News550 stories
RSS ↗
via grandprix.comFerrari Plans Ongoing Upgrades to Compete with RivalsFerrari has announced its commitment to an aggressive upgrade strategy as it seeks to enhance its performance in the current season. The team will focus on frequent smaller updates rather than fewer large packages, aiming to close the gap with competitors like Mercedes.
via CrashHakkinen advises McLaren against pursuing Max Verstappen moveMika Hakkinen has cautioned McLaren against making a significant move for Max Verstappen, suggesting it may disrupt their current stability. The two-time world champion's potential transfer to McLaren has been a topic of speculation for the 2027 season.
+ 3 moreTue 4 Aug · 09:19 UTC
via RacingNews365Ecclestone Credits Verstappen for Dutch GP's Return to F1Bernie Ecclestone has stated that Max Verstappen was instrumental in bringing the Dutch Grand Prix back to Zandvoort. He emphasized that without Verstappen's influence, Formula 1 might not have returned to the venue.
+ 1 moreTue 4 Aug · 05:25 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.Tue 4 Aug · 04:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 legends weigh in on Max Verstappen's Red Bull futureThe future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing has become a topic of discussion among Formula 1 legends as he navigates a challenging season. Currently sixth in the drivers' standings, Verstappen has the option to activate an exit clause in his contract, which has led to speculation about potential moves to teams like Mercedes or McLaren. However, he has remained silent on his future plans.
Several former drivers have weighed in on the situation, with opinions ranging from Montoya's belief that Verstappen's frustrations are a strategy to motivate the team, to Fittipaldi's hope that he will stay due to his loyalty. Others, like Berger, emphasize the importance of patience as Red Bull works through its new engine development, suggesting that the team could regain its competitive edge in the near future.
Mon 3 Aug · 14:38 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull Evaluates Future Amid Verstappen's Performance and Antonelli's RiseRed Bull Racing is currently assessing its future direction as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses. The team is particularly focused on Max Verstappen's performance and the impressive rise of young driver Antonelli.Mon 3 Aug · 14:00 UTC
via grandprix.comJos Verstappen slams claims about Max's next moveJos Verstappen has dismissed claims that his son, Max Verstappen, is preparing to extend his contract with Red Bull while negotiating a higher salary without an exit clause. Reports suggest that Red Bull is willing to increase Max's pay, but there are concerns about the team's competitiveness moving forward, leading to speculation about Max's future decisions in the sport.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has expressed confidence in Red Bull's structure, stating that the team does not require a rebuild despite some senior departures. He emphasized his strong relationship with the team and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1.
via espn.comHamilton success 'not ideal' for Bearman's futureOliver Bearman, a young driver currently with Haas, has expressed mixed feelings about Lewis Hamilton's resurgence with Ferrari in 2026. While he admires Hamilton's performance, he acknowledges that it complicates his own aspirations to drive for Ferrari in the future. Bearman made his F1 debut for Ferrari in 2024 but has not raced for them since, and he is currently 13th in the standings as Hamilton sits second behind Kimi Antonelli.
Bearman is aware that both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have secured their positions with Ferrari for the foreseeable future, making his path to the team uncertain. Despite his long-term goal of becoming a Ferrari driver, Bearman is considering other opportunities if he has to wait too long for a seat. At just 21 years old, he feels he has time to develop and learn in his current role at Haas.
Mon 3 Aug · 13:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen Identifies Key Focus Area for Red Bull TeamMax Verstappen has highlighted a significant priority for Red Bull as they continue to develop the RB22. The driver emphasized the importance of addressing this area to enhance the team's performance.Mon 3 Aug · 11:50 UTC
via espn.comStars Wars creator gives F1 boss insight into fansStefano Domenicali, the head of Formula 1, revealed insights from a conversation with George Lucas, emphasizing that many fans are uninterested in the technical complexities of the sport's new cars. The 2026 season has introduced engines that blend traditional combustion with electric power, leading to significant criticism from drivers like Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso, who have expressed concerns about the impact on racing dynamics.
Domenicali acknowledged the ongoing criticism and the need for clearer communication regarding the sport's technical aspects. He believes that while some fans seek detailed information, the majority are primarily focused on the excitement of the races. He aims to address these concerns constructively and prefers to have private discussions with drivers to foster solutions rather than public disputes.Mon 3 Aug · 09:54 UTC
via Motorsport.comRachel 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.Sun 2 Aug · 10:15 UTC
via AutosportMax Verstappen Reflects on F1 Season Ahead of Summer BreakMax Verstappen expressed contentment with his position in Formula 1 as the summer break approaches. He emphasized his passion for racing while discussing his relationship with Red Bull and the current regulations.
