News99 stories
RSS ↗
via f1oversteer.comMartin Brundle and Nico Rosberg won’t accept McLaren explanation for Oscar Piastri’s drop-offMcLaren has cited Oscar Piastri's driving style as a key factor in his disappointing performance during the 2026 season, where he has only managed two podium finishes in the first 14 races. Team principal Andrea Stella mentioned that Piastri struggles with the MCL40 due to reduced downforce, which has made the car more challenging to handle. This situation contrasts sharply with his successful 2025 season, where he won seven races and was a strong contender for the championship.
Former drivers Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg have expressed skepticism regarding McLaren's explanation. Brundle emphasized the importance of adaptability in F1, while Rosberg argued that top drivers must be versatile to succeed. Both commentators noted that Piastri's smooth driving style may not be suited to the current car dynamics, which require a more aggressive approach. Meanwhile, Lando Norris's improved performance has shifted the team dynamics, further highlighting Piastri's struggles.
via f1oversteer.comMartin Brundle suggests simple F1 rule change after virtual safety car ‘robbed’ Lando NorrisAfter the Spanish Grand Prix, Martin Brundle expressed that Lando Norris was unfairly deprived of victory due to the timing of a virtual safety car (VSC). Norris, who had been leading the race, lost his advantage when the VSC allowed competitors Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen to pit without losing time. Both drivers acknowledged that they did not deserve to win under those circumstances, highlighting the impact of race conditions on outcomes.
Norris suggested a potential rule change to ensure that the VSC remains in effect for at least one lap, allowing all drivers the opportunity to pit. Brundle agreed with this proposal, noting that it could create a fairer racing environment, although it might reduce the amount of full-speed racing time. The discussion around the VSC's timing and its implications for race fairness is set to be addressed in an upcoming drivers' briefing.
via f1oversteer.comMartin Brundle says time is up for one Formula 1 driver he absolutely lovesMartin Brundle has expressed that Aston Martin should consider a complete overhaul of their driver lineup, suggesting that Fernando Alonso should be let go as the team looks to rebuild. Despite Alonso being the only driver to score points for Aston Martin this season, the team is struggling at the bottom of the standings, and Brundle believes it's time for a fresh start with younger drivers.
Brundle acknowledges Alonso's contributions to F1 but questions the wisdom of extending his contract given his age and the team's current performance. Alonso's future in the sport seems uncertain, as he has voiced concerns about upcoming regulations, and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has indicated he will try to persuade Alonso to remain in F1.
via Formula1.com‘Hurts a lot’ – Bearman after crash rules him out of QualifyingOllie Bearman faced disappointment after crashing his Haas during Free Practice 3 for the Spanish Grand Prix, which left his car too damaged to compete in Qualifying. The incident occurred at Turn 10, just moments before the session ended, and Bearman was unable to participate further due to the extensive repairs needed on his vehicle.
Despite the setback, Bearman remains optimistic about the race ahead, noting that the car had shown good performance in practice. He will start from the back of the grid but aims to capitalize on the car's speed and potential opportunities during the race.
via thejudge13.comBearman suffers major setback after late Madrid crashOliver Bearman, a Haas Formula 1 driver, faced a significant setback when he crashed his VF-26 during the final practice session for the Madrid Grand Prix. The incident occurred just before the session ended, leaving the Haas team without enough time to repair the car for qualifying, resulting in Bearman starting the race from the back of the grid despite escaping injury.
In contrast, Lewis Hamilton also crashed during the same practice session but managed to qualify for the race after Ferrari completed repairs on his car in time. While Bearman will have to navigate a challenging recovery drive from his compromised position, Hamilton's successful qualification highlights the differing outcomes for the two drivers following their respective crashes.
via RacingNews365Oliver Bearman ruled out of F1 qualifying after heavy FP3 shuntOliver Bearman will not participate in the qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix after a significant crash during the final practice session. The incident occurred at Turn 11 with less than a minute remaining in FP3, where Bearman finished in P13, closely trailing his teammate Esteban Ocon.
