FerrariHaas F1 TeamWilliams 
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton ‘cherished’ what Ferrari mechanics did for him before he even joined the teamLewis Hamilton expressed his appreciation for the support he received from Ferrari mechanics during the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, even while he was still a Mercedes driver. After finishing third in the race, he noted the absence of his own team members who were occupied with recovering George Russell's car, leading to Ferrari mechanics celebrating his achievement instead. This moment made Hamilton feel a connection with Ferrari, which he described as feeling like 'his team' for that weekend.
Hamilton signed a contract to race for Ferrari starting in 2025, having always dreamed of driving for the iconic team. His long and successful tenure with Mercedes included 246 races and six world championships, but he felt a move to Ferrari was necessary as Mercedes struggled in the new ground-effect era. Hamilton acknowledged that not racing for Ferrari would have been a significant regret, especially as he approaches retirement.
f1oversteer.comSat 19 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURFerrari boss 'annoyed' with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, claims F1 insiderFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur is reportedly frustrated with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following a first-lap incident during the Italian Grand Prix. Ralf Schumacher suggested that Vasseur's annoyance was due to Hamilton being forced off the track by Leclerc, which negatively impacted Hamilton's race, finishing in tenth place. Leclerc also faced difficulties, crashing shortly after the incident.
In response to the situation, Vasseur spoke with both drivers to remind them of the team's operational principles. Hamilton expressed his desire for clearer communication and 'rules of engagement' to prevent future conflicts. Both drivers later addressed the incident, with Leclerc admitting his mistake and Hamilton noting the importance of their open discussion to move forward.
gpfans.comSat 19 Sep · 07:58 UTC
via grandprix.comFerrari signs Rakuten partnership for 2027Ferrari has secured a multi-year partnership with Japanese technology firm Rakuten, set to commence on January 1, 2027. This collaboration will see Rakuten's branding featured on Ferrari's Formula 1 cars and team apparel, marking its entry into the telecommunications and e-commerce sectors within the sport. The partnership will also leverage Rakuten Symphony's telecommunications technology, aiming to enhance the team's digital presence and engagement with fans.
Chairman and CEO Mickey Mikitani emphasized that Formula 1 provides an ideal platform for showcasing Rakuten's technological capabilities and digital services to a global audience. Ferrari's chief racing revenue officer, Lorenzo Giorgetti, highlighted the potential for creating new commercial opportunities beyond the racetrack. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it represents a strategic expansion of Ferrari's commercial portfolio as the sport continues to attract technology companies.grandprix.comFri 18 Sep · 19:21 UTC
via PlanetF1Hamilton delusion, Antonelli opens door to Ferrari future, Alonso’s $5m buy – roundupFerrari has confirmed a multi-year partnership with Japanese technology company Rakuten, set to begin in the 2027 Formula 1 season. This announcement comes as the team continues to compete in the 2026 season, where they currently hold second place in the constructors' standings with several races remaining.
In addition to the sponsorship news, Kimi Antonelli has expressed that he is not ruling out a future move to Ferrari, despite his current focus on achieving success with Mercedes. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton faces scrutiny following a period of tension within the team, contrasting with the optimism following his win in Barcelona earlier this year. Fernando Alonso has also made headlines by adding a $5 million Bugatti to his car collection.
PlanetF1Fri 18 Sep · 18:06 UTC
via Motorsport.comWilliams shares behind-the-scenes look at Alex Albon’s life away from F1Alex Albon provided a glimpse into his off-track life in Monaco, showcasing a typical day after a race weekend. He highlighted the close-knit community of Formula 1 drivers living in the principality, often running into each other during daily activities like breakfast and workouts.
Albon discussed his training routine, which includes running and playing padel with other drivers. Despite facing challenges this season with his team Williams, he remains focused on adapting to upcoming races in Malaysia and Singapore, utilizing the warm weather in Monaco for his preparation.
Motorsport.comFri 18 Sep · 17:38 UTC
via Motorsport WeekAyao Komatsu prioritises performance for Haas' 2027 seatHaas team principal Ayao Komatsu has emphasised that performance will be the primary criterion for selecting candidates for the team's second driver seat in 2027. This decision reflects Haas' commitment to enhancing their competitive edge in Formula 1.
Motorsport WeekFri 18 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton handed 'truly remarkable' verdict as key question posedLewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in Formula 1 history, is currently competing with Ferrari after a challenging previous season. Former driver David Coulthard expressed admiration for Hamilton's continued desire to race, highlighting his impressive performance this year, where he sits third in the drivers' standings, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.
Coulthard noted that Hamilton's adaptation to the current car regulations has been favorable, and he believes Hamilton has already established his legacy in the sport. Despite his success, Hamilton's motivation to compete remains strong, prompting questions about his ongoing commitment to racing at such a high level.
RacingNews365Fri 18 Sep · 11:10 UTC
via grandprix.comRUMOURHamilton denies asking Ferrari to replace staffLewis Hamilton has publicly denied reports suggesting he requested changes to the Ferrari team staff. In a statement on Instagram, he emphasized his support for his team and their hard work, stating that he has never sought to replace anyone. This denial comes amid speculation regarding Ferrari's performance and internal dynamics, particularly following recent disappointing results.
