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via grandprix.comTsolov completes 300km and clears F1 licence hurdleNikola Tsolov successfully completed 690 kilometres during his first test with Racing Bulls at Imola, marking a significant milestone in his career. This test, part of the team's Testing of Previous Cars programme, allowed Tsolov to drive the 2025 VCARB 02 and exceeded the previous target of 300 kilometres, showcasing his ability to handle Formula 1 machinery.
Team principal Alan Permane praised Tsolov's quick adaptation and composure, indicating that the data gathered from this test will be crucial for Racing Bulls' assessment of Tsolov's potential in their long-term plans. While this test does not guarantee a race seat, it provides a substantial entry on Tsolov's CV as he continues to compete in Formula 2.
via racer.comAntonelli says Mercedes no longer has F1’s fastest carKimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, has acknowledged that Mercedes is no longer the fastest team in Formula 1 following Lando Norris' recent victories with McLaren. Antonelli emphasized the need for an upgrade package to help Mercedes regain its competitive edge, as he believes McLaren has made significant advancements in performance, especially since the Hungarian Grand Prix.
George Russell, Antonelli's teammate, won the Sprint race in Zandvoort and commented on the challenges of overtaking at the circuit. He expressed confidence in the team's efforts to improve their car and noted that McLaren's strengths on high-degradation circuits could pose a challenge for Mercedes in the upcoming races.
via RacingNews365Mercedes to face 'tough' and 'worrying' end to the seasonLando Norris achieved a remarkable victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, marking his second consecutive win after triumphing in Hungary. This performance has reignited his hopes of competing for the championship, although he currently trails Kimi Antonelli by 83 points. The race showcased Norris's skill, particularly as he executed a crucial overtaking maneuver on Antonelli to secure his win by a substantial margin of 11.5 seconds.
Nico Rosberg highlighted the growing concern within Mercedes regarding their competitive position, suggesting they may now be the second or even third fastest team on the grid. Rosberg noted Norris's impressive pace, which was significantly quicker than that of George Russell, indicating that McLaren's recent upgrades have propelled them ahead of Mercedes. The outcome of this race suggests a challenging end to the season for Mercedes as they face increased pressure from their rivals.
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Max Verstappen told to block 'GP' move as star in $70million contract talksMax Verstappen has solidified his future with Red Bull by signing a contract extension until 2030. He is now being urged to prevent his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, from moving to McLaren, which is expected to happen by 2028. Meanwhile, Lando Norris is negotiating a lucrative new contract with McLaren that could surpass Lewis Hamilton's earnings, as Hamilton struggles in the championship standings after a disappointing performance at the Dutch Grand Prix.
In other developments, Ferrari is planning a crucial power unit upgrade for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, while the FIA has introduced a new ruling aimed at enhancing competition among engine manufacturers. Fernando Alonso's performance has helped Aston Martin secure additional points, and concerns have been raised about Audi's commitment to F1 following their recent struggles.
via RacingNews365George Russell delivers clear McLaren pecking order verdictGeorge Russell has expressed that McLaren is now the leading team in Formula 1 after their consecutive victories in Hungary and the Netherlands, with Lando Norris taking the wins. This success follows significant upgrades to their car, which have put pressure on Mercedes, who have lost their early season dominance.
Looking ahead to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Russell is optimistic about Mercedes' performance but remains cautious of the competition, particularly from Ferrari, who are set to introduce an engine upgrade. He also highlighted McLaren's strengths on high-degradation circuits, suggesting they will continue to be formidable opponents.
via PlanetF1McLaren rubbishes Toto Wolff ‘no money’ claim: ‘I don’t believe it’Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, stated that his team lacks the financial resources for further upgrades due to the cost cap. This assertion was challenged by Andrea Stella, the team principal of McLaren, who believes that Mercedes will still be able to develop their car effectively. Stella pointed out that the upcoming 2027 engine regulations could provide additional budgetary flexibility for Mercedes, allowing them to enhance their performance in the latter part of the season.
