News1258 stories
RSS ↗
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen praises Loek Hartog for life-saving actMax Verstappen has expressed admiration for Loek Hartog's courageous actions during a recent incident in Shanghai. The Red Bull driver highlighted Hartog's role in saving the life of a rival driver, calling it 'unbelievable'.
+ 1 moreSun 6 Sep · 21:29 UTC
via theguardian.comLewis Hamilton rules out world title challenge after Italian Grand Prix setbackLewis Hamilton has effectively ruled out his chances of winning the Formula One world championship this year following a disappointing performance at the Italian Grand Prix, where he finished sixth. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, crashed out early in the race, and Hamilton expressed frustration over Ferrari's strategy and operational failures that he believes have hindered his title pursuit. He now trails championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 76 points with only 10 races left in the season.
After the race, Hamilton criticized the team's communication and decision-making, suggesting that changes are necessary to improve their performance. Vasseur, the Ferrari team principal, acknowledged the need for discussions regarding team orders and strategies moving forward. The incident between Hamilton and Leclerc highlighted ongoing issues within the team, prompting Hamilton to call for a reevaluation of their approach to racing and collaboration.
Sun 6 Sep · 20:16 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton claims he was blocked from joining Ferrari years earlier due to ‘veto’Lewis Hamilton revealed that he was prevented from joining Ferrari earlier in his career due to Fernando Alonso's veto rights during the time when Stefano Domenicali was team principal. Hamilton had discussions with Domenicali but felt that Alonso's position as the number one driver at Ferrari hindered his potential move, leading to a lingering 'what if' scenario for him until he finally joined the team in 2025 after a long tenure with McLaren and Mercedes.
In the current season, Hamilton's relationship with Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur has been crucial in his integration into the team. Despite Hamilton's championship aspirations, he noted that both he and Charles Leclerc are given equal opportunities, which has led to competitive racing between them. The dynamics within Ferrari have shifted since Alonso's era, with Vasseur aiming to maintain parity in the driver lineup.
Sun 6 Sep · 19:30 UTC
via RaceFansDomenicali hails F1’s ‘incredible racing’, Norris says it’s ‘just who presses a button when’ | Formula 1The article discusses contrasting views on the racing dynamics during the 2026 Italian Grand Prix. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed satisfaction with the unexpected position changes that occurred, countering pre-race expectations of a more predictable race. Meanwhile, reigning champion Lando Norris highlighted the influence of the Overtake Mode boost button, suggesting that the racing was more about timing and strategy than pure competition.
Domenicali's comments reflect a positive outlook on the race's unpredictability, while Norris's remarks indicate a belief that the outcome was heavily influenced by technology. This divergence in perspectives underscores ongoing discussions about the balance between driver skill and technological advantages in modern Formula 1 racing.
Sun 6 Sep · 18:22 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen claims broken Italian Grand Prix track nearly put him out of the raceMax Verstappen secured a podium finish at the Italian Grand Prix, finishing third after a competitive race at Monza. He faced challenges from Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, with Antonelli ultimately taking the victory after starting from 19th position. Verstappen led for several laps but struggled with track conditions and the pace of his competitors, particularly in the final stages of the race.
During the race, a Virtual Safety Car was deployed due to an incident involving Lance Stroll, which interrupted the battle for positions. Verstappen noted difficulties with the track surface, which nearly caused him to lose control of his car. Despite these challenges, he managed to secure third place, highlighting the intense competition and the strategic elements of the race.Sun 6 Sep · 17:55 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen Highlights Red Bull's Deployment Issue at MonzaMax Verstappen secured a third-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix after starting from fifth. He noted that a deployment issue with his Red Bull car affected his performance during the race.
Sun 6 Sep · 17:36 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari humiliated at Italian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton F1 title chances suffer knockout blowThe Italian Grand Prix was a disastrous event for Ferrari, who were expected to perform well on home soil but instead faced significant setbacks. Charles Leclerc's early spin and Lewis Hamilton's struggles with tire management led to a disappointing race, with Hamilton finishing outside the points. Kimi Antonelli, starting from the back due to an engine penalty, capitalized on Ferrari's mistakes and won the race, further extending his lead in the championship standings.
