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via PlanetF1Max Verstappen's New Race Engineer Debuts at Italian Grand PrixMax Verstappen was heard communicating with a new race engineer during the second practice session at the Italian Grand Prix. This change follows the confirmation of a successor to his previous engineer, Lambiase.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 18:23 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher says Lewis Hamilton’s rumoured contract extension shows F1 isn’t what it ‘used to be’Lewis Hamilton is rumored to have extended his contract with Ferrari for the 2027 season, which would mark his 21st consecutive year in Formula 1. At 42 years old, Hamilton remains competitive, currently tied on points with teammate George Russell and significantly behind Kimi Antonelli in the standings. Ralf Schumacher commented on the implications of Hamilton's longevity in the sport, suggesting that the evolving nature of F1 has made it less physically demanding for older drivers to compete effectively.
Schumacher's remarks highlight a broader trend in the sport, where drivers like Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg are also approaching or surpassing 40 years of age. He expressed concern that the current regulations, which emphasize battery and tire management, may diminish the sport's intensity and challenge, potentially affecting the development of younger talent in Formula 1.
Wed 2 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen linked with new series switch as F1 champion rumoured for Portugal raceMax Verstappen is set to return to racing outside of Formula 1 later this year, with speculation surrounding his participation in the GT3 World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup in Portugal from October 16-18. This follows his recent signing of a new contract with Red Bull and previous outings with his own team, Verstappen Racing, earlier in the season. The timing of the GT3 event aligns with an off weekend in the F1 calendar, allowing him the opportunity to compete without conflicting with his F1 commitments.
Currently, Verstappen is sixth in the F1 standings, significantly trailing the championship leader. His recent performance at the Dutch Grand Prix ended in a crash, contributing to his current point deficit. While there are rumors about potential drivers joining him for the GT3 race, including Alex Palou, no official confirmations have been made regarding the lineup.
Wed 2 Sep · 16:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Helmut Marko reveals Max Verstappen fear after 'dangerous' accidentHelmut Marko shared his concerns following Max Verstappen's crash at the Dutch Grand Prix, where Verstappen lost control of his car on the opening lap. The incident left his car sideways on the track, posing a risk of collision with oncoming drivers, but fortunately, the field managed to avoid a serious accident thanks to Liam Lawson's quick reflexes.
Marko expressed relief after confirming Verstappen was stable and unharmed, as the driver reassured him with comments indicating he was okay. The crash was alarming and highlighted the potential dangers of racing, especially in high-speed situations like Zandvoort.
Wed 2 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff believes Kimi Antonelli is proving Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were right all alongKimi Antonelli, a promising young driver in Formula 1, has been making waves in the 2026 season, showcasing his talent with six wins and a strong lead in the standings. His selection by Toto Wolff to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes reflects the team's confidence in his abilities, despite a challenging rookie season where he finished seventh in the championship. Wolff acknowledges that both Hamilton and Max Verstappen recognized Antonelli's potential early on, which has now been validated by his impressive performance this year.
The 19-year-old has matured significantly since his debut, overcoming early struggles and adapting well to new regulations. With guidance from seasoned champions like Hamilton and Verstappen, Antonelli is focused on maintaining his momentum as he aims to become the youngest champion in F1 history and the first Italian to win the title in over seven decades.Wed 2 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull confirm driver replacement for Italian Grand Prix as F1 star ruled out with injuryRed Bull Racing has announced that Liam Lawson will drive alongside Max Verstappen at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, as Isack Hadjar is still recovering from a wrist injury. Hadjar was initially thought to be on track for a quick return, but the team has decided to prioritize his health and safety by keeping him out of the race this weekend. Lawson had previously stepped in for Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished in seventh place.