McLaren has made significant strides in performance, particularly with upgrades implemented in Hungary and Zandvoort, which have helped Lando Norris secure strong finishes. Currently, Norris is fourth in the Drivers' standings, while McLaren sits third in the Constructors' standings, trailing Mercedes by 162 points. Stella remains optimistic that Mercedes will find ways to introduce upgrades despite the financial constraints mentioned by Wolff.
via f1oversteer.comVerstappen extends Red Bull contract until 2030Max Verstappen recently signed a new long-term contract with Red Bull, ending speculation about his future. Reports indicate that trust issues regarding McLaren's potential partnership with Mercedes influenced his decision not to join the team.
via F1iWebber reveals how F1 greats shaped his guidance of PiastriMark Webber plays a significant role in guiding Oscar Piastri's early career in Formula 1, leveraging his own extensive experience in the sport. As Piastri's manager, Webber shares valuable lessons learned from his time racing alongside legends like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, as well as insights gained from interactions with athletes from other sports. He believes that the initial years in F1 are particularly challenging and emphasizes the importance of discipline and longevity in achieving success.
Webber's mentorship has been instrumental in Piastri's transition from junior categories to F1, including a strategic move from Alpine to McLaren. Although Webber has stepped back from regular trackside involvement, he continues to support Piastri's development by ensuring that the knowledge he has accumulated throughout his career is passed on. This approach reflects Webber's commitment to fostering talent and sharing the wisdom gained from his own journey in motorsport.
via AutosportMcLaren denies Mercedes claim it cannot afford aggressive upgrades in F1 2026McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella has publicly challenged claims made by Mercedes' Toto Wolff regarding budget limitations that prevent the team from making aggressive upgrades to their car. Despite Mercedes' assertion that they are constrained by their $215 million cost cap, Stella argues that the additional $3 million allowance for 2026 could be used for development, especially as rivals like McLaren and Ferrari have shown significant improvements this season.
Stella's skepticism comes in light of Mercedes' slow rollout of upgrades, which has left them vulnerable in upcoming races. He believes that Mercedes has the potential to enhance their car's performance and will likely take advantage of the additional funding to catch up with competitors who have already made substantial gains in the 2026 season.
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher says Oscar Piastri is now officially McLaren’s ‘number two’ after the Dutch GPRalf Schumacher has declared that Oscar Piastri has taken on the role of McLaren's 'number two' driver following Lando Norris' victory at the Dutch Grand Prix. Norris' win marks a significant turnaround for McLaren, as he has now secured two consecutive victories this season, while Piastri struggled to keep pace, finishing in sixth place and over 32 seconds behind his teammate. Schumacher attributes Piastri's current performance issues to a lack of adaptation to the new regulations compared to Norris, who has excelled in the same machinery.
The article highlights the impact of Piastri's recent results on his reputation within the F1 paddock, suggesting that he is no longer viewed as a potential team leader. Schumacher emphasizes that while Piastri remains a talented driver, his performance has led to a decline in his standing in the driver market. Despite the challenges he faces, there is still potential for improvement as the season progresses, leaving the door open for changes in team dynamics.
via PlanetF1Norris in surprise McLaren MCL40 claim after Dutch GPLando Norris has expressed dissatisfaction with the McLaren MCL40, calling it 'horrible to drive,' despite achieving back-to-back victories in recent races. He believes he is improving his performance and understanding of the car, which has allowed him to compete effectively against rivals, particularly Mercedes, although he acknowledges that the Mercedes W17 remains superior overall. Norris is currently 83 points behind Kimi Antonelli in the Drivers' Championship and has emerged as a notable contender in the title race.
Norris credits his recent successes to effective communication and teamwork with McLaren, highlighting the importance of their collaborative efforts in enhancing race performance. He also pointed out that the gaps between teammates are larger this season, indicating the challenges posed by the MCL40. Despite his criticisms of the car, Norris remains confident in his abilities and the potential of McLaren to compete with top teams like Mercedes.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris reflects on recent race successesLando Norris has secured consecutive victories in the latest Formula 1 races, enhancing his chances in the championship. Meanwhile, teammate Oscar Piastri acknowledges the challenges he faces as he trails behind Norris.
via gpfans.comMercedes and McLaren just gave Red Bull wings with $500million Verstappen transfer mistakeMax Verstappen recently extended his contract with Red Bull Racing, marking a significant moment for the team. His deal, which could cost around $500 million over four years, was made possible as rivals Mercedes and McLaren opted to retain their current drivers instead of pursuing Verstappen, who was available on a free transfer due to an exit clause in his previous contract.
