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via RacingNews365Toto Wolff confirms Spanish GP talks with FIA as change beckonsToto Wolff has confirmed that discussions are underway between the Spanish Grand Prix organizers and the FIA to address the criticisms directed at the Madring circuit following its debut race. The event was marred by a lack of overtaking, with only four significant passes occurring during the race, leading to dissatisfaction among drivers and fans alike. Wolff noted that while the qualifying session was exciting, the race itself was largely processional due to the track's design, which features tight corners that hinder overtaking opportunities.
Drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen voiced their concerns about the track layout, emphasizing that the combination of braking and steering in certain sections makes overtaking nearly impossible. Wolff mentioned that the circuit's CEO is receptive to feedback and is already in talks with the FIA about potential changes to improve the layout for future races. He expressed optimism about enhancing the overall experience at the venue, aiming for a more competitive and engaging race environment.
Wed 16 Sep · 05:15 UTC
via PlanetF1Ferrari knew of Hamilton's brake issue before Spanish GPFerrari was aware of Lewis Hamilton's brake problem prior to the start of the Spanish Grand Prix, which ultimately led to his retirement from the race. The team is now conducting an investigation into the reliability of their brake system.
+ 2 moreWed 16 Sep · 05:01 UTC
via f1chronicle.comLewis Hamilton Concedes There Is No Stopping Kimi Antonelli as His Ferrari Title Hopes FadeLewis Hamilton faced a setback at the Spanish Grand Prix, retiring early due to a brake issue, which has left him significantly behind Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. After Antonelli secured his eighth victory of the season, Hamilton acknowledged that there seems to be no stopping Antonelli and Mercedes this year, marking a rare moment of surrender from the seven-time champion. Hamilton's retirement dropped him to 101 points behind Antonelli, who is now on track to potentially become the youngest World Champion in Formula 1 history.
Despite the growing gap in points, Antonelli remains focused on taking the season one race at a time, refusing to let the title prospects distract him. Hamilton, on the other hand, now shifts his focus to salvaging his season with Ferrari, as he grapples with the reality of his championship hopes fading. The next race in Baku presents an opportunity for Hamilton to recover, but the significant points deficit will require a strong comeback in the remaining races.
via f1chronicle.comFerrari Boss Fred Vasseur Insists ‘The Potential Is There’ for a Win After Charles Leclerc’s Bold Madrid GambleFerrari's team principal Fred Vasseur expressed confidence in the team's potential for victory following the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, where Charles Leclerc finished fourth after a bold strategy. Leclerc gambled on a single set of hard tyres for nearly 50 laps, hoping for a second caution that could have allowed him to pit without losing time. Despite his strong pace throughout the race, he ultimately fell short of a podium finish, crossing the line 29.116 seconds behind winner Kimi Antonelli.
Vasseur noted that the team's strategy was sound, but the absence of a second caution period hindered their chances. He emphasized that Leclerc's performance showcased Ferrari's capability to compete with the front-runners, despite Hamilton's early retirement due to brake issues. As the team prepares for the next race in Baku, Vasseur remains optimistic that a full race without incidents could finally yield the results that reflect their pace.
via gpfans.comF1 star issues Zak Brown apology after getting it badly wrong about Oscar PiastriRomain Grosjean has publicly apologized to Zak Brown after mistakenly misquoting the McLaren CEO regarding Oscar Piastri's performance. Grosjean's initial comments suggested that Brown had criticized Piastri as being slower than his teammate Lando Norris, which caused a stir online. However, Brown's actual remarks indicated that Piastri was competitive but did not achieve the same lap time as Norris during qualifying.
Oscar Piastri, who is currently experiencing a challenging season, sits seventh in the Drivers' standings, significantly trailing Norris. Following a disappointing eighth-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, Grosjean quickly retracted his comments and expressed regret for the misunderstanding, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment for drivers within the McLaren team.
Tue 15 Sep · 20:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies disagrees with Max Verstappen’s verdict on the Madring after Spanish Grand PrixThe Madring circuit received significant criticism during its inaugural Spanish Grand Prix, with many drivers expressing concerns about its layout and overtaking opportunities. Max Verstappen labeled the track a 'car killer' and noted the challenges it posed, while Nico Rosberg highlighted the lack of exciting racing. Despite these issues, Liam Lawson managed to execute a notable overtaking maneuver, but the race was largely seen as uneventful, with Kimi Antonelli taking the victory ahead of Verstappen.
In contrast to Verstappen's negative view, Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, expressed optimism about the Madring's potential to become an iconic race in Formula 1. He commended the event's organization and the circuit's diverse layout, suggesting that it has the elements necessary for a memorable race. Mekies believes that with further improvements, the Madring could evolve into a significant venue in the F1 calendar.
