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via RacingNews365Liam Lawson details confidence boost ahead of Madrid F1 debutLiam Lawson is set to make his third appearance this season with Red Bull Racing at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, stepping in for Isack Hadjar, who is sidelined due to a wrist injury. The Madrid circuit, which is hosting Formula 1 for the first time, presents a new challenge with its tight and high-speed corners. Lawson has only had the opportunity to familiarize himself with the track through a simulator, making the first practice session critical for assessing their competitive standing.
Despite a difficult race at Monza where he finished 14th due to a grid penalty, Lawson remains positive about his performance and the pace that Red Bull managed to unlock during the event. He believes that the experience gained at Monza will help him as he approaches the unique challenges of the Madrid circuit, particularly with its banked corner, which he anticipates will add an interesting dynamic to the race weekend.
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Adrian Newey can help Fernando Alonso show he is 'as good as' Max VerstappenJuan Pablo Montoya has expressed confidence that Adrian Newey can enhance Fernando Alonso's performance to match that of Max Verstappen, particularly as Alonso navigates a challenging 2026 season with Aston Martin. Despite the team's struggles, Montoya believes that Alonso's skills remain on par with the best in the sport, contingent on having a competitive car and engine.
Montoya also discussed Alonso's longevity in Formula 1, attributing it to the reduced testing demands of the current era. He reflected on the rigorous testing schedules of the past, suggesting that modern drivers benefit from a more manageable workload, which helps them avoid burnout and maintain their performance levels.
via gpfans.comRed Bull Racing announce signing of F1 legend's 'exceptional' sonRed Bull Racing has officially signed Robin Raikkonen, the son of 2007 F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen, to their junior program. At just 11 years old, Robin has already made a name for himself in karting, competing successfully in various national and international championships. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies highlighted Robin's exceptional talent and maturity, emphasizing the team's commitment to developing him without undue pressure.
Kimi Raikkonen, who retired from F1 in 2021 after a successful career, expressed his excitement about his son's opportunity with Red Bull. He acknowledged the team's impressive history of nurturing young talent, including notable drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Kimi is optimistic about the support and resources that Red Bull will provide to help Robin maximize his potential in motorsport.
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen reveals message to Red Bull team in huge contract negotiationsMax Verstappen recently extended his contract with Red Bull Racing, committing to the team until 2030, albeit with some exit clauses. He emphasized the importance of his relationship with the team, describing them as a 'second family' and highlighting their support beyond his racing career as a key factor in his decision to stay.
During the contract negotiations, Verstappen reassured the team not to worry about his future, urging them to concentrate on improving the car's performance. He stated that his primary concern was on-track success rather than contract discussions, as he was also busy with other commitments outside of Formula 1.
via gpfans.comRed Bull F1 star officially a free agent as rumours swirl over paddock switchA long-serving member of Red Bull's F1 outfit who played a key role in their Christian Horner/Max Verstappen glory years is now officially a free agent.
via PlanetF1‘Wake up!’ – Tense Lance Stroll exchange in untelevised Italian GP team radioDuring the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll had a heated exchange with his race engineer, urging him to "wake up" as he faced technical issues. Stroll retired from the race after 26 laps due to a suspected hydraulic problem, while his teammate Fernando Alonso also withdrew, marking a disappointing outing for the team.
The race was won by Kimi Antonelli, who started from 19th position. Stroll's struggles were compounded by energy management issues, which he acknowledged contributed to his loss of positions. Looking ahead, Stroll expressed optimism about the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, suggesting that the new Madring circuit may suit Aston Martin's car better.
via BBC SportMcLaren talks, 'numb' cars and being 'captain of the ship' - Verstappen Q&AMax Verstappen, the Red Bull driver, is currently reflecting on his 2026 season, where he has achieved five podium finishes but is still seeking his first victory. He recently signed a contract extension with Red Bull until 2030, although he acknowledges that performance issues with the car need to be addressed for future competitiveness. Verstappen has been candid about his frustrations with the current car's performance and the new engine regulations in Formula 1, expressing a desire for improvements in the coming years.
