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via f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz just explained why leaving Williams alone would not be enough to become an F1 championCarlos Sainz has committed his future to Williams by signing a multi-year contract despite the team's struggles in the 2026 season. He noted that while Williams had competitive performances in 2025, they have regressed this year, missing pre-season testing and lacking pace. Sainz's decision to stay is influenced by his desire to lead a project and the examples set by recent champions who have built their success within their teams.
Sainz explained that world champions like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have demonstrated the importance of sticking with a team to develop a strong relationship and competitive car. He believes that his best times in Formula 1 are still ahead of him and is motivated to return to the front of the grid with Williams, recalling his recent podium finishes and expressing confidence in future opportunities.
Fri 11 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comWilliams pays tribute to 1981 title-winning car with special Spanish Grand Prix liveryWilliams Racing is set to unveil a special livery inspired by their 1981 title-winning FW07C during the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. This unique design features a color scheme of white, green, and navy blue, celebrating the team's historical success and marking the return of Formula 1 to Madrid after 45 years.
The event will take place at the newly constructed Madring circuit, which features a blend of permanent and public road sections. Team principal James Vowles expressed pride in connecting the team's past with its future ambitions. Both drivers, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, will wear race suits that match the special livery.
Thu 10 Sep · 20:56 UTC
via Formula1.comHow Verstappen and Lawson rate Red Bull's chances in MadridMax Verstappen and Liam Lawson evaluated Red Bull Racing's prospects for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, which will be held at the new Madring circuit. Both drivers acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the high-speed street layout, which could lead to unpredictable outcomes and potentially allow Red Bull to secure their first victory of the 2026 season.
Verstappen emphasized the importance of practice sessions for gaining confidence in the car, while Lawson noted his ongoing adaptation to the team's 2026 vehicle. Both drivers expressed the need for time to learn the new track and improve their performance, with Lawson specifically mentioning the challenges of racing in a car that is not tailored to his preferences.
Thu 10 Sep · 18:27 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhy Max Verstappen isn’t buying the hype over a Red Bull surprise in MadridMax Verstappen has expressed doubts about his chances of winning at the new Madring circuit, suggesting that he might not secure a victory this season for the first time since his debut in 2015. Despite his strong performance, he acknowledges that a fast car is crucial in Formula 1, and he feels that the current situation does not favor a turnaround in his results.
Verstappen compared the Madring to the Jeddah street circuit, highlighting the dangers and challenges posed by the track's design. His temporary teammate, Liam Lawson, echoed these sentiments, noting the tricky nature of certain sections, particularly the chicane at Turns 5 and 6. Both drivers are aware of the risks involved and the need for precision to avoid accidents.Thu 10 Sep · 17:11 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen shares whether Robin Raikkonen could be his teammate one day after Red Bull moveMax Verstappen recently discussed the possibility of Robin Raikkonen, son of former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, becoming his teammate after Red Bull signed the young karting talent to their junior team. Robin, who is only 11 years old, will officially join the Red Bull driver academy in 2027, following impressive performances in the European karting circuit that caught the attention of various F1 development programs.
Verstappen expressed his excitement about meeting Kimi and Robin before the Spanish Grand Prix but also noted that he might not be in F1 by the time Robin is ready for a seat. The Dutch driver reflected on his early career coinciding with Kimi's final years in F1, hinting at the significance of a potential future partnership between him and the younger Raikkonen.Thu 10 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via Motorsport.com“It's always the same” - Carlos Sainz wades into Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s Monza clashCarlos Sainz commented on the recent clash between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton during the Italian Grand Prix, drawing from his own experiences as a teammate with Leclerc at Ferrari. He noted that disagreements are common among competitive teammates, but they typically resolve their issues internally. Sainz emphasized that such situations are normal when fighting for podiums and wins.
