News564 stories
RSS ↗
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton disagrees with Ferrari about F1 title chances ahead of the Dutch Grand PrixAhead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari have differing views on his chances for the 2026 F1 title. Despite being 50 points behind Kimi Antonelli, Hamilton remains optimistic about his ability to compete for the championship, while Ferrari believes the constructors' title is a more achievable goal for him. Both drivers are set to receive a new floor upgrade at the upcoming race, which could enhance their performance on the challenging Zandvoort circuit.
Hamilton's confidence is bolstered by Ferrari's planned upgrades, including a new engine specification to be introduced at Monza. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, who is 31 points behind Hamilton, has shown inconsistency despite recent successes. The article highlights the competitive landscape of the season, with Mercedes also recognizing Ferrari's advancements in performance.
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc expectant of major F1 ‘reshuffle’ at F1 Dutch GPCharles Leclerc is optimistic about the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, anticipating a reshuffle in the competitive order despite Ferrari's historical struggles at Zandvoort. He reflects on his challenging experience from the previous year, where he retired due to a collision, but notes the positive changes in both his performance and that of his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who now leads the championship.
With rain expected during the race weekend, Leclerc acknowledges the uncertainty of how the weather will affect the performance of the cars. He believes that the new regulations may allow for a more competitive showing from Ferrari, particularly on technical tracks like Zandvoort. Leclerc remains hopeful but recognizes the challenges ahead, especially with the unpredictable weather conditions.
via RacingNews365New Cadillac boss addresses Ferrari partnership as 'discussions' plannedCadillac F1 Team has appointed Marcin Budkowski as its new team principal, following the unexpected departure of Graeme Lowdon. Budkowski, who has extensive experience in Formula 1, plans to engage in discussions with partners, including Ferrari, during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. He expressed contentment with the current power unit supplied by Ferrari but also highlighted Cadillac's ambition to eventually develop its own engine.
Budkowski's transition to team principal marks his first leadership role in F1 after a stint as a TV pundit. He aims to understand the future direction of the team, particularly concerning engine regulations, as Cadillac seeks to establish itself more firmly in the sport. The leadership change comes at a crucial time as the team prepares for its ongoing development and competitive strategy.
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton and Ferrari called out by former F1 driver for "pretty sloppy" errorsFormer F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has called out Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton for failing to capitalize on Mercedes' vulnerabilities, particularly highlighting a series of costly mistakes. Palmer noted that despite Kimi Antonelli's reliability issues, Ferrari has missed key opportunities to close the gap in the championship standings, which currently sees Antonelli leading Hamilton by 50 points with 12 races left in the season.
Palmer specifically mentioned penalties incurred by Hamilton, including a jump start and an early pit lane speed limiter release, as examples of 'sloppy' errors that could have affected their performance. While he praised Hamilton's driving skills, he suggested that a lack of concentration may be contributing to these mistakes. Palmer emphasized the need for Ferrari to maximize their points if they hope to compete for the championship title.
via f1oversteer.comHaas now set to offer Jack Doohan ‘audition’ for 2027 F1 seat amid Esteban Ocon uncertaintyIn addition to Doohan, Haas is evaluating other drivers, including McLaren's Leonardo Fornaroli and Ferrari's Rafael Camara, for the same seat. Fornaroli has a strong background, having won consecutive titles in F3 and F2, while Camara is a rookie currently competing in F2. The competition for the 2027 seat is intense, and Haas is considering multiple candidates before making a final decision.
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton Expected to Extend Contract with Ferrari Until 2027Lewis Hamilton is anticipated to extend his contract with Ferrari through 2027. An official announcement regarding the extension may be made before the upcoming Monza race.
via Formula1.comWho is the latest Brazilian prodigy eyeing a place in F1?Rafael Camara, a promising Brazilian driver and member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, is making waves in the motorsport world as he aims for a spot in Formula 1. Born in Recife, he began his racing career in karting at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, achieving significant success in various championships, including winning the F3 title in 2025 and currently competing in Formula 2.
Camara's impressive performance includes multiple pole positions and victories in F2, showcasing his raw speed and ability to handle pressure. His journey reflects a blend of talent and determination, making him a notable contender for future opportunities in Formula 1 as teams finalize their line-ups for 2027.
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton Praises New Ferrari Engineer Carlo SantiLewis Hamilton has expressed admiration for Carlo Santi, Ferrari's new race engineer, referring to him as his 'Italian Bono.' This comes as Ferrari aims for a stronger performance in the 2026 season following challenges in the previous year.
via RacingNews365Ferrari and McLaren to launch attack on Mercedes at ZandvoortFerrari and McLaren are set to enhance their performance at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, with both teams introducing significant upgrades. Ferrari will debut a new floor for the SF-26, aimed at increasing downforce and improving competitiveness on twisty circuits. This upgrade follows a thorough analysis of their performance data from previous races, leading to a swift decision to develop and produce the new components ahead of the race weekend. Additionally, an updated power unit is planned for Monza, featuring a larger turbine to boost engine performance on straights, although a complete performance gap closure with rivals is not expected until 2027.
McLaren is also making strides with a new floor for the MCL40, which completes a development package initiated in Hungary. The team has identified weaknesses in their car's design that cannot be altered mid-season, but they remain optimistic that recent updates will help unlock the car's potential. Both teams are focusing on maximizing their capabilities as they aim to challenge Mercedes in the latter half of the season, with Ferrari particularly confident in their development and production capabilities.
via f1oversteer.comHamilton Discusses Ferrari's Challenge Against Mercedes in 2026Lewis Hamilton has expressed his hopes for Ferrari's performance as they aim to compete with Mercedes in the latter part of the 2026 season. Ferrari is reportedly optimistic about their recent upgrades and their potential impact on the championship race.
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner "wouldn't discount" F1-MotoGP double-header within five yearsGuenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 team principal, expressed optimism about the possibility of a combined Formula 1 and MotoGP race weekend occurring within the next five years. He highlighted Silverstone as a suitable venue and mentioned that other circuits could also host such an event. Steiner shared his thoughts during an appearance on the Up To Speed podcast, emphasizing the potential excitement of a one-off race celebrating a significant milestone in motorsport.
Despite his enthusiasm, Steiner recognized the logistical challenges and calendar conflicts that currently hinder such collaboration. He noted that while it may not happen in the immediate future, the idea remains viable, especially following Liberty Media's acquisition of MotoGP, which has sparked increased interest in joint events between the two racing series.
via gpfans.comF1 boss reveals team 'not informed' about Ferrari test at brand new trackAndrea Stella, the McLaren team boss, revealed that he was not informed about Ferrari's recent test at the Madring circuit, where they were the first team to run their cars. The test took place last month, allowing Ferrari to gather initial data while adhering to the 200km limit for filming days. Stella noted that the track conditions were not ideal, describing the surface as slippery since it was still under construction, and emphasized that the tyres used were not representative of those used in races.
Despite the surprise of Ferrari's test, Stella downplayed its importance, stating that it did not violate any regulations. He acknowledged that Ferrari shared footage with other teams, which helped level the playing field. Stella concluded that while the test might provide some insights, it would not significantly impact their preparations for the upcoming race weekend.
via Motorsport.comF1 Confirms Pre-Start Procedure Will Continue Despite Safety ConcernsThe FIA has stated that the pre-start procedure will remain in place for the upcoming seasons, despite declaring that safety issues have been resolved. This decision follows discussions among teams regarding the challenges faced during practice starts in Bahrain.
via AutosportF1 Teams Debate Start Procedure Changes for 2027 SeasonThe Formula 1 paddock is currently engaged in discussions regarding the start procedure for the 2027 season. Concerns arose after problematic practice starts during winter testing in Bahrain, prompting teams to seek potential adjustments.
via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur warns Ferrari may have to make ‘unpopular’ team orders decisionFerrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, has stated that the team may need to implement 'unpopular' team orders to enhance their chances in the championship race against Mercedes. As the season resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton is positioned second in the standings, while Charles Leclerc is fourth, and both drivers may need to adjust their individual ambitions for the benefit of the team. Vasseur has warned that team orders could become necessary as the season progresses, especially with the introduction of a new engine upgrade planned for the Italian Grand Prix.
Currently, Ferrari is trailing Mercedes by 72 points in the constructors' championship, but they remain confident in their ability to compete. Leclerc has recently shown improved performance, outscoring Hamilton in the last three races, which complicates the dynamics within the team. Vasseur's comments reflect a strategic approach to ensure that Ferrari maximizes its potential in both the drivers' and constructors' championships as the season unfolds.
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton Discusses Positive Changes with Ferrari for 2026 SeasonLewis Hamilton has expressed a renewed sense of purpose upon returning to Ferrari for the 2026 Formula 1 season. He attributes his recent success to a collaborative effort with the team, which he believes has significantly contributed to his performance.
via thejudge13.comBarretto predicts major 2027 F1 driver-market surprise with almost no changesLawrence Barretto forecasts that the 2027 Formula 1 driver grid will largely mirror the current lineup, with Haas likely making the only significant change by replacing Esteban Ocon. Ollie Bearman is expected to keep his seat, while Rafael Camara is in contention for the second seat, ahead of Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli. Most other teams, including Alpine and Williams, are anticipated to retain their current drivers despite ongoing speculation about their futures.
The article highlights the uncertainty surrounding key figures like Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen, with Alonso's potential departure from Aston Martin being the most significant factor that could alter the driver market. Verstappen's contract with Red Bull extends until 2028, which may limit his movement options. Overall, Barretto's analysis suggests a stable driver market for 2027, with more rumors than actual changes expected.
via Formula1.comPalmer indicates what Ferrari must do for chance at titleIn a recent episode of the F1 Nation podcast, Jolyon Palmer analyzed Ferrari's chances of remaining competitive in the championship race. He highlighted the importance of addressing errors that have hindered the team's performance, especially as they trail Mercedes by a significant margin in the standings. Palmer pointed out that despite some recent gains due to Kimi Antonelli's misfortunes, Ferrari has not capitalized on these opportunities effectively.
Palmer and fellow analyst James Hinchcliffe agreed that for Ferrari to close the gap, they must eliminate mistakes and maintain pressure on Antonelli. With the second half of the season approaching, both analysts stressed the need for Ferrari to be at their best to challenge for the title, as the dynamics of the championship could shift if Antonelli's lead diminishes.
via Motorsport.comCadillac Begins Assembling F1 Team Ahead of 2026 EntryCadillac is in the process of forming its Formula 1 team as it prepares for its debut in 2026. The brand has already started searching for key personnel, including a race team manager.
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer was amazed by what he saw when he dug into Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari dataLewis Hamilton has shown significant improvement in the 2026 Formula 1 season, currently leading Charles Leclerc by 31 points after a challenging previous year where he finished 86 points behind. Jolyon Palmer highlighted Hamilton's three-tenths gain in performance compared to Leclerc, marking a remarkable turnaround in their head-to-head battles this season.
The changes in car regulations have favored Hamilton's driving style, with reduced downforce levels making the cars more agile. Additionally, Hamilton's collaboration with a new engineer and a more positive off-track demeanor have contributed to his resurgence, as noted by Ferrari's team principal and his brother.Page 21 of 29