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via f1technical.netF1TECH: Mercedes make subtle front brake assembly change for Dutch Grand PrixMercedes has made a minor aerodynamic update to their car's front brake assembly ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, taking place at Circuit Park Zandvoort. This change, introduced on August 23, 2026, involves detaching the front lip of the brake drum from the duct inlet and adjusting its camber to enhance airflow quality around the front corner of the vehicle.
The primary goal of these modifications is to improve the airflow over the inboard face of the brake drum during steering, thereby ensuring that cleaner and more consistent airflow reaches the car's aerodynamic surfaces further downstream. This update is part of Mercedes' ongoing efforts to maintain their position as the championship leader, although it does not constitute a major upgrade package.
Sun 23 Aug · 11:23 UTC
via f1technical.netF1TECH: Ferrari brings major floor upgrade to the Dutch Grand PrixFerrari has rolled out a significant aerodynamic upgrade for the SF-26 ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, focusing on enhancing the car's floor design. This upgrade includes comprehensive changes to the floor assembly, such as the floor body, boards, and edge, aimed at improving aerodynamic load and flow consistency.
In addition to the floor modifications, Ferrari has also updated the beam wing to work in conjunction with the new rear diffuser. The team's strategy emphasizes not just increasing local aerodynamic load but also enhancing the overall efficiency and stability of the car's underfloor aerodynamic package.Sun 23 Aug · 11:20 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc points to critical 'mistakes' in qualifying frustrationDespite a strong showing in sprint qualifying, where he nearly achieved the fastest lap, Leclerc's performance in the main qualifying session was hindered by critical mistakes. He acknowledged that while the car felt good, the adjustments made before the top 10 shootout did not work in his favor, ultimately affecting his grid position for the race.
Sun 23 Aug · 10:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhy McLaren thinks Ferrari is quickest in Zandvoort, but may well be stuckFerrari's Charles Leclerc showcased strong performance during the sprint race at Zandvoort, primarily due to his decision to use soft tyres, which allowed him to secure second place. McLaren's Andrea Stella acknowledged the effectiveness of Leclerc's strategy, although he expressed uncertainty about whether Ferrari's speed was due to the tyres or the overall performance of their car in race conditions.
Despite Ferrari's promising race pace, there are concerns about their qualifying performance, which could hinder their ability to capitalize on this advantage during the main race. Leclerc's sixth-place qualifying position may limit overtaking opportunities on the narrow Zandvoort circuit, making it crucial for Ferrari to strategize effectively to leverage their race pace.
Sun 23 Aug · 10:30 UTC
via Motorsport.com“It’s just nuts” – Lewis Hamilton baffled by Ferrari’s tyre-warming struggleLewis Hamilton expressed confusion over Ferrari's inability to warm their tyres effectively during the qualifying session at the Dutch Grand Prix. Both Ferrari drivers, Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, required two warm-up laps to reach the appropriate tyre temperature, resulting in a disappointing fifth and sixth place finish in Q3, which matched their worst performance this summer.
Despite the qualifying struggles, Hamilton acknowledged that Ferrari's race pace could be stronger, suggesting that they often perform better during races than in qualifying. Leclerc also noted the challenge of improving their qualifying performance, indicating that the team needs to work on their overall speed to compete more effectively.Sun 23 Aug · 09:58 UTC
via CrashToto Wolff prods F1 rival Red Bull with Max Verstappen Mercedes ‘family’ reminderToto Wolff playfully reminded Red Bull that Max Verstappen is still part of the Mercedes family, despite Verstappen's recent contract extension with Red Bull until 2030. This extension puts an end to speculation about his potential move to rival teams like Mercedes or McLaren, especially after Mercedes had previously expressed interest in him as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen indicated that he was closer to retiring from F1 than moving to another team, asserting that he had not received any significant offers from rivals. He will, however, continue to participate in sportscar racing for Mercedes outside of Formula 1. The article also notes that Verstappen started the Dutch Grand Prix in seventh position.
Sun 23 Aug · 09:10 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren and Ferrari upgrades show clear promise — but also tell an unusual storyAt the Dutch Grand Prix, both McLaren and Ferrari showcased significant upgrades that proved to be effective, although quantifying their exact performance gains was challenging. The race highlighted a strategic divergence, particularly with Charles Leclerc opting for soft tyres, which allowed him to manage his performance better than his competitors, including Lando Norris from McLaren, who faced issues with tyre degradation and handling in slow corners.
