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via F1iSainz delivers a stark warning over Williams’ Baku upgradeCarlos Sainz has expressed cautious optimism regarding Williams' upcoming upgrade for the Baku race, acknowledging that while it may help the team improve, it won't significantly alter their current struggles. Williams has had a disappointing 2026 season, sitting ninth in the Constructors' standings with just 11 points, and both drivers have not added to that tally since Monaco.
Sainz, who recently extended his contract with Williams, emphasizes the need for the team to learn from their mistakes this season. He views the Baku upgrade as a small step forward rather than a complete turnaround, urging the team to demonstrate improvement in the upcoming season to avoid a prolonged decline.
Sat 12 Sep · 13:37 UTC
via espn.comHamilton crashes in FP3, ignored Ferrari instructionLewis Hamilton experienced a crash during the final practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, losing control of his Ferrari and colliding with the barriers. Despite sustaining damage and receiving repeated instructions from his team to stop the car, Hamilton attempted to return to the pits, showcasing his determination to complete the lap.
Ultimately, Hamilton was forced to pull over after two-thirds of the lap and exited the car, which was later transported back to the pits. Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest time in the session prior to Hamilton's incident.
Sat 12 Sep · 13:03 UTC
via RaceFansRace director issued “formal request” for Hamilton to stop driving damaged car | Formula 1During the final practice session at the Madring, Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari, prompting race director Rui Marques to issue a formal request for him to stop driving the damaged vehicle. The incident led to a red flag as repairs were needed for the barriers that were affected by the crash.
Despite multiple instructions from his race engineer, Carlos Santi, to stop the car, Hamilton continued for a brief period before eventually reversing out of the barrier. The situation highlighted the challenges faced by drivers in managing vehicle damage during practice sessions.
Sat 12 Sep · 13:02 UTC
via RacingNews365Revealed: Full Ferrari radio disagreement as Lewis Hamiton ignores clear demandsDuring the third free practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari and was instructed by his race engineer to stop the car due to unsafe conditions. Despite the clear orders, Hamilton disobeyed and continued to drive for an extended period, attempting to return to the pit lane with significant damage to his vehicle.
The situation raised concerns about potential repercussions for Hamilton, especially in light of recent penalties issued to other drivers for similar infractions. However, as of now, he has not been noted by the stewards for his actions during the session.
Sat 12 Sep · 12:42 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCarlos Sainz confirms Williams ‘putting all the eggs in next year’s basket’Carlos Sainz expressed confidence in Williams' future despite a challenging season, stating that the team is 'putting all the eggs in next year's basket.' Currently, Williams sits ninth in the Constructor's Standings with only 11 points, and Sainz noted that both he and teammate Alex Albon have not added to their tally since the Monaco Grand Prix. An upgraded chassis is expected to be introduced at the upcoming race in Azerbaijan, which Sainz hopes will improve their performance.
Sainz also highlighted the importance of learning from the difficulties faced this season, referring to it as a 'bump on the road.' He emphasized the need for the team to bounce back next year and show signs of improvement. Despite the current struggles, Sainz reaffirmed his commitment to Williams by signing a multi-year contract extension, indicating his belief in the team's potential to turn things around.
Sat 12 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via CrashMax Verstappen details Red Bull’s true F1 engine reality after FIA ADUO verdictMax Verstappen has expressed concerns regarding the performance of Red Bull's F1 power unit compared to Mercedes, particularly after the Italian Grand Prix where he finished third. He noted a significant discrepancy in engine efficiency, stating that Red Bull struggles with energy deployment relative to Mercedes, which he likened to feeling like a 'turtle' during the race.
Verstappen's comments followed the FIA's announcement that Red Bull had the best engine according to the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) rankings. He emphasized that the FIA's assessment only considers the internal combustion engine and not the battery performance, suggesting that Red Bull may excel in one area while lagging in another. Ongoing discussions with the FIA aim to clarify these performance metrics.
Sat 12 Sep · 09:07 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star Charles Leclerc makes big admission after Lewis Hamilton peace talksCharles Leclerc has taken full accountability for his collision with Lewis Hamilton during the Italian Grand Prix, which led to Hamilton losing positions early in the race. Following the incident, both drivers engaged in discussions with Ferrari management to address the situation and maintain team harmony.
Leclerc expressed his respect for Hamilton and acknowledged that their competitive nature sometimes leads to conflicts on the track. After the crash, Leclerc was monitored for any injuries but confirmed he was fit to compete in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
Sat 12 Sep · 08:15 UTC
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.Williams, Horner caught in awkward timing controversiesWilliams has faced criticism for unveiling a retro livery during the Madrid GP weekend, which references their 1981 success but is sensitive due to its connection with a sponsor from that era. The timing of the reveal coincided with the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, prompting concerns from commentators about appropriateness.
Additionally, Christian Horner's upcoming autobiography has stirred controversy within Red Bull due to its release date, which aligns with the anniversary of Mateschitz's death. While Horner's camp denies any intentionality behind the date, Red Bull remains skeptical and views it as disrespectful, especially given the book's content regarding Horner's dismissal.
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.comAlex Albon admits Carlos Sainz has ‘surprised’ him with one ‘impressive’ quality at WilliamsAlex Albon has expressed admiration for his teammate Carlos Sainz, highlighting Sainz's technical understanding and impressive work ethic. Albon believes that Sainz's experience and intelligence are beneficial for their team, especially given their current challenges in the 2026 season.
Despite a tough season for both drivers, Sainz remains committed to Williams and aims to help the team grow. With only 11 points scored this season, Sainz's contributions are crucial as they head into the upcoming Madrid Grand Prix.
Fri 11 Sep · 19:00 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 UTCPage 18 of 61