Due to the damage sustained in the crash, Haas was unable to complete repairs on Bearman's car in time for qualifying. As a result, he will start the race from the rear of the grid, and the team announced his withdrawal from qualifying just before the session commenced.
via the-race.comWhat it's like watching an F1 crash unfolding in front of youThe article describes the intense experience of witnessing a Formula 1 crash, focusing on the moment when Ollie Bearman crashed into the barriers during a practice session at the Madring. The observer recalls the loud impact and the emotional processing that follows, both for the spectator and the driver, highlighting the chaos and subsequent calmness as marshals respond to the incident.
Bearman, after the crash, exhibited signs of denial and anger, reflecting on the emotional stages a driver goes through after such an event. The article emphasizes the unpredictability of racing and the lessons learned from crashes, as Bearman had previously experienced similar incidents in simulations, hoping to avoid them in real life.
via RacingNews365Oliver Bearman spots 'oversight' in new Madrid F1 track layoutOliver Bearman, a Haas driver, has raised concerns about the new Madrid F1 track layout, calling it an 'oversight' that could hinder overtaking during the race. The Madring, which will host the Spanish Grand Prix, features a challenging 22-turn, 3.3-mile circuit that includes a significant banked turn and numerous 90-degree corners, making it difficult for drivers to execute overtaking maneuvers.
Bearman specifically pointed out that the curved braking zone at Turn 5 limits the potential for overtaking, which he believes detracts from the overall racing experience. He emphasized the importance of qualifying on this track, suggesting that drivers will need to focus on securing good grid positions due to the anticipated challenges in overtaking during the race.
via f1oversteer.comAlex Brundle heard Lewis Hamilton being ‘pressured’ by Ferrari in unaired radio message at MadringDuring the first day of practice at the Spanish Grand Prix, Alex Brundle reported that Ferrari's pit wall was pressuring Lewis Hamilton to increase his commitment through Turn 12. This corner is noted for its challenging characteristics, and the team emphasized the importance of this area for their energy deployment strategy. Hamilton was struggling in this section, which was crucial for optimizing engine delivery.
In the practice sessions, George Russell led FP1 while Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time in FP2. Charles Leclerc performed well for Ferrari but was still significantly behind the Mercedes drivers, particularly in the final sector. The overall performance of the Ferrari cars indicated inconsistencies, particularly in matching the pace of their competitors.
via Motorsport.comBrundle and Montoya praise Madring after debutPundits Martin Brundle and Juan Pablo Montoya have expressed their admiration for the newly debuted Madring circuit following the Spanish Grand Prix. Montoya highlighted it as the first track of the 2026 season that excites him to return to racing.
via PlanetF1Martin Brundle held FIA stewards talks after Rosberg disagreementMartin Brundle and Nico Rosberg had a debate regarding the incident between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during the Italian Grand Prix. Brundle checked with the FIA stewards, who decided not to take any action, leading to a light-hearted disagreement between the two commentators about who was at fault in the incident.
Brundle stood firm on his opinion that both drivers contributed to the clash, while Rosberg believed Leclerc was entirely at fault. Despite their differing views, both commentators acknowledged the complexities of racing incidents, especially during the first lap of a Grand Prix.
via CrashAndrea Kimi Antonelli tops final practice in MadridAndrea Kimi Antonelli recorded the fastest time in the final practice session for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. He finished 0.166 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc, while George Russell placed further down the order.
via RaceFansOn This Day: Antonelli starts his first car race, Bearman wins | BriefOn September 11, 2021, Andrea Kimi Antonelli made his debut in car racing during the Italian Formula 4 event at the Red Bull Ring. He qualified in tenth position and managed to secure a ninth-place finish in his first race. The event was notable for Oliver Bearman winning the race, but the podium ceremony was marred when a large piece of signage fell on Bearman and third-place finisher Sebastian Montoya.
