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via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen has ‘expressed a preference’ to race with the best driver outside F1 in GT3 returnMax Verstappen is looking to make a return to GT3 racing by the end of 2026, expressing a desire to team up with IndyCar champion Alex Palou. This comes after Verstappen's recent ventures into sports car racing, including participation in notable events like the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring. He has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current F1 regulations, stating that GT3 racing feels significantly better to him than F1 racing.
The final round of the GT World Challenge is set for October 16-18, 2026, where Verstappen is expected to drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3. With regular teammates potentially unavailable, Palou is seen as a strong candidate for the third seat. Palou recently secured his fifth IndyCar title and has a solid background in sports car racing, making him a fitting choice for Verstappen's GT3 ambitions.
Wed 2 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris Gains Confidence in 2026 Championship Title FightFormer F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has noted that McLaren is becoming increasingly competitive as Lando Norris aims for the 2026 championship. Despite this momentum, Norris still trails behind Kimi Antonelli in the title standings.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 12:45 UTC
via f1technical.netMercedes identifies key weaknesses to address after Zandvoort defeatMercedes is analyzing its performance after a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, where they secured a second and third place finish but struggled to match the pace of Lando Norris and McLaren. Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted specific weaknesses in high-speed corners, particularly at Turns 7, 8, and 9, and noted that the performance drop varied between their drivers during different tire stints.
As they prepare for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Mercedes faces the task of understanding whether the issues at Zandvoort were unique to that circuit or indicative of a larger problem with their car. The team is also investigating the contrasting handling characteristics reported by their drivers, which adds complexity to their analysis ahead of the next race.
Wed 2 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Will Hamilton, Russell or Norris seize title-race opening at Monza?The Italian Grand Prix presents a significant opportunity for Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris as championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid due to penalties. Both Hamilton and Russell are trailing Antonelli by 59 points, while Norris is 83 points behind after recent victories. The race at Monza is crucial for these drivers to capitalize on Antonelli's misfortune and close the gap in the standings.
Ferrari is set to unveil an engine upgrade at their home race, which could enhance Hamilton's chances of victory. Meanwhile, McLaren's Norris is confident but faces challenges with their performance at Monza. Max Verstappen, significantly behind in points, may also play a role in the title race despite his own struggles this season. The outcome of the race could have lasting implications for the championship battle as the season progresses.
Wed 2 Sep · 11:04 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko says Red Bull made ‘financially difficult’ decision that’s holding Max Verstappen backHelmut Marko has expressed concerns regarding Red Bull's decision-making in the development of the RB22, suggesting that the team has made mistakes that are hindering both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The formation of Red Bull Powertrains and the partnership with Ford were significant steps, but the team has struggled to keep pace with competitors due to restrictions on engine upgrades and development missteps. Marko highlighted that these issues are compounded by the financial constraints of the cost-cap regulations.
As a result of these challenges, Verstappen's performance has suffered, leading to his lowest points tally since 2018 and a sixth-place standing in the championship. Both he and Hadjar have voiced frustrations about the car's performance, particularly its grip and balance, which have affected their competitiveness this season. The inability to upgrade their power unit mid-season further complicates Red Bull's situation as they seek to improve their standing in the championship.Wed 2 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via f1technical.netMcLaren Unveils Special Livery for Upcoming Grands PrixMcLaren has introduced a new livery for its MCL40 cars, celebrating four years with partner OKX. This special design will be showcased at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza and the Spanish Grand Prix.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 05:00 UTC
via newsonf1.comMarko Questions Verstappen's Winning Prospects at MonzaHelmut Marko has expressed skepticism about Max Verstappen's chances of winning at Monza, citing a significant performance deficit for Red Bull. Despite some optimism regarding the low-downforce layout, Marko remains critical of the team's recent struggles.
via gpfans.comF1's greatest ever one-team drivers ranked after Lando Norris commits to McLarenLando Norris has committed to McLaren with a lucrative contract that will keep him with the team until 2030. This decision has reignited discussions about the significance of one-team drivers in Formula 1, a rarity compared to other sports. Norris, who began his F1 career with McLaren in 2019, is currently one of the leading one-team drivers alongside Jim Clark, who is celebrated for his remarkable achievements with Lotus.