Leclerc's collision with Hamilton at Monza resulted in Hamilton falling to 10th place, while Leclerc maintained third. Post-race, Leclerc acknowledged shared responsibility for the incident, while Hamilton firmly disagreed, asserting he was ahead during the collision. Hamilton also expressed concerns about Ferrari's team dynamics and communication, highlighting a lack of established rules of engagement compared to his previous experience at Mercedes.Thu 10 Sep · 14:57 UTC
via PlanetF1Slater claims Madring will ‘separate men from boys’ after ‘kills cars’ warningFreddie Slater, the leader of the F3 championship, is preparing for the inaugural race weekend at the Madring, a new street circuit in Madrid. Despite criticism labeling the track as a 'car killer', Slater believes it will challenge drivers and separate the best from the rest. The F3 drivers were the first to test the track, which saw numerous red flags during testing, primarily due to contact with barriers.
The Madring features a notable banked turn and is expected to be a demanding circuit for drivers. Slater and his competitors, including Ugo Ugochukwu and Ernesto Rivera, anticipate an intense qualifying session with back-to-back sessions. They all agree that the track requires precision and skill, making it an exciting venue for the upcoming races.
Thu 10 Sep · 14:20 UTC
via Crash‘Straightforward in the rules’ - Why Audi is protesting Monza F1 resultAudi is appealing the FIA's decision regarding Yuki Tsunoda's performance at the Italian Grand Prix, where Tsunoda's incorrect grid positioning led to an additional formation lap. Despite being investigated, the FIA stewards did not penalize him, which Audi contests as a violation of the rules outlined in the F1 2026 sporting regulations.
The appeal is significant for Audi, as a successful protest could elevate their drivers' standings, with Bortoleto indicating that the team could gain a point if Tsunoda is penalized. Audi's position is that the rules are straightforward, and they are determined to pursue the appeal to ensure fairness in the competition.
Thu 10 Sep · 14:04 UTC
via Motorsport.comLawson and Tsunoda Address Verstappen's 2026 F1 CommentsLiam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have responded to Max Verstappen's remarks regarding the impact of driver input on the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars. Verstappen suggested that recent results indicate a diminished role for drivers, a claim both drivers addressed in their comments.Thu 10 Sep · 13:53 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren pauses H-wing concept for Spanish Grand PrixMcLaren has decided not to use its H-wing concept at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. The team plans to reintroduce its rotating rear wing design at the next race in Baku.+ 1 moreThu 10 Sep · 11:53 UTC
via thejudge13.comVerstappen confirms talks with McLaren before Red Bull extensionMax Verstappen has confirmed that he engaged in discussions with McLaren prior to extending his contract with Red Bull until 2030. Although he was already under contract until 2028, the talks with McLaren were serious enough to indicate that they were more than mere speculation. Verstappen emphasized that such discussions are a normal part of evaluating his future, but ultimately decided that remaining with Red Bull was the best choice for his career aspirations.
Verstappen described his relationship with Red Bull as akin to a second family and expressed confidence in the team's future direction. He believes that staying with Red Bull will allow him to achieve his ambitions, especially with significant technical changes coming in the 2026 season. His commitment to Red Bull not only solidifies his place in the team but also prevents one of the biggest potential driver moves in recent years.
Thu 10 Sep · 11:52 UTC
via grandprix.comRobin Raikkonen joins Red Bull Junior TeamRed Bull Racing has officially announced that Robin Raikkonen, the son of former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, will join their Junior Team starting in 2027. At just 11 years old, Robin is set to embark on a development program centered around karting, with the aim of gradually transitioning to single-seater racing in the future.
Kimi Raikkonen expressed his support for the agreement, emphasizing the importance of development over immediate results. The partnership will also involve coaching and structure, with expectations that Robin will begin competing in Formula 4 around the age of 15, following a structured path through the junior racing categories.
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher says Red Bull don't 'need' Liam Lawson despite 'better' 2026 performancesRalf Schumacher has expressed skepticism about Liam Lawson's future with Red Bull, despite the driver's improved performance in the 2026 season. Lawson's recent race results have been mixed, including a disappointing P14 finish at the Italian Grand Prix, which has led Schumacher to question whether Red Bull should continue investing in him.
