News146 stories
RSS ↗
via f1technical.netVerstappen reveals Red Bull "have been a bit limited with the balance" in Zandvoort ...Max Verstappen expressed concerns about Red Bull's performance during qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix, where he secured a seventh-place start. He noted that the team has struggled with car balance and grip, which hindered their ability to compete effectively. Despite finishing sixth in the Sprint race, Verstappen admitted that overtaking was challenging on the Zandvoort circuit, limiting his chances to advance further.
Liam Lawson, Verstappen's teammate, also faced difficulties during the Sprint but showed improvement by reaching Q3 in qualifying. Both drivers highlighted the team's ongoing challenges with car setup, which have not yielded the desired results. As the final race at Zandvoort approaches, Verstappen emphasized the importance of managing expectations while appreciating the support from the fans.
via f1technical.netLeclerc rues changes to engine mode that might have cost him a better starting positionCharles Leclerc expressed disappointment after qualifying sixth for the Dutch Grand Prix, despite a strong performance in the Sprint race where he finished second. He noted that Ferrari's decision to start on soft tyres in the Sprint paid off, allowing him to gain positions and match the pace of competitors like George Russell. However, the team struggled in qualifying, with Leclerc attributing some of the issues to changes in engine modes that may have hindered their performance.
Leclerc acknowledged the importance of qualifying for the race, especially given the challenging overtaking conditions at Zandvoort. He emphasized the need for Ferrari to focus on maximizing their race strategy and improving their starts, as they aim to recover from their sixth-place starting position. The team's strong long-run performance in the Sprint gives them hope for a competitive race on Sunday.
via F1iLeclerc insists Ferrari ‘have got to work’ on SF-26’s qualifying paceCharles Leclerc has highlighted the need for Ferrari to enhance the SF-26's qualifying pace, as he finished sixth in qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix despite a strong second-place finish in the sprint race. He noted that Ferrari's performance tends to be better during races than in qualifying, which poses challenges, especially on a track like Zandvoort with limited overtaking opportunities. Leclerc emphasized that improving qualifying performance is not a straightforward task and requires more than just minor adjustments to the car's settings.
The unpredictable weather conditions, including intermittent rain, may provide a chance for Ferrari to capitalize on their race pace during the Grand Prix. Leclerc expressed that while he would welcome a chaotic race to improve his position, ideally, Ferrari would not need such circumstances to overcome their qualifying deficit. His comments reflect the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces in achieving a balanced performance across both qualifying and race scenarios.
via F1iKimi Antonelli starts fifth after qualifying issuesKimi Antonelli will begin the Dutch Grand Prix Sprint from fifth position after experiencing difficulties during qualifying. The Mercedes driver cited early floor damage as a key factor that affected his performance.
via CrashKimi Antonelli tops practice session at Dutch Grand PrixKimi Antonelli recorded the fastest time in the only practice session for the Dutch Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver outpaced competitors, including Lando Norris, as the teams prepared for the upcoming sprint qualifying.
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli leads Dutch Grand Prix practice sessionKimi Antonelli topped the timesheets in the opening practice session for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The championship leader outpaced Lando Norris, marking a strong start to the second half of the season.
via CrashFerrari and McLaren lead upgrade race at ZandvoortAs Formula 1 resumes after the summer break, teams have brought a total of 23 upgrades for the Dutch Grand Prix. Notably, Ferrari and McLaren are leading the charge in the ongoing development battle.
via Sky Sports F1'Simply shouldn't happen' - Mercedes reveal 'biggest focus' as F1 returnsMercedes is currently leading both the drivers' and constructors' championships, with Kimi Antonelli holding a significant lead in the drivers' standings. However, the team has faced challenges with reliability issues that have affected their performance in recent races, prompting a focus on improving car reliability over upgrades as the season progresses.
As the Formula 1 season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix, Mercedes aims to maintain its lead while introducing new upgrades to stay competitive against rivals like Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull. Team principal Toto Wolff acknowledges the need for improved execution and development rates in the upcoming races to secure their championship positions.
via f1oversteer.comJames Hinchcliffe questions Toto Wolff's penalty approachJames Hinchcliffe has expressed confusion regarding Toto Wolff's decision to involve Kimi Antonelli's father in discussions about power unit penalties. Antonelli, currently leading the F1 championship, is reportedly facing a penalty in upcoming races.
via RacingNews365Mercedes reveal 'long-term' F1 approach after 'enormously satisfying' start to new eraMercedes has adopted a long-term strategy in response to the new regulations set for 2026, which has led to a strong start in the current season. Technical director James Allison highlighted the satisfaction of arriving with a competitive car after years of struggling under previous regulations, where the team only secured seven wins over four years, including a winless 2023 season.
