News998 stories
RSS ↗
via PlanetF1Stella makes Italian GP admission after Norris McLaren requestLando Norris has expressed concerns regarding the performance of the McLaren MCL40, particularly in low-speed situations, and has requested the team to focus on improvements. Despite recent successes, including back-to-back wins, he does not believe the car is capable of winning the championship without significant enhancements. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, agrees that the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza will be a critical test for the team's capabilities, especially given the track's characteristics that do not favor the MCL40's strengths.
Stella and Norris both recognize the challenges posed by Monza's long straights and braking zones, which are not ideal for their car. While McLaren has shown promise in high-speed circuits, the team needs to confirm their improvements at Monza to maintain optimism for the remainder of the season. The last victory for McLaren at Monza was in 2021, and the team is eager to break that drought while addressing the performance gaps highlighted by Norris.
Thu 3 Sep · 16:17 UTC
via CrashGeorge Russell claims McLaren is the team to beatGeorge Russell has expressed his ambition for Mercedes to reclaim the title of the 'team to beat' in Formula 1. He acknowledges McLaren's current strong performance but remains uncertain about the overall favorites in the ongoing season.
+ 1 moreThu 3 Sep · 15:40 UTC
via Motorsport.comCarlos Sainz makes Venice Film Festival appearance ahead of Italian GPCarlos Sainz made a notable appearance at the 83rd Venice Film Festival as a new ambassador for Giorgio Armani's fragrance line. He walked the red carpet in a stylish ivory dinner jacket and was accompanied by his partner, who also showcased a custom dress by the designer. This event comes just ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where Sainz hopes to improve his performance after a challenging start to the season with the Williams team.
Heading into the Italian GP, Sainz is currently ranked 16th in the drivers' standings, while his team sits ninth in the constructors' standings. He expressed his fondness for the Monza circuit and acknowledged the difficulties posed by the new regulations, particularly regarding energy management and tyre temperatures. Sainz aims to leverage the lessons learned from previous races to achieve a successful weekend at Monza.
Thu 3 Sep · 15:35 UTC
via f1technical.netNorris reveals what he needs from McLaren to feel capable of winningLando Norris has explained in detail what his 2026 McLaren needs to feel like from behind the wheel for him to have the confidence to fight for victory, saying the Dutch Grand Prix demonstrated how dramatically his performance can change when the car gives him the characteristics he wants.
Thu 3 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard points to Aston Martin momentum shift after hitting "rock bottom"David Coulthard has expressed that Aston Martin has reached a low point in their performance during the 2026 Formula 1 season but is beginning to recover. The team, which currently ranks 10th in the constructors' standings with only three points from Fernando Alonso, has faced significant challenges, including car and power unit issues. They have made changes, such as introducing a B-spec car and engine upgrades, in hopes of improving their performance.
Coulthard draws parallels between Aston Martin's struggles and McLaren's past difficulties, suggesting that a turnaround is possible. Naomi Schiff, a co-host on the Up To Speed podcast, emphasized the importance of learning and evolution for the team. Despite a tough start, there are signs of progress, and Alonso's recent performance indicates potential for improvement as they head into future races.Thu 3 Sep · 11:44 UTC
via gpfans.comOscar Piastri to Red Bull is not dead and neither is Max Verstappen dramaThe article discusses the ongoing speculation surrounding Oscar Piastri's future in Formula 1, particularly regarding a potential move to Red Bull. Despite recent rumors linking him to a swap with Max Verstappen, who has signed a lucrative contract extension with Red Bull, Piastri remains a McLaren driver for now. However, the dynamics could change if Verstappen's performance declines, as his new contract may contain similar exit clauses as his previous one.
Furthermore, the article highlights that while the immediate drama has subsided, the possibility of Piastri being replaced by Verstappen in the future remains a significant storyline. With Lando Norris securing his position at McLaren, Piastri's future could be uncertain if Red Bull does not perform well in the coming seasons.
Thu 3 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen misses first practice at MonzaRed Bull Racing encountered difficulties during the opening day of practice at the Italian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen, who missed the first practice session, acknowledged that the team is struggling to achieve the right balance with their car.+ 2 moreThu 3 Sep · 05:50 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren preach caution ahead of F1 season-defining challengeMcLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, has expressed caution ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, highlighting that the characteristics of their MCL40 car that excelled at previous circuits may not translate well to Monza. Lando Norris arrives with momentum from recent victories but acknowledges the car's limitations, particularly in slow-speed corners, which could impact their performance at the upcoming race.
