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via AutosportRed Bull Appoints Gwen Lagrue as Junior Driver ChiefGwen Lagrue will join Red Bull Racing as the junior driver chief starting in 2027. His appointment follows his departure from Mercedes, where he led their junior programme.
+ 1 moreMon 27 Jul · 12:29 UTC
via grandprix.comRacing Bulls pair go viral on budget flightRacing Bulls teammates Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson gained attention after sharing a selfie on a budget EasyJet flight from Spa. Lindblad, a rookie driver, expressed his preference for regular flights due to financial reasons, stating he is happy to save money whenever possible. The duo's choice of travel stands out in a sport where many drivers typically fly privately or in business class.
The flight experienced a two-hour delay, departing at midnight. Lindblad humorously recounted how he ended up sitting next to Lawson after switching seats with another passenger. Lawson confirmed that he also frequently travels in economy class, highlighting a more relatable side of their lives as professional drivers.
via grandprix.comHamilton skips key FIA meeting over Spa penaltiesSeveral Formula 1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, missed an important FIA meeting in Hungary that addressed driving standards and stewarding decisions stemming from the recent Belgian Grand Prix. The meeting's significance increased following Hamilton's penalty for a collision with George Russell and the subsequent incident involving Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, which drew criticism for the lack of punishment against Leclerc.
Hamilton commented on the situation, expressing that he prefers to move forward rather than dwell on past incidents. He acknowledged the FIA's efforts to maintain consistency in their decisions, despite the challenges they face in achieving it. The absence of multiple drivers from the meeting highlights ongoing tensions regarding penalties and race conduct in the sport.
via Autosport"You're not allowed to make a difference" – Verstappen says the fastest F1 drivers are penalisedMax Verstappen has voiced concerns about the current F1 regulations, suggesting that they penalise the fastest drivers and diminish their ability to showcase their talent. He highlighted that the gap between team-mates has narrowed due to these penalties, which affect how drivers manage their performance on the track. Oscar Piastri also criticized the 2026 power unit's self-learning algorithms, indicating that they complicate energy management for drivers.
Verstappen believes that while casual fans may find the racing exciting, true racing enthusiasts recognize the shortcomings of the current system. He expressed frustration with how overtaking has changed, often relying on battery power rather than traditional racing skills, which he feels detracts from the essence of competitive racing.Thu 23 Jul · 17:03 UTC
via theguardian.comMercedes Addresses Engine Issues Affecting George Russell's PerformanceGeorge Russell is optimistic after Mercedes identified a software issue with his power unit that impacted his recent races. The team aims to resolve these problems before the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.
Thu 23 Jul · 16:32 UTC
via AutosportRussell: Data shows software calibration behind recent F1 struggles, not driving styleGeorge Russell has pinpointed software calibration issues as the reason behind his recent performance struggles in Formula 1, rather than his driving style. After a disappointing race at Spa-Francorchamps, where he faced difficulties with battery deployment and finished significantly behind his teammate, Russell analyzed the data and concluded that the problems were linked to calibration rather than hardware faults.
Russell expressed relief at discovering the root cause, stating that it allows him to focus on driving naturally rather than adjusting his technique. He believes that with the calibration issues addressed, he can perform better in upcoming races, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in driving for optimal performance.Thu 23 Jul · 16:08 UTC
via AutosportMercedes identifies Russell's F1 power unit software issueMercedes has pinpointed a software issue in George Russell's power unit that impacted his performance during races from Silverstone to Spa. The team ruled out power loss and top speed deficits, instead finding that the software was deploying electrical energy too early, leading to an imbalance in energy distribution throughout the lap.
The team has already made a correction at their Brixworth facility, but the true effectiveness of this fix will only be confirmed during the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The conditions at the Hungaroring and Zandvoort are not suitable for testing the fix, leaving Russell to focus on the race weekend without the pressure of performance concerns related to the software issue.Thu 23 Jul · 15:08 UTC
via espn.comBelgian Grand Prix: Mercedes' dual sides, Ferrari'...The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix showcased Kimi Antonelli's dominance in the season, as he secured his sixth win and extended his championship lead to 45 points. Despite facing challenges earlier in the season, Antonelli's consistent performance has positioned him as a strong contender for the title, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc emerging as a notable competitor after a strong showing in the race.