The analysis revealed that while McLaren's upgrades improved downforce, they also introduced an imbalance that affected their performance on the technical Zandvoort circuit. In contrast, Ferrari's SF-26 exhibited strong tyre management capabilities, which played a crucial role in Leclerc's ability to overtake Norris during the sprint race. This performance dynamic underscores the ongoing development battle between the two teams as they strive for competitive advantage.Sun 23 Aug · 08:40 UTC
via CrashCharles Leclerc doubts Ferrari had pole potential in Dutch GP qualifyingCharles Leclerc expressed skepticism regarding Ferrari's ability to secure pole position during the Dutch GP qualifying, where he ended up sixth on the grid. Despite showing strong pace throughout the weekend, he attributed the team's struggles in qualifying to mistakes made during the session and a general tendency to perform better in race conditions rather than in single-lap scenarios. Leclerc's time was close to the pole position, but he felt that the potential for a better qualifying result was not present for Ferrari.
Leclerc's comments highlight the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces in qualifying, as he noted that the team often finds itself on the back foot compared to competitors. He acknowledged the need for improvements in their qualifying performance while maintaining confidence in their race pace, which has been more favorable for the team.Sun 23 Aug · 08:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comToto Wolff Makes Light of Verstappen's Red Bull ContractDuring a media session at Zandvoort, Toto Wolff humorously remarked that Mercedes has Max Verstappen for the 'real hero races.' This comment reflects the ongoing competitive dynamics between Mercedes and Red Bull in Formula 1.+ 1 moreSun 23 Aug · 07:58 UTC
via PlanetF1Lando Norris Calls for Mercedes Disqualification to Aid Title BidLando Norris has expressed a desire for Mercedes to face a double disqualification in the upcoming races. He believes this outcome could significantly enhance his chances of securing a second world title.
+ 1 moreSun 23 Aug · 07:09 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton blames Ferrari change as Antonelli confirms grid penaltyLewis Hamilton expressed disappointment after finishing seventh in the sprint qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix, blaming a recent change to his car for the lack of performance. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli confirmed he will face a grid penalty for exceeding the allowed number of power unit components, despite leading the drivers' championship. The FIA announced that Hamilton and others would not face penalties for breaching the International Sporting Code during the event.
In other news, George Russell won the sprint race, and Lando Norris achieved pole position in qualifying. Aston Martin plans to honor a deceased team member with black armbands during the race, while Williams continues to struggle in the constructors' standings due to years of underinvestment.
Sun 23 Aug · 06:01 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton names 'biggest culprit' after requiring Ferrari 'rebuild'Lewis Hamilton qualified fifth for the Dutch Grand Prix, trailing pole-sitter Lando Norris by 0.381 seconds. He attributed Ferrari's performance issues to difficulties with the tyres, which he described as the 'biggest culprit' in their qualifying struggles. Hamilton faced challenges in bringing the tyres into the correct operating window, leading to significant lock-ups during the session.
Hamilton made a strategic decision to change his car's set-up for qualifying after a misstep in Sprint qualifying. Despite the setbacks, he expressed satisfaction with the car's performance in qualifying and looked forward to the race. He emphasized the importance of building confidence, which was hindered by the tyre issues and the need to adapt his approach during the session.Sun 23 Aug · 05:20 UTCvia f1technical.netHamilton praises Ferrari for "crazy setup changes" between sprint and qualifyingLewis Hamilton acknowledged Ferrari's impressive setup changes ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix qualifying, which he felt significantly improved the car's balance. Despite a challenging Sprint race where he finished seventh, Hamilton managed to qualify fifth, just ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished second in the Sprint after opting for a different tyre strategy.
Hamilton highlighted the importance of rebuilding confidence in the car's performance after struggling during the Sprint. He praised the team's efforts in making adjustments that allowed for a more competitive setup, although he noted that tyre performance remained a key challenge. Looking ahead, Hamilton expressed optimism about the potential for further improvement in the race.Sat 22 Aug · 23:00 UTC
via f1technical.netLeclerc rues changes to engine mode that might have cost him a better starting positionCharles Leclerc expressed disappointment after qualifying sixth for the Dutch Grand Prix, despite a strong performance in the Sprint race where he finished second. He noted that Ferrari's decision to start on soft tyres in the Sprint paid off, allowing him to gain positions and match the pace of competitors like George Russell. However, the team struggled in qualifying, with Leclerc attributing some of the issues to changes in engine modes that may have hindered their performance.
