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via 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 UTC
via 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 UTC
via 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 UTC
via PlanetF1Aston Martin struggles with just three points in 2026Aston Martin has managed to secure only three points in the 2026 Formula 1 season, marking a disappointing start for the team. Adrian Newey's influence on the design has not yielded the expected results, leaving Aston Martin at the bottom of the championship standings.
+ 1 moreMon 21 Sep · 05:12 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson’s Red Bull call-up proves Arvid Lindblad’s manager was wrong about himLiam Lawson's recent performances for Red Bull have raised questions about the assessment made by Arvid Lindblad's manager, Oliver Rowland, who previously described Lawson as a benchmark for Lindblad's development. Lawson has scored 14 points in his three races, while Isack Hadjar, who is recovering from injury, is aiming to return for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has stated that Hadjar will not return until he is fully fit.
Max Verstappen has highlighted the immediate competitiveness of both Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in their stand-in roles, attributing it to the current car regulations. While Lawson was initially seen as a mentor for Lindblad, his consistent performance this season suggests he is a serious contender for a permanent seat at Red Bull, rather than just a benchmark for Lindblad's progress.
Sun 20 Sep · 19:30 UTC
via 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 UTC
via PlanetF1Verstappen feedback sparks Red Bull RB22 investigation, Newey team radio reaction – roundupMax Verstappen's complaints regarding car degradation with the RB22 have prompted an investigation by Red Bull, which has confirmed that the issue will not be resolved before the end of the 2026 season. Verstappen expressed concerns about the car's rear components after qualifying in Hungary, stating that he could not attack kerbs as aggressively as he wished. Team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged the complexity of the issue and noted that while progress has been made, not all solutions are in place yet.
In other news, Aston Martin's Enrico Cardile highlighted the significance of a recent team radio exchange between Adrian Newey and Fernando Alonso, who praised the upgraded AMR26 after achieving the team's best result of the season. Meanwhile, Toto Wolff expressed support for the FIA's initiative to help Alonso and Honda improve their competitiveness. Additionally, Kimi Antonelli is leading the championship race, and Sebastian Vettel welcomed the possibility of Antonelli breaking his record as the youngest world champion.Sun 20 Sep · 15:56 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari 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 UTC
via 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 UTC
via 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.
+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen cracks joke after Red Bull make headline signingMax Verstappen recently made a lighthearted comment regarding his future at Red Bull following the team's announcement of signing Robin Raikkonen to their junior program for the 2027 season. Raikkonen, the son of former F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, is currently competing in karting and will receive support from Red Bull as he progresses in his racing career.
During a media interaction, Verstappen shared that he had a brief conversation with Kimi and Robin Raikkonen before the Italian Grand Prix. He humorously suggested that he might need to step aside to make room for the young driver in the team. Verstappen's comments reflect the competitive nature of F1 and the ongoing interest in the development of new talent within the sport.Sun 20 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via Formula1.comWhen Star Wars took over Formula 1The article explores the unique intersections between the worlds of Star Wars and Formula 1, particularly highlighting events leading up to the opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. It recounts memorable moments when Star Wars characters and themes were integrated into F1 events, such as Red Bull Racing's special livery in 2005 and George Lucas's appearances at various races.
In 2005, Red Bull Racing transformed their cars to promote Star Wars: Episode III, creating a spectacle in Monaco with themed costumes and characters. Lucas continued to engage with F1, notably joining the podium at the 2015 Monza Grand Prix. The collaboration between Renault and Star Wars in 2017 marked another significant crossover, celebrating both franchises' anniversaries, although the on-track results for Renault were less favorable.
Sun 20 Sep · 09:05 UTC
via 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.
+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff has now changed his mind about giving Aston Martin Mercedes enginesToto Wolff has changed his stance regarding Aston Martin's engine supply, indicating that Mercedes is no longer interested in continuing their partnership. Lawrence Stroll, the owner of Aston Martin, has been in discussions with both Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains as he seeks alternative engine suppliers due to ongoing performance issues with their current Honda engine. Despite Mercedes' past willingness to supply engines, Wolff emphasized that Aston Martin's shift towards becoming a works team with Honda led to the end of their collaboration.
Stroll's efforts to negotiate with other manufacturers have not yielded positive results, as Red Bull has not expressed interest in a deal. Additionally, under current regulations, Audi would be the designated supplier for Aston Martin, but their engine performance is also lacking. In a related development, Honda is making significant changes to its leadership in response to the performance concerns, which could indicate a shift in their approach to F1 engine development.Sun 20 Sep · 07:30 UTC
via 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 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull issue FIA response as Kimi Antonelli shares unique dream - RacingNews365 ReviewRed Bull Racing's boss Laurent Mekies has stated that the team is open to discussions about the future of the ADUO regulations, following a proposal from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem aimed at supporting Honda's involvement in Formula 1. This response indicates Red Bull's proactive stance in engaging with regulatory changes that could impact the sport's landscape.
In addition to the regulatory discussions, Kimi Antonelli shared his aspirations to achieve a level of fan support similar to that of Valentino Rossi. Meanwhile, Lando Norris has made a significant decision by appointing Rene Rosin to lead his new junior racing team, LN4 Fusion. Sergio Perez is hopeful about the introduction of a new Ferrari engine at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Sebastian Vettel has weighed in on the ongoing criticism regarding the new cars introduced this season.Sat 19 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via 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 UTC
via 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 UTC
via 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 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull's master move revealed to get Max Verstappen to sign a new F1 dealMax Verstappen has secured a contract extension with Red Bull Racing that will keep him with the team until 2030. A significant factor in this decision was the freedom to explore other racing categories, particularly prestigious endurance events like Le Mans and Daytona. Verstappen has expressed a strong interest in these races, having previously participated in the 24-hour Nurburgring, where he had a thrilling experience despite a mechanical failure that ended his race early.
While Verstappen is eager to expand his racing portfolio, he emphasizes that any participation in additional events will depend on his Formula 1 commitments and the competitiveness of the field. He is particularly keen on ensuring that his schedule allows for these ventures without conflicting with his primary obligations in F1. The 2027 race calendars for both Le Mans and Daytona align well with his F1 schedule, providing a potential opportunity for him to compete in these iconic endurance races.Sat 19 Sep · 13:57 UTCPage 19 of 66