In addition to his F1 commitments, Verstappen has participated in endurance racing, notably the Nurburgring 24 Hours, where he experienced both success and disappointment due to a mechanical failure. He has engaged in discussions with other teams like McLaren but ultimately feels a strong connection to Red Bull, viewing it as his second family. Looking ahead, he is interested in competing in more endurance events, including Le Mans, ideally alongside experienced drivers like Fernando Alonso.
via f1chronicle.comLiam Lawson Gets a Third Straight Red Bull Race in Madrid as Isack Hadjar’s Wrist Injury Drags OnLiam Lawson has been confirmed to race for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, as Isack Hadjar continues to recover from a wrist injury. Hadjar's absence has now extended to three consecutive races, impacting his rookie season and the team's lineup strategy. Lawson's recent performances have shown improvement, qualifying closely behind Verstappen at Zandvoort and finishing seventh, contrasting with his earlier struggles in 2025 when he was dropped after two races.
The Madrid race presents a unique challenge as the new Madring circuit is unfamiliar to all drivers, potentially leveling the playing field. Lawson's ability to perform well in this race is critical, not only for immediate results but also for securing his position within the team moving forward. Meanwhile, Hadjar's recovery remains a focal point for Red Bull, as they navigate the implications of his absence on their championship standings.
via gpfans.comAdrian Newey is the only man who can save popular F1 star’s careerOscar Piastri, a driver for McLaren, has been struggling significantly since his last victory at Zandvoort in August 2025, failing to win any races in the past year. His performance has been notably inferior to that of his teammate Lando Norris, who has secured multiple wins, leading to concerns about Piastri's future in Formula 1 and with McLaren specifically. The article suggests that Piastri's best chance for a career revival may lie with Adrian Newey at Aston Martin, as other top teams are unlikely to consider him given his recent form.
The article highlights the challenges Piastri faces in securing a competitive seat, noting that his winless streak and the significant points gap between him and Norris raise red flags. It draws parallels with other drivers who have experienced similar declines, indicating that Piastri must take decisive action to avoid being relegated to mid-tier teams. The potential retirement of Fernando Alonso in 2027 could provide an opportunity for Piastri, but he must demonstrate his capabilities to attract attention from top-tier teams.
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson delivers 'not ideal' verdict after Monza frustrationLiam Lawson faced challenges during the Italian Grand Prix after incurring an engine-related grid penalty, which forced him to start from the back of the grid. Despite his efforts and the team's preparation, he finished the race in 14th place, marking a disappointing result as it was one of the few times this season he did not finish in the points.
Lawson expressed frustration over the penalty, stating it was 'not ideal' and acknowledged that the virtual safety car allowed other drivers to gain an advantage. He believed that without the penalty and the VSC intervention, he could have potentially scored more points, highlighting the competitive nature of the race and the difficulties he faced in making up time.
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen hands Red Bull ‘weakness’ assessment in untelevised Monza radio exchangeMax Verstappen secured a podium finish at the Italian Grand Prix, marking his third podium in four races. During a radio exchange with his team, he highlighted the evident weaknesses of the Red Bull car, particularly in terms of rear axle performance and straight-line speed compared to Mercedes-powered competitors. Despite these challenges, Red Bull's Team Principal praised Verstappen's strong race pace and overtaking skills throughout the event.
Verstappen's struggles were compounded by a rear axle issue that persisted from qualifying, affecting his ability to navigate bumps and low-speed corners effectively. He acknowledged the need for improvements in the car's performance, especially in straight-line deployment, while reflecting on a difficult previous race in Zandvoort. Overall, the team is aware of the areas requiring enhancement as they move forward in the season.
via grandprix.comAston Martin expects Madrid to suit AMR26 betterAston Martin anticipates that the AMR26 will have a more favorable performance at the Madrid circuit compared to Monza, as the mixed layout may mitigate the team's power deficit. Mike Krack noted that the circuit's combination of straights and tighter sections will require effective drivability and tire management, which could play to Aston Martin's strengths, especially with Honda's improved power unit specifications. The team is also considering the impact of the track surface and temperature on tire degradation.
In addition to performance expectations, Aston Martin is still waiting for Fernando Alonso to make a decision about his future with the team. Krack respects Alonso's desire for more evidence of the team's progress before committing to a decision. While the Madrid race won't solely determine Alonso's future, it could clarify whether the issues faced at Monza were specific to that circuit or indicative of a broader challenge for the AMR26.
via Motorsport WeekRed Bull mocks FIA ruling on engine performanceRed Bull Racing has reacted to the FIA's recent ruling that it has the strongest engine in Formula 1 for the upcoming 2026 season. The team took to social media to share playful posts in response to the decision.
