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via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner predicts Max Verstappen will go winless in 2026 F1 seasonGuenther Steiner, the former Haas Formula 1 team principal, has made a bold prediction that Max Verstappen will finish the 2026 Formula 1 season without a single victory. He believes that the current Red Bull Racing package is not competitive enough to secure wins, especially with strong performances from rivals Mercedes and McLaren.
Verstappen is currently sixth in the standings, significantly trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Despite achieving second place in several races this season, he has acknowledged a performance gap compared to his competitors, indicating that improvements are still needed in the car's setup and performance.
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton denies demands for Ferrari changesLewis Hamilton has strongly denied rumours suggesting he is requesting changes at Ferrari. The claims come as Max Verstappen continues to build momentum ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
via RacingNews365Verstappen crashes after life-threatening blowout as Hamilton suffers 'magic button' mishapDuring the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Max Verstappen experienced a life-threatening crash when his left-rear tyre exploded at high speed, leading to a collision with the wall. This incident occurred on lap 46, and Verstappen reported feeling no prior warning before the blowout. Pirelli later investigated and found no manufacturing defects in the tyres, attributing the failure to the specific running conditions on the track.
Simultaneously, Lewis Hamilton faced his own challenges when a switch on his steering wheel caused him to lose control at Turn 1 during the race restart. This mishap resulted in both championship contenders failing to score points, leaving the title fight unchanged but highlighting the precarious nature of their competition. Following the race, Mercedes made adjustments to their steering wheel design to avoid similar issues in the future.
via Motorsport WeekNorris and Antonelli urge changes to Madring circuitLando Norris and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have called for modifications to the Madring circuit following its debut at the Spanish Grand Prix. Their comments come in response to the track's limitations highlighted during the race and the negative feedback from fans.
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen hails Lando Norris for helping fix huge F1 problemMax Verstappen has expressed his admiration for Lando Norris, who has taken significant steps to support aspiring drivers in motorsport by launching his own junior team, LN4 Fusion. This initiative aims to compete in various championships, including the FIA Formula 3, and is seen as a way to address the financial barriers that many young talents face in entering Formula 1.
Verstappen highlighted the increasing costs associated with motorsport and the challenges that talented drivers encounter due to financial constraints. While he appreciates Norris's contributions, Verstappen stated that he prefers to focus on endurance racing and does not plan to establish his own single-seater team, instead supporting young drivers through his existing projects.
via Motorsport.comMcLaren releases behind-the-scenes look at Lando Norris's hypercar testMcLaren has released behind-the-scenes footage of Lando Norris testing their 2027 MCL-HY hypercar in Portugal. Following his third-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, Norris participated in the test at the Algarve International Circuit, completing 38 laps and covering 177km.
Norris expressed excitement about the experience, noting the differences from Formula 1 cars and the fun he had. He thanked the McLaren Hypercar Team for the opportunity and highlighted the importance of collecting data during this crucial testing period as the team prepares for the World Endurance Championship next year.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris handed F1 'sweet spot' praise amid fading title hopesNico Rosberg has commended Lando Norris for his impressive driving performances during the current Formula 1 season, despite Norris's challenges in defending his championship title. Norris, who began the season as the reigning champion, has faced difficulties as McLaren struggled to maintain consistent race-winning form, particularly in the early part of the season.
However, McLaren's recent competitiveness, with two wins in the last four races, has highlighted Norris's skill. Rosberg pointed out that the team's slow start was partly due to adapting to a new power unit. While Norris is significantly behind Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings, Rosberg believes that Norris's confidence as a world champion allows him to drive at an exceptional level.
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff's 'league of his own' comments highlight why Lando Norris is beating Oscar PiastriToto Wolff praised Lando Norris for his exceptional performance during qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix, where Norris achieved pole position with a remarkable lap time of 1:31.385. Wolff noted Norris' skill in managing rear tyre overheating, especially under challenging hot conditions, which set him apart from his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Despite the compliments, Piastri's ongoing difficulties with tyre management were acknowledged, with McLaren's recent upgrades aimed at addressing these issues. Team principal Andrea Stella has urged Piastri to adapt his driving style to improve his performance, as his struggles have been a recurring theme in his career.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen surprisingly snubbed for Kimi Antonelli in F1 rankingGuenther Steiner, a former Formula 1 team principal, has expressed his preference for Kimi Antonelli over Max Verstappen in a hypothetical draft scenario. Steiner stated that if he had to choose a driver for a four-year contract, he would select Antonelli, citing his impressive performance this season as a key factor.
