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via gpfans.comMercedes reserve driver reveals Toto Wolff asked him about F1 driver swap during raceFred Vesti, the reserve driver for Mercedes, has disclosed that his role during races is more interactive than previously thought. He communicates directly with team principal Toto Wolff and other key decision-makers, providing insights based on his experience with the 2026 simulator. This involvement allows him to contribute to strategic discussions, especially regarding driver positioning during races.
During the Canadian Grand Prix, Wolff consulted Vesti about whether to instruct George Russell to let his teammate Kimi Antonelli pass, highlighting Vesti's unique perspective as a driver. Vesti noted that while the competition between Mercedes drivers is exciting for fans, it can be stressful for the team management. His contributions are aimed at enhancing the team's understanding of driver dynamics and race strategies.
Sun 20 Sep · 07:28 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Christian Horner decision tipped to cause trouble as Mercedes chief reveals 'secret codes'Christian Horner's bid to acquire the Alpine team has been thwarted by Renault, which still holds a significant stake in the team. This decision could lead to complications for Renault as they navigate the implications of Horner's blocked takeover. Meanwhile, Mercedes' trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin revealed that the team employs 'secret codes' during radio communications with drivers, a practice not commonly discussed in F1.
In other news, Ferrari's Dino Beganovic is set to exit the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2027, although he will continue with the team as a test and development driver. Additionally, Charles Leclerc is preparing for a potential grid penalty at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to ongoing power unit issues. Lastly, Max Verstappen has expressed interest in competing in renowned endurance races, contingent on the F1 calendar.Sun 20 Sep · 06:27 UTC
via PlanetF1Alonso praises Newey in rare Aston Martin radio exchangeFernando Alonso expressed appreciation for Adrian Newey during a rare radio exchange, highlighting the significance of Aston Martin's 2026 upgrade. Technical director Enrico Cardile noted that Alonso's positive feedback reflects the team's commitment to progress.
+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 05:02 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 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 Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli shows no signs of championship pressureMercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli is demonstrating confidence as he approaches his first championship title, according to former driver Jolyon Palmer. David Coulthard also commended George Russell for acknowledging Antonelli's strong performance in the current season.
Sat 19 Sep · 17:00 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.comMercedes chief reveals 'secret codes' team changes every weekMercedes' trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, disclosed that the team employs secret codes for communication with their drivers, particularly during critical race moments. This practice is not new in motorsports but is rarely discussed in Formula 1. Shovlin highlighted a specific instance during the Spanish Grand Prix where Kimi Antonelli successfully pitted under a virtual safety car, aided by these codes.
Shovlin explained that the team focuses on being prepared for various race scenarios, including virtual safety cars and safety car situations. He noted that Antonelli was aware of the VSC window and adjusted his speed accordingly to ensure he could pit effectively. The use of these codes is strategic, as they change weekly to prevent other teams from deciphering their communication.Sat 19 Sep · 16:28 UTC
via F1iMercedes plots Malaysia upgrade to reignite qualifying chargeMercedes is currently leading the 2026 Formula 1 constructors' championship with a substantial 145-point advantage over Ferrari. Despite this strong position, the team has opted for smaller, circuit-specific updates since their last major upgrade in Montreal. This strategy has resulted in a tightening competition, with Mercedes winning only four of the last eight races, while rivals Ferrari and McLaren have each claimed two victories during this period. The team has not secured a pole position since July, indicating a shift in their qualifying performance.
Looking ahead, Mercedes is preparing a significant upgrade for the upcoming Malaysia Grand Prix, scheduled for October 2-4. Team member Andrew Shovlin confirmed that this upgrade aims to restore their qualifying edge, which has diminished in recent races. While the team does not expect to introduce new hardware for the Baku race, they believe their current package will perform well on that circuit. Shovlin emphasized the need for a car that excels in straight-line speed and low-speed cornering, as the competition has become increasingly close, with only a few tenths separating the top finishers.
Sat 19 Sep · 15:51 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli handed praise from major rival: 'An asset for F1'Kimi Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, has had a remarkable 2026 Formula 1 season, securing eight victories and establishing a commanding 81-point lead in the drivers' championship. His performance has drawn praise from notable figures in the sport, including McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella, who described Antonelli as an 'asset for F1' and acknowledged his consistent growth and skill on the track.
Flavio Briatore, Alpine's boss, also highlighted Antonelli's rising status in Italy, comparing him to tennis star Janick Sinner. Briatore noted that Antonelli's success is beneficial for both Formula 1 and Italy, as he is quickly becoming one of the country's most recognized athletes. The combination of Antonelli's talent and his potential to attract fans away from traditional teams like Ferrari marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape of F1.
Sat 19 Sep · 13:40 UTC
via Motorsport.comRob Smedley explains Peter Bonnington's key role in Kimi Antonelli's F1 successRob Smedley has highlighted the significant role of Peter Bonnington in Kimi Antonelli's impressive performance during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Antonelli, who has become the youngest driver to lead the championship standings, has achieved back-to-back victories at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. Currently, he holds an 81-point lead over his Mercedes teammate George Russell, showcasing his dominance in the series. Smedley acknowledges Bonnington's contributions as Antonelli's race engineer, emphasizing that while Bonnington provides crucial support, it is Antonelli who must deliver results on race day.
