McLarenRB F1 TeamRed Bull 
via PlanetF1RUMOURLawson backed to keep Racing Bulls seat despite Tsolov rumoursLiam Lawson is expected to retain his seat with Racing Bulls for the 2027 Formula 1 season, despite speculation regarding a potential replacement by Nikola Tsolov. James Hinchcliffe believes Lawson's impressive performance this season, where he scored the majority of the team's 83 points, justifies his position in the team.
Lawson has demonstrated his capabilities by scoring points in two of his three races with Red Bull, earning praise from team principal Laurent Mekies. Although Red Bull has decided to continue with Isack Hadjar next season, Hinchcliffe and fellow pundit Alex Brundle express confidence that Lawson will remain with Racing Bulls, highlighting his growth as a driver and strong performances throughout the season.
PlanetF1Wed 30 Sep · 17:55 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star admits hiding major injury after 'stupid' punchIsack Hadjar, the 22-year-old French driver for Red Bull Racing, has disclosed that he sustained a broken wrist while training, which led to him missing three races in his debut season. He revealed that the injury occurred during a boxing workout when he struck the bag without proper hand protection, describing the incident as a 'stupid' mistake.
After the injury, Hadjar returned to competition at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he achieved a commendable third-place finish behind George Russell and Max Verstappen. He admitted to initially keeping the injury a secret for a day as he contemplated his options before eventually informing his team principal, Laurent Mekies.
gpfans.comWed 30 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies relieved that furious Max Verstappen radio wasn’t broadcast at Azerbaijan GPLaurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, revealed that Max Verstappen was not pleased during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified eighth, his lowest position since Japan. Mekies shared data showing Verstappen lost significant time on the straights due to an engine issue, which contributed to his frustration expressed over team radio, although this communication was not broadcasted during the event.
In the race, Verstappen managed to finish second, just a tenth of a second behind George Russell, who had a strong performance. Despite the challenges faced in qualifying, Verstappen's driving earned him the driver of the day award, highlighting his capability to perform under pressure. With eight races remaining in the season, he aims to extend his streak of winning at least one race each year with Red Bull.
f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comAlex Brundle questions McLaren F1 upgrade after Azerbaijan GP disappointmentF1 TV pundit Alex Brundle has raised concerns about McLaren's recent upgrade package following a disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite the team arriving with significant upgrades, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced incidents that left them without points, prompting Brundle to question the structural integrity of the new components.
Brundle highlighted that while the zero points finish may not reflect the upgrades' potential, the physical fragility of the parts is alarming. He warned that if the upgrades cannot withstand the rigours of racing, they may end up being discarded, which would be a significant setback for the reigning champions.
Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 14:16 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell comments on Mercedes' Bahrain upgradeGeorge Russell provided his initial thoughts on Mercedes' substantial upgrade package for the W17 at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He noted that while the changes are significant, their impact may be obscured by ongoing tyre issues.
RacingNews365+ 5 moreWed 30 Sep · 11:40 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren can forget about winning in Malaysia as the FIA reveal straight-mode zones for race weekendMcLaren is preparing for a challenging Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, having faced difficulties in the previous race in Baku where both drivers failed to score points. Lando Norris did not finish due to a collision, while Oscar Piastri struggled with brake issues. Andrea Stella has pointed out significant concerns regarding the team's straight-line speed, which could hinder their performance in Malaysia.
The FIA has announced four straight-mode zones for the upcoming race, which could exacerbate McLaren's existing speed problems. This will be the first visit to the Sepang International Circuit since 2017, and with McLaren's recent struggles at circuits with multiple straight-mode zones, the team faces an uphill battle unless they can improve their performance significantly.f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 11:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Verstappen warns Mercedes upgrade may shift competitionMax Verstappen expressed caution regarding the impact of Mercedes' significant upgrades ahead of the Sepang practice session. Despite dominating the first practice, Verstappen acknowledged that the changes could alter the competitive landscape in Formula 1.PlanetF1+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull eager for further ADUO talks with FIA and other power unit manufacturersRed Bull Racing's boss, Laurent Mekies, expressed a desire for further discussions with the FIA and other power unit manufacturers regarding the Additional Upgrade and Development Opportunities (ADUO) regulations. Despite Red Bull Powertrains being recognised as the benchmark for ADUO, they were not awarded any upgrades, which surprised the team. Meanwhile, Mercedes HPP received upgrades, and other manufacturers like Audi and Ferrari were granted two each.
