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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.
+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 08:00 UTC
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.
Sat 12 Sep · 07:50 UTC
via F1iRussell highlights worrying prospect for race day at MadringGeorge Russell expressed concerns about tyre degradation after the first day of practice at the new Madring circuit in Madrid. He noted that the track's unique characteristics could lead to significant thermal stress on the tyres, making race day a challenge for all teams. Russell's performance varied, as he topped the first practice session but slipped to fifth in the second due to set-up adjustments.
Mercedes' deputy team principal, Bradley Lord, echoed Russell's concerns, highlighting that the continuous cornering sequences on the track might lead to unexpected thermal effects on the tyres. With limited long-run data due to a crash during FP2, teams are left uncertain about tyre performance for the race, raising the possibility of a race strategy focused on managing thermal degradation.
Sat 12 Sep · 07:38 UTC
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.
Sat 12 Sep · 06:19 UTC
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.
Fri 11 Sep · 21:24 UTC
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.
+ 1 moreFri 11 Sep · 19:03 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya sees the one area Lando Norris ‘always’ outclasses Oscar PiastriJuan Pablo Montoya feels Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri face the same issue because of their teammates, Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris. ...
Fri 11 Sep · 18:00 UTC
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.+ 1 moreFri 11 Sep · 18:00 UTC
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.Fri 11 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli strikes back in FP2 as Madring claims its first victimKimi Antonelli responded to George Russell's performance in FP1 by achieving the fastest time in FP2 at the Spanish Grand Prix, outperforming notable competitors like Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. The session was marked by a red flag caused by Arvid Lindblad's crash, which halted the proceedings with just over 20 minutes left, while Lando Norris faced a gearbox failure that prevented him from participating further.
Fernando Alonso had a delayed start due to clutch issues from FP1 but managed to complete the session, finishing in 17th place. The session saw competitive times among the top teams, with Antonelli's performance indicating a strong showing from Mercedes as they prepare for the upcoming race.Fri 11 Sep · 16:03 UTC
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.
Fri 11 Sep · 15:56 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Russell tops first practice in Madrid as Hamilton frustrates other driversIn the first practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, George Russell achieved the fastest time, leading a Mercedes one-two with teammate Kimi Antonelli. Russell's time was 1:34.077, while Antonelli was 0.286 seconds slower. Charles Leclerc managed to secure third place despite recovering from a recent crash, while Lewis Hamilton faced criticism for blocking other drivers during the session.
The tight confines of the Madring circuit led to traffic issues, with Hamilton being called out by several drivers, including Arvid Lindblad and Carlos Sainz, for impeding their flying laps. Despite these challenges, all 22 drivers completed the session without major incidents, indicating a competitive weekend ahead with Mercedes and Ferrari expected to contend for the top positions.
Fri 11 Sep · 15:04 UTC
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.
Fri 11 Sep · 14:33 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur says he won't 'waste energy' over Ferrari concern, points to 'really good' signFred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, is facing speculation regarding his future following a poor performance at the Monza Grand Prix. Despite the backlash from fans and reports of dissatisfaction from Ferrari executives, Vasseur emphasizes that he has ongoing support from the Ferrari hierarchy and aims to focus on improving the team's performance.
Vasseur insists that pressure is a normal part of his role and he will not waste energy on speculation about his job security. He believes Ferrari remains in a good position this season, having won two races and having clear plans for future improvements.Fri 11 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc’s instant radio message on Lewis Hamilton moment at Madring proves Ferrari’s changeDuring Free Practice One at the inaugural Madring, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton secured third and fourth places, respectively, while George Russell led the session. Following a challenging performance at Monza, Ferrari showed signs of improvement as both drivers managed to avoid conflicts on track, which was a relief for team principal Fred Vasseur.
Leclerc demonstrated a notable change in behavior by calmly addressing a near-miss with Hamilton over the radio, suggesting a more diplomatic approach within the team. This incident has raised questions about whether this newfound professionalism will persist as the competition intensifies during the race weekend.Fri 11 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comFerrari "too late" to prioritise Lewis Hamilton in F1 title fight, says Jolyon PalmerJolyon Palmer, a former Formula 1 driver, has expressed that Ferrari has missed its chance to support Lewis Hamilton in the ongoing championship race. He believes that the team has allowed their title aspirations to fade, particularly after a disappointing performance at Monza. Currently, Hamilton sits third in the standings, significantly trailing the championship leader Kimi Antonelli, while Leclerc is also behind in fifth place.
Palmer emphasized that the dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc have hindered their chances, as both drivers have been focused on competing against each other rather than collaborating. He pointed out that their clashes during races have cost them valuable points, and with the season progressing, he feels it is now too late for Ferrari to prioritize Hamilton's bid for the title.Fri 11 Sep · 13:09 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell hints at Mercedes changes after FP1George Russell achieved the fastest time in the first free practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix. The performance indicates a positive start for Mercedes, although potential changes may be needed on Russell's side of the garage.+ 1 moreFri 11 Sep · 12:34 UTC
via Motorsport.comJames Hinchcliffe warns Fred Vasseur faces "tremendous" pressure over Ferrari team ordersJames Hinchcliffe has expressed that Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, is under significant pressure to clarify team orders between drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. This comes after recent races where both drivers faced challenges, including a lack of communication during the Dutch Grand Prix and a clash at the Italian Grand Prix.
Vasseur acknowledged the need for discussions regarding team orders but refuted claims of an internal crisis within Ferrari. He stated that while there are existing rules, they cannot cover every possible scenario on the track, indicating a need for clearer guidelines moving forward.Fri 11 Sep · 12:22 UTCPage 18 of 58