George Russell's race was marred by technical difficulties that hindered his performance and led to a collision with teammate Lewis Hamilton. The article also highlights concerns regarding the impact of the new engine regulations on the racing experience at traditional circuits, suggesting that the excitement of these venues has been diminished.
Thu 23 Jul · 13:47 UTC
via theguardian.comF1’s algorithms spark driver fury as number neuters thrills of Spa-Francorchamps | Giles RichardsThe Belgian Grand Prix highlighted significant frustrations among Formula 1 drivers regarding the reliance on computer-controlled energy deployment systems. George Russell's race ended prematurely due to an energy issue, leading to his anger over the lack of power during critical moments. This incident reflects a broader discontent among drivers, who feel that their racing experience is being compromised by algorithms dictating performance rather than their own skills behind the wheel.
As drivers like Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri voiced their concerns, it became clear that the complexities of the current energy management systems are not only affecting race outcomes but also raising safety issues on the track. With the upcoming races, particularly at Monza, the article suggests that these frustrations are likely to resurface, indicating a challenging season ahead for both drivers and the sport as a whole.Mon 20 Jul · 18:12 UTC
via grandprix.comRussell demands same car as Antonelli after Spa disasterGeorge Russell faced significant challenges during the Belgian GP, leading to his retirement on the first lap due to a power unit failure. This incident has widened his championship gap to teammate Kimi Antonelli, who won the race from pole position. Russell expressed frustration over the performance disparity between his car and Antonelli's, calling for equal equipment to compete effectively.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff accepted responsibility for the technical issues affecting Russell's performance, indicating that both the power unit and Russell's driving contributed to the problems. Despite these setbacks, Wolff remains hopeful about Russell's potential as a championship contender, although he acknowledges that Antonelli has established a clear lead in the standings.
via grandprix.comBen Sulayem admits FIA mistakes over 2026 rulesFIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has admitted to errors in the controversial 2026 regulations after criticism from drivers like Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton. He acknowledged that while there have been mistakes, competition has improved over the season, and the FIA is open to making necessary adjustments, although changes require consensus among teams and manufacturers.
Attention is shifting towards future engine regulations, with discussions about potentially returning to V8 engines by 2031. Ben Sulayem highlighted the importance of sound, simplicity, and cost savings in new engine designs, and confirmed that talks are in progress regarding the use of fully sustainable fuel for these engines, emphasizing the need to prioritize drivers' perspectives in the decision-making process.
via BBC SportRussell 'numb to disappointment' after bitter blow to title hopesGeorge Russell faced another setback in his championship hopes after crashing out on the first lap of the Belgian Grand Prix due to a collision with Lewis Hamilton. This incident allowed Kimi Antonelli to secure his sixth win of the season, further extending his lead in the standings over Russell, who expressed feeling 'numb to disappointment' after the race. Russell's performance was hampered by engine issues, which Mercedes identified as a contributing factor to his struggles during the race.
Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, acknowledged the emotional impact of the situation on Russell and emphasized the need to support him as they prepare for the next race. Despite the challenges faced by Russell, Antonelli's commanding performance showcased his dominance in the championship, leaving Russell to grapple with the implications of his latest misfortune.
Sun 19 Jul · 19:22 UTC
via theguardian.comRussell’s Mercedes problems ‘100% on us’, says Toto Wolff after Belgium blowDuring the Belgian Grand Prix, George Russell was forced to retire after a first-lap crash with teammate Lewis Hamilton. Toto Wolff, the principal of Mercedes, admitted that the team's performance issues contributed to the incident, stating that the problems were entirely the team's responsibility. Kimi Antonelli won the race, extending his lead over Russell in the championship standings to 50 points, significantly impacting Russell's title hopes.