The article ranks the greatest one-team drivers in F1 history, placing Jim Clark at the top due to his impressive record of wins and pole positions. Lando Norris is highlighted as a strong contender for second place, with Oscar Piastri also making a notable impact in his short career. Other drivers like Sebastien Buemi, Jean-Eric Vergne, and Nicholas Latifi are mentioned for their contributions while driving for a single team.
Tue 1 Sep · 21:30 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen, his manager and more: Winners and losers from F1's sizzling 2026 silly seasonThe 2026 Formula 1 silly season has concluded with minimal changes, primarily due to many drivers being locked into contracts. Max Verstappen secured a lucrative new deal with Red Bull, while Carlos Sainz managed to negotiate a significant salary increase despite his struggles on the track. Esteban Ocon is expected to be replaced at Haas, but overall, the anticipated chaos of the transfer window did not materialize, leading to disappointment among fans and analysts alike.
Several drivers faced challenges during this period, including Yuki Tsunoda, who has been sidelined to reserve duties after a poor performance at Red Bull. Ollie Bearman, once seen as a promising talent, is now with the struggling Haas team. The lack of movement in driver contracts has left many questioning the future prospects of several racers as the grid for 2027 begins to take shape.Tue 1 Sep · 19:45 UTC
via Formula1.comWhat's still to play for in the F1 driver market?The Formula 1 driver market is seeing a trend of stability as several teams opt to renew contracts rather than introduce new drivers. Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull until 2030, while Alpine has secured Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly. McLaren has also confirmed Lando Norris's extension, ensuring he will race with Oscar Piastri next season.
Additionally, Ferrari is maintaining its driver lineup with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. This focus on continuity suggests that teams are prioritizing established talent as they prepare for the future, particularly looking ahead to the 2027 season.
Tue 1 Sep · 16:16 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen Expected to Return to GT3 Racing SoonMax Verstappen is rumored to be making a return to GT3 racing later this year. He has expressed a strong interest in the discipline and is reportedly seeking a high-profile teammate for his new entry.+ 1 moreTue 1 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Norris two major improvements identified since becoming world championLando Norris has shown significant improvement in his performance since becoming the F1 World Champion in 2025, according to McLaren team boss Andrea Stella. His confidence and assertiveness have notably increased, leading to consecutive victories in Budapest and Zandvoort, although he currently trails Kimi Antonelli by 83 points in the championship standings. Norris's recent performances highlight his ability to adapt and excel under pressure, showcasing a new level of skill and determination.
Stella emphasized that Norris's continuous improvements are not solely related to his driving skills but also involve his understanding of the car and race dynamics. Norris himself acknowledged that he is working more effectively off the track, which has contributed to his recent successes. This combination of on-track performance and strategic off-track preparation has positioned him as a strong contender, despite the challenges he faces in the championship.
Tue 1 Sep · 12:55 UTC
via gpfans.comLando Norris Seeks Salary Increase Comparable to Top DriversLando Norris has expressed a desire for a salary increase to match that of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. This statement comes shortly after he signed a new contract with McLaren.+ 1 moreTue 1 Sep · 11:27 UTC
via Formula1.comWhat do McLaren’s newest upgrades tell us ahead of Monza?McLaren has rolled out a series of upgrades ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, including enhancements to the rear wing, engine cover, and diffuser, among others. These components are designed to improve aerodynamic performance individually rather than as a cohesive package, as clarified by technical director Neil Houldey.
