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via F1iSmedley fires back at Norris critics: ‘He’s the real deal’Rob Smedley, a former Ferrari race engineer, has come to the defense of Lando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, against critics who question his abilities due to his privileged background. Smedley argues that Norris has proven his toughness and skill, particularly after a remarkable recovery drive at the Belgian Grand Prix and a subsequent victory in Hungary, marking his first win of the 2026 season.
Smedley highlights that many drivers with more financial backing than Norris have failed to succeed in F1, emphasizing that true talent and resilience are what matter. He believes that those familiar with the sport recognize Norris' capabilities, and he asserts that Norris is not just a product of his upbringing but a genuine competitor in the sport.
Fri 7 Aug · 07:12 UTC
via RaceFansNorris vs Piastri: 2026 F1 team mates’ head-to-head scores at summer break | Formula 1Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are currently in their fourth season as teammates at McLaren, showcasing a competitive dynamic throughout the 2026 Formula 1 season. Their performances have varied from race to race, with Norris recently demonstrating a stronger form, particularly in qualifying sessions.
In the latest race in Hungary, Norris outperformed Piastri, who faced challenges including missing a practice session and being obstructed during his qualifying run. Despite these fluctuations, both drivers have maintained a closely matched rivalry, contributing to an exciting atmosphere within the team.
Fri 7 Aug · 06:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton Overcomes Challenges for Stronger 2023 F1 PerformanceLewis Hamilton has shown significant improvement in his Formula 1 performance this season after a challenging start with Ferrari. Former F1 drivers have expressed their satisfaction with Hamilton's return to competitive form.
Fri 7 Aug · 05:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen heaps praise on F1 rival: 'Never a doubt'Max Verstappen has expressed admiration for Kimi Antonelli, a 19-year-old Mercedes driver who has made a significant impact in the current Formula 1 season. Antonelli has achieved six victories and leads the drivers' championship by 50 points, a remarkable feat considering his challenging rookie season in 2025, which included several retirements. Verstappen noted that he recognized Antonelli's talent early on during his karting career and emphasized the importance of gaining experience in shifter categories before transitioning to cars.
Verstappen highlighted that Antonelli's impressive performance in his second season aligns with the typical development trajectory of young drivers. He acknowledged that while Antonelli's success is noteworthy, especially given his position in a top team, it was expected that he would become more consistently competitive after overcoming the challenges of his rookie year. Verstappen's comments reflect a belief in Antonelli's potential and the normal progression of drivers in Formula 1.Fri 7 Aug · 04:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen wants government response as Lewis Hamilton impact hailed – RacingNews365 ReviewMax Verstappen has urged the Dutch government to take action to bolster motorsport in the Netherlands, especially as Zandvoort prepares for its last Dutch Grand Prix. The call comes amid uncertainty regarding Verstappen's future and the current state of motorsport in the country, which has seen a decline after several successful years.
In other news, Lewis Hamilton's performance has been recognized by Damon Hill, who noted Hamilton's significant impact on Ferrari's return to competitiveness. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli has increased his lead in the F1 drivers' championship, showcasing a strong season despite challenges.Thu 6 Aug · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton Express Concerns Over F1 SeasonToto Wolff has shared a pessimistic view regarding the current Formula 1 title race, describing it as 'miserable.' Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton voiced his frustration with Ferrari's strategy after finishing fifth at the Hungarian Grand Prix.Thu 6 Aug · 13:40 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc discloses knowledge of new F1 trackCharles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton had the opportunity to test the new Madring circuit in July, gaining valuable insights ahead of the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. Leclerc shared his impressions of the track, highlighting its challenging nature and unique features, including the notable La Monumental corner, which is set to be the longest banked corner on the current F1 calendar.
Leclerc emphasized the potential for La Monumental to become an iconic corner in Formula 1, drawing comparisons to famous corners at other tracks. He expressed enthusiasm for the circuit's layout, which includes significant elevation changes and a total of 22 corners, indicating that it aligns well with his preference for city tracks.Thu 6 Aug · 11:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris branded "the real deal" after showing mental resilienceLando Norris has received commendation from former F1 engineer Rob Smedley, who highlighted the driver's mental toughness and consistency, labeling him as 'the real deal.' This recognition follows Norris's performance in the Belgian Grand Prix, where he finished seventh despite a grid penalty, and his subsequent victory in Hungary, marking his first win of the season. Currently, he ranks fifth in the drivers' championship with 128 points, trailing Charles Leclerc and ahead of Max Verstappen.
Smedley pointed out that while Norris's junior career was well-supported, many drivers with similar backgrounds have not succeeded in F1. He believes that the criticism Norris faces often comes from those not directly involved in the sport, while insiders appreciate his dedication and resilience. Smedley asserts that Norris's ability to handle pressure and maintain speed makes him a formidable competitor in the racing world.