Stella noted that Monza presents a unique challenge due to its low-drag requirements and heavy braking zones. He emphasized the importance of confirming their improvements at this circuit to maintain optimism for the remainder of the season. The team is focused on maximizing their performance one race at a time as they prepare for the demands of Monza.
Thu 3 Sep · 05:25 UTC
via PlanetF1Italian GP predictions: Antonelli disaster, McLaren surprise, civil war breaks outAs the 13th round of the F1 2026 season approaches, Kimi Antonelli faces a grid penalty that complicates his championship lead. Predictions suggest George Russell will take the win, with McLaren and Ferrari drivers also in contention. The article explores the evolving dynamics within teams, particularly regarding qualifying strategies and potential conflicts among teammates.Thu 3 Sep · 05:06 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen 'calms whole system down' as Racing Bulls look to crucial decisionMax Verstappen's recent contract extension with Red Bull has been acknowledged by Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer as a stabilizing factor in the F1 driver market. This development allows Racing Bulls to concentrate on their existing drivers and potential candidates without the uncertainty of Verstappen's future affecting their decisions. The team is particularly monitoring F2 championship leader Nikola Tsolov, who will soon test F1 machinery at Imola.
Bayer reiterated that the team is not in a hurry to finalize driver selections, as both Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are performing admirably. The team is confident in their junior program and will take their time to ensure the best decision is made regarding driver placements, with team principal Alan Permane leading this process.Thu 3 Sep · 04:30 UTC
via f1technical.netVowles hails the early impact of McLaren's former chief operating office at GroveWilliams team principal James Vowles has praised the early contributions of Piers Thynne, who joined the team as Chief Optimisation and Planning Officer after a long tenure at McLaren. Thynne's experience is seen as crucial for Williams as they work to modernize their operations and improve efficiency in manufacturing and resource management, which are essential for their competitive resurgence in Formula 1.
Thynne's appointment is part of a broader restructuring effort under Vowles aimed at addressing the team's historical weaknesses and underinvestment. With the challenges posed by the 2026 regulation changes, Vowles believes that Thynne's expertise will help accelerate the transformation needed for Williams to return to championship contention, emphasizing that improvements in processes and infrastructure are just as important as technical upgrades.Thu 3 Sep · 01:00 UTC
via grandprix.comHadjar misses Monza as Tsunoda gets another raceIsack Hadjar is unable to participate in the Italian Grand Prix as he recovers from a wrist injury, which has led to a series of driver substitutions. Liam Lawson will remain in the Red Bull car for another race after finishing seventh in his debut, while Yuki Tsunoda returns to Racing Bulls for a second weekend, having narrowly missed scoring points at Zandvoort. Ayumu Iwasa will also get a chance to drive during the practice session before Verstappen returns to the car.
Red Bull is cautious about Hadjar's return, emphasizing the importance of his recovery. Lawson and Tsunoda are the immediate beneficiaries of this situation, with Lawson gaining valuable experience and Tsunoda seeking to demonstrate his capabilities as he aims for a full-time seat in the future. The team has not set a timeline for Hadjar's comeback, prioritizing his health over rushing his return.
via gpfans.comRed Bull announce Max Verstappen replacement at F1 Italian Grand PrixRed Bull Racing has announced that Ayumu Iwasa will step in for Max Verstappen during the first free practice session at the Italian Grand Prix, allowing Verstappen to rest. This change is part of the FIA's regulations requiring teams to field rookie drivers in practice sessions, and it marks Red Bull's second of four such changes for the 2026 season. Iwasa, a promising talent from the Red Bull junior program, has already gained experience in several F1 sessions and is currently competing in Japan's Super Formula series.
Additionally, Isack Hadjar will be absent from the race due to a wrist injury, with Liam Lawson taking his place. Yuki Tsunoda will also be involved, stepping in for Lawson at Racing Bulls. This reshuffling highlights the ongoing adjustments teams must make throughout the season due to injuries and regulatory requirements.Wed 2 Sep · 18:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Is Liam Lawson the big winner of Helmut Marko’s Red Bull exit?Liam Lawson has found a silver lining in Helmut Marko's departure from Red Bull, as he no longer faces constant scrutiny from the former motorsport advisor. After a challenging start in 2023 and a brief stint with Red Bull Racing, Lawson has rebuilt his reputation and emerged as a preferred substitute driver for the team, recently scoring points at the Dutch Grand Prix.
