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via RacingNews365McLaren preach caution ahead of F1 season-defining challengeMcLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, has expressed caution ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, highlighting that the characteristics of their MCL40 car that excelled at previous circuits may not translate well to Monza. Lando Norris arrives with momentum from recent victories but acknowledges the car's limitations, particularly in slow-speed corners, which could impact their performance at the upcoming race.
Stella noted that Monza presents a unique challenge due to its low-drag requirements and heavy braking zones. He emphasized the importance of confirming their improvements at this circuit to maintain optimism for the remainder of the season. The team is focused on maximizing their performance one race at a time as they prepare for the demands of Monza.
Thu 3 Sep · 05:25 UTC
via PlanetF1Italian GP predictions: Antonelli disaster, McLaren surprise, civil war breaks outAs the 13th round of the F1 2026 season approaches, Kimi Antonelli faces a grid penalty that complicates his championship lead. Predictions suggest George Russell will take the win, with McLaren and Ferrari drivers also in contention. The article explores the evolving dynamics within teams, particularly regarding qualifying strategies and potential conflicts among teammates.
Thu 3 Sep · 05:06 UTC
via f1technical.netVowles hails the early impact of McLaren's former chief operating office at GroveWilliams team principal James Vowles has praised the early contributions of Piers Thynne, who joined the team as Chief Optimisation and Planning Officer after a long tenure at McLaren. Thynne's experience is seen as crucial for Williams as they work to modernize their operations and improve efficiency in manufacturing and resource management, which are essential for their competitive resurgence in Formula 1.
Thynne's appointment is part of a broader restructuring effort under Vowles aimed at addressing the team's historical weaknesses and underinvestment. With the challenges posed by the 2026 regulation changes, Vowles believes that Thynne's expertise will help accelerate the transformation needed for Williams to return to championship contention, emphasizing that improvements in processes and infrastructure are just as important as technical upgrades.
Thu 3 Sep · 01:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Juan Pablo Montoya praises McLaren's strong formFormer F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has noted that McLaren is becoming increasingly competitive as Lando Norris aims for the 2026 championship. Despite this momentum, Norris still trails behind Kimi Antonelli in the title standings.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 12:45 UTC
via f1technical.netMercedes identifies key weaknesses to address after Zandvoort defeatMercedes is analyzing its performance after a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, where they secured a second and third place finish but struggled to match the pace of Lando Norris and McLaren. Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted specific weaknesses in high-speed corners, particularly at Turns 7, 8, and 9, and noted that the performance drop varied between their drivers during different tire stints.
As they prepare for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Mercedes faces the task of understanding whether the issues at Zandvoort were unique to that circuit or indicative of a larger problem with their car. The team is also investigating the contrasting handling characteristics reported by their drivers, which adds complexity to their analysis ahead of the next race.Wed 2 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell has already shown ‘struggling’ Oscar Piastri exactly what he needs to do at McLarenGeorge Russell and Oscar Piastri are experiencing contrasting fortunes in the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Russell struggling to keep pace with his teammate Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes. Despite his challenges, Russell showed signs of improvement by winning the Sprint race and finishing third in the Dutch Grand Prix, while Piastri has fallen behind, with only two podium finishes this season and significant time lost to his teammate Lando Norris.
The article highlights that Russell is adapting better to the new regulations compared to Piastri, who continues to struggle, particularly on low-grip circuits. McLaren's Andrea Stella has noted that Piastri needs to make adjustments to improve his performance, as he currently sits seventh in the standings and risks being overshadowed by Norris's success.
Wed 2 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren offers 'in reality' evidence to explain puzzling F1 car traitMcLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, addressed the team's ongoing challenges with slow-speed corners, particularly in relation to Lando Norris's recent successes in Hungary and the Netherlands. Despite the MCL40's weaknesses in these areas, Norris managed to secure pole positions and victories, leading to questions about the car's performance traits during races on tracks typically classified as low-speed circuits.
