FerrariHaas F1 TeamWilliams 
via F1iSainz delivers a stark warning over Williams’ Baku upgradeCarlos Sainz has expressed cautious optimism regarding Williams' upcoming upgrade for the Baku race, acknowledging that while it may help the team improve, it won't significantly alter their current struggles. Williams has had a disappointing 2026 season, sitting ninth in the Constructors' standings with just 11 points, and both drivers have not added to that tally since Monaco.
Sainz, who recently extended his contract with Williams, emphasizes the need for the team to learn from their mistakes this season. He views the Baku upgrade as a small step forward rather than a complete turnaround, urging the team to demonstrate improvement in the upcoming season to avoid a prolonged decline.
F1iSat 12 Sep · 13:37 UTC
via espn.comHamilton crashes in FP3, ignored Ferrari instructionLewis Hamilton experienced a crash during the final practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, losing control of his Ferrari and colliding with the barriers. Despite sustaining damage and receiving repeated instructions from his team to stop the car, Hamilton attempted to return to the pits, showcasing his determination to complete the lap.
Ultimately, Hamilton was forced to pull over after two-thirds of the lap and exited the car, which was later transported back to the pits. Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest time in the session prior to Hamilton's incident.
espn.comSat 12 Sep · 13:03 UTC
via RaceFansRace director issued “formal request” for Hamilton to stop driving damaged car | Formula 1During the final practice session at the Madring, Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari, prompting race director Rui Marques to issue a formal request for him to stop driving the damaged vehicle. The incident led to a red flag as repairs were needed for the barriers that were affected by the crash.
Despite multiple instructions from his race engineer, Carlos Santi, to stop the car, Hamilton continued for a brief period before eventually reversing out of the barrier. The situation highlighted the challenges faced by drivers in managing vehicle damage during practice sessions.
RaceFansSat 12 Sep · 13:02 UTC
via RacingNews365Revealed: Full Ferrari radio disagreement as Lewis Hamiton ignores clear demandsDuring the third free practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari and was instructed by his race engineer to stop the car due to unsafe conditions. Despite the clear orders, Hamilton disobeyed and continued to drive for an extended period, attempting to return to the pit lane with significant damage to his vehicle.
The situation raised concerns about potential repercussions for Hamilton, especially in light of recent penalties issued to other drivers for similar infractions. However, as of now, he has not been noted by the stewards for his actions during the session.
RacingNews365Sat 12 Sep · 12:42 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCarlos Sainz confirms Williams ‘putting all the eggs in next year’s basket’Carlos Sainz expressed confidence in Williams' future despite a challenging season, stating that the team is 'putting all the eggs in next year's basket.' Currently, Williams sits ninth in the Constructor's Standings with only 11 points, and Sainz noted that both he and teammate Alex Albon have not added to their tally since the Monaco Grand Prix. An upgraded chassis is expected to be introduced at the upcoming race in Azerbaijan, which Sainz hopes will improve their performance.
Sainz also highlighted the importance of learning from the difficulties faced this season, referring to it as a 'bump on the road.' He emphasized the need for the team to bounce back next year and show signs of improvement. Despite the current struggles, Sainz reaffirmed his commitment to Williams by signing a multi-year contract extension, indicating his belief in the team's potential to turn things around.
Motorsport WeekSat 12 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 star Charles Leclerc makes big admission after Lewis Hamilton peace talksCharles Leclerc has taken full accountability for his collision with Lewis Hamilton during the Italian Grand Prix, which led to Hamilton losing positions early in the race. Following the incident, both drivers engaged in discussions with Ferrari management to address the situation and maintain team harmony.
Leclerc expressed his respect for Hamilton and acknowledged that their competitive nature sometimes leads to conflicts on the track. After the crash, Leclerc was monitored for any injuries but confirmed he was fit to compete in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
gpfans.comSat 12 Sep · 08:15 UTC
via Motorsport WeekHamilton urges Ferrari to close gap to MercedesLewis Hamilton acknowledged the need for Ferrari to improve its performance to catch up with Mercedes and McLaren. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc expressed optimism about Ferrari's advancements despite recognizing that they remain behind their competitors.Motorsport Week+ 1 moreSat 12 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Madring reveals staggering difference between Mercedes, Ferrari and the restDuring the initial free practice sessions at the Madring track, Mercedes and Ferrari demonstrated a significant performance advantage over other teams, showcasing their ability to achieve optimal car balance. This allowed both teams to refine their setups effectively, with the W17 and SF-26 proving to be versatile across different circuit types.
The performance characteristics of the two cars differ, with Mercedes leading in powertrain efficiency and Ferrari showing superior vehicle dynamics. As the sessions progressed, the time gap between the two teams decreased, highlighting their competitive edge, while tyre performance emerged as a crucial factor in maintaining pace under challenging track conditions.RacingNews365Sat 12 Sep · 07:50 UTC
via PlanetF1The mindblowing hypocrisy of Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamilton has openly criticized his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc for his aggressive driving during the Italian Grand Prix. This criticism comes amid Hamilton's broader dissatisfaction with Ferrari's performance, which he has expressed publicly in recent races, raising concerns about the potential consequences of his comments.