Mekies acknowledged the current ADUO regulations are not perfect and called for a collaborative effort to refine them. Audi's boss, Mattia Binotto, also supported the need for fine-tuning the ADUO concept to ensure it serves its purpose of helping manufacturers catch up and promoting convergence in performance. Both leaders are keen to engage in discussions with the FIA to improve the regulations moving forward.RacingNews365Wed 30 Sep · 09:15 UTC
via gpfans.comCharles Leclerc calls for Ferrari upgrades to competeCharles Leclerc has urged Ferrari to implement upgrades to enhance their competitiveness against Red Bull Racing. He highlighted that the team's challenges extend beyond engine performance, indicating a need for broader improvements.gpfans.com+ 2 moreWed 30 Sep · 07:45 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Christijan_Albers_2006.JPG: Mathieu Felten derivative work: Flyz1 · CC BY 2.5Albers says Piastri lacks Verstappen’s ‘bite’Sep.30 (GMM) Oscar Piastri’s difficult run has drawn fresh criticism after his mistake in Baku, with former F1 driver Christijan Albers questioning whether the McLaren driver has the aggression of a driver like Max Verstappen. The Australian had been on course for the 2025 title before his late-season collapse, and his struggles have continued into…newsonf1.comWed 30 Sep · 07:44 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOtmar Szafnauer admits Sergio Perez nearly got a five-year FIA ban before he joined Red BullOtmar Szafnauer disclosed that Sergio Perez was close to receiving a five-year ban from the FIA due to a doping rules violation during the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix. After the race, Perez underwent IV treatment for dehydration, which is prohibited under FIA regulations. The situation escalated when Perez shared details of the treatment on social media, prompting Szafnauer to engage a top sports lawyer to navigate the potential consequences.
Ultimately, the issue was resolved without a ban, allowing Perez to continue his career, which included a move to Red Bull in 2021. Now 36, Perez is on the verge of reaching 300 race starts, while Cadillac is evaluating potential driver changes for the 2027 season, which could impact his teammate Valtteri Bottas.f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 07:30 UTC
via PlanetF1The Red Bull decision that surprised Juan Pablo Montoya in BakuAt the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Red Bull achieved a double podium with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar finishing second and third behind George Russell. Juan Pablo Montoya expressed surprise at Red Bull's decision to allow Hadjar to race Verstappen, especially as Verstappen struggled with his tyres. Hadjar indicated he had pace to overtake but was instructed to maintain position behind his teammate.
Montoya reflected on the potential outcome had Red Bull permitted Hadjar to pass Verstappen when he was having tyre issues. He noted that allowing Hadjar to race could have changed the dynamics of the race, especially with the possibility of multiple restarts. Despite the decision, Montoya appreciated that Red Bull encouraged Hadjar to race cleanly, indicating a shift in team strategy.PlanetF1Wed 30 Sep · 06:53 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies reveals whether Liam Lawson ever had a chance of getting Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull seatIsack Hadjar has officially secured a new contract with Red Bull ahead of his return from injury at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite missing three races due to a wrist fracture, Hadjar's strong performance earlier in the season, including a podium finish and a 100% qualifying record, led to the team's confidence in him. Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, confirmed that Liam Lawson's temporary stint in the car did not affect their decision regarding Hadjar's future.
Mekies emphasized that Hadjar's development and performance were the primary considerations for the team. He noted that Lawson was a strong alternative but that Red Bull was satisfied with Hadjar's progress and improvement alongside Max Verstappen. Hadjar's contract extension positions him as Verstappen's second-longest-serving teammate since Daniel Ricciardo left in 2018, highlighting the team's commitment to his growth in the upcoming season.f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via gpfans.com'No toxic cookies and no politics' - Zak Brown on why top F1 stars are joining McLarenZak Brown, the CEO of McLaren F1, has shared insights into why top Formula 1 talent is increasingly choosing to join his team. He highlighted the harmonious culture at McLaren, stating that employees appreciate the stability and collaborative environment, which contrasts with the atmosphere at other teams, particularly Red Bull. Brown's comments suggest that McLaren's focus on employee well-being makes it an attractive destination for high-profile talent.
Among the notable recent additions is Gianpiero Lambiase, who will join McLaren as Head of Racing by 2028 after serving as a race engineer for Max Verstappen. Brown also revealed that he had discussions with Verstappen about a potential move to McLaren, although Verstappen ultimately decided to extend his contract with Red Bull until 2030. Despite this, Brown remains optimistic about the possibility of working with Verstappen in the future.gpfans.comWed 30 Sep · 06:14 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull point to key 'indicators' behind Isack Hadjar justificationRed Bull confirmed last week that it would stick with Isack Hadjar for the 2027 campaign.RacingNews365Wed 30 Sep · 06:10 UTC
via f1technical.netCadillac strengthens technical structure with senior appointments from Red Bull, Mercedes and ...Cadillac has announced the appointment of three senior engineers to strengthen its technical leadership as it prepares for its long-term Formula 1 project. Craig Skinner, Eric Blandin, and Tim Lean will take on key roles in vehicle development, aerodynamics, and aerodynamic modelling, bringing extensive experience from top teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren.
