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via thejudge13.comVerstappen confirms talks with McLaren before Red Bull extensionMax Verstappen has confirmed that he engaged in discussions with McLaren prior to extending his contract with Red Bull until 2030. Although he was already under contract until 2028, the talks with McLaren were serious enough to indicate that they were more than mere speculation. Verstappen emphasized that such discussions are a normal part of evaluating his future, but ultimately decided that remaining with Red Bull was the best choice for his career aspirations.
Verstappen described his relationship with Red Bull as akin to a second family and expressed confidence in the team's future direction. He believes that staying with Red Bull will allow him to achieve his ambitions, especially with significant technical changes coming in the 2026 season. His commitment to Red Bull not only solidifies his place in the team but also prevents one of the biggest potential driver moves in recent years.
via f1oversteer.comGuenther Steiner snubs Max Verstappen as he names F1 driver who’d be his ‘first pick in the draft’Guenther Steiner has made headlines by selecting Kimi Antonelli as his first pick in a hypothetical Formula 1 draft, placing him ahead of Max Verstappen. Antonelli has had a remarkable 2026 season, leading the championship with seven wins and a significant points lead. Steiner expressed confidence that Antonelli will surpass Verstappen's performance in the coming years, highlighting the young driver's impressive turnaround from his rookie season.
In addition to Antonelli, Steiner also picked Lando Norris for his junior team, showcasing his belief in the talents of both drivers. He acknowledged the challenge of selecting from numerous young talents for his team, indicating a competitive landscape in F1. This decision comes as Verstappen, despite his past dominance, faces challenges in the current season, sitting sixth in the standings after a series of regulation changes.
via Motorsport.comVerstappen criticises modern F1 cars for lack of challengeMax Verstappen has expressed concerns about the current generation of Formula 1 cars, stating they are too easy to drive and limit responsiveness. He believes that the changes in power units have diminished the driving challenge, making it less demanding for drivers to perform at a high level.
via CrashFernando Alonso 'keeps Ayrton Senna history alive' with early running in SpainFernando Alonso participated in a special track day in Barcelona, showcasing iconic cars from his personal collection, including two vehicles previously raced by Ayrton Senna. This event occurred just before the Spanish Grand Prix, highlighting Alonso's passion for motorsport and his connection to racing history.
Alonso's collection, valued at around £32 million, features a variety of cars, but the standout models were Senna's 1984 Toleman and the 1989 McLaren MP4-5. He shared his excitement on social media, emphasizing the importance of preserving and enjoying the history of motorsport. As his contract with Aston Martin is set to expire, the upcoming race in Madrid may mark his final appearance in F1 on home soil.
via Formula1.comPedro de la Rosa praises Aston Martin's successful upgradesPedro de la Rosa highlighted the positive impact of Aston Martin's recent car upgrades during the Hungarian Grand Prix. He described Fernando Alonso's reaction as a standout moment of the season, emphasizing the effectiveness of the team's strategic changes.
via gpfans.comF1 champion Max Verstappen reveals his 'bucket list' races after Nurburgring adventureMax Verstappen has shared his aspirations for future racing events, particularly after his experience at the Nurburgring 24 Hours. He is keen on participating in various endurance races, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, and has discussed the possibility of collaborating with fellow driver Fernando Alonso for this event.
Verstappen emphasized that he wants to approach these races on his own terms and in a competitive environment. Despite his criticisms of current F1 regulations, he remains committed to the sport and is motivated by the hope for improvements in the coming years, as he continues his career with Red Bull through 2030.
via f1oversteer.comOne F1 driver was ‘99% sure’ he’d become Lewis Hamilton’s teammate before last-minute phone callIn 2008, Pedro de la Rosa believed he was on the verge of becoming Lewis Hamilton's teammate at McLaren after Fernando Alonso's departure. He had been in contact with team principal Ron Dennis and felt confident about securing the seat, even making personal changes to impress the team.
However, de la Rosa was ultimately informed by Martin Whitmarsh that McLaren had decided to sign Heikki Kovalainen instead. This news was a disappointment for de la Rosa, who felt he was competitive enough for the role, but Whitmarsh pointed out Kovalainen's youth as a significant factor in the decision.
via Motorsport WeekFernando Alonso delivers F1 retirement update ahead of Madrid debutFernando Alonso has confirmed that he will not announce his retirement from Formula 1 during the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit. This race marks his first appearance at a Spanish street circuit since his victory in Valencia in 2012. Despite a challenging start to the season with Aston Martin, where he has only managed to score three points, Alonso remains focused on the team's potential for improvement in 2027.
After a disappointing performance at the Italian GP, where he retired early due to damage, Alonso expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming race at Madring. He acknowledged the team's struggles but indicated that certain circuits might offer better opportunities for performance. Alonso's comments suggest he is considering his future with Aston Martin, hinting at a possible commitment to continue racing in 2027.
via RacingNews365The Senna-fication of Kimi AntonelliKimi Antonelli is emerging as a significant talent in Formula 1, with aspirations to become the youngest champion in the sport's history. His recent victory at Monza has drawn comparisons to legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna, particularly due to the significance of the location and the passionate support from Ferrari fans. Antonelli's performance at Monza marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his potential to reshape the narrative of Italian drivers in F1.
