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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 CrashWilliams Attributes Part of Sainz-Piastri Clash to AlonsoWilliams has indicated that Fernando Alonso shares some responsibility for the incident involving Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri. The clash occurred during the Hungarian Grand Prix when Sainz collided with Piastri while being lapped.Thu 30 Jul · 10:01 UTC
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 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen Expected to Announce Red Bull Contract ExtensionMax Verstappen is anticipated to confirm his contract extension with Red Bull during the upcoming Zandvoort race weekend. Reports suggest that the deal could keep him with the team until 2028.+ 1 moreTue 28 Jul · 15:36 UTC
via Crash“We’re in the mix now” - Fernando Alonso’s bullish Aston Martin F1 claimFernando Alonso has expressed optimism about Aston Martin's performance following a substantial upgrade to their car, which included 16 new components. This upgrade allowed Alonso to reach Q2 for the first time this season and finish 14th in the Hungarian Grand Prix, while teammate Lance Stroll achieved his best finish in 13th place. Both drivers acknowledged the need for improved engine performance from Honda to enhance their competitiveness in the second half of the season.
The upgraded Honda power unit is set to make its debut at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, with a testing session scheduled beforehand. Team owner Lawrence Stroll conveyed satisfaction with the recent developments, highlighting the team's progress and the potential for further improvements. Alonso's comments reflect a renewed sense of competitiveness for Aston Martin in the midfield battle of Formula 1.Tue 28 Jul · 14:35 UTC
via grandprix.comHonda feels pressure after Aston chassis breakthroughAston Martin has made significant strides with its chassis, prompting Fernando Alonso to highlight the pressure on Honda to enhance their power unit. The team plans to test an upgraded engine that is expected to deliver an additional 50 horsepower during a filming day at the Hungaroring, with a race debut set for Zandvoort after the summer break. Alonso noted the importance of collaboration between Aston Martin and Honda to address previous weaknesses and improve performance.
Honda's lead engineer confirmed the pressure to keep pace with Aston Martin's advancements, while also addressing past issues with engine vibrations that were resolved during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. Despite the optimism surrounding the chassis improvements, Aston Martin's chief rejected claims of having the best chassis in the midfield, indicating that performance will be clearer in upcoming races.
via grandprix.comRed Bull already weighing early switch to 2027 carRed Bull Racing is contemplating an early transition to its 2027 car due to ongoing performance issues with the current model, which Max Verstappen has openly criticized. Despite his ability to secure podium finishes, Verstappen's dissatisfaction with the car's competitiveness has led to discussions within the team about balancing development efforts between the current season and the next. Team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that the team may need to shift focus sooner than in previous years, especially given the challenges posed by the car's narrow operating window and the pressure to improve performance.
The team has implemented numerous upgrades in an attempt to enhance the car's performance, but Mekies admitted that maintaining the current development pace may not be sustainable. Verstappen's unique sensitivity to the car's behavior has been highlighted as a significant asset, although he remains focused on winning rather than merely finishing on the podium. Teammate Isack Hadjar also expressed frustration with the car's handling and the strategic decisions made during races, indicating a broader concern within the team about their competitive standing.
via grandprix.comHadjar staying, Verstappen offered richer dealRed Bull Racing has proposed a more lucrative contract to Max Verstappen, aiming to extend his tenure until after the 2029 season and eliminate his release clause. Verstappen's current salary of around 65 million euros per year is expected to increase, and both parties are engaged in ongoing discussions about the future of their collaboration. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is likely to continue as Verstappen's teammate after a solid performance at the Hungarian GP, where he finished P6.
Toto Wolff of Mercedes indicated that there will be no immediate changes to their driver lineup, citing the need for car stability rather than driver changes. He acknowledged the potential appeal of a Verstappen-Antonelli pairing but emphasized satisfaction with the current dynamic between their drivers. Mekies reiterated that the team's focus remains on optimizing the car for Verstappen to ensure competitive performance.
via theguardian.comMcLaren’s team principal hails ‘great trajectory’ of Lando Norris after winLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking McLaren's first win of the season. His performance showcased not only his driving skills but also a notable improvement in his psychological approach, as highlighted by team principal Andrea Stella. Norris's ability to remain composed after initially dropping a position to teammate Oscar Piastri was crucial in regaining the lead and securing the win against strong competitors like Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
Meanwhile, George Russell faced challenges during the race, finishing seventh after a slow start due to technical issues. His frustrations with the season's repeated problems were evident, as he expressed a sense of resignation regarding his performance. Despite these setbacks, the focus remained on Norris's development and the promising trajectory of his career within the team.