This decision by Mercedes and McLaren has allowed Red Bull to maintain its star driver, which is crucial for the team's future as they aim to recover from a talent drain. Verstappen's presence is expected to attract new talent and enhance the team's performance, while his absence from rival teams could have dealt a serious blow to Red Bull's competitiveness.
via PlanetF1McLaren outlines reasons for appeal over Gasly's podiumMcLaren has presented its appeal against the reinstatement of Pierre Gasly's podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The FIA International Court of Appeal has conducted a hearing to address the team's concerns.
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton issues 'responsibility' statement as key McLaren, Red Bull hearing gets underway - RacingNews365 ReviewIn addition to these developments, Max Verstappen is preparing for an unprecedented challenge at Silverstone, where he will race against 100 drivers simultaneously. Lando Norris, despite winning the last two races, stated that he does not believe McLaren has the car to contend for the championship at this time.
via F1iStella: Norris still improving – something ‘clicked’ in 2025Lando Norris has shown remarkable improvement in his performance, culminating in a victory at Zandvoort, marking his second consecutive Grand Prix win. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella emphasized that Norris's transformation began early in the 2025 season, leading to his current high level of driving, especially under challenging race conditions. Norris's ability to reclaim the lead after initially losing it demonstrates his growing skill and confidence as a driver.
Despite his recent successes, Norris faces a tough challenge in the championship, trailing Kimi Antonelli by 83 points. McLaren's development program, particularly the upgrades introduced at the Hungarian Grand Prix, has played a crucial role in enhancing the car's performance, allowing Norris to capitalize on opportunities during races. As the season progresses, Norris's continued growth could make him a formidable contender in the title race.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris doubts McLaren's title challenge despite winsLando Norris has secured victories in the last two Formula 1 races. However, he expressed doubts about McLaren's current competitiveness for the championship title.
via Motorsport.comMcLaren's Andrea Stella defends Monaco appealMcLaren is appealing the results of the Monaco Grand Prix, emphasizing the importance of integrity in Formula 1. Team principal Andrea Stella stated that the appeal reflects concerns about fairness within the sport.
via grandprix.comNorris gathers momentum as Piastri searches for answersAt the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Lando Norris celebrated his second consecutive victory, following a strong performance that saw him overcome early challenges with tire management. Despite winning by a significant margin, he acknowledged ongoing weaknesses in the McLaren car, particularly in slow corners. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri faced difficulties during the race, finishing sixth after a promising start was hindered by a slow pit stop and subsequent grip issues.
The contrasting outcomes for the McLaren drivers highlight a growing concern for Piastri, who is now tasked with diagnosing the reasons behind his drop in performance. As McLaren continues to improve and challenge teams like Mercedes, understanding the factors affecting Piastri's pace will be crucial for the team's future success. With momentum on Norris's side, Piastri's ability to regain his competitive edge will be vital as they head into the next race in Monza.
via grandprix.comGasly says Racing Bulls used Lindblad to obstruct AlpinePierre Gasly has claimed that Racing Bulls strategically used Arvid Lindblad to hinder his performance during a recent race, which he believes affected his finishing position. Despite Lindblad's own race being compromised due to a penalty, he continued to defend against Gasly, allowing his teammate to pass while impeding the Alpine driver. This incident has heightened tensions between the two teams as they compete for fifth place in the constructors' championship.
Gasly's frustration stems from the competitive nature of Formula 1, where teams often employ tactics to gain an advantage. With only three points separating Racing Bulls and Alpine, the upcoming race is expected to be highly competitive, and both teams are likely to remember this incident as they continue their fight in the championship standings.Page 17 of 29