Kimi Antonelli has made a significant impact in Formula 1 this year, currently leading his teammate George Russell by 66 points and securing seven race victories. Steiner's comments highlight the rising star's potential, contrasting with Verstappen's established success, including four consecutive championships from 2021 to 2024.
via Motorsport.comLando Norris predicted to overtake George Russell in 2026 F1 standingsGuenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, has expressed confidence that Lando Norris will surpass George Russell in the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' championship standings. Currently, Norris sits in fourth place with 186 points, while Russell holds second with 211 points, and Kimi Antonelli leads the championship with 292 points.
Norris has recently experienced a surge in performance, winning consecutive races at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix. Following these victories, he emphasized the improvements within the McLaren team and his belief in their potential to compete for the championship. Norris remains optimistic about the team's ability to enhance their car and maintain their momentum as the season progresses.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris issued criticism as huge pit lane fight breaks out - RacingNews365 ReviewLando Norris has responded to criticism from Guenther Steiner, who suggested that Norris acted unprofessionally by bringing a can of Coca-Cola into the cool-down room following the Spanish Grand Prix. This incident has drawn attention and sparked discussions regarding the expectations of driver behaviour in Formula 1.
The comments made by Steiner have led to a broader conversation about professionalism within the sport. Norris's actions have been scrutinised, highlighting the pressures and standards that drivers face both on and off the track.
via gpfans.comFord issue official statement as Max Verstappen Le Mans rumours swirlFord has officially stated that there are no plans for Max Verstappen to drive their hypercar at the 2027 Le Mans race, despite speculation following the announcement of no F1 race conflicts with the endurance event. This significantly reduces Verstappen's chances of participating in Le Mans next year, as he is considered unlikely to race in lower classes and his own team lacks the necessary resources for a hypercar entry.
Verstappen had previously expressed interest in racing at Le Mans, potentially alongside fellow champion Fernando Alonso, but emphasised that any participation would need to fit within his schedule and offer a genuine chance of victory. Instead, the 24 Hours of Spa, scheduled for late June, appears to be a more viable option for Verstappen, who has already indicated his desire to compete in that event.
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard warns unchanged Madring return in 2027 would be "stupidity"David Coulthard has expressed concerns about the Madring circuit, stating that returning in 2027 without modifications would be unwise. He highlighted the lack of overtaking during the inaugural race, which he described as processional, and emphasized the need for changes to enhance the racing experience.
Coulthard suggested that the circuit's layout could be improved by introducing slower chicanes or hairpin turns to create more overtaking opportunities. He noted that the current design allows drivers to maintain too much speed, limiting competitive racing. His comments reflect a broader call for Formula 1 to listen to fan feedback and make necessary adjustments.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen reacts to major Lando Norris career announcementLando Norris has confirmed the establishment of his own junior racing team, which is set to compete in various championships starting in 2027. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for young drivers in the increasingly expensive world of motorsport. Norris expressed his desire to give back to the racing community by supporting emerging talents through this new venture.
Max Verstappen has publicly supported Norris's decision, highlighting the challenges young racers face due to rising costs. While Verstappen also runs a racing team, he focuses on endurance racing rather than single-seater competitions. He expressed satisfaction with his current activities, which include training drivers in lower formulas through his sim company.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen sparks drama with team order refusal - On This DayOn September 20, 2015, Max Verstappen made headlines during the Singapore Grand Prix by refusing to comply with team orders from Toro Rosso. At just 17 years old, Verstappen had already showcased remarkable skill by starting from the pit lane after stalling and fighting his way back into the points. As he battled for eighth place, the team believed his teammate Carlos Sainz had a better chance to overtake Sergio Perez and instructed Verstappen to swap positions. However, Verstappen firmly declined, insisting there was no reason to let Sainz pass since he had fought hard to regain his position.
