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via PlanetF1Nico Rosberg pinpoints Williams mistake that has haunted the team all seasonNico Rosberg has highlighted that Williams' ambition with the FW48 has backfired, resulting in an overweight car that has hindered their performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Despite entering the season with high hopes after a strong 2025, the team has struggled significantly, managing only 11 points in 14 races and currently sitting ninth in the Constructors' Championship. Team principal James Vowles has acknowledged that the updates planned for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will not bring the car to the level needed to consistently score points. Rosberg pointed out that the mistakes made during the winter development phase have had lasting effects, and he believes the team must work hard to recover and improve their standing in the championship.Mon 21 Sep · 09:39 UTCvia Motorsport.comLeclerc explains why he won't copy Hamilton's styleCharles Leclerc has clarified his decision not to emulate Lewis Hamilton's driving style while adapting to Ferrari's 2026 Formula 1 car. He stated that the challenges posed by the new regulations made it difficult to replicate Hamilton's approach.Mon 21 Sep · 09:34 UTCvia gpfans.comHinchcliffe says Hamilton and Ferrari's 2026 hopes are overJames Hinchcliffe has stated that Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's chances of winning the 2026 Formula 1 championship are effectively finished after a costly retirement at the Spanish Grand Prix. The former IndyCar driver described Ferrari's performance as a 'resounding flop', further diminishing Hamilton's aspirations for an eighth world title.Mon 21 Sep · 07:58 UTCvia f1oversteer.comRUMOURCharles Leclerc was sure Fred Vasseur would make him ‘first driver’ when he joined FerrariCharles Leclerc was confident that Fred Vasseur would elevate him to the role of 'first driver' upon his arrival at Ferrari. This expectation stemmed from Leclerc's previous relationship with Vasseur during their time at Alfa Romeo, and he reportedly advocated for Vasseur's hiring partly due to this belief. Despite Leclerc's hopes, he has not been granted the status of top driver in his tenure alongside Carlos Sainz, as Ferrari has struggled to compete for the championship. Vasseur has maintained a neutral stance on driver hierarchy, citing concerns about the potential negative impact of favouring one driver too early in the season.Mon 21 Sep · 07:30 UTCvia gpfans.comChristian Horner 'perfect man' to fix Ferrari as F1 star highlights Vasseur's 'big mistake'Christian Horner has been identified as the 'perfect man' to lead Ferrari, especially following recent tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. These tensions arose during the Dutch and Italian Grands Prix, where Leclerc's refusal to let Hamilton pass cost him valuable time and points, leaving Hamilton significantly behind in the championship race. Former F1 driver Marc Surer has criticized Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur for not taking a stronger stance during these incidents, calling it a 'big mistake'. Surer believes that for Horner to succeed at Ferrari, he would need the autonomy to assemble his own team, similar to what Ross Brawn did in the past, to restore the team's competitive edge.Mon 21 Sep · 07:15 UTCvia gpfans.comF1 News Today: Hamilton escapes, Mercedes masterplan and Verstappen Le Mans statementLewis Hamilton has taken a break from the intense atmosphere at Ferrari, enjoying a mini world tour with girlfriend Kim Kardashian, which included stops in Paris, London, and a gala in Los Angeles. This comes as Mercedes continues to perform strongly in the season, aiming for both the drivers' and constructors' championships. Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin confirmed that upgrades for the W17 are expected soon, specifically for the upcoming race in Malaysia. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's potential participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans has been highlighted, as there are no F1 races scheduled to clash with the event this year. Additionally, Aston Martin's Mike Krack has expressed concerns over Fernando Alonso's future, while Cadillac's Mark Walter faces legal troubles.Mon 21 Sep · 06:30 UTCvia RacingNews365Ferrari point to biggest factor behind missed F1 2026 chancesFerrari's team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that the team's execution during race weekends has significantly impacted their performance in the 2023 Formula 1 season. With a current total of 358 points, Ferrari sits second in the constructors' championship, but they are 145 points behind Mercedes. Vasseur pointed out that both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have shown front-running pace but have failed to convert that into consistent results due to execution errors. Vasseur highlighted that the new technical regulations and the addition of an 11th team have posed challenges for all teams, including Ferrari. He emphasised the need for the team to focus on improving their own performance rather than comparing themselves to competitors. Vasseur's comments reflect a commitment to addressing the internal issues that have led to missed opportunities this season.Mon 21 Sep · 06:20 UTCvia f1technical.netVowles explains Williams’ 2026 struggles and outlines path back to title contentionJames Vowles has provided a frank assessment of Williams’ difficult 2026 Formula 1 campaign, admitting that the team has been exposed by the sport’s biggest-ever regulation change and still has fundamental organisational issues to resolve before it can realistically target a championship.Sun 20 Sep · 21:00 UTCvia f1oversteer.comJames Vowles points to the 2027 F1 rule change that gives Ferrari hope against MercedesFerrari has faced challenges in keeping up with Mercedes this season, primarily due to engine performance issues. The upcoming 2027 regulations, which are expected to alter the engine power distribution, could provide Ferrari with an opportunity to improve their competitiveness against Mercedes and Red Bull. Williams team principal James Vowles commented on the potential impact of the 2027 rule changes, suggesting that without these adjustments, the current standings among top teams would likely remain unchanged. He emphasised the importance for Ferrari to begin working on their 2027 engine immediately to avoid falling further behind their rivals.Sun 20 Sep · 18:00 UTCvia Motorsport WeekJack Doohan expresses ‘gratitude’ as crunch Haas F1 decision loomsJack Doohan is vying for a full-time seat with Haas for the 2027 Formula 1 season, having recently served as the team's reserve driver. After being let go by Alpine early in his career, Doohan expressed gratitude for the chance to return to Formula 1, particularly after participating in a test for Haas at Jerez. Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has stated that performance will be the primary criterion for selecting drivers, although affiliations may be considered if performances are closely matched. Komatsu indicated that while a decision is forthcoming, it will not be made immediately, as there are multiple candidates interested in the seat.Sun 20 Sep · 17:04 UTCvia f1oversteer.comRUMOURFerrari now lining up statement move for ex-Mercedes power unit designerFerrari is actively seeking to strengthen its engine division ahead of the 2027 season, aiming to reduce the performance gap to competitors Mercedes and Red Bull. The team has been identified as being over four percent off the pace, with their engine reportedly lacking 20 horsepower compared to Mercedes. Recent personnel changes, including the departure of key staff, have prompted Ferrari to recruit new talent, particularly from successful teams like Red Bull and Mercedes, to bring fresh ideas into their engine development. The current season has seen Ferrari's SF-26 car struggle with straight-line speed due to its extreme aerodynamic design. While drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have secured one victory each, neither is in contention for the championship, and Ferrari faces the risk of dropping to third in the constructors' standings. The team acknowledges that their design choices have impacted engine performance, and they are looking to address this with upcoming engine upgrades.Sun 20 Sep · 15:00 UTCvia f1oversteer.comFerrari employee admits Lewis Hamilton's 'followers' have complicated his relationship with the teamA Ferrari employee has revealed that Lewis Hamilton's significant influence and star power have complicated his relationship with the team. Amidst a series of strategic errors and a recent DNF at the Spanish Grand Prix, concerns have been raised about how Hamilton's presence affects team dynamics, particularly regarding decision-making and communication. The employee noted that the fear of openly disagreeing with Hamilton stems from his massive social media following, which surpasses that of Ferrari itself. Despite Hamilton's denial of trying to influence personnel changes within the team, the situation highlights the challenges Ferrari faces in balancing the input of a high-profile driver with maintaining a clear chain of command. While Hamilton's experience and success could benefit Ferrari, there is a cautionary note about granting too much power to any driver, as it could disrupt the team's hierarchy and decision-making processes.Sun 20 Sep · 12:30 UTCvia Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner compares Madring backlash to Las Vegas debut with 2027 warningGuenther Steiner has called for urgent modifications to the Madring circuit following the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, which was criticized for its lack of excitement and overtaking opportunities. He highlighted the need for improvements to avoid repeating the negative reception that the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix received. Steiner emphasized that the organizers must ensure the track is suitable for the 2027 season, as it is part of a 10-year contract. The race saw Kimi Antonelli secure his eighth victory of the season, further solidifying his lead in the drivers' standings. Steiner's comments reflect a broader concern about maintaining the quality and competitiveness of Formula 1 events, especially in new venues. He noted that while initial reactions can be negative, with time and adjustments, events like Las Vegas can become successful and iconic.Sun 20 Sep · 10:28 UTCvia thejudge13.comHaas F1 extensive testing to evaluate Ocon replacementHaas F1 driver Esteban Ocon is now in his 11th season in Formula One. He has been employed by five different teams in that time and was previously a highly rated Mercedes junior driver. He made his debut for Manor at the Belgian Grand Prix in 2016, replacing Rio Haryanto, whose sponsors failed to meet ... Read moreSun 20 Sep · 10:22 UTCvia Motorsport.comRob Smedley calls for new stewarding group in F1Former Formula 1 engineer Rob Smedley has proposed the creation of an 'augmented steward group' to enhance the speed of decision-making during races. Smedley believes this initiative could help address straightforward incidents more efficiently.Sun 20 Sep · 10:00 UTCvia the-race.comFerrari's title ambitions fade as competition increasesFerrari has received new instructions as their hopes for the Formula 1 title diminish, having struggled to keep pace with Mercedes. The team's aspirations for a competitive 2026 season have also been hindered, leading to a reassessment of their strategy.Sun 20 Sep · 09:00 UTCvia gpfans.comFerrari make big decision on exciting F1 prospectDino Beganovic, a long-time prospect in Ferrari's Driver Academy, is set to leave the program in 2027 but will continue with the team as a test and development driver. This decision comes after Beganovic's recent success in F2, where he secured his second career victory. Despite his achievements, Ferrari appears to be prioritizing other young talents for future F1 opportunities. Beganovic has already had experience in F1 practice sessions this season, stepping in for established drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. However, the team's focus has