In addition to Lawson's promotion, Yuki Tsunoda will take the opportunity to race for Racing Bulls after Lawson's move to Red Bull. Tsunoda, who finished 11th in the Dutch Grand Prix, is looking to make a strong impression at Monza, although his future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. Red Bull is committed to closely monitoring Hadjar's recovery process to ensure he returns to competition only when fully fit.Wed 2 Sep · 15:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Sebastian Vettel furious after controversial Lewis Hamilton incident - On This DayThe article recounts the events of the 2018 Italian Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton secured a crucial victory after a first-lap collision with Sebastian Vettel. The incident occurred as Hamilton attempted to overtake Vettel, resulting in damage to Vettel's car and forcing him to pit early in the race. Despite starting from the back, Vettel managed to finish fourth, but his frustration was evident as Hamilton extended his championship lead.
The race was marked by strategic battles, particularly between Hamilton and Räikkönen, who initially led the race. Hamilton's successful maneuver to overtake Räikkönen late in the race solidified his win. The stewards ruled the collision a racing incident, leaving both drivers without penalties, but Vettel's dissatisfaction with the outcome and Ferrari's strategy was clear.Wed 2 Sep · 15:45 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes Postpones ADUO Engine Upgrade Until October EventsMercedes has confirmed that the ADUO engine upgrade will not be available for the Italian Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli will receive a new power unit but will incur a back-of-grid penalty as the upgrade is expected to arrive in October.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 14:43 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen has ‘expressed a preference’ to race with the best driver outside F1 in GT3 returnMax Verstappen is looking to make a return to GT3 racing by the end of 2026, expressing a desire to team up with IndyCar champion Alex Palou. This comes after Verstappen's recent ventures into sports car racing, including participation in notable events like the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring. He has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current F1 regulations, stating that GT3 racing feels significantly better to him than F1 racing.
The final round of the GT World Challenge is set for October 16-18, 2026, where Verstappen is expected to drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3. With regular teammates potentially unavailable, Palou is seen as a strong candidate for the third seat. Palou recently secured his fifth IndyCar title and has a solid background in sports car racing, making him a fitting choice for Verstappen's GT3 ambitions.Wed 2 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via Formula1.com10 of the best recovery drives after starting at the backThe article highlights ten remarkable recovery drives in Formula 1 history, focusing on drivers who started at the back of the grid and achieved impressive finishes. Kimi Antonelli is set to face a grid penalty at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, prompting a look back at past drivers who overcame similar challenges, including Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel, among others.
Each featured driver faced unique obstacles, such as penalties, disqualifications, and challenging weather conditions, yet they managed to climb through the ranks to secure podium finishes or victories. The article emphasizes the skill and determination required to execute such recovery drives, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of Formula 1 racing.
Wed 2 Sep · 13:23 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton Signs Extension with Ferrari Amid Ongoing F1 ChangesLewis Hamilton has reportedly signed a contract extension with Ferrari as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses. This development comes amidst ongoing discussions about potential team changes within the sport.Wed 2 Sep · 12:57 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris Gains Confidence in 2026 Championship Title FightFormer F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has noted that McLaren is becoming increasingly competitive as Lando Norris aims for the 2026 championship. Despite this momentum, Norris still trails behind Kimi Antonelli in the title standings.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 12:45 UTC
via f1technical.netMercedes identifies key weaknesses to address after Zandvoort defeatMercedes is analyzing its performance after a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, where they secured a second and third place finish but struggled to match the pace of Lando Norris and McLaren. Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted specific weaknesses in high-speed corners, particularly at Turns 7, 8, and 9, and noted that the performance drop varied between their drivers during different tire stints.
As they prepare for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Mercedes faces the task of understanding whether the issues at Zandvoort were unique to that circuit or indicative of a larger problem with their car. The team is also investigating the contrasting handling characteristics reported by their drivers, which adds complexity to their analysis ahead of the next race.
Wed 2 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Will Hamilton, Russell or Norris seize title-race opening at Monza?The Italian Grand Prix presents a significant opportunity for Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Lando Norris as championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid due to penalties. Both Hamilton and Russell are trailing Antonelli by 59 points, while Norris is 83 points behind after recent victories. The race at Monza is crucial for these drivers to capitalize on Antonelli's misfortune and close the gap in the standings.