The article highlights the historical context of Ferrari drivers facing difficulties when they publicly criticize the team. It suggests that Hamilton's approach may alienate him from the team, as his remarks have shifted the relationship dynamic from collaboration to confrontation. The implications of his criticisms could lead to significant repercussions for both Hamilton and Ferrari.
PlanetF1Sat 12 Sep · 06:19 UTC
via newsonf1.comHamilton under fire for ‘unsportsmanlike’ drivingLewis Hamilton has been criticized by several drivers for his slow driving during practice at the new Madring circuit. Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz expressed their frustration, with Sainz directly accusing Hamilton of obstructing other cars. Nico Hulkenberg and Ralf Schumacher also commented on Hamilton's driving style, labeling it as unsportsmanlike and problematic for other competitors.
The practice session was relatively calm compared to earlier incidents in Formula 2 and Formula 3. Aston Martin's Mike Krack indicated that teams instructed drivers to be conservative to avoid damage. George Russell acknowledged the high-risk nature of the track, while Max Verstappen expressed his preference for traditional circuits over street tracks like Madring.newsonf1.comSat 12 Sep · 05:00 UTCWWilliams, Horner caught in awkward timing controversiesWilliams has faced criticism for unveiling a retro livery during the Madrid GP weekend, which references their 1981 success but is sensitive due to its connection with a sponsor from that era. The timing of the reveal coincided with the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, prompting concerns from commentators about appropriateness.
Additionally, Christian Horner's upcoming autobiography has stirred controversy within Red Bull due to its release date, which aligns with the anniversary of Mateschitz's death. While Horner's camp denies any intentionality behind the date, Red Bull remains skeptical and views it as disrespectful, especially given the book's content regarding Horner's dismissal.newsonf1.comSat 12 Sep · 04:59 UTC
via grandprix.comRUMOURFerrari reportedly holds back Leclerc engine as a precautionFerrari made a strategic decision to use an earlier engine specification for Charles Leclerc during the Madrid race as a precaution. This choice was influenced by the limited time available for checks on his upgraded Monza engine following an accident at the Italian Grand Prix, where initial inspections revealed no significant issues.
The team aimed to maximize preparation time on the unfamiliar circuit by avoiding potential complications from engine problems. While the Monza engine is still considered recoverable, Ferrari has not confirmed when it will be back in service, nor have they abandoned the upgrade.grandprix.comSat 12 Sep · 00:58 UTC
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner backs Kimi Antonelli for Ferrari seatGuenther Steiner, the former Haas Formula 1 team principal, stated that Kimi Antonelli should be in a Ferrari after his remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix. David Coulthard also praised Antonelli's performance, describing his rise from 19th on the grid to first as a career-defining moment.
Motorsport.comFri 11 Sep · 21:24 UTC
via Formula1.comLeclerc anticipates exciting qualifying at MadringCharles Leclerc is looking forward to an exciting qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix. After experiencing the Madring for the first time, he expressed optimism about Ferrari's performance.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreFri 11 Sep · 19:03 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAlex Albon admits Carlos Sainz has ‘surprised’ him with one ‘impressive’ quality at WilliamsAlex Albon has expressed admiration for his teammate Carlos Sainz, highlighting Sainz's technical understanding and impressive work ethic. Albon believes that Sainz's experience and intelligence are beneficial for their team, especially given their current challenges in the 2026 season.
Despite a tough season for both drivers, Sainz remains committed to Williams and aims to help the team grow. With only 11 points scored this season, Sainz's contributions are crucial as they head into the upcoming Madrid Grand Prix.
f1oversteer.comFri 11 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton discusses Ferrari's long-term changesLewis Hamilton expressed optimism about Ferrari's progress following practice at the Spanish Grand Prix. He noted that the changes within the team are part of a long-term strategy aimed at restoring their competitive edge in Formula 1.Motorsport Week+ 1 moreFri 11 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAlex Brundle heard Lewis Hamilton being ‘pressured’ by Ferrari in unaired radio message at MadringDuring the first day of practice at the Spanish Grand Prix, Alex Brundle reported that Ferrari's pit wall was pressuring Lewis Hamilton to increase his commitment through Turn 12. This corner is noted for its challenging characteristics, and the team emphasized the importance of this area for their energy deployment strategy. Hamilton was struggling in this section, which was crucial for optimizing engine delivery.
