’s ‘100%’ is still not enough to beat Lewis HamiltonIn the aftermath of the Italian Grand Prix, Juan Pablo Montoya expressed that Charles Leclerc's maximum effort is insufficient to surpass Lewis Hamilton in 2026. Leclerc faced a significant setback after crashing out early in the race, while Hamilton managed to secure a sixth-place finish, extending his lead in their internal competition and the overall standings. Montoya highlighted the need for Ferrari to make strategic decisions regarding their drivers as the season progresses.
Montoya also pointed out the tension between Leclerc and Hamilton, particularly following an incident where Hamilton accused Leclerc of aggressive driving. He emphasized that the pressure on Leclerc is mounting as Hamilton continues to perform strongly, suggesting that this dynamic could impact their teamwork and the team's overall performance in the championship.Tue 8 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Untelevised Max Verstappen team radio emerges after Italian Grand PrixMax Verstappen secured a third-place finish at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, marking his third podium in four races. Despite briefly leading the race, he ultimately finished 11 seconds behind George Russell, highlighting Red Bull's struggles with straight-line speed and issues with the car's rear axle during the race. Verstappen's performance came after a challenging weekend at Zandvoort, where he retired early due to a mistake.
In a post-race exchange, Red Bull's Laurent Mekies noted a significant improvement in race pace, but Verstappen pointed out the team's ongoing weaknesses. He expressed frustration over the difficulties faced against the Mercedes cars, particularly in terms of defending his position. The team is aware of the areas needing improvement as they look to enhance their performance in future races.
Tue 8 Sep · 05:23 UTCVerstappen not interested in Norris-style teamMax Verstappen has clarified that he does not wish to follow Lando Norris's path of establishing a full junior racing team, instead opting to concentrate on endurance racing. He values maintaining control over his projects and prefers to support young drivers without the responsibilities of managing a racing team. Currently, he is involved with drivers like Dries van Langendonck and Chris Lulham in his GT program.
Additionally, Verstappen expressed admiration for Loek Hartog's heroic act during a recent race, highlighting the importance of safety in motorsport. He also mentioned that his future participation in endurance racing would depend on the upcoming F1 calendar, emphasizing that he would only compete if he could do so with a realistic chance of success.
via f1technical.netIsack Hadjar to miss Spanish Grand Prix due to injuryIsack Hadjar will not participate in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix as he continues to recover from a wrist injury. Red Bull has confirmed that Liam Lawson will once again race alongside Max Verstappen in Madrid.
+ 1 moreTue 8 Sep · 00:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen frustrated with Red Bull after MonzaMax Verstappen experienced dissatisfaction following the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He reported encountering a problem during qualifying that affected his performance, resulting in a sixth-place starting position.Mon 7 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri warning as Ferrari pressed on Hamilton, Leclerc team orders decisionFerrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, acknowledged the possibility of prioritizing Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc as the 2026 season progresses. He referenced Oscar Piastri's struggles in 2025 to illustrate the complexities of making such decisions early in the season. The recent Italian Grand Prix saw Hamilton finishing sixth and Leclerc retiring due to a crash, while Kimi Antonelli celebrated a historic victory for Italy at Monza.
Currently, Hamilton leads Leclerc by 36 points in the drivers' championship, but Antonelli has a commanding 76-point lead over Hamilton. Vasseur highlighted the challenges of team orders, comparing Ferrari's situation to McLaren's management of their drivers. He noted that while allowing drivers to race freely is ideal, strategic decisions may become necessary as the season unfolds.Mon 7 Sep · 17:17 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen’s Italian Grand Prix radio highlights a brutal reality of working at Red BullMax Verstappen's performance at the Italian Grand Prix highlighted both his competitive nature and the challenges he faces with Red Bull this season. Despite securing a podium finish, he remains frustrated with the lack of race wins and has openly critiqued the team's car performance, particularly the rear issues during the race. This has raised concerns about the impact of his comments on team morale, especially after a difficult race weekend.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged Verstappen's efforts but also faced the challenge of balancing praise with the need for constructive feedback. The article suggests that while Verstappen's drive for excellence is commendable, he may need to adjust his approach to maintain a positive atmosphere within the team, especially as he looks to lead Red Bull in the future.Mon 7 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via f1technical.netVerstappen opens up on deployment issues during his battle with Mercedes-powered carsMax Verstappen praised Red Bull’s recovery at Monza after fighting his way to third place in the Italian Grand Prix, despite admitting that the RB22 remained at a significant disadvantage to its Mercedes-powered rivals on the straights.Mon 7 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via f1technical.netMekies praises Red Bull's progress at Italian Grand PrixRed Bull Racing acknowledged improvements in their race pace during the Italian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen secured a podium finish. However, the team continues to face difficulties in competing with Mercedes.+ 1 moreMon 7 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull set 'ultimate speed' target after Max Verstappen heroicsMax Verstappen showcased his driving skills during the Italian Grand Prix, starting from fifth and finishing third despite facing challenges. His performance included impressive overtakes, although he ultimately could not match the pace of Mercedes, who had a clear advantage throughout the race. Kimi Antonelli's remarkable victory from 19th position highlighted the competitive nature of the event.
Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, expressed admiration for Verstappen's efforts and emphasized the need for the team to achieve 'ultimate speed' to enhance their overall performance. He noted that while they were strong enough to outperform Ferrari and McLaren, there are still challenges to address in order to unlock further potential in their car's performance.Mon 7 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via RaceFansOvertake Mode meant others passed me like I was a “turtle”, says Verstappen | Formula 1Max Verstappen expressed frustration after the Italian Grand Prix, where he led for a short period but struggled to maintain his position due to the newly implemented Overtake Mode. This mode, introduced in 2026, allows drivers to access additional power when they are close to another car, but Verstappen noted that it hindered his ability to defend against competitors effectively.
The race highlighted the impact of Overtake Mode, particularly as the FIA had set energy harvest limits at their lowest for the fastest track on the calendar. Verstappen remarked that the Mercedes-powered cars had a significant advantage in electrical energy deployment, which contributed to his difficulties in keeping pace with them.
Mon 7 Sep · 09:43 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Max Verstappen treated Kimi Antonelli like Michael Schumacher at MonzaAt the Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen secured third place while Kimi Antonelli made an impressive comeback from P19 to win the race. Antonelli's victory has significantly boosted his lead in the championship standings, now holding a 66-point advantage over George Russell. Verstappen's performance drew attention, particularly his racing dynamics with Antonelli and Russell, which Juan Pablo Montoya likened to the respect drivers showed Michael Schumacher in the past.
Montoya highlighted how Verstappen raced differently against Antonelli, suggesting that other drivers were more willing to yield to Antonelli's pace. This observation underscores the rising status of Antonelli in the competitive landscape of Formula 1, as he continues to impress with his rapid ascent through the field and his commanding lead in the championship.Mon 7 Sep · 09:00 UTCPage 10 of 26