Despite the accolades and comparisons, Antonelli remains cautious about being likened to past greats, emphasizing his desire to carve out his own legacy. His journey reflects a blend of talent and determination, as he navigates the pressures of the sport while aiming to establish a unique identity in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
via RacingNews365What is behind Fernando Alonso's F1 contract delay?Fernando Alonso's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain as his contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the end of the current season. Despite the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix being seen as a potential opportunity for an announcement, sources indicate that no updates will be provided this weekend. Alonso has been a topic of discussion throughout the season, especially given Aston Martin's underwhelming performance with Honda powertrains, which has led to speculation about his next steps.
While there were rumors of a possible return to Alpine, the team's current driver contracts have closed that door. Alonso has consistently denied retirement rumors and is likely to remain with Aston Martin, where discussions about a contract extension are ongoing. The negotiations are complex, with considerations for a potential pay raise and future roles within the team after his racing career. Alonso has expressed trust in Honda's capabilities and is eager to continue racing, indicating a desire to finalize his future soon.
via RaceFansVerstappen to compete in world-record go-kart raceMax Verstappen is set to participate in a unique go-kart race featuring 100 competitors. The event, titled 'Max vs 100', will allow him to communicate with his rivals during the race.
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Adrian Newey can help Fernando Alonso show he is 'as good as' Max VerstappenJuan Pablo Montoya has expressed confidence that Adrian Newey can enhance Fernando Alonso's performance to match that of Max Verstappen, particularly as Alonso navigates a challenging 2026 season with Aston Martin. Despite the team's struggles, Montoya believes that Alonso's skills remain on par with the best in the sport, contingent on having a competitive car and engine.
Montoya also discussed Alonso's longevity in Formula 1, attributing it to the reduced testing demands of the current era. He reflected on the rigorous testing schedules of the past, suggesting that modern drivers benefit from a more manageable workload, which helps them avoid burnout and maintain their performance levels.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen outlines greatest desire for post-F1 careerMax Verstappen has revealed his desire to transition into endurance racing once he concludes his Formula 1 career. He has a deep appreciation for this style of racing and has already participated in events such as the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, indicating that he is eager to explore more opportunities in this field.
Verstappen has extended his contract with Red Bull until 2030, but he remains focused on endurance racing as a future goal. He has expressed interest in competing in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and has discussed the possibility of teaming up with Fernando Alonso, although he acknowledges that their schedules must align for this to happen.
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen reveals message to Red Bull team in huge contract negotiationsMax Verstappen recently extended his contract with Red Bull Racing, committing to the team until 2030, albeit with some exit clauses. He emphasized the importance of his relationship with the team, describing them as a 'second family' and highlighting their support beyond his racing career as a key factor in his decision to stay.
During the contract negotiations, Verstappen reassured the team not to worry about his future, urging them to concentrate on improving the car's performance. He stated that his primary concern was on-track success rather than contract discussions, as he was also busy with other commitments outside of Formula 1.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen onboard of Madring lapA challenging street circuit, but what does the lap look like?
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen makes ‘turtle’ admission as Italian GP tactic comes to lightMax Verstappen expressed frustration during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he felt like he was being overtaken easily by competitors, likening himself to a 'turtle'. Despite this, he noted that his Red Bull RB22 performed well in braking zones, allowing him to engage in battles with the Mercedes drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Verstappen managed to lead the race briefly but ultimately finished third as Antonelli claimed victory. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Mercedes' deployment advantage and the limitations of the overtake mode, which made it difficult for him to defend his position once he took the lead. Overall, he recognized the need for improvements in his car's performance.
via gpfans.comRed Bull F1 star officially a free agent as rumours swirl over paddock switchA long-serving member of Red Bull's F1 outfit who played a key role in their Christian Horner/Max Verstappen glory years is now officially a free agent.
via newsonf1.comDomenicali encourages Alonso to stay in F1 beyond 2026Stefano Domenicali has expressed his desire for Fernando Alonso to continue racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season. The final decision regarding Alonso's future, however, will ultimately be up to the two-time world champion.
via BBC SportMcLaren talks, 'numb' cars and being 'captain of the ship' - Verstappen Q&AMax Verstappen, the Red Bull driver, is currently reflecting on his 2026 season, where he has achieved five podium finishes but is still seeking his first victory. He recently signed a contract extension with Red Bull until 2030, although he acknowledges that performance issues with the car need to be addressed for future competitiveness. Verstappen has been candid about his frustrations with the current car's performance and the new engine regulations in Formula 1, expressing a desire for improvements in the coming years.
In addition to his F1 commitments, Verstappen has participated in endurance racing, notably the Nurburgring 24 Hours, where he experienced both success and disappointment due to a mechanical failure. He has engaged in discussions with other teams like McLaren but ultimately feels a strong connection to Red Bull, viewing it as his second family. Looking ahead, he is interested in competing in more endurance events, including Le Mans, ideally alongside experienced drivers like Fernando Alonso.
via f1chronicle.comLiam Lawson Gets a Third Straight Red Bull Race in Madrid as Isack Hadjar’s Wrist Injury Drags OnLiam Lawson has been confirmed to race for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, as Isack Hadjar continues to recover from a wrist injury. Hadjar's absence has now extended to three consecutive races, impacting his rookie season and the team's lineup strategy. Lawson's recent performances have shown improvement, qualifying closely behind Verstappen at Zandvoort and finishing seventh, contrasting with his earlier struggles in 2025 when he was dropped after two races.
The Madrid race presents a unique challenge as the new Madring circuit is unfamiliar to all drivers, potentially leveling the playing field. Lawson's ability to perform well in this race is critical, not only for immediate results but also for securing his position within the team moving forward. Meanwhile, Hadjar's recovery remains a focal point for Red Bull, as they navigate the implications of his absence on their championship standings.Page 21 of 43