News1215 stories

RSS ↗
McLarenRB F1 TeamRed Bull
Sort
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 UTCvia 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 UTCvia 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 UTCvia 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 UTCvia Formula1.comTsunoda reviews Madrid outing after sustaining 'big damage'Yuki Tsunoda had a challenging outing at the Spanish Grand Prix, finishing in 14th place after a collision with Carlos Sainz at the first corner left his car damaged. This incident hindered his ability to make any progress during the race, which could potentially mark his final appearance in Formula 1. Tsunoda had shown promise earlier in the weekend, qualifying 15th and finishing FP2 in eighth, but the race did not go as planned due to the early contact and subsequent handling issues with his car. Despite the difficulties, Tsunoda noted that he found some pace after Sainz's pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car, but the damage made overtaking nearly impossible. He expressed disappointment with his performance, stating that he struggled with grip throughout the weekend and that the issues worsened as the event progressed. Tsunoda's teammate, Arvid Lindblad, managed to finish in ninth place, highlighting the contrasting fortunes for the Racing Bulls team.Tue 15 Sep · 14:15 UTCvia 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 UTCvia 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 UTCvia 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 UTCvia gpfans.comRed Bull F1 star mocked for shockingly low hazard perception score in driving testArvid Lindblad, a young driver for Red Bull, recently completed his UK driving theory test, achieving a score of 46 out of 50 in the multiple choice section. However, his performance in the hazard perception part was notably poor, where he scored only 52 out of 75, raising eyebrows and prompting mockery on social media. Lindblad, who debuted as a full driver in 2026 at the age of 18, is required to pass a practical driving test within the next two years to obtain his full UK driving license. Despite his success in Formula 1, Lindblad's low hazard perception score has led to criticism from online users, with many expressing disbelief that a professional driver could perform so poorly. The test included video clips designed to assess a driver's ability to recognize potential hazards on the road, and Lindblad's score included a zero on one of the clips. As he continues his career in motorsport, the young driver will need to improve his awareness on the road to meet the requirements for his driving license.Tue 15 Sep · 10:57 UTCvia Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli's Spanish GP win will still "sting", says James HinchcliffeKimi Antonelli secured his eighth victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Spanish Grand Prix, held on September 15, 2026. His win at the Madring circuit allowed him to extend his championship lead to 81 points over teammate George Russell. The race was notably affected by a virtual safety car that Antonelli capitalized on, allowing him to take a cheaper pit stop compared to Lando Norris, who had started from pole position and initially led the race. Despite his victory, former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe remarked that Antonelli would feel a 'sting' knowing that Norris had the faster car throughout the race. Hinchcliffe highlighted that even successful drivers can feel frustrated when they are not the quickest on the track, suggesting that Antonelli's win was a mix of good fortune and his driving skills. This commentary reflects the competitive nature of Formula 1, where drivers strive not only for victory but also for the title of being the best on the day.Tue 15 Sep · 08:00 UTCvia F1iLando Norris enjoys McLaren Hypercar outing after SpainFollowing a disappointing performance at the Spanish Grand Prix, Lando Norris quickly shifted his focus to a special outing with McLaren. He participated in a rare non-F1 test, exploring Hypercar machinery and expressing interest in future endurance racing opportunities.Tue 15 Sep · 07:17 UTCvia f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson shares what he found ‘really disappointing’ at Spanish GP despite strong resultLiam Lawson had a strong performance at the Spanish Grand Prix, achieving his best finish of sixth place for Red Bull Racing. Despite this accomplishment, he expressed disappointment with his qualifying results, feeling he could have performed better. Lawson's race included a notable overtake on Franco Colapinto, which contradicted expectations of limited overtaking opportunities during the event. This race marked Lawson's third outing for Red Bull in 2026, stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar. He had previously finished seventh at Zandvoort and faced challenges at Monza. Looking ahead, Lawson is preparing for the upcoming Baku race, where he will work with both Red Bull and Racing Bulls cars, while Hadjar's potential return remains uncertain.Tue 15 Sep · 06:00 UTCvia the-race.comBad luck or mistake? What really robbed Norris of Spanish GP winLando Norris was in a strong position to win the Spanish Grand Prix until the timing of a virtual safety car (VSC) severely impacted his race strategy. After Lance Stroll's car stopped on the track, the VSC was deployed just as Norris was past the pit entry, preventing him from making a timely pit stop. This allowed Kimi Antonelli, who was further back, to pit and gain a significant advantage, ultimately leading to Norris finishing in third place behind Antonelli and Max Verstappen. McLaren is now analyzing the situation to determine if they could have better anticipated the VSC or if they should have made different strategic decisions regarding Norris's pit stop. Despite their strong pace during the race, the team's inability to react effectively to the VSC timing and the subsequent tyre strategy led to a missed opportunity for victory. The team is considering whether they could have predicted the VSC based on the circumstances surrounding Stroll's car and the track conditions.Tue 15 Sep · 04:10 UTCWikimedia Commons · Yu Chu Chin · CC BY-SA 4.0RUMOURHadjar injury may be more serious than first thoughtSep.15 (GMM) Isack Hadjar is now in danger of missing a fourth consecutive Formula 1 race, with new reports suggesting his wrist injury may be more serious than the initially reported hairline fracture. There is now speculation that tendon damage may also be involved, which would help explain