Ferrari is set to unveil an engine upgrade at their home race, which could enhance Hamilton's chances of victory. Meanwhile, McLaren's Norris is confident but faces challenges with their performance at Monza. Max Verstappen, significantly behind in points, may also play a role in the title race despite his own struggles this season. The outcome of the race could have lasting implications for the championship battle as the season progresses.
Wed 2 Sep · 11:04 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko says Red Bull made ‘financially difficult’ decision that’s holding Max Verstappen backHelmut Marko has expressed concerns regarding Red Bull's decision-making in the development of the RB22, suggesting that the team has made mistakes that are hindering both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The formation of Red Bull Powertrains and the partnership with Ford were significant steps, but the team has struggled to keep pace with competitors due to restrictions on engine upgrades and development missteps. Marko highlighted that these issues are compounded by the financial constraints of the cost-cap regulations.
As a result of these challenges, Verstappen's performance has suffered, leading to his lowest points tally since 2018 and a sixth-place standing in the championship. Both he and Hadjar have voiced frustrations about the car's performance, particularly its grip and balance, which have affected their competitiveness this season. The inability to upgrade their power unit mid-season further complicates Red Bull's situation as they seek to improve their standing in the championship.Wed 2 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via gpfans.comKimi Antonelli Faces Challenges at 2026 Italian Grand PrixKimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, is set to compete in his home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend. He aims to overcome a longstanding 60-year challenge associated with the event.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 10:05 UTC
via PlanetF1Toto Wolff Comments on Antonelli's Grid Penalty at MonzaMercedes team principal Toto Wolff has addressed Kimi Antonelli's upcoming grid penalty for the Italian Grand Prix. He emphasized that Formula 1 prioritizes performance over sentimentality as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 09:13 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc doesn’t share Lewis Hamilton’s view on Ferrari’s 2026 title chancesCharles Leclerc has expressed a cautious approach regarding Ferrari's chances in the championship, stating he is not focused on the title this season. He is currently 87 points behind Kimi Antonelli and emphasizes a race-by-race mentality as Ferrari seeks to improve its performance, particularly with an upgraded engine set to debut at Monza. Leclerc's previous championship experience includes finishing second to Max Verstappen in 2022, but he acknowledges the challenges posed by competitors like McLaren and Mercedes.
In contrast, Lewis Hamilton maintains a more optimistic outlook, believing that Ferrari can still contend for the championship. He is currently 28 points ahead of Leclerc but trails Antonelli by 59 points. Hamilton's focus remains on winning and accumulating points, despite recent disappointing races. The differing perspectives between Leclerc and Hamilton highlight the contrasting strategies and mindsets within their teams as the season progresses.Wed 2 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur claims Ferrari ‘didn’t have control’ over Lewis Hamilton after he joinedFred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, discussed the challenges faced by Lewis Hamilton during his first season with the team in 2025. Hamilton struggled significantly, failing to secure any podium finishes and achieving his lowest points total in recent years. Vasseur noted that both Hamilton and Ferrari lacked control over their collaboration, which contributed to a difficult season for both parties. However, improvements have been made in 2026, leading to better results for Hamilton, including a Grand Prix victory in Barcelona and a strong points tally early in the season.
The changes in the regulations for 2026 have positively impacted Hamilton's performance, allowing him to adapt his driving style more effectively. Vasseur emphasized the importance of collaboration and understanding within the team, which has been enhanced since Hamilton's arrival. With a new race engineer and a better grasp of the Ferrari team dynamics, Hamilton is now positioned to compete at the front of the grid.Wed 2 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via f1technical.netMcLaren Unveils Special Livery for Upcoming Grands PrixMcLaren has introduced a new livery for its MCL40 cars, celebrating four years with partner OKX. This special design will be showcased at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza and the Spanish Grand Prix.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 05:00 UTCPage 26 of 62