After the race, Verstappen remained unapologetic about his decision, emphasizing his belief in his performance and the importance of his position. He humorously recounted that his father, Jos Verstappen, would have been upset if he had allowed Sainz to overtake him. This incident not only highlighted Verstappen's determination and confidence at a young age but also became a memorable moment in Formula 1 history.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen cracks joke after Red Bull make headline signingMax Verstappen recently made a lighthearted comment regarding his future at Red Bull following the team's announcement of signing Robin Raikkonen to their junior program for the 2027 season. Raikkonen, the son of former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, is currently competing in karting and will receive support from Red Bull as he progresses in his racing career.
During a media interaction, Verstappen shared that he had a brief conversation with Kimi and Robin Raikkonen before the Italian Grand Prix. He humorously suggested that he might need to step aside to make room for the young driver in the team. Verstappen's comments reflect the competitive nature of F1 and the ongoing interest in the development of new talent within the sport.
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard urges FIA to speed up safety car decisionsDavid Coulthard has expressed concerns regarding the FIA's speed in making decisions to neutralize Formula 1 races, particularly after the recent Spanish Grand Prix. He noted that Lando Norris lost a likely victory due to the timing of the virtual safety car deployment, which allowed Kimi Antonelli to pit at a strategic moment. Coulthard emphasized that the time taken to respond to incidents can significantly impact race outcomes and suggested that improvements are necessary.
During a podcast discussion, Coulthard elaborated on the inherent unpredictability of safety car situations, stating that they can unfairly affect race results. He called for a more efficient process in decision-making, especially in clear-cut situations like major accidents. The former driver believes that quicker responses could help mitigate the luck factor in racing outcomes, ensuring a fairer competition for all drivers.
via F1iNorris reveals his ‘inevitable choice’ to lead LN4 FusionLando Norris has officially launched his junior racing venture, LN4 Fusion, with plans to compete in various categories including the Italian F4 Championship, FRECA, and Formula 3. The team is also seeking entry into Formula 2, pending confirmation. To lead this ambitious project, Norris has appointed Rene Rosin as Team Principal, citing his extensive experience and successful track record in junior motorsport as key factors in his decision.
Norris has a long-standing relationship with Rosin, having observed his work at Prema, which has been a benchmark in junior racing. Norris expressed that Rosin was the 'inevitable choice' for the role, emphasizing the need for strong leadership to build a sustainable team. With Rosin at the helm, LN4 Fusion aims to establish a solid foundation and culture as it prepares for its inaugural season.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris criticised for Madrid cool-down room actionLando Norris has come under fire for bringing a can of Coca-Cola into the cool-down room following his third-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix. Guenther Steiner, team principal of Haas, expressed that Norris's actions were unprofessional and suggested that as a professional driver, he should have been more aware of the implications of his choice, especially given the existing sponsorship deal between Pepsi and Formula 1.
The incident sparked discussions among fans and commentators, with Steiner acknowledging that while no one was harmed by Norris's actions, it was not the smartest decision. He noted that the publicity surrounding the incident inadvertently benefited Coca-Cola, turning a minor issue into a notable topic of conversation in the F1 community.
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren engineers think they have fix for one key ‘weakness’ of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s carMcLaren is preparing to introduce significant upgrades for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, focusing on enhancing the performance of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's MCL40 car. These upgrades include a new underbody and a modified version of their Macarena rear wing, aimed at improving the car's aerodynamics, particularly in slow-speed corners where the team has identified weaknesses. The decision on which rear wing to use will be made after practice sessions in Baku.
The upgrades come after a challenging 2025 Azerbaijan GP for both drivers, where Piastri faced multiple issues, including a crash and a poor start. Despite these setbacks, McLaren's engineers are optimistic that the new aerodynamic package will allow Norris and Piastri to compete for pole position. Recent performances have shown that the MCL40 is competitive in medium-speed turns, and the team is looking to build on this momentum as they head into the race weekend.Page 20 of 60