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via thejudge13.comMercedes reveal W17 problem they still do not understand after ZandvoortMercedes faced challenges during the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where they struggled with the W17's performance in high-speed corners, particularly Turns 7, 8, and 9. Despite securing a second and third place finish, the team acknowledged that they did not have the fastest car, with Lando Norris of McLaren winning the race by a significant margin. This performance gap has raised questions about the competitive order in Formula 1 as McLaren continues to improve.
The team is currently investigating the inconsistencies in car balance and performance between their drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes remains focused on maximizing their package for upcoming races, particularly as they prepare for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. They are also analyzing whether McLaren's recent success reflects a genuine shift in competitiveness or is a result of differing development timelines.
Sat 29 Aug · 07:16 UTC
via RaceFansMercedes told Antonelli he would get F1 chance before Hamilton’s exit was announced | Formula 1Andrea Kimi Antonelli disclosed that he was informed by Mercedes about a potential promotion to the Formula 1 team prior to the public announcement of Lewis Hamilton's departure. This decision by Hamilton to join Ferrari was made known in February 2024, coinciding with Antonelli's upcoming 18th birthday. Antonelli's revelation highlights the swift actions taken by Mercedes in response to Hamilton's career move.
The announcement of Hamilton's transfer marked a significant shift in the team dynamics, as he had been a key figure in Mercedes' success. Antonelli's promotion indicates the team's focus on nurturing young talent and preparing for future seasons in Formula 1.
Sat 29 Aug · 06:20 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli told 'big rivalries' await as Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton lurkKimi Antonelli is currently leading the 2026 Formula 1 standings with a significant margin, having secured seven victories out of twelve races. His performance has sparked discussions about the emergence of new rivalries in the sport, particularly against established champions like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who are also in contention for the title this season. David Coulthard highlighted the competitive landscape, suggesting that teams such as McLaren and Ferrari are becoming more formidable, setting the stage for intense battles on the track.
The article emphasizes the potential for Antonelli to become the youngest-ever F1 champion if he maintains his lead. With Hamilton and Russell tied for second place, the championship race is heating up, and Coulthard believes that the current dynamics could lead to significant rivalries reminiscent of past seasons. The support Antonelli receives from Mercedes further positions him as a key player in this evolving narrative within Formula 1.
Sat 29 Aug · 06:20 UTC
via gpfans.comKimi Antonelli set to star alongside Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in iconic Disney comic bookKimi Antonelli, a rising star in Formula 1, is set to appear in the iconic Disney comic book Topolino ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. Currently leading the 2026 drivers' standings, Antonelli has a chance to become the youngest world champion in F1 history. If he wins the upcoming race, he would be the first Italian to do so in 60 years, following Ludovico Scarfiotti's victory in 1966.
In the comic, Antonelli is transformed into a character named Kimi Paperelli, featuring in four chapters related to the race. The collaboration between Disney and F1 has also been extended, with Lightning McQueen scheduled to make an appearance at Monza, adding to the excitement surrounding the event.
Fri 28 Aug · 21:30 UTC
via f1chronicle.comMercedes Sacrifices Kimi Antonelli’s Home Race With Back of the Grid Monza Penalty as George Russell Braces for the Same FateMercedes has confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after fitting a new power unit, which incurs a grid penalty. George Russell is also expected to face a penalty later in the season, although the specific race has not yet been determined. Both drivers have experienced reliability issues, prompting the team to make strategic decisions regarding their power units and penalties.
The decision to take the penalty at Monza is based on the track's characteristics, which are favorable for overtaking. Mercedes is also navigating the constraints of the budget cap, which limits their ability to upgrade their car compared to rivals. Antonelli leads the championship, and his recent performance at Zandvoort has solidified his position, making every point crucial as the season progresses.
via Formula1.comAntonelli's Penalty Alters Favorites for Italian Grand PrixA grid penalty for the Driver’s Championship leader has shifted the betting landscape ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. This development has led to significant changes in the odds as fans and bettors speculate on the race outcome.
+ 1 moreFri 28 Aug · 16:16 UTC
via Motorsport.comNaomi Schiff points to Red Bull advantage after Dutch GP driver changeThe Dutch Grand Prix saw Red Bull Racing make a driver change due to Isack Hadjar's wrist injury, bringing in Liam Lawson from their sister team, Racing Bulls. This decision has reignited conversations about the advantages of having teams under the same ownership, particularly in terms of driver familiarity with the car specifications. Yuki Tsunoda also stepped in to race for Racing Bulls, filling the gap left by Lawson's promotion.