Antonelli himself has expressed gratitude for working with Bonnington, recognizing the engineer's extensive experience with legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. He appreciates the guidance Bonnington offers as he navigates new challenges in his racing career. Smedley and co-host Otmar Szafnauer also discussed the importance of communication between Antonelli and Bonnington, noting that Antonelli's feedback is vital for optimizing performance. Overall, the collaboration between Antonelli and Bonnington is seen as a key factor in Antonelli's successful title charge.Sat 19 Sep · 12:40 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari unveils black race suit for Charles LeclercFerrari has announced a unique black race suit for driver Charles Leclerc, set to debut at the Singapore Grand Prix. This design marks a departure from the team's traditional red color scheme.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 11:29 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso hints at potential retirement from F1Fernando Alonso has suggested that he may retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2026 season, with a possible move to the World Endurance Championship. His recent behaviour during the race at the Madrid circuit has raised speculation about his future in the sport.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc wagers Mercedes bet after 'vicious circle' observationCharles Leclerc has highlighted the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces with its engine performance, particularly in comparison to Mercedes. He described a 'vicious circle' where the lack of power from Ferrari's engine limits their ability to deploy power effectively, especially at the end of long straights. Despite this, Ferrari remains a close competitor in the championship as they work to resolve these issues.
Leclerc also mentioned the introduction of an ADUO-boosted engine during the Italian Grand Prix, expressing optimism that it has not sustained critical damage following a crash. However, he acknowledged that if the engine is damaged, he would need to take an engine penalty to introduce new parts into his pool before the season concludes.Sat 19 Sep · 10:20 UTC
via gpfans.comToto Wolff reveals details of Max Verstappen meetingToto Wolff recently addressed the speculation surrounding his meeting with Max Verstappen, which took place in Sardinia. The photos from this meeting led to rumors about Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull for Mercedes. However, these rumors were put to rest when Red Bull confirmed that Verstappen has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the team until 2030.
In an interview, Wolff mentioned that the social media frenzy surrounding the photos was unintended and highlighted the challenges of privacy in today's digital age. He also confirmed that George Russell's contract with Mercedes has been finalized, although the team has not yet made a formal announcement regarding this.Sat 19 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via F1iWolff reveals why Antonelli won’t ‘lose the plot’ in title bidToto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has expressed confidence in Kimi Antonelli's ability to maintain focus during his championship bid, as Antonelli currently holds an 81-point lead. Wolff noted that the young driver has shown no signs of being distracted by his success, attributing this to Antonelli's grounded personality and strong family support. Despite the pressure of leading the championship, Antonelli remains committed to his racing approach, focusing on each race without overcomplicating his strategy.
Wolff emphasized that while the team is aware of potential distractions, Antonelli's mindset allows him to compartmentalize his life and racing. The Mercedes team is actively discussing how to support Antonelli's development while ensuring he stays focused on the track. Antonelli himself echoed this sentiment, stating that he is fortunate to have a supportive team and family that keeps him grounded, allowing him to concentrate on performing his best in each race.Sat 19 Sep · 08:09 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton ‘cherished’ what Ferrari mechanics did for him before he even joined the teamLewis Hamilton expressed his appreciation for the support he received from Ferrari mechanics during the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, even while he was still a Mercedes driver. After finishing third in the race, he noted the absence of his own team members who were occupied with recovering George Russell's car, leading to Ferrari mechanics celebrating his achievement instead. This moment made Hamilton feel a connection with Ferrari, which he described as feeling like 'his team' for that weekend.
Hamilton signed a contract to race for Ferrari starting in 2025, having always dreamed of driving for the iconic team. His long and successful tenure with Mercedes included 246 races and six world championships, but he felt a move to Ferrari was necessary as Mercedes struggled in the new ground-effect era. Hamilton acknowledged that not racing for Ferrari would have been a significant regret, especially as he approaches retirement.Sat 19 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari boss 'annoyed' with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, claims F1 insiderFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur is reportedly frustrated with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following a first-lap incident during the Italian Grand Prix. Ralf Schumacher suggested that Vasseur's annoyance was due to Hamilton being forced off the track by Leclerc, which negatively impacted Hamilton's race, finishing in tenth place. Leclerc also faced difficulties, crashing shortly after the incident.
In response to the situation, Vasseur spoke with both drivers to remind them of the team's operational principles. Hamilton expressed his desire for clearer communication and 'rules of engagement' to prevent future conflicts. Both drivers later addressed the incident, with Leclerc admitting his mistake and Hamilton noting the importance of their open discussion to move forward.Sat 19 Sep · 07:58 UTC
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso reveals 'shock' after finding out Aston Martin truthFernando Alonso revealed his shock at Aston Martin's performance at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, expressing disappointment over the team's competitiveness. Despite high expectations with Adrian Newey's car design and Honda's return, the team struggled with a rushed chassis and engine reliability issues, leaving them near the back of the grid.
In a podcast interview, Alonso shared his thoughts on the team's situation, acknowledging the initial optimism but recognizing the need for improvement. He highlighted the upgrades introduced during the season and expressed hope for better results in the future, emphasizing the talent and motivation within the team to become contenders.Sat 19 Sep · 07:16 UTCPage 22 of 75