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via f1technical.net"It’s kind of the story of the season," claims Russell after he lost further ground ...Kimi Antonelli secured his eighth victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Spanish Grand Prix, taking advantage of a well-timed pit stop during the Virtual Safety Car period. Despite a strong start, Antonelli faced challenges early in the race but managed to regain control and finish ahead of his competitors, further solidifying his lead in the Drivers' Championship. George Russell, on the other hand, struggled with strategy decisions that left him finishing in fifth place, despite starting sixth and showing good pace on hard tires.
Russell's race was marred by a contact incident and a costly pit stop during the VSC, which he felt disadvantaged him compared to those on medium tires. After the race, he reflected on the team's strategy and expressed a shift in focus towards supporting Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship, acknowledging the difficulties of overtaking at the Madrid circuit. With the championship heading to Baku, Russell emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum as the season progresses.
Mon 14 Sep · 08:22 UTC
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso drops F1 bombshell by saying Aston Martin renewal would be MULTI-year dealFernando Alonso has indicated that if he decides to renew his contract with Aston Martin, it will be for multiple years rather than just a single season. This statement comes amid speculation about his potential retirement from Formula 1, particularly due to dissatisfaction with his team's performance and the current regulations that he feels diminish driver skill.
During a recent event, Alonso engaged with fans who chanted for him to stay, responding ambiguously but suggesting he would continue racing until he feels he can no longer compete effectively. His recent performance at the Madring race saw him finish in 17th place, and he was involved in a controversial incident with Carlos Sainz that led to a penalty for Sainz.
Mon 14 Sep · 07:58 UTC
via PlanetF1Honda makes new announcement after Spanish Grand PrixFollowing the Spanish Grand Prix, Honda revealed a restructuring of its Formula 1 power unit leadership. This change comes as Aston Martin has struggled in the 2026 season, managing only three points across 14 races. The team has faced ongoing issues with engine performance, despite a recent upgrade that coincided with Alonso's improved finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Yoichiro Fukao has been promoted to lead the power unit development program, replacing Tetsushi Kakuda. This transition is part of Honda's strategy to enhance its engine development and prepare for upcoming regulatory changes in Formula 1. The company is focused on establishing a robust framework to ensure competitiveness in future seasons.
Mon 14 Sep · 06:43 UTC
via PlanetF1Adrian Newey holds McLaren MCL40 inspection at Spanish Grand PrixAdrian Newey, the Aston Martin team principal, was seen inspecting Oscar Piastri's McLaren MCL40 on the grid before the Spanish Grand Prix. The race concluded with Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes winning, while Lando Norris, who started from pole position, finished third after a challenging race. Piastri's performance saw him finishing eighth, significantly behind his teammate Norris.
Newey's involvement with McLaren has been notable throughout the 2026 season, as he has closely monitored their progress following a series of upgrades. His inspection at the Spanish Grand Prix marked his sixth visit to the paddock this season, indicating his ongoing interest in McLaren's development amidst a challenging season for Aston Martin.Mon 14 Sep · 06:12 UTC
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli’s 2026 safety car record completely disproves Toto Wolff’s ‘unlucky’ claimKimi Antonelli secured his eighth victory of the 2026 season at the Spanish Grand Prix, benefiting from a virtual safety car that altered the race dynamics. Initially trailing Lando Norris, Antonelli capitalized on Norris's decision to stay out during the VSC, allowing him to take the lead after Charles Leclerc's late pit stop.
Toto Wolff's assertion that Antonelli had been 'unlucky' with safety cars throughout the season is contradicted by Antonelli's favorable outcomes from several VSCs. Despite a few instances where he faced challenges, such as losing the lead in Spa, Antonelli's overall performance has been bolstered by strategic pit stops during safety car periods.
Mon 14 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comWho slept best last night: Lando NorrisLando Norris faced a disappointing outcome at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he lost what seemed to be a certain victory due to a virtual safety car triggered by Lance Stroll's car. Norris had a comfortable lead of six seconds over Kimi Antonelli but was unable to capitalize on a pit stop opportunity when the safety car was deployed, ultimately leading to his loss of position and the race win.
Despite the setback, Norris remained optimistic and acknowledged his team's performance, expressing confidence in his ability to continue delivering strong results. He reflected on the nature of racing luck, noting that he too had benefited from fortunate circumstances in the past, and emphasized his growth as a driver since his first win in Miami.
Mon 14 Sep · 05:16 UTCReliability now Antonelli’s main rival – WolffToto Wolff highlighted that reliability issues may pose the biggest challenge to Kimi Antonelli's pursuit of the 2026 world championship after he secured a victory in Madrid, extending his lead to 81 points. Despite acknowledging that Lando Norris was the faster driver during the race, Antonelli remains focused on maintaining his performance without adopting a defensive strategy.
