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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 UTC
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff confirms 'unlock' needed to baffling George Russell mysteryToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has acknowledged that the team is puzzled by George Russell's inconsistent performance compared to teammate Kimi Antonelli. Despite a strong start to the season, Russell has only managed to win two races, while Antonelli has dominated with eight victories, creating an 81-point gap between them. Wolff emphasized the need for analysis to understand the underlying issues affecting Russell's pace, particularly highlighted during the recent Spanish Grand Prix.
Russell himself has pointed out that the changes in car regulations have not suited his driving style, which relies on smoother inputs rather than the high-rotation techniques favored this season. He has conceded that the championship is out of reach for him this year, acknowledging Antonelli's deserving lead. Wolff noted that the imbalance in performance between drivers is a common challenge in the sport, and he aims to provide support and transparency to both drivers as they navigate the season.Sat 19 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso drops fresh hint on F1 future with 'optimistic' verdict on Aston Martin's 2027 carFernando Alonso has indicated that he plans to continue his Formula 1 career with Aston Martin beyond the 2026 season, expressing optimism about the team's future. During an interview, he shared that the team is excited about their plans for 2027 and that they have identified the necessary direction to improve their competitiveness. Alonso emphasized the talent within the team and the motivation to become contenders in the future, despite a challenging start to the season.
Alonso's comments come amid speculation about his retirement, but he appears determined to leave the sport on a high note. With support from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and a commitment to Aston Martin, Alonso is looking forward to the next chapter of his career. His focus remains on achieving a successful season before potentially retiring, as he seeks to secure one last victory in Formula 1.Sat 19 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen comments on Red Bull-Mercedes gapMax Verstappen has commented on the differences between Red Bull's power unit and that of Mercedes, noting the challenges in understanding the performance gap. He emphasized that the two teams operate under different conditions, leading to varying results.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 05:20 UTC
via gpfans.comNico Rosberg reveals the Lance Stroll problem Aston Martin have with Fernando Alonso decisionNico Rosberg has pointed out a significant issue within Aston Martin's driver lineup, which features Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. The duo has been together for four seasons, with Alonso being the clear lead driver. However, the team is struggling this season, having only accumulated three points, which has raised concerns about their competitiveness. New team principal Adrian Newey and the switch to Honda as a power unit supplier have not yielded positive results so far, leading to calls for a revamp within the team.
Despite these challenges, Rosberg believes that the current pairing of Alonso and Stroll is acceptable for the time being. He noted that while Alonso consistently outperforms Stroll, the team faces a dilemma in finding a younger driver to partner with Alonso, as Stroll's position is secure due to his father's ownership of the team. Alonso's future remains uncertain as he is out of contract at the end of the season and has expressed thoughts about retirement, particularly in light of the team's performance and new regulations in Formula 1.Fri 18 Sep · 20:44 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMercedes' U-turn on Baku decision shows how little faith they have in George Russell's title chargeMercedes has decided not to give George Russell a new engine during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, opting instead to keep his current power unit in use until the United States Grand Prix. This decision aligns with their strategy to introduce a chassis upgrade at the end of October, which will coincide with the new engine. The team appears to be prioritizing this timing over Russell's immediate championship prospects, indicating a lack of confidence in his ability to compete for the title this season.
Despite still being mathematically in the championship race, Russell's performance has been overshadowed by teammate Kimi Antonelli, leading to speculation about his future with the team. Toto Wolff's comments suggest that Russell should shift his focus to the 2027 season, further emphasizing the team's diminished expectations for his current title challenge. The delay in providing Russell with a new engine is seen as a clear signal of Mercedes' lack of faith in his competitiveness this year.Fri 18 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comToto Wolff reveals huge truth about George Russell contract situation at MercedesToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has confirmed that George Russell's contract has already been signed, although the team has not made a public announcement regarding it. This comes amidst ongoing speculation about Russell's future, particularly with rumors of him being replaced by a four-time world champion. Wolff emphasized that the lack of a major statement is unusual but reassured that the contract situation is settled.
The article also touches on the context of the driver market, noting that much of the speculation surrounding Russell's position was fueled by reports of dissatisfaction from Max Verstappen. However, with Verstappen's new long-term contract with Red Bull, which runs through 2030, the dynamics of the driver market may shift, potentially stabilizing Russell's position at Mercedes. Wolff did not provide further details about the length or financial aspects of Russell's contract.Fri 18 Sep · 19:55 UTC
via grandprix.comFerrari signs Rakuten partnership for 2027Ferrari has secured a multi-year partnership with Japanese technology firm Rakuten, set to commence on January 1, 2027. This collaboration will see Rakuten's branding featured on Ferrari's Formula 1 cars and team apparel, marking its entry into the telecommunications and e-commerce sectors within the sport. The partnership will also leverage Rakuten Symphony's telecommunications technology, aiming to enhance the team's digital presence and engagement with fans.