Tue 15 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri’s McLaren engineer admits he had an ‘impossible’ problem at the Spanish Grand PrixOscar Piastri had a challenging race at the Spanish Grand Prix, starting with a collision with George Russell that damaged his front-left endplate. Despite qualifying in seventh place, the damage hindered his performance, and McLaren was unable to make necessary repairs during the race. Piastri struggled with overtaking opportunities due to the track's design, ultimately finishing in eighth place while teammate Lando Norris managed to secure third despite facing his own difficulties with pit timing.
Piastri's race engineer, Tom Stallard, noted the difficulties of overtaking and the impact of the damage on Piastri's performance. After the race, Piastri expressed his frustration but also highlighted the importance of learning from the experience. Moving forward, McLaren plans to focus on providing more support to Piastri as he continues to adapt and improve in the upcoming races.Tue 15 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Lawson makes Red Bull deadline claim ahead of big Baku decisionLiam Lawson is currently in a holding pattern regarding his participation in the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as his potential race seat depends on Isack Hadjar's recovery from a wrist injury. Hadjar has missed three races, and while Lawson has performed well in his absence, scoring points in two of his three races, the Red Bull team is cautious about rushing Hadjar back into the car. Team principal Laurent Mekies emphasized that Hadjar's recovery is progressing as planned, and they will take the necessary time to evaluate his fitness before making a decision.
Lawson has expressed the difficulties of preparing for two different cars, as he awaits clarity on whether he will race for Red Bull or Racing Bulls. He has noted that while he feels comfortable in the RB22, switching back to the VCARB03 would be challenging due to the differences between the two vehicles. Despite the uncertainty, Lawson remains optimistic about his performance and the speed of the Red Bull car, indicating that he has had positive experiences during his recent races.Tue 15 Sep · 18:01 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRed Bull praises Liam Lawson as 2027 seat decision nearsRed Bull is currently assessing its driver lineup for the 2027 season, with Liam Lawson's future under consideration. Lawson has garnered significant praise from the team for his recent performances while substituting for an injured teammate.+ 2 moreTue 15 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekFerrari boss handed surprise Lewis Hamilton radio claim after Madring practice shuntDuring the final practice session for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton crashed his SF-26 and was reluctant to follow his engineer's instructions to park the car. After being asked multiple times to stop, Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur had to step in and directly tell Hamilton to cease driving, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. This intervention was not broadcasted live, highlighting the behind-the-scenes dynamics of team communication during critical moments.
Hamilton's race on Sunday was equally challenging, as he retired due to persistent brake issues. Despite his insistence that he could manage the situation, he ultimately admitted to having difficulty stopping the car. This incident has raised concerns among commentators and fans alike, as Hamilton's decision to remain on track could have led to dangerous consequences. His retirement from the race has significantly affected his pursuit of an eighth World Championship title.
Tue 15 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comSimon Lazenby reminds Nico Rosberg of what he said about Lewis Hamilton’s ‘age’ last yearNico Rosberg has acknowledged that Lewis Hamilton has regained his qualifying pace this season, countering his previous doubts expressed in May 2025. At that time, Rosberg questioned whether Hamilton still possessed the ultimate speed, suggesting that age might be a factor. However, Hamilton is currently tied with Charles Leclerc in qualifying performances for the 2026 season, a significant turnaround from last year's results where he lost decisively to Leclerc.
During a discussion on Sky Sports F1, Rosberg noted Hamilton's impressive performance this year, stating that he is driving at his best and putting pressure on Leclerc. Hamilton's qualifying pace has improved significantly, and he is now the third-quickest driver in qualifying this year. Despite facing challenges, including a mechanical failure, Hamilton maintains a 24-point lead over Leclerc in the standings, showcasing his resilience and skill as a veteran driver.Tue 15 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via F1iPiastri salvages silver ling despite Madrid miseryOscar Piastri faced a difficult race at the Spanish Grand Prix, finishing in eighth place after sustaining front wing damage on the first lap due to contact with George Russell. Starting on hard compound tyres, Piastri found himself stuck in traffic, which hindered his ability to make progress on the tight circuit. The deployment of the Virtual Safety Car further complicated his strategy, as it allowed other drivers to pit for fresh tyres at a crucial moment.
Despite the challenges, Piastri managed to salvage some points and noted that there were positive aspects to take away from the race, particularly during moments when he had clear track ahead. He expressed hope that the data collected would help McLaren improve their setup and strategy for upcoming races, emphasizing the need for a thorough review to address the issues faced during the event.
Tue 15 Sep · 16:27 UTC
via RacingNews365David Coulthard calls Kimi Antonelli a phenomenonKimi Antonelli continues to lead the championship, recently securing his eighth victory of the season in Madrid. Former F1 driver David Coulthard has praised Antonelli's talent, rejecting suggestions that his success is merely due to luck.+ 1 moreTue 15 Sep · 16:10 UTC
via Motorsport.comFerrari to continue developing SF-26 despite challengesFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed that the team will maintain its focus on developing the SF-26 Formula 1 car. This decision comes even as the team's chances for the championship appear to be decreasing.
+ 1 moreTue 15 Sep · 15:49 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris lost Madring F1 win because of impossible overtaking – McLarenLando Norris faced challenges in securing a victory at the Spanish Grand Prix due to difficulties in overtaking at the Madring circuit. Despite starting from pole and initially leading the race, Norris lost crucial time during a pit stop caused by a virtual safety car, which left him unable to close the gap to the leaders. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella highlighted that the slow pit stop did not significantly impact the race outcome, as overtaking proved to be nearly impossible on the track.
The Madring circuit recorded only 10 overtakes during the race, the lowest number for the 2026 season, raising concerns about its design. Stella pointed out that the narrowness of Turn 5 made it particularly difficult for drivers to attempt overtakes, suggesting that modifications may be necessary to enhance racing opportunities in future events. Norris's pace advantage was evident, but without the ability to overtake, he could not regain his lead.Tue 15 Sep · 14:37 UTC
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff reveals Max Verstappen need for 2027 F1 title tiltToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has outlined what Max Verstappen requires to compete for the championship in 2027. Currently, Verstappen is positioned sixth in the drivers' standings, significantly trailing Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship. Wolff noted that while Verstappen is an exceptional driver, he needs a top-performing car and engine to be a contender for the title.
Wolff also addressed the impressive performance of Antonelli, who has secured eight wins this season, including notable victories in Japan and Monza. However, he cautioned against drawing direct comparisons between Antonelli and Verstappen, emphasizing the difference in experience and achievements between the two drivers. Wolff's comments highlight the importance of machinery in determining championship outcomes.Tue 15 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via Formula1.comMekies assesses Lawson's Red Bull stint after MadridLiam Lawson has received commendation from Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies following his impressive performance in the Spanish Grand Prix, where he secured a sixth-place finish. This race marked Lawson's continued stint with Red Bull, filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar, and it follows a seventh-place finish in Zandvoort. Mekies highlighted Lawson's growth as a driver and his ability to adapt to the team's car, contrasting his current success with his earlier struggles in 2025.
During his previous stint with Red Bull, Lawson faced challenges, including poor qualifying results and failure to score points. However, his recent performances have shown significant improvement, with consistent qualifying results and points finishes. Mekies expressed satisfaction with Lawson's calm demeanor and focus, which have contributed to his effective interaction with the team and overall performance. The future of Lawson's role at Red Bull remains uncertain as Hadjar continues to recover from his injury.
Tue 15 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies reveals what Max Verstappen ‘always’ said during Red Bull contract meetingsMax Verstappen has officially extended his contract with Red Bull Racing until 2030, surprising many as he had previously considered options with McLaren and Mercedes. His earlier contract was set to end in 2028, but he had a clause that could have allowed him to leave after the 2026 season. Despite Red Bull's struggles this season, where Verstappen is currently sixth in the standings, he expressed a strong desire to remain with the team during negotiations, according to team principal Laurent Mekies.
Mekies emphasized that Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull was clear from the start of their discussions. While Verstappen was evaluating his options, including the possibility of retirement due to dissatisfaction with the 2026 regulations, he ultimately chose to stay with Red Bull. Mekies acknowledged the responsibility the team has to provide Verstappen with a competitive car, as his main goal remains to win races and championships.Tue 15 Sep · 12:30 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren announce new 'high performance' multi-year partnershipMcLaren Racing has confirmed a new multi-year partnership with SharkNinja, a product design and technology company. This collaboration will span across all four of McLaren's racing operations, including the Formula 1 Team, IndyCar Team, Hypercar Team, and F1 Academy. The partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to innovation, speed, and precision, which are essential in both racing and consumer product design.
As part of the agreement, SharkNinja will be involved in various projects aimed at fan engagement and content creation, particularly during selected F1 race weekends. Additionally, they will join the McLaren Racing Accelerator Programme to leverage the team's engineering expertise for future product development. McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the mutual dedication to pushing technological boundaries and enhancing customer experiences.Tue 15 Sep · 12:24 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes explains George Russell’s two-stop strategy in F1 Spanish GPMercedes has explained the rationale behind George Russell's decision to pit during the virtual safety car at the Spanish Grand Prix. Russell, starting on hard tyres, was the only top driver to deviate from a one-stop strategy. The timing of the VSC, which occurred at the end of lap 14, was particularly challenging for him, as it allowed other drivers on softer tyres to benefit while he was forced to adapt his strategy. Russell's pit stop was aimed at gaining an advantage over Leclerc, who was leading the race on hard tyres.
Despite the strategic move, Russell finished in P5, significantly behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli. He managed to set the fastest lap but acknowledged that overtaking was extremely difficult on the Madring track. After the race, Russell expressed his pragmatic view on the situation, indicating that regardless of the strategy employed, his finishing position was likely predetermined due to the race's circumstances.Tue 15 Sep · 11:37 UTCPage 20 of 91