As Lawson prepares for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, he will continue to drive the RB22 while Isack Hadjar recovers from injury. Guenther Steiner has noted that Lawson's confidence has improved without Marko's oversight, allowing him to focus on his performance and adapt to the car more effectively.Wed 2 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comSergio Perez admits one moment in his F1 career that was even ‘harder’ than leaving Red BullSergio Perez reflected on his career in Formula 1, highlighting that his departure from McLaren was the most challenging moment he faced, even more so than his exit from Red Bull Racing. After joining Red Bull in 2021 and contributing to their success, he struggled with the car's sensitivity and felt isolated within the team, leading to his release at the end of 2024.
In contrast, his time at McLaren in 2013 was marked by disappointment, as the team failed to secure any podium finishes. Perez had initially been a rising star, attracting interest from top teams after a strong performance with Sauber. However, his decision to join McLaren backfired, and he attributes part of the struggle to immaturity and a lack of teamwork, which ultimately impacted his career trajectory.
Wed 2 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1technical.netRacing Bulls joins rotating rear-wing development race with Imola testRacing Bulls has joined the competition to develop a rotating rear-wing concept, testing their version at Imola. This follows Ferrari's initial exploration of the design, which has since been adapted by Red Bull and McLaren, each with unique mechanical solutions. Racing Bulls aims to introduce their interpretation at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, contingent on positive feedback from their recent test.
The rotating rear-wing concept allows teams to adjust aerodynamic performance between high-downforce and low-drag configurations. As teams continue to innovate, Racing Bulls' entry adds a new dimension to this development race, highlighting the significant impact of Ferrari's original design on the aerodynamic strategies of rival teams in Formula 1.Wed 2 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull confirm driver replacement for Italian Grand Prix as F1 star ruled out with injuryRed Bull Racing has announced that Liam Lawson will drive alongside Max Verstappen at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, as Isack Hadjar is still recovering from a wrist injury. Hadjar was initially thought to be on track for a quick return, but the team has decided to prioritize his health and safety by keeping him out of the race this weekend. Lawson had previously stepped in for Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished in seventh place.
In addition to Lawson's promotion, Yuki Tsunoda will take the opportunity to race for Racing Bulls after Lawson's move to Red Bull. Tsunoda, who finished 11th in the Dutch Grand Prix, is looking to make a strong impression at Monza, although his future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. Red Bull is committed to closely monitoring Hadjar's recovery process to ensure he returns to competition only when fully fit.Wed 2 Sep · 15:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko insists Red Bull didn’t make a mistake letting Adrian Newey leaveHelmut Marko has expressed confidence in Red Bull's technical department following Adrian Newey's departure, asserting that the team can succeed without him. Newey, who resigned in 2024 after nearly two decades with Red Bull, designed eight championship-winning cars during his tenure and has since joined Aston Martin, which is struggling in the current season. Marko emphasized that the team has proven its capabilities even without Newey's influence, particularly after narrowly missing the championship in 2024.
Despite concerns about Red Bull's power unit, which has been deemed the benchmark and is currently not allowed upgrades, the team remains competitive. Marko's comments come amid a challenging transition period for Red Bull, with Pierre Wache stepping in as technical director. Meanwhile, Newey's new role at Aston Martin has not yielded immediate success, highlighting the difficulties faced by teams adapting to new regulations and designs.Wed 2 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Isack Hadjar to miss Italian Grand Prix due to injuryIsack Hadjar will not participate in the upcoming Italian Grand Prix as he continues to recover from a wrist injury. Liam Lawson will step in as his replacement for the second consecutive race.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 14:38 UTC
via RacingNews365Juan Pablo Montoya praises McLaren's strong formFormer F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has noted that McLaren is becoming increasingly competitive as Lando Norris aims for the 2026 championship. Despite this momentum, Norris still trails behind Kimi Antonelli in the title standings.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 12:45 UTCPage 21 of 50
