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via gpfans.comFernando Alonso criticises Ferrari's filming day choiceFernando Alonso has expressed his disapproval of Ferrari's choice to conduct a filming day at the Madring ahead of the inaugural F1 race at the new venue. His comments highlight the competitive dynamics as teams prepare for the upcoming event.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen makes ‘BS’ claim as Lando Norris delivers lap of the GodsLando Norris achieved an impressive pole position at the Madring for the Spanish Grand Prix, narrowly beating Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds. This performance came as a surprise, as Antonelli was considered the frontrunner for the pole before qualifying began. The Ferrari drivers, despite their strong expectations, ended up in fourth and fifth places, while George Russell rounded out the top six.
Max Verstappen criticized the new Madring circuit, labeling a claim about the lack of overtaking space as 'BS.' His comments reflect ongoing discussions about the circuit's design and its impact on racing dynamics. The qualifying session showcased the competitive nature of the field, with Norris's standout lap highlighting his potential in the championship.
via gpfans.comFerrari and Lewis Hamilton face nightmare scenario again at Spanish Grand PrixThe upcoming Spanish Grand Prix poses a challenging situation for both Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton, as they face the possibility of another clash on the track. Following a controversial incident at the Italian Grand Prix where Hamilton and Leclerc collided, both drivers will start close to each other again, raising concerns about their ability to race without conflict.
Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, has opted not to enforce a driver conduct code, which has led to scrutiny regarding team dynamics. With Hamilton and Leclerc both vying for the top position within the team, the pressure is on as they approach the first corner of the race, potentially risking another incident that could derail their season.
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton qualifies fourth in Spanish Grand PrixLewis Hamilton demonstrated strong performance in qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, briefly leading with three purple sectors. However, late improvements from competitors, including Lando Norris, ultimately placed him in fourth position.
via gpfans.comVerstappen pleased with Red Bull's qualifying performanceMax Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his performance during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix, securing third place on the grid. He noted that Red Bull's results exceeded expectations, particularly after a strong final run.
via espn.comHamilton crashes in FP3, ignored Ferrari instructionLewis Hamilton experienced a crash during the final practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, losing control of his Ferrari and colliding with the barriers. Despite sustaining damage and receiving repeated instructions from his team to stop the car, Hamilton attempted to return to the pits, showcasing his determination to complete the lap.
Ultimately, Hamilton was forced to pull over after two-thirds of the lap and exited the car, which was later transported back to the pits. Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest time in the session prior to Hamilton's incident.
via RaceFansRace director issued “formal request” for Hamilton to stop driving damaged car | Formula 1During the final practice session at the Madring, Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari, prompting race director Rui Marques to issue a formal request for him to stop driving the damaged vehicle. The incident led to a red flag as repairs were needed for the barriers that were affected by the crash.
Despite multiple instructions from his race engineer, Carlos Santi, to stop the car, Hamilton continued for a brief period before eventually reversing out of the barrier. The situation highlighted the challenges faced by drivers in managing vehicle damage during practice sessions.
via RacingNews365Revealed: Full Ferrari radio disagreement as Lewis Hamiton ignores clear demandsDuring the third free practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari and was instructed by his race engineer to stop the car due to unsafe conditions. Despite the clear orders, Hamilton disobeyed and continued to drive for an extended period, attempting to return to the pit lane with significant damage to his vehicle.
The situation raised concerns about potential repercussions for Hamilton, especially in light of recent penalties issued to other drivers for similar infractions. However, as of now, he has not been noted by the stewards for his actions during the session.
via gpfans.comF1 star Charles Leclerc makes big admission after Lewis Hamilton peace talksCharles Leclerc has taken full accountability for his collision with Lewis Hamilton during the Italian Grand Prix, which led to Hamilton losing positions early in the race. Following the incident, both drivers engaged in discussions with Ferrari management to address the situation and maintain team harmony.
Leclerc expressed his respect for Hamilton and acknowledged that their competitive nature sometimes leads to conflicts on the track. After the crash, Leclerc was monitored for any injuries but confirmed he was fit to compete in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
via Motorsport WeekHamilton urges Ferrari to close gap to MercedesLewis Hamilton acknowledged the need for Ferrari to improve its performance to catch up with Mercedes and McLaren. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc expressed optimism about Ferrari's advancements despite recognizing that they remain behind their competitors.
via RacingNews365Madring reveals staggering difference between Mercedes, Ferrari and the restDuring the initial free practice sessions at the Madring track, Mercedes and Ferrari demonstrated a significant performance advantage over other teams, showcasing their ability to achieve optimal car balance. This allowed both teams to refine their setups effectively, with the W17 and SF-26 proving to be versatile across different circuit types.
