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via RacingNews365Ferrari point to biggest factor behind missed F1 2026 chancesFerrari's team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that the team's execution during race weekends has significantly impacted their performance in the 2023 Formula 1 season. With a current total of 358 points, Ferrari sits second in the constructors' championship, but they are 145 points behind Mercedes. Vasseur pointed out that both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have shown front-running pace but have failed to convert that into consistent results due to execution errors.
Vasseur highlighted that the new technical regulations and the addition of an 11th team have posed challenges for all teams, including Ferrari. He emphasised the need for the team to focus on improving their own performance rather than comparing themselves to competitors. Vasseur's comments reflect a commitment to addressing the internal issues that have led to missed opportunities this season.
Mon 21 Sep · 06:20 UTC
via the-race.comWhat Mercedes' rivals got so badly wrong in F1 2026After a disappointing Spanish Grand Prix, both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell of Mercedes have acknowledged that the 2026 Formula 1 title race is effectively over, with Kimi Antonelli dominating the standings. Antonelli has secured eight victories in 14 races, leaving his rivals struggling to keep pace, with Hamilton and Russell both failing to win in their last six outings.
Ferrari's early-season potential has not translated into consistent performance, as they have been outmaneuvered politically and technically. Meanwhile, McLaren's Lando Norris has shown promise with recent wins, but the team admits to having fallen behind in development. Looking ahead, both Ferrari and McLaren are under pressure to improve for the 2027 season, with McLaren planning significant changes to their car design.
Mon 21 Sep · 06:14 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff's 'league of his own' comments highlight why Lando Norris is beating Oscar PiastriToto Wolff praised Lando Norris for his exceptional performance during qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix, where Norris achieved pole position with a remarkable lap time of 1:31.385. Wolff noted Norris' skill in managing rear tyre overheating, especially under challenging hot conditions, which set him apart from his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Despite the compliments, Piastri's ongoing difficulties with tyre management were acknowledged, with McLaren's recent upgrades aimed at addressing these issues. Team principal Andrea Stella has urged Piastri to adapt his driving style to improve his performance, as his struggles have been a recurring theme in his career.
Mon 21 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris predicted to overtake George Russell in 2026 F1 standingsGuenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, has expressed confidence that Lando Norris will surpass George Russell in the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' championship standings. Currently, Norris sits in fourth place with 186 points, while Russell holds second with 211 points, and Kimi Antonelli leads the championship with 292 points.
Norris has recently experienced a surge in performance, winning consecutive races at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix. Following these victories, he emphasized the improvements within the McLaren team and his belief in their potential to compete for the championship. Norris remains optimistic about the team's ability to enhance their car and maintain their momentum as the season progresses.
Sun 20 Sep · 21:11 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJames Vowles points to the 2027 F1 rule change that gives Ferrari hope against MercedesFerrari has faced challenges in keeping up with Mercedes this season, primarily due to engine performance issues. The upcoming 2027 regulations, which are expected to alter the engine power distribution, could provide Ferrari with an opportunity to improve their competitiveness against Mercedes and Red Bull.
Williams team principal James Vowles commented on the potential impact of the 2027 rule changes, suggesting that without these adjustments, the current standings among top teams would likely remain unchanged. He emphasised the importance for Ferrari to begin working on their 2027 engine immediately to avoid falling further behind their rivals.Sun 20 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekPaddock insider reveals Lewis Hamilton’s ‘psychological war’ on Nico RosbergOtmar Szafnauer has disclosed the psychological tactics Lewis Hamilton employed against his former Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg during their intense rivalry. Szafnauer recounted how Hamilton would hide Rosberg's football, which the German used to prepare for races, as a way to disrupt his focus and rhythm.
Additionally, Szafnauer noted that Hamilton's mind games were reminiscent of those used by Michael Schumacher, who also aimed to unsettle Rosberg during their time together. Despite Hamilton's tactics, Rosberg ultimately triumphed by winning the 2016 drivers' championship before announcing his retirement from Formula 1.
