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via Motorsport.comFred Vasseur identifies Ferrari's next target after "stronger than Mercedes" Zandvoort paceFerrari's performance at the Dutch Grand Prix showcased strong race pace, which team principal Fred Vasseur believes was better than that of Mercedes. However, the team struggled during qualifying, with both drivers failing to secure positions higher than the third row, which ultimately hindered their race outcomes. Leclerc's slow start and a poor pit stop further complicated their efforts to capitalize on their pace.
Vasseur highlighted the importance of improving tyre management and preparation for qualifying sessions, noting that this has not always been a weakness for Ferrari throughout the season. He acknowledged that while upgrades to the car could help, understanding the nuances of tyre performance is crucial for future success.
via RacingNews365Ferrari's clever upgrade boosts performance ahead of raceThe upcoming Italian Grand Prix sees a significant change in betting odds due to a penalty for driver Antonelli. This development has led to a new favorite emerging for the race at Monza.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen escape route highlighted: 'Always a way out'Max Verstappen has officially extended his contract with Red Bull Racing, ensuring his presence with the team until at least the end of the 2030 season. This decision comes amidst ongoing speculation regarding his future, particularly in light of Red Bull's recent performance challenges. Former F1 engineer Bernie Collins weighed in on the situation, suggesting that while the contract signifies commitment, it likely contains clauses that could allow Verstappen to exit early if he chooses to do so.
Collins highlighted that if Verstappen becomes dissatisfied with the team's direction or performance, he retains the option to leave. The discussion around the contract reflects broader themes in Formula 1, where financial considerations and driver satisfaction play crucial roles in contract negotiations.
via Motorsport.comWhy McLaren must pass its Monza test before talking about an F1 title challengeMcLaren has recently regained competitive form in Formula 1 with two wins, but team principal Andrea Stella remains cautious about discussing a title challenge. He highlights the upcoming Monza race as a significant test for the team's car, the MCL40, which has shown strengths at high-downforce circuits but may struggle at Monza's high-speed layout. Stella emphasizes the importance of energy management and understanding the Mercedes power unit, areas where McLaren has previously lagged behind.
Stella's focus is on confirming the car's performance at Monza before making any bold predictions about the championship. He acknowledges that while McLaren has excelled in certain conditions, the unique demands of Monza will reveal whether the team can sustain its recent momentum. Until then, he prefers to take a race-by-race approach rather than jumping to conclusions about a title defense.
via racer.comAntonelli says Mercedes no longer has F1’s fastest carKimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, has acknowledged that Mercedes is no longer the fastest team in Formula 1 following Lando Norris' recent victories with McLaren. Antonelli emphasized the need for an upgrade package to help Mercedes regain its competitive edge, as he believes McLaren has made significant advancements in performance, especially since the Hungarian Grand Prix.
George Russell, Antonelli's teammate, won the Sprint race in Zandvoort and commented on the challenges of overtaking at the circuit. He expressed confidence in the team's efforts to improve their car and noted that McLaren's strengths on high-degradation circuits could pose a challenge for Mercedes in the upcoming races.
via F1iStella rejects Verstappen’s theory on narrower F1 teammate gapsMax Verstappen has suggested that the tighter gaps between teammates in Formula 1 are due to the new-generation cars being easier to drive at their limits. He highlighted recent qualifying performances, including Liam Lawson's close times to him, as evidence of this trend. Verstappen believes that the smaller differences in performance indicate a new era where drivers can consistently find their performance ceiling more easily.
In contrast, McLaren team boss Andrea Stella argues that the 2026 cars are actually more challenging to drive, citing the complexities introduced by new power unit regulations. He noted that while drivers are adapting to the cars, they still face fundamental challenges that make it difficult to predict performance. The ongoing debate highlights differing perspectives on the nature of competitiveness in the current F1 season.
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris ‘reminded’ Jolyon Palmer of Mika Hakkinen after what he saw at the Dutch Grand PrixJolyon Palmer saw shades of Mika Hakkinen fighting Michael Schumacher in how Lando Norris overtook Andrea Kimi Antonelli to win the 2026 F1 Dutch Grand ...
via f1oversteer.comRed Bull’s ADUO ranking proves Max Verstappen was right to be concerned about one employeeThe FIA has confirmed that Red Bull Racing leads in engine performance, despite their struggles this season, having not won a race and only achieving four podium finishes in the first 12 races. Mercedes is reportedly lagging behind by two-to-four percent, while Audi, Ferrari, and Honda are even further off the pace, allowing them to make multiple engine upgrades this year. Red Bull, however, is unable to upgrade their engine due to being frozen out under the current regulations.
Max Verstappen has raised concerns about the performance of the team's technical director, Pierre Wache, suggesting that his feedback is not as valued as before. The internal sentiment at Red Bull indicates dissatisfaction with the current car's performance, which has led to speculation about Wache's future if results do not improve. Despite these challenges, there is no immediate threat to Wache's position, but the pressure is mounting as the team looks to improve their standing in the championship.
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Max Verstappen told to block 'GP' move as star in $70million contract talksMax Verstappen has solidified his future with Red Bull by signing a contract extension until 2030. He is now being urged to prevent his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, from moving to McLaren, which is expected to happen by 2028. Meanwhile, Lando Norris is negotiating a lucrative new contract with McLaren that could surpass Lewis Hamilton's earnings, as Hamilton struggles in the championship standings after a disappointing performance at the Dutch Grand Prix.