Ferrari's performance raised serious questions about their strategy and execution during the race. Despite having two drivers in competitive positions at the start, they failed to capitalize on opportunities, allowing Mercedes and other competitors to dominate. The outcome has severely impacted Hamilton's title chances, as he now trails Antonelli by a substantial margin.Sun 6 Sep · 16:55 UTC
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli Claims Historic Monza Victory for MercedesKimi Antonelli secured a remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix, overcoming a 19th-place start. This win marks the first home victory for Italy in Formula 1 in 60 years.Sun 6 Sep · 15:38 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli wins Italian Grand Prix from 19th placeKimi Antonelli secured a remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix after starting from 19th due to an engine penalty. This win solidifies his position at the top of the 2026 F1 Championship standings.
+ 1 moreSun 6 Sep · 15:29 UTC
via gpfans.comSebastian Vettel returns to Red Bull and 'leaves surprise' for Max VerstappenSebastian Vettel made a notable return to Red Bull during the Italian Grand Prix on September 6, 2026, where he left a personal message for current champion Max Verstappen on his helmet visor. This visit marked Vettel's first appearance at Red Bull since his departure from the team in 2014 and his retirement from F1 in 2022. The gesture highlighted the camaraderie between the two drivers, with Vettel reminiscing about his time with the team and the legacy of their past successes.
In addition to his visit to Red Bull, Vettel drove Michael Schumacher's iconic F2002 Ferrari at Monza, an experience that stirred deep emotions for him. He reflected on his childhood admiration for Schumacher and the significance of the car in F1 history. The event served as a poignant reminder of Vettel's illustrious career and his connection to the sport's past, while also celebrating the ongoing achievements of Verstappen and Red Bull Racing.Sun 6 Sep · 13:13 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen reacts to insulting Pierre Wache nickname after Red Bull woes at MonzaMax Verstappen expressed frustration with his RB22, calling it a 'paper car' after a disappointing qualifying session at Monza, where he finished sixth. This comment led to Red Bull's technical director Pierre Wache being humorously nicknamed 'paper Wache,' highlighting the struggles the team has faced under new regulations since Wache took over from Adrian Newey. Verstappen acknowledged the ongoing issues but emphasized that the blame should not fall on a single individual, indicating a collective effort is needed to improve the car's performance.
Despite the challenges, team principal Laurent Mekies defended Wache, noting the advancements made with the power unit. Verstappen's remarks reflect a broader concern within the team as they aim to resolve persistent problems ahead of the upcoming races. With Verstappen's new contract extending until 2030, there is an expectation for significant improvements in the future, especially as the team seeks to regain its competitive edge.Sun 6 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Ralf Schumacher issues injury update after jet-ski accidentRalf Schumacher provided an update on his recovery following a jet-ski accident that resulted in a dislocated shoulder and a bone fracture. The incident occurred during a low-speed event, and he required surgery to address the injuries, which included the placement of three screws in his shoulder. Schumacher is optimistic about his recovery timeline, estimating that he will be back to normal in two to three months.
Despite his injury, Schumacher attended the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he is involved in coverage for Sky Germany. He reflected on his career, which includes 180 grand prix starts and six race wins, and expressed his commitment to continuing his role in Formula 1 punditry following his retirement from racing.
Sun 6 Sep · 11:27 UTC
via grandprix.comHamilton and Leclerc say Ferrari mishandled Monza qualifyingIn the Monza qualifying session, Ferrari's drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance, believing they missed an opportunity for pole position. They ended up third and fourth on the grid after Oscar Piastri's penalty elevated their positions, but both drivers felt that the team did not fully capitalize on their car's speed during the session.
Leclerc faced a battery issue that affected his qualifying run, while Hamilton narrowly advanced past Q2. Both drivers emphasized the importance of executing a clean qualifying strategy, as demonstrated by Pierre Gasly's performance. Looking ahead, they hope to leverage their starting positions effectively in the race.
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc fears Ferrari 'exposure' as 'miracle' hoped for at Italian GPCharles Leclerc is set to start third at the Italian Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton right behind him in fourth. Despite a new engine upgrade, Leclerc is worried that Ferrari's lack of straight-line speed will make them vulnerable to competitors, particularly on a track known for its long straights. He noted that while the Ferrari chassis excels in cornering, the smaller turbo in their engine limits their top speed compared to rivals like Mercedes.