Chairman and CEO Mickey Mikitani emphasized that Formula 1 provides an ideal platform for showcasing Rakuten's technological capabilities and digital services to a global audience. Ferrari's chief racing revenue officer, Lorenzo Giorgetti, highlighted the potential for creating new commercial opportunities beyond the racetrack. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it represents a strategic expansion of Ferrari's commercial portfolio as the sport continues to attract technology companies.
via PlanetF1Hamilton delusion, Antonelli opens door to Ferrari future, Alonso’s $5m buy – roundupFerrari has confirmed a multi-year partnership with Japanese technology company Rakuten, set to begin in the 2027 Formula 1 season. This announcement comes as the team continues to compete in the 2026 season, where they currently hold second place in the constructors' standings with several races remaining.
In addition to the sponsorship news, Kimi Antonelli has expressed that he is not ruling out a future move to Ferrari, despite his current focus on achieving success with Mercedes. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton faces scrutiny following a period of tension within the team, contrasting with the optimism following his win in Barcelona earlier this year. Fernando Alonso has also made headlines by adding a $5 million Bugatti to his car collection.
Fri 18 Sep · 18:06 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAston Martin man issues 'very lucky' verdict on Lance Stroll's seat at the F1 teamPedro de la Rosa, an ambassador for Aston Martin, expressed that the team is fortunate to have both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso in their lineup. He highlighted Stroll's insightful feedback, which is crucial for the engineers, and noted that the two drivers work well together. De la Rosa praised Alonso's experience and ability to prioritize improvements during practice sessions, showcasing why he is a two-time world champion.
Despite facing criticism regarding his position in F1, Stroll has demonstrated his capability on the track, achieving notable results including three podium finishes. His near victory at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix is a highlight of his career, although he has faced challenges, including speculation about his future in the sport after the 2023 season.Fri 18 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekDe la Rosa praises Newey for uniting Aston MartinPedro de la Rosa, an ambassador for Aston Martin, highlighted the importance of Adrian Newey's leadership in maintaining team unity. His guidance has been pivotal in helping the team improve its performance throughout the season.
+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via racer.comNo risk of Antonelli 'losing the plot' despite F1 points advantage - WolffKimi Antonelli currently holds an 81-point lead in the Formula 1 drivers' championship after winning consecutive races in Monza and Madrid. Despite this significant advantage, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff reassures that Antonelli remains focused and grounded, emphasizing his maturity and ability to compartmentalize racing from external pressures. Wolff highlights the importance of maintaining a supportive environment for Antonelli as he navigates the challenges of being a championship leader.
Antonelli himself credits his success to the strong support from his family, particularly his father, who helps keep him grounded. He expresses a desire to continue his straightforward approach to racing, focusing on doing his best without getting distracted by championship standings. Antonelli's mindset reflects a commitment to performance over pressure, aiming to enjoy the racing experience while striving for success.
Fri 18 Sep · 15:37 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAston Martin man pinpoints where officials can introduce a prime 'overtaking spot' at the MadringPedro de la Rosa, an ambassador for Aston Martin, has addressed the criticism directed at the Madring circuit following the disappointing inaugural Spanish Grand Prix. He acknowledged that while overtaking proved to be very difficult during the race, there is no need for a complete redesign of the track. Instead, he suggested that introducing a single overtaking point, particularly at the approach to Turn 5, could significantly improve the racing experience.
Despite the negative feedback, de la Rosa emphasized that the circuit should not be judged too harshly at this early stage. Other drivers and officials have echoed similar sentiments, advocating for patience as the track develops. There are calls for the designers to learn from successful tracks like Silverstone to enhance overtaking opportunities, with hopes that the 2027 Spanish Grand Prix will offer a more thrilling race.Fri 18 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes' coded messages aided Antonelli's VSC strategyMercedes has disclosed how its coded radio messages aided Kimi Antonelli during the Spanish Grand Prix. The team's engineering director explained that this strategy was crucial in preparing drivers for critical race situations.
+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 11:49 UTCPage 23 of 75