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen radio messages prove Toto Wolff owes him an apology for 'done over' accusationMax Verstappen's radio communications during the qualifying session of the Italian Grand Prix have led to a reevaluation of Toto Wolff's accusations against him. Wolff claimed that Verstappen had hindered George Russell's chance at pole position, but analysis suggests that Russell's own actions were more to blame for his failure to secure the top spot. Pierre Gasly ultimately achieved pole, marking a significant milestone for both him and the Alpine team.
The situation escalated as Wolff expressed his frustration visibly, but further insights from F1 pundit Christijan Albers indicated that Verstappen was dealing with tire issues and had his own struggles during the session. In the end, Russell's performance was overshadowed by his teammate's success, and the incident highlighted the complexities of qualifying strategies in Formula 1.
via racer.comDeployment shortfall left Verstappen feeling 'like a turtle' at MonzaMax Verstappen faced significant challenges during the Italian Grand Prix, finishing in third place while feeling disadvantaged against Mercedes cars. He noted that despite Red Bull's power unit being recognized as the strongest, the deployment capabilities were lacking, making it difficult to defend his position during the race. Verstappen also highlighted ongoing issues with the rear end of his car, which affected his performance on bumpy tracks and in low-speed corners.
Despite these difficulties, Verstappen managed to improve from a tough weekend in Zandvoort, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. He expressed a mix of enjoyment and frustration during the race, particularly when overtaking rivals but struggling to maintain his lead. The combination of tire strategy and car performance continues to be a focal point for Verstappen and the Red Bull team as they prepare for future races.
via Formula1.comHow Carlos Alcaraz’s bromance with Alonso made him an F1 fanCarlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis star, has developed a strong interest in Formula 1, particularly inspired by compatriot Fernando Alonso. His journey into F1 fandom began after he publicly supported Alonso during the 2023 Miami Open, showcasing his newfound enthusiasm for the sport. Alcaraz has since visited the F1 paddock multiple times, forming connections with various teams and drivers, including Alonso and Carlos Sainz.
Alcaraz's engagement with F1 reflects a broader trend of crossover between tennis and motorsport, with other tennis stars also participating in F1 events. The article highlights how both sports have attracted celebrities from each other’s domains, creating a unique blend of fandom and camaraderie among athletes. Alcaraz's admiration for Alonso and his experiences in the paddock illustrate the growing relationship between these two popular sports.
via Motorsport WeekLiam Lawson to Replace Injured Isack Hadjar at Spanish Grand PrixLiam Lawson has been confirmed to race for Red Bull at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar. This marks Lawson's third appearance with the team as he continues to support their efforts during Hadjar's recovery.
via RacingNews365Red Bull turns Formula 1 car into a train in MadridRed Bull has creatively repurposed an iconic Formula 1 car into a train as part of a promotional stunt in Madrid. This innovative display showcases the brand's ongoing efforts to engage fans in unique ways.
via gpfans.comHonda promise 'big step' for Aston Martin engine and it could be crucial to Fernando Alonso's F1 futureHonda has faced challenges since returning to Formula 1 with Aston Martin, producing a disappointing engine that has struggled on the grid. Following a poor performance at the Italian Grand Prix, where both drivers retired early, Honda's chief engineer has promised significant improvements for the 2027 season, although no major upgrades will be available this year. This situation has raised questions about Fernando Alonso's future with the team, as he is unhappy with the current results and is contemplating whether to continue his F1 career.
Alonso, who has been with Aston Martin, is at a crossroads as he considers his options moving forward. He has indicated that finishing in ninth place is not satisfactory, and the potential for a better engine could influence his decision to extend his time in Formula 1. With his career starting back in 2001, the upcoming developments from Honda may play a crucial role in shaping his future in the sport.
via grandprix.comHonda confirms no 2026 engine upgrade for Aston MartinHonda has announced that Aston Martin will not receive a significant engine upgrade until 2027. This decision follows performance issues highlighted during the recent Monza race.Page 13 of 42