Sun 20 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari now lining up statement move for ex-Mercedes power unit designerFerrari is actively seeking to strengthen its engine division ahead of the 2027 season, aiming to reduce the performance gap to competitors Mercedes and Red Bull. The team has been identified as being over four percent off the pace, with their engine reportedly lacking 20 horsepower compared to Mercedes. Recent personnel changes, including the departure of key staff, have prompted Ferrari to recruit new talent, particularly from successful teams like Red Bull and Mercedes, to bring fresh ideas into their engine development.
The current season has seen Ferrari's SF-26 car struggle with straight-line speed due to its extreme aerodynamic design. While drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have secured one victory each, neither is in contention for the championship, and Ferrari faces the risk of dropping to third in the constructors' standings. The team acknowledges that their design choices have impacted engine performance, and they are looking to address this with upcoming engine upgrades.Sun 20 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Kimi Antonelli discusses friendship with Sebastian VettelKimi Antonelli has shared insights about his friendship with four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel as he approaches a significant milestone in his career. Antonelli is on track to potentially break one of Vettel's long-standing records this season.
+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 12:24 UTC
via PlanetF1George Russell ‘on the ropes’ as pundits weigh in on ‘painful’ Mercedes realityGeorge Russell is experiencing a challenging season in Formula 1, currently trailing his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. Despite securing two grand prix victories, Antonelli has dominated with eight wins and holds an 81-point lead. Russell has openly admitted that Antonelli has performed better this year, a stark contrast to last season when he outscored Antonelli significantly. This shift in momentum has raised concerns about Russell's championship prospects.
Former drivers David Coulthard and Nico Rosberg have weighed in on Russell's situation, commending his attitude and acknowledgment of Antonelli's performance. Coulthard noted that Russell is handling the pressure well, while Rosberg highlighted the psychological challenges Russell faces as he questions his own abilities. The 2026 season has seen notable changes in driver performances, with several drivers experiencing swings in their standings compared to the previous year.Sun 20 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMercedes to introduce W17 upgrades in MalaysiaMercedes has announced that it will deploy upgrades for the W17 during the Malaysian Grand Prix. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin confirmed that these updates are expected to enhance the team's performance.
+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 11:27 UTC
via thejudge13.comHaas F1 extensive testing to evaluate Ocon replacementHaas F1 driver Esteban Ocon is now in his 11th season in Formula One. He has been employed by five different teams in that time and was previously a highly rated Mercedes junior driver. He made his debut for Manor at the Belgian Grand Prix in 2016, replacing Rio Haryanto, whose sponsors failed to meet ... Read more
Sun 20 Sep · 10:22 UTC
via the-race.comFerrari's title ambitions fade as competition increasesFerrari has received new instructions as their hopes for the Formula 1 title diminish, having struggled to keep pace with Mercedes. The team's aspirations for a competitive 2026 season have also been hindered, leading to a reassessment of their strategy.+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via gpfans.comAston Martin beat Mercedes for rare 2026 winAston Martin faced off against Mercedes in a pair of charity football matches on September 19, 2026, where the men's team lost 3-1 while the women's team won 2-1, resulting in a split of the series. The matches were organized to support the hospice charity Helen & Douglas House and the Movember campaign, continuing a tradition that began in 2022.
Imogen Tait from Mercedes highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams and the significance of using their resources for community good. Following the charity event, both Aston Martin and Mercedes are set to head to Baku for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking the continuation of their racing season after the European leg.Sun 20 Sep · 08:58 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff has now changed his mind about giving Aston Martin Mercedes enginesToto Wolff has changed his stance regarding Aston Martin's engine supply, indicating that Mercedes is no longer interested in continuing their partnership. Lawrence Stroll, the owner of Aston Martin, has been in discussions with both Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains as he seeks alternative engine suppliers due to ongoing performance issues with their current Honda engine. Despite Mercedes' past willingness to supply engines, Wolff emphasized that Aston Martin's shift towards becoming a works team with Honda led to the end of their collaboration.
Stroll's efforts to negotiate with other manufacturers have not yielded positive results, as Red Bull has not expressed interest in a deal. Additionally, under current regulations, Audi would be the designated supplier for Aston Martin, but their engine performance is also lacking. In a related development, Honda is making significant changes to its leadership in response to the performance concerns, which could indicate a shift in their approach to F1 engine development.Sun 20 Sep · 07:30 UTC
via gpfans.comMercedes reserve driver reveals Toto Wolff asked him about F1 driver swap during raceFred Vesti, the reserve driver for Mercedes, has disclosed that his role during races is more interactive than previously thought. He communicates directly with team principal Toto Wolff and other key decision-makers, providing insights based on his experience with the 2026 simulator. This involvement allows him to contribute to strategic discussions, especially regarding driver positioning during races.
