McLarenRB F1 TeamRed Bull 
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
via Motorsport.comIsack Hadjar jokes about injury recovery progressIsack Hadjar, the Red Bull Formula 1 driver, has shared that he still lacks full movement in his wrist following an injury sustained during the 2026 summer break. Despite this, he expressed optimism about his recovery, joking that he did a 'good job' while resting during his time off.
Motorsport.comTue 29 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren Racing and Edward Jones join forces in multi-year F1 and IndyCar partnershipMcLaren Racing has announced a new multi-year partnership with Edward Jones, designating the firm as the Official Private Wealth Management Partner for both Formula 1 and IndyCar. The collaboration will kick off during the 2026 Formula 1 season, featuring branding on driver helmet visors and a presence at key events. In 2027, Edward Jones will serve as the primary sponsor for Scott Dixon's #6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet at the Indianapolis 500 and other select races.
The partnership aims to enhance client and community engagement through shared values of preparation, teamwork, and resilience. Both Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, and Kevin Thimjon, President of Arrow McLaren, expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the alignment of their operational values. Edward Jones' focus on long-term success mirrors the principles that drive McLaren Racing's performance on the track.Motorsport.comTue 29 Sep · 13:03 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren point to 'high priority' focus after Lando Norris concernMcLaren has acknowledged a significant issue that affected Lando Norris during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he faced a challenging race that ended in retirement. Team principal Andrea Stella revealed that Norris experienced problems with fuel injection and power unit deployment, which contributed to his lack of pace and ultimately led to his early exit from the race.
Stella emphasised that the team needs to improve the car's performance to provide Norris with a more consistent and raceable vehicle. He noted that Norris's difficulties were not solely due to driver error, as the team must take responsibility for the issues encountered during the race.
RacingNews365Tue 29 Sep · 12:20 UTC
via racer.comTime off gives Hadjar clarity over Red Bull's development progressIsack Hadjar has gained a clearer perspective on Red Bull's car development after missing several races due to a wrist injury. His return at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix resulted in a podium finish, which he views as a significant achievement compared to his earlier performance in Monaco.
Hadjar highlighted the improvements in the car's handling and balance since his last race in Budapest. He took a cautious approach during the weekend in Baku, which he believes contributed to his successful performance. This podium finish has boosted his confidence as he looks ahead to future races.
racer.comTue 29 Sep · 11:35 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen picks overtake on Oscar Piastri as his favourite from his whole F1 careerMax Verstappen has declared his overtake on Oscar Piastri during the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as his favourite move of his Formula 1 career. The Dutch driver executed the pass around the outside at the first chicane, a challenging overtaking spot, and went on to win the race by six seconds. He noted that the move was unexpected, particularly as Piastri braked earlier than anticipated.
In a discussion on the 'P1 with Matt and Tommy' YouTube channel, Verstappen reflected on the significance of the overtake, stating it was a pivotal moment in the race. Piastri acknowledged Verstappen's skill in the move, admitting he misjudged the situation. The overtake has since been recognised as the Overtake of the Year, highlighting Verstappen's prowess in wheel-to-wheel racing.f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 11:30 UTC
via grandprix.comRUMOURMcLaren Racing closes on $1 billion revenue milestoneMcLaren Racing is reportedly set to become the first Formula 1 team to achieve $1 billion in annual revenue, driven by a surge in commercial agreements following a successful championship run. Financial reports indicate that the team's revenue for 2025 is projected at $779.6 million, with expectations to reach the billion-dollar milestone in 2026.
The financial growth is attributed to McLaren's recovery from the pandemic, during which it secured significant victories, including the Constructors' Championship in 2024 and both titles in 2025. Chief executive Zak Brown's compensation reflects this success, with a reported $100 million earnings in 2025, primarily linked to a share award from ownership changes.grandprix.comTue 29 Sep · 11:06 UTC
via RacingNews365Pirelli faces challenges at Bahrain Grand Prix in MalaysiaPirelli is preparing for unique challenges at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will take place in Malaysia for the first time in nine years. Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest time during the second free practice session at Sepang International Circuit.RacingNews365+ 2 moreTue 29 Sep · 09:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Red Bull launches Verstappen engine investigation as penalty uncertainty growsRed Bull Racing has launched an investigation into Max Verstappen's engine issues that arose during the qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he finished eighth. Verstappen reported problems with his internal combustion engine, which worsened throughout the session, prompting the team to replace several components before the race.
Despite the qualifying setback, Verstappen managed to race from eighth to second place in the Grand Prix, finishing just 0.196 seconds behind race winner George Russell. Team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that while Verstappen may face a power unit penalty in the future, it remains uncertain pending further analysis of the engine issues.