Stella clarified that the characteristics of the Hungaroring are more aligned with medium-speed corners, which helped mitigate the car's slow-speed deficiencies. He emphasized that the dynamics of racing, including longer corner durations and braking patterns, exacerbate the impact of low-speed weaknesses, particularly at Zandvoort. The insights provided by Stella suggest that setup differences and track characteristics played a crucial role in the team's performance outcomes.Wed 2 Sep · 06:20 UTC
via f1technical.netMcLaren unveils special livery for Monza and MadridMcLaren has introduced a new livery for its MCL40 cars, celebrating four years with partner OKX. This special design will be showcased at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza and the Spanish Grand Prix.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 05:00 UTCVerstappen tipped for Monza shockSep.2 (GMM) Red Bull has confirmed that Tom McCullough will join the team at the beginning of 2027 as its new Head of Racing. Earlier, it was reported that he was the replacement for Gianpiero Lambiase as he repares to move to McLaren. “We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the Team at the beginning of…
via gpfans.comF1's greatest ever one-team drivers ranked after Lando Norris commits to McLarenLando Norris has committed to McLaren with a lucrative contract that will keep him with the team until 2030. This decision has reignited discussions about the significance of one-team drivers in Formula 1, a rarity compared to other sports. Norris, who began his F1 career with McLaren in 2019, is currently one of the leading one-team drivers alongside Jim Clark, who is celebrated for his remarkable achievements with Lotus.
The article ranks the greatest one-team drivers in F1 history, placing Jim Clark at the top due to his impressive record of wins and pole positions. Lando Norris is highlighted as a strong contender for second place, with Oscar Piastri also making a notable impact in his short career. Other drivers like Sebastien Buemi, Jean-Eric Vergne, and Nicholas Latifi are mentioned for their contributions while driving for a single team.
Tue 1 Sep · 21:30 UTC
via RaceFansSocial Media: McLaren change their livery again for Italian Grand Prix | Social MediaMcLaren has unveiled a new livery for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, which will also be featured at the following Spanish Grand Prix. This change aims to enhance their visual presence during the races, aligning with similar updates from rival teams like Ferrari.
The announcement was made on September 1, 2026, via social media, showcasing the team's commitment to refreshing their image in the competitive environment of Formula 1. The new designs are expected to attract attention during the races at Monza and the new Madring.
Tue 1 Sep · 20:03 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMcLaren confirms major ‘H-wing’ decision for F1 Italian GPMcLaren is set to introduce a new rear-wing design, dubbed the 'H-wing', at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, following recent successes in Hungary and the Netherlands. This innovative design aims to enhance performance at the unique Monza circuit, with the team also planning to evaluate additional aerodynamic upgrades during the race weekend. The 'H-wing' is named after McLaren's sponsor, Etihad Airways, and follows a tradition of naming aerodynamic innovations after sponsors, as seen with the previous 'F-duct'.
In addition to the technical changes, McLaren will showcase a special livery in collaboration with OKX, celebrating their partnership since 2022. The team is optimistic about Lando Norris's chances of securing a third consecutive victory, which would mark a significant milestone in his career. Overall, McLaren is focused on maximizing the potential of their MCL40 and continuing their upward trajectory in the championship.
Tue 1 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Norris two major improvements identified since becoming world championLando Norris has shown significant improvement in his performance since becoming the F1 World Champion in 2025, according to McLaren team boss Andrea Stella. His confidence and assertiveness have notably increased, leading to consecutive victories in Budapest and Zandvoort, although he currently trails Kimi Antonelli by 83 points in the championship standings. Norris's recent performances highlight his ability to adapt and excel under pressure, showcasing a new level of skill and determination.
Stella emphasized that Norris's continuous improvements are not solely related to his driving skills but also involve his understanding of the car and race dynamics. Norris himself acknowledged that he is working more effectively off the track, which has contributed to his recent successes. This combination of on-track performance and strategic off-track preparation has positioned him as a strong contender, despite the challenges he faces in the championship.Tue 1 Sep · 12:55 UTC
via gpfans.comLando Norris seeks salary increase to match top driversLando Norris has expressed a desire for a salary increase to match that of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. This statement comes shortly after he signed a new contract with McLaren.+ 1 moreTue 1 Sep · 11:27 UTC
via Formula1.comWhat do McLaren’s newest upgrades tell us ahead of Monza?McLaren has rolled out a series of upgrades ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, including enhancements to the rear wing, engine cover, and diffuser, among others. These components are designed to improve aerodynamic performance individually rather than as a cohesive package, as clarified by technical director Neil Houldey.
