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via Motorsport.comThe sim rig Max Verstappen swears by ahead of his GT3 race against RossiMax Verstappen is preparing for his upcoming GT World Challenge Europe race against Valentino Rossi, scheduled for October 17 at Portimao. Verstappen will drive the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3, taking over for drivers who are competing in another championship that weekend. He has not driven a GT3 car since the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May, making this a significant return to the track.
To prepare, Verstappen relies on a static sim rig, which he believes allows for faster lap times compared to motion rigs. His setup includes high-end components and is valued at an estimated $25,000 to $35,000. Verstappen's commitment to sim racing is evident, as he logs more hours on his rig than many competitors do in actual GT3 cars, showcasing his dedication to mastering multiple forms of motorsport.
Thu 1 Oct · 21:18 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren fans say Colapinto's latest interview is keeping the Norris row aliveLando Norris has publicly apologised to Franco Colapinto following their clash during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where both drivers were involved in a multi-car incident that ended their races. Despite their reconciliation, Colapinto's recent comments in an interview have reignited tensions among fans, who feel the situation is far from resolved.
In the interview, Colapinto critiqued Norris's reaction, comparing it to how Max Verstappen handled a similar incident. This comparison did not sit well with fans, leading to a wave of negative responses on social media. While both drivers have moved on from the incident, the fanbase remains divided, with many still expressing frustration over the events that unfolded in Baku.Thu 1 Oct · 19:39 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard hails Max Verstappen for showing a Michael Schumacher trait Lewis Hamilton lacksDavid Coulthard thinks Max Verstappen is the “benchmark” driver on the 2026 F1 grid because he shares one trait with Michael Schumacher that Lewis Hamilton ...
Thu 1 Oct · 19:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen signals greatest Red Bull desire as drought continuesMax Verstappen is seeking his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season after finishing second in Baku, extending his winless streak to 15 races. Despite a series of podium finishes, Red Bull has struggled to keep pace with rivals, currently sitting fourth in the constructors' standings behind Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Verstappen, who is sixth in the drivers' standings, acknowledged the team's challenges but remains determined to secure a win this season. He noted that recent upgrades to the car showed promise in Baku, although he is cautious about their effectiveness on different circuits. With Mercedes dominating the season, Verstappen's focus is on learning and improving as the year progresses.
Thu 1 Oct · 17:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen laughs off Malaysian heat concerns: "Months of preparation to not give an F!"Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, has expressed his ambition to secure a victory in the 2026 season, despite finishing on the podium in six of the last eight races. He recalls his last win at the Sepang International Circuit in 2017 and acknowledges the challenges posed by the Malaysian heat and rough track conditions, which can lead to significant tyre degradation.
Verstappen dismissed concerns about the heat, stating he had undergone months of preparation and is accustomed to racing in hot conditions. He also mentioned that Mercedes' upcoming upgrade could complicate Red Bull's chances of winning, but he remains focused on performing well and validating the effectiveness of their recent upgrades at different circuits.Thu 1 Oct · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen reveals what he's had to ‘accept’ at Red Bull amid Mercedes' dominance this seasonMax Verstappen has expressed his acceptance of Red Bull's current struggles in the 2026 Formula 1 season, acknowledging that he cannot compete for the championship this year. With only eight races left, he risks finishing the season without a win, a situation he hasn't faced since his rookie year in 2015. He has had to settle for second place multiple times, sharing the record for the most second-place finishes with George Russell.
In a recent podcast appearance, Verstappen reflected on the challenges of not being in title contention, likening it to his early years in the sport. He remains focused on improving the team's performance and aims to return to competitive form next season. Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull is evident as he signed a new contract, while the team seeks stability in their driver line-up to regain their competitive edge.Thu 1 Oct · 15:00 UTC
via AutosportLando Norris apologises to Franco Colapinto after backlashLando Norris has publicly apologised to Franco Colapinto following his controversial comments after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The reigning Formula 1 champion stated that the apology was intended to help calm the situation after facing significant online criticism.
+ 3 moreThu 1 Oct · 14:17 UTC
via RaceFansNorris calls for “respect and humility” after “death threats” on social media | Formula 1Lando Norris has spoken out against the death threats he received on social media following his collision with Franco Colapinto during a recent race. He expressed that such threats are unacceptable and called for respect and humility in the sport.
Norris also apologised to Colapinto for his critical comments after the incident, where he suggested that Colapinto did not deserve to compete in Formula 1. He emphasised that while he usually maintains composure, the situation had pushed him to react strongly.
Thu 1 Oct · 14:04 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton still needs to do one thing that made Michael Schumacher a 'part' of FerrariRalf Schumacher highlighted that Lewis Hamilton must learn Italian to truly integrate into Ferrari, similar to how his brother Michael Schumacher did. Michael's fluency in the language significantly contributed to his success and connection with the team, making him a beloved figure among the Tifosi.
