News27 stories
RSS ↗
via theguardian.comGeorge Russell ready to keep chasing down championship leader Kimi Antonelli at SpaGeorge Russell and Kimi Antonelli are currently competing closely in the Formula One championship, with Russell having outscored Antonelli in recent races. After a series of misfortunes for Antonelli, including mechanical failures, the points gap has narrowed significantly, making the title race competitive once again. Russell has faced challenges adapting to new car dynamics, which has affected his performance, but he remains determined to improve as the season progresses.
Both drivers are preparing for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, where they have been working on their race setups. Antonelli, despite being younger and less experienced, has shown remarkable skill and control, while Russell is striving to overcome his struggles. The advice from Roger Federer highlights the mental aspect of racing, emphasizing the importance of focus and emotional control as they head into this crucial race.
Fri 17 Jul · 15:52 UTC
via grandprix.comOcon plays down F1 exit rumours at 10-year milestoneEsteban Ocon is celebrating ten years in Formula 1, having made his debut at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix. Amidst speculation about his future with Haas, he downplays concerns, emphasizing that discussions regarding his contract will take place later in the summer. Ocon's current contract includes an option for 2027 that is controlled by Haas, and he faces competition from several potential replacements, including McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli, who has impressed the team in recent tests.
Despite a challenging season marked by bad luck and performance issues, Ocon remains confident in Haas's ability to improve. He insists that his relationship with team principal Ayao Komatsu is strong and that he joined Haas due to their mutual trust. As he reflects on his decade in the sport, Ocon expresses pride in his journey and looks forward to contributing to the team's recovery efforts.
via grandprix.comBig money will keep Verstappen in F1 says MarkoMax Verstappen has remained tight-lipped about his future in Formula 1, especially regarding speculation linking him to McLaren. Despite reports of a strained relationship with Red Bull, he has not confirmed any changes and continues to focus on his current commitments. Dr. Helmut Marko, a retired adviser for Red Bull, downplayed the significance of recent meetings with Verstappen's family and expressed confidence that financial factors will keep Verstappen in the sport until at least 2028.
In addition to the rumors surrounding his future, Verstappen announced a collaboration with McLaren junior Dries Van Langendonck, indicating his ongoing involvement in the sport. Other drivers, including Oscar Piastri and Oliver Bearman, have commented on the shifting dynamics of the driver market, with Piastri noting the importance of understanding the situation. Overall, the article highlights the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's future while emphasizing the financial allure of Formula 1.
via BBC SportLando Norris Faces Grid Penalty Ahead of Belgian Grand PrixLando Norris will start the Belgian Grand Prix with a 10-place grid penalty due to exceeding the allowed number of engine components. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic about his chances to compete effectively during the race.
+ 1 moreThu 16 Jul · 16:04 UTC
via BBC SportRed Bull to change wing after Verstappen crashesThe team had pioneered a new wing design that aimed to enhance straight-line speed by allowing the top flap to rotate more than 180 degrees. However, the aerodynamic issues encountered prompted Red Bull to revert to a more traditional wing configuration. The Belgian Grand Prix will take place from July 17 to 19, 2026, and the team hopes to resolve the issues with the new wing design before its next use.Thu 16 Jul · 12:46 UTC
via grandprix.comAlonso fears F2 could rival F1 at SpaFernando Alonso has raised alarms about the potential impact of the 2026 regulations on Formula 1, particularly at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. He emphasized that energy management challenges could hinder performance, leaving drivers without power for significant portions of the lap. Meanwhile, Ferrari is set to debut a new rear wing design that could enhance their speed, while the FIA is investigating this innovation due to recent failures experienced by Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
In the context of the championship, Giancarlo Minardi noted that Ferrari's advancements have intensified the competition, while Red Bull's team expressed low expectations for upcoming races. Additionally, Ralf Schumacher pointed out that Ferrari's reliability may give them an edge over Mercedes, which has encountered difficulties in recent races. The dynamics of the championship are expected to evolve as teams adapt to the new regulations and technology.
via BBC SportCould it work if Verstappen wanted to go to McLaren? F1 Q&AThe article discusses the current state of the Formula 1 championship, highlighting the tight competition among drivers, particularly Kimi Antonelli, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton. It also touches on the speculation surrounding Max Verstappen's potential move to McLaren, with insights from Zak Brown about the team's current driver lineup and Verstappen's contract situation with Red Bull.
Additionally, the longevity of drivers like Hamilton and Alonso is examined, noting that while physical demands have decreased, mental commitment remains crucial. The article also celebrates Spa-Francorchamps as a classic circuit, emphasizing its unique challenges and the risks associated with racing there, especially in wet conditions.Tue 14 Jul · 09:01 UTCPage 2 of 2