Skinner will serve as Chief Development Engineer, while Blandin will lead the aerodynamics department, and Lean will focus on aerodynamic modelling and simulation. These appointments are seen as crucial for Cadillac's technical evolution, aiming to create a more integrated organisation and improve on-track performance.
f1technical.netTue 29 Sep · 22:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comArvid Lindblad reflects on collision with Liam LawsonArvid Lindblad has spoken about his collision with Liam Lawson during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, stating that he has learned from the incident. The Racing Bulls teammates were involved in a controversial moment during the safety car restart.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreTue 29 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen clarifies his comments about F1 becoming ‘easier’ after Liam Lawson disagreedMax Verstappen expressed his views on the 2026 Formula 1 cars, stating they are 'numb' to driver inputs, which he believes makes it easier for drivers to find their limits. This comment came after Liam Lawson, who recently replaced Isack Hadjar, performed impressively in qualifying, being only 0.115 seconds slower than Verstappen. Verstappen's remarks have sparked debate, particularly as Lawson disagreed, arguing that adapting to the new car was not straightforward due to the complexities introduced by new energy management protocols.
Verstappen further elaborated that the current cars favour a cautious driving style, allowing many drivers to achieve similar lap times. He noted that the small gaps in qualifying times this year, with seven out of eleven driver pairings within two-tenths of a second, support his theory that the cars do not reward the fastest drivers as much as before. This marks a significant change from the previous year, where the average gap between teammates was larger.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 19:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren may have to throw expensive F1 upgrade 'in the bin' after discovering 'structural' weaknessMcLaren's recent sidepod upgrade, introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, has raised concerns due to structural weaknesses observed during the race. Both drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were unable to secure points, prompting team principal Andrea Stella to identify urgent issues that need addressing, particularly regarding the optimisation of their Mercedes power unit.
Commentator Alex Brundle noted that the upgrade might need to be discarded if it cannot withstand the rigours of racing, as cracks were seen in the car's floorboards. With the upcoming race at the Sepang Circuit, which is expected to better suit the MCL40's strengths, it remains to be seen whether McLaren will continue with the revised sidepods or deem them unusable.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari backs Fred Vasseur ahead of Bahrain Grand PrixFerrari has publicly confirmed its support for team principal Fred Vasseur during an emergency media call. This announcement comes just before the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.gpfans.comTue 29 Sep · 18:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson's Baku speed trap data proves Laurent Mekies should admit defeat over Red Bull's engineLiam Lawson's impressive speed trap performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has raised questions about Laurent Mekies' ongoing challenges to the ADUO findings, which state that Red Bull has the best engine on the grid. Lawson clocked a top speed of 349.4 km/h, highlighting Red Bull's engine dominance despite Mekies' claims that they do not have an advantage over Mercedes.
The article discusses how Red Bull's development has been hampered compared to competitors like Mercedes and Ferrari, who are introducing power upgrades. While Mekies disputes the ADUO results, the evidence from Baku suggests that Red Bull's engine is indeed strong. The next review of the ADUO findings will occur after the United States Grand Prix, which could further impact Red Bull's standing.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard is sure Lando Norris was a ‘better world champion for McLaren’ than Oscar PiastriDavid Coulthard has expressed his belief that Lando Norris was a more suitable world champion for McLaren than Oscar Piastri, following Norris's victory in the 2025 season. Norris secured the title by 13 points after a competitive season, during which he made a significant comeback from a 34-point deficit. Coulthard highlighted that Norris's longer tenure in Formula 1 and his British nationality contribute to his marketability, making him a better fit for the team.
Coulthard noted that while Norris has established himself as McLaren's lead driver, Piastri has struggled this season, finishing ahead of Norris only three times. He suggested that the reduced presence of Mark Webber in Piastri's management might be impacting his performance. Despite the competitive nature of their relationship, Coulthard believes that having strong drivers like Norris and Piastri is beneficial for McLaren, even if it leads to uncomfortable dynamics.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comZak Brown's earnings reflect McLaren's financial successZak Brown's total earnings for 2025 are reported to exceed 95 per cent of the current Formula 1 grid, highlighting McLaren's impressive financial performance. Since becoming CEO in 2016, Brown has overseen significant progress for the team both on and off the track.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreTue 29 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via Formula1.comThe encouraging signs hidden within McLaren's Baku upgradeMcLaren arrived at the Baku Grand Prix with a major upgrade for their car, but the introduction faced some challenges, including necessary repairs after the first day of practice. Despite these issues, the team expressed satisfaction with the improvements the upgrade brought to their performance.
The Baku circuit presented difficulties for McLaren, as its layout did not align well with the car's strengths. The long Caspian straight highlighted the limitations of the car's short gearing, while the slow and short corners were not conducive to the vehicle's performance, which is better suited for long, fast turns.
Formula1.comTue 29 Sep · 14:40 UTC