Wolff emphasized the importance of addressing mechanical reliability, as the team has experienced fragility in their car and engine this season. While competitors like George Russell and Lando Norris recognize Antonelli's dominance, Ralf Schumacher cautioned against complacency, noting that unforeseen issues could still arise, especially with a car update planned for the next race.
via Formula1.com5 betting lessons after Antonelli wins the Spanish GPKimi Antonelli secured a victory at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, showcasing his talent and the capabilities of the Mercedes team. This win is seen as a pivotal moment in the season, contributing to the team's competitive standing in Formula 1.
The race also served as a learning opportunity for bettors, offering valuable lessons on how to approach future betting strategies based on the outcomes and performances observed during the event. Antonelli's success has set a high bar for his upcoming races.
Sun 13 Sep · 21:38 UTC
via gpfans.comMercedes F1 boss Toto Wolf blasts 'bulls*** couch warriors' on Kimi Antonelli conspiracyToto Wolff, the Mercedes F1 team principal, has publicly condemned fans who suggested that the team favored Kimi Antonelli during the Italian Grand Prix. He defended the team's strategic decisions, explaining that Antonelli's choice of starting on hard tyres was part of a calculated plan, which was altered by a red flag incident that affected both drivers' strategies.
Despite some criticism from Russell's fans regarding the pit stop strategy, Wolff maintained that the decisions made were correct. Russell himself recognized Antonelli's impressive drive and the role of the virtual safety car in the race, indicating that the outcome could have been different without it.Sun 13 Sep · 20:57 UTC
via f1chronicle.comToto Wolff Dismisses ‘Couch Warriors’ Criticism of Mercedes’ Handling of George Russell at MonzaToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, defended the team's decision to pit George Russell during the Italian Grand Prix, which critics claimed cost him the win. He referred to the critics as 'couch warriors' and emphasized that the tyre strategy was sound, with Russell on a hard compound suited for a one-stop race while Antonelli, who won, was on fresher mediums after starting on hard tyres.
Wolff acknowledged the challenges of managing two title contenders within the same team and noted that such decisions are part of the competitive nature of Formula 1. He also mentioned a near-collision between Russell and Antonelli late in the race, which could have mirrored Ferrari's earlier mishap, highlighting the fine margins in racing./GettyImages-2294377933.webp)
via Formula1.comWolff explains decision on Russell's tyre strategy in MadridToto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, defended the decision to have George Russell pit twice during the Spanish Grand Prix, despite Russell questioning the strategy during the race. Russell made his first pit stop for medium tyres during a Virtual Safety Car and later switched to hard tyres, ultimately finishing fifth, while his teammate Kimi Antonelli won the race with a one-stop strategy.
After the race, Russell reflected on the tyre choices and acknowledged that the hard tyre was the better option. He also indicated that he felt he could not have won the Drivers' Championship this season, as Antonelli extended his lead to 81 points. Wolff emphasized the need to help Russell unlock his potential, given his previous successes in lower racing categories.Sun 13 Sep · 18:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMartin Brundle says time is up for one Formula 1 driver he absolutely lovesMartin Brundle has expressed that Aston Martin should consider a complete overhaul of their driver lineup, suggesting that Fernando Alonso should be let go as the team looks to rebuild. Despite Alonso being the only driver to score points for Aston Martin this season, the team is struggling at the bottom of the standings, and Brundle believes it's time for a fresh start with younger drivers.
Brundle acknowledges Alonso's contributions to F1 but questions the wisdom of extending his contract given his age and the team's current performance. Alonso's future in the sport seems uncertain, as he has voiced concerns about upcoming regulations, and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has indicated he will try to persuade Alonso to remain in F1.Sun 13 Sep · 16:56 UTC
via Crash'Racing gods were with us' - Toto Wolff concedes fortunate Madrid F1 winKimi Antonelli claimed victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, benefiting from a timely virtual safety car that allowed him to close the gap on race leader Lando Norris. The VSC was deployed to recover Lance Stroll's car, which had become stranded, and it significantly altered the race dynamics, enabling Antonelli to pit while Norris lost crucial time. This win marks Antonelli's eighth career victory and extends his championship lead to 81 points.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed his appreciation for the team's strategy and Antonelli's driving under pressure. He noted that the timing of the virtual safety car was fortunate for them, contrasting it with previous races where they faced bad luck. Despite the pressure, Antonelli has maintained a cool demeanor, which Wolff believes is key to his success as the season progresses.