During the Canadian Grand Prix, Wolff consulted Vesti about whether to instruct George Russell to let his teammate Kimi Antonelli pass, highlighting Vesti's unique perspective as a driver. Vesti noted that while the competition between Mercedes drivers is exciting for fans, it can be stressful for the team management. His contributions are aimed at enhancing the team's understanding of driver dynamics and race strategies.Sun 20 Sep · 07:28 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Christian Horner decision tipped to cause trouble as Mercedes chief reveals 'secret codes'Christian Horner's bid to acquire the Alpine team has been thwarted by Renault, which still holds a significant stake in the team. This decision could lead to complications for Renault as they navigate the implications of Horner's blocked takeover. Meanwhile, Mercedes' trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin revealed that the team employs 'secret codes' during radio communications with drivers, a practice not commonly discussed in F1.
In other news, Ferrari's Dino Beganovic is set to exit the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2027, although he will continue with the team as a test and development driver. Additionally, Charles Leclerc is preparing for a potential grid penalty at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to ongoing power unit issues. Lastly, Max Verstappen has expressed interest in competing in renowned endurance races, contingent on the F1 calendar.Sun 20 Sep · 06:27 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli shows no signs of championship pressureMercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli is demonstrating confidence as he approaches his first championship title, according to former driver Jolyon Palmer. David Coulthard also commended George Russell for acknowledging Antonelli's strong performance in the current season.Sat 19 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMercedes chief reveals 'secret codes' team changes every weekMercedes' trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, disclosed that the team employs secret codes for communication with their drivers, particularly during critical race moments. This practice is not new in motorsports but is rarely discussed in Formula 1. Shovlin highlighted a specific instance during the Spanish Grand Prix where Kimi Antonelli successfully pitted under a virtual safety car, aided by these codes.
Shovlin explained that the team focuses on being prepared for various race scenarios, including virtual safety cars and safety car situations. He noted that Antonelli was aware of the VSC window and adjusted his speed accordingly to ensure he could pit effectively. The use of these codes is strategic, as they change weekly to prevent other teams from deciphering their communication.Sat 19 Sep · 16:28 UTC
via F1iMercedes plots Malaysia upgrade to reignite qualifying chargeMercedes is currently leading the 2026 Formula 1 constructors' championship with a substantial 145-point advantage over Ferrari. Despite this strong position, the team has opted for smaller, circuit-specific updates since their last major upgrade in Montreal. This strategy has resulted in a tightening competition, with Mercedes winning only four of the last eight races, while rivals Ferrari and McLaren have each claimed two victories during this period. The team has not secured a pole position since July, indicating a shift in their qualifying performance.
Looking ahead, Mercedes is preparing a significant upgrade for the upcoming Malaysia Grand Prix, scheduled for October 2-4. Team member Andrew Shovlin confirmed that this upgrade aims to restore their qualifying edge, which has diminished in recent races. While the team does not expect to introduce new hardware for the Baku race, they believe their current package will perform well on that circuit. Shovlin emphasized the need for a car that excels in straight-line speed and low-speed cornering, as the competition has become increasingly close, with only a few tenths separating the top finishers.
Sat 19 Sep · 15:51 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli handed praise from major rival: 'An asset for F1'Kimi Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, has had a remarkable 2026 Formula 1 season, securing eight victories and establishing a commanding 81-point lead in the drivers' championship. His performance has drawn praise from notable figures in the sport, including McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella, who described Antonelli as an 'asset for F1' and acknowledged his consistent growth and skill on the track.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine's boss, also highlighted Antonelli's rising status in Italy, comparing him to tennis star Janick Sinner. Briatore noted that Antonelli's success is beneficial for both Formula 1 and Italy, as he is quickly becoming one of the country's most recognized athletes. The combination of Antonelli's talent and his potential to attract fans away from traditional teams like Ferrari marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape of F1.Sat 19 Sep · 13:40 UTCPage 10 of 34