The team currently leads both the drivers' and constructors' championships, with Kimi Antonelli at the forefront of the drivers' standings. Despite their early success, Allison mentioned the relentless nature of the F1 calendar, which has left little time for the team to enjoy their achievements as they continue to focus on upcoming races.
via thejudge13.comColton Herta’s Super License Chase: The Ultimate Threat to Bottas’s F1 CareerThe Formula 1 driver market is heating up as Carlos Sainz has turned down a contract from Williams, suggesting he has secured an option elsewhere. Meanwhile, Sergio Pérez is rumored to be considering a move to Williams, and Cadillac's CEO has expressed confidence in retaining him despite recent speculation. Colton Herta is pursuing an F1 super license through his F2 campaign, but his current performance puts him at risk of not meeting the requirements needed for entry into Formula 1.
Cadillac has also made headlines by dismissing team principal Graham Lowden, raising questions about team dynamics. Additionally, Esteban Ocon's future at Haas is uncertain due to his underwhelming performance compared to teammate Ollie Bearman. Oscar Piastri's struggles at McLaren further complicate the driver market landscape, as he faces pressure to improve his standings against Lando Norris.
via Motorsport WeekMercedes acknowledges development challenges in F1Mercedes has recognized its current struggles in keeping pace with rival teams' development strategies. As the F1 season progresses, the team is focused on implementing a clear plan to enhance performance and secure a championship title.
via f1oversteer.comWhy Mattia Binotto must fix Gabriel Bortoleto mistake to save Audi’s ‘long-term project’ for 2030 - opinionMattia Binotto, the team principal of Audi, is focused on making the team competitive by 2030. However, concerns have arisen regarding Gabriel Bortoleto's long-term contract, which runs until 2030. While Audi sees potential in Bortoleto, there are questions about whether committing to him for such an extended period is wise, especially with other top drivers potentially available in 2028. The team is prioritizing engine development for 2027, indicating a strong focus on future competitiveness.
The article highlights the importance of flexibility in driver contracts, suggesting that Audi should be prepared to pivot if Bortoleto does not meet expectations. With several talented drivers emerging in the sport, Audi must remain open to replacing Bortoleto if necessary. The situation underscores the balance between having faith in a young driver and the need for a strategic approach to team composition as they aim for championship success.
via f1oversteer.comMercedes discusses 'scary' progress of FerrariMercedes has reported notable advancements in their car development as they prepare for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Team chief James Allison expressed concerns about the competitive progress of rival teams, particularly Ferrari.
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner says Mercedes no longer needs VerstappenFormer Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has stated that Mercedes' need for Max Verstappen has diminished. He suggests that the team may have already identified a promising talent in Kimi Anton.
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar impresses as Max Verstappen's teammateIsack Hadjar has shown impressive performance in his first year with Red Bull Racing, particularly in his one-lap pace compared to Max Verstappen. Analysts highlight this closeness as a key factor in his value to the team.
via RacingNews365Mercedes F1 team expresses frustration over performanceMercedes' technical director James Allison has voiced dissatisfaction with the team's performance in the first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season. He described the team's current situation as frustrating, reflecting on the high expectations within elite motorsport.
via AutosportMercedes finds 2026 car upgrades from rivals concerningMercedes technical director James Allison has indicated that the team's late focus on developing its 2026 Formula 1 car has resulted in being out of sync with other teams. This strategy has led to a competitive 'leapfrog effect' as rivals advance their own upgrades.
via Motorsport WeekReflecting on the Legacy of the Williams FW16The Williams Renault FW16 is celebrated as an iconic car in Formula 1 history. A recent feature highlights the memories and significance of this classic vehicle among fans and experts.
via Formula1.comHINCHCLIFFE: My top five drivers of the 2026 season so farJames Hinchcliffe, a former IndyCar driver and current analyst, shares his insights on the top drivers of the 2026 Formula 1 season. He notes that the performance of drivers can often be best assessed in relation to their teammates, which is particularly evident in the close competition between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc this season. Both drivers are achieving impressive results without a clear team leader emerging between them.
Hinchcliffe's commentary reflects on the impact of new regulations on driver performance, suggesting that these changes have led to a more competitive environment. He aims to highlight the standout performers of the season, indicating that the ongoing battles on the track are shaping the narrative of the championship.Page 7 of 8



