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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 RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli addresses Mercedes team dynamicsKimi Antonelli has responded to suggestions that he has become the team leader at Mercedes, amid speculation about George Russell's recent performance decline. Antonelli is currently in contention for his first Formula 1 title, with Lando Norris praising his impressive results against the more experienced Russell.
+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 07:15 UTC
via RacingNews365Leclerc considers future in driver managementCharles Leclerc has expressed interest in pursuing a role in driver management after his Formula 1 career, potentially working alongside his long-time manager Nicolas Todt. While he remains focused on racing for Ferrari, he has discussed this future direction.+ 3 moreSun 20 Sep · 06:20 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari make big decision on exciting F1 prospectDino Beganovic, a long-time prospect in Ferrari's Driver Academy, is set to leave the program in 2027 but will continue with the team as a test and development driver. This decision comes after Beganovic's recent success in F2, where he secured his second career victory. Despite his achievements, Ferrari appears to be prioritizing other young talents for future F1 opportunities.
Beganovic has already had experience in F1 practice sessions this season, stepping in for established drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. However, the team's focus has shifted towards Rafael Camara, who is seen as a stronger candidate for a future F1 seat. Ferrari's commitment to Camara includes significant investment in his training, indicating a strategic shift in their driver development approach.Sat 19 Sep · 21:27 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton should be a TEN-time F1 champion and it's closer than you may thinkLewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has faced several unfortunate circumstances that could have led him to a total of ten championships. After leaving Mercedes in 2024 to join Ferrari, he aimed to secure his eighth title and end Ferrari's long wait for a championship. However, his past seasons have seen him miss out on titles due to a combination of bad luck and controversial decisions.
The article highlights three key seasons where Hamilton's chances were thwarted. In 2007, he lost the championship by just one point after a pit lane incident and technical issues. In 2016, a catastrophic engine failure while leading a race cost him the title against Nico Rosberg. Most notably, in 2021, a controversial decision during the final race allowed Max Verstappen to claim the championship, despite Hamilton leading under a safety car. These events illustrate how close Hamilton has been to achieving a tenth title.Sat 19 Sep · 17:45 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 Motorsport WeekFerrari to mitigate 2026 F1 ’emergency’ with brand-new power unit – reportFerrari has faced significant challenges with its power unit in the 2026 Formula 1 season, which has been described as its weakest link. Despite initial optimism, including podium finishes for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, the team has struggled to maintain competitive performance as rivals have caught up. Internal issues, including the departure of key personnel, have compounded these difficulties, leading to the characterization of the power unit project as an 'emergency'.
Looking ahead, Team Principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that Ferrari will develop a brand-new engine for the 2027 season in an effort to regain competitiveness. While acknowledging that small improvements are being made, he emphasized the need for a more substantial upgrade to close the performance gap with rivals like Mercedes. The team's current struggles have also impacted Hamilton's championship aspirations, particularly following a disappointing race in Spain.
Sat 19 Sep · 16:34 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 Motorsport.comNico Rosberg shocked by Williams' 2026 performanceNico Rosberg has expressed his surprise at the poor performance of Williams in the 2026 season. He emphasized the significant challenge facing team principal James Vowles in improving the team's situation.+ 2 moreSat 19 Sep · 15:13 UTC
via RacingNews365Sergio Perez outlines Cadillac's Baku points strategySergio Perez has shared his strategy for Cadillac as the team aims for its first points finish in Formula 1 at the Baku Grand Prix. He believes that a boost from Ferrari could enhance their chances of achieving this milestone.Sat 19 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMattia Binotto praises Gabriel Bortoleto's talentAudi team principal Mattia Binotto has praised Gabriel Bortoleto, comparing the young driver to Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher. Binotto highlighted that Bortoleto possesses two key traits reminiscent of those he observed while working with Schumacher at Ferrari.+ 2 moreSat 19 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comRob Smedley explains Peter Bonnington's key role in Kimi Antonelli's F1 successRob Smedley has highlighted the significant role of Peter Bonnington in Kimi Antonelli's impressive performance during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Antonelli, who has become the youngest driver to lead the championship standings, has achieved back-to-back victories at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. Currently, he holds an 81-point lead over his Mercedes teammate George Russell, showcasing his dominance in the series. Smedley acknowledges Bonnington's contributions as Antonelli's race engineer, emphasizing that while Bonnington provides crucial support, it is Antonelli who must deliver results on race day.
Antonelli himself has expressed gratitude for working with Bonnington, recognizing the engineer's extensive experience with legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. He appreciates the guidance Bonnington offers as he navigates new challenges in his racing career. Smedley and co-host Otmar Szafnauer also discussed the importance of communication between Antonelli and Bonnington, noting that Antonelli's feedback is vital for optimizing performance. Overall, the collaboration between Antonelli and Bonnington is seen as a key factor in Antonelli's successful title charge.Sat 19 Sep · 12:40 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari unveils black race suit for Charles LeclercFerrari has announced a unique black race suit for driver Charles Leclerc, set to debut at the Singapore Grand Prix. This design marks a departure from the team's traditional red color scheme.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 11:29 UTC
via thejudge13.comUS-born IndyCar star driver abandons F1 ambitionsThe American Absence on the F1 Grid Formula One is thriving in the United States, yet there is no US-born driver competing on the grid. The most recent to do so was the pay-to-drive Logan Sargeant for Williams, who competed unsuccessfully between 2023 and 2024. Logan competed in 37 Grands Prix with a best finish ... Read more
Sat 19 Sep · 10:38 UTC
via PlanetF1Mercedes confirms W17 upgrade for Bahrain Grand PrixMercedes has announced that its next major upgrade for the W17 will be deployed at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin stated that the team is aiming to enhance its performance and regain competitiveness in the 2026 season.
+ 3 moreSat 19 Sep · 10:27 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc wagers Mercedes bet after 'vicious circle' observationCharles Leclerc has highlighted the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces with its engine performance, particularly in comparison to Mercedes. He described a 'vicious circle' where the lack of power from Ferrari's engine limits their ability to deploy power effectively, especially at the end of long straights. Despite this, Ferrari remains a close competitor in the championship as they work to resolve these issues.
Leclerc also mentioned the introduction of an ADUO-boosted engine during the Italian Grand Prix, expressing optimism that it has not sustained critical damage following a crash. However, he acknowledged that if the engine is damaged, he would need to take an engine penalty to introduce new parts into his pool before the season concludes.Sat 19 Sep · 10:20 UTC
via Motorsport.comWilliams accepts 2026 F1 development compromise as focus turns to 2027Williams Racing has acknowledged the need for a development compromise for the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season, as they have largely shifted their focus to the 2027 campaign. Team principal James Vowles shared this update following a challenging performance at the Spanish Grand Prix, where both drivers faced difficulties, including penalties and a retirement due to damage.
Looking ahead, Williams is preparing for the Baku Grand Prix with plans to introduce two new chassis and aerodynamic upgrades. However, Vowles expressed concerns that while these upgrades are promising, they may not be enough to improve their competitive standing significantly. The team has already committed substantial resources to the next season, indicating a strategic pivot towards future performance improvements.Sat 19 Sep · 09:12 UTCPage 10 of 61