Naomi Schiff, a former W Series driver, emphasized that Lawson's experience with the 2026-specification cars provided him an edge over typical reserve drivers. Lawson finished the race in seventh place, securing six points for Red Bull, while the status of Hadjar's return for the next race remains unclear.
Fri 28 Aug · 14:42 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli reveals special Mercedes gesture after maiden F1 winKimi Antonelli celebrated his maiden Formula 1 victory at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix and received a special gesture from Mercedes, allowing him to keep the original trophy instead of the usual replica. This win marks a significant milestone in his career, as it is his first in the top division of motorsport. Antonelli expressed the emotional weight of this achievement, emphasizing its importance in his journey as a driver.
In addition to his initial win, Antonelli has continued to perform exceptionally well, achieving five more victories in the early part of the 2026 season. His impressive performance has placed him at the top of the drivers' championship standings, leading by 59 points over his competitors, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who are tied in points.Fri 28 Aug · 13:12 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya urges George Russell to immediately ‘cash in’ on ‘favour’ Mercedes now owe himIn the aftermath of the Dutch Grand Prix, Juan Pablo Montoya has expressed that George Russell deserves a favour from Mercedes for adhering to team orders. During the race, Russell was instructed to let Kimi Antonelli pass, which resulted in Antonelli finishing second and Russell in third. Montoya criticized the decision as unfair to Russell, emphasizing the importance of his role within the team and the need for Mercedes to acknowledge this situation in the future.
Montoya highlighted Russell's political acumen in handling the team orders without public dissent, which he believes strengthens his position at Mercedes. He urged Russell to leverage this moment to ensure that the team recognizes the value of his compliance, suggesting that it is crucial for Russell to communicate this internally to the team. Overall, Montoya's comments reflect a belief in the necessity of mutual respect and recognition within the team dynamics.
Fri 28 Aug · 12:00 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Italian GP: Schedule and how to watch on Sky SportsThe 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza is set to be a crucial race in the Formula 1 season, with Kimi Antonelli starting from the back of the grid due to a power unit change. Currently leading the Drivers' Championship, Antonelli's position opens up opportunities for his rivals, particularly Lando Norris, who has recently shown strong performance by winning the last two races. Ferrari, racing on home turf, is also expected to make a significant impact with new engines for their drivers, Hamilton and Leclerc, while Max Verstappen aims to defend his title from the previous year.
The race weekend will feature a full schedule of practice sessions and qualifying, culminating in the main event on September 6, 2026. The weather is expected to be favorable with sunny conditions and warm temperatures. Fans can watch the event live on Sky Sports, which will provide comprehensive coverage of all sessions throughout the weekend, including practice, qualifying, and the race itself.
Fri 28 Aug · 11:36 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli causes chaos in Amelia Dimoldenberg's "Passenger Princess"Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes Formula 1 driver and championship leader, participated in an episode of the YouTube series 'Passenger Princess' hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg. The episode showcased Antonelli's driving skills as he instructed Dimoldenberg on how to drive, leading to a chaotic and humorous experience, including attempts at doughnuts in a Mercedes SUV.
The episode was well-received, garnering over one million views and significant engagement on social media. Throughout the episode, Antonelli shared insights about his life as a driver, including his early start in go-karting and his pre-race rituals, while Dimoldenberg's comedic attempts at driving added to the entertainment.Fri 28 Aug · 11:01 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes on Dutch GP team orders: We would’ve done the exact same thing the other way aroundMercedes confirmed that their team orders during the Dutch Grand Prix were aimed at maximizing their chances for a double podium finish. Kimi Antonelli was instructed to overtake George Russell late in the race, which allowed them to secure second and third places respectively, despite initial reservations from Russell about the decision.
After reviewing the race strategy, Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord stated that they would have made the same call had the positions been reversed. The team emphasized the importance of clear communication and strategy to avoid losing time between their drivers, ultimately leading to a successful outcome.Fri 28 Aug · 09:52 UTC.webp)
via Formula1.comWhat impressed most about Lawson and Tsunoda in ZandvoortThe Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort marked a significant moment in Formula 1, as it may be the last time Grand Prix cars race at this circuit for a while. The event featured the return of drivers Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, who were given a chance to compete with their former teams, adding a sense of nostalgia to the race weekend.
