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via thejudge13.comMercedes reveal W17 problem they still do not understand after ZandvoortMercedes faced challenges during the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where they struggled with the W17's performance in high-speed corners, particularly Turns 7, 8, and 9. Despite securing a second and third place finish, the team acknowledged that they did not have the fastest car, with Lando Norris of McLaren winning the race by a significant margin. This performance gap has raised questions about the competitive order in Formula 1 as McLaren continues to improve.
The team is currently investigating the inconsistencies in car balance and performance between their drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes remains focused on maximizing their package for upcoming races, particularly as they prepare for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. They are also analyzing whether McLaren's recent success reflects a genuine shift in competitiveness or is a result of differing development timelines.
Sat 29 Aug · 07:16 UTC
via Motorsport.comZak Brown explains why he chose to attend Washington D.C. IndyCar race over Dutch GPZak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, chose to attend the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington D.C. over the Dutch Grand Prix, where McLaren achieved pole and victory. He explained that his decision was based on where he could have the most impact on the team's commercial activities and growth opportunities. Brown noted the significance of the IndyCar race, which attracted considerable attention and viewership, making it a strategic choice for him to attend.
During the IndyCar race, Christian Lundgaard finished second, while his teammates had mixed results. Brown highlighted the event's success and its potential for attracting new partners, reinforcing the importance of his presence at the race. He expressed confidence in his team's ability to perform well even in his absence, indicating a strong organizational structure within McLaren Racing.
Sat 29 Aug · 05:20 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris offers McLaren gibe in Mercedes warningLando Norris has issued a cautionary message to Mercedes regarding the unpredictability of Formula 1 title challenges, recalling his own experiences from 2025. During that season, both he and teammate Oscar Piastri faced significant setbacks, including disqualifications and strategic errors, which nearly cost them the championship. Ultimately, Norris secured his first title by a narrow margin of two points.
As of 2026, Norris is experiencing a resurgence, having won two consecutive races and re-entered the title race. Currently, he sits fourth in the standings with 159 points, trailing leader Kimi Antonelli by 83 points. Norris's comments suggest he is aware of the potential for mistakes in racing and is optimistic about his chances moving forward.
Sat 29 Aug · 04:30 UTC
via f1technical.netTsolov completes maiden Formula 1 test with Racing Bulls at ImolaNikola Tsolov, a driver for the Red Bull Junior Team, successfully completed his first Formula 1 test at Imola, driving the VCARB 02 and covering 690 kilometres. This test is part of Racing Bulls' ongoing development program aimed at preparing young drivers for a future in Formula 1. Tsolov expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting the significance of the experience in his racing career.
The test not only marks a milestone for Tsolov but also reflects the effectiveness of the Red Bull Junior Programme, which has produced several successful Formula 1 drivers. Racing Bulls' team principal commended Tsolov's performance, noting his quick adaptation to the car and the importance of such tests in developing future talent for the sport.
Sat 29 Aug · 02:00 UTC
via PlanetF1‘Next in line’ Red Bull junior completes landmark first F1 testNikola Tsolov, a promising Red Bull junior driver, has successfully completed his first test in a Formula 1 car at Imola, running 690 km. Currently leading the Formula 2 standings, Tsolov's performance has garnered attention, with team principal Alan Permane indicating he is a strong candidate for promotion within the Red Bull junior program. However, Tsolov still needs to secure 40 FIA Super Licence points to qualify for a Formula 1 drive, which he can achieve by finishing in the top five of the Formula 2 standings this season.
The Racing Bulls team has not finalized its driver line-up for the 2027 season, with current drivers Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, and Arvid Lindblad all out of contract. Permane praised Tsolov's composure and adaptability during the test, emphasizing the significance of such experiences in developing junior drivers. Tsolov expressed his happiness and gratitude for the opportunity, marking a significant milestone in his racing career.