PlanetF1Tue 29 Sep · 09:04 UTC
via PlanetF1McLaren introduces aerodynamic upgrades at BakuMcLaren has implemented a significant aerodynamic upgrade package for the MCL40 during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The enhancements aim to improve airflow management across the rear section of the car.PlanetF1+ 1 moreTue 29 Sep · 08:01 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar dismisses Red Bull restrictions: 'I'm not five years old'Isack Hadjar has responded to suggestions that Red Bull might impose restrictions on his extracurricular activities following a wrist injury he sustained while training. He humorously remarked that he is not a child and can make his own decisions, despite acknowledging the need to be more cautious in the future.
The injury, which occurred while boxing a punchbag, caused Hadjar to miss several races, including the Dutch Grand Prix. Red Bull has confirmed that they will retain him for the 2027 season, and Hadjar expressed confidence in managing his activities without needing oversight from the team.RacingNews365Tue 29 Sep · 07:50 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Joop van Bilsen / Anefo · CC0Vasseur doubts Red Bull has stopped 2026 developmentSep.29 (GMM) Frederic Vasseur is sceptical of Red Bull’s claim that its Baku package was effectively the final major upgrade of 2026, as Formula 1 teams increasingly shift resources towards next year’s cars. Laurent Mekies said in Baku that Red Bull has moved “a very large majority” of its development resources onto 2027. “It’s most…newsonf1.comTue 29 Sep · 06:52 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull reveal 'another edge' but handicapped by 'narrow window'Red Bull Racing's team principal Laurent Mekies stated that the recent upgrade package introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has provided the team with 'another edge' over its competitors. This comes after Red Bull secured its first double-podium finish in two and a half years, with Max Verstappen finishing just 0.196 seconds behind race winner George Russell, and Isack Hadjar taking third place.
Despite the positive developments, Mekies acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, particularly regarding the performance of their power unit. He mentioned that while the power unit has great potential, it operates within a narrow performance window, making energy management crucial for success. The team is focused on optimizing their strategy to maintain competitiveness as they continue to close the gap to the front.RacingNews365Tue 29 Sep · 06:10 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURF1 News Today: Max Verstappen penalty claim disputed as champion issues public apologyMax Verstappen and Red Bull Racing's team principal Laurent Mekies have publicly disagreed over a potential penalty from the FIA. Verstappen fitted a new power unit before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and warned that any further changes could result in a grid penalty, a claim Mekies disputed.
In other news, Lando Norris issued an apology after demanding a rival driver be banned following his retirement from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to a collision. Additionally, team orders were revealed where Isack Hadjar was told not to overtake Verstappen during the race, while Christian Horner's comments have led to speculation about a possible move to Ferrari.gpfans.comTue 29 Sep · 05:30 UTC
via f1chronicle.comRUMOURChristian Horner denies Ferrari team principal rumoursChristian Horner has dismissed speculation linking him to the team principal role at Ferrari following a phone call with Martin Brundle. Brundle revealed that Horner clarified he is not pursuing a move to the Italian team, despite ongoing gossip surrounding Ferrari's leadership.
f1chronicle.com+ 4 moreMon 28 Sep · 20:28 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull at odds with Verstappen over possible penalty as Leclerc airs Ferrari secret - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing is currently at odds with driver Max Verstappen regarding a possible grid penalty, as they await the results of a technical analysis. The outcome of this analysis will determine whether Verstappen will face any penalties later in the season.
In a separate incident, Charles Leclerc shared a secret about Ferrari during an interview, which led to an embarrassing moment for a Ferrari press officer. Additionally, Aston Martin confirmed that they will not be making any significant upgrades to their car for the remainder of the season.RacingNews365Mon 28 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via PlanetF1‘So dangerous’ – Heated Liam Lawson team radio after untelevised Sergio Perez moveDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Liam Lawson expressed his frustration over Sergio Perez's aggressive defensive tactics, describing them as 'so dangerous' during a team radio transmission. This incident occurred after Lawson had passed Perez, who made a sudden move to the left, forcing Lawson to adjust his line. Both drivers finished the race in 12th and 14th positions, respectively, while George Russell secured his third victory of the season.
The rivalry between Lawson and Perez dates back to the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, where tensions flared. Lawson's career has seen ups and downs, including being dropped by Red Bull and later returning to the Racing Bulls team. The F1 2026 season is set to continue with the Bahrain Grand Prix, marking a significant return to Malaysia for the first time since 2017.PlanetF1Mon 28 Sep · 17:04 UTC
via gpfans.comUntelevised Red Bull F1 radio reveals captivating Max Verstappen team orders to Isack HadjarDuring the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar received team orders from Red Bull not to overtake his teammate Max Verstappen, despite being faster on the track. This decision was communicated via untelevised radio exchanges, where Hadjar expressed his willingness to push for an attack on Oscar Piastri but was ultimately instructed to maintain his position behind Verstappen.
The strategy proved effective for Red Bull, as Verstappen managed to secure a better position after a safety car period, allowing him to challenge for the lead. The decision to keep Hadjar behind Verstappen, although controversial, resulted in a successful double podium for the team, highlighting the complexities of team dynamics in Formula 1.gpfans.comMon 28 Sep · 16:44 UTC