The impact of these upgrades has been significant, contributing to Lando Norris's consecutive victories in the last two races, both achieved from pole position. This strategic introduction of performance items highlights McLaren's focus on enhancing their competitiveness as they approach the Monza race.
Tue 1 Sep · 10:35 UTC
via f1technical.netNorris rejects Mercedes claims as McLaren emerges as team to beat after Dutch GPLando Norris secured a victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, but he downplayed claims from Mercedes that McLaren is now the fastest team in Formula 1. Despite his win over Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Norris believes that Mercedes still possesses a stronger overall car, particularly in various circuit conditions. He highlighted the importance of driver performance, suggesting that his own skills were crucial in achieving the win at Zandvoort.
Norris pointed out that while McLaren has shown competitive performance, especially in high-speed sections, the team does not universally outperform Mercedes. He emphasized that the narrow margins in Formula 1 mean that a single mistake could significantly alter race outcomes, and he feels that his recent performance has contributed to the perception of McLaren as a leading team.Tue 1 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via f1technical.netNorris wants McLaren "to be the place that I am at for a very, very long time and maybe ...Lando Norris has reaffirmed his commitment to McLaren by signing a new contract that secures his position until at least the end of 2030, with the possibility of extending beyond that. He expressed a strong desire for McLaren to be his long-term home, emphasizing that his decision was motivated by a stable environment that allows him to focus on performance rather than contract negotiations.
Despite a challenging start to the 2026 season, Norris has remained dedicated to the team, highlighting the importance of his relationships with McLaren's leadership. He believes that the combination of technical progress and strong leadership has created a supportive atmosphere that he values, further solidifying his intention to stay with McLaren for the foreseeable future.Tue 1 Sep · 00:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell "has to win" Italian GP to keep F1 title hopes alive, says former driverFormer F1 driver Jolyon Palmer emphasized that George Russell needs to secure a victory at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix to maintain his chances for the 2026 championship. Following a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix where Lando Norris won, Russell is currently trailing his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who is leading the standings with 242 points.
Russell's situation is complicated by Antonelli's impending engine penalty, which could allow Russell to gain ground. However, Palmer noted that Russell's recent performance has been inconsistent, and he must deliver a strong race to capitalize on Antonelli's penalty. If Antonelli wins despite the penalty, it could significantly diminish Russell's title aspirations.
Mon 31 Aug · 18:43 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri prepared for 'different beast' battle in McLaren waiting gameOscar Piastri is gearing up for a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where McLaren will test if their recent strong performance can carry over to this high-speed circuit. His teammate, Lando Norris, has recently achieved notable success, winning two races, but Piastri is aware that Monza presents a different set of challenges due to its unique characteristics compared to previous tracks.
Piastri has been struggling with the pace of his car, particularly noting difficulties with the rear during races. Despite feeling more confident in qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix, he has experienced inconsistencies throughout the season, with some races leaving him significantly behind the competition. The upcoming race will be a critical test for McLaren's performance and Piastri's ability to adapt to the demands of Monza.Mon 31 Aug · 17:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comA year without a win – The ugly statistics of Oscar Piastri's 2026 F1 seasonOscar Piastri has not secured a victory in Formula 1 since his win at the Dutch Grand Prix in August 2025. Despite starting the 2026 season with high hopes, he has faced numerous challenges, including power unit issues that prevented him from competing in Australia and China. His teammate, Lando Norris, has consistently outperformed him, winning several races and achieving a significant lead in qualifying statistics.
Piastri's struggles are attributed to difficulties with the McLaren MCL40's rear axle and his driving style, which has not adapted well to low-grip conditions. While recent upgrades have improved McLaren's competitiveness, Piastri continues to face issues with tire degradation and overall performance in races. His comments indicate a desire for better balance and downforce, highlighting the ongoing challenges he faces in the 2026 season.Mon 31 Aug · 15:06 UTCPage 11 of 23