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via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli credits 2025 struggles for stronger 2026 F1 campaignKimi Antonelli has attributed his improved performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season to the challenges he faced during his rookie year in 2025. Currently leading the championship, he has secured multiple victories and has shown significant growth compared to the previous season, where he struggled to score points consistently.
As he prepares for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, Antonelli reflects on how the difficulties of his first season have made him mentally stronger. Despite facing a power unit penalty for the race, he remains optimistic about his chances and aims to build on his current success.
Motorsport.comSun 30 Aug · 12:52 UTC
via gpfans.comHow Mercedes boss Toto Wolff became F1's $2billion man and 'it should have been more'Toto Wolff has become a significant figure in Formula 1, with his stake in the Mercedes team now valued at $2 billion. He initially bought a 33 percent share in 2013 for about $55 million, and after selling a portion of his stake, he retains 28 percent ownership. The team's overall valuation has skyrocketed to $6 billion, showcasing Wolff's successful investment strategy and leadership in the sport.
Wolff's partnership with the late Niki Lauda was pivotal, as Lauda took a 10 percent stake in the team, contributing to their success. Wolff credits his childhood experiences for his desire for control and accountability in his professional life. His leadership has led Mercedes to multiple championships, highlighting the effectiveness of their collaborative approach and the trust placed in them by the team’s management.
gpfans.comSun 30 Aug · 11:27 UTC
via Motorsport.comToto Wolff recalls Niki Lauda story about HamiltonDuring a media session at Zandvoort, Toto Wolff discussed the impact of Niki Lauda on Lewis Hamilton's career. He emphasized the importance of maximizing a driver's potential within a Formula 1 team.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSun 30 Aug · 10:10 UTC
via PlanetF1Ferrari faces challenge with Hamilton and LeclercPundits are raising concerns about Ferrari's ability to manage the relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The discussion highlights the potential challenges the team may face in implementing effective team orders.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreSun 30 Aug · 10:01 UTC
via Formula1.comThe car I loved and the car I loathed – with Nigel MansellNigel Mansell reflects on his experiences with various Formula 1 cars, highlighting both his favorites and those he disliked. He particularly loved the Williams FW11B for its power and performance, despite its challenging handling, which he described as a 'monster.' This car played a significant role in his career, contributing to his success in the sport.
Conversely, Mansell had negative experiences with the Lotus 92 and Lotus 81B. The Lotus 92, which featured active suspension, was notorious for its instability, leading to accidents during races. The Lotus 81B, which he drove during his debut, was also difficult to manage due to its longer wheelbase, making it less competitive on the track.
Formula1.comSun 30 Aug · 09:22 UTC.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comAntonelli interview: The title fight and his Monza mindsetKimi Antonelli is enjoying a successful second season in Formula 1, currently leading the Drivers' Championship with a significant margin over his teammate George Russell and former champion Lewis Hamilton. His impressive performance includes six victories out of seven races won by teenagers, showcasing his talent and consistency throughout the season.
In addition to his championship lead, Antonelli has achieved notable milestones such as his first pole position and Grand Prix win in China, followed by a remarkable five consecutive wins, including a dominant performance in Monaco. Despite facing challenges, he has managed to secure strong finishes, demonstrating his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.Formula1.comSun 30 Aug · 09:22 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell also set for F1 engine penalty – but Mercedes yet to decide whenMercedes is preparing for George Russell to take an engine penalty during the 2026 Formula 1 season, similar to Kimi Antonelli's upcoming penalty at the Italian Grand Prix. The team is evaluating the best timing for Russell's penalty, considering the need to manage engine reliability and performance as the season progresses.