James Hinchcliffe, an IndyCar race winner and analyst, shared his impressions of Lawson and Tsunoda's performances during the race. Their returns were celebrated, emphasizing the emotional aspect of the event despite the looming uncertainty about the future of racing at Zandvoort.Fri 28 Aug · 09:17 UTC
via Motorsport.comAlex Albon on why Williams cannot afford team-mate secrets in F1Alex Albon discussed the importance of collaboration between him and his Williams teammate Carlos Sainz, emphasizing that sharing set-up information is crucial given the team's performance struggles in the 2026 Formula 1 season. With Williams sitting ninth in the constructors' standings, both drivers have found it beneficial to work together rather than withhold information, as is common in other teams.
Albon explained that the limitations of their car necessitate a united approach, allowing them to test various setups and share feedback effectively. He acknowledged that while some teams may foster secrecy among drivers, such tactics would not be advantageous for Williams, where cooperation is key to improving their performance.Fri 28 Aug · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell dealt brutal Valtteri Bottas comparison: 'It looks like it'George Russell, who joined Mercedes as a junior driver in 2017 and became a full-time driver in 2022, is facing challenges in his second year alongside teammate Kimi Antonelli. Currently, Antonelli holds a significant 59-point lead over Russell, prompting comparisons to Valtteri Bottas, who previously occupied a similar role at Mercedes. Guenther Steiner, former Haas team principal, noted that Russell's situation resembles Bottas's, but emphasized that Russell has the option to pursue opportunities elsewhere if he feels he is not receiving equal chances at Mercedes.
Steiner's comments highlight the pressure on Russell to perform and the potential for him to seek a lead driver position at another team if he is unhappy with his current role. While Bottas was content with his position for many years, Steiner indicated that Russell's future is ultimately in his own hands, especially as the current driver market has limited options for the upcoming season.Fri 28 Aug · 08:10 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRed Bull Considers Liam Lawson's Role Amid Hadjar's InjuryRed Bull Racing is evaluating its options regarding driver Liam Lawson due to Isack Hadjar's ongoing recovery from a wrist injury. A decision on Hadjar's potential return for the Italian Grand Prix is expected to be made shortly.Fri 28 Aug · 07:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson realised why Max Verstappen keeps complaining about Red Bull during Dutch Grand PrixDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, Max Verstappen crashed out early, continuing his criticism of Red Bull's car balance, which he has expressed throughout the 2026 season. Stand-in driver Liam Lawson experienced similar issues with traction and grip, as reflected in his radio communications during the race. Despite these challenges, Lawson managed to finish seventh, although he was significantly behind the leaders and received a penalty for a yellow flag violation.
Lawson's performance highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Red Bull team, which has reportedly abandoned hopes of improving their 2026 car. The team is also facing uncertainty regarding driver lineups, with Isack Hadjar hoping to return from injury. Lawson's experience at Zandvoort has provided insight into the difficulties faced by Verstappen and the team as a whole.Thu 27 Aug · 20:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comAlex Albon opens up about burnout amid growing F1 demandsAlex Albon has opened up about his struggles with burnout during the 2025 Formula 1 season, citing the relentless commercial demands of the sport as a significant factor. He shared his experiences on The Fast And The Curious podcast, explaining how the pressures, particularly during American races, left him feeling drained and overwhelmed. Albon emphasized the importance of taking time for himself to recharge, especially after a frustrating race weekend.
To cope with the demands of his role, Albon has found solace in simple activities during his downtime, such as spending time at home and engaging in everyday chores. He also seeks to escape the intense atmosphere of the F1 environment by choosing quieter dining options away from the track. Albon's reflections highlight the challenges faced by drivers in balancing their professional commitments with personal well-being.Thu 27 Aug · 19:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson handed unexpected F1 debut as chaos reigns - On This DayLiam Lawson unexpectedly debuted in Formula 1 at the Dutch Grand Prix on August 27, 2023, stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo after the latter's injury. With limited preparation time, Lawson qualified last and faced challenging conditions during the race, which included rain and multiple incidents that affected many drivers. Despite these obstacles, he managed to finish 13th, outperforming his more experienced teammate, Yuki Tsunoda.
Max Verstappen dominated the race, achieving his ninth consecutive victory, while Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly completed the podium. Lawson reflected on the experience as a valuable learning opportunity, having encountered various racing scenarios throughout the event.Thu 27 Aug · 18:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Italian Grand Prix Odds Shift Following Antonelli PenaltyThe 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.Thu 27 Aug · 15:30 UTCPage 15 of 30