shifted towards Rafael Camara, who is seen as a stronger candidate for a future F1 seat. Ferrari's commitment to Camara includes significant investment in his training, indicating a strategic shift in their driver development approach.Sat 19 Sep · 21:27 UTCvia gpfans.comLewis Hamilton should be a TEN-time F1 champion and it's closer than you may thinkLewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has faced several unfortunate circumstances that could have led him to a total of ten championships. After leaving Mercedes in 2024 to join Ferrari, he aimed to secure his eighth title and end Ferrari's long wait for a championship. However, his past seasons have seen him miss out on titles due to a combination of bad luck and controversial decisions. The article highlights three key seasons where Hamilton's chances were thwarted. In 2007, he lost the championship by just one point after a pit lane incident and technical issues. In 2016, a catastrophic engine failure while leading a race cost him the title against Nico Rosberg. Most notably, in 2021, a controversial decision during the final race allowed Max Verstappen to claim the championship, despite Hamilton leading under a safety car. These events illustrate how close Hamilton has been to achieving a tenth title.Sat 19 Sep · 17:45 UTCvia PlanetF1Jack Doohan Tests Haas F1 Car at Jerez CircuitJack Doohan has completed his first test drive with Haas at the Jerez circuit. This session provided the team with insights into a potential driver for the 2027 season.Sat 19 Sep · 17:04 UTCvia f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc is suffering more than Lewis Hamilton from Ferrari’s ‘black hole’ explodingFerrari is facing significant challenges in the 2026 Formula 1 season, particularly with their SF-26 car, which is affecting Charles Leclerc more than Lewis Hamilton. Despite both drivers achieving victories earlier in the season, their hopes for a championship are dwindling as they trail behind Mercedes in the standings. Leclerc's performance is being hampered by the team's predictive power delivery software, which is not allowing him to fully utilize his driving style during qualifying sessions. The issues with Ferrari's strategy and electronic mapping have led to a noticeable gap in performance between Leclerc and Hamilton, even though their qualifying pace difference is minimal. Hamilton has expressed confidence that Mercedes would outperform Ferrari in qualifying, indicating that Ferrari may have reached their performance limits too early in the sessions. As the season progresses, the team must address these problems to improve their standings.Sat 19 Sep · 17:00 UTCvia Motorsport WeekFerrari to mitigate 2026 F1 ’emergency’ with brand-new power unit – reportFerrari has faced significant challenges with its power unit in the 2026 Formula 1 season, which has been described as its weakest link. Despite initial optimism, including podium finishes for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, the team has struggled to maintain competitive performance as rivals have caught up. Internal issues, including the departure of key personnel, have compounded these difficulties, leading to the characterization of the power unit project as an 'emergency'. Looking ahead, Team Principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed that Ferrari will develop a brand-new engine for the 2027 season in an effort to regain competitiveness. While acknowledging that small improvements are being made, he emphasized the need for a more substantial upgrade to close the performance gap with rivals like Mercedes. The team's current struggles have also impacted Hamilton's championship aspirations, particularly following a disappointing race in Spain.Sat 19 Sep · 16:34 UTCvia F1iSteiner takes aim at Ben Sulayem over ‘deserving’ AlonsoGuenther Steiner, the former team principal of Haas, has publicly criticized FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his comments regarding Fernando Alonso's performance with Aston Martin. Ben Sulayem expressed concern over Alonso's struggles, suggesting it was unacceptable for a two-time world champion to face such difficulties. He indicated a willingness to intervene to help Alonso, which Steiner argues undermines the principle that teams and drivers must earn their success without external assistance from the governing body. Steiner emphasized that the responsibility for addressing performance issues lies with the teams themselves, not the FIA. He pointed out that other teams, like Cadillac, are also facing challenges without expecting intervention. Steiner's remarks highlight a broader debate about the role of the FIA in supporting struggling teams and the importance of self-reliance within the competitive framework of Formula 1.Sat 19 Sep · 13:06 UTCvia gpfans.comFerrari unveils black race suit for Charles LeclercFerrari has announced a unique black race suit for driver Charles Leclerc, set to debut at the Singapore Grand Prix. This design marks a departure from the team's traditional red color scheme.Sat 19 Sep · 11:29 UTCvia F1iWilliams warns Baku upgrades ‘wont be enough for points’Williams F1 Team is set to bring a major upgrade package to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, aiming to improve the performance of its FW48 car. Despite this effort, team principal James Vowles has tempered expectations, indicating that the upgrades are unlikely to result in immediate points finishes. The team has struggled throughout the 2026 season, managing only 11 points so far and sitting ninth in the constructors' standings, ahead of only Aston Martin and Cadillac. Vowles emphasized that the challenges faced this year stem from decisions made during the winter, which will continue to impact the team's performance. He expressed that while the new parts may lead to incremental improvements, they will not be sufficient to elevate the team into contention for points in the short term. Looking ahead, Vowles is optimistic about making progress next season, but acknowledges that rebuilding competitiveness will require patience and a methodical approach.Sat 19 Sep · 10:47 UTC