Schumacher also highlighted the potential of other young drivers in the Red Bull program, particularly Nikola Tsolov, who is currently leading the Formula 2 championship. He believes that Red Bull may benefit from exploring new talent rather than relying on Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda, suggesting that the team has sufficient options for the future.Wed 9 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Audi point to Red Bull influence behind stunning F1 turnaroundAudi has made significant improvements in its pit-stop performance, achieving the fastest pit-stops in the last two Formula 1 races. This turnaround is attributed to the influence of Lee Stevenson, a former chief mechanic at Red Bull, who joined Audi in 2024 and has since been promoted to team manager. His experience and leadership have been pivotal in enhancing the team's trackside operations and overall efficiency during races.
Racing director Allan McNish emphasized that Stevenson's arrival has helped the team overcome previous technical issues that plagued their pit-stops in 2024. The improvements have allowed Audi to consistently deliver quick and effective pit-stops, which are crucial for gaining competitive advantages in the tightly contested midfield of Formula 1.
Wed 9 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri McLaren contract: Rosberg makes McLaren team orders claimNico Rosberg has expressed that Lando Norris is the standout driver at McLaren, suggesting that Oscar Piastri may need to adopt a supporting role in the 2026 season. Following the recent Monza race, where Norris finished fourth, Rosberg noted that while Norris is the primary title contender for McLaren, Piastri's strong performance, finishing just two-tenths behind Norris, indicates his growing competitiveness within the team.
Rosberg raised the possibility of McLaren implementing team orders to support Norris's championship bid, but he also pointed out that Piastri's contract may prevent him from being relegated to a number two position. He compared this situation to his own experience at Mercedes, where contractual obligations influenced team dynamics. Despite the challenges, Piastri has received praise from McLaren's team principal for his progress in adapting to the demands of the current season.Wed 9 Sep · 18:01 UTC
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.Wed 9 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via the-race.comThe driver handling lessons Ferrari can take from two big rivalsFerrari is at a crossroads regarding how to manage its drivers, especially after recent incidents that highlighted the need for a clear strategy. Team principal Fred Vasseur has indicated that a decision is imminent, with various options on the table, including prioritizing one driver or maintaining equal status. The challenges faced by rivals like McLaren and Mercedes in managing their drivers provide valuable lessons for Ferrari as it navigates its own issues.
McLaren's experience with its 'Papaya Rules' demonstrates the difficulties of balancing individual driver interests with team goals, while Mercedes has implemented a 'racing intent' framework to mitigate conflicts. Vasseur recognizes that there is no perfect solution and that the dynamics of driver relationships require constant evaluation. As Ferrari considers its next steps, the importance of establishing clear rules and fostering unity among drivers will be crucial to avoid further complications.
Wed 9 Sep · 17:41 UTC
via the-race.comAudi's first F1 protege is on the brink of extending his title streakFreddie Slater, Audi's first F1 protege, is on the verge of extending his title streak as he leads the F3 championship heading into the final race in Madrid. Since joining Audi's driver development programme in early 2026, Slater has maintained an impressive track record, winning multiple championships and establishing himself as a standout rookie in F3 with a 100% title-winning record since leaving karting.
As the championship leader with 141 points, Slater faces a competitive challenge from Ugo Ugochukwu, who trails by 15 points. The Madrid finale promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season, with Slater aiming to maximize his results and secure the title. Looking ahead, he is likely to transition to Formula 2 in 2027, having already accumulated enough points for an FIA superlicence.Wed 9 Sep · 17:32 UTC
via gpfans.comMcLaren to create 1000 UK jobs with new £450m investmentMcLaren has announced a significant £450 million investment aimed at establishing a new technology centre in the UK, which is projected to create around 1,000 jobs. This move is seen as a positive development for the UK's automotive sector, especially in light of recent job cuts announced by Jaguar Land Rover due to declining sales figures.
The investment will enhance McLaren's capabilities in manufacturing and research and development at their Woking facility. This follows the acquisition of McLaren Automotive by CYVN Holdings, which is owned by the Abu Dhabi government, signaling a strategic shift and commitment to expanding McLaren's presence in the automotive industry.
Wed 9 Sep · 16:27 UTC
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.Wed 9 Sep · 14:28 UTCPage 16 of 54