Mon 27 Jul · 10:30 UTC
via theguardian.com‘Pretty bad’: Lewis Hamilton hits out at Ferrari after dropping points in F1 title raceLewis Hamilton faced disappointment at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. This result has left him trailing Kimi Antonelli by 50 points in the championship standings. Hamilton criticized his team's strategy, particularly the late pit stop that cost him valuable track position and points. He expressed a desire to improve and avoid further penalties in the upcoming races.
Lando Norris celebrated his first win of the season, showcasing strong performance and confidence in his driving. He feels he is performing at a higher level compared to the previous season, despite the challenges posed by the car's handling. Both Hamilton and Norris are looking forward to the second half of the season, hoping to capitalize on their potential and make significant gains in the championship.Sun 26 Jul · 19:51 UTC
via AutosportPiastri slams "unacceptable" Sainz blue-flag incident, accepts McLaren strategy in Hungarian GPOscar Piastri expressed his frustration over an incident with Carlos Sainz during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Sainz ignored blue flags and collided with Piastri, costing him the lead. Piastri deemed Sainz's actions as 'unacceptable' and suggested he should reflect on his driving decisions, especially since Sainz was engaged in a battle for position with Fernando Alonso at the time.
Despite his anger towards Sainz, Piastri later acknowledged that McLaren's pit strategy was sound, as it was aimed at covering Lewis Hamilton's pit stop. However, he felt that the collision with Sainz was a significant setback, leading to his eventual retirement from the race due to a gearbox failure.
Sun 26 Jul · 16:31 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull cuts Verstappen media as car criticism eruptsMax Verstappen expressed significant dissatisfaction with the performance of the 2026 Red Bull car, describing it as aerodynamically broken and undriveable. Following his qualifying session in Hungary, Red Bull restricted his media interactions, which raised eyebrows as his teammate continued to engage with the press. Verstappen's comments highlighted ongoing issues with the car's balance and reliability, suggesting a deeper problem that needs addressing before the race.
In addition to the car concerns, Verstappen played a role in persuading Tom Hart to remain with Red Bull, where he is expected to succeed Gianpiero Lambiase as Verstappen's race engineer. This decision came after Hart was initially slated to join Williams. The situation reflects both the challenges Verstappen faces with the current car and the strategic moves within the Red Bull team regarding engineering personnel.
via grandprix.comWilliams must copy Aston's big leap says SainzCarlos Sainz emphasized the need for Williams to replicate the significant advancements made by Aston Martin, particularly after their recent performance boost at the Hungaroring with a new 'B' car. He noted that while Williams has a lighter specification coming for the Baku race, it may not be enough to compete effectively this season, suggesting that the team should focus on next year's car for more substantial improvements.
Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso highlighted that their new chassis has resolved previous correlation issues, allowing for better performance and clarity on future enhancements. He acknowledged the need for increased engine power from Honda, which is expected to be tested soon. Overall, both Sainz and Alonso see potential for growth and improvement within their respective teams.
via grandprix.comRed Bull rescued Tsolov from Alonso-linked debtRed Bull has intervened to assist Nikola Tsolov, who was facing significant financial challenges due to a restrictive contract linked to Fernando Alonso's management. Dr. Helmut Marko's involvement was crucial in helping Tsolov escape this situation, allowing him to focus on his racing career without the burden of debt. Tsolov is currently leading the Formula 2 championship, having won six races, and is considered a strong candidate for promotion to Formula 1 with Red Bull.
Despite the pressures he faced, Tsolov has maintained impressive performance levels in Formula 2, showcasing his speed and consistency. Meanwhile, Alonso made headlines for a personal milestone, introducing his son Leonard to the Aston Martin team during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. The article highlights the contrasting narratives of Tsolov's rising career and Alonso's family moments in the paddock.
via grandprix.comWolff Discusses Mercedes' Future Driver Lineup PlansToto Wolff has indicated that Mercedes is not urgently seeking to sign Max Verstappen for 2027, citing the rise of Kimi Antonelli. The team is currently focused on retaining George Russell while keeping options open for future driver pairings.Page 30 of 32