The rumors about potential staff changes were fueled by Hamilton's frustrations with team strategy during recent races, including incidents at Zandvoort and Monza. Despite the speculation, Ferrari has not confirmed any personnel changes, and team principal Fred Vasseur continues in his role. The upcoming race in Baku will provide further insight into the team's performance and dynamics.grandprix.comFri 18 Sep · 10:53 UTC
via grandprix.comNakamura-Berta joins Trident for 2027 F3 seasonKean Nakamura-Berta, a driver from the Williams Academy, will join Trident for the 2027 Formula 3 season after a successful year in the Formula Regional European Championship where he finished third. The 18-year-old has had a rapid rise in motorsport, winning multiple championships and races since his debut in single-seaters in 2023.
Nakamura-Berta expressed his excitement about stepping up to F3 while continuing to receive support from the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy. His promotion is seen as a recognition of his progress and achievements in junior formulas, and Trident is expected to help him transition into his rookie F3 season effectively.grandprix.comFri 18 Sep · 10:51 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURFred Vasseur now has a new nickname at Maranello amid ‘animosity’ from Ferrari staffFred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, is facing increasing criticism from staff amid a disappointing performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The team's struggles have led to a lack of podium finishes for drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, with Kimi Antonelli extending his lead in the championship. This situation has resulted in Vasseur's popularity waning within the Maranello headquarters, where some staff have taken to calling him 'Napoleon' due to his perceived authoritative demeanor.
As the pressure mounts, reports suggest that Ferrari is considering potential replacements for Vasseur, including Antonello Coletta from the World Endurance Championship and Andrea Stella, although the latter has reportedly declined interest. The team's management dynamics are under scrutiny, and Vasseur's future may hinge on the results of the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which could either alleviate or exacerbate the current tensions within the team.f1oversteer.comFri 18 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Ferrari confirms focus on 2026 car developmentFerrari has stated it will not shift its development focus to the 2027 Formula 1 car, emphasising its commitment to the 2026 season. The team indicated that approximately 80 per cent of the 2026 car will carry over from its current design.PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 09:38 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton enjoys gala with Kim KardashianLewis Hamilton was seen smiling with girlfriend Kim Kardashian at a gala in Los Angeles, seemingly leaving behind any tensions related to Ferrari. The couple's appearance comes after a challenging period for the seven-time world champion in Formula 1.gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Kimi Antonelli hints at potential Ferrari futureKimi Antonelli has acknowledged the possibility of joining Ferrari in the future but indicated that such a move is not imminent. He also mentioned the loyalty factor in his current commitments.PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 08:02 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari already knew about Lewis Hamilton's race ending brake problem before the Spanish GP startedFerrari had prior knowledge of Lewis Hamilton's brake issues before the start of the Spanish Grand Prix, which ultimately led to his retirement during the race. This marked Hamilton's first retirement of the season, ending a streak of finishes dating back to the previous year.
The brake problem, identified as a hydraulic system component failure, severely impacted Hamilton's title hopes, leaving him significantly behind in the championship standings. Despite efforts from Ferrari to diagnose and fix the issue during the race, Hamilton was forced to retire after experiencing worsening brake problems early on.gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 07:15 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton releases statement as Mercedes comeback confirmedLewis Hamilton has publicly addressed rumors suggesting he is attempting to replace personnel within Ferrari, as both he and the team face challenges this season. Hamilton and Ferrari have been viewed as significant competitors to Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli, who has had a standout season with eight race wins, positioning him for a potential championship title in just his second year in Formula 1.
In other news, Mike Elliott has been appointed as the new chief technical officer for Alpine, bringing over two decades of experience in the sport. Meanwhile, former F1 team owner Gerard Lopez is facing forgery charges, and Audi is contemplating a minority stake sale in its newly acquired F1 team. Additionally, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel is set to make a racing comeback in 2027.gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari 'silver bullet' claim in Mercedes title chaseLewis Hamilton has expressed skepticism regarding Ferrari's recent engine upgrade, suggesting it won't bring them to the same competitive level as Mercedes. The upgrade, which focuses on turbo efficiency, was introduced at the Italian Grand Prix, but Hamilton believes it still lacks the necessary performance boost to close the gap. He highlighted that while Ferrari showed improvements, they are not yet at the point of having a 'silver bullet' solution.
As Hamilton's title hopes diminish, currently sitting 101 points behind Kimi Antonelli, he stresses the importance of Mercedes concentrating on their own performance. He acknowledges the need for consistency and execution during race weekends, rather than focusing on Ferrari's advancements. Hamilton remains optimistic about Mercedes' progress and aims to capitalize on any mistakes made by their competitors.RacingNews365Fri 18 Sep · 06:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comJames Vowles backs Madrid to become 'one to watch' despite calls for changesJames Vowles, the team principal of Williams, expressed his support for Madrid's inaugural Formula 1 event, highlighting the efforts of the organizers despite the usual challenges faced by new venues. He noted that the event was well-managed and praised the location's accessibility, although he acknowledged that the circuit's design limited overtaking opportunities, which could affect future races.