Leclerc acknowledged the importance of qualifying for the race, especially given the challenging overtaking conditions at Zandvoort. He emphasized the need for Ferrari to focus on maximizing their race strategy and improving their starts, as they aim to recover from their sixth-place starting position. The team's strong long-run performance in the Sprint gives them hope for a competitive race on Sunday.Sat 22 Aug · 22:00 UTC
via f1technical.netAntonelli reveals where he might have lost Zandvoort pole positionKimi Antonelli qualified third for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, following a challenging qualifying session where he felt uncomfortable with his car. Despite a mistake at Turn 1 during his final Q3 lap, he managed to secure a strong starting position behind his teammate George Russell, who won the Sprint race from pole position.
Antonelli is optimistic about his chances in the race, believing he can compete for a podium finish. He acknowledges the close competition in the field and plans to capitalize on any opportunities that arise during the race, emphasizing the importance of smart racing strategies.Sat 22 Aug · 22:00 UTC
via thejudge13.comWindsor: Big Red Bull energy management error after Verstappen struggles at ZandvoortPeter Windsor, a former team manager and current F1 analyst, expressed disappointment with the performance of Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team during the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. He highlighted that energy management played a significant role in the race, leading to a lack of overtaking opportunities and a more conservative driving style, particularly in the circuit's challenging corners like Scheivlak. Windsor noted that the expected excitement of the race was diminished, as drivers were forced into similar energy management strategies, making overtaking increasingly difficult.
Windsor's analysis pointed out that the 2026 regulations have fundamentally altered how drivers approach racing, with energy conservation becoming a critical factor in lap times. He argued that this shift has stripped some of the character from fast corners, leading to a racing experience that felt more like a series of straights rather than a dynamic circuit. His comments raise concerns about the future of racing under the current regulations and whether they are detracting from the spectacle of Formula 1.
Sat 22 Aug · 20:50 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari F1 star Charles Leclerc teases major family event: 'It's a very exciting time'Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has hinted at a significant change in his family life, expressing excitement about an upcoming event later this year. The 28-year-old recently married his wife Alexandra in a civil ceremony in Monaco and is planning a larger second wedding next year. During the summer break, Leclerc enjoyed quality time with family, sharing moments with his mother, brothers, and their families, including a new baby daughter in the family.
In an interview, Leclerc acknowledged that his life is set to change before 2027, indicating that he and his family are looking forward to this new chapter. His comments have sparked interest among fans, as he balances his personal life with his career in Formula 1.Sat 22 Aug · 20:45 UTC
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton "much happier" with Ferrari after difficult FridayLewis Hamilton improved his qualifying position to fifth for the Dutch Grand Prix after making adjustments to his Ferrari following a challenging sprint qualifying session where he finished seventh. He expressed satisfaction with the car's performance and confidence in his setup, indicating a positive outlook for the race ahead.
Charles Leclerc, who qualified sixth, acknowledged that Ferrari's earlier performance may not have accurately reflected their potential. Both drivers are optimistic about their race pace, believing they can compete effectively against their rivals, with Hamilton emphasizing the importance of strategy and tire management for the upcoming race.Sat 22 Aug · 19:06 UTC
via espn.comHamilton: Car changes went in opposite directionLewis Hamilton discussed the impact of recent changes made to his Ferrari, stating that they negatively affected the car's performance, leading to a challenging qualifying session where he ended up fifth. Despite this setback, he remains hopeful about the race pace and believes they can compete with the frontrunners, including Lando Norris and George Russell.
Hamilton currently sits second in the drivers' championship, trailing Kimi Antonelli by 53 points. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, also faced difficulties during qualifying, attributing some of the performance loss to adjustments in their power strategy. Both drivers are looking to improve their performance in the upcoming race.
Sat 22 Aug · 18:37 UTC
via F1iLeclerc insists Ferrari ‘have got to work’ on SF-26’s qualifying paceCharles Leclerc has highlighted the need for Ferrari to enhance the SF-26's qualifying pace, as he finished sixth in qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix despite a strong second-place finish in the sprint race. He noted that Ferrari's performance tends to be better during races than in qualifying, which poses challenges, especially on a track like Zandvoort with limited overtaking opportunities. Leclerc emphasized that improving qualifying performance is not a straightforward task and requires more than just minor adjustments to the car's settings.
The unpredictable weather conditions, including intermittent rain, may provide a chance for Ferrari to capitalize on their race pace during the Grand Prix. Leclerc expressed that while he would welcome a chaotic race to improve his position, ideally, Ferrari would not need such circumstances to overcome their qualifying deficit. His comments reflect the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces in achieving a balanced performance across both qualifying and race scenarios.
Sat 22 Aug · 18:04 UTCPage 27 of 42