Russell has faced multiple engine failures this season, prompting the need for a full power unit change. While the Italian Grand Prix is a potential venue for the penalty, Baku is also being considered due to its overtaking opportunities. Mercedes aims to strategically plan the penalties to minimize impact on their championship standings.Motorsport.comSun 30 Aug · 09:02 UTC
via RacingNews365Mercedes launches counterattack on F1 rivals but real offensive onslaught awaitsMercedes is gearing up for a strategic counterattack against its rivals, Ferrari and McLaren, with upgrades planned for the upcoming races. The first phase of this upgrade will be implemented at the Italian Grand Prix, where Kimi Antonelli will receive a new power unit, leading to a grid penalty that places him at the back of the field. George Russell will also benefit from this new power unit later in the season as part of a systematic rotation of components.
In addition to the power unit upgrades, Mercedes has developed an aerodynamic package aimed at increasing downforce and improving traction. However, this package will not be introduced at Monza, as the team believes their current car setup is already optimized for the race. The effectiveness of these upgrades will be closely monitored in competition, particularly against Ferrari's new power unit, as Mercedes seeks to enhance its performance throughout the season.
RacingNews365Sun 30 Aug · 07:15 UTC
via gpfans.comLando Norris Acknowledges Interest from Rivals Before Contract RenewalLando Norris has disclosed that he received inquiries from other Formula 1 teams prior to renewing his contract with McLaren. The young driver emphasized that this interest played a role in his decision-making process.gpfans.comSun 30 Aug · 06:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Williams ‘not fighting for much’ as Carlos Sainz makes Aston Martin claimCarlos Sainz has expressed that Aston Martin has significantly improved and is now performing at a level far above that of Williams, which is struggling at the back of the grid. Following the Dutch Grand Prix, where Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso secured a points finish, Sainz noted that Williams has not scored points since Monaco and is currently only ahead of Cadillac in the standings. He acknowledged the team's ongoing challenges and the need for improvement as they prepare for future races.
Despite the difficulties, Sainz remains committed to the Williams project for the 2027 season. He emphasized that the team's performance in recent races has been consistent, indicating that their struggles are not isolated incidents. Sainz's comments reflect a broader concern about Williams' competitiveness in the current Formula 1 landscape, as they continue to seek ways to enhance their performance and challenge stronger teams like Aston Martin.PlanetF1Sun 30 Aug · 06:29 UTC
via f1oversteer.comNico Rosberg says ‘every single Italian’ has made their choice between Ferrari and Kimi AntonelliKimi Antonelli is set to compete in his second Italian Grand Prix, arriving with a significant lead in the championship standings. Unlike last year, he is now a strong contender for the title, with a 59-point advantage over his closest rivals. Despite facing an engine penalty that will place him at the back of the grid, expectations remain high for his performance at Monza.
Nico Rosberg highlighted the shift in fan support, noting that Antonelli has become a national hero in Italy, surpassing traditional Ferrari favorites. Recent polling indicates that he is the most popular driver in the country, and media coverage is increasingly focused on him, reflecting a changing dynamic in Italian motorsport fandom.
f1oversteer.comSun 30 Aug · 06:00 UTC
via gpfans.comToto Wolff is enjoying life after Christian Horner - 'No bulls*** and lies'Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has expressed satisfaction with his working relationship with Laurent Mekies, the new Red Bull principal, contrasting it with his previous adversarial dynamic with Christian Horner. Wolff appreciates Mekies' straightforward approach, which he believes fosters a more productive collaboration between the two teams.
Currently, Mercedes leads the constructors' championship by a significant margin of 239 points over Red Bull, who are positioned fourth. Wolff's positive remarks about Mekies highlight a shift in team dynamics and the potential for a more cooperative environment in Formula 1.gpfans.comSat 29 Aug · 18:44 UTC
via Motorsport.comSergio Perez "had conversations" with other F1 teams - but never thought of leaving CadillacSergio Perez has confirmed that he engaged in discussions with other Formula 1 teams about a possible move for the 2027 season, but he remains committed to Cadillac Racing. His management's talks with Williams were cut short when Carlos Sainz renewed his contract, and although there were links to Alpine, they have decided to keep Franco Colapinto for the upcoming season. Perez views his role at Cadillac as part of a long-term project and is eager to contribute to the team's development beyond its inaugural season.