Thu 6 Aug · 10:13 UTC
via RaceFansHamilton vs Leclerc: 2026 F1 team mates’ head-to-head scores at summer break | Formula 1Hamilton credits team principal Frederic Vasseur for helping him adapt to Ferrari's car, which has undergone changes since his arrival. The article reflects on Hamilton's potential for improvement in the current season, contrasting his past performance with Leclerc's success.Thu 6 Aug · 06:23 UTC
via RacingNews365Hamilton Receives Praise for Strong Performance at FerrariLewis Hamilton's recent performance at Ferrari has garnered positive feedback from former F1 champions. His resurgence is seen as a significant turnaround, positioning him as a contender for the championship in the current season.+ 3 moreThu 6 Aug · 05:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton Positioned as Potential 2026 Title ContenderLewis Hamilton is currently in second place in the drivers' championship standings. An F1 legend has expressed optimism about Hamilton's chances of competing for the title in 2026.Wed 5 Aug · 16:20 UTC
via CrashLewis Hamilton Criticizes Jon Jones Over Hunting VideoLewis Hamilton has publicly criticized UFC champion Jon Jones for his recent pig hunting video. Following the incident, Hamilton blocked Jones on social media and referred to him as a "coward."
Wed 5 Aug · 15:02 UTC
via Motorsport WeekKimi Antonelli Reflects on Overcoming Mid-Season StrugglesAndrea Kimi Antonelli has spoken about the intense pressure he faced during his rookie Formula 1 season, describing it as overwhelming. After a challenging mid-season slump in 2025, he has managed to recover and is now considered a title favorite for 2026.
+ 1 moreWed 5 Aug · 15:00 UTC
via CrashLando Norris Aims for More Success After Hungary VictoryLando Norris secured his first win of the Formula 1 season at the Hungaroring, marking a significant turnaround for his campaign. Following this victory, he expressed confidence in McLaren's potential for future races.+ 1 moreWed 5 Aug · 07:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli Emerges as Title Favorite Amidst Competitive SeasonKimi Antonelli has established himself as a leading contender for the Formula 1 title following a strong recovery from a mid-season slump. Despite his current advantage in the standings, team principal Toto Wolff remains cautious about predicting the outcome.Wed 5 Aug · 07:15 UTC
via RaceFansRussell Faces Tough Competition from Antonelli in 2026 SeasonGeorge Russell is encountering significant challenges from teammate Kimi Antonelli as they compete in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Antonelli's strong performance has raised questions about Russell's chances of securing a title this year.+ 1 moreWed 5 Aug · 07:08 UTC
via grandprix.comNorris says fame leaves him feeling violatedLando Norris has shared his discomfort with the invasive nature of fame, particularly after an incident where paparazzi followed him for an extended period in London. He expressed a desire to engage more with life outside of racing, moving away from a previous tendency to stay indoors and game alone. Despite this, he feels that the attention has become overwhelming, making him feel violated in his personal space.
Norris recently celebrated his first victory of the season in Hungary, attributing the success to the hard work of the McLaren team. As he enters the summer break, he plans to take a step back from the spotlight, focusing on rest and relaxation rather than glamorous activities, indicating a shift in his approach to balancing fame and personal life.
via RacingNews365Former F1 team boss questions 'ridiculous' Lewis Hamilton clothingFormer F1 team boss Otmar Szafnauer criticized Lewis Hamilton's fashion choices, labeling them as 'ridiculous' during a podcast discussion. Despite his critique, Szafnauer conceded that Hamilton has the ability to carry off his unique style, which sets him apart from other drivers in the sport. Hamilton, who is 41, has been known for his colorful outfits and has a strong interest in fashion, often arriving at race events early to attract media attention.
The conversation highlighted the contrast between Szafnauer's opinion and that of his co-host, Jake Humphrey, who appreciates Hamilton's bold fashion statements. Szafnauer also speculated that Hamilton's fashion sense might have played a role in his relationship with Kim Kardashian, indicating that Hamilton's style has garnered significant attention both on and off the track.Tue 4 Aug · 14:35 UTC
via Motorsport.comOliver Bearman takes 'huge confidence' from Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar's F1 riseOliver Bearman, a Haas F1 driver, draws significant confidence from the success of his former rivals, Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar, who are currently performing well in Formula 1. Bearman believes that their achievements demonstrate that he also has the potential to succeed when provided with a competitive car. He currently ranks 13th in the drivers' championship, while his teammate Esteban Ocon is in 17th place, and Haas is positioned seventh in the constructors' standings.
Despite the challenges faced by Haas in the mid-season development race, Bearman remains optimistic about his future. He has previously proven his capabilities by scoring points in his debut race and is focused on improving his personal performance as the season progresses. Bearman is confident that with the right machinery, he will be able to compete for race wins.Tue 4 Aug · 09:14 UTC
via CrashF1 legend on Lewis Hamilton's 2026 boost “hardly anyone talks about”Lewis Hamilton has made a notable comeback in the 2026 Formula 1 season, achieving a victory in Barcelona and securing four podium finishes, placing him second in the championship standings. This resurgence follows a challenging 2025 season where he did not achieve any podiums, leading to doubts about his future in the sport. Emerson Fittipaldi attributes Hamilton's improved performance to the new car dynamics, which require greater driving skill due to reduced downforce.
Fittipaldi, a two-time world champion, emphasizes that the current cars' design has made it more challenging to drive, allowing talented drivers like Hamilton to shine. He believes that Hamilton's familiarity with Ferrari and the engineers has also contributed to his success this season. Fittipaldi's comments reflect a broader sentiment that Hamilton's return to form is beneficial for both the sport and its fans.Tue 4 Aug · 08:20 UTCPage 46 of 51