Russell expressed frustration over the car's lack of power, which he believed led to the collision. Hamilton received a five-second penalty for the incident but viewed it as a racing incident. Both drivers are dealing with the aftermath, with Wolff emphasizing the need for team support and understanding during challenging moments.Sun 19 Jul · 19:06 UTC
via BBC SportAntonelli near-perfect but too much drama for Hamilton - driver ratingsKimi Antonelli achieved a significant victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, extending his lead in the championship standings over Lewis Hamilton, who faced a challenging race after a collision with teammate George Russell. Antonelli's performance included dominating practice sessions and recovering from a virtual safety car to secure the win, while Hamilton managed to finish fourth despite a messy race weekend marred by drama and penalties.
The race also saw strong performances from Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, who finished second and third, respectively. Isack Hadjar impressed by climbing from the back of the grid to sixth place, while several drivers, including Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez, struggled with their performances, leading to disappointing results for their teams.Sun 19 Jul · 17:01 UTC
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli Secures Belgian GP Win, Extends Championship LeadKimi Antonelli achieved victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, solidifying his lead in the championship standings. His teammate George Russell was involved in a crash on the opening lap, which contributed to Antonelli's 50-point advantage.+ 1 moreSun 19 Jul · 15:02 UTC
via grandprix.comF1 rejects claims Spa coverage hiding energy problemFormula 1 has responded to allegations that it is concealing issues related to energy management in the 2026 cars, particularly following criticism of the television coverage during the Belgian Grand Prix. Commentators noted that the coverage frequently cut away from crucial moments, leading to speculation about a hidden agenda, which F1 firmly denied, asserting that all onboard footage is available for viewing.
Drivers have openly discussed the challenges they face with energy management, with several expressing dissatisfaction with the current performance levels of the cars. Notable figures like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen highlighted the significant drop in speed due to battery depletion, while others, including Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton, called for a reevaluation of the regulations to enhance the racing experience.
via grandprix.comWolff admits Ferrari will try to sign AntonelliToto Wolff has expressed concern over Ferrari's interest in signing Kimi Antonelli, who has been performing exceptionally well for Mercedes, including achieving pole position at the Belgian GP. Wolff emphasized that Antonelli's success is a result of long-term investment in his development, and he has been with Mercedes since childhood. Despite the team's pride in Antonelli's achievements, they are facing challenges with George Russell's performance, which has not been on par with his teammate's speed.
Russell has acknowledged that he is struggling to compete equally with Antonelli and has ruled out driving style as the cause of his performance issues. Wolff confirmed that the team is still investigating the reasons behind Russell's deficit in speed, particularly in corners and on straights. Both drivers are working towards finding solutions to improve their competitiveness as the season progresses.
via grandprix.comSpa pushing to reclaim permanent place on F1 calendarSpa-Francorchamps is actively seeking to regain a permanent spot on the Formula 1 calendar, despite currently having an alternating contract that guarantees races in 2027, 2029, and 2031. Circuit chairman Melchior Wathelet emphasizes the historical significance of the venue, which has hosted races since 1950, and is in discussions with F1 leadership to advocate for an annual race by 2030, coinciding with Belgium's 200th anniversary. Support from drivers like Max Verstappen and figures such as Jacky Ickx and Toto Wolff highlights the importance of Spa in the F1 community.
Wathelet expresses concerns about the financial implications of alternating seasons and aims to eliminate the rotation system altogether. He believes that Spa deserves a long-term contract to ensure its future in Formula 1. The circuit's legacy and its appeal to drivers are central to Wathelet's campaign, as he remains optimistic about Spa's role in motorsport, regardless of F1's decisions.
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli Secures Pole Position at Belgian Grand PrixKimi Antonelli of Mercedes has achieved pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, outperforming Max Verstappen. His teammate George Russell will start from fourth, while Lando Norris faces a 10-place grid penalty.+ 1 moreSat 18 Jul · 15:39 UTC
via BBC SportAntonelli tops FP2 as Gasly crashes heavily at SpaThe session highlighted the competitive nature of the teams, with Antonelli outperforming his rivals, including Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. However, several drivers, including Norris and Gasly, face grid penalties and challenges related to car performance and energy management on the demanding Spa-Francorchamps circuit.Fri 17 Jul · 17:33 UTCPage 1 of 2