With the recent appointment of Marcin Budkowski as team principal, Perez is optimistic about the future and is focused on improving various operational aspects of the team, including pitstops and race strategy. He believes that closing the performance gap with other teams is crucial for Cadillac's success and is looking forward to seeing tangible progress as they prepare for the next season.Motorsport.comSat 29 Aug · 16:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Carlos Sainz gesture comes to light after Albon clashCarlos Sainz and Alex Albon demonstrated their camaraderie following a collision during the Dutch Grand Prix by sharing breakfast in Monaco, where Sainz covered the bill. The meal included a luxurious dish ordered by Albon's fiancée, and the two drivers engaged in a lighthearted debate over their pancake-making skills, with Albon claiming they could outperform Sainz in that area.
Despite the incident on the track, both drivers affirmed that there are no lingering tensions between them. Albon emphasized that the media's portrayal of their relationship was exaggerated, and both drivers are set to continue racing together for Williams in the upcoming 2027 season.PlanetF1Sat 29 Aug · 14:39 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz feels Lewis Hamilton is giving ‘lesson for everyone’ against Charles Leclerc at FerrariCarlos Sainz has commented on Lewis Hamilton's performance this season, suggesting that Hamilton's battle with teammate Charles Leclerc serves as a valuable lesson for all drivers. With Hamilton currently leading Leclerc by 28 points, Sainz highlights the impressive variance in performance among teammates, which he attributes to the new technical regulations in Formula 1. This shift has also been observed in other teams, such as Mercedes and Red Bull, where the dynamics between drivers have changed significantly.
Sainz believes that adaptability is crucial for success in Formula 1, as the performance of cars can vary greatly based on their design and the driving styles of the racers. He notes that while some drivers may excel with certain cars, the ability to adjust and perform well under different conditions is essential. As the season progresses, the competition remains fierce, with Hamilton still in contention for an eighth world title despite the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of the sport.f1oversteer.comSat 29 Aug · 14:30 UTC
via f1technical.netHow does the uncertainty over Qatar and Abu Dhabi races impact teams' preparation for the final ...The uncertainty surrounding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix is causing logistical and financial complications for Formula 1 teams as they prepare for the final leg of the 2026 season. Team principals James Vowles and Peter Bayer highlighted that while the cost cap may not be directly affected, the potential loss of these races could impact teams' overall financial performance and their plans for young driver participation. Teams are currently forced to consider alternative scenarios as they await confirmation of the race schedule.
One alternative venue being discussed is Imola, which could provide a European location for the season finale. However, concerns about the colder weather conditions in December compared to the traditional Middle Eastern races were raised. Both Vowles and Bayer expressed a preference for the championship to conclude as originally planned in the Middle East, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by the regional conflict that has already led to the cancellation of other races this season.
f1technical.netSat 29 Aug · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell treats Mercedes team members to special Silverstone karting eventGeorge Russell organized a special karting day for 170 members of the Mercedes team at Silverstone, celebrating their recent success at the Dutch Grand Prix. The event was a way to reward staff from both the Brackley and Brixworth bases, and Russell actively participated by racing alongside them and distributing medals at the end of the day.
Currently, Mercedes is performing strongly in the 2026 season, leading the constructors' championship. Russell is positioned second in the drivers' standings, closely trailing his teammate Kimi Antonelli. The next race on the calendar is the Italian Grand Prix, scheduled for early September.Motorsport.comSat 29 Aug · 10:20 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes seeks answers after poor high-speed performanceMercedes is analyzing its performance during the Dutch Grand Prix, particularly in high-speed corners. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin described the team's pace as unsatisfactory and is seeking explanations for the inconsistencies observed.Motorsport.com+ 1 moreSat 29 Aug · 08:09 UTC
via thejudge13.comMercedes reveal W17 problem they still do not understand after ZandvoortMercedes faced challenges during the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where they struggled with the W17's performance in high-speed corners, particularly Turns 7, 8, and 9. Despite securing a second and third place finish, the team acknowledged that they did not have the fastest car, with Lando Norris of McLaren winning the race by a significant margin. This performance gap has raised questions about the competitive order in Formula 1 as McLaren continues to improve.