The impact of these upgrades has been significant, contributing to Lando Norris's consecutive victories in the last two races, both achieved from pole position. This strategic introduction of performance items highlights McLaren's focus on enhancing their competitiveness as they approach the Monza race.Tue 1 Sep · 10:35 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen told he’s ‘not going to win’ despite showing something very rare this yearMax Verstappen is facing a challenging season in 2026, as he has yet to secure a victory, marking the first time since 2015 that he has gone winless. Despite achieving two second-place finishes, he is struggling with the performance of the Red Bull RB22, which has been plagued by grip and balance issues throughout the year.
Tom Coronel has expressed doubts about Verstappen's chances of winning this season, citing ongoing problems with the car and the need for Red Bull to upgrade their engine. As Verstappen continues to push the limits in a less competitive vehicle, he may need to rely on misfortunes of his rivals to have a chance at victory.Tue 1 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via f1technical.netNorris rejects Mercedes claims as McLaren emerges as team to beat after Dutch GPLando Norris secured a victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, but he downplayed claims from Mercedes that McLaren is now the fastest team in Formula 1. Despite his win over Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Norris believes that Mercedes still possesses a stronger overall car, particularly in various circuit conditions. He highlighted the importance of driver performance, suggesting that his own skills were crucial in achieving the win at Zandvoort.
Norris pointed out that while McLaren has shown competitive performance, especially in high-speed sections, the team does not universally outperform Mercedes. He emphasized that the narrow margins in Formula 1 mean that a single mistake could significantly alter race outcomes, and he feels that his recent performance has contributed to the perception of McLaren as a leading team.Tue 1 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via f1technical.netNorris wants McLaren "to be the place that I am at for a very, very long time and maybe ...Lando Norris has reaffirmed his commitment to McLaren by signing a new contract that secures his position until at least the end of 2030, with the possibility of extending beyond that. He expressed a strong desire for McLaren to be his long-term home, emphasizing that his decision was motivated by a stable environment that allows him to focus on performance rather than contract negotiations.
Despite a challenging start to the 2026 season, Norris has remained dedicated to the team, highlighting the importance of his relationships with McLaren's leadership. He believes that the combination of technical progress and strong leadership has created a supportive atmosphere that he values, further solidifying his intention to stay with McLaren for the foreseeable future.Tue 1 Sep · 00:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell "has to win" Italian GP to keep F1 title hopes alive, says former driverFormer F1 driver Jolyon Palmer emphasized that George Russell needs to secure a victory at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix to maintain his chances for the 2026 championship. Following a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix where Lando Norris won, Russell is currently trailing his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who is leading the standings with 242 points.
Russell's situation is complicated by Antonelli's impending engine penalty, which could allow Russell to gain ground. However, Palmer noted that Russell's recent performance has been inconsistent, and he must deliver a strong race to capitalize on Antonelli's penalty. If Antonelli wins despite the penalty, it could significantly diminish Russell's title aspirations.
Mon 31 Aug · 18:43 UTC
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull to Decide on Isack Hadjar's Return for MonzaRed Bull Racing is nearing a decision regarding Isack Hadjar's participation in the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. Hadjar has been recovering from a wrist injury that kept him out of the previous race.
+ 1 moreMon 31 Aug · 17:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comA year without a win – The ugly statistics of Oscar Piastri's 2026 F1 seasonOscar Piastri has not secured a victory in Formula 1 since his win at the Dutch Grand Prix in August 2025. Despite starting the 2026 season with high hopes, he has faced numerous challenges, including power unit issues that prevented him from competing in Australia and China. His teammate, Lando Norris, has consistently outperformed him, winning several races and achieving a significant lead in qualifying statistics.
Piastri's struggles are attributed to difficulties with the McLaren MCL40's rear axle and his driving style, which has not adapted well to low-grip conditions. While recent upgrades have improved McLaren's competitiveness, Piastri continues to face issues with tire degradation and overall performance in races. His comments indicate a desire for better balance and downforce, highlighting the ongoing challenges he faces in the 2026 season.Mon 31 Aug · 15:06 UTCPage 14 of 33