Fri 28 Aug · 17:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris urges McLaren to improve MCL40 performanceLando Norris has expressed concerns about the performance gap between McLaren and Mercedes. He has called on the team to focus on addressing the car's weaknesses to enhance his chances in the championship.+ 1 moreFri 28 Aug · 15:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comNaomi Schiff points to Red Bull advantage after Dutch GP driver changeThe Dutch Grand Prix saw Red Bull Racing make a driver change due to Isack Hadjar's wrist injury, bringing in Liam Lawson from their sister team, Racing Bulls. This decision has reignited conversations about the advantages of having teams under the same ownership, particularly in terms of driver familiarity with the car specifications. Yuki Tsunoda also stepped in to race for Racing Bulls, filling the gap left by Lawson's promotion.
Naomi Schiff, a former W Series driver, emphasized that Lawson's experience with the 2026-specification cars provided him an edge over typical reserve drivers. Lawson finished the race in seventh place, securing six points for Red Bull, while the status of Hadjar's return for the next race remains unclear.Fri 28 Aug · 14:42 UTC
via Formula1.com7 times a stellar performance helped a driver bounce backThe article highlights several Formula 1 drivers who have made remarkable comebacks after challenging periods in their careers. Yuki Tsunoda recently showcased his skills by stepping in for Racing Bulls at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing just outside the points. Nico Hulkenberg's successful substitute performances in 2020 helped him secure a full-time seat with Haas in 2023, while Carlos Sainz's comeback from surgery led to a victory in Australia in 2024.
Other notable comebacks include Alain Prost's return to win the 1993 South African Grand Prix after a sabbatical, Mika Salo's impressive performances filling in for Michael Schumacher at Ferrari, and Valtteri Bottas's resurgence in 2019 after a difficult previous season. Kevin Magnussen also made a strong return to the grid with Haas in 2022 after a year away from Formula 1.
Fri 28 Aug · 13:33 UTC
via grandprix.comStella expects Mercedes spending story to have another chapterAndrea Stella, the McLaren team principal, expressed skepticism regarding Mercedes' claims about their development limitations due to cost-cap constraints. Despite Toto Wolff's warnings, Stella believes that Mercedes will continue to develop their W17 car, especially if competitors like McLaren and Ferrari close the performance gap. He pointed out that there is additional cost-cap allowance available for future developments, which could enable Mercedes to introduce new parts based on completed wind tunnel work.
Stella's comments reflect a broader understanding that Formula 1 teams often downplay their competitive strategies. He noted that Mercedes began the season with the fastest car and remains a leader in both championships, suggesting that if other teams improve, Mercedes will likely find the resources needed to enhance their performance further.
via grandprix.comPirelli conducts 2,948km tyre test with teams at MugelloPirelli has finished an extensive tyre testing session for the 2027 Formula 1 season at Mugello. The test involved two days of running with teams McLaren, Red Bull, and Audi, covering a total of 2,948 kilometers.
via Motorsport.comThe numbers behind Lando Norris' "pretty insane" claim about McLaren's F1 developmentLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, marking his 13th win in Formula 1 and reducing his championship deficit to 83 points. This win, along with an earlier triumph in Budapest, highlights the progress McLaren has made in car development under the new regulations, with Norris stating they have outdeveloped their competitors by nearly a second on certain tracks. Despite this success, he acknowledges the challenges ahead, as he remains over 80 points behind the championship leader.
Norris also addressed comments from Mercedes suggesting McLaren is now the team to beat, asserting that they still consider themselves the top team. He emphasized his own contributions to the victory, particularly his decisive overtakes during the race. Overall, Norris's performance and McLaren's advancements indicate a competitive season ahead as they continue to close the gap in the championship standings.Fri 28 Aug · 09:06 UTC
via Motorsport WeekNikola Tsolov completes first F1 test with Red BullNikola Tsolov, the current leader of the Formula 2 championship, has completed his first test with Red Bull Racing. Following this initial outing, Tsolov expressed optimism about the possibility of additional Formula 1 testing opportunities.
+ 1 moreFri 28 Aug · 09:00 UTC
via gpfans.com$6billion Mercedes made a shocking claim but McLaren are not buying itMercedes has faced challenges in maintaining its early-season dominance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, winning only one of the last four races after a strong start. Toto Wolff, the team's principal, stated that Mercedes lacks the financial resources to continue developing their car, despite the team's significant commercial success and a recent stake sale that valued the team at $6 billion.