The team is currently investigating the inconsistencies in car balance and performance between their drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes remains focused on maximizing their package for upcoming races, particularly as they prepare for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. They are also analyzing whether McLaren's recent success reflects a genuine shift in competitiveness or is a result of differing development timelines.
thejudge13.comSat 29 Aug · 07:16 UTC
via RaceFansMercedes told Antonelli he would get F1 chance before Hamilton’s exit was announced | Formula 1Andrea Kimi Antonelli disclosed that he was informed by Mercedes about a potential promotion to the Formula 1 team prior to the public announcement of Lewis Hamilton's departure. This decision by Hamilton to join Ferrari was made known in February 2024, coinciding with Antonelli's upcoming 18th birthday. Antonelli's revelation highlights the swift actions taken by Mercedes in response to Hamilton's career move.
The announcement of Hamilton's transfer marked a significant shift in the team dynamics, as he had been a key figure in Mercedes' success. Antonelli's promotion indicates the team's focus on nurturing young talent and preparing for future seasons in Formula 1.
RaceFansSat 29 Aug · 06:20 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris offers McLaren gibe in Mercedes warningLando Norris has issued a cautionary message to Mercedes regarding the unpredictability of Formula 1 title challenges, recalling his own experiences from 2025. During that season, both he and teammate Oscar Piastri faced significant setbacks, including disqualifications and strategic errors, which nearly cost them the championship. Ultimately, Norris secured his first title by a narrow margin of two points.
As of 2026, Norris is experiencing a resurgence, having won two consecutive races and re-entered the title race. Currently, he sits fourth in the standings with 159 points, trailing leader Kimi Antonelli by 83 points. Norris's comments suggest he is aware of the potential for mistakes in racing and is optimistic about his chances moving forward.RacingNews365Sat 29 Aug · 04:30 UTC
via f1chronicle.comMercedes Sacrifices Kimi Antonelli’s Home Race With Back of the Grid Monza Penalty as George Russell Braces for the Same FateMercedes has confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after fitting a new power unit, which incurs a grid penalty. George Russell is also expected to face a penalty later in the season, although the specific race has not yet been determined. Both drivers have experienced reliability issues, prompting the team to make strategic decisions regarding their power units and penalties.
The decision to take the penalty at Monza is based on the track's characteristics, which are favorable for overtaking. Mercedes is also navigating the constraints of the budget cap, which limits their ability to upgrade their car compared to rivals. Antonelli leads the championship, and his recent performance at Zandvoort has solidified his position, making every point crucial as the season progresses.
f1chronicle.comFri 28 Aug · 16:44 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris urges McLaren to improve MCL40 performanceLando Norris has expressed concerns about the performance gap between McLaren and Mercedes. He has called on the team to focus on addressing the car's weaknesses to enhance his chances in the championship.RacingNews365+ 1 moreFri 28 Aug · 15:30 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURF1 star reveals real truth on 'paddock rumours' after silly season exit speculationCarlos Sainz has publicly refuted rumors linking him to a move to Audi, stating that he never seriously considered leaving Williams this season. After a challenging year for Williams, where they currently sit P9 in the constructors' standings, Sainz reaffirmed his commitment to the team by signing a new multi-year contract ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Sainz explained that he prefers not to abandon a team during tough times, highlighting his dedication to the Williams project despite its struggles. He acknowledged that the team is not satisfied with their performance and expressed a collective desire to improve the situation moving forward.gpfans.comFri 28 Aug · 14:59 UTC