In the practice sessions, George Russell led FP1 while Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time in FP2. Charles Leclerc performed well for Ferrari but was still significantly behind the Mercedes drivers, particularly in the final sector. The overall performance of the Ferrari cars indicated inconsistencies, particularly in matching the pace of their competitors.f1oversteer.comFri 11 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton factor is breaking Leclerc as insider blames 'psychological pressure'In the 2026 Formula 1 season, Charles Leclerc has faced significant challenges, particularly in comparison to his teammate Lewis Hamilton. After signing a new multi-year deal with Ferrari, Leclerc has not met expectations and currently sits fifth in the Driver's standings, trailing Hamilton by 36 points. His performance has been marred by several crashes, including a heavy incident at Monza, which has raised concerns about his mental state and ability to cope with the pressure of competing alongside a seasoned driver like Hamilton.
Former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley has pointed out that Leclerc's inconsistency and errors this season may be attributed to the psychological pressure of having Hamilton as a teammate. Smedley emphasized that while Hamilton has consistently delivered strong performances, Leclerc's struggles are surprising for a driver with nearly a decade of experience in F1. As Leclerc prepares for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, he will be monitored for any lingering effects from his recent crash.gpfans.comFri 11 Sep · 15:56 UTC
via AutosportWhy Leclerc isn't using latest Ferrari ADUO2 engine in the Spanish GPCharles Leclerc is unable to use Ferrari's latest ADUO2 engine at the Spanish Grand Prix due to ongoing checks following his crash at the Italian GP. Although the engine was deemed structurally sound, Ferrari engineers opted against risking it until further examinations are completed, especially considering the new circuit's demands for data collection and setup optimization.
Leclerc will instead utilize the older ADUO1 engine, allowing Ferrari to assess performance differences between the two units. The decision reflects a cautious approach to ensure reliability and performance, especially given the challenges posed by the Madring circuit.
AutosportFri 11 Sep · 14:33 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURFred Vasseur says he won't 'waste energy' over Ferrari concern, points to 'really good' signFred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, is facing speculation regarding his future following a poor performance at the Monza Grand Prix. Despite the backlash from fans and reports of dissatisfaction from Ferrari executives, Vasseur emphasizes that he has ongoing support from the Ferrari hierarchy and aims to focus on improving the team's performance.
Vasseur insists that pressure is a normal part of his role and he will not waste energy on speculation about his job security. He believes Ferrari remains in a good position this season, having won two races and having clear plans for future improvements.f1oversteer.comFri 11 Sep · 14:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc’s instant radio message on Lewis Hamilton moment at Madring proves Ferrari’s changeDuring Free Practice One at the inaugural Madring, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton secured third and fourth places, respectively, while George Russell led the session. Following a challenging performance at Monza, Ferrari showed signs of improvement as both drivers managed to avoid conflicts on track, which was a relief for team principal Fred Vasseur.
Leclerc demonstrated a notable change in behavior by calmly addressing a near-miss with Hamilton over the radio, suggesting a more diplomatic approach within the team. This incident has raised questions about whether this newfound professionalism will persist as the competition intensifies during the race weekend.f1oversteer.comFri 11 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comFerrari "too late" to prioritise Lewis Hamilton in F1 title fight, says Jolyon PalmerJolyon Palmer, a former Formula 1 driver, has expressed that Ferrari has missed its chance to support Lewis Hamilton in the ongoing championship race. He believes that the team has allowed their title aspirations to fade, particularly after a disappointing performance at Monza. Currently, Hamilton sits third in the standings, significantly trailing the championship leader Kimi Antonelli, while Leclerc is also behind in fifth place.
Palmer emphasized that the dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc have hindered their chances, as both drivers have been focused on competing against each other rather than collaborating. He pointed out that their clashes during races have cost them valuable points, and with the season progressing, he feels it is now too late for Ferrari to prioritize Hamilton's bid for the title.Motorsport.comFri 11 Sep · 13:09 UTC
via Motorsport.comJames Hinchcliffe warns Fred Vasseur faces "tremendous" pressure over Ferrari team ordersJames Hinchcliffe has expressed that Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, is under significant pressure to clarify team orders between drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. This comes after recent races where both drivers faced challenges, including a lack of communication during the Dutch Grand Prix and a clash at the Italian Grand Prix.
Vasseur acknowledged the need for discussions regarding team orders but refuted claims of an internal crisis within Ferrari. He stated that while there are existing rules, they cannot cover every possible scenario on the track, indicating a need for clearer guidelines moving forward.Motorsport.comFri 11 Sep · 12:22 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton claims Ferrari F1 move BLOCKED by Fernando AlonsoLewis Hamilton revealed that his potential move to Ferrari was hindered by Fernando Alonso, who held veto rights during negotiations. Hamilton stated that he spoke with former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali about joining the team, but Alonso's status as the number one driver played a significant role in blocking the move.
Hamilton and Alonso previously had a tumultuous partnership at McLaren in 2007, which ended with Alonso leaving the team after just one season. While Alonso continued with Ferrari until 2014, Hamilton moved to Mercedes, where he achieved significant success, ultimately joining Ferrari in 2025.gpfans.comFri 11 Sep · 10:57 UTC