In addition to his initial race, Antonelli participated in two more races during the event, finishing twelfth in the second race and ninth in the final race, which took place in wet conditions. Antonelli's performance marked the beginning of his career in competitive car racing, showcasing his potential in the motorsport arena.
via f1oversteer.comOliver Bearman confirms Lewis Hamilton hardly ever uses simulator after Ferrari factory visitsOliver Bearman, a Haas driver, revealed that Lewis Hamilton utilizes the simulator less than any other driver in Formula 1. While Bearman and his teammate Esteban Ocon are currently using the Ferrari simulator, they face limitations, as Haas is in the process of developing their own simulator, which is not yet operational. Bearman noted that they spend a significant portion of their simulator time reprogramming software to match their car's specifications before they can work on setups.
Hamilton's reluctance to use the simulator stems from his belief that it was leading him in the wrong direction regarding car setup. Despite his minimal simulator usage, Hamilton has achieved notable success this season, including a race win and multiple podiums. Other drivers, like Max Verstappen, emphasize the importance of simulator sessions for team development, even if individual drivers may not find them personally beneficial.
via gpfans.comMartin Brundle criticises British Airways after delaysMartin Brundle expressed his frustration after being stranded on a grounded British Airways flight for nine hours at Heathrow Airport. He described the experience as both 'pathetic and dangerous' in his remarks.
via f1oversteer.comMartin Brundle saw Lando Norris get an underhand advantage to beat Oscar Piastri at MonzaMartin Brundle feels Lando Norris gained a sly advantage as his battle versus McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri got “personal” during the 2026 F1 Italian Grand ...
via f1oversteer.comRafael Camara now has one hurdle in F1 seat hunt after beating Oliver Bearman in private Haas testDespite his impressive performance, Camara faces a challenge due to Haas' technical partnership with Toyota, which may influence the decision on driver line-ups. While Camara is well-positioned with a strong sponsorship package and backing from Ferrari, the potential for Toyota to object to having two Ferrari drivers in the team remains a concern. His future in F1 now hinges on navigating this partnership and securing the seat at Haas.
via Motorsport.comBearman downplays Ferrari engine upgrade for HaasOliver Bearman has stated that the recent Ferrari engine upgrade did not significantly impact Haas's performance. He emphasized that the team's aerodynamic improvements from their Monza package were more beneficial than the latest power unit.
via PlanetF1Brundle and Rosberg in disagreement over Hamilton vs Leclerc, Monza analysis – roundupThe Italian Grand Prix saw Kimi Antonelli secure his seventh win of the 2026 season, overcoming an engine penalty to finish first after starting from 19th. His victory further extended his lead in the championship standings over teammate George Russell, who finished second, while Max Verstappen took third place. The race was notable for a clash between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, which sparked a disagreement between pundits Nico Rosberg and Martin Brundle regarding who was at fault.
Additionally, the FIA issued reprimands to Franco Colapinto and Sergio Perez for not adhering to race director instructions. The event also highlighted concerns about the current F1 regulations, as the top speed recorded at Monza was lower than in previous years. The FIA confirmed a double investigation into the incidents that occurred during the race, indicating ongoing scrutiny of driver conduct and race regulations.
via Sky Sports F1Brundle's verdict on Antonelli fairytale, 'bruised' Russell and Ferrari 'skirmish'The Italian Grand Prix featured a remarkable performance by Kimi Antonelli, who surged from 19th on the grid to claim victory just 18 laps later. The race was marked by intense overtaking and strategic battles, particularly between Mercedes teammates George Russell and Antonelli. Russell initially led the race but faced challenges after a virtual safety car, which allowed Antonelli to close the gap significantly.
Charles Leclerc's race ended prematurely due to a crash that brought out a red flag, while his earlier incident with Lewis Hamilton was classified as a racing incident. The race showcased the competitive nature of the 2026 season, with Antonelli's win being a highlight for both him and the Italian fans.Page 3 of 5