In contrast, McLaren's Andrea Stella expressed skepticism about Wolff's claims, suggesting that Mercedes will likely introduce upgrades soon. McLaren has gained momentum with recent victories, and Stella believes that the new regulations will allow teams to manage their development costs more effectively, which could benefit Mercedes in the near future.
Fri 28 Aug · 08:43 UTC
via gpfans.com'Money and trust' - why Max Verstappen didn't sign for McLarenMax Verstappen has chosen to remain with Red Bull Racing, signing a record-breaking contract extension through to 2030. The decision was influenced by financial considerations, as McLaren reportedly could not match the salary offered by Red Bull, which is estimated at $107 million annually, potentially exceeding $500 million with bonuses. Additionally, trust in the Red Bull team, built over a decade, played a significant role in his choice to stay put.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher highlighted that the relationship between Verstappen and Red Bull is strong, and concerns about McLaren's use of Mercedes engines contributed to the decision. Schumacher also pointed out the risks associated with switching teams, referencing Lewis Hamilton's difficulties when he moved to Ferrari. As Verstappen secures his future, the F1 driver market remains dynamic, with several seats still unconfirmed for the 2027 season.Thu 27 Aug · 19:58 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGuenther Steiner says there’s only one possible explanation for Oscar Piastri’s poor 2026 formOscar Piastri's performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season has significantly declined, with him now trailing teammate Lando Norris by 55 points after previously leading by 34 points. Guenther Steiner attributes this drop in form to the reduced role of Mark Webber in Piastri's setup, suggesting that Webber's presence was crucial to Piastri's success last season when their head-to-head results were level.
Steiner noted that while other elite drivers have adapted to changes in regulations, Piastri has struggled, possibly due to the absence of Webber at the track. Piastri has since reshuffled his management, which has led to speculation about the impact of this change on his performance. Despite these challenges, Piastri continues to build his experience, having recently completed his 80th race.
Thu 27 Aug · 18:30 UTC
via gpfans.comChristian Horner credited for keeping Verstappen at Red BullMax Verstappen has confirmed his decision to stay with Red Bull Racing. The team's former principal, Christian Horner, has been credited with influencing this choice.Thu 27 Aug · 17:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri addresses dispelled Max Verstappen to McLaren jeopardyPiastri highlighted his satisfaction with McLaren, noting the team's significant role in his early career successes, including two constructors' championships and race wins. While he refrained from committing to a long-term future with McLaren, he acknowledged the strong relationship he has developed with the team over the past three and a half years.Thu 27 Aug · 17:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren could rival Mercedes by end of 2026 seasonFormer Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer predicts that McLaren will become Mercedes' primary competitor by the conclusion of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Additionally, Alex Brundle has cautioned that Mercedes may face significant challenges if McLaren maintains its recent race-winning performance.Thu 27 Aug · 17:00 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA to decide on McLaren and Red Bull's Monaco appealThe FIA has announced a timeline regarding the appeals from McLaren and Red Bull concerning Pierre Gasly's podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The outcome of these appeals will be determined by the FIA's International Court of Appeal.+ 1 moreThu 27 Aug · 14:17 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhy McLaren must pass its Monza test before talking about an F1 title challengeMcLaren has recently regained competitive form in Formula 1 with two wins, but team principal Andrea Stella remains cautious about discussing a title challenge. He highlights the upcoming Monza race as a significant test for the team's car, the MCL40, which has shown strengths at high-downforce circuits but may struggle at Monza's high-speed layout. Stella emphasizes the importance of energy management and understanding the Mercedes power unit, areas where McLaren has previously lagged behind.
Stella's focus is on confirming the car's performance at Monza before making any bold predictions about the championship. He acknowledges that while McLaren has excelled in certain conditions, the unique demands of Monza will reveal whether the team can sustain its recent momentum. Until then, he prefers to take a race-by-race approach rather than jumping to conclusions about a title defense.Thu 27 Aug · 12:38 UTCPage 16 of 29