+ 1 moreSun 2 Aug · 08:01 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.Sat 1 Aug · 14:03 UTC
via CrashIsack Hadjar Comments on Max Verstappen's Performance ChallengesIsack Hadjar acknowledges Max Verstappen's exceptional skills in Formula 1, noting a specific area where Verstappen excels. Despite Verstappen's struggles with the 2026 Red Bull car, Hadjar finds reassurance in the situation.+ 1 moreSat 1 Aug · 13:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen's Red Bull radio complaints prompt McLaren move question from David CroftMax Verstappen's radio messages during the Hungarian Grand Prix raised eyebrows, leading Sky Sports commentator David Croft to speculate about potential motives behind his frustrations. Croft suggested that these complaints might be a strategic move to facilitate a departure from Red Bull, possibly to join McLaren, as the team has faced challenges with their car's performance this season.
The context of these comments comes amid a strong performance from Mercedes, who have dominated the early part of the 2026 season. Verstappen's remarks about the difficulties of driving the Red Bull when it is not in optimal condition have fueled discussions about his satisfaction with the team and the car's reliability.Sat 1 Aug · 08:00 UTC
via Crash‘Other motives’ theory offered for Max Verstappen F1 Red Bull car gripesMax Verstappen expressed dissatisfaction with his Red Bull car's performance during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, despite achieving a second-place finish. His complaints included remarks about the car's aerodynamic issues and degradation, leading to speculation about potential motives behind his statements, particularly regarding a possible interest in McLaren.
David Croft, a commentator, suggested that Verstappen's grievances might be a strategic move, as he has an exit clause in his contract with Red Bull that allows him to leave at the end of the year. Red Bull has also made a lucrative contract extension offer to keep him with the team until 2029.Fri 31 Jul · 15:17 UTC
via Motorsport.comSergio Perez reveals how Max Verstappen's "pure" leadership made him a faster F1 driverSergio Perez has credited Max Verstappen's leadership style for enhancing his performance as a Formula 1 driver during their four years together at Red Bull Racing. In a recent podcast, Perez highlighted how Verstappen's ability to guide car development and inspire the team contributed to his own growth as a competitor, despite the challenges of being in Verstappen's shadow.
After his tenure at Red Bull, where he faced intense competition, Perez transitioned to the newly formed Cadillac F1 team. He expressed his desire to leverage the lessons learned from Verstappen to improve his performance in the upcoming seasons.Fri 31 Jul · 13:27 UTC
via grandprix.comPiquet mother takes swipe at Leclerc's paddock styleA dispute has arisen in the Formula 1 community after Sylvia Tamsma, the mother of Kelly Piquet, criticized Alexandra Leclerc's fashion choices at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Tamsma's comment, which suggested that the paddock should not resemble a fashion show, was made on Instagram but was deleted following backlash, including questions about her own daughter's fashion sense.
The incident highlights the evolving image of Formula 1 as it increasingly embraces lifestyle and entertainment aspects. Liberty Media has noted that women now make up a significant portion of the sport's audience, indicating a shift in demographics and interests among fans.
via grandprix.comDomenicali doubts Verstappen will quit F1Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, expressed skepticism about Max Verstappen's potential departure from the sport, asserting that Formula 1 would continue to flourish without him. He highlighted the ongoing discussions regarding regulation changes, which aim to enhance the racing experience and address concerns raised by drivers, including Verstappen. The adjustments include a shift in power distribution for the 2027 season and a future return to V8 engines by 2031.
Domenicali also noted that while some manufacturers resisted more aggressive changes, both Mercedes and Red Bull were in favor. He believes that Verstappen has a strong affinity for Formula 1 and anticipates that he will remain in the sport. Additionally, Domenicali plans to unveil a new set of regulations by the end of the year, focusing on simplifying the technical aspects and improving the overall racing spectacle.
via Crash'He wants to be winning' - Rachel Brookes stokes Max Verstappen Red Bull exit flamesMax Verstappen's future with Red Bull Racing has become a hot topic, particularly as the team has seen a significant departure of key personnel. Former Sky Sports presenter Rachel Brookes suggested that Verstappen is considering leaving the team, especially after a secret meeting with McLaren, although both McLaren and Mercedes have dismissed immediate moves for him. The ongoing struggles of Red Bull in the current regulations have intensified these speculations about Verstappen's commitment to the team.
Despite being offered a lucrative contract extension that could keep him at Red Bull until 2029, Brookes emphasized that Verstappen's desire to win races again is paramount. He has expressed frustration with the team's performance and has ruled out taking a break from racing, indicating that if he leaves, he would not return. The situation remains fluid as Verstappen weighs his options amid the team's challenges and personnel changes.Wed 29 Jul · 12:44 UTCPage 26 of 28