Hamilton started learning Italian at the suggestion of Sebastian Vettel prior to his move to Ferrari. However, given the time it took Schumacher to master the language, it remains uncertain if Hamilton will achieve the same level of rapport with his engineers before potentially leaving the team, as he is contracted until 2027.Thu 1 Oct · 12:30 UTC
via Formula1.comNorris apologises to Colapinto for Baku commentsLando Norris has clarified his decision to publicly apologise to Franco Colapinto following his strong criticism of the Alpine driver after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Norris expressed that he wanted to address the situation after initially offering a private apology.
+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 11:37 UTC
via the-race.comF1 returns to Sepang with mixed insights from FridayThe first day of Formula 1's return to Sepang revealed a range of insights about the teams and cars. Observations from the track highlighted both challenges and opportunities as teams adapted to the conditions.
+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 11:28 UTC
via racer.comColapinto: Drivers need to help prevent online hate, not fuel itFranco Colapinto has highlighted the responsibility of Formula 1 drivers to help prevent online hate rather than contribute to it. He referenced a recent incident where Lando Norris suggested Colapinto should be banned for causing a collision, which led to significant backlash against both drivers. Colapinto expressed understanding for Norris' comments, acknowledging the emotional context in which they were made, and noted that both drivers received online abuse as a result.
Colapinto pointed out that online harassment is a widespread issue affecting many athletes, not just high-profile incidents. He urged drivers to work together to address the problem and improve the situation for everyone involved. Colapinto also mentioned that while he tries to avoid social media, he is aware of the negative impact it can have on drivers and believes that sensitivity in communication is crucial.
Thu 1 Oct · 10:14 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 champion Fernando Alonso handed career-high payday at the age of 45Fernando Alonso has secured a new contract with Aston Martin that reportedly makes him the highest-paid driver of his career at the age of 45. The deal, which will take effect in 2027, is said to exceed $40 million annually, surpassing his previous earnings at McLaren.
In an official statement, Alonso expressed his happiness about the contract and his commitment to the team. This new salary positions him as the joint-third highest-paid driver in Formula 1, behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, while overtaking other notable drivers like Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
Thu 1 Oct · 09:57 UTC
via RaceFansVerstappen eager to avoid his first win-less season since F1 debut | Formula 1Max Verstappen is determined to secure at least one victory in the 2026 Formula 1 season, as he approaches the end of what could be his first win-less season since joining Red Bull in 2016. Despite achieving multiple podium finishes, he has not yet clinched a win this year, which has raised concerns as the season nears its conclusion.
Verstappen expressed his frustration, stating he is doing everything possible to win, but acknowledges the challenges ahead with only eight races left in the season. With uncertainty surrounding the final two races, he remains focused on breaking his win-less streak and achieving his goal of winning at least one race this season.Thu 1 Oct · 09:07 UTC
via espn.comFernando Alonso extends Aston Martin contract to 2027Fernando Alonso has confirmed he will continue racing in Formula 1 with Aston Martin until 2027. Despite acknowledging the possibility of facing another challenging season, Alonso expressed that competing is preferable to watching from home.
Thu 1 Oct · 08:50 UTC
via AutosportMax Verstappen to race GT3 at Portimão this monthMax Verstappen has confirmed he will compete in a GT3 race at Portimão, adding to his already busy Formula 1 schedule. The Red Bull Racing driver will race a Mercedes-AMG GT3 entered by 2 Seas Motorsport.+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Franco Colapinto faces grid penalty at Bahrain GPAlpine driver Franco Colapinto will receive an additional grid penalty for the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia due to a new Mercedes V6 engine installation. This penalty adds to an existing five-place grid drop, resulting in a challenging start for Colapinto at Sepang.
+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:11 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen determined to win ‘at least one’ race in 2026Max Verstappen has expressed his determination to win at least one race during the 2026 season, following a series of podium finishes. He noted that Red Bull Racing is currently in fourth place in the Teams’ Championship and has made progress in recent races, including a notable 2-3 finish in Azerbaijan.
Despite his success in podiums, Verstappen acknowledged the challenge posed by Mercedes, who have been the fastest team this season. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming races for learning and preparation for the next season, while also reflecting on his positive experiences racing at the Sepang International Circuit.Thu 1 Oct · 07:57 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli target Australia's iconic Bathurst 12 Hour raceMax Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli are set to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour race in early 2027, with the event taking place on February 14 at Mount Panorama Circuit in New South Wales. Other Formula 1 stars, including Lance Stroll and Valtteri Bottas, have also expressed interest in participating in this prestigious GT3 event.
Verstappen is expected to race with his own team, Verstappen Racing, supported by Mercedes AMG. He has previously shown strong performance in endurance racing, nearly winning the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026. Antonelli, the current F1 championship leader, has familial ties to the GT3 scene, as his father manages a team in the Italian GT championship.Thu 1 Oct · 07:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Audi announces new campus for Formula 1 operationsAudi has unveiled plans to construct a new campus near its existing factory in Hinwil, Switzerland, as part of its long-term strategy in Formula 1. This development aims to enhance the team's operational capabilities and signifies a commitment to its future in the sport.+ 8 morePage 2 of 39