Leclerc anticipates a challenging race, where he and Hamilton may be 'exposed' to faster cars on the straights. He hopes that their cornering speed can help them maintain competitiveness and is optimistic about finding unexpected advantages during the race. The situation highlights the ongoing struggles Ferrari faces in maximizing their performance against stronger rivals.
Sun 6 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via F1iNorris candid on ‘most painful thing’ biting McLaren at MonzaLando Norris faced challenges during qualifying at Monza, where he managed to secure only eighth place despite the tight competition among the top 10 drivers. He highlighted a significant straight-line speed deficit as a major issue, which was exacerbated by his teammate Oscar Piastri's mistake that denied him the aerodynamic assistance he needed for a better lap time. Norris acknowledged that while his own performance was not perfect, the primary factor in his time loss was the car's lack of speed on the straights.
In addition to the speed issues, Norris also dealt with inconsistent braking behavior, which affected his confidence, especially in Monza's demanding braking zones. He pointed out that the circuit magnified known weaknesses in the McLaren MCL40, indicating that the team must focus on improvements in these areas moving forward. Norris's candid reflections underscore the challenges he faces as he prepares for the race, with the potential for a difficult Sunday ahead.
Sun 6 Sep · 10:52 UTC
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen in brutal dig as Red Bull struggle again: 'Less power than a Fiat Punto'Max Verstappen has expressed significant frustration with his Red Bull car's performance during the lead-up to the Italian Grand Prix, particularly after experiencing a power drop in practice. Despite recently signing a substantial contract extension with the team, he described his car's power as being inferior to that of a Fiat Punto, highlighting ongoing struggles with the vehicle's competitiveness under the new regulations emphasizing battery power usage.
Currently sitting sixth in the Drivers' standings, Verstappen's performance this season has been disappointing, as he trails the championship leader by a considerable margin. His qualifying position improved slightly due to a penalty for another driver, but the overall sentiment remains one of dissatisfaction with both the car and the regulatory changes affecting the sport.Sun 6 Sep · 10:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli explains 'weird feeling' after 'strict' Max Verstappen instructionKimi Antonelli faced a challenging qualifying session at the Italian Grand Prix, where he was tasked with providing a tow for teammate George Russell after receiving a grid penalty. Despite his efforts, Max Verstappen's actions nearly disrupted Mercedes' strategy, as he attempted to slow down and let Antonelli pass. Ultimately, Antonelli finished in 20th place, while Pierre Gasly took pole position ahead of Russell.
Reflecting on the session, Antonelli described it as a 'weird' experience, emphasizing the stress of adhering to team instructions and managing the cooldown lap without boost. He currently leads the championship by 59 points, highlighting his strong performance throughout the season despite the difficulties faced during qualifying.Sun 6 Sep · 10:30 UTC
via Formula1.comStella on whether McLaren can still target Monza podiumAndrea Stella, the Team Principal of McLaren, expressed optimism about the team's chances for a podium finish at the Monza race, despite Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris qualifying sixth and eighth, respectively. Piastri's grid position was affected by a three-place penalty for impeding another driver, but both drivers showed strong pace in earlier qualifying sessions, finishing second and third in Q2. Stella highlighted the need for smart driving and strategic execution during the race to maximize their performance potential.
Stella acknowledged that several factors, including battery management and track positioning, impacted their qualifying results. He believes that the car's performance at Monza, a circuit known for its straight-line speed, provides encouragement for the race. The team aims to improve execution and strategy to capitalize on their competitive pace, making the upcoming race an intriguing challenge.Sun 6 Sep · 10:24 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen blames car ‘failure’ for disappointing F1 Monza GP qualifying resultMax Verstappen has identified an unexpected issue that Red Bull will investigate following a tricky qualifying at the F1 Italian GP.
Sun 6 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen makes surprise revelation: 'I deliberately held back'Max Verstappen has revealed that he has intentionally held back during races this season due to ongoing issues with his Red Bull car. He explained that these problems have altered his risk assessment, leading him to adopt a more cautious approach, especially when not competing for the championship. Verstappen's performance has been impacted by handling and reliability concerns, which have persisted throughout the season.
During qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen finished sixth, continuing a trend of frustration for him and the team. He acknowledged that while he strives to maximize his performance, the frequent setbacks have forced him to reevaluate his racing strategy. Despite his frustrations, he remains optimistic about the team's efforts to improve their situation.Sun 6 Sep · 08:15 UTCPage 27 of 63