The performance characteristics of the two cars differ, with Mercedes leading in powertrain efficiency and Ferrari showing superior vehicle dynamics. As the sessions progressed, the time gap between the two teams decreased, highlighting their competitive edge, while tyre performance emerged as a crucial factor in maintaining pace under challenging track conditions.
via PlanetF1The mindblowing hypocrisy of Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamilton has openly criticized his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc for his aggressive driving during the Italian Grand Prix. This criticism comes amid Hamilton's broader dissatisfaction with Ferrari's performance, which he has expressed publicly in recent races, raising concerns about the potential consequences of his comments.
The article highlights the historical context of Ferrari drivers facing difficulties when they publicly criticize the team. It suggests that Hamilton's approach may alienate him from the team, as his remarks have shifted the relationship dynamic from collaboration to confrontation. The implications of his criticisms could lead to significant repercussions for both Hamilton and Ferrari.
via newsonf1.comHamilton under fire for ‘unsportsmanlike’ drivingLewis Hamilton has been criticized by several drivers for his slow driving during practice at the new Madring circuit. Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz expressed their frustration, with Sainz directly accusing Hamilton of obstructing other cars. Nico Hulkenberg and Ralf Schumacher also commented on Hamilton's driving style, labeling it as unsportsmanlike and problematic for other competitors.
The practice session was relatively calm compared to earlier incidents in Formula 2 and Formula 3. Aston Martin's Mike Krack indicated that teams instructed drivers to be conservative to avoid damage. George Russell acknowledged the high-risk nature of the track, while Max Verstappen expressed his preference for traditional circuits over street tracks like Madring.
via grandprix.comFerrari reportedly holds back Leclerc engine as a precautionFerrari made a strategic decision to use an earlier engine specification for Charles Leclerc during the Madrid race as a precaution. This choice was influenced by the limited time available for checks on his upgraded Monza engine following an accident at the Italian Grand Prix, where initial inspections revealed no significant issues.
The team aimed to maximize preparation time on the unfamiliar circuit by avoiding potential complications from engine problems. While the Monza engine is still considered recoverable, Ferrari has not confirmed when it will be back in service, nor have they abandoned the upgrade.
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner backs Kimi Antonelli for Ferrari seatGuenther Steiner, the former Haas Formula 1 team principal, stated that Kimi Antonelli should be in a Ferrari after his remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix. David Coulthard also praised Antonelli's performance, describing his rise from 19th on the grid to first as a career-defining moment.
via Formula1.comLeclerc anticipates exciting qualifying at MadringCharles Leclerc is looking forward to an exciting qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix. After experiencing the Madring for the first time, he expressed optimism about Ferrari's performance.
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton discusses Ferrari's long-term changesLewis Hamilton expressed optimism about Ferrari's progress following practice at the Spanish Grand Prix. He noted that the changes within the team are part of a long-term strategy aimed at restoring their competitive edge in Formula 1.
via f1oversteer.comAlex Brundle heard Lewis Hamilton being ‘pressured’ by Ferrari in unaired radio message at MadringDuring the first day of practice at the Spanish Grand Prix, Alex Brundle reported that Ferrari's pit wall was pressuring Lewis Hamilton to increase his commitment through Turn 12. This corner is noted for its challenging characteristics, and the team emphasized the importance of this area for their energy deployment strategy. Hamilton was struggling in this section, which was crucial for optimizing engine delivery.
In the practice sessions, George Russell led FP1 while Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time in FP2. Charles Leclerc performed well for Ferrari but was still significantly behind the Mercedes drivers, particularly in the final sector. The overall performance of the Ferrari cars indicated inconsistencies, particularly in matching the pace of their competitors.
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton factor is breaking Leclerc as insider blames 'psychological pressure'In the 2026 Formula 1 season, Charles Leclerc has faced significant challenges, particularly in comparison to his teammate Lewis Hamilton. After signing a new multi-year deal with Ferrari, Leclerc has not met expectations and currently sits fifth in the Driver's standings, trailing Hamilton by 36 points. His performance has been marred by several crashes, including a heavy incident at Monza, which has raised concerns about his mental state and ability to cope with the pressure of competing alongside a seasoned driver like Hamilton.
Former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley has pointed out that Leclerc's inconsistency and errors this season may be attributed to the psychological pressure of having Hamilton as a teammate. Smedley emphasized that while Hamilton has consistently delivered strong performances, Leclerc's struggles are surprising for a driver with nearly a decade of experience in F1. As Leclerc prepares for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, he will be monitored for any lingering effects from his recent crash.
via AutosportWhy Leclerc isn't using latest Ferrari ADUO2 engine in the Spanish GPCharles Leclerc is unable to use Ferrari's latest ADUO2 engine at the Spanish Grand Prix due to ongoing checks following his crash at the Italian GP. Although the engine was deemed structurally sound, Ferrari engineers opted against risking it until further examinations are completed, especially considering the new circuit's demands for data collection and setup optimization.
Leclerc will instead utilize the older ADUO1 engine, allowing Ferrari to assess performance differences between the two units. The decision reflects a cautious approach to ensure reliability and performance, especially given the challenges posed by the Madring circuit.Page 15 of 37