Sun 13 Sep · 16:10 UTC
via Motorsport WeekEx-F1 star urges Spain to ‘not fall asleep’ on producing the next Fernando AlonsoPedro de la Rosa, a former F1 driver, has called for increased investment in young Spanish drivers to ensure the continuation of success in Formula 1, following the legacies of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent to maintain Spain's presence in the sport, especially with the recent addition of the Madring circuit hosting its second Grand Prix.
De la Rosa praised the rapid development of the Madring circuit and highlighted the need for Spanish companies to support emerging drivers. He noted that while Spain currently has notable drivers, the lack of investment could hinder the country's chances of producing future champions. De la Rosa's comments serve as a reminder for Spain to capitalize on its current F1 successes and actively foster the next generation of racing talent.
Sun 13 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff gives his opinion on Max Verstappen’s upbringing now that his own son is racingToto Wolff has shared insights on Max Verstappen's upbringing, highlighting the intense training and guidance provided by his father, Jos Verstappen. Despite some regrets expressed by Jos, Max acknowledges the necessity of this tough love, which has contributed to their strong relationship and Max's success in Formula 1.
Wolff, who has a son racing in karting, is interested in how his own parenting approach will compare to that of the Verstappens. He admires the dynamic between Max and Jos and has expressed a desire to have Max join Mercedes in the future, although they currently remain fierce competitors.Sun 13 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comVerstappen seeks overtaking strategies for Spanish GPMax Verstappen acknowledges the difficulty of overtaking at the Spanish Grand Prix. After qualifying third, he emphasizes the need to identify potential overtaking spots to compete with Lando Norris for the win.+ 1 moreSun 13 Sep · 10:32 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell reveals reason behind wait for Mercedes F1 engine penaltyGeorge Russell has decided to postpone his engine penalty until the upcoming triple-header in the Americas, despite his teammate Kimi Antonelli opting to take his penalty at Monza. Russell's strategy is influenced by Mercedes' plan to introduce a new internal combustion engine specification, which he aims to coincide with his penalty to avoid incurring multiple penalties for component changes.
Russell's current engine issues have forced him to exceed the standard allocation of components, leading to the need for a penalty. While Antonelli successfully recovered from a grid penalty to win at Monza, Russell believes that waiting for the upgrade will ultimately be more beneficial, as taking the penalty now would only lead to another penalty when the new components are introduced.
Sun 13 Sep · 07:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso thinks Aston Martin’s press officer could be ‘faster’ than Max Verstappen at MadringFernando Alonso has voiced his discontent with the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, suggesting that they diminish the role of driver skill in racing. He made a comparison between Aston Martin's press officer and Max Verstappen, claiming that the press officer could potentially outperform Verstappen due to the current car dynamics and battery power management.
Alonso's performance at the Spanish Grand Prix was disappointing, as he qualified in P18, significantly behind the pole position time. He emphasized that the new regulations have made it so that driver bravery and skill are less impactful, particularly at challenging corners like La Monumental, which he believes should allow skilled drivers to stand out.Sun 13 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via f1technical.netMercedes admit they completed "nearly four months without introducing a major update"Mercedes' trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin revealed that the team's lack of a significant upgrade for nearly four months contributed to their struggles in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix. Despite this, Kimi Antonelli came close to securing pole position, finishing just 0.011 seconds behind Lando Norris of McLaren. George Russell faced challenges with understeer and tyre temperatures, ultimately qualifying sixth. The team had not anticipated being competitive for pole but adjusted their expectations based on strong practice performances.
Looking ahead to the race, Mercedes is aware that overtaking will be challenging, and they will need to rely on effective tyre management and strategy to secure strong results. Shovlin noted that the high tyre degradation observed during practice could provide opportunities for creative strategies. Both drivers expressed optimism about their chances to improve during the race, despite the difficulties posed by the circuit layout.Sun 13 Sep · 01:00 UTCvia f1technical.netRussell opens up on why he was unable to match Antonelli's speed in Madrid qualifyingKimi Antonelli narrowly lost pole position to Lando Norris by just 0.011 seconds during the qualifying session for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring. Antonelli had shown strong pace throughout the day, including topping the final practice session, and will start the race from second on the grid, which he believes offers a good opportunity despite the challenges of overtaking on the new circuit.
George Russell, on the other hand, faced a frustrating qualifying session. After being the fastest in Q1, he struggled with understeer in Q3, which hindered his performance and resulted in a sixth-place finish. Russell remains optimistic about the race, citing potential opportunities to recover positions due to expected high tyre degradation.Sat 12 Sep · 22:00 UTCPage 11 of 40