In other developments, Ferrari is planning a crucial power unit upgrade for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, while the FIA has introduced a new ruling aimed at enhancing competition among engine manufacturers. Fernando Alonso's performance has helped Aston Martin secure additional points, and concerns have been raised about Audi's commitment to F1 following their recent struggles.
via RacingNews365Red Bull boss reveals 'brutally honest' Max Verstappen relationshipLaurent Mekies, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has shared insights into his candid relationship with driver Max Verstappen, highlighting their mutual commitment to challenge each other as they work towards improving the team's performance. Verstappen recently extended his contract with Red Bull until 2030, quelling any doubts about his future in Formula 1 and affirming his loyalty to the team despite facing a challenging season so far.
The Red Bull team is currently at risk of finishing a season without a win for the first time since 2015, coinciding with Verstappen's debut year in F1. Mekies noted that their direct communication style is essential for addressing frustrations and maintaining focus on their ultimate goal of winning races. Both Mekies and Verstappen are driven by a shared desire to succeed, which they believe is crucial for their competitive edge.
via Formula1.comLando Norris reduces championship deficit to 83 pointsLando Norris has secured victories in the last two Grands Prix, reducing his deficit in the Drivers' Championship to 83 points. His recent performance has intensified the competition with championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
via gpfans.comCONFIRMED: Max Verstappen signs up for unique new Silverstone race outside F1Max Verstappen has confirmed his participation in a unique go-kart race named 'Max vs 100', set to take place at Silverstone on September 16, 2026. He will compete against 100 other drivers, starting from the back of the grid, on a specially designed track created by David Terrien, a former racer and karting champion. The event will be streamed live on Disney+, showcasing a diverse field that includes celebrities and content creators alongside fans.
Verstappen, a four-time F1 world champion, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to go-karting, emphasizing the foundational skills learned in this format. He is particularly looking forward to the excitement and chaos that will unfold during the race, which promises to be one of the largest go-kart events in the world.
via Sky Sports F1FIA confirms Mercedes engine upgrades, denies Red BullThe FIA has announced that Red Bull will not receive any additional engine upgrades for the remainder of the 2026 season. In contrast, Mercedes has been granted permission to continue developing their engine, despite objections from competing teams.
via f1chronicle.comSergio Perez Says Cadillac’s Pace Was ‘Very Strong’ at the Dutch Grand Prix as Valtteri Bottas Suffers a Sixth DNF in 12 RacesSergio Perez expressed optimism about Cadillac's performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, despite the team finishing without points. He noted that the car's pace was strong, particularly when not in traffic, although the team still needs to improve to compete with the midfield. Perez finished 15th, while teammate Valtteri Bottas faced another setback, retiring with a hydraulic issue, marking his sixth DNF this season.
Cadillac remains without points in their inaugural season and is currently trailing Aston Martin in the constructors' standings. Both drivers are focused on learning from their experiences and hope to translate their improvements into points at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The team is still adjusting to the challenges of being a new constructor in Formula 1.
via f1oversteer.comVerstappen extends Red Bull contract until 2030Max Verstappen recently signed a new long-term contract with Red Bull, ending speculation about his future. Reports indicate that trust issues regarding McLaren's potential partnership with Mercedes influenced his decision not to join the team.
via RacingNews365David Coulthard praises Max Verstappen's unique approachDavid Coulthard has praised Max Verstappen for his distinct style compared to other Formula 1 champions. He highlights specific aspects of Verstappen's approach that set him apart from legends like Lewis Hamilton and Ayrton Senna.
via F1iWebber reveals how F1 greats shaped his guidance of PiastriMark Webber plays a significant role in guiding Oscar Piastri's early career in Formula 1, leveraging his own extensive experience in the sport. As Piastri's manager, Webber shares valuable lessons learned from his time racing alongside legends like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, as well as insights gained from interactions with athletes from other sports. He believes that the initial years in F1 are particularly challenging and emphasizes the importance of discipline and longevity in achieving success.
Webber's mentorship has been instrumental in Piastri's transition from junior categories to F1, including a strategic move from Alpine to McLaren. Although Webber has stepped back from regular trackside involvement, he continues to support Piastri's development by ensuring that the knowledge he has accumulated throughout his career is passed on. This approach reflects Webber's commitment to fostering talent and sharing the wisdom gained from his own journey in motorsport.
via Motorsport.comMercedes searching for answers after Kimi Antonelli’s pace fell off in F1 Dutch GPKimi Antonelli faced challenges during the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing second after a strong start but struggling with car balance in the latter stages of the race. Mercedes is investigating the issues he encountered, particularly the increased oversteer with each tyre change, as they prepare for the next race in Italy where Antonelli will incur an engine penalty due to earlier reliability problems.
Despite his difficulties, Antonelli managed to extend his championship lead, with support from teammate George Russell, who allowed him to pass during the race. The team is focused on resolving the performance issues before the upcoming race, as competition tightens in the championship standings.
via grandprix.comMax Verstappen to race against 100 rivals at SilverstoneMax Verstappen is set to participate in a karting event at Silverstone, where he will race against 100 other competitors. The event is scheduled for September 16 and will be streamed live.
via grandprix.comMonza may offer Verstappen one last openingThe article discusses Max Verstappen's potential to compete effectively at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza, despite Red Bull's recent struggles at Zandvoort. Christijan Albers, a former F1 driver, believes that the characteristics of the Monza circuit could favor Red Bull's strengths, particularly in straight-line speed, while minimizing their weaknesses in cornering performance. Additionally, Kimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, is anticipated to face an engine penalty, which could further enhance Verstappen's chances of securing a victory.
Albers also notes that both Ferrari and McLaren may find the Monza circuit challenging compared to their recent successes at other tracks. He predicts that the championship battle will ultimately focus on Antonelli and Lando Norris, who is currently in fourth place but has gained momentum with consecutive wins. While Monza presents an opportunity for Verstappen, Albers cautions that various factors, including braking stability and tyre management, will play a crucial role in the race outcome.Page 41 of 60