Vowles also discussed the performance of the Williams team during the race, indicating that they struggled with car performance and tire management. He emphasized the need for improvements to enhance the racing experience in subsequent years, while also commending the tire supplier Pirelli for providing effective tires for the event.Motorsport.comThu 17 Sep · 21:31 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull detail conditions over Isack Hadjar return as Ferrari announce new deal - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has emphasized that Isack Hadjar will only return to his race seat when it is deemed completely safe. This statement comes as Hadjar continues his recovery from injury, highlighting the team's cautious approach to his reintegration into racing.
In other news, Scuderia Ferrari has announced a significant new partnership with Rakuten, which will become a team partner in telecommunications and e-commerce starting January 1, 2027. This deal marks a notable expansion for Ferrari as they seek to enhance their global presence in the sport.RacingNews365Thu 17 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via PlanetF1RUMOURHamilton rejects team changes rumour; Ferrari Achilles heel; Russell future clarified – roundupLewis Hamilton has publicly rejected rumors suggesting he is advocating for changes within the Ferrari team. These rumors surfaced following the Spanish Grand Prix, where Hamilton's former teammate Nico Rosberg highlighted issues with Ferrari's strategy and communication that he believes are hindering the team's performance.
In the same context, Charles Leclerc had a challenging race, finishing in fourth place despite leading for much of the event. Hamilton's own race ended prematurely due to a brake failure, further complicating Ferrari's situation as they seek to improve their competitive standing in the championship.PlanetF1Thu 17 Sep · 18:59 UTC
via espn.comRUMOURLewis Hamilton denies claims about Ferrari personnel changesLewis Hamilton has addressed rumors suggesting he is seeking to replace staff at Ferrari. The driver clarified that he has not made any calls for personnel changes amid his own challenging season.
espn.com+ 1 moreThu 17 Sep · 17:29 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard tells Charles Leclerc to stop treating F1 weekends like a family ‘picnic’David Coulthard has expressed concerns about Charles Leclerc's approach to Formula 1 weekends, suggesting that the presence of his wife and pet dog may indicate a lack of seriousness. Despite Leclerc's achievements this season, including one win and four podiums, Coulthard believes that the Ferrari driver should focus more on his racing rather than personal distractions, especially as he competes against seasoned drivers like Lewis Hamilton.
Coulthard emphasized that F1 is a serious and dangerous sport, urging Leclerc to adopt a more professional mindset. He noted that while many drivers bring family members to the paddock, Leclerc's situation seems excessive. As Leclerc approaches his 200th Grand Prix start, he remains competitive but has faced challenges, including high-profile mistakes in key races.f1oversteer.comThu 17 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comRUMOURFred Vasseur shuts down claims Ferrari split Spanish GP strategy to separate driversFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has addressed speculation regarding the team's strategy during the Spanish Grand Prix, specifically the differing tyre choices for drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Vasseur emphasized that the decision to split strategies was not intended to separate the two drivers, pointing out that other teams employed similar tactics without concern for potential collisions. Hamilton started on soft tyres but faced a braking issue that led to his early retirement from the race.
Leclerc, who opted for hard tyres, expressed confidence in his strategy, believing it was the best choice given the circumstances. He noted that starting on soft tyres would not have been advantageous and that he was waiting for a safety car to optimize his race. Despite the challenges, Vasseur has consistently defended the team's unity and dismissed any notions of a brewing crisis between the drivers.Motorsport.comThu 17 Sep · 15:15 UTC
via RacingNews365Williams rising star gains latest promotionKean Nakamura-Berta, an 18-year-old driver from the Williams Academy, is set to step up to Formula 3 with Trident Motorsport for the upcoming season. This promotion follows a successful campaign in the Formula Regional European Championship (FREC), where he secured eight podium finishes, including three victories, ultimately finishing third overall. Nakamura-Berta's racing journey includes a debut in the F4 South East Asia Championship and a runner-up finish in the 2024 Formula 4 UAE Championship.
Nakamura-Berta's rise in motorsport mirrors the paths of previous drivers Rafael Câmara and Freddie Slater, who also transitioned from FREC to F3 with Trident. He expressed excitement about joining a competitive team and acknowledged the support from the Williams programme. Williams sporting director Sven Smeets highlighted the significance of this step for Nakamura-Berta and the opportunities it represents for emerging talent in motorsport.RacingNews365Thu 17 Sep · 13:23 UTC
via PlanetF1Williams junior secures major breakthrough in new announcementKean Nakamura-Berta, a promising talent from the Williams Driver Academy, has secured a seat with Trident for the 2027 Formula 3 season. This follows an impressive run where he won multiple titles, including the Italian Formula 4 and E4 championships in 2025, and performed strongly in the 2026 Formula Regional European Championship, finishing third overall with three wins and five podiums.
Nakamura-Berta is optimistic about his transition to Formula 3, emphasizing the importance of qualifying pace. He has expressed confidence in his abilities and the support from Williams, which has been instrumental in his development. As he prepares for this new challenge, he looks forward to building new relationships within the Trident team, which has a strong track record in the series.PlanetF1Thu 17 Sep · 13:03 UTC