why Red Bull has continued to delay…Tue 15 Sep · 03:53 UTCvia f1technical.netRacing Bulls reveal what cost Tsunoda "at least half a second per lap" in MadridRacing Bulls came away from the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid with another points finish for Arvid Lindblad, as the rookie secured ninth place in a difficult race dominated by strategy and track position.Tue 15 Sep · 03:00 UTCvia f1technical.net"There was nothing I could do'" claims Norris as he reflects on his painful Madring raceLando Norris believes McLaren deserved victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid after a perfectly timed Virtual Safety Car and a slow pit stop turned a dominant-looking race into a frustrating podium finish.Mon 14 Sep · 23:00 UTCvia f1technical.netMekies opens up on "painful" moment in Madrd raceRed Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised Max Verstappen for extracting “absolutely everything” from the RB22 after the Dutchman secured second place at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.Mon 14 Sep · 23:00 UTCvia f1oversteer.comMartin Brundle and Nico Rosberg won’t accept McLaren explanation for Oscar Piastri’s drop-offMcLaren has cited Oscar Piastri's driving style as a key factor in his disappointing performance during the 2026 season, where he has only managed two podium finishes in the first 14 races. Team principal Andrea Stella mentioned that Piastri struggles with the MCL40 due to reduced downforce, which has made the car more challenging to handle. This situation contrasts sharply with his successful 2025 season, where he won seven races and was a strong contender for the championship. Former drivers Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg have expressed skepticism regarding McLaren's explanation. Brundle emphasized the importance of adaptability in F1, while Rosberg argued that top drivers must be versatile to succeed. Both commentators noted that Piastri's smooth driving style may not be suited to the current car dynamics, which require a more aggressive approach. Meanwhile, Lando Norris's improved performance has shifted the team dynamics, further highlighting Piastri's struggles.Mon 14 Sep · 20:00 UTCvia f1oversteer.comDavid Croft reveals how Racing Bulls staff feel about Yuki Tsunoda compared to Liam LawsonRacing Bulls have expressed a preference for Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda, particularly following Lawson's recent performances while substituting for Isack Hadjar. Tsunoda, who returned to the team, managed to score a point at Monza but struggled at the Spanish Grand Prix, finishing in 14th place due to damage from an early collision. The team believes that Lawson's abilities could enhance their chances of finishing in the top five of the constructors' championship for the first time. David Croft highlighted that Lawson's time with Red Bull might be concluding, as Racing Bulls would like him back soon. The article notes that Lawson and Tsunoda were previously in competition for the Racing Bulls seat, with Lawson's selection costing Tsunoda his position in F1. Despite Tsunoda's past success in scoring more points as a teammate, the current sentiment within Racing Bulls favors Lawson's driving capabilities.Mon 14 Sep · 19:00 UTCvia grandprix.comVerstappen says he seriously considered quitting F1Max Verstappen revealed that he contemplated leaving Formula 1 before deciding to extend his contract with Red Bull until 2030. His previous deal was set to last until 2028, and he clarified that his decision was not about switching teams but rather about potentially exiting the sport altogether. Despite facing challenges with the new regulations, Verstappen expressed that he still enjoys racing and believes the team is making progress. At 28 years old and already a four-time world champion, Verstappen feels no pressure to prove himself further. He emphasized that his continued participation in Formula 1 hinges on his enjoyment of the sport, rather than chasing statistics. The extension of his contract secures his immediate future, but he has not committed to a retirement timeline, leaving the door open for his career to evolve based on his satisfaction with racing.Mon 14 Sep · 18:52 UTCvia Formula1.comNorris' Madring misery creates Baku betting valueLando Norris, a prominent driver for McLaren, has recently encountered challenges during the Madring event, which has led to a shift in the betting markets for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. His performance has drawn attention, prompting bookmakers to adjust their odds in response to his recent struggles on the track. As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix approaches, Norris' difficulties have sparked discussions among bettors and analysts regarding his potential as a contender. Despite the setbacks, there remains a belief in his capabilities, and the betting landscape reflects a mix of optimism and caution regarding his chances in the race.Mon 14 Sep · 18:46 UTCvia AutosportLando Norris completes test in McLaren HypercarLando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 champion, has completed his first full test in the McLaren MCL-HY Le Mans Hypercar. The test took place at the Portimao circuit following the recent Spanish Grand Prix.Mon 14 Sep · 18:29 UTCvia Motorsport.comMcLaren reflects on missed victory in Spanish Grand PrixMcLaren expressed disappointment after Lando Norris's pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix was undermined by an ill-timed Virtual Safety Car. The team acknowledged that factors beyond their control contributed to their inability to secure the win despite showing strong pace.Mon 14 Sep · 14:03 UTCvia thejudge13.comHadjar faces final fitness test from Red Bull before BakuRed Bull Racing is set to make a decision regarding Isack Hadjar's fitness to race at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after he missed three races due to a wrist injury. Team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that a final medical examination will take place the week before the event, and the team is focused on allowing Hadjar's recovery to progress without rushing the process. If Hadjar is unable to compete, Liam Lawson is expected to continue as his replacement, having performed well in recent races. The points battle has tightened during Hadjar's absence, with only 12 points separating him from Lawson in the championship standings. Red Bull is prioritizing Hadjar's health over the championship implications as they await the outcome of his fitness test.Mon 14 Sep · 11:38 UTC