via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri explains 'generation' difference after Lewis Hamilton pledgeOscar Piastri has expressed his support for the use of F1 simulators, highlighting their value in preparing for race weekends. His comments come in response to Lewis Hamilton's earlier criticism of simulators, which he felt were misleading. Piastri notes that there is a generational gap in how drivers perceive and utilize these tools, with him finding them particularly useful given the complexity of modern F1 cars.
While Piastri acknowledges the limitations of simulators, stating they cannot fully replicate the experience of driving a real car, he believes they can still provide valuable insights. He emphasizes that each driver has different preferences regarding simulator use, and they should choose what works best for them. This discussion reflects the evolving nature of driver preparation in Formula 1.
RacingNews365Fri 7 Aug · 17:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comOscar Piastri's new merchandise collection earns positive fan reactionOscar Piastri, a driver for McLaren in Formula 1, has introduced a new merchandise line called the 'World Circuit' collection. This collection features a range of apparel inspired by the diverse locations on the F1 calendar and includes items such as T-shirts, jackets, and bags, with prices varying from £14.99 to £124.99.
The launch has garnered a favorable response from fans, who appreciate both the pricing and the unique designs. Many fans have commented on social media, expressing their satisfaction with the affordability and style of the merchandise, indicating that it stands out as distinctly Piastri's brand.
Motorsport.comFri 7 Aug · 14:50 UTC
via espn.comStella hails 'harmony' between Norris and PiastriMcLaren boss Andrea Stella is pleased Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have remained a harmonious pairing in the wake of last season's title scrap and has not yet given up hope of the British driver being able to defend his crown.
espn.comFri 7 Aug · 11:45 UTC
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.
F1iFri 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.
RaceFansFri 7 Aug · 06:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson makes 'no real idea' admission amid eye-catching Racing Bulls campaignLiam Lawson has had a surprising and successful start to the 2026 Formula 1 season with Racing Bulls, currently ranking ninth in the drivers' standings and contributing to the team's fifth place in the constructors' championship. Despite initial uncertainty regarding the performance of their car, Lawson has secured eight top 10 finishes, including notable P6 results in Monaco and Silverstone.
The team's journey began with a challenging P13 finish in Australia, but a strong performance in Shanghai marked a turning point. Lawson's ability to adapt and extract performance from the car has been crucial, and he acknowledges the significance of early successes in maintaining team motivation and direction throughout the season.RacingNews365Thu 6 Aug · 18:00 UTC%2FEXCLUSIVEINTERVIEWADHOC%2520FEATURE%2520V4%2520DISPLAY%2520(2).webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comLawson examines factors behind his impressive 2026 so farLiam Lawson has experienced a remarkable turnaround in his performance with Racing Bulls during the first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season. After a difficult start in 2025, he has emerged as a standout driver, contributing to the team's rise in the standings, where they are now competing closely with the top teams in the sport.
In an interview prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lawson discussed the factors behind his success and his collaboration with rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad. He also shared his aspirations for the remainder of the season, indicating a strong focus on continuing to improve and achieve more with the Racing Bulls team.
Formula1.comThu 6 Aug · 11:45 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.Motorsport.comThu 6 Aug · 10:13 UTC
via Motorsport.comDrivers criticise 2026 regulations on power unitsDrivers in Formula 1 have voiced their dissatisfaction with the current regulations regarding power unit algorithms. The FIA has defended the use of these algorithms, stating that they enhance the racing experience, despite criticism from competitors.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreThu 6 Aug · 08:18 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri confident about McLaren's 2026 potentialOscar Piastri expressed confidence in McLaren's ability to replicate past mid-season improvements in 2026. Despite a mixed first half of the season, he believes there are hidden gains that may not be immediately visible in the results.RacingNews365+ 1 moreWed 5 Aug · 18:00 UTC
via CrashLando Norris confident in McLaren's future after winLando 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.
Crash+ 1 moreWed 5 Aug · 07:30 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.grandprix.comTue 4 Aug · 21:53 UTC
via Motorsport.comDebate Surrounds Carlos Sainz's Penalty After Hungarian GP IncidentThe incident between Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri during the Hungarian Grand Prix has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of Sainz's penalty. James Vowles, Williams team principal, acknowledged the circumstances surrounding the blue flag situation, while Guenther Steiner criticized the FIA for being too lenient.Motorsport.comTue 4 Aug · 10:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson makes 'by far the strongest' claim over vital Racing Bulls strengthLiam Lawson has praised the Racing Bulls team for its strong development program, stating it is the best he has experienced during his time with the team. He currently ranks ninth in the drivers' championship, having secured consistent results, including two sixth-place finishes in Monaco and Silverstone. Racing Bulls is performing well in the constructors' standings, sitting fifth with 66 points, and has scored points in almost every race this season, except for Miami.
The improvements made to the VCARB 03, particularly in the floor and chassis, have contributed to the team's success. Lawson highlighted the team's ability to maximize their performance each weekend, showcasing operational efficiency and a competitive edge. He expressed satisfaction with the car's handling and the overall progress of Racing Bulls throughout the season.RacingNews365Tue 4 Aug · 04:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri discusses mixed results in 2026 seasonOscar Piastri has acknowledged that his performance in the first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season has been inconsistent. However, he believes there are underlying improvements that are not reflected in his results.RacingNews365+ 1 moreMon 3 Aug · 18:00 UTC
via Crash‘A big smile on my face’ - What it’s like to drive an old F1 car for a current driverOscar Piastri, a current McLaren driver, shared his experiences of driving older-generation Formula 1 cars, specifically those from 2007 and 2008. He expressed that these experiences brought him joy and nostalgia, highlighting the lighter weight and distinctive sound of the cars from that era. Piastri refrained from making direct comparisons to current models but acknowledged the enjoyment he felt behind the wheel of these classic machines.
The article discusses the broader context of F1's evolving regulations, particularly the significant changes introduced in the 2026 season, which have faced criticism, especially regarding the new power units. In light of this backlash, there is a push from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to revert to simpler V8 engines in future regulations, reflecting a desire among some fans and drivers to return to the characteristics of older F1 cars.CrashMon 3 Aug · 15:31 UTC
via Motorsport.comMartin Brundle says title race is still open after winMartin Brundle has expressed that the 2026 Formula 1 championship remains uncertain following McLaren's recent victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Sky Sports F1 pundit emphasized that the title fight is still very much alive as the season progresses.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreMon 3 Aug · 15:12 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris reveals surprise at timing of McLaren recoveryLando Norris achieved a surprising victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, which was McLaren's first win of the 2026 season. This success came after a challenging start for the team, which had only accumulated 18 points in the first two races due to reliability issues and crashes. The team introduced significant upgrades that contributed to their performance turnaround at the Hungaroring, allowing Norris to finish well ahead of his competitors.
Despite the victory, Norris emphasized the need for continued improvement, particularly in high-speed cornering, and acknowledged that the team had to be patient with their development strategy. Currently, he sits fifth in the drivers' standings, trailing the championship leader by a significant margin, but remains hopeful for future races as McLaren works on enhancing their car's performance.RacingNews365Mon 3 Aug · 06:20 UTC
via Crash'Bigger changes needed' - Lando Norris' mid-season verdict on F1's new eraLando Norris has expressed that significant changes are required to improve the current state of Formula 1, particularly in light of the 2026 regulations, which have been met with widespread criticism. He highlighted ongoing issues such as yoyo-racing and superclipping that detract from the racing experience, despite efforts to address them. Norris also pointed out that the removal of certain broadcast graphics has raised concerns among fans about transparency in the sport.
Norris believes that while Formula 1 is currently in a healthy state, there is still room for improvement. He appreciates the ability for drivers to communicate directly with F1 leadership, which marks a positive shift from previous years. He remains optimistic about the potential for exciting racing and is committed to working towards enhancements that will benefit both fans and the sport as a whole.CrashSun 2 Aug · 13:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren "ready to challenge" Mercedes after upgrade, says Sky F1 commentatorThe article highlights McLaren's recent performance improvements following an upgrade package introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix. David Croft, a commentator for Sky Sports F1, believes that these upgrades have positioned McLaren to effectively challenge Mercedes for the championship title as the 2026 season progresses. Lando Norris, who secured his first victory as reigning champion, currently sits fifth in the drivers' standings, trailing Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, by 91 points.
Croft emphasizes that McLaren's enhanced understanding of their power unit and the successful implementation of upgrades have allowed them to regain competitiveness. He expresses optimism about Norris's potential to close the gap in the championship standings, suggesting that McLaren must continue to capitalize on their recent momentum to maximize their chances in the constructors' championship as well.Motorsport.comSun 2 Aug · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comFormer Haas F1 boss calls out FIA over 'lenient' Carlos Sainz Hungarian GP penaltyGuenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 team principal, criticized the FIA for the lenient five-second penalty given to Carlos Sainz after his collision with Oscar Piastri at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Steiner argued that Sainz deserved a harsher penalty to set a precedent for backmarkers, dismissing the FIA's reasoning that technical issues contributed to the leniency of the sanction.
The collision had significant consequences, damaging Piastri's chances of victory and leading to his retirement from the race due to a gearbox issue. Following the incident, Sainz finished in 18th place, while Piastri is currently seventh in the drivers' championship standings. The F1 calendar will continue with the Dutch Grand Prix later in August.Motorsport.comSun 2 Aug · 11:59 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris claims first victory of the seasonLando Norris secured his first victory of the Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Following his performance, he expressed confidence in achieving more wins after the summer break.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSun 2 Aug · 10:45 UTC
via Motorsport.comRUMOURRachel Brookes predicts major F1 driver changes for 2027Rachel Brookes has forecasted significant changes in the Formula 1 driver lineup for the 2027 season, highlighting potential moves for several prominent drivers. She predicts that Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull to join Mercedes, with Oscar Piastri stepping into his place. Other notable changes include Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso potentially moving to Audi and Alpine, respectively, while McLaren could field an all-British lineup featuring Lando Norris and George Russell.
Brookes emphasizes Verstappen's desire to compete for victories again, suggesting that he is dissatisfied with his current position at Red Bull. The speculation around these driver movements is fueled by Verstappen's exit clause and the ongoing performance issues faced by Sainz at Williams. The predictions reflect a broader trend of anticipated reshuffling in the F1 grid as teams prepare for the future.Motorsport.comSun 2 Aug · 10:15 UTC
via Motorsport.comRacing Bulls boss’ advice to his F1 drivers: Learn from Max Verstappen’s radioAlan Permane, the team principal of Racing Bulls, has encouraged his drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad to pay attention to Max Verstappen's communication style over team radio. With Lawson and Lindblad being the least experienced drivers on the 2026 grid, Permane believes that Verstappen serves as an exemplary model for them to follow in terms of calmness and effective feedback during races.
Despite their inexperience, Lawson and Lindblad have shown competitive performance, with Lawson having a slight edge in qualifying and overall points. Permane noted that their close performance will require careful management throughout the season, as they continue to learn and adapt in Formula 